the Danish-Ship Aug. 4. 1643. Another brave prize taken at the same time The seasonableness of that Danish prize wherein Gods providence is the more to be observed The low ebbe of our armies briefly touched Divers of the Danish armes sent to Hull to the noble Lord Fairfax Clubs called Round-heads sent to Hull A plot for a pretended Peace in the house of Peers in Parliament The Citizens of London Petition the ParliameÌ„t against the pretended Peace The Parliaments present answer to the Petition The effects of the said Petition An Oath or Covenant to be taken by all Citizens of London Citie-Malignants imprisoned in Saint Faiths Church under Pauls in Ships on the Thames The Earl of Hollands Tâ—unks seized on by water The Fellowship a brave Ship of Bristoll taken by Capt. Smith in the Swallow a Parliament-Ship Sir Wiâ—â—allers CommissioÌ„ to advance with his intended designes is granted by his Excellencie A brief recapitulation of all these last recited Parliamentarie-Mercies by way of obliged thankfulness 1. 2. 3. 4. GODS Ark fairly carried on with fair blasts of good success against its boysterous billowes and swelling waves Psal 136. 4. September 1643. Sir Alexander Carews plot against Plimouth timely discovered and the danger prevented Hull besieged by the Earl of Newcastle Gods mightie preservation of the Town Beverly pitifully plundred by the enemies The Earl of Newcastle despairs of getting Hull A sodain and most remarkable preservation of Hull Hulls very great danger at this time by Powder sodainly blown up The admirable hand of God in Hulls mightie danger The occasion of Huâ—ls so great danger The Parliaments care for the encouragement of London Apprentices in their Service of the Kingdome Sir Jo. Wollaston most happily chosen Lord Major of the Citie of London The Authors just and experimentall attestation and commendation of Sir John Wollaston Lord Major of London The mercies of this Lord Majors choice also was a sweet return of prayer A notable triall by Gods most wise disposall put upon the Lord Major of London and most loyally managed by him Foure Proclamations sent at one time to the Lo Major of London to be published in the Kings name in the Citie Provision of firing ordered by the Parliament for preventioÌ„ of dangerous muâ—â—nâ—es by the poorer sort Woods to be cut down to furnish the Citie and parts adjacent with fuell What woods were to be cut down A summary gratefull review of this Moneths Parliamentarie-Mercies GODS Ark carried on with fair and prosperous gales Psal 68. 19. October 1643. The Parliaments charitable act and order for the good of the poor children of Christs Hospitall in London The Authors own gratefull acknowledgement of Gods goodness to him in the said Hospitall An 100000 li to be raised in the Citie of London for the advance of an army of 21000 Scots to come into England 2 Sam. 24. A famous victorie obtained by the Lord Fairfax against Newcastles Popish forces whereby the Siege of Hull was raised The Marquess of Newcastle put to great straits by this Defeat A Copie of Sir John Meldrums Letter to the Speaker of the Parliament touching the brave victory he obtained at Hull A brief touch of Sir Jo. Mâ—â—drums worth and valour attested by the renowned Lord Fairfax himself The most famous and renowned victory obtained by the right honourable Earl of Manchester at Horncastle in Lincolnshire Bolenbrook-Castle summoned The enemie prepares to meet and fight with the Earl of Manchester Our forces are drawn all neer each other about Bolenbrook The enemie gives ours the allarm about Horncastle Ours bravely bicker with the enemies forlorn-hopes Three or four of our troopes in great dangâ—r but came off most bravely Cap. Iohnsons Cap. Moodies and Captain Players brave courage and resolution The commanders notable discretion and courage The great strait they were still put unto Bolenbrockhill designed to be the place to fight The enemies strength and ours The word on both sides Both armies in sight of each other The pietie of our armie Both armies met at a Town called Ixbie Gen. Cromwells great danger The sight in the very heat of it The enemie â—â—ins to 〈◊〉 The enemies flie Sir Tho. Fairfax his undaunted courage The issue of the fight The Commission of Aray cryed out on by the dying Souldiers The spoyl and prizes taken The armie with the most noble Lord of Manchester possess themselves of Horncastle Letters of the enemies intercepted confirming the truth of this great victorie This famous victory and that also at Hull were obtained both in one and the same day Col. Massies good service at Tewksbery Another brave defeat given to the Kings forces by the Parliaments forces in Warwick-Castle An OrdinaÌ„ce of Parliament against Spies and intelligencers The Citie of Lincoln taken by the noble Earl of Manchester The prize taken in the Citie of Lincoln Gainesborough also taken by the said noble Earl of Manchester The great design against the Citie of London The great plot and designe was how to contrive to starve up the Citie of Londoâ— The manner and wayes of the enemies contriving their plot against London The manner of the enemies acting their coÌ„trivements 2 Chro. 16. 9. How God all along crost and disappointed all the enemies deep designes Another great ploâ— of the enemies to hinder our Brethren of Scotlands coming in to our ayd and assistance An Embassadour sent from the Queen-Regent of France into Scotland to divert those our brethren from coming to ayd us Two Letters sent by our King into Scotland to cross the Scots resolution to ayd England The substance of both the said Letters The Royallists hopes heerin also frustrated The grand plot of starving up the Citie of London now prosecuted by the Royallists but blessedly frustrated The Earl of Manchester resolves to ayd his associated Counties out of Lincolnshire by Colonell Cromwell Col Cromwell sent out of Lincolnshire into Huntingtoâ—shire with considerable forces Col. Cromwell ordered by the Lo. Generall to return again into Lincolnshire The Kings Cormorants flie out of Newport-Pannell The great plot mightily dasht damped alreadie A summarie recapitulation of all this Moneths Parliamentarie-mercies and therein the sweet preservation of his Ark his great Cause GODS Ark still born-up above the tops of all its advers swelling waves of opposition Psal 57. 7. Psal 60. 12. November 1643. An association of Hampshire Surrey Sussex and Kent Sir 〈◊〉 Waller Commander in chief of this association The Parliâ—ments providence for the welfare of forein English Plantations A considerable number of English-Irish Protestant Souldiers landed at Bristoll out of Ireland revolted from the King to the Parliament The English-Irish Souldiers fall foul on their Commanders and Officers They march away to Gloucester to serve under Colonell Massiâ— A remarkable hand of Gods providence in this business A most brave defeat given to the Lord Capell by Cheshire Shropshire forces The manner of the performance of the defeat The Lord Capell marches toward
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
and to inventorie the goods thereof and to let the Danish Commander know that the Parliament would be answerable touching the disposall of them according to their discretion and direction And thereupon the Ship was brought safely to London and there unladen A Copie of the true Inventorie of the fraight and goods wherein I have heer thought fit to insert for the Readers better satisfaction and content as I my self received it from the hands of one of the most eminent and most worthy Members of the Militia in the Citie of London which was as followeth Barrells of Gunpowder 476 Bundles of Match 890 Drums 050 Belly-pieces of armour 150 Swords 3040 Muskets 2977 Pistolls 493 Head-pieces 3000 Round-heads or Clubs 1000 Pikes very good ones 1500 Musket-rests 3000 Forks to fight against horses 0500 Collers of Bandiliers 3000 Belts 1 Hogshead Hangers 1 Hogshead Girdles 2 Hogsheads Hangers 4 Barrells Pistoll-keyes 1 Firkin Flasks 3 Barrells Hangers 1 Barrell Moulds for Muskets 2 Kilderkins Stones for Pistolls 1 Firkin Souch-powder 1 Firkin Cannon-Bullets 197 And pigs of Lead 14. And neer upon the same time a Ship laden with Sea-coales whereof I had unquestionable information from Newcastle and bound for Holland was then also apprehended by the vigilancy of the most noble Earl of Warwicks Ships wherein they found about 3 or 4000li. in money hid deep in the coales which was to have bought armes c. in Holland for the Kings use but thus happily diverted another and a better way And truly Reader there must needs be seen a speciall hand of Gods providence toward us in this Danish prize formentioned for this Ship could not have been seized on in a more seasonable time than as thus it pleased the Lord to dispose it considering the great use the Parliament had at that time of the said armes and ammunition to help to set forth a new armie then making ready to march forth again under the command of that noble and renowned Generall Sir William Waller and especially also the circumstances of that time considered namely the then ill success of our armies in the North under the command of the noble Lord Fairfax and the most unhappie surrender of Bristoll and Exeter also shortly after it to the Kings forces Sir William Wallers unhappie defeat in the West Countrie and the Lord Generalls armie being mouldred and crumbled away and almost quite torn in pieces by sickness and such like casualties as that he was not able to advance and take the field to affront the Kings and Kingdomes enemies untill they could be conveniently recruited and fill'd up and furnisht with men and armes Of all which having most fully made mention in the Conclusion of the Second part of our Parliamentarie Chronicle I shall cease to speak any more thereof And now about this time namely the 6th of August 1643. the Parliament being credibly and comfortably enformed out of Yorkshire that the most noble and renowned Lord Fairfax had in much competent measure recruited his Armie at Hull and got together some troops of horse and companies of foot that so he might the better both increase and strengthen his forces the Parliament sent him many Muskets Carbines Pistolls hookes and piked Clubs viz. Round-heads as they were termed that so his honest Round-heads might with them soundly beat and bang Newcastles Rattle-heads or rather Rotten-headed and hearted Papists and Atheists as not long after by Gods mercy they did by the brave conduct of renowned Sir John Meldrum together with 200 barrells of gunpowder part I say of this Danish prize so happily seized on as aforesaid Much also about the foresaid time there was a generall report and that upon good grounds and reasons all about the Citie of London that there was a purpose if not a plain though private plot at Oxford to work some of the Peeres in Parliament to treat again upon some articles or propositions for a pretended peace and indeed a motion was made as was credibly reported in the House of Lords to set it on foot which was generally much disrelisht and disliked in the Citie of London and began to cause great jealousies and feares among the wisest and best-affected Citizens as they and the whole Kingdome had just cause wee having ever received greatest dammage and detriment by such fained and treacherous treaties Whereupon the most renowned famous and faithfull Citizens of London with an unanimous consent resolved to joyn together as one man in a Petition to the Parliament in the name of the Lord Major Aldermen Commons of London which Petition coming to my hands I have heer thought fit to insert for the Readers better content and satisfaction therein To the Right Honourable the Knights Citizens and Burgesses of the Commons House in Parliament The humble Petition of the Lord Major Aldermen and Commons of the Citie of London in Common Councell Assembled Sheweth THat your Petitioners having heard that such propositions and offers have been lately sent from the House of Peers to this honourable House which as wee greatly fear if yeelded unto may be destructive to our Religion Lawes and Liberties And finding already by experience that the spirits of all the well-affected partie in the Citie and Counties adjacent that are willing to assist the Parliament both in person and purse are much dejected thereat and the brotherly assistance from Scotland as well as the raising and maintaining of forces our selves thereby likely to be retarded all which the Petitioners refer to your serious consideration and considering our present sad condition lies upon us in a speciall manner through the incensed patience of the Almightie by delay and want of execution of justice upon traitors and Delinquents and having an opportunitie yet afforded us to speak our humble desires are That you would be pleased so to persist in your former resolutions wherupon the people have so depended and wherein yee have so deeply engaged your selves though you should perish in the work that justice may be done upon offenders and delinquents And since wee are as willing as ever to expose what wee are and have for the crowning of so good a cause you would be pleased by passing the Ordinance hereunto annext or one to this effect to put us into a probable way for ours and your defence wherein your Petitioners will by the blessing of God be never wanting But will ever pray c. This Petition being presented Aug. 7. 1643. by the Petitioners aforesaid to the House of Commons was well accepted and thankes returned by Mr Speaker for their care of the Kingdomes welfare with promise that the particulars desired should speedily be taken into consideration and to consider of an Ordinance to the purpose in the Petition mentioned which was referred to a Committee Now this Petition thus exhibited to the Parliament by Alderman Atkins in the name of the Lord Major Aldermen and Commons as aforesaid shortly after
loss by the absence of their Apprentices they will take care that reasonable satisfaction shall be made unto them out of the publick stock of the Kingdome according to justice and indifferency H. Elsynge Cler. P. D. Com. An Order of Parliament That all Trunks and Carriages that come out of the Citie be searched at the Courts of Guards c. Die Sabbathi Septemb. 23. 1643. IT is this day ordered by the Commons assembled in Parliament That all Trunks and other Carriages that come out of the Citie to pass the Courts of Guards shall not pass till they be searched by such men as the Committee for the Militia shall depute or by the Courts of Guards And that my Lord Major be desired to give order that no Flâ—x Brimstone or Saltpeter or other things that tend to the making of provisions for warre be permitted to pass these ten dayes either by water or by land unless it be by warrant under the hand of Mr Speaker and that such goods shall be good prizes as shall be so seized And it is left to the Committee for the Militia to reward those that shall so seiz the same out of the said goods and the persons that shall so send any of the said goods as aforesaid shall be secured and tryed by a Councell of warre And this Order is to be printed and published and to be sent to the severall Courts of Guards by the Committee for the Militia Hen. Elsynge Cler. P. D. Com. An Order of Parliament That a Collection be made in all Parish-Churches and Chappels throughout London Westminster for sick and maimed Souldiers c. Die Sabbathi Septemb. 23. 1643. IT is this day Ordered by the Commons assembled in Parliament That on Wednesday next being the day appointed for publick humiliation there shall be a Collection made in all the Parish-Churches in and about the Citie of London and Westminster that are mentioned in the bill of Mortalitie as also in the severall Chappels within the said limits by the Church-Wardens and other Officers of the said Parishes and Chappels for and toward the relief of sick and maimed Souldiers And the moneys by them so collected they are not to detain upon any pretence whatsoever but to make payment thereof at Tallow-Chandlers-Hall neer Dowgate on Fryday next being the 29th of this instant Septemb. 1643. unto Mr William Greenhill Mr John Pocock Mr John Randall and Mr Richard Hutchinson or any two of them Citizens of London appointed to be Treasurers for the receiving and paying of moneys to sick and maimed Souldiers And it is heerby likewise ordered That the Ministers of the said severall Parishes and Chappels shall earnestly perswade the people freely to give and contribute to this so pious charitable and honourable a work in this time of great extremity there being many maimed men heer already and more expected from the Armie for the recovery and cure of whom there is great reason to provide they having so freely and cheerfully hazzarded their lives for the preservation of all our lives and liberties and the true Protestant Religion Hen. Elsynge Cler. P. D. Com. Ordered by the Commons in Parliament That this Ordinance and Order be forthwith printed and published Hen. Elsynge Cler. P. D. Com. And heer also I may not omit justly to enumerate and commemorate the great blessing of the 29th day of this September 1643. as a singular Parliamentarie-mercie and speciall blessing of the Lord our good God both to the most famous and renowned Citie of London in speciall and indeed to the whole Kingdome of England in generall namely the happie continuance of the successfull godly and gracious government of the said most famous Citie by the comfortable and desired choice of that most worthy virtuous and pious patriot and Senator of the said Citie Sir John Wollaston to succeed for the ensuing year in the honourable Majoraltie thereof who was chosen thereunto with a most full fair and unanimous consent and suffrage of the heartie votes and voices of all the numerous company of grave and well-affected Citizens then assembled thereunto in the Guild-Hall of London A rare mercy indeed considering the times for I make no question nay I am most confidently assured out of that intimate and ancient experience which I my-self have most happily had of his singular piety and ingenuity of spirit and sweetness of naturall endowments and approved cordiall affection and constant adherence to the cause of God in the Parliaments proceedings that he will with no less deserved honour and reputation by Gods gracious assistance manage the â—elme of government and steer the Stern of the Ship of the Cities great Ocean and motion of serious and important affaires than his former famous Predecessour did And that also which sweetens this mercie and makes it so much the more remarkably eminent is that his honourable choice also as his pious Predecessours was a happie and holy fruit and return of prayer it being on the very next day after our monethly day of publick humilitation when the Lord had been in particular sought unto for this blessing And for the confirmation in part of what I have thus fairly and faithfully attested of him It pleased the Lord very shortly after his inauguration into his honourable Majoraltie ere he was as the Proverb is hardly warm in the seat of authoritie as aforesaid now to put him even already upon an honourable tryall of his love loyalty to the great cause in present question and agitation and as he was now an eminent Cedar of our Lebanon and but new-now planted on the top of the Cities mountain and so obnoxious to many and mightie blustering blasts of tryall and probation So I say it pleased the Lord to administer an occasion to shew and set forth his loyaltie and fidelitie and that God had enabled him and would so still like a strong well-grown well-grounded Oake to stand fast and most immovable to oppose withstand and break the force of the either violent blasts of malignitie or slie and insinuating breathings of treachery wherewith he now I say was already assaulted from Oxford thus About the first of November then succeeding a Messenger was sent from Oxford with no less than four Proclamations to be delivered to the Lord Major of London all of most pernicious and dangerous consequence and by him and his authoritie to be published and proclamed in the Kings name throughout the Citie of London The first to alter the generall Monethly Wednesday-fast contrary to an act established by King and Parliament and strange and uncouth reasons given for the cause of the alteration thereof one reason being in regard of the horrid and damnable Cessation of armes in Ireland O monsirum infandum informe ingens c. The second Proclamation was to make all money coined in Ireland currant in England The third to command all Counties in the Kingdome to accept such new high Sheriffs as
that Postern-gate but about 200 of them were taken prisoners and much ammunition and armes besides many fat beeves sheep and other provision which was then provided for the next dayes Market with good store of other pillage and the Souldiers who before had resolved to be in no Drapers debt for new-cloathes borrowed as much cloath as would serve their turn of other kinde neighbour Cormorants who at the first word gave them no deniall therein and thus by the time that they had made a diligent search through the whole Town for their enemies which were left behinde they got much other fraight for their vessells and sent home also a good quantitie of hay and provender with their other prizes to welcome home brave Captain Sydenham with his horse who was then likewise gone Eastward from Pool to Winborn to demand that Town also but his main purpose was to keep the Warham alarm from them at Winborn and so to farther Captain Layes design which as aforesaid he bravely effected and returned safely to Pool About the 28th of this November also it pleased our good God so to order and dispose of things by the wisdome and providence of our ever to be honoured Worthies in Parliament that the most noble and renowned pious and valiant Earl of Warwick was by an unanimous consent of both Houses voted to be Lord high Admirall of England an honourable title fit to be invested on so honourable trustie and noble a personage and indeed I cannot exactly say whether the title more honours him or he the title but this I am sure of the title is most like to be more honoured and the Kingdome the better secured by him whose actions are and ever have been most like himself honourable pious and faithfull Much also about the aforesaid time came credible information by severall Letters to London out of Warwickshire that Serjeant Major Bridges Governour of Warwick Castle had sent our severall parties of horse from the Castle at severall times which brought in from within two miles of Banburie out of the Lord Sayes grounds at lest a 1000 sheep which the Banbury garrison had stoln from the poore inhabitants of the Countries and places adjacent And also that they had surprized an hundred horse of the enemies taken a Serjeant Major and some other Officers and to the great comfort and content of the Inhabitants of Gloucestershire had lighted upon an high Sheriff commonly called the Task-Master Generall who had layd many heavie impositions and taxes upon the Country-people of those parts making their lives grievous unto them Also that understanding that a company of ragged Welch-vermine were come into Worcestershire and intended to nestle and fortifie themselves in Caughton-House belonging to Sir Robert Throgmorton a great Papist the said brave Governour sent thither about 80 Musketteers who speedily possessed themselves of the House fortified it very strongly and since that sent fifty horse thither beside to make the said House a more strong and complete garrison for part of his Souldiers the better to free and secure those parts from the plunderings and rapines of the enemies forces And certainly had all the Parliament Commanders been as faithfull courageous and active as this most valiant Commander was and as the ever to be renowned Colonell Massie governour of Gloucester Colonell Wardlow governour of Plimouth and the governour of Pool valiantly to watch and lay hold on advantages as these have done from time to time the enemie had been in a lower estate and condition than now they are and wee might have put a more speedie period to this warre But wee must most wisely ascribe the event of all things to the all-disposing hand of our most wise God who thus orders it giving over some to cowardize and others to treachery that so he may the more weaâ— us from relying too much on the arme of flesh and cause us to trust more unto and to see far more in the Creator than in any creature-props and 〈…〉 About the 30th also of this foresaid November came certain information to London by Letters out of Cheshire that Sir William Brereton that most famous and successfull pious Patriot and Sir Thomas Midleton that most loyall and valiant Commander went on very successfully in those parts and that after they had taken Holâ—-Castle the draw-bridge over the river Dee Harden-Castle and the Town of Rexham by which meanes they made stop of all provisions out of Wales going to the relief of Chester Sir Thomas Midleton went out with a partie into Flintshire and that the Town and Castle of Flint presently were surrendred unto him and after that that the Town and Fort of Mostin and foure pieces of Ordnance in it were also surrendred to him whereby they garrison'd their men in all the Townes about Chester the Country coming in unto them as also many Gentlemen of note and qualitie and that with very much freeness About the foresaid time also our most renowned Parliamentary Statists passed an Ordinance of Parliament for the better encouraging of all Merchants Masters of Ships Mariners and others to be approved of and appointed thereunto by the most noble Earl of Warwick Lord high Admirall of England that should set forth any ships or pinnaces to Sea waâ—likely appointed equipped and manned at their own proper cost and charges that in recompence of the same and their adventures therein they should have and enjoy to their own proper uses all such ships ammunition goods moneys and Merchandiazes which they took or surprized by sea or by land intended or designed against the Parliament and their adherents in this Kingdome or for the relief of the rebells in the Kingdome of Ireland or that had carried or whom they should take carrying any supplies to the intents aforesaid And also that so much money should be paid to them or their assignes by the Treasurer of the Navie for the time being as should enable them respectively to victuall their ships and pinnaces for so many moneths as they shall employ them at Sea in this service accounting twenty â—â—lings to each man for moneths victualls and not exceeding forty 〈◊〉 to every hundred tuâ—â—s burthen of their respective 〈…〉 every voyage Thus wee 〈…〉 and mercy of our good God to counsell 〈…〉 our most honoured Worthies to 〈…〉 fare of the Kingdome both by sea and by land ever magnified and praised be his holy and great Name for it And thus having by Gods providence and gracious assistance carried on the historicall Narration of Gods Ark even the holy Cause of our pious Parliament in all this Moneths victorious Voyage and having now thus happily arrived to the end thereof I shall heer now desire the godly Reader to give me leave a little while to cast anchor and to make a short stay of recapitulation of and profitable rumination on the rare and rich mercies of this Moneths voyage thereby to see what holy merchantlike
last delivered up to Sir William Waller and all within the Castle left to his mâ—rcie wherein he took prisoners Sir William Ford high Sheriff of Sussex who formerly brake out of Windsor-Castle and had sent a Letter to his Majestie offering to bring him a thousand men and to undertake the conquest of the whole County of Sussex although it be sixty miles in length but before he had gone twelve miles thereof he was caught again for want of a running horse There was also then taken Sir Edward Bishop Colo. Bamfield Lievtenrnt Colonell Roles Major Massey Major Moulines and divers other Gentlemen of qualitie of Sussex There were also taken above fifty Reformadoes that had all Commissions to raise Companies 1200 prisoners and their armes divers Engineers about 4000li. in money great store of other rich prize and pillage And heer now if wee reckon up these our late victories together and the number of prisoners taken wee shall easily see they will amount to at lest a little armie As namely first at Alton 900 at Gainesborough 700 at Grafton 300 at Sir Tho. Holts-House neer an 100 almost as many at Bewly-House by Sir William Constable and Sir John Meldrum in a House in Yorkshire from which Sir Hugh Cholmley ran away at least an 100 and heer now at Arundell-Castle above a 1000 besides what had then lately been taken by Pool Southamptons garrisons which in all may arise to at least 3300 horse and foot besides all the ammunition and armes In most just and serious consideration whereof have wee not great cause to magnifie the mercies of our good God unto us in thus still weakning the armies of our adversaries and strengthning our hands against them And yet again to adde to the lustre of this foresaid famous victory very shortly after the taking of the foresaid Castle it pleased the Lord so to order and dispose of things that Sir Will. Waller seized on a very rich prize by Sea namely a Dunkirk-Ship of a great burthen which had been chased by the Hollanders as was then credibly enformed and was forced into the harbour at Arundell and that not till wee had taken the Castle which Sir William himself went aboard of and found in her about 20 excellent brass pieces of Ordnance an 100 barrells of powder 2000 armes great store of other ammunition divers Commanders and other persons of qualitie together with a great quantitie of linnen cloth as considerable in value as the other prizes which could not but be a singular advantage to Sir William for the present better securing and defence of Arundell-Castle And about the 8th or 10th of this instant came certain information from Leverpool in Lancashire to London that a Ship of the Kings which he had sent from Bristoll to Chester with good store of armes and ammunition most unexpectedly but very happily opportunely came into Leverpool to serve the Parliament the Sailers therein having compelled their Master to put in there which armes and ammunition came very seasonably to help to arme recrute Colonell Ashtons regiment which a little before had received some loss in their valiant performances against the enemies of their Country And about the 12th of this instant moneth of January 1643. the famous and ever to be renowned Citie of London being very sensible of the great care and indefatigable pains of the Parliament in and for the defence and preservation of Religion the whole Kingdome and liberties thereof from that slavery and misery which the Prelaticall and Popish faction would bring upon them and also of their singular vigilancy and great providence and circumspection to discover all plots and secret designes against the Citie and Parliament to divide the one from the other and so to destroy both together and to shew that they are the more inseparably conjoyned and firmly united the one to the other notwithstanding all the joynt endeavours and sly insinuations of the adversaries and in speciall of that late mischievous Machination by Colonell Read that base Irish-Rebell Sir Basil Brook and the rest of that accursed rable as was forementioned The City I say was therefore pleased in the name of the Lord Major Aldermen and Common-Councell their representative-Body by both the Sheriffs some selected Common-Councell-men to make an humble request to the Parliament by way of testimony of their gratitude for the great endeavours as aforesaid of the Parliament for the good of the whole Kingdome to invite them all therefore even of both the Houses to a dinner at Merchant-Taylors-Hall in London on Tuesday or Thursday then next ensuing whether day might best stand most convenient with the great affaires of the Kingdome Expressing farther to both Houses that they desired that that late designe to have divided the Parliament Citie might appeare by this loving action of theirs more firmly to have united them to one another Which motion of theirs was most acceptable to the Parliament as appeared by the answer given them by the Speaker in the name of the House of Commons which in substance was this That the House of Commons had considered the loving expressions delivered by them at the barre in the name of the whole Citie of London manifesting their great esteem of the endeavours of the Parliament and their sense of the late designe of the enemie against both the Parliament and the Citie by such a division to involve both of them into one universall calamity declaring their resolution to continue in a faithfull compliance with the Parliaments good endeavours and to live and die with them in the maintenance of the publick Cause having now also desired them as a testimony of this and to deceive the expectation of their enemies that they would honour them with their presence at a dinner in the City The Speaker therefore told them he was commanded by the House to take notice of the good affection of this great City therein and that the House looked on the invitation as a seasonable demonstration of their love to them and their resolved loyaltie to the Cause and that therefore they were resolved on Thursday then next ensuing to give them a meeting according to the Cities desire And said he that both they and you may lay hold on this opportunity joyntly to acknowledg the continued blessing of God in prospering this Parliament and the City from the secret practises and malicious open designes of their enemies and particularly in this lewd and last discovery they desired that on the foresaid Thursday morning at their intended meeting about eight of the clock there might be in such a place as the City should think fit to make choice of an able godly Minister intreated to preach a Sermon for the commemoration among the rest of Gods manifold mercies of this late and not the least deliverance both of the Parliament and City and indeed therein of the whole Kingdome And
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
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
now having thus happily finished this Months Voyage I shall desire to cast Anchour and put to shore and make a little stay desiring the Christian Reader with me to make a briefe review and succinct recitall of all the rich Merchandize of this Moneths Voyage the better to raise up our soules to a just and gratfull valuation and admiration of them As First the brave defeat and repulse of the Enemies at Plymouth And Colonell Foxes valiant and active performances and taking of Budely-house in Worcestershire The most successefull progresse of the most renowned Earle of Manchesters Forces in Lincolnshire and taking of the Towne and Castle of Lincolne The Pious Ordinance of Parliament for the demolishing of all Organs and Superstitious Monuments of Popery in Churches and Chappels or else where together with valiant Captaine Swanleys yet farther brave exploits in Wales And Colonell Massies at or about Gloucester The brave Citizens of Londons Petition for the re-establishment of the State-Committee and the happy result thereof Together with more of renowned Colonell Massies brave performances about the adverse Garrisons neere Gloucester Lyme Stormed and its Enemies bravely repulsed The renowned Lord Generalls advance of his Army Westward and a day of Humiliation set a part in London to seeke the Lord for a blessing on it And Devon and Corwalls defection from the bloody and barbarous Irish A most devillish designe and pestilent plot to have undone Scotland and England too by a divertive Warre but most blessedly crost and prevented with the discomfiture and disgrace of those that plotted and acted it A brave and briefe description of the state of that famous Garrison at Lime Together with a brave prize taken at Sea by the most noble Earle of Warwicks Ships And Kents pious pattern of gratitude to God for its great deliverance The truely Noble Earle of Pembrookes love and loyalty to the Parliament attested Cawood-castle And Ayremouth Isle and Fort taken by valiant and virtuous Sir Iohn Meldrum in the Northerne parts of the Kingdome The most renowned Lord Generals prosperous progresse and advance with his Army into the West Valiant Captain Temples brave exploit at Islip The gratulatory Message sent by the Parliament in England to the Parliament in Scotland More of renowned Colonel Masseys admirable activity and the Parliaments most worthy gratifying of his good Service And lastly Englands great wonder to Gods great glory in the famous Muster of so many thousand Souldiers in and about the City of London all compleatly Armed notwithstanding so many Armies abroad in the Field before it The taking of Russell-house that notoriously theevish Garrison Together with the brave defeate given to Newarke by Nottingham Garrison And the brave condition of that famous Towne of Lime notwithstanding the long and tedious Siege against it All which being rightly regarded and seriously laid to heart have we not still great and just cause to see and say that God hath most triumphantly carried and borne up his holy Arke the Parliaments blessed Cause above all the raging and roaring billowes and swelling surges of the turbulent Ocean of this our greatly distracted and disturbed Nation carrying it on I say most smoothly with pleasant gales of good things bestowed and preserving it most happily from malice and mischiefe threatned And therefore how great cause hath England in almost infinitely bounden gratitude to confesse with holy David and sincerely to say Lord thou art good and thou doest good And therefore also to exult and rejoyce in the Lord our God yea and as good David saith To make our boast of God all the day long and to praise his name for ever and ever With a Selah Especially since as the holy Spirit of God himselfe declareth in Hannahs sweet Song There is none holy as the Lord for indeed there is none beside him neither is there any Rocke like our God Talke no more therefore so exceeding proudly ô yee Atheisticall Malignants and Popish Irish-Rebels let not such arrogancie come out of your mouth for the Lord is a God of knowledge and by him actions are weighed Yea and as holy Iob saies He is most wise in heart and mighty in strength Who hath hardned himselfe against him and hath prospered ANd now I shall againe put out our blessed Barke to Sea hoise up our Sailes and launch forth into the Deepe and prosecute this our next ensuing Moneths Voyage wherein we shall see how the Lord still carries on his glorious Arke the Parliaments Cause above all the furious Floods and raging Waves of its outragious and impious Adversaries And in the first place I shall desire to remember the Reader how it most graciously pleased the Lord to bring off his blessed Arke from a very dangerous and death-threatning Shelfe of devouring Quick-sands and most safely and securely to set it afloat againe carrying it on with most pleasant and prosperous gales I meane the happy and honourable releiving and raising of the Seige of that long beseiged and greatly straightned famous Towne of Lime in Dorsetshire a most full exact and true relation wherof sent in a Letter to a friend at London and comming to my hands I have thought fit here to insert for the Readers better content and satisfaction which was as followeth An exact and true relation of the relieving of the most resolute Garrison of Lime in Dorsetshire Sir I Have written one Letter to you since I came into this Bay where also I have received yours I blesse God for present health onely much sadnesse of spirit is contracted from the sad spectacles which besieged Lime continually offers to our view a Towne which deserves aboundance of pitty and love they being so constantly under the violence of a cruell Enemy But God hath brought our most noble Lord Admirall to this Towne to a singular purpose it tending directly to the preserving of that distressed Towne it not having in it at his Lordships comming above a dayes bread and a small quantity of ammunition There were then in the Town 4000 Soules whereof a 1000 in garrison who though they wanted shoes stockings cloathes and pay and had not departed from Lyme since the beginning of the siege yet were all of them resolved to stand out to the last man and when they could doe no more to breake through the Enemy with their swords At my Lords first comming he sent on shoar neere 40 barrels of powder and some match which came along with his Lordship purposely for their reliefe The ships under his Lordships Command did before his comming spare what provisions they could none comming from any other parts and the passages by sea being neer blockt up his Lordship contracted for 350. l. worth of corn and other provisions being then bound for Plymouth to be sold there and tooke order to send it into the Towne himsefe undertaking the price The condition and courage of the besieged did so prevail with our seamen
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
that most famous defeat and glorious Victory given by the good hand of God to the Parliaments three most renowned and victorious Generalls the most religious and renowned Earl of Manchester his Excellency Generall Lesley and the ever to be honoured valiant and victorious Lord Fairfax against that barbarous and bloody hair-braind ignoble Rupert the disgrace of his progenitors and indelible stain of his Posterity In the notable and unexpected discovery of the Lord of Râ—chfords disloyalty to the Parliament in speciall and Kingdome in generall The taking of Greenland-house by Major Generall Browne And Taunton-castle by the most Noble Lord Generalls Forces In the taking of Cholmley-house by the most noble Earl of Denbigh Colonell Rossiter Governour of Lincoln his valour and activity against the Common-Enemy Captain Sydenhamâ— and Captaine Carrs most brave exploit against the Lord Inchiquin and the religious resolution of the Parliament to establish a learned and godly Ministry In the taking of Wilne-Ferry and Fort by the noble Lord Grey and valiant and faithfull Sir John Gell the said Lord Greys valour and vigilancy for the good of his Country and the most solemn and memorable Celebration of the Day of Thankesgiving at London for the most famous victory which God gave us at the great and bloody fight nere the City of Yorke In the most happy surrendering up of the City of York it self unto the three most noble Lord Generalls forementioned and the pious and prudent Message and motion which the said noble Generalls made and sent to the Parliament in point of farther thankfullnesse to God and satisfaction even to the worst of men In the most noble renowned and truely religious Earl of Manchesters successefull and victorious advance and progresse with his brave Army in taking Tickhill-castle and farther prosperous proceedings since the last great victory at Yorke And lastly In the brave defeates given to the Roysterly-regall Enemies both by Col. Laughorn and Capt. Moulton in Pembrookeshire by the noble Earl of Denbighs and Warwick Forces at Evesham the famous and ever to be renowned Garrison of Lyme at Colliton and Chard and finally in the most noble and renowned Lord Generalls brave and victorious and famous progresse into Devonshire and Cornwall and all those Western parts wherein hitherto by Gods power and providence he might worthily say as conquering Caesar said Veni vidi vici even all for the most part either voluntarily comming in unto him or violently enforced thereunto by his valiant and victorious forces All which most seriously and religiously considered have we not good Reader great cause justly and ingenuously to confesse and acknowledge to see and say with holy Samuel EBEN-EZER and to make this the glorious and gracious Motto of our Parliamentary Barke the Ark of our God most deeply ingraving it with indelible characters of golden-gratefull Remembrance HITHERTO HATH THE LORD HELPED VS And therefore zelously and constantly to conclude and hold maugre all malicious contradiction whatsoever that our title is most truely and infallibly ratified from heaven by all those manifold and even miraculous premises and patternes thereof that GODS Arke hath most triumphantly over-topped and been born above all the Worlds boysterous Billows swelling surges And hitherto the Lords most faithfull and glorious Cause blessedly embarked in our most pious Parliament hath in all its just undertakings most impregnably prevailed and been preserved against all the Malignant Atheisticall and Papisticall Machinations Plots and Practizes that men or devills were ever able to invent and foment against Gods Truth and a glorious and pure Gospel-Reformation In so much that now upon all these serious considerations of the Enemies combinations and injurious conjurations on the one side and our Gods most omnipotent and omniprudent frustrations of them all thus from time to time wee may most worthily say as the holy Prophet once said especially on the gracious and most gratefull recordation of that most memorable and admirable victory at Marston-Heath neere Yorke and also all those late forementioned Westerne victories even of this last Moneth of July wee may say and that most worthily as the LORD God himselfe said by the holy Prophet Now also many nations are gathered together against thee O English ISRAEL that say let her be defiled and let our eyes looke on Zions defilement But they know not the thoughts of the Lord neither understand they his Counsell For hee hath gathered them together as sheaves into the barn-floor And hath said to all our renowned Generalls and to their Armies Arise and thresh O daughter of Zion for I have made thy horne as iron and thy horses hoofes as brasse and thou shalt beat and bruise in pieces as with a strong flale many people and I will consecrate their gain to my selfe saith the Lord and their substance to the Lord of the whole Earth And hast not thou ô England as then Zion was promised seen all this come to passe for thy sake upon thine Enemies Even many nations brought together English Irish Dutch French Walloons who not that could be was not gathered against thee to defile and spoil thee yea to glut their accursed eyes and hearts with wicked joy at thy ruine and defilements But ah wicked fooles how ignorant and unacquainted were they with the Lords Counsels and how farre his thoughts were above and against their thoughts who brought them but together at York and else where like so many Sheaves on the barn-floar of Marston-Heath and there and then most graciously and gloriously said to our renouned Generalls Commanders and Souldiers Arise arise and thresh those Sheaves of shame and dishonour for I have made your Swords and instruments of war as Iron flales and your horses hoofs as brasse to trample on them and tear them in peices And then did the Lord also most triumphantly consecrate unto himselfe and we as we were able most worthily gave their gain and substance even all the honour and glory of these great and most famous victories to the Lord our God alone whose strong arme alone got us and gave us these glorious victories over all those our fierce and furious Enemies Yea he alone I say According to their deeds accordingly hath repayed fury to his Churches and Childrens adversaries recompense to his Enemies and to the Irish I stand he hath repayed and will yet still repay recompence And thus indeed it must needs be for Their strength and defence was departed from them and our God had made them as bread for us to eat and devour Yea our God hath for us wounded and broken in pieces the heads of these Leviathans and given them as meat to us his poore despised people And hath wounded the hairy scalps of all these that thâ—s went on in their insatiable wickednesse That thus therefore the great name of the Lord might be feared from the North to the West and his glorious splendour from the rising of the Sun
To the Right Honourable Alderman ADAMS Lord Mayor of the most famous and Renowned City of London The Right Worshipfull Sir Iohn Wollaston and Sir Richard Sprignall Together with the Right Worshipfull the Lady Rebecca Wollaston and the Lady Anne Sprignall their most virtuous and truely pious Consorts All my ever most highly honoured good Friends J. V. most Cordially prayeth the Fulnesse of the Kingdome of Grace here and of the Kingdome of Gloâ—y hereâ—fter Right Honoâ—rable Right Worshipfull THe much Christian Courtesie and very many and most constant immerited favours whereof from time to time I and mine have most sweetly tasted from your Honour and Worships But especially the serious observation of the pious and painfull yea even indefatigable Labours of Love for God and his great Cause which not onely I but even the whole Kingdome in generall and this renowned City in speciall have cleerly taken notice of and been most happily sensible of to proceed from your Honour and Worships Et O terque quaterque felicia saecula quae Vos tales Patriae genuere Parentes This double and indissoluble Ligament I say of ever bounden Gratitude hath most deeply engaged me to dedicate and consecrate This third Part of my Parliamentary-Chronicle to your good Honour and Worships as a most true Tessera and Sincere Symbole of that ever obliged observance which together with my poor All I most justly and ingenuously acknowledge to be most due unto you All my ever most highly honoured good Friends in generall and hereby also in a more speciall and peculiar manner to take oportune occasion to give-in my most cordiall congratulation and just and joyful Acclamation for your good Honours happy inauguration unto the most honourable Majorallity of this celebrious and most Renouned City of London which though it may seem to come somewhat too tardily yet I assure your Honour it comes now most cordially and though it cannot speak so loudly as others yet I assure you my good Lord it speaks as lovingly as the best of your good Lordships most devoted Votaries Which therefore together with my best Services hoping your good Honour Worships wil in your accustomed Candor and even connative ingenuity receive with the Heart Hand of courteous and candid Acceptation I shall hereby be still more and more deeply endeered in all my best endeavours especially in my poor Prayers to presse the Thron of Grace that your good Honour and Worships may long flourish as most famous tall-grown Cedars on the tops of the Mountains of this our English-Lebanon inferiour to None of your former famous Predecessours and shall hereby also most obligedly rest Your good Honours and Worships in what he is to be ever Commanded JOHN VICARS To the Courteous and Christian Reader THe continued Encouragements and most aimable approbation Christian and candid Readers which you All especially the truely religious and reverend Divines both of City and Country have given unto me in the former two Parts of this our Parliamentary-Chronicle have set a sharpe edge upon my serious Affections and beene as a Spirit-quickening Spur to stimulate and stir forward my most zealous Resolutions and Endevours to the Continuation of this our Parliamentary-Chronicle and most famous and renowned History to a third Part thereof Wherein as formerly so now I have laboured with all the Discretion care and consciencious Sedulity wherewith I was possibly able to communicate nothing therein but true and innocent Intelligence of all our most famous and important Parliamentary Proceedings in way of rare and reall mercies to this Kingdome in speciall for the space of one entyre 12 Month past Yet herein I must ingenuously confesse I may possibly have missed in some particular circumstantialls either of Manner Time Persons or Numbers considering that they are all for the most part received from severall remote Hands and remote Habitations yet for thy better assurance herein I have according to the wise counsell of a most learned and religious Divine my much honoured good Friend Reverend Master Arrowsmith still taken mine Intelligence as neer as I could from the Lame-post Wherefore I heartily desire thee good Reader with christian candor and ingenuity to connive at and pardon what ever small slips or failings thou mayest peradventure meet with from me herein who faithfully assure thee that I have with my best ability striven in all equitable Sincerity to wrong None but to right All as neer as I could Whereunto if thou vouchsafest courteously to condescend together with the grant of a portion in thy holy prayers for the poor and unworthy Authour I shall justly account all my great paines herein plentifully repayed and for the same most gratefully rest Thine in the Lord John Vicars GODS ARK OVER-TOPPING THE VVORLDS WAVES MOst truly sayes the princely Prophet David They that goe down into the Sea in Ships and that are busied in great Waters These see the works of the Lord and his wonders in the Deep And as truly may I say They that goe forth and lanch into our English-Ocean to use the said holy Prophets Metaphor and keep a little to his Sea-Allegories in the Ship of serious Contemplation and pious Exploration may as easily and admirably see and discover the strange workings of the Lord and the rare wonders which he does in the deep deportments and various vicissitudes of State-affaires in this I say our English-Ocean Upon one side they may see the huge swelling waves the mightie and big billowes of furious floods and raging and roaring waters I mean wicked and ungodly men Atheists Papists Prelates and rotten-hearted Malignants in Citie and Countrey puffing snuffing blowing and beating their braines and vexing their hearts to overtop and overturn to swoop away and swallow-up in the deeply ingurgitating whirpool of their irreconciliable rage and malice the Ark of the Lord his Church and Children principally personated and represented in Both Houses of Parliament and in the happie Assembly of Divines sweetly subservient unto them in the long longed for pure and thorough Reformation of all things amiss in Church and State On the other side they may see the most admirable and indeed unexpressible power and providence the most infinite wisedome and unfathomable mercie of our good God the as prudent as potent Pilot and Moderator of all that his English-Ark bearing it up most safely and securely sustaining and maintaining it maugre all the beatings and billowings the sitly surges and swellings of all those raging and roaring waves and waters and making it still fairly to float and over-top their highest rising and most furious flashing and desperatest dashing waves craggiest penetrating rockes swallowing sands and shelves and mightiest and most malicious puffes and blasts of malignity and mischief all of them conspiring and aspiring with malice pride and impious ambition either to swallow-up or per fas aut nefas to tear in pieces this most honest holy and harmless Ark of God but all
Lords Supper by those that are grossly ignorant and notoriously profane may be henceforth with all Christian care and due circumspection prevented That the bold venting of corrupt Doctrines directly contrary to the sacred Law of God and religious humiliation for sin which open a wide door to all Libertinisme and disobedience to God and man may be speedily suppressed every where and that in such manner as may give hope that the Church may be no more infected with them That the prophâ—â—ation of any part of the Lords day and the dayes of solemn fasting by buying and selling working sporting travelling or neglecting of Gods Ordinances may be remedied by appointing Officers in every place for the due execution of all good Lawes and Ordinances against the same That there may be a through and speedy proceeding against blinde guides and scandalous Ministers by whose wickedness people either lack or loath the Ordinances of the Lord and thousands of souls perish wherby the removall of the Ark from among us is to the trembling of our hearts evidently threatned And that your Wisdomes would finde-out some way to admit into the Ministrie such godly and hopefull men as have prepared themselves and are willing thereunto without which there will sodainly be such a scarcity of able and faithfull Ministers that it will be to little purpose to cast out such as are unable idle or scandalous That the Lawes may be quickned against swearing and drunkenness with which the Land is filled and defiled and under which it mourneth That some severe couâ—sâ— be taken against fornication adultery and incest which doe greatly abound especially of late by reason of impunitie That all Monuments of Idolatry and Supersâ—ition but more especially the whole body and practise of Popery be totally abolished That justice may be executed on all Delinquents according to your solemn Vow and Protestation to that purpose That all possible meanes may be used for the speedy relief and release of our miserable and extremely distressed Brethren who are prisoners in Oxford York and elsewhere whose heavie sufferings cry aloud in the eares of our God and it would lie very heavie upon the Kingdome should they miscarry suffering as they doe for the cause of God That so God who is now by the sword avenging the quarrell of his Covenant beholding your integrity and zeal may turn from the fierceness of his wrath hear our prayers goe forth with our Armies perfect the work of reformation forgive our sins and settle Truth and Peace throughout the Kingdome And the Petitioners shall ever pray c. This Petition being read in Both Houses an answer was returned to the Divines that presented it to this effect That the Petition was very well approved of That both the Houses had agreed to have a publike fast in all those places mentioned in the Petition on the Fryday then next following being July the 21 which accordingly was solemnly performed by both Houses of Parliament and the Assembly altogether as well as by the Cities in their severall Parish-Churches And that they would take the other particulars into speedie Consideration Say now then good Reader was not heer a very fair and prosperous blast breathing-forth by Gods providence to carry on his Ark the more safely and securely through the swelling waves of malignant oppositions but to goe on About the midst of July 1643. came certain information by letters out of Lincolnshire that it had pleased God to give extraordinary good success to our forces in that Countie in the taking of that strong Town of Gainesborough by the noble Lord Willoughbie of Parrham which Town he entred by a desperate assault in the night time forceing upon their Courts of guard which they found but negligently manned and so possessed the Town without any bloudshed wherein he took prisoner the Earl of Kingstone and also 30 Knights and at least 20 other Gentlemen of qualitie of that Countie besides 250 common Souldiers and released about 200 of the Parliaments prisoners who had been taken at sundry times in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire and they took also in the Town great store of armes and ammunition And the same intelligence assured us that within few dayes after to complete our cause of just thankfulnesse to God the Siege which was sodainly made against the said Town immediately after this taking of it by the Earl of Newcastles Popish forces who thus hoped sodainly to have surprized it was by the vigilancy and magnanimitie of renowned Colonell Cromwell most courageously raised he having most undauntedly faln upon the Newcastelians and taken 300 of them prisoners slain 50 of them on the ground and routed and dispersed the great concourse of their forces which came from Newark Bradford Leeds and other parts of Yorkshire then lately before over-run by Newcastle on the former unhappie Defeat given to the most noble Lord Fairfax Yea the same certain intelligence informed us also that the foresaid Earl of Kingstone who as you heard was taken prisoner at Gainesborough being by the Lord Willoughbies command conducted by some of his forces in a pinnace and so intended to be carried prisoner by water to Hull but the Earl of Newcastles forces thinking to have rescued him from them summoned the said pinnace in which the Earl was to bow sail and to come ashore but the Lord Willoughbies forces refusing so to doe they shot fiercely at the ship in so much that they shot the Earl to death in the pinnace and so made him a prisoner to death not hurting any one of the Parliaments forces but him onely Yea and to make those Northern victories yet more glorious and illustrious there came credible information by letters from Lincolnshire to London upon Thursday July 27th that victorious and courageous Colonell Cromwell had then taken in the Town of Stamford in that Countie had there slain about 200 and taken 300 Cavaliers prisoners among whom were many Commanders and Gentlemen of qualitie of that Countie And that which made these brave victories the more rare and remarkable was that the knowledge and information of them came to us on the foresaid Thursday July the 27th which was the very next day after our publike Monethly-fast as a most blessed and gracious return of our prayers into our bosomes to make us the more thankfull and faithfull for the time to come Much also about the same time came certain intelligence to London by letters out of Lincolnshire that about a 1000 of the Cavaliers from Newark and Bever-Castle hovered and roved about Stamford and Wothrop-house a great and strong seat in those parts but were bravely molested and chased thence by that brave and most worthily renowned Commander Colonell Cromwell and at last forced to take Sanctuary in a very strong and stately Stone-built house not far from Stamford also called Burleigh-House scituated in a large Park and surrounded with a
of July 1643 came certain intelligence by Letters to London out of Cheshire that the most successfull forces of that renowned and pious patriot Sir William Brereton had happily taken from the Kings accursed Cormorants a very strong hold in those parts called Houghton-Castle which had long time been a sore goad in the sides of Sir Williams great affaires in that Countie but now was by Gods mercie and his vigilancie delivered up unto him and in his full possession and safe custodie Much also about this time the King having by the wicked Counsell of his most impious Achitophels at Oxford sent out a Proclamation in his own name to command all his loving Subjects to forbeare all commerce and trading with the Citie of London and to withhold all provision of victualls from them and all this under a great penaltie hoping by this meanes to starve the Citie and so in time to enforce it to their wicked intended tyrannicall subjection to Popery and slavery but blessed be the Lord this base plot had like issue with the rest for the Citie of London was not so easily to be begirt and starved by a Proclamation from Oxford though the Broad-Seal countenanced and commanded it for the Lords and Commons in Parliament presently upon this unpatternd Proclamation to starve a Citie for its honesty and fidelity and thereby to destroy the whole Kingdome passed an Ordinance to give the most renowned Lord Major of London and the Militia thereof power over all persons within the line of Communication sodainly to discover and disarm all malignants and to purge it of all such dangerous persons and about 5000 more Citie-Souldiers to be charged to doe dutie at all the Out-workes of the Citie Nay and our most renowned Parliamentarie-Statists rested not heer so tender were they of the welfare and preservation of the Citie in reference to that pernicious Proclamation but past an Ordinance in both Houses for the appointment of the then most pious and prudent Lord Major and two Sheriffs of London to take the charge of the Lievtenantship of the Tower of London Sir John Conyers having at his own voluntary desire obtained the consent of the Parliament to goe beyond Sea into Holland and after the expiration of the said ever to be honoured heroick and most active-spirited Alderman Penningtons most happie Majoraltie which by Gods gracious guide and speciall assistance he finished with more honour and renown the times thereof seriously considered than any of his predecessors in that place of honour and trust had done before him it pleased the Lord to put into the hearts of our most noble Parliamentarie Worthies to confer the said Lievtenantship of the Tower of London solely and wholly upon him as one in whom they had so good experience they might most indubitably confide in the faithfull managing of a place of so much trust and concernment for the welfare safety and security of the Citie and Kingdome and partly also as an honourable guerdon and repay of his former wise and loyall discharge of that his foresaid troublesome and chargeable Majoraltie And heer now good Reader I shall desire to cast anchor and make a little stay to pause and ponder on the most sweet Parliamentarie-Mercies of this first Moneth of our voyage and adventure into and through thus much of this boysterous and billowing Ocean of the Kingdomes distractions and disturbances and with a gratefull heart succinctly to see what God hath done for us as in a short Map and ocular prospect of them As first in that excellent Petition of the Assembly of Divines to both the Houses of Parliament for the good of Church and State in a pious reformation of things amiss in both Secondly in the Parliaments prosperous success at Gainesborough by the Lord Willoughby against the Earl of Newcastles forces there And the taking of the Town of Stamford by brave Colonell Cromwell Together also with the taking of Burleigh-House by the said brave Colonell Thirdly in another brave victorie obtained by the Parliaments forces at a second Siege of Gainesborough Fourthly in Gods admirable and timely appeasing of that desperate and dangerous Rebellion of the Kentish Malignants Fiftly in the taking of Houghton-Castle in Cheshire and that provident prevention of aâ—wicked plot to starve the Citie of London in keeping provision of victuall from it Sixthly and lastly in the most happie and prudent putting of the Tower of London into the safe custodie and government of the most worthy Lord Major and Sheriffs of London for the better safety and security of the said Citie and whole Kingdome Upon the which said serious review of all these rich and rare Parliamentarie-Mercies tell me good Reader hast thou not already seen Gods Ark most bravely born up above all the swelling and blustering waves of the worlds mischievous malignancy against it and It carried on with most pleasant and prosperous gales of Gods guard and guide and gracious protection of it Yes certainly witness this six-fold coard of clearly convincing testimony Great cause have wee therefore to check those proud waves of the world for their insolency against our God and his most righteous cause even in the Lords own words by his holy Prophet Feare yee not mee saith the Lord will yee not tremble at my presence which have placed the sand for a bound to the Sea by a perpetuall decree that it cannot pass it And though the waves thereof rise and toss themselves yet can they not prevail though they roar yet can they not pass over it Cease then and abate your pride O yee proud and pernicious Royalists since our God doth so curb and keep you in As for us wee shall therefore as wee have just cause triumph and sing God is our refuge and strength and a very present help in time of trouble Therefore will wee not fear though the earth be removed and though the mountaines be carried and hurried into the midst of the Sea But to goe on and to launch forth again in the deep for the further prosecuting of our next Moneths voyage About the beginning of August 1643 a brave Ship of about 300 tun bound from Denmark for Newcastle having been lately before taken at Sea by the most noble renowned and loyall Earl of Warwicks Ships within a league of Tinmouth laden with armes and ammunition to furnish and arme our Kings forces against the Parliament The Commander of which Ship was a Papist or Romish-Catholike and that which he pretended to be a countenancing supersedeas against all assaults of his Ship by any advers partie was a Letter from the King of Denmark which imported that the goods wherewith this Ship was fraught were his and therefore not to be toucht or medled with But the Ship notwithstanding all their pretexts being seized on and notice thereof immediately dispatcht away to the Parliament an Order was instantly returned to keep the Ship
Westminster and the Liberties thereof be forthwith printed and published John Brown Cler. Parl. About which said time and upon this well-grounded encouragement by the aforesaid Ordinance of Parliament the most renowned Citizens of London began to take a more strict and exact care of the welfare of their Citie and by an Order from the Citie-Militia very many persons of dis-affected malignant Citizens were seized on and for want of safe prisons to retain them in custodie they were committed into the enclosures of the walls of St Faiths Church under the superstitious and superfluous fabrick of Pauls great and mountainous Cathedrall and very many others also for want of strong prisons were imprisoned in Ships upon the river Thames and kept safe under hatches with sufficient and constant guards to keep them safe from plotting and practising mischief at home Much also about the same time the Earl of Holland having mostâ—ignobly disloyally by stealth left the Parliament and fled to Oxford about 14 or 16 of his Trunks which had also been surreptitiously conveyed by water up the river Thames in a Barge and bound for Oxford and all of them full fraught and stuft up both with money and other most rich and costly robes and commodities were stayed and seized on and carried back to Windsor-Castle and from thence were conveyed speedily after to London About the 20th of August also 1643. came credible information by Letters from the coasts of Wales that the Fellowship of Bristoll a ship of about 400 tun carrying 24 pieces of Ordnance and the Hart-frigot in companie with it set sail from Bristoll for Miâ—ford-Haven whither being come they summoned the Countie of Pembrook and enformed them for now Bristoll Cavaliers had already learnt from Oxford the exact art of lying as well by Sea as by Land that all the Parliaments forces were quite overthrown and discomfâ—â—ed and that now all the Kingdome repaired apace to his Majestie and that Chaâ—tam Rochester and all Kent were revolted from the Parliament with a great many more of such like false and fictitious inventions which the flashie and ill-affected Gentry of that Countie seemed too easily to give ear unto yet somewhat disliked these Maritime Cavaliers or Cormorants that they should thus sodainly come on shore among them and cast up workes to secure the landing of the Irish Souldiers and rebells as their purpose was among them But whiles this was in doing and the Inhabitants seeing the drift and intention heerin as aforesaid and somewhat unwilling to have it so yet could hardly tell how to help themselves and hinder it The Swallow a brave Ship in the Parliaments service under the command of the right noble and ever to be honoured Earl of Warwick came sodainly into the said harbour and came to anchor neer unto the Fellowship of Bristoll and presently summons the Captain to come on board his Ship who a while insisted on quarter and would capitulate to be set on shore but Captain Smith for so was his name that was Captain of the Swallow utterly refused any termes of quarter and without delay gave him a broad side wherewith he killed 3 or 4 of the Fellowships men whereupon they presently yeelded their Ship and themselves prisoners among whom as was credibly enformed were foure Sea-Captains viz. Captain William Hale Captain Brooks Captain Burley and Captain Barnaby This excellent piece of service was performed by Captain Smith aforesaid a very gallant and religious Gentleman who too well knows the King is unhappie in nothing more than in being too indulgent to the Popish partie about him who seek his ruine under a false and perfidious pretence of his happiness And about the latter end of August aforesaid that right noble and renowned Commander Sir William Waller notwithstanding the malicicus hearts foul mouths and false tongues of inveterate malignants belching and bruiting abroad many disgracefull reports to the contrary thereby to encrease and encourage as much as in them was discontent and distractions among the people obtained from his Excellency the Lord Generall his long desired and much expected Commission for his advance of the important affaires of the Kingdome which was delivered unto him on Saturday August 26th in the honourable House of Commons by Mr Speaker and that with much and universall joy and content and with the generall prayers of the whole House for his prosperous and happie success the fruits and effects whereof wee shall by Gods mercy taste of and declare in Gods due time And whereas also many persons had either ignorantly or maliciously or both given out to disparage this designe that the power of his Commission extended onely to about six or ten miles distance from London the said Commission is for certain of so ample and so large extent that he may conduct his forces into any Countie of the Kingdome as the exigencie of affaires shall necessitate and require And now good Reader let mee desire thee heer again to recollect thy thoughts a little by a gratefull revise and contemplation on all those last past memorable passages and Parliameâ—tarie-Mercies and Merchandizes of this moneths voyage also as First the most happie taking of that rich prize the Danish Ship so fraught with armes and ammunition Secondly the dangerous plot for a pretended Peace discovered and prevented and the most happie and contrary issue it produced in occasioning an Oath and Covenant in the Citie of London to unite and knit them the more firmly and faster together and thereby securing the most dangerous Citie-Malignants in safer custodie Thirdly the apprehending of the Earl of Hollands rich Trunks Fourthly the taking of the Fellowship a brave Bristoll-Ship and the confirming of Sir William Wallers Commission by his Excellencie the Lord Generall for the advancement of that brave Commanders intended great designes And now then tell me good Reader on the brief review of all these memorable mercies were not heer many most fair and prosperous blasts of good success to help to carry on Gods-Ark his holy-holy-cause through the midst of the troublesome and tumultuous Ocean of these the Kingdomes intestine and destructive swelling waves and waters of unnaturally homebred and inbred broyles and bloudy dâ—ssentions like so many devouring whirpools gaping to ingurgitate all into their insatiate maâ—â—es of all-devouring mischief and destruction And on this so sweet and comfortable consideration still to return with enlarged alacrity of spirit all the honour and praise of all these sweet and singular mercies and free favours to God alone who onely does wondrous things for his mercie endures for ever But to goe on in happie progress of the next moneths voyage and adventures About the beginning of September 1643. came certain information by letters from Plimouth to London that one of the members of the House of Commons in Parliament namely Sir Alexander Carew governour of a considerable Island neer Plimouth which commands the Sound there
knowledge of the enemies coming they were very full of joy and resolution thinking it a great mercie that they should now fight with him Our men went on in severall bodies singing Psalmes Quarter-master Generall Vermeyden with five troopes had the forlorn-hope and Colonell Cromwell the Van assisted with other of my Lords troopes and seconded by Sir Thomas Fairfax Both armies met about Ixbie if I mistake not the Townes name both they and wee had drawn up our Dragooneers and gave the first charge and then the horse fell in Colonell Cromwell fell with brave resolution upon the enemie immediately after their Dragooneers had given him the first volley yet they were so nimble as that within half pistoll-shot they gave him another his horse was killed under him at the first charge and fell down upon him and as he rose up he was knockt down again by the Gentleman that charged him who 't was conceived was Sir Ingram Hopton but afterward he recovered a poor horse in a Souldiers hand and bravely mounted himself again Truly this first charge was so home-given and performed with so much admirable courage resolution by our troops that the enemie stood not another but were driven back upon their own body which was to have seconded them and at last put them into a plain disorder and thus in less than half an houres fight they were all quite routed and forced to run for their lives though they were two for one and as soon as our men perceived them to shrinke they fiercely charged within them all and then I say they ran for it leaving all their Dragooneers which were now on foot behind them Thus our men pursued them and did execution upon them about five or six miles all the way being strewed with broken armes dead men and horses And heer I may not omit to make mention of the rare courage and valour of that most noble Commander Sir Thomas Fairfax who when they first viewed the enemie and saw great odds in their number was so much the more inflamed with godly courage and resolution saying Come let us fall on I never prospered better than when I fought against the enemie three or four to one One hundred of their men to avoid the furie of our men were drowned many were wounded and in one gravell pit above an 100 were hid some there breathing their last breath others less wounded my Lord of Manchester most mercifully gave order that care should be taken of them all And heer it must not be forgotten that some with mortall wounds upon them cryed out The Commission of Aray the Commission of Aray brought us hither full sore against our wills wee were as true servants to the Parliament and our Religion and liberties as any in England and woe to those that were the cause that Lincoln and Yorkshire became a prey to the enemie wee die as true friends to the Parliament as any Two hundred horse were found left in the Castle their riders being all fled many hundreds fled into the waters up to the arme-holes they that lay slain in the high wayes were very many and divers of qualitie for there were brave bodies stript naked Sir George Bowles was slain and Sir Ingram Hopton Colonell Shelley was taken prisoner among those taken out of the water and Colonell Ayres the number of horse taken in all were about 2000 of prisoners about 1000 and as many slain of armes 1500 and not 100 of the enemies 't was verily believed to be found in a body of 94 Standards 35 were taken Wee lost very few of our men none of note wee hardly found above one officer hurt and that was Colonell Cromwells Captain-Lievtenant Our foot were not drawn up to the place where the fight was untill after the fight and chase was over Horse and foot though very weary marched on toward Horncastle where my Lord lay that night with all the foot his horse being sent to their old quarters in the Townes adjoyning And truly both Officers and Souldiers did their dutie that day singularly well and bravely my Lord himself also took wonderfull paines in bringing the business to this foresaid pass in drawing up all the foot to have relieved the horse in case they had been put to straits and had needed it But God himself did all taking away the enemies hearts and giving resolution and courage to our men to him therefore be all the honour and glory of this famous victorie Now whiles these things were thus in agitation the noble Lord Fairfax had a Letter brought unto him which was intercepted written by that ignoble Popish Lord Widrington the then present Governour of Lincoln in which Letter writing to his great Lord the Marquess of Newcastle he confirmes by his own confession the truth of this great victorie Another Letter was also intercepted written by Generall Hinderson also to the Governour of Newark The former Letter enforming Newcastle that the loss of all Lincolnshire and Yorkshire too was in a great hazard especially if he were forced to quit Hulls siege too and in his said Letter also certifying the loss of divers of their prime Commanders for certain slain in the foresaid battail Hindersons Letter also importing a pitifull complaint of his loss in the said fight and assuring the Governour of Newark that since the fight he was not able to rally or get together hardly 400 men of all his former great and numerous forces And that which addes extraordinarie lustre to the honour of our wonder-working God and which I may not heer by any meanes omit It pleased the Lord by his admirable providence so to order it that both this great victorie at Horncastle and that brave victorie also obtained by the most renowned Lord Fairfax at Hull under the command of that most worthy and expert Commander Sir John Meldrum were bestowed by the Lord our God upon his people and Parliament upon one and the same day namely Wednesday October 11 1643. And now to goe on About the 16th of October 1643. came Letters from Gloucester to London with most credible intelligence that the truly valiant and magnanimous Commander Colonell Massie that ever to be honoured and renowned Governour and by Gods wonderfull assistance maintainer of Gloucester having true intelligence that about a regiment of the Kings Welch forces were come to Tewksbery intending to fortifie and quarter themselves there and to make that Town winter-Garrison This noble and most vigilant Colonell being very desirous to be rid of such unfriendly and unruly neighbours speedily and privately drew forth a considerable partie of horse and foot from Gloucester and marched with them to Tewksbery where he sodainly and resolutely fell upon the enemie slew above 30 of them took many prisoners and forced the rest to flie for their lives some of whom were in that their hastie flight drowned in the river Severn He also took
farther and enjoyning them not to ayd his two Houses of Parliament which he said were in actuall rebellion against him c. But praised for ever be our good God by whose gracious providence their hearts were most wisely and resolutely established not to be dasht and daunted therein but they utterly refused to yeeld to either of his demands and commands in both the Letters and sent his Majestie an answer suteable to their Christian dutie and the nature also of such a Message and command and so went on most religiously and resolvedly in the just and warrantable work they had so advisedly undertaken But now to goe on in the manifesting as I promised and setting forth in order the progress of the great work at home by our adversaries designes against the Citie of London and therein the whole Kingdome in that their forementioned grand plot to starve up the Citie by taking from them all the neighbour Countries succours and supplements of all kindes and thus at last hoping to bring it low and according to that old Proverb If you will tame a wanton Colt take away his provender and tame it and make it stoop to their most untaimed wilde and wicked tyranny but yet how our most wise and righteous God crost and confounded this their wicked work and devillish designe And now in the first place I must tell you how the most noble and victorious Earl of Manchester being in Lincolnshire prosecuting his successfull and victorious enterprises in those parts as hath been formerly and fully related having intelligence that the Oxonian-Cormorants were entred into Bedfordshire with purpose to make an inroad into the rest of the associated Eastern-Counties whereof he was made Commander in chief under his Excellencie the Lord Generall His Lordship therefore held it not fit to leave them without relief against such plundering and all-devouring Cormorants and greedie unwelcome guests and was therefore necessitated to grant such a composition to the Lord Widrington Colonell Henderson c. then in the Citie of Lincoln as otherwise he would not that thus he might hasten to the preservation of those his foresaid Counties and so having gotten this Citie as hath been forementioned he presently sent away renowned and victorious Colonell Cromwell with a considerable part of his forces toward Huntington to interrupt the Cormorants pernicious intentions in those parts and about Cambridge but his Excellencie the Parliaments renowned Lord Generall being then at St Albanes with his armie presently sent Messengers to countermaund the brave Colonells resolutions and required him to return again to my Lord of Manchester and to prosecute those intended Services in the North assuring him that by Gods assistance he would take speciall care that the associated Counties should receive no prejudice by the Kings Cormorants which he most nobly made good and accordingly performed For presently after it his Lordship sent a considerable strong partie of horse and foot toward Newport-Pannell against those greedie Cormorants who hearing of their certain and speedie approach made all the haste they were able to flie away from thence for fear of being intrapped in a nooz whereby on a sodain those parts were already fairly and fully cleared from fear of them both at Newport and Bedford too And heerby also Colonell Cromwell being returned to the noble Earl of Manchester his great and noble designes in those parts went on again most successfully and thus by Gods speciall providence and great mercie the Kings Cormorants were doubly disappointed of their late high-built hopes and pernicious purposes For by their intended fortifying of Newport they hoped to have establisht one main branch of the foresaid swelling designe to have starved up the Citie by thus encroaching by degrees into the Eastern-associated Counties and also by their thus coming and nestling by little and little in them they strongly hoped to have drawn and diverted the Earl of Manchester quite out of Lincolnshire and so to have taken him off from the pursuite of his victories in those parts But his Excellencie as I said before most nobly clipt the wing of that high-soaring hope of theirs by marching into those parts to expell the enemie out of them and so the safelier to secure them Thus I say the Lord our good God doubly blest us against this devillish designe of theirs blasting it in the bud stifling it in the birth and very beginning of it and making it abortive to them and giving us great assurance thereby of yet more hopefull advantages as by Gods blessing wee shall have fit and fair opportunities to mention them in their severall succeeding and proper places And now good Reader let mee desire thee heer to make a little stay to strike sail and cast thine anchor of serious recogitation and summarie contemplation into the deep Ocean of all this Moneths many and most rich mercies and Parliamentarie preservations of this Ark of Gods Cause First In the Lords stirring up of the hearts of our Parliamentarie-Worthies to remember the welfare of the poor children of Christs Hospitall and also raising up the affections of the Citizens of London to seal their holy League and Covenant with a large and liberall contributed loan of a great summe of money for our brethren of Scotlands advance unto our help In the most noble Lord Fairfaxes brave victorie against the Earl of Newcastle at Hull and thereby raising the siege thereof In the right noble and victorious Earl of Manchesters renowned victories over the Popish and atheisticall forces in Lincolnshire at Bolenbrook and Horncastle Famous Colonell Massies good service at Tewksbery and that also by the Parliaments Garrison at Warwick-Castle against the Kings forces at Cambden In the Ordinance of Parliament against Spies and intelligencers and farther famous prosecution of the most noble Earl of Manchesters victories in the gaining of the Citie of Lincoln and strong Town of Gainesborough And lastly In the most happie frustrating and defeating of the enemies deep and dangerous designe to starve the Citie of London and so to enforce the conquest of it and in Gods crossing that other great designe of our Oxonian Achitophells to have hindred our honest Brethren of Scotlands resolution to advance forward to our assistance All these rare mercies I say layd together and seriously considered O how can wee choose but be extraordinarily elevated to a high pitch and peg of obliged gratitude to our great and glorious God who hath so powerfully and prudently propped up and protected his thus poor menaced and assaulted Ark securely bearing it up above all the raging and swelling waves and boysterous billowes of fierce and furious adversaries beating and brushing against it with their utmost envie and most malevolent oppositions And therefore I say with holy David to break forth into insulting and triumphant joy in the Lord and say Our hearts are fixed O God our hearts are fixed wee will sing and give praise
particularly named And certainly that most intolerable and most wicked Cessation of armes in Ireland hath and will lose the King more every way than any other of his many most improvident and unadvised rash and even irrationall actions to say no more of them that ever he did not onely the moderate and meer Neutrality affected but even some of the obstinate malignant partie being now silenced when the objection of this most scelerous Cessation is urged unto them And indeed how can it otherwise be especially considering that his Majestie himself who is in all their reputes and esteem called and accounted a Protestant Prince should by a late Declaration printed by his authoritie at Oxford so palpably and plainly under poor and ignoble Fig-leaf pretences and colourable causes though mainly intended as wee all too well see and know to transport rebells of Ireland to fight against his most honourable and innocent Parliament and people should I say maintain and justifie such a most grossly impious Cessation with such unparalleld Popish brutish rogues and rebells as no English-hearted Protestant could have been induced to beleeve had it not been so openly declared printed and published abroad a Cessation I say for a whole year that is for ever and that without first requiring them at least to declare in writing under hands and seales that they had extremely scandalized his Majestie if at least he were clear and free from the fact by their proclaming as they did in the Market-places in severall parts of Ireland that they had his Majesties Commission under the great Seal of England yea and produced the said Commission for the justification of that Epidemicall murther and Diabolicall Massacre to be done by the Kings authoritie as divers upon Oath have testified as is exprest at large in the Irish-Remonstrance and Dr Jones his booke both published by authoritie of Parliament or without requiring them to deliver up so much onely as two or three of their prime nay not of any one inferiour bloudy Rebells to suffer most deserved death in a way of justice but oh horresco referens to be satisfied with a most beggerly summe of about 30000 li in money and this summe also to be a fomenting help to farther the most accursed designe of cutting more English throates also as a sufficient expiation and satisfaction for the most horrid slaughter and butchering of at least one hundred thousand nay t is credibly assured neer upon 200000 English Protestants in crimson-gorie Ireland and all this in deliberate cold-bloud too Nay more not doing the poor surviving miserable English Protestants so much or rather so little pettie-justice as to demand of those roguish-Rebells the onely bare restitution of one acre of ground or a house or hovell to hide the head of any one so distressed and utterly spoyled surviving Protestant Yea and to strike and stab English Protestants both in England and Ireland yet more deeply to the heart styling and calling those unparalleld bloudy rogues and most accursed Caniballs pardon my zeal good Reader for I have with teares of hearty grief read over Irelands teares of bloud calling them I say in the foresaid Declaration His Majesties Romane Catholike Subjects and contrariwise Vs of England most frequently and familiarly nothing but Traitors and Rebells Read and consider this all Christian hearts and then tell mee whether that of the Prophet be not most properly appliable to the authors of all this whoever they be Woe unto them that call evill good and good evill that put darkness for light and light for darkness that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter But to goe on And heer for the Readers better satisfaction and in aeternam rei ipsius infamiam I have thought fit to give thee a full sight of the said odious Declaration verbatim as it was printed and published with some clear demonstrative circumstances after it to manifest the undeniable truth of the thing Which Commission followes in these words CHARLES by the grace of God King of England Scotland France and Ireland defender of the faith c. To all Cathâ—lique Subjects within our Kingdom of Ireland Greeting Know yee that Wee for the safeguard and preservation of our person have been enforced to make our aboad and residence in our Kingdom of Scotland for a long season occasioned by reason of the obstinate and disobedient carriage of Our Parliament of England against Vs who have not onely presumed to take upon them the government and disposing of those Princely Rights and Prerogatives that have justly descended unto Vs from our Predecessours both Kings and Queenes of the said Kingdom for many hundreds of yeares past but also have possessed themselves of the whole strength of the said Kingdom in appointing Governours Commanders and Officers in all parts and places therein at their own wills and pleasures without Our consent whereby wee are deprived of Our Soveraignty and left naked without defence And for as much as wee are in our selves very sensible that these stormes blow aloft and are very likely to be carried by the vehemencie of the Protestant Partie into Our Kingdom of Ireland and endanger Our Regall power and authoritie there also Know yee therefore that Wee reposing much care and trust in your duties and obedience which wee have for many yeares past found Doe heerby give unto you full power and authoritie to assemble and meet together with all speed and diligence that a business of so great a consequence doth require and to advise and consult together by sufficient and discreet numbers at all times dayes and places which you shall in your judgement hold most convenient and materiall for the ordering setling and effecting of this great worke mentioned and directed unto you in Our Letters And to use all politicke wayes and meanes possible to possesse your selves for Our use and safety of all the Forts Castles and places of strength and defence within the said Kingdome except the places persons and Estates of Our loyall and loving Subjects the Scots And also to arrest and seize the goods estates and persons of the English Protestants within the said Kingdome to Our use and in your care and speedy performance of this Our will and pleasure Wee shall perceive your wonted duty and Allegiance which Wee shall acknowledge and reward in due time Witnesse Our self at Edenbrough the first day of October in the seventeenth year of our Raigne There is one thing which may stick as a doubt with some that reade this Commission which is not cleared by that Gentleman that hath observed well upon The Mysierie of Iniquitie viz. That the Parliament have possessed themselves of the whole strength of the said Kingdome in appointing Governours Commanders and Officers in all parts and places therein It may be objected There was no such thing done when the Commission bore date It is answered The Parliament even at that time and two moneths
before were a nominating fit persons to be presented to his Majestie to be entrusted with the places of strength within the Kingdome But for further observations upon this Commission and the probability of the truth thereof for works in tenebris must come to light by circumstances be pleased to read the Booke entituled The Mystery of Iniquitie where this Commission is at large set down and you will finde Endymion Porter had the great Seal of Scotland in his custody when the Commission to begin the Rebellion in Ireland was sealed as he had the great Seal of England in custody when the Commission to make a Cessation with those bloudy Rebells called by his Majestie Subjects was sealed But see now as was touched before how the most wise God graciously ordered the effects of all these most wicked plots to fall out exceeding contrary to the wicked hopes and aymes of the Jesuiticall incendiaries and Atheisticall projectors of them turning their counsell into folly and blasting these their high or rather hellish hopes even at the first springing and sprouting of them into execution witness I say that forementioned example thereof in the Irish Souldiers transported out of Ireland to Bristoll yea and that of one Arundell Master of Pendennis-Castle in the West who as it was credibly informed by Letters to London discharged two pieces of Ordnance against two ships fraughted with Irish-Rebells notwithstanding that they produced the Kings Warrant for their landing there and that he also sent a Poste to Oxford to know his Majesties pleasure signifying withall that if they landed the Gentrie of all those parts would forsake the King Witness also that remarkable piece of State-policie and providence whereunto our most prudent Parliamentary Worthies were now at last inevitably necessitated to have recourse by this most odious Cessation and divers other such like destructive designes of the Oxonian adversaries of the Kingdome I mean the establishment and setting on foot a New-broad Seal of England to be resident in the Parliament a piece of great and high concernment for the better advancing and forwarding of the future great and waightie affaires of the Kingdome A Copie of which Declaration and Ordinance of Parliament I have heer thought fit for the Readers better content and satisfaction to insert verbatim as it was printed and published by order of Parliament Novemb. 11. 1643. A Declaration and Ordinance of the Lords and Commons assembled in PARLIAMENT Touching the Great Seal of England WHereas the Great Seal of England which by the Laws of this Realm ought to attend the Parliament being the Supreme Court of Justice and Judicature within this Realm for the dispatch of the great and weighty affaires of the Common-wealth which is especially interessed and concerned therein was above a yeer last past that is to say the two and twentieth day of May An. 1642. by the then Lord-Keeper thereof Edward Lord Littleton then a Member and Speaker of the House of Peers in Parliament contrary to the great trust in him reposed and duty of his place secretly and perfidiously conveyed away from the Parliament into the Kings Army raised against the Parliament the said Lord-Keeper departing therewith into the said Army without the leave or privity of the said House By means whereof great mischiefs and inconveniences have ensued to this Kingdom and the Kingdom of Ireland And whereas the said Great Seal ought constantly to remain in the hands and custody of one or more Officer or Officers sworn for that service and to be used and imployed for the weal and safety of His Majesties People which notwithstanding hath been divers times sithence the conveying away thereof as aforesaid put into the hands of other persons not sworn and Popishly and dangerously affected who have had the disposing and managing thereof at their own wills and pleasures and hath been trayterously and perniciously abused to the ruine and destruction of the Parliament and Kingdom by granting and issuing out divers illegall Commissions of Array and â—other unlawfull Commissions for raising of Forces against the Parliament by issuing out of most foul and scandalous Papers under the Name and Title of Proclamations against both Houses of Parliament and divers Members thereof and others adhering to them and proclaming them Traytors and Rebells Commissions of Oyer and Terminer to proceed against divers of them as Traytors and other Commissions to seize and confiscate their Estates for no other cause but for doing their duties and services to the Common-wealth as likewise by granting that horrid Commission for executing of that most bloudy and detestable designe of Waller Tomkins and others for the destruction of the Parliament and Citie of London and of the Army raised for their just defence and as if Massacres and Assasinations had been but light and veniall crimes another Commission hath been granted under the same Seale for a Cessation of Armes with the barbarous and bloudy Rebels in Ireland after the effusion of so much innocent bloud and slaughter of above one hundred thousand Protestants Men Women and Children by their mercilesse and bloudy hands whereupon a Cessation of Armes is accordingly concluded and those brutish Rebels thereby imboldned to prepare themselves not onely for a totall Extirpation of the Protestants remaining there but for a Conquest also of this Kingdome And further by granting of severall Commissions and Offices of Trust and Command to notorious Papists who by the Laws and Statutes of this Râ—alm are made uncapable thereof and by conferring of Honours and Dignities and granting of Lands and Estates to divers exorbitant Delinquents who stand legally impeached of high Treason and other high Crimes and misdemeanours in Parliament All which and many other unlawfull and enormous Acts have passed under the said Great Seale since the removall thereof from the Parliament as aforesaid Which the Lords and Commons taking into their consideration and finding all wayes and means obstructed for the procuring of any redresse from his Majestie in the Premisses notwithstanding their long hopes and uncessant Labours for the obtaining thereof are bound in duty and of necessitie to provide some speedy Remedy for these insupportable mischiefes BE it therefore Declared and Ordained by the said Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament that as well all and every the said acts formerly mentioned which have passed under the said Great Seal as also all Letters Patents and Grants of any Lands Goods or Estates of any person or persons whatsoever for adhering to the Parliament all Compositions or Grants of any Wardships or Leases of any Wards Lands Liveries Primer seizins Ouster le maines since the said 22. of May 1642. which have not according to the due course of Law passed through the Court of Wards and Liveries established by Law All grants since the said 22. of May 1642. of any Honours Dignities Mannors Lands Hereditaments or other thing whatsoever to any person or persons which have voluntarily contributed or shall voluntarily contribute
improvement wee can make of this our voyage for the honour of our good God in briefly observing and admiring the menacing molestations and shrewd brushes and disturbances which the advers waves and boysterous billowes rocks and sands of most wicked and ungodly proud presumptuous enemies of this Ark labouring to overtop or overturn it yet now by the Lords almightie and irresistible power and sweet protection all those proud waves were broken the rocks removed and the devouring sands securely evaded Both in the good hand of God first Uniting and associating the Counties of Hampshire Sussex Surrey and Kent and ordaining renowned Sir William Waller Commander in chief over them Secondly In the Parliaments pious care and providence for the welfare of forein English Plantations Thirdly In causing a considerable number of English-Irish-Protestant Souldiers transported out of Ireland and landed at Bristoll to fight against the Parliament to revolt from the Kings designes by them and really and readily to turn to the Parliaments-side against the Parliaments enemies Fourthly In that brave defeat given by the Parliaments forces in Shropshire and Cheshire to that proud and unsuccessfull upstart Lord Capell Fifthly In the most successfull pious and renowned Earl of Manchesters spoyling and bereaving of that pernicious Town of Newark of their provision the taking of Bullingbrook-Castle the declining and perishing condition of proud and Popish Newcastles armie and the notable defection of the Gentrie of â—orkshire and other Northern-Counties from the Kings partie Sixthly In the admirable contrary effects which the wisdome of the Lord our God caused the accursed Cessation of armes in Ireland to bring forth which mainly appeared in the Parliaments perfecting and producing their former long intended new Broad-Seal of England and the hopefully happie effects thereof Seventhly In renowned Sir William Wallers brave prize taken about Newbery The most excellent effects which the loss of Stamford-Mount at Plymouth produced And renowned Colonell Rigbies famous victorie at Thurland Eighthly The brave atchievements and victorious performances of the little Town yet greatly renowned Garrison at Pool in Dorsetshire Ninthly The happie re-establishment of the renowned Earl of Warwick in the place of Lord high Admirall of England for the singular securitie and safety of the Kingdome as well by sea as by land Tenthly The brave exploits of the valiant Governour and Garrison of Warwick Castle Eleventhly The most successfull proceedings and brave atchievements of those two renowned Colonells and Commanders Sir William Brereton and Sir Thomas Midleton Twelfthly and lastly the most prudent and provident Ordinance of Parliament granting out Letters of Mart by Sea for the better hindrance of the accursed designes of our Oxonian adversaries in the rebellious and most bloudy Kingdome of Ireland And now tell mee good Reader dost thou not see plainly by all these premised passages and apparent prints of Gods providence The Lord sitting as a most prudent and propitious Pilot at the Stern of his Ark and graciously and gloriously carrying it on safely and securely through the midst of all these molesting and raging waves of wicked men and all their most desperate and devillish designes against it whereby wee may and must most justly and ingenuously acknowledge with the sweet Psalmograph the holy Prophet David Thou O Lord art our safe and secure hiding-place Thou alone dost preserve us from troubles Thou dost encompasse us with songs of deliverance But to proceed The first thing wherewith I shall begin this Moneth of December shall be that happie and blessed business to this Kingdome of fully confirming and setting on foot the new Great Seal of England But before I come to the present relation of what was more fully setled and confirmed therein Give me leave good Reader to acquaint thee with what formerly past about it in Parliament namely That about the midst of October last when as the Commons debating on the speedie putting it in execution they considered a collection of certain Acts then read setting forth the power and use of the great Seal of England and reviewed their former votes touching the absence of the other great Seal at Oxford the substance of which former votes having relation to what was then farther agreed upon I have thought fit heer to insert Resolved on the Question 1. That the great Seal of England ought to attend the Parliament 2. That the absence of it hath been a cause of great mischiefes to the Common-wealth 3. That a remedie ought to be provided for those mischiefes 4. That the proper way is by making a New great Seal And they then proceeded to some farther votes touching the same which were to this effect Resolved on the Question That the great Seal at Oxford be disanull'd and what ever act or thing hath passed under it since it was carried away from the Parliament to be voyd and of none effect and that an Ordinance of Parliament be forthwith drawn up to that purpose By which Vote those late thundring Proclamations against the Parliament and well-affected Subjects of the Kingdome and the many new honours conferred on c. and many others at Oxford for their good service in withholding his Majestie from his Parliament and fostering this unnaturall rebellion against the Parliament Kingdome thereby occasioning the death of many thousands of his Majesties good and loyall subjects will fall flat to the ground Also resolved on the Question That Commissioners of both Houses of Parliament be forthwith appointed viz. Three of the House of Peeres and six of the House of Commons if the Lords so think fit to have the trust of the new great Seal which is to reside with the Parliament for the use of the Parliament and Kingdome And lastly resolved on the Question That the House of Peeres be forthwith desired to nominate such members of their House to joyn with a proportionable number of the Commons House as Commissioners for the said New great Seal and that all businesses proper to the Seal be dispatched by them or by order of both Houses All which was accordingly ratified not long after as was manifested in the Ordinance of Parliament for the great Seal forementioned After which long and serious agitation consultation and debates in both Houses of Parliament a Declaration from both Houses now fully resolved on and the Lord Ruthen Earl of Kent being with full approbation of both Houses chosen and made a Commissioner thereof in stead of the Earl of Rutland first chosen who upon some scruples of conscience objected by him was acquitted of that service and the Ordinance of Parliament accordingly altered The new great Seal was now I say delivered to the Commissioners of both Houses of Parliament for the putting thereof into due execution viz. To the Earl of Kent and the Earl of Bullingbrook for the House of Peers Mr Saint John Sollicitor Generall Mr Serjeant Wilde Mr Prideaux and Mr
as you have that such choice men as they are may not continue long unredeemed God give a sodain stop to this issue of English bloud which is the desire of your faithfull friend to serve you Winton 16 Decemb. 1643. Ralph Hopton And one thing more as a very observable passage of Gods providence heerin I cannot omit namely That the knowledge of this victory as wee were credibly enformed came to Oxford just upon the very same day on which they were making Bonfires at Oxford for joy of the death of that ever most worthily honoured and most pious and prudent Patriot one of the most famous never to be forgotten Atlasses of this Church and State I mean learned and religious Mr John Pim which relation of their loss at Alton could not but be as it were a strong showre of rain to quench the prophane flames of their wicked fiery jollity at our loss of so precious and choice an instrument of so much good as God had made him to the Cause and Kingdome But now to proceed About the middle of this instant December the Duke of Gloucester and the Ladie Princess Elizabeth the two pledges of the Crown of England Scotland Ireland royally kept and maintained by the Parliament at St Jameses were by a private Oxonian plot designed with the close help of some malignant and dis-affected persons about them to be conveyed away to Oxford but Letters being intercepted they were presently the better secured and all ill-disposed servants about them ordered to be removed and good Ministers placed in the roomes of bad ones and to preach monethly by turnes at St Jameses reverend and godly Mr Stephen Marshall and Mr Obadiah Sedgewick being appointed two of them for this service And about Decemb. 20th 1643. the trained bands which had been sent out of London and Westminster to Sir William Wallers army viz. the Red-Regiment under the command of Colonell Sir James Harrington of Westminster The Green Regiment of Auxiliaries under the command of Colonell Whitchcot and the Yellow Regiment of Auxiliaries all which had been upon divers hazardous desperate services and adventures since their going forth and especially at the siege of Basing-House and this last brave defeat at Alton now returned home by the good hand of God to whom be all the honour and praise thereof victoriously to London with about 400 prisoners which they others of Sir William Wallers forces had taken at Alton the Wednesday before as hath been already declared namely 37 Commanders and Officers and 330 common Souldiers together with divers servants and attendants belonging to some of the chief Commanders And as thus they came triumphantly home they were met by the most worthy Lievtenant of the Tower of London Alderman Pennington by Colonell Manwaring Colonell Zacharie together with a brave company of the Hamletts belonging to the Tower and the Citie Marshalls and divers other most gallant Citizens who accompanied them into the Citie that afternoone As for their prisoners they were safely guarded through London to the Royall-Exchange and from thence conveyed and dispersed by direction of the Committee of the Citie for the Militia into severall places of Strength in about London viz. Leaden-hall Bridewell Newgate Eli-house London-house and divers other prisons where they were safely kept in durance till they could be disposed of by way of Exchange or otherwise Much also about this time both Houses of Parliament taking into consideration that the well-government of the City of London did chiefly depend on the faithfulness integrity of their Common-Councell-men and such like Officers of the Citie they passed an Ordinance for the disabling of all those to be Common-Councell-men or to bear any other office of Church-warden Constable c. who shall or doe refuse to take the solemn-League or Covenant appointed to be taken throughout all the three Kingdomes and the like course to be observed concerning those whose estates are sequestred for their delinquencie malignancie against the Parliament who were also to be debarred from bearing any Office or having any vote in any such offices or places as aforesaid A singular good course indeed for the happie conservation of the peace and welfare of the well-affected partie in the Citie and the better putting in due execution of the Orders and Constitutions of the Parliament and Citie as occasions are offered About the 20th of this instant came certain newes by Letters to London that valiant Colonell Sydenham having taken Warham in Dorsetshire as hath been forementioned and fortified it He went with about an hundreth men to Dorchester where he apprehended Capt. William Churchhill Deputie-Governour of that Town his Lievtenant Paty both which had been very active against the Parliament and had compelled that Town and County to yeeld obedience to the Kings Cormorants And there this brave Commander Col. Sydenham brake open the prison and freed such honest men out of it as had been committed by those cruell Cormorants for refusing their illegall commands and took them with him for their further safety There also he met with a Cart laden with Muskets and gunpowder which came from Weymouth and was bound for Bristoll the gunpowder he threw into the river brake 200 Muskets and carried away 80 of them his men not being able to carry any more He also borrowed there of one Mr Cokar a malignant Goldsmith such plate as he had and all this he did in an houre half and returned safe to his garrison at Warham And a little before this action he went into the Isle of Purbeck and carried away from thence 323 cattle of all sorts This is that valiant and faithfull Gentleman that saved the Town of Pool from the Earle of Crafords intended treacherie against it Much also about the foresaid time came credible intelligence by letters to London from Canterbury in Kent that about the 13th or 14th of Decemb. the Ordinance of Parliament for demolishing idolatrous and superstitious images pictures and monuments was there put in execution And the first place which was set upon in Canterbury-Minster was the famous window in that Cathedrall wherein among many other Popish pictures was Austine the Monks picture who first brought Poporie not true Christianity as they vapour and brag from Rome into England and this Austine forsooth was the first Bishop of Canterbury therefore was very fitly first puld down Next they went to the Quire-door over which were placed 13 images or statues of stone 12 of them personating the 12 Apostles and the 13th in the middle of them our Saviour Christ these were all hewn-down and 12 more images of Popish Saints over them which were also headlong thrown down and like so many Dagons had their necks broke in the fall yea and hands and bodies too Many other they also brake down in this Cathedrall and many Crucifixes yea blasphemous pictures of God the Father
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
Master Speaker told them farther that he was commanded in the name of the House to assure them that as the Cities resolution was to live and die with them So they resolved by the grace of God never to desert the City but to make it one of their greatest cares to watch all opportunities to advance the honour happiness of this City which under God hath been the principall meanes of the preservation of this Parliament Now on Thursday January the 18th 1643. according to this foresaid invitation the whole Parliament of Lords and Commons with the Assembly of reverend and learned Divines and the Scottish Commissioners met at Christ-Church in London between 9 and 10 of the clock in the morning in the first place to testifie and acknowledge their bounden gratitude unto almightie God for the gracious preservation both of the Parliament and City from the late desperate designe of those pernicious Conspirators aforesaid who had complotted with Oxford agents to have made a dissention and discord between them There preached before them that day that venerable pious and learned Divine Master Stephen Marshall who before the Sermon made an elegant and patheticall Preface wherein he did excellently set forth both the true occasion of their meeting and the admirable lustre and glory of that most honourable Assembly the like never seen since England was a Kingdome Which being singularly observable I have heer for the Readers better delight and most full satisfaction therein exactly set down and inserted which was to this effect Right Honourable and well beloved in our Lord THis day is a day purposely set apart for feasting and it is like one of the Lords Feasts where you have a Feast and an holy Convocation and you are first met heer to feast your soules with the fat things of Gods House with a Feast of fat things full of marrow and wine on the lees well refined and afterwards to feast your bodies with the fat things of the Land and Sea both plentie and daintie But if you please you may first feast your eyes Doe but behold the face of the Assembly I dare say it is one of the excellentest Feast that ever your eyes were feasted with Heer in this Assembly you may first see the two Houses of Parliament the Honourable Lords and Commons who after thus in my yeares wrestling with extreame difficulties in their indeavouring to preserve an undone Kingdome and to purge and reforme a back-sliding and a polluted Church you may behold them still not onely preserved from so many treacherous designes and open violences but as resolved as ever to goe on with this great work which God hath put into their hands Here you may also see his Excellency my most honoured Lord and neer him that other Noble Lord the Commander of our Forces by Sea as the other is by Land and with them abundance of Lords resolute Commanders all of them with their faces like Lyons who after so many terrible Battles and abundance of difficulties and charging in the faces of so many Deaths are yet all of them preserved and not a haire of their head falne to the ground Here also you may behold the representative Body of the Citie of London the Lord Major the Court of Aldermen the Common-Councell the Militia and in them the face and affection of this glorious Cities this Citie which under God hath had the honour of being the greatest meanes of the salvation of the whole Kingdome and after the expence of Millions of Treasure and thousands of their lives still as courageous and resolute to live and die in the Cause of God as ever heertofore Here you may likewise see a reverend Assembly of grave and learned Divines who daily wait upon the Angel in the Mount to receive from him the lively Oracles and the pattern of Gods House to present unto you All these of our own Nation and with them you may see the Honourable Reverend and Learned Commissioners of the Church of Scotland and in them behold the wisdome and the affection of their whole Nation willing to live and die with us all these may you behold in one view And not onely so but you may behold them all of one minde after so many plots and conspiracies to divide them one from another And which is yet more you may see them all met together this day on purpose both to praise God for this union to hold it out to the whole world and thereby to testifie that as one man they will live and die together in this Cause of God Oh Beloved how beautifull is the Face of this Assembly verily I may say of it as it was said of Salomons Throne that the like was never to be seen in any other Nation I question whether the like Assembly was ever to be seen this thousand yeares upon the face of the earth Me thinkes I may call this Assembly The Host of God I may call this place Mahanaim and I beleeve there are many in this Assembly that would say as old Jacob did when he had seen his son Josephs face Let me now die seeing my son Joseph is yet alive And for mine own part I am almost like the Queen of Sheba when shee had seen the Court of Salomon it is said that shee had no spirit in her and I could send you away and say that you had no cause to weep to day or to morrow but to eate the fat and drink the sweet and send portions one unto another and I should send you away presently but that I have first some banquetting-stuffe for your soules such as the hand of God hath set before you for your inward refreshing the ground whereof you shall finde in the 12 Chapter of the 1 Book of Chronicles and three last Verses Upon which Text the said Mr Marshall made an excellent Sermon sitting his discourse suitable to the persons and occasion After the conclusion of the Sermon the said Honourable Assembly went to Merchant-Taylors-Hall to dinner all the Regiments of the London Trained Bands standing in a compleat posture from Christ-Church to Merchant-Taylors-Hall as two wals between which they passed without presse or disturbance The first that went forth were the Common-Councell men and Militia of London in their gownes after them the Lord Major and Court of Aldermen in their scarlet gownes on horsebacke with their Officers and Attendants next came the Lord Generall and the Lord Admirall and the Earl of Manchester together with about 16 Earles and Lords of the Peers House of Parliament divers Colonels and Military Commanders all on foot and immediately after them came neer two hundred of the worthy Members of the House of Commons and the Speaker of that House with the Mace born before him and then the Commissioners of Scotland and after all these about 80 Divines of the Reverend Assembly All which did much content and delight the spectators to see these so noble
made immediately for a speedy supplying of the said noble Earle with Carriages and all other military necessaries About the 25. of this instant came letters to the Parliament from Sir Will. Wallers army intimating that this ever to be renowned generous Generall having intelligence that a considerable convoy of the enemies was going with much Cattell and other necessary provisions for the further supply of their garrison at Basing-house he sent out a convenient party of his horse who suddenly encountred them seized on their cattell and carriage tooke of the enemy neere the said garrison one master Gunner 3 Serjeants 3 Corporalls 40 common souldiers a 1000 sheep and other fat cattell together with a considerable summe of money which they had gathered in the adjacent Counties to have helped to pay their garrison And about the 26. of this instant came letters out of the North assuring the Parliament that the most noble Lord Fairfax and his famous faithfull and thrice noble son Sir Thomas Fairfax were conjoyned with our loyall brethren of Scotland and that having a very brave army they had drawne their forces on each side the river of Ouze neer unto Yorke and had closely begirt the said City whereby they not onely stopt the passage of any persons from comming to the Earle of Newcastle by water but by land also having made good all the bridges and were in great hope in Gods good time and by the Lords gracious assistance to be victorious masters of the said City About the 28. also of this instant came letters from Northamptonshire informing us that a party of some 30 foot men with firelocks were sent out from Serjeant Major Whetham Governour of Northampton to collect money in that County neer Banbury they had onely a Clerke of a company with them who commanded that party which about Easter-day 1644. lay at Sir Iohn Draytons house at Cannons-Ashby 6 miles from Banbury But a party of the enemies about 200 and 20 horse with them from Banbury-castle having intelligence of their being abroad there marched into the Town which our Forces having notice of got quickly into the Church for their better-safety and defence whether the enemy pursued them and soone got in by fastning a pettard to the Church door which instantly forced it open whereupon our men got into the Steeple which they bravely maintained 2 houres together but at last the Enemy beginning to fire it they yeilded themselves upon composition and were all carried prisoners to Banbury save onely one whom being sorely wounded they left behinde who since got back again to Northampton and there declared these things as aforesaid Our men in this action killed one of theirs with a stone from the Steeple and wounded 2 or 3 others but the Enemy got all their Muskets and about 7 pounds in money and imprisoned all the Souldiers in a Barn in Banbury The next day the Committee and Governour of Northampton hearing hereof sent for an exchange of these prisoners which being refused Major Lidcot who commanded the horse in Northampton it was that same Lidcot that gave the Earl of Northampton a touch on the forehead that knockt him off from his horse at the fight neer Stafford where and when the said Earl was slain This brave Major I say being much displeased at their refusall of the said exchange presently after led forth about 5 or 6 Troops of Horse with 50 fire-locks to Banbury who being undauntedly led into the Town on foot most fiercely entred the same bravely set al our foresaid prisoners at Liberty out of the Barn and then most furiously marched into the very body of the Town where a partee of the Enemy opposed them but ours most bravely beat them into the Castle took 33 of them prisoners whereof 2 were Ensigns and 2 Corporalls released 10 men more whom the Enemy had pressed and intended to send to Oxford for his Majesties service slew 5 or 6 of the Enemies in the fight and took besides 40 horse as many Muskets and so returned back unto Northampton with the losse onely of one man who adventured too far and was taken prisoner Thus were they well revenged on their Enemies for their former losse having sodainly and souldier-like put themselves thus upon such a desperate and most dangerous adventure And much about the conclusion of this Moneth of April 1644. we were certified by Letters out of Scotland that our faithfull and loving brethren of that Nation were not a little encouraged at the prudent and pious progresse of our Assembly of Divines in England at Westminster they having sent Letters to some Members of the said Assembly and to their own Divines to the same effâ—ct intimating therein That England could give them no greater content and incouragement to gain their best assistance and love than this their willingnesse in joyning themselves with them in the Solemn Covenant thereby to set up a thorough Reformation in all their Churches according to the Word of God And together with those Letters they sent likewise a letter sent by the Juncto at Oxford to the Noble Earl of Argyle and other Lords of the Councill of Scotland which were much to this effect in briefe First therein manifesting their impious explanation of the Act of Association of both kingdomes which as they said with Iesuiticall Spirits was consented to by the Lords Subscribers thereunto and others that were prisoners with them at Oxford as though the Act of Association had not been made with the joynt consent of his Majesty and the Parliament of both Kingdomes but between a private Juncto and some aspiring Papists stupid Atheists Parasiticall Iesuite Priests and damnable Irish Rebels then at Oxford Withall they further averred That the Lords in Parliament at Westminster were not then above 25 and that the major part of the Commons were then with them at Oxford that there were nothing but tumults in London and unruly Voting which was the cause that they themselves had deserted that pretended Parliament as then they audaciously and maliciously called and counted it and what said they in this Letter Will ye my Lords get but a knock with a pollax or a Sequestration-lash But all this was but the Preface to this their learned Epistle Their subject matter follows in such modest straines as these We do conjure you my Lords by your common allegiance and subjection to the King by the amity and affection betwixt the two Nations by the Treaty of Pacification and by all Obligations both Divine and Humane to use your utmost endeavours to prevent the effusion of so much blood as must needs follow the invasion of this Kingdome this you must consider was before our Scottish brethrens comming in unto us by your intended Armies preparing for the pretended Parliament at Westminster Thus you see good Readers that our impious Oxonians seem to be very sensible and tender of the effusion of blood which
they say the comming in of the Scottish Nation will occasion though they know very well that their former comming in was by Gods mercy a great means to prevent it and so also may this but they are too willing to forget or at least to silence what horrid cruelties are dayly committed by their bringing over of such multitudes of Irish Rebels or that this damdable Plot of theirs can be any Invasion of our Kingdome since these are forsooth the Kings honest Catholik Subjects O grosse and egregious daubing and dissimulation Now the Lords of the Councill of Scotland having received this Letter spent no long time about it but the very next day O the mercy of our God thus to cleare up their pious and prudent judgement herein dispatched an answer to that Letter much to this effect That they conceived their Lordships at Oxford were not so great strangers to their proceedings as not to know that their expedition into England was not intended till all other meanes were first assayed and disappointed That they will not deny the invitation of the Parliament to ayde them and that not onely out of pittie to see England bleed but out of sense of the danger of their owne Religion and Lawes they had thus as a maine cause taken up Armes at this present that they hold not the invitation of the Parliament any wayes invalid or null'd because they at Oxford are wanting thence or others are gone beyond the Seas having either wilfully deserted the Parliament or been expelled thence for their Delinquency but how this Parliament hath sought earnestly for Reformation of Religion for redresse of grievances and the happy settlement of the great affaires of that Kingdome and which was indicted by his Majestie for these ends is ratified by a speciall Act of Parliament not to be raised without advise and consent of both Houses as null and void and that those who stay in Parliament are not a sufficient number without them at Oxford is more than they can apprehend And as they are more deepely affected with unfeined griefe for these unhappy differences betweene his Majestie and his Subjects and more sensibly touched with the sufferings of their Brethren than desirous to judge of the Lawes and practises of another Kingdome So they doe hold themselves in duty obliged to their Countrey to clear that Kingdome of that unjust aspersion of invasion These things with sundry other excellent expressions were contained in this Letter or answer to the former as by the Letters themselves Printed and published at large appeared And heere now good Reader I shall again desire to cast Anchor to put in and make a short stay in the happy Harbour of this Moneths Voyages conclusion also a little to refresh and recollect thine and mine own serious thoughts in the most gratefull Contemplation and Recapitulation of all the eminent and excellent Parliamentary Mercies as so many specious and precious Merchandizes safely brought home in the Successefull adventure of the Arke of God in this Moneths Voyage which may conspicuously appeare to the eyes and understanding of any of all intelligent and impartiall Readers First In that most fragrant Aprill Primrose or odoriferous virtuous Violet I meane that most excellent Ordinance of Parliament for the better sanctifying of the Lords day In those brave Defeates given to our Adversaries The one at Munck-bridge by Sir Iohn Gell the other given to Colonell Bellusyes by victorious Colonell Lambere in Yorkeshire In the remarkable meanes of Conveyance of the Ammunition from Warwick to Gloucester And how thereby they were enabled to fright and secret their neighbouring Enemies Together with the taking in of Waltham-house by Colonell Whitehead with the good assistance of the London Brigade which God made victorious both going and comming In the happy Conjunction of the Lord Fairfaxes Forces with his most valiant and virtuous Son Sir Thomas Fairfax whereby their eminent designes were by Gods mercie greatly advanced which was immediately begun in the taking of Cawood Castle and the Isle of Axholme In the farther good successe and singular good service of Captaine Swanley in South-Walles And the regaining of Crowland a place of great concernment by the noble Earle of Manchesters Forces In the Hollanders Honourable attestation of precious Master Prynnes learned Labours in his Invincible Vindication of the Parliaments Power and Priviledges Together with the most comfortable correspondency betweene our Kingdome and Parliament and the Kingdome of Swethland and also States of the Vnited Provinces In that most Famous and admirable Victory obtained by the right Honourable and most renowned Lord Fairfax at Selby in Yorkeshire In the prosperous pursuit of Newcastles Atheistiall Army from Durham to Yorke by our valiant and vigilant brethren of Scotland the most noble Earle of Manchester and most worthily thrice Honourable Lord Fairfax who all uniting and joyning themselves together into a body about Yorke necessitated Newcastle to be enclosed and coop'd up within the walles of the said City In the brave Defeat given by renowned Sir William Waller to the Kings Cormorants at Basing-house Together with that other given by Northampton Forces to their Adversaries at Banbury And lastly in the Lords most gracious frustrating and foolifying that most pâ—rnicious Oxonian Plot to have diverted or rather perverted the Christian Amity and Fidelity of our loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland in their pious purposes aud resolutions to come into our Kingdome for our timely and needfull assistance All which precious premises rightly regarded and most seriously considered especially that most remarkable Conquest at Selby and this the Lords most gracious turning of Oxonian Achitophels crafty and cruell Counsell into folly O who can but most justly and ingenuously acknowledge that in all in any of these rare and rich Parliamentary-mercies the Lord hath most comfortably caused his blessed Arke triumphantly still to over-toppe the high swelling waves and rough rising billows of Papists Atheists and mischievous malignants So that we may in strong and long experienced confidence in God conclude with holy David Yet truly the Lord is good to his Israel and to all such as are of an upright heart Great câ—use have wee therefore with magnanimous Martyn Luther in our greatest straits and seeming distresses to say and sing God is our refuge and strength a very present help in time of trouble Therefore we wil not fear though the earth be removed and though the mountaines be hurryed or caryed into the midst of the sea and though the waters thereof roar and be troubled But now to goe on and to lanch forth again into the next Mouths adventure And first to begin with the certain intelligence which about the beginning of this Moneth of May came to London by Letters from Plymouth that that traiterous Skellum and base Apostate Sir Richard Greenvile came within two miles of Plimouth to a place called S. Butolphs with some Forces of Horse and Foot whereof
the blood of the Protestants that was upon them And about the same time we were certainly enformed that the most gallant and active Governour of Gloucester Colonell Massey loosing no time to annoy the Enemie nor omitting any opportunity to advance and advantage the Kingdomes Cause intercepted a Letter going from Wales to Oxford the contents whereof signifying that if assistance came not all Wales would be utterly lost And he also having intelligence of some preparations for that designe on the Enemies side to be put in action by Colonell Mynne he instantly and resolutely fell upon Mynnes quarters took divers Prisoners and Horse and brake the necke of that designe And about the same time it pleased the Lord very graciously to defeat our Adversaries devillish designs in the discovering of a most treacherous plot for the betraying of Gloucester into the enemies hands which was acted and agitated by one Edward Stanford Esquire a knowne Papist who plotted with an honest and loyall-hearted Gentleman Captaine Backhouse a Captaine of Horse under Colonell Massey In whom this Papist conceived he had a deep interest by reason of former ancient and intimate acquaintance To whom this Stanford assured a reward of 5000 l. for effecting the Treason But Captaine Backhouse most loyally and politickly deceived the said Popish Traitor and by speciall assent and good liking of Colonell Massey exchanged divers Letters about the firme contriving and carrying on of the businesse and so brought the Popish Agent into such a Fooles or Knaves Paradise as that he received 200 l. in hand of the said moneyes from Stanford and held out the acting of the businesse at least 3 moneths in treaties about it and things so fell out in that interim that partly Captaine Backehouse seemed to be necessitated to put it off but principally themselves were not fitted for action therein So that in the upshot they found themselves wound into a dangerous noose had it gone on and so voluntarily themselves left it off All this being at large related in print by Captain Backhouse himselfe with the interchangeable letters that past betweene them wherein was a cleare and full discovery of the whole plot to the just shame of those blood-thirsty traitors and the most deserved honour of that most loyall and faithfull commander Captain Backhouse May the 10. the most renowned and ever to be highly honoured Citizens of London observing a long and tedious obstruction in the Parliament about the re-establishing of the State-Committee of both Kingdomes which in its former setlement had produced much good to the affaires of the Kingdome and finding that the City Malignants began in their common discourse to seem to have great hopes of an utter dissolution thereof and most justly much fearing the ill consequences that were likely to follow thereon and considering that the main rub and remora thereof was in the House of Peeres The religious resolute prudent and provident Citizens therefore petitioned First their owne City Common-Council and the Common-Councill in the name of the whole City lamenting the not farther continuing of this Committee for both Kingdomes petitioned the whole House of Peeres for a most happy and speedy concurrence with the House of Commons especially now when an unanimous correspondency betweene them even in this conjuncture of time might redound much to their honours and the singular good of the Kingdome it having in 3 moneths time almost ruined our adversaries in their deepest designes against us as affaires then stood To which petition the Lords returned a very respective answer with great thankes for their love and care for the publike good And upon the 15. of May following the two Sheriffs of London with severall of the Aldermen and Common-Councill being the representative body of the City of London presented to the House of Commons in Parliament an humble petition expressing to that honourable House their thankefullnesse for the great and undefatigable paines which the House had now for some yeares past taken in the service of the publike Telling them withall that they were very sensible of the great discouragements they had received by some late obstructions yet did humbly desire them to loose no time in setling the Committee of both kingdomes assuring them that the City was resolved to obey the orders and directions of the House of Commons and that with the House of Commons they would live and dye as by the petition it selfe it was more at large expressed The House of Commons hereupon by their Speaker instantly returned many thanks to the City for their continued affection to the publique and to that House in particular and because a Petition so full of affection and resolution for the good of the publique might appeare to posterity They ordered it to be entred in the Journall-Book of the Parliament and the answer thereunto which was framed in expressions so suitable to the Petition as that it was exceedingly for the honour of the City and for the terrour of the enemies of this great Cause who eagerly sought and were in great hope at this time to have divided the one from the other The substance of this answer was delivered by Master Speaker as aforesaid on the very day of the delivery of the said City Petition and upon the Saturday following their Petition having been delivered but the Thursday before being May the 18th it was by expresse Order of the House delivered in writing by divers members of the House at a Common Councill in Guild-Hall sitting there of purpose to recieve the same Yea and upon the 20th or 21 of May next ensuing the Lords sent to the House of Commons this so long desired Ordinance for setling the Committee of both kingdomes with the alteration only of one word in it and the addition of two words more than were in it before and thus this weighty matter so long in disputation and expectation was now comfortably composed and yeelded unto to the great content of the well-affected and to the adversaries of the Causes great vexation and discouragement But yet within a day or two after the House of Commons moved the House of Lords againe by way of a reply to former Propositions therein with solid reasons why they could not concur with the Lords to have an additionall number of 15. to mannage the State-affaires with secrecy which is the key of certainty this having been the great blocke and obstruction in this weighty businesse and matters of high concernment being best carryed on when the number is the least So that at last the Lord was pleased to direct the heart of the Peeres to a full and clear setlement of this great businesse according to the desire of the House of Commons and long longed expectation of all the Well-affected Party and to the heart vexation of Malignants who hoped for an unhappy intestine division hereby among our selves Much also about
joy of Gods people and the extreame terrour of the malignant Papisticall and Atheisticall adversaries of the great and glorious Cause of God there was a generall muster of all the City forces yet remaining within the line of Communication besides 6 Regiments of the City forces then abroad upon the publique service which were found to be no lesse than 12 regiments of foot of the London Train'd bands containing 40 companies Also Sir Iames Harringtons regiment being the Train'd bands of Westminster and that liberty containing 8 companies Colonell Hudsons regiment being that of Southwarke containing also 8 companies Also 4 regiments of Auxiliaries containing 20 companies within the City Colonell Willoughbies regiment being the Auxillaries of the Hamlets containing also 8 companies In all 48. All the companies of each severall regiment being more than 6 Companies in a Regiment were taken for a guard for the City and Parliament The rest being 12 Regiments 6 Companies in a Regiment marched about Noon on Thursday May 30. 1644. to Hyde-Parke where Tents were pitcht and Ordnance planted and whither the Right Honourable Sir John Wollaston then Lord Mayer of London together with the Right honourable the Lady Majoresse and other Ladies and Gentlewomen in about 30 Coaches went to see this famous Muster performed and where met them divers of the Lords and 〈◊〉 of Parliament who were there entertained in great State together with all the brave Colonels and Commanders The other 12 were thus disposed of 7 Companies to Guard the Works and Forts upon the Northside of the River 2 Companies to Guard the Southern side 1 Company for Westminsterh The other 2 Guarded the City one Company thereof at the Exchange the other Company halfe at the Tower-hill and the other at Pauls The names of the Colonels whose Regiments went forth were these The Right Honourable the Lord Mayors of the City of London Col. Atkins Col. Penningtons Col. Adams Col. Warners Col. Towers Col. Haringtons Col. Hâ—â—sons Col. Towes Col. Willoughbies Col. Shepheards and Colonell Harsnets This good Reader is here mentioned not to cause our hearts to be lifted up with pride by the Reedish-props of the arme of flesh No God forbid it God the searcher of all hearts knowes I am for from it and should much grieve if any should make such a sinister use of it but unfeinedly desiring in the words and with the spirit of the prophet Hosea to â—â—y out and confesse that Ashut shall not save 〈◊〉 we will noâ— ride 〈◊〉 horses nor will wee say to the workes of our hands ye are our gods for in thee the fatherlesse findeth mercy No I say I only doe it to shew forth the admirable power and great pitty of the Lord toward us who thus graciously raised us up and Remembred us in our â—owestate for his mercy endureth for ever But now to go on About the 3â— of this 〈◊〉 May we had certain intelligence that Russell-Hall in Staffordshire was surrendred to the noble Earle of Denbigh who managed the worke there with singular martiall prudence and prowesse There was taken in it Colonell Lane and divers other commanders at least 〈◊〉 other prisoners and all the 〈◊〉 in the House They tooke there also above 10000 l. worth of goods and wares that had beene plundered and pillaged from the carriers comming from London and other parts going toward Lancashire this being observed to have beene one of the most thee â—ing garrisons of the royall Cormorants in all that County in that they had sometimes taken 7 â—â—ore packs at a time from the Country so that 〈◊〉 piece of service hath much advantaged the security of the Country there about both in reguard they may have more free and fearlesse passage for the time to come to Coventry and London and also in reguard that a greater part of the goods thus taken will be restored to the proper owners And much about the same time we were for certain enformed by letters from Plymouth that the garrison therein sallying forth with a considerable party fell upon the enemies quarters at a place called Milbrooke 2 miles from thence where they tooke 9 pieces of ordnance a 150 prisoners a 100 cowes and 300 sheepe In which encounter 10 of the enemies were slain and 6 of ours And Colonell Martyn the brave Governour thereof did then also certifie that hee was in a good posture of defence onely that he desired some farther supply of provision to be sent unto him for which purpose 3 barks were speedily laden with victuals and all other necessaries for reliefe of the said brave Towne and faithfull inhabitants thereof Much also about the same time came certaine information by letters from Nottingham to London that that valiant and faithfull Governour of Nottingham castle Colonell Hutchinson whom neither the power nor the promises of the atheisticall Marquesse of Newcastle could ever make to startle from his loyalty and sincere obedience to the Parliament had lately sent forth a party of horse toward Newarke where they encountred with a party of the enemies horse under the command of Captain Thimbleby and Captain Cartwright and after a hot skrimish and brave bickering forcing them to fly they tooke in the pursute between 50 and 60 horse and about 20 officers and gentlemen prisoners among whom was Captain Cartwright and a Captain Lieutenant whom the acute Rhetorick of their swords perswaded to keepe them company to Nottingham-castle the foresaid Captain Thimbleby being slain in the fight And finally about the end of this Moneth of May came certain Newes of divers letters intercepted dated at Lyme May 24. under the hands of Portescue formerly a Parliamenterian Ashburnham her Majesties bed-chamber friend and some others of that stamp who informed their great masters Bristol and Heath by those letters that that villanous Town of Lyme had destroyed more brave gentlemen of the West and men of honour than had been lost in all the West since these wattes began But that they were resolved once more to storme it for a farewell and would dispute it line by line and worke by work yet feared they should be forced to leave the siege else the Country people they said would cut their throats they were so bent for the Parliament at Westminster And shortly after according to the tenour of the foresaid Letter they assaulted this brave Towne whereupon the Towne-Souldiers suffered them to make a breach in their Workes and then ran away from the defence of the Worke as if indeed they had fled away from the Enemy but by that time that 3 or 4 hundred of the Enemies were entred the breach they instantly made use of the advantage and cut off and tooke every man of them Prisoners with their Armes and Ammunition and had the slaughter of the Enemy from other of their Works and thus by Gods great mercy beat off their Enemy and rested safe and secure for this time also And here
the full and cleare raising of that famous Siege to the perpetuall shame and disgrace of Maurice Pawlet Stoell Ashburnham Strangewayes and others which was confirmed by a Letter sent by the most renouned Earl of Warwick Lord Admirall to the Speaker of the Honourable House of Peers in Parliament and by Master Iesops Letter also and others the substance of all which in effect was this That since the most Noble and ever to be honoured Earl of Warwicke performed that brave Service in so timely relieving Lyme in the deepest of its distresse and continued there observing the occurrences and carriage of affaires as well without as within the Town and that the Enemyes had in the space of 4 or 5 dayes shot many Volleys of great and small shot into the Town but most unsuccessefully the besieged answering them still as courageously as ever at the first Hopton also comming to the Leaguer and hoping to have made some recruite of his broken fragments but was refused and at Dartmouth also whither he came with but 7 Horse giving out there that he was to raise an Army of 15000 men if hee could have got them and Maurice also now tyred with so â—oylesome a worke and terrified also with fear of the Parliaments Lord Generalls approach into those parts and especially to this Town to free it of its fear of his forces and unneighbourly neighbourhood that thus I say after the Enemies losse of at least an 105 Officers besides some more superiour Officers and commanders 25 Gunners and above 2000 common souldiers more than they lost at Bristol and Exeter as some of themselves confest Prince Maurice on sad and serious consideration of all these disasters and many more about June the 14th by two of the clock in the morning quite raised this his siege and went clear away to Exeter After whose departure the noble Lord Admirall Master Iesop and many others going into Lime to view the Townes line and the Enemies workes and truely comparing the very great slendernesse of the Towns line with the extraordinary strength and solidity of all the Enemies Works they could not but greatly admire what had been done by them and were forced most freely to confesse and grant that the defence of Heaven was meerly and cleerly their munition of rocks and that it was little lesse than a miracle that they should hold out so long and violent a Siege especially the Towne standing at the bottome of two hills and their Workes so low and thinne that in many places one might have runne over them and a strong hand might have thrust them downe they being in effect as it were paper or pasteboord walles and in the latter end of the siege the Enemies outragiously shooting into the Towne barres of Iron pieces of Anchors and great Shot blowne up to as great a measure of heat as was possible they having a Forge on purpose which falling on Houses fired many yet were sodainely quenched with onely hurt not death of but three men insomuch that all that saw and considered these things could not choose but with admiration ingenuously confesse that certainely there was never more valour and undantednesse of spirit shewn in the world against a potent and pestilent Enemy than was in thus defending this place and that every man deserved as the most noble Earle of Warwicke himselfe there publikely professed some eminent badge of honour to remaine to their posterity in memoriall of this most famous Siege About the time of the end of the Siege some 26 of the Enemies side came in unto the Lord Admirall freely and faithfully proffering their service to the Parliament among whom was Lievtenant Fair an Officer of the Lord Brogall brother to the Lord Inchiquin and 10 also of Inchiquins Regiment came in unto them One Irish woman left behinde was slaine and almost pull'd in pieces by the women of Lime In the Siege many houses were burnt and yet a Granado falling into a roome in one house and breaking upon a bed wherein lay 3 children not one of them had any harme there was scarce a house in the whole Towne that was not battered and scarce a roome into which shot had not beene made At one last great fire in the Towne two maides carying betweene them a vessell of water had three of their hands shot off One of these t is probable was that honest maid that spake so christianly as was forementioned in the reliefe of Lime touching the losse of one of her hands In all this the most noble and renowned Lord Admiralls pious and singular charitable affection to the Towne gained a most just acknowledgement from them That they all did owe their lives under God to his most honourable Lordship But above all all honour and praise is most due to the great God of Lime in this his mighty and even miraculous deliverance of it it being also a businesse of so great consequence as by Gods mercy to bring in the whole West Countrey who resolved long before to obey no command on the other side till Lime was taken O had Prince Maurice but obtained one Commander of the Parliaments that is God and their good Cause what a Victor might he have proved with but halfe the strength which by relation hee brought of the Country people thereabout The Enemies cursed the unlucky houre as they called it of their comming thither having lost as I said before from the first to the last at least 2 or 3000 Souldiers and the Town but six score men with the most Ever praised be the great God of battailes for it And thus the Lord at last to the glory of his great name and joy of his servants set Lime at liberty from all their former feares and dangers To all which mercies let me adde this as a prime result of them all that I make no doubt but that the prayers put up at that instant on their behalfe both aboard our Ships and in other parts of the Kingdome were a speciall and speedy meanes to shorten their dangers shelter their persons and hasten this their happy deliverance The thus happy relieving of this brave Garrison of Lime by the ever renowned and most highly to be honoured Earle of Warwick was and that most deservedly taken by the Parliament as a most singular and acceptable service done to the Kingdome who thereupon Ordered That a Letter of thankes should be sent unto him from both the Houses of Parliament for his great care love and loyalty therein And that not onely this brave Garrison of which we may say as the Damesels sang before the Arke That Saul had slain his thousand but David his ten thousand So other Garrisons have slaine their thousand done very bravely but this of Lime it s ten thousands far out-stript them all to encourage I say not onely this Garrison but that the whole Kingdome might as well
the Parliaments Cause above all the boisterous Billowes and swelling Surges which have tost and tumbled it too and fro purposing thereby to have over-topt or over-turned it but our God I say who is Soveraigne Lord of Sea and Land hath borne up the beautifull Sailâ—s of his blessed Arke and carryed it on most comfortably and brought it home safely to its home and harbour And therefore who can be so stupid and stony-hearted as not to acknowledge but that this is the Lords owne Worke and it is marvellous in our eyes and therefore in spirituall exultation to sing out with holy David and say The waters saw thee O God the proud waves and waters of the world even wicked and bloody men and were afraid before thee and the great depths were troubled at thee So that as Moses also sang The Children of Israel went into the the middest of them upon dry ground and the mighty waters were so farre from drowning or destroying them that they were a wall of safe-guard on their right and on their left hand to defend them And therefore as the foresaid sweet Singer of Israel Not unto us Lord not unto us but to thy great name be all the praise and glory of all these rare and rich mercies of all these many and mighty Deliverances But now to proceed ANd now we shall by Gods safe assistance put forth to Sea again with our blessed Barke the Arke of our God even our most righteous Cause and make this our next Moneths Voyage and begin first wiâ—h a present touch upon the Parliaments most renowned Lord Generalls successefull proceedings in the Westerne parts of the Kingdome From whence wee were certified by Letters from Chard that about the latter end of the last moneth and beginning of this there came in unto his Excellency within the circuit of twelve miles at lâ—st 4000 men who were all drawn into Rankes and Files in a Meadow whither his Excellency came to welcome them together with the noble Lord Roberts Lord Marshall of the Field who made an excellent speech unto them which they most cheerefully accepted with great and frequent acclamations they all offering themselves to live and dye in the Parliaments Cause and this in part confirmes what I mentioned before touching these West Countreymen at Dorchester Plymouths brave Garison also offered to take the Field with the most noble Lord Roberts who was Ordered aud resolved to goe into Cornwall and a part of that Garrison went out at that time about seven miles from Plymouth beat up a quarter of the Enemies tooke 44 Horse with their Riders Prisoners were pursued by that Skellum Greenvill but he also was beaten backe in great disorder with the losse of divers of his men Colonell Arundell a Member of the Oxford Junto and Major Wiseheart were slaine Colonell Digby brother to the traiterous Lord Digby wounded in the face and Greenvile himselfe closely put to it for his life but escaped the Gallowes as yet Much about the same time we were also informed by Letters out of Darbysh that that most worthy and active Patriot S. Ioh. Gel having sent 3 troops of horse 2 troops of dragoons to the E. of Denbigh then in Lancashire had also a small party of Horse abroad towards Nottingham seeking adventures who were met by some of the Kings Forces from Winkefield and divers of ours by them taken Prisoners but the alarme comming to Darby a fresh Party was sent out who in Winkefield set upon the Enemy as they were carousing and rejoycing at dinner for their good successe where they recovered all their owne men tooke 80 of the Enemies Horse and Riders and brought them all safe to Darbie without the losse of one man of their owne About the 4th of this instant Iuly we had also certaine newes out of the West that the greatest part of the Garrison at Barnstable being called off by Prince Maurice who it was then said was to goe to Pendennis Castle to be a Life-guard to the Queene yet the Garrison would needs leave a stinking savour behind them of their old trade of Plundering Whereupon the Inhabitants knowing the Lord Generall was at hand tooke courage and stoutly resisted them and in the issue bravely overcame their late tyrannicall Masters Which the most noble Lord Generall understanding of presently sent them a strong Party of Horse under the Command of the noble Lord Roberts and Sir Phillip Stapleton to helpe them to beat them quite away and keep them out from returning againe And thus they most happyly shooke off that servile Yâ—akâ— of those cruell Cavees and twice repulsed young Digby and others whom Prince 〈◊〉 â—ent to have reduced them again under that banefull bondage and killed divers of them and tooke many others prisoners And now we hope they begin to taste how sweet religion and Liberty is And ô how vâ—liant they grow being now sensible I say of what it was that made their brave Brethren of Lyme with so much unheard of 〈◊〉 to fight and stand it out against such spoylers of their peace and conscience comforts Much also about the foresaid time we had certain intelligence at London by a letter sent by that brave Commander Sir Thomas Midleton to the Speaker of the Honourable House of Commons concerning the brave and victorious raising of the siege of Oswestree lately taken by the noble Earle of Denbigh as was forementioned who left that brave Commander Colonell Mitton Governour of the said Town and Castle and which presently after my Lords departure for Lancashire was besieged by the Kings forces of those parts under the Command of Colonell Marrow which Letter containing a full relation of the carryagâ— of the whole worke I have thought fit here to insert as it was printed and published by authority of Parliament which was as followeth To the Honourable William Lenthall Esquire Speaker of the House of Commons HONOURED SIR NOt to trouble you with vain relations whereby to hinder the other serious imployment for the Kingdomes good May it please you to be advertised That the Town of Oswestree late taken by the Forces of the Parliament under my Brother Colonell Mittons Command was upon Saturday last begun to be begirt and since strictly besieged by the Kings forces consisting of about Fifteen hundred Horse and Three thousand five hundred Foot under the command of Colonell Marrow And that thereupon in pursuance of a Councell of War's determination occasioned by â—â—â—â—arnest and importunate Letter from my Brother Colonell Mitton directed to wee for speedy reliefe and raising of the siege of the said Towne I did upon the Lords-day last past with such Forces of Horse and Foot as I then had with me and the Foot Forces of Cheshire all of us then at Knotsford upon a determinate resolution to have marched for Manchester and then for the service in the North According to enjoyment of the Committee of both
Gods glory and our great comfort as witty and worthy Britanicus well noted his Majestie made Bonefires in the morning and our three foresaid noble Generalls quenched them and put them all out again before night And though now I have done with this brave Battell and famous Victory yet give me leave Good Reader to add this one note for a conclusion which I had from very credible and good information viz. That our Malignants choice Champion and stout Souldier Prince Robber as valiant and courageous as they would have the world hould him to be yet I say this great Kill-â—owe besides the losse of his dainty Dog found dead among the rest of the slain lost also his brave Beaver in the field or flight for found it was and himselfe as divers affirmed lay hid in a Bean-field as was toucht before after a litle service done in the field untill it was dark and then got away into Yorke And in the same place where the Marq. of Newcastles Commission was found there was also found a Letter signed with Charls Rex to it saluting the Marquesse of Newcastle by the name of Right Trusty and most entirely beloved Couzen and Councellor by which we may observe that he was most entirely beloved that put Armies into Papists hands to cut the troats of Protestâ—nts signifying by that Letter That his Lordship should take care that the Lord Viscount Rochford should have all his Rents paid unto him for that he was reconciled to his Majesty If then his Majesty spake truth the Lord of Rochford deserved much blame who was thereupon accused by the House of Commons for adhering to the Enemies and upon Thursday Iuly the 11. the said Lord comming to the House of Peers was saluted with an impeachment of high Treason and committed prisoner to the Black Rod. About the 12 of this instant it was for certain informed that although they at Oxford boasted much of the relieving of Greenland-House yet now by Gods mercy it was yeilded upon fair termes and moderate Articles unto Major Generall Brown and that for the present his Souldiers maintained a Garrison in it But that it was resolved on not to continue it so but to have it demolished to the ground The taking of this House was of great concernment to the City of London for by that means great quantities of provisions may be securely convayed by water to London out of Oxfordshire and Barkshire and aboundance of Wood out of the Oxford Malignants estates in those parts to serve London for fuell all the succeeding winter Much also about the same time came certain intelligence by Letters out of the Western parts of the Kingdome that the Forces of his Excellency the Parliaments most Noble Lord Generall under the Command of Sir Robert Pye and Colonell Blake had taken Taunton Castle a peice of great strength and concernment also in those parts and that in it they had taken 4 Iron peeces of Ordnance 6 Murtherers 4 Hogsheads of Beef a load of Iron great store of powder one Demi culverin 2 tun of Match one powder-Mill a great quantity of bullets 2 Loads of Cheese 2 Hogsheads of Oatmeal with great store of Salt Wheat Meal and other sorts of provision with store of Housholdstuffe and rich moveables and Colonell Reve who commanded the Castle for the King and the rest of his souldiers had quarter to March away to Bridgewater the Kings next Garrison Town About the 14th of this instant came also certain information by letters from the truely noble Lord Denbigh that whereas he had made a shew as if he would have drawn his Forces toward Shrewsbery as intending to besiege it yet indeed his private resolution 〈…〉 upon the House of the Lord Cholmley and tooke it which was a singular good 〈◊〉 of service to the State in 〈◊〉 that this House had been a very great and long mischiefe to the Country in those neer adjacent 〈◊〉 into it Much also about this foresaid time we were certified by letters out of Lincolnshire of the brave activity and valour of Colonell Rossiter Governour of Lincoln who weekly used to fall upon the Enemy neer Newark and that at one time he took a Major a Captaine and 30 Troopers and their horses Shortly after also that issuing out again he took another Major 3 Captains and 50 horse more with their Riders within three miles of Newark The Commanders especially were good prize these not being so easily 〈◊〉 as Horses those Newarke plunderers making a shift frequently to take an 100 horse in a hight out of the Villages about them Thus that poor County of Lincoln was continually wronged and turned by that pestilent den of plunderers About the 16th of this instant came certain intelligence of some late performances and good Service done by Captain Sydenbam and Captaine Carr neer Dorchester which was informed to be thus The Lord Inchiquin drew out of Warchaâ—â— about 240 horse and Dragoons and came against Dorchester intending to plunder burn and destroy all before them but making some pause before they fell upon the Town it gave Valiant Captain Sydenham and Captain Carr the opportunity of comming to their reliefe before they had attempted the intended mischiefe and so they fell upon the said Enemies about a mie from the Town beat them soundly back again took 160 prisoners with 60 horse and good store of their late gotten plunder elsewhere loaden in a Waggon and that some of the Enemies so taken being Irish Rogues euen 8. of them thus taken had such quarter given them as they gave the Protestants 〈◊〉 Ireland viz. That they hanged them up presently they having pursued their Enemies about 12 miles killing many of them by the way About this foresaid 〈◊〉 the honourable House of Commons in Parliament took into confideration having also before it passed the bill and great businesse of Ordination of Ministers the pious and religious 〈◊〉 of a godly and learned ministery of which there was and iâ— great complaint of the 〈◊〉 of and not without cause thankes to our former wicked Bishops almost all over the whol Kingdome And thereupon they agreed that all such as shall have Ordination shall be sound men well skil'd in Philosophy Logick and in the Tongues If all these and piety especially must precede it is to be feared that an age will not furnish all the Parishes in England and Wales in such a manner How ever we have just cause to blesse the Lord most heartily for so blessed and long desired a godly resolution in them and to wait on God for the good issue thereof Much also about the 18th of this instant July came certain intimation by Letters to London from out of Leistershire that Generall Hastings that wicked Râ—b-Carrier of all those parts was at Colchetâ—â— with about 2000 horse and Foot they being all he could possibly draw out of all the Garrisons under his Command with
for even then when the Enemies came in like a flood then did the Lord lift up his Standard against them And truly the Lord hath dealt with all our proud Enemies all along in a most eminent and evident manner had we but eyes and hearts of undersanding to see and perceive it even ever since these last most notorious and odious plots and practizes of the Atheisticall Royalists in the abominable businesse of the accursed cessation and confederation with the bloody Rogues and Rebells of Ireland just as it is most notably set forth by the Prophet Ezekiel concerning Pharaoh King of Aegypt Our proud Enemies were like young Lyons of the nations and as a Whale in the sea and came out of their rivers and troubled our waters with their feet and fouled our rivers with mud and blood But the Lord our God did then spread out a net over them with a company of many people who brought them up into his net and dragg'd them and there the Lord left them as fish upon dry-land and cast them forth upon the open field and caused the fouls of the heaven to remain upon them and had they been left unburied all the beasts of the land had been filled with them as those inhumane bloody Irish-Rebels suffered many of our poor English Protestants to be devoured by hogs and dogs left unburied in their fields and ditches And now therefore good Christian and candid Reader thou who hast any true English-ingenuity and piety sparkling in thy soul speak from thy heart and conscience and tell mee truely have wee not great and everlasting cause with most cordiall-exultation and ravishing joy of Soul and Spirit to break out again and again into holy Moses his most excellent short and sweet expression of GODS infinite and admirable goodnesse Who is like unto thee ô Lord among the gods who is like unto thee glorious in holinesse fearfull in praises doing Wonders Let every one of us therefore joyntly and severally with that sweet Singer of Israel holy David with heart and voyce sing and say I will remember the Workes of the Lord surely I will remember his Wonders of old and of late I will meditate also of all his workes and talke of all his excellent doings For who is so great a God as our God yea thou art God that doest wonders thou hast declared strength among the people Thou hast with thy strong arme redeemed thy people even the sons of Jacob and Joseph It is better therefore as the same Psalmograph sweetely to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man Yea it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes And who then would not feare thee O King of nations for unto thee alone indeed doth appertain all honour and glory for as much as among all the wisemen of the nations and in all their Kingdomes there is none like unto thee our God Finally therefore good Reader to shut up all all that I can say herein having said so much already in my two former parts of this our Parliamentary-Chronicle is and shall be onely this That me thinkes all these so many and so manifest evidences of Gods best presence with us and of Gods all powerfull hand of providence thus admirably upholding us in the Innocency and Integrity of our Cause which he so cleerly makes and ownes to be his Cause by all those late and former Northern and Western Victories and other most specious returns of prayers should make us walk more yea most comfortably and confidently with our God That our God having thus enabled us to overcome the Beares and the Lyons of impious audacious opposition of the work of Reformation in Church and state will not fail also to deliver into our hands and unto our beleeving hearts the greatest seeming Goliahs and uncircumcised Philistims of proud and lewd reluctancies and obstructions which either men or devils can raise up against Gods glorious cause and unspotted Truth which is great and shall prevail onely let us wisely waite and beleeve for as I have oft on these like occasions said to my Christian friends who have still been harping and hammering on this demand I but when shall this be A too curious and indeed unchristianly question Beggers must be no carvers neither of the time nor means But the true Beleiver makes not haste but is willing to waite because the Vision which is for an appointed time at the end shall speak and will not lye Onely though it tarry yet waite for it because it will surely come and will not tarry as the Prophet most pertinently and excellently In sum Let me advise thee good Reader who ever thou art as holy Moses advised and encouraged his fainting Israelites in their greatest strait of Pharaoh and his furious Hoast behinde them the Red Sea before them and impassable hills and mountains on both sides of them Fear not but stand still in immovable true faith holy universall Obedience and heavenly harmonious Vnity one with another O take heed of intestine Divisions which spoil us in this triple pious posture I say Let us all voyd of all slavish fear stand still and see the Salvation of our God Whereunto the Lord in Christ through whom onely we are able to do this and all things graciously enable us Amen and Amen The Authours humble request to the Courteous Reader Courteous Reader I Must and do ingenuously acknowledge that in the publication of the second Part of our Parliamentary-Chronicle I committed two reall errours by mis-information given unto me by two known friends whom I much credited The one of them thou shalt finde Page 246. and in the Table or Index in the Alphabet B In both which Sir John Byron is said to be slain at Burford whereas he was but sorely wounded silenced as dead al the time of his cure which mistake I beseech thee good Reader who hast or may'st have that second Part utterly to obliterate and put out The other mistake by like mis-information thou shalt find Page 332 333. concerning the putting of the Commission of Array in Execution Viz. That Colonell Rudgeley was there said to be a principall agent therein Which in truth is far otherwise Hee being all along even ever since these unhappy wars began a most absolute Antagonist against that illegall Commission and a most loyall and constant freind to the Parliaments Cause having both in his person and in his purse manifested himselfe a true Patriot to his Country in the County of Stafford and a principall actour in the winning of Stafford Town and Castle and also of Chillingford-House from the Kings Cormorants All which I having lately had from most singular and substantiall testimony to be most true have chosen rather to take the shame on my self thā to suffer so noble a Gentleman to receive any eclipse of his honour by mine or my friends mistake
against Prince Rupert 163 Exploits of Col. Massye about Glocester 92 Exploits yet more of Colonell Massyes 227 Englands just objurgation 229 Englands great wonder to Gods great glory Anno 1644. 237 Enemy bravely beaten at Oswestree 266 The low Ebbe of the Parliaments Army 22 Estates of Malignants sequestred 153 Enemy bravely beaten at Lyme 241 A brave Defeat given to the Enemy at Evesham 295 F. The Fellowship a brave ship taken by the Parliaments Forces 27 Fuell provided for for the City of London 35 The Lord Fairfax his Victory at Hull 38 Sir Thomas Fairfax at Horn-Castle 47 France sends into Scotland 54 A brave Fight at Stamford 75 Sir Tho. Fairfax 156 Lord Fairfax Victorious at Hull 163 The Lord Fairfaxes Forces conjoyned with Sir Tho. Fairfaxes 202 L. Fairfax and the Scots conjoyned 210 Fidelity of the Scots to England 211 Col. Fox Victorious at Budely 217 Forces of Northampton beate the Enemy 95 Sir Thomas Fairfax stormeth Gains-borough 102 Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Valour at Marston-Moor Fight 274 Sir Tho. Fairfax compared to Julius Caesar 284 Foy in the West taken 297 G. Gally-slaves of Sathan are Wicked Men. 2 Gods glory is our Alpha and Omega ibid. Gainsbrough won 6 Gainsbrough taken again 51 Lord Gorings Letter intercepted and read in Parliament 155 Lord Generalls just praise 167 Gallows set up at Oxford and the cause 174 Sir Richard Greenviles defection from the Parliament 174 Gloucesters good condition 182 Gloucester releived with necessaries 192 Sir John Gell Victorious at Muck-bridge 199 Gloucesters Ammunition how conveyed thither 200 The Lord Generals advance with his Army 228 Gainsbrough stormed by Sir Thomas Fairfax 102 Grafton house taken 103 The Lord Generalls Mercifull Proclamation 235 The Lord Grey of Grooby his brave carriage at Leicester 257 The Lord Generall successefull in the West 264 3 Garnsey Gentlemen mightily preserved 122 Greenvill beaten at Plymouth 265 Government of the Church 162 Greenland-house taken 285 Lord Grey of Grooby and Sir John Gells forces take Wellney Fort. 287 The Lord Generall victorious in the West 296 Greenvils house at Tavestocke taken 297 H. Sir Edward Hales taken prisoner 15 Houghton Castle in Cheshire taken 18 The Earl of Hollands trunk seized on 27 Hull besieged 30 Hull remarkably preserved 31 Horn-castles famous Victory 42 Hulls victory related by Sir John Meldrums Letter 39 Hampshire Surry and Sussex Associated 57 30 or 40 of our Horse beate 1000 of the Enemies Horse 65 Hilsey house taken 167 Lord Hastings vexes the honest inhabitants of Leicester 169 Hinckly house 170 Sauls house decreaseth Davids house increaseth 173 Haverford west in Wales strangely taken 180 The Lady Hopton and two hundred prisoners taken 194 House of Peers take the Covenant 90 Sir Ralph Hopton writes to Sir William Waller 99 Sir Ralph Hoptons low ebbe 253 Hollanders underhand Enemies to the Parliament 116 Sir Tho. Holts house taken 117 Hildsden house taken 131 Sir Robert Harlow puls down a mighty crucifix at Christs-Hospitall in London 290 I. Capt. Johnsons brave courage 45 Intelligencers and Spies voted against 49 Irish Massacree 69 About 1500 Irish Rogues cast away at Sea by a storm 172 A Land storm also on the Irish ibid A Welch jest 179 Captaine Jordans good successe at Sea 182 The Lord John brother to the Duke of Lenox slain 190 Irish Rebels accorded with by the King 248 Justice of God prosecutes the wicked 249 K. The Earl of Kingstone slaine 7 Kentish Malignants rise in Rebellion 11 The King sends Letters into Scotland 54 The 3 Kingdomes to have one Councill of State 147 King Milus taken 156 The Kings great ayme at Cheshires County 161 The Kings children cared for by the Parliament 175 Kentish-mens brave behaviour at Alsford 193 Kents memorable gratitude to God 232 The Kings party unsuccessefull ever since the Irish cessation 102 The Kings Forces frighted 234 The Kings ungodly agreement with Ireland 248 The King pursued by Sir William Waller 248 L. Sir Michael Levesey at Yawlden in Kent 14 Londoners Petition against a pretended peace 23 Londoners take an Oath 24 A Loan of an 100000. l. to be raised in London for the Scots 38 Lincoln taken 51 Letters sent by the King into Scotland 54 London must be starved up 55 A Letter sent from Oxford to the Parliaments Lord Generall 152 A Letter from the Lord Goring intercepted and read in Parliament 155 Leicestershire men victorious at Hinckly 170 Col. Lamberts brave victory at Bradford 168 Col. Lambert again Victorious 171 Col. Laughorn in Penbrookshire 77 London Regiments brave valour at Alsford 193 Col. Lambert beats Bellassys in Yorkshire 200 Captain Layes Valour at Wareham 81 Solemn League or Covenant farther pressed 88 London petitions the Parliament for the setling of the State Committee 225 Lyme stormed by the Enemy and bravely repulsed 228 Lymes condition related 231 Lymes brave carriage against Prince Maurice ibid. Lymes valour testified by the Enemy 240 Lymes seige wholly raised 243. 252 Lyme bravely beats the Enemy 241 The Kings Letter to the Lord Mayor of London 121 Generall Lesleyes carriage at Marstone Moore fight 273 Col. Lamberts valour 274 Laystolk Garrison quitted 132 Col. Laughorns brave performances in Pembrookshire 294 Lyme garrison gives the Enemy a brave defeat 296 M Malignants of London imprisoned 27 Sir John Meldrum at Hull 39 Captain Moodies brave courage 45 Earle of Manchester victorious at Horncastle 42 Colonel Massies good service at Tewksbury 48 Earl of Manchester takes in Lincolne 51 Earl of Manchester takes Gainesborough 51 Earl of Manchesters care for the associated Counties 55 Malignants estates sequestred 153 Kings-Milus taken by Darby Forces 156 Members of Parliament that tooke the Covenant their names and number 157 Milford-Haven taken 161 Colonell Mitton beates Prince Rupert 161 Colonell Massey still victorious 183 Malignants mouthes stopt 194 At Munk-bridge Sir John Gell victorious 199 Letters of Mart granted against the Parliaments Enemies 84 Earl of Manchester again victorious at Lincoln 217 Colonell Massies brave exploits about Gloucester 92 Colonell Massey at Wotton garrison 93 Colonel Massyes just praise 227 Sir Thomas Middletons brave performances 84 Montrosse beaten in Scotland 230 A Message sent from England to Scotland 236 Col. Massey victorious 236 Malmsbury taken by Colonell Massye ibid. Colonell Massey still Victorious 237 Colonell Massies good services rewarded by the Parliament 237 Morpeth-castle taken by the Scots 247 Colonell Mitton his great daunger and deliverance 251 Two Maids had three of their hands shot off together 254 Gods mercy to Manchester in the midst of her misery 258 Malignants in London their Flea-biting 260 Marstonâ—Moores most famous victory described 269 Sir John Meldrum stormes Gainesborough 103 Monuments of Superstition to be demolished 222 The Earl of Manchesters labour and vigilancy at York fight 273 A learned and godly Ministry to be ordained 287 Captain Moultons brave performances in Pembrookeshire 294 N The Earle of Newcastle beaten from Gainesborough 6 Mewcastle besiegeth Hull 30 Newcastle in great straites
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
caused Proclamation to be made in his Army and in the Countrie about as followeth ROBERT Earle of Essex c. Captaine-Generall of the Army imployed for the Defence of the Protestant Religion King Parliament and Kingdome WHereas these Countries have beene very much afflicted and oppressed by the Euemy and we are now come to relieve them of their hard bondage It is therefore my expresse will and pleasure and I doe hereby straitly charge and command all Officers and Souldiers of Horse Foot and Dragoones belonging to the Army under my Command that they and every of them doe forthwith after Proclamation hereof made forbeare notwithstanding any pretence whatsoever to plunder or spoile any of the goods of the inhabitants of these Countries or to offer any violence or other prejudice unto them upon paine of death without mercy Given under my hand and Seale May the 26. 1644. Essex Say now then malicious Malignants was not this a better and more just Proclamation than that which came to the poore Inhabitants of those parts round about from Oxford Commanding all their Corne and Victuall upon paine of Fire and Sword And was it not thinke you better accepted of the said people than that Oxonian Edict that in all those Countreys all his Majesties Souldiers should have free Quarter for Horse and Man So that the Inhabitants were eaten up by such oppression and perforce made Slaves and Bondmen to the base lusts and wills of all the Dam-me cursed crew whose insolencies were hereby incredible and the relation of them very fearefull and grievous to modest and tender-hearted Christians About the 27th of this instant there were Letters drawne up such was the prudence providence of our ever to be honoured and renowned Parliamentary Statists to conserve and corroborate the blessed union amity between the two Kingdomes of England and Scotland to be sent to the Parliament in Scotland from both the Houses of Parliament in England expressing the obligation they stood bound in to the Kingdome of Scotland the high esteeme they have of their brotherly love for their assistance to this Nation desiring also that they may be united as well in Councills as in Forces And returning them hearty thankes for their care of the Army in Ireland for which they sent them word they had provided 30000 l. and also had sent downe 20000 l. to their Army now with us in England requesting them to accept their endeavours though their abilities answered not their desires Much also about the same time came credible Information by Letters out of Gloucestershire that that most valiant vigilant and couragious Commander Colonell Massey had taken Beverton Castle in Gloucestershire about 12 miles from Gloucester and within a mile from Tedbury which was surrendred to him on no other Conditions but onely for quarter for their lives Wherein hee tooke 60 Prisoners with all their Ordnance Armes and Ammunition And with the same successe he tooke the old Towne of Malmesbury wherein were 300 men and two Sonnes of the Earle of Barkeshire and 28 Officers 400 Armes 7 or 8 Pieces of Ordnance besides Powder Match and other Ammunition and provision The Governour of the Towne Colonell Howard being at the first summoned to deliver up the Town for the use of the King and Parliament Assembled at Westminster returned an answer That he would keep it for the use of the King and Parliament Assembled at Oxford but upon this Answer Col. Massey fell close to the work and after 13 houres hot fight he as aforesaid forced the Governour to make a recantation of his errour and to cry for mercy for his folly And from thence he presently marched into Wiltshire and possessed himself of the Garrison of Chippenham the Souldiers therein having onely Quarter for their lives And thus we see how admirably successefull the Lord of Hosts hath made this Loyall and most active Commander in all his Valiant and Magnanimous undertakings Whereupon shortly after The two Honourable Houses of Parliament taking into consideration the good service of this famous and Renowned Colonell and that in pursuance of his foresaid good successe he was marched on with about 2000. men to the Devizes thereby to open a passage for the bringing in of cloth to London out of the West country An Order was forthwith agreed on for speedy supplying him with money and other necessaries And another Ordinance of Parliament was also resolved on for the rewarding of this Noble Colonell for his so great and good service done to the Kingdome and that his never-dying honour might not too long be unrecompensed therefore to confirme and settle a 1000. l. a year of Sir John Winters estate an arch Papist in armes against the Parliament and one of the Queenes great favourites on him and his heires for ever A singular and most highly commendable act greatly redounding to their own just praise and to the encouragement of the rest of the valiant and active Souldiers and commanders of the Parliaments Forces and Garrisons About the 30th of this instant May it pleased the Lord to let us the happy inhabitants O that our Malignants also could see their happinesse therein of the most famous and ever to be renowned City of London see and know that he had a purpose to doe us good and to raise us now out of our late low estate and thereby to give us still more and more just cause to magnifie and omnifie his great name in blessedly advancing all meanes and wayes for the good of his despised and distressed Church and Children and to spread the banner of the Lord Jesus Christ triumphantly in the field against his too too long over-prided and insulting â—oes For about this time notwithstanding that by Gods admirable mercy and good providence we had now already in the field 6 or 7 very considerable armies as first That of our most noble and renowned Lord Generall his Excellency the Earle of Essex in the Westerne parts of the Kingdome Secondly that of our most loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland Thirdly that of the ever most worthily honoured Lord Fairfax and his most renowned Son Sir Thomas Fairfax Fourthly that of the no lesse renowned truly noble and to be ever honoured Earl of Manchester all these three last mentioned armies in the Northern parts of the Kingdome about Yorke Fifthly that of the magnanimous and most courageous Sir William Waller in the West also Sixthly that of the most noble and active Earle of Denbigh about Staffordshire and those parts Besides that brave commanders forces in Lancastershire I mean valiant Sir Iohn Meldrum and other lesser forces in divers other parts and places of the Kingdome That notwithstanding all these and many if not most of all these in great measure raised out of the most famous City of London yet I say about this time to the glory of our wonder-working God be it spoken the honour of the said great City the