a 1000 Armes left behinde them for haste and divers barrells of powder with other Ammunition and provision and the Enemy taking along with them 12 or 14 Cart loads of their dead men besides many wounded Wee found about 200 wounded men of ours in the Town and not above an 100 slain in all this siege praised bee the Lord for it Since I came heer in 6 weeks time I saw a wonderfull change scarce a man to bee seen in a whole Village so barbarously had the Enemy unpeopled the Country I shall in all humility acquaint you with what I hear My Regiment is designed for the West I humbly intreat if it bee possible I may wait on your honour in your Army which if your Excellency shall please to grant it will much oblige Your most humble Servant Ralph Welden Palmister May 11. 1645. After the reading of this Letter in the House of Commons they began to consider of this great mercy and therefore Ordered in the first place That there should bee a publique Thanksgiving in all the Churches and Chappels in London and Lines of Communication on the next Lords day for the relieving of this distressed Town that so God may have the honour due unto him for it In the next place the House Ordered that a Letter should bee writ to Sir Thomas Fairfax giving him the Thanks of the House for his great care and faithfull service in omitting of no time for the releif of Taunton and that Sir Thomas Fairfax should bee desired to take particular notice of this gallant service of Colonell Welden A Letter was likewise Ordered to bee sent from the House to the Town of Taunton and to the Governour and Souldiers therein to give them the hearty Thanks of the Parliament for this extraordinary gallant service in maintaining the Town against the Enemy so long But the speciall regard that the Parliament had of this Garrison rested not there for An Order was made likewise by the House for the bestowing of 2000 pound upon the Souldiers of that Garrison for their valour and courage in this service And as an earnest of a further reward to the undaunted and ever honoured Governour Colonell Blake It was likewise Ordered that 500 pound should bee paid to him forthwith for his own use The House likewise taking into consideration that by reason of the late tedious and unwearyed marches of Sir Thomas Fairfaxes foot they had worn out their shooes and were in great need of supply it was further Ordered That it should bee referred to the Committee for the Army to provide and forthwith send down shooes for Sir Thomas Fairfaxes foot The House of Commons further made an Order of reference to the Committee of Both Kingdomes to take care that no advantage bee lost by the releif of Taunton but to use their endevour to improve it to the best advantage of the West and the whole Kingdome and wee have great cause to hope that care will bee taken thereof accordingly About the 15 of this instant May our most provident Parliamentary Statists for the more prudent regulating of the Generall Sir Thomas Fairfaxes New-Modelled Army Ordered certain very excellent Orders to bee observed by all Officers and Souldiers from the Commissioners of the Army to the meanest Souldier both to take care of false Musters of plundering of buying Horses for the State taken by the Souldiers that they should bee marked by the Mark-Master of the Army c. To forbid any Officers to quarter in any house but by Ticket from the Quarter-Master and to pay ready money for mans meat and horse meat according to the rates set down and in case any money should bee wanting to any man hee must receive a Ticket for it c. That Teames or any horses in Plough or Cart are not to bee taken except in case of necessity and then also by Warrant from the Commander in Cheif Divers other good Orders were then also ordained and appointed which are like by Gods mercy to produce good effects and a happy conclusion of this present unhappy Warre especially since wee know it is Gods way when wee manage our affaires without violence and wrong and wee see the Country us the Army passes along is extraordinarily taken with love and affection toward them at the sight of their fair and honest demeanour And heer I cannot omit to make mention of another singular mercy of God unto us in our Armies Viz. The most excellent love and good agreement of Major Generall Cromwell and of Major Generall Brown though both oâ— brave and high Spirits all the time of their being together at and about Oxford and elsewhere in all Orders and Commands even beyond compare yea even striving who should prefer the Service and honour of other more than of himself as if Davids and Jonathans 2 soules were transmigrated and mutually united in one body O if such sweetnesse and onenesse of hearts and affections had been found among our Commanders formerly wee had certainly now been in a farre better condition than as yet wee are like to bee in About the 20 of this instant our most noble pious and gratefull Parliamentary Worthies took into their serious thoughts the payment of the arrears of the most noble late Lord Generall the Earl of Essex whose faithfull and noble services for the State will make his name most honourable to posterity and Ordered the payment thereof partly out of the Kings Revenues and partly out of Haberdashers Hall in London And as a farther pledge of the Kingdoms love and gratitude to the said most noble Earl and as a requitall of his great losses sustained by the Enemy for his constant and loyall adherence to the Parliament and the Kingdomes just Cause an Ordinance of Parliament was passed by the House of Commons for the settling of 10000 pound per annum upon the said noble Earl out of the sale of Papists and Delinquents Estates The House also took into consideration the good service of the party that lately releived Taunton under the Command of Colonell Welden and Colonell Graves and agreed upon a certain pay for them during their service in the West and Ordered that 3000 pound should bee charged Monethly upon the Excise for 4 Moneths for the payment of those Forces The House likewise considered the most gallant service and high deserts of that noble and brave Commander Sir John Meldrum slain not long afterward to our great losse and sorrow at the siege of Scarborough-Castle and in particular his last brave Service in winning the Town Haven and shipping of Scarborough as also the brave assault hee last made upon the said Castle of Scarborough when hee received his most unhappy deaths-wound They Ordered that a Letter of Thanks should bee wrote unto him and that 500 li. should bee added to the 1000 pound formerly given him by both Houses of Parliament to bee bestowed upon him as an earnest of their affections
at that Fight where and when the Earle of Northampton was slaine p. 2. p. 288 82 Sir John Smith brother to the Lord Carington p. ibib 83 Dr. Weston a Phisitian p. 2. p. 263 84 An Earl or such like eminent Personage found slaine in the field at Nasebie fight with a Star and a red Crosse upon his Coat but his name or title not known p. 4. p. 163 164 85 Major Threave p. 4. p 86 Captaine Fry p. 4. p 87 Col. Billingsly p. 4 p. 403 88 Capt. Cottingham p. 4 p. 409 89 Major Caft p. 291 90 Six Priests slain in Bazing House p. 291 91 Lieut. Col. Gardiner p. 4 p. 123 Besides many yea very many more found slaâ—ne on the places and ground where they fought but not named or knowne who they were very many buried by the enemies themselves in the places where they were slaine and very many thrown into rivers and secretly conveyed away out of the Feilds where they fought before their flight and totall routs at least 140. Cart-loads as was credibly related of slaine and sorely wounded carried to Oxford from Newburies first fight many Cart-loads carried away and many buried in Ditches at Brainford fight many also at Dorchester and Causham fights neare Oxford many at Marstonmoores famous fight and very many in many other places too tedious here to recite yea impossible almost to be recited besides such as being left behind in the sields where they fought who being stript appeared plainly to be Gentlemen and men of extraordinary worth and quality both by their pure white skins fine shirts and very rich cloaths but could not otherwise be knowne unto us And let the intelligent and judicious Reader take this observation from this short Catalogue of the thus slaine on the Kings party even of those partly ignorant and partly malignant enemies and opposers of God and his most righteous Cause defended by the Parliament viz. To see and take notice of especially the just revenging hand of God upon our Kingdoms Nobility and Gentry who having been the maine malignant and even Atheisticall enemies of Religion of the power of godlinesse and of a pure and thorough Reformation all along even ever since the first Infant Reformation in Queene Elizabeths dayes of ever blessed memory I say over the whole Kingdome even to these present deplorable times God hath therefore now at length mightily met with them thus by the Sword of Warre whom 'tis more than probable the Sword of Justice in a Legall way would hardly have reached or but sprincklingly and partially for feare or affection or such like 〈◊〉 respects as 't is much to be feared and brought to severe yet most just death and condigne punishment Of which most righteous and remarkable hand of God more yea most immediately and almost miraculously cutting off many of these most impious and audacious malignant and Atheisticall enemies of the Parliamentary Cause even in the very act of their desperate and devillish malignity against the same whosoever would see more they may be most abudantly satisfied even to admiration and astonishment in my First and Second part of A Looking-glasse for Malignants so entituled printed by Mr. John Rothwell Stationer at the Signe of the Sun in Pauls Church-yard in London Anno 1643. and 1645. The like examples whereunto both for manner number and time no Age or History I am confident is able to produce in any part of the world from Adam to this day And here also I conceive it cannot be improper to our present History or impertinent to the yet further manifestation of Gods due glory in his worke of Justice upon the enemies of his Truth and the Kingdomes welfare to give the Reader a briefe Catalogue of all or the most of those Court-Grandees and rotten-hearted Royalists who like so many Rats and Mice fearing the old house of their Traiterous Designes was now ready to fall upon their owne heads to their owne ruine even that the hand of Justice would now lay hold on them and pay them home for all their formerly purposed and practised mischeifes for the ruinating of the true Protestant Religion and their Mother-Kingdomes precious proprieties being now I say by Gods Justice on them made Magor-Missabib Ier. 20. 3. a terrour to themselves and their accursed Copesmares and being stung with selfe-guilt of Conscience and principally to avoid the avengeing stroke of Justice and partly also to practice and perpetrate more mischiefe if possible it might be against the Kingdome abroad as they had done at home Now therefore I say like so many viperous Vermine or naughty Nauseous obstructions upon the stomack of their Native Nation as most trayterous Fugitives they fled away being as it were disgorged and spewed out of the Kingdome as banefull and burthensome thereunto and forced to fly into forraigne parts to prolong a base and most shamefull life and without Repentance to dye a most ignoble and desperate death the names of whom as neare as I could I have here I say collected together and were as followeth Jeremy 46. 15. Why are thy valiant men swept away they stood not because the Lord did drive them away A Catalogue of the names of our Court Fugitives and most pernicious Catalines who fled and were forceably frighted out of the Kingdome for feare of the stroke of Justice 1 QVene Mary her selfe the fautresse and fomenter of all the miseries of the three Kingdomes next to our sinnes 2 The Lord Goring Senior 3 Sir Iohn Finch then Lord chiefe Justice of the Common Pleas. 4 Sir Francis Windebanke principall Secretary to the State 5 The Lord George Digby who afterward ventred to come backe againe but since that flew into Ireland 6 The Earle of Yarmouth Henry Iermine 7 The Lord Percie 8 The Marquesse of New-castle 9 The Lord Widdrington 10 Sir Hugh Cholmley 11 The Lord Goring junior Generall of the Kings Forces in the West 12 Generall Hinderson then lately before Governour of Newarke 13 Master Wat. Mountagâ—e afterward venturing home disguisedly apprehended and imprisoned in the Tower 14 Prince Charles 15 Sir Iohn alias Lord Culpepper 16 The Earl of Huntington 17 The Lord of Loughborough 18 The Earl of Northampton 19 Sir Richard alias Skellum Greenvile 20 Sir Nicholas Crispe 21 Sir Ralph alias Lord Hopton 22 The Lord Wentworth 23 The Lord Capell 24 Sir Endymion Porter 25 Major Generall Taplane or Laplane and very many Officers and Gentry of quality that went away with him 26 Sir William Neave of the Heralds of Arms Officers 27 Master Ashburnham And now also that the Reader yea even Malignant Momus himselfe may see my faithfull impartiality in this works and most renowned History I have here thought fit by way of Antithests or Opposition to set downe and shew forth to open view a most cleare demonstration of Gods most gracious and favourable dealing with the pious Propugnators of his most just Cause even the precious Patriots of their Religion and
Countries Liberties in collecting as truly and faithfully as I was able a Catalogue of the most eminent Persons and Commonders on the Parliaments Party also as I have done on the Kings who in this the Kingdomes Common calamity have been taken away out of this world of wretchednesse and valley of teares by the Sword of the enemy and so have as it were passed over by that sharp bridge to their long looked for and heartily hoped for heavenly Canaâ—n The most eminent Persons slaine on the Parliaments Party since the beginning of these unhappy Civill Warres 1 THe Lord St. Iohn Part 2 Page 198 2 The Lord Brooke p. 2 p. 272 3 Sir William Fairfax brother to the most noble and renowned Lord Fairfax p. 4. p. 33 4 Sir Iohn Meldrum p. 4. p 5 Major Generall Charles Fairfax Sonne to the aforesaid noble Lord Fairfax and brother to our present most renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax slaine at Marston-moore fight 6 Colonell Essex p. 2. p. 198 7 Col. Hampden p. 2. p 8 Col. Tucker p. 2. p. 418 9 Lieut. Col. Ramsey p. 2 10 Serjeant Major Quarles p. 2. p. 216 11 Major Stawham a brave Scottish Gent. p. 2. p. 380 12 Major Fitz-Simons p. 4. p 13 Major Bradbury p. 4 p 14 Major Iackson p. 4. p. 123 15 Captain Lacis p. 2. p. 216 16 Cap. Lister p. 2. p. 230 17 Cap. Nuttie p. 2. p. 309 18 Cap. Massie p. 2. p. 410 19 Cap. Hunt p. 2. p. ibid 20 Cap. Oglesby p. 2. p. 221 21 Cap. Williams p. 2. p. 267 22 Cap. Pue p. 3. p. 278 23 Master Hugh Popham p. 3 p. 303 24 Major Haynes p. 4. p. 341 25 Cap. Dove p. 4. p. 257 26 Lieut Col. Ingoldsby p. 4 p. 401 27 Cap. Allen. p. 295 28 Major Francis Sydenham p. 119 29 Col. Iohn Gunter Some few more 't is probable there might be but I professe ingeniously and most sincerely not one more as yet come to my knowledge or spontaneously pretermitted by me in my most sedulous search over the whole Foure Parts of this our Parliamentary Chronologie which I have diligently done as well for satisfaction to the honest-hearted Readers touching the slaine I say on our side as those on the enemies side in which two so vastly discrepant and largely unequall Catalogues both for number and quality though ours I confesse especially considering some of them as most pious Saints and precious Patriots farre transcended the very best of the enemies for spirituall waight and worth the udicious and impartiall religious Reader may see by comparing them both together how the Lord our most righteous and gracious God hath put a difference between the precious and the vile and yet manifesting in some measure for just Causes best knowne to his owne unsearchable wisedome and I am sure for the best good of his beloved-ones every way that as touching the outward stroke of death I say in a Common calamity it hapneth to the good as to the bad and how dyeth the wise man but even as the foole as wise King Solomon witnesseth Ecclesiastes 2. 15 16. Note also yet once againe good Reader for the yet more remarkable manifestation of Gods righteousnesse and mercy in putting another most notable difference between the Army of his enemies and the Army of his Saints and Servants fighting his battailes that as was toucht before and shewne in the Catalogue of the slaine on the Kings fide in the very first set battaile and field fight that was fought by the enemy against the Parliament which was at Keinton or Edge-hill the Kings first great Lord Generall of all his Forces the Earle of Lindsey who should have been the great Atlas and Hercule in-upholder of the Kings so oft pretended and protested just Cause was one of the first that was slaine in that first famous Fight whereas both in that renowned Victory and in all the progresse of these bloody Broyles and most uncivill Civill Warres over the whole Kingdome even I say from that first Fight to this day both our most renowned Generalls I meane his Excellency the Right Honourable Lord Generall Robert Earle of Essex and the renowned Generall his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax that now is have both of them come off hitherto with abundance of honour and renowne not onely free from death but also ever blessed be the Lords wonderfull mercy in it not so much as toucht with the least wound or hurt on their bodies for ought that ever I yet heard to this present day The like also we may most happily and faithfully say of his Excellency renowned Generall Lesley Earle of Leven Lord Generall of the Forces of our loving and loyall Brethren of Scâ—tland the vertuous and Victorious Generall of the forces of the Associated Counties North-easterly I meane the most noble Earle of Manchester and the thrice noble and renowned Generall of our Northerne forces in Yorkeshire the valiant and victorious Lord Fairfax in which remarkable mercy and me thinks most excellent and eminent observation and for all which so rich so rare and singularly sweet free mercies and most admirable dispensations of Gods wonder-working wisedome mercy and justice power and protection over us and thus manifested to and for us a wicked and worthlesse Nation a sinfull and provoking people Blessing Honour Glory and Power be unto Him that sitteth upon the Throne and unto the Lambe for ever and ever Revel 5. 13. Amen and Amen A Table of all the most materiall Passages mentioned in this Fourth Part of The Parliamentary Chronicle And here I desire the Reader to take notice that all the Forts Townes Castles and Garrisons taken since Nasebie Fight are to be found in the particular Catalogue of them before A. ADvance of the Earle of Manâ—hester from York p. 6 Our formidable Army coopâ— up in the West p. 18 â—ur Army plotted against in Cornwall p. 21 Ammunition safely conveyed to Oâ—westree p. 22 A Commitiee for the Army appointed p. 36 An ignoble Act of the Kings in Cornwall p. 38 Array-men in the North surprized p. 39 Augmentation of Ministers meanes p. 41 Sir ' Antheny Ashley-Cooper stormes Sir John Strange-waies house p. 67 Captaine Allen beates the enemy p. 251 Suddaine alteration of things in Scotland p. 270 Alderman Adams chosen Lord Mayor of London p. 282 Abbington Forces beat the enemy p. 93 Assembly of Divines at Westminster p. 319 The Lord Ashton beaten and slaine p. 320 The Army new Modell'd p. 97 Ashbie Cavaliers soundly beaten at Cole-orton p. 104 Apsley-house taken p. 115 Activity of Abbington p. 126 352 132. Our Armies prosperous proceedings in the West p. Assizes of Oyer and Terminer revived p. 364 Admiralty of the Sea taken into consideration p. 143 A brave defeat given to the enemy at Axminster p. 70 Our Armies good successe in Cornwall p. 378 The answer of Sir Thomas Fairfax to Hoptons demands p. 393 Our Armies march Eastâ—â—rd out of Cornwall p. 400 Prosperous Affaires in Scotland
good service And the zeale of the Kentish Gentry for the good of the Kingdom And in the last not least most famous defeat given to the fierce and furious Royalists at Compton House And the good service of the Northampton forces now last related And now then tell mee good Reader whether England hath not just cause in admiration and adoration of our English Israels great and glorious Shepherd who neither slumbers nor sleeps in most happy though most unholy sinfull and ungratefull Englands constant conservation to sing and say with that Princely Prophet King David Thou art O Lord our God more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey The stout hearted are spoyled they have slept their sleep and none of the men of might have found their hands Surely therefore even the wrath of man shall praise thee and the remainder of his fury shalt thou restrain But now to goe on AND now in the entrance into the first observation of this Moneth of Februaries wonder of the Burning Bush not consumed I shall begin with the information of a very pretty peice of service performed by some of the Parliaments Forces neer Melton Mowberry which was thus A party of Horse from Beaver Castle came suddenly and secretly to assault some of our Leicestershire Forces who were making a Garrison at Sir Erasmus de la Fountains House neer Melton aforesaid with a full intent and hope to have surprised them but were happily frustrated of their expectation For the Parliaments forces having notice of the Enemies approach they valiantly repulsed them took and slew about 8 of them and during the time of the skirmish some of our nimble Souldiers running hastily to supply the want of powder unawares set one or 2 barrels of powder on fire which suddenly blew up one part of Sir Erasmus his House and did very little other hurt But see the wise and good providence of God who turned this little losse into a farre greater gain and benefit for by this means at the least 300 pounds worth of Plate and many good Armes were discovered which had before been hid in the ground and thus made good prize to bee employed for the Parliaments service and benefit And about the same time wee were also certainly informed by Letters out of Leicestershire that a party from Ashbey de la Zoneb came to Cole-Orton intending to have surprized our men there and to have plundered the Town but they mist of their aim and in the attempt lost above 70 or 80 of their horse Very good helps to carry on the businesse this Winter season And about the 6 of this instant February wee received credible intelligence out of Wales that Colonell Gerard with all the strength hee could raise at that time came against Cardigan Castle which hee understood was but meanly provided of necessaries and therefore besieged it whereof valiant Colonell Jones was then Governour Gerard by a stratagem having got into the Town brake down the Bridge between it and Pembrokeshire which was neer the Town and Castle of Cardigan that so no releife might come to them and heerupon hee presently by a Trumpeter sent a summons to the Castle But courageous Colonell Jones returned an answer to this effect That hee had in the Castle 300 raw hides and when all other necessaries failed they would eate them and when they were spent hee and his Souldiers would come forth and fight for their lives and neither give nor take quarter and in the interim would keep the Castle In which mean time the brave Colonell sent to renowned Colonell Laughorn to come to his releif which hee promised and did but when this valiant Colonell came to the Bridge hee found it broken down as aforesaid which was some impediment to his desire but yet like an invincible Caesar resolving Aut viam invenire aut facere with Fagots boards and such like helps hee made away to passe over the River and whiles hee was getting over hee caused an Arrow to bee shot into the Castle with a Letter in it to give them notice that hee was come and so presently hee fell upon the Enemy on one side and Colonell Jones issuing out of the Castle on the other side they soon gave Gerard enough to doe and put Gerard and all his forces to a totall rout took and slew 350 of them 200 being found dead on the place they took also 600 Armes 150 prisoners among whom were divers Officers and men of quality and 4 brasse peices of Ordinance Much about this foresaid time was that great bluster of a Parturiunt montes nascitur ridiculus mus as indeed at last it proved I mean the Treaty of Peace at Vxbridge In which interim a Petition was contrived by some mischeivous Malignants of the County of Buckingham wherin one Sir John Laurence of the same County was a great stickler and was afterwards for it sent for to London and committed to safe custody Which Petition was intended to bee presented to the Parliament Commissioners at Vxbridge in the very midst of the time of their Treaty the effect of this Petition was That Religion might bee established in this Kingdom as in the purest times which indeed were very impure especially in point of Discipline which was meer Popish of Queen Elizabeth That thus these malignant Petitioners might the more subtilly and slily incense the other Popish or Atheisticall Oxonian Commissioners and the whole Malignant party the apparent and known Enemies to the truely intended pure Reformation of Religion and so to make this plot to conduce much to the breaking off of this Treaty and that upon the dissolution thereof the King and his party might with the better colour declare and publish to the world though most falsly that the Parliament was the only cause of the annihilating of this Treaty and so consequently Enemies to Peace and thus bring an universall odium upon the Parliament and their party whose unsetled and unstable spirits wholely addicted to faction and novelties would not admit of any thing but their own pretended Reformation but rather chose the continuance and increase of Warre and bloodshed And for the more full and clear assurance forsooth of this their most foule and false accusation and indeed for the firmer corroborating of this their most dangerous and devillish plot and design they at Oxford had already before hand drawn up a Full Declaration and translated it into severall Languages that thus as soon as they had treated as farre as they had plotted and preintended they might speedily disperse those their foresaid Declarations both over all our 3 Kingdomes and also into all other Forrain parts to prepossesse them with those their most grosse and abominable untruths and so delude them and all ours by most falsly laying the cause of the breach of this on their side meer mock-Treaty upon the innocent Parliament Thus hoping I say by these
God for him and his Posterity they certified how unfaithfull they should bee to God and his Majesty if they should conceal the present danger wherein hee is a danger infinitely greater than the displeasure of his people They therefore in the humility and greif of their Soules did prostrate themselves before his Throne and in the name of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ 〈◊〉 bold to warne him that the guilt which cleaveth so fast to his Throne and his Soule is such as if not timely repented will involve him and his Posterity under the wrath of the ever-living God Next they freely proceeded to acquaint his Majesty what were the occasions of his great and growing danger in which if they should bee silent their conscience would condemn them and the stones themselves would finde expressions As first for his being guilty of the shedding of the blood of many thousands of his best Subjects Secondly for permitting the Masse and other Idolatry both in his Family and Dominions Thirdly for his authorizing the book of Sports and by consequence the profanation of the Lords Day Fourthly for his not punishing of publike scandalls in and about his â—ourt Fifthly for the shutting of his ears from the humble and just desires of his faithfull Subjects Sixtly for his complying too much with the Popish party many wayes and namely by concluding the Cessation of Armes in Ireland and imbracing the Counsells of those who have not set God nor his good before their eyes Seventhly for resisting and by Armes opposing this Cause which so much concernes the glory of God his own honour and happinesse and the peace and safety of his Kingdomes Eightly for some other private causes of which his Majesty is conscious to himself It being not the desire of these grave and reverend men to have mentioned any particulars if that they had not already been publike and known For all these and for every one of them they implore his Majesty to fall down at the footstoole of the King of Glory to acknowledge his offences to make haste to repentance and to labor for peace with God through Jesus Christ that the Son of God may reign over him and his Kingdomes in his pure Ordinances and the Government of the Church Moreover they desire his Majesty to take notice that they are not staggering or faint hearted through diffidence of the successe of their Cause and the Covenant of the three Kingdomes unto which as God hath already given many testimonies of his favour and blessing so it shall bee their unshaken confidence that this is the work and Cause of God which shall gloriously prevaile against all opposition and from which with the assistance of the Grace of God they shall never suffer themselves to bee divided or withdrawn but shall zealously and constantly in their severall Vocations endevour with their Estates and Lives to pursue and advance the same This Remonstrance being so full of piety to God and allegiance to the King is able some would think to beget a better opinion in the stubbornest Malignants concerning the proceedings of our Brethren the Scots and either to perswade or convince them to a better understanding of them The Lord Digby hath returned answer that his Majesty will take it into consideration who knows but that God may so move his Royall heart that the Letters of this paper may bee more effectuall than an Army of men in the field and bee a happy means to reduce the King to his Parliament But notwithstanding all this hee still goes on in a most hardned condition like a most miserable Prince For as wee well knew in the mean while hee was making what possible speed hee could to recover new strength His Warrants are issued forth for supplies of men whiles the miserable and desolate Countrey that a long time hath suffered under the calamity of warre can lend him but little assistance either for men or money Wee heard that a great part of his Horsemen were wounded in Naseby fight and that hee lately made a halt and stayed the longer in Wales to understand the inclinations of the people Indeed his Army might well halt when that so many of his men were wounded and our swords have not so deeply wounded his men as hee hath wounded his own honour by calling over the Irish to assist him They say that there are a Legion or Brigade of Irish consisting of about 4000. who are newly landed to assist him I suspect the truth thereof and have reason to bee doubtfull of it because I finde that our greatest Intelligencers cannot agree amongst themselves and doe much vary in what place they are landed It is very likely that many are come over but not so many as are commonly reported And are the barbarous and prodigious Acts of the Irish in their own Kingdom such pleasing cruelties that they must bee sent for into England to act them over again heer Must the West which suffered the last yeer under the horrid lust and fury of the French bee now the Stage where the Irish shall act their Tragedies Rouze up thy self thou desolate and much afflicted West thou hast now the meanes to shake off the yoak of thy Subjection if thou art so happy as to apprehend the meanes of thy deliverance But to goe on About the 6 of this instant July whiles the poore King was thus fruitlesly strugling Per fas nefas to recruite his foresaid broken Army our most noble and renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax was now in the West endevouring with all fidelity and magnanimity of spirit to purchase by Gods assistance Liberty to those long distressed parts of the Kingdom and just honour to himself and as credible information affirmed had sent a choyce body of horse to Gloucester to observe the motion of the Kings Army and to attend the landing of his forces on this side the River Severn which hee could not doe without apparent danger In which interim wee had certain intelligence that the Kings Garrison of Dudley Castle was shrewdly put to it For as they were abroad plundering the Country therabout Captain Hunt sell upon a party of them and having slain some hee took many horse from them and divers prisoners whom hee carried with him to Warwick Since which also as wee were credibly informed our Brethren of Scotland lighted on another party of them and after a brave conflict with them wherein divers of the Enemies were slain on the place they made them lesse in number by at least 80 horse than they were before And shortly after this wee were for certain certified that the Governour of Stafford came up with a party of horse and gave an alarm to the Castle it self Whereupon the Enemy not enduring the affront drew forth into the field thinking indeed our party not to bee so strong as afterward they found it and to increase this their apprehension and conceit therein Colonell Ashburst politickly retreated on purpose
upon God for our expectation is only from him He only is our rock and our salvation he is our defence whereby we are not moved In the Lord our God is our salvation and our onely glory yea he is the rock of our strength and our righteousnesse therefore will we trust in him still and at all times And thus now to proceed And here I shall begin the yet further sight and survey of this next ensuing Moneths marvell and most worthily to be admired wonder of this our still unconsumed Burning-Bush in representing to the Reader in the first place an excellent Declaration set forth and sent into Wales by the wisdome and providence of the most renowned Lords and Commons in Parliament about the beginning of this Moneth of September 1645. providently I say and prudently to undeceive that pittifully misled and abused people who had been over-perswaded and made to believe all along and all over that whole Dominion and Principality even as much as possibly might be by the lying and irreligious Royalists That the Parliament mainly endeavoured to make a Conquest of their Country and to gratifie our Brethren of Scotland with the totall donation of it unto them as a reward and requitall of their assistance in this present War thus most maliciously and falsly to slander the Parliaments proceedings and thus the more to exasperate the thoughts and stir and stimulate the spirits and splene of the naturally restie Welchmen against the Parliament which said Declaration for the Readers better content and satisfaction and for the excellency of the thing it self I have here thought fit to insert it as it was printed and published by Authority which was as followeth A Declaration of the Lords and Commons Assembled in Parliament Die Lunae 8. Septemb. 1645. WHereas the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled are informed that by the subtle and malicious practises of a Popish and Malignant party opposite to Gods Cause and the prosperity of this Kingdom it hath been insinuated and infused into sundry of the Inhabitants of his Majesties Doâ—â—inions of Wales to dis-affect and poyson them against the proceedings of the Parliament That it was their intention to gratifie our Brethren of Scotland for their assistance in these our extremities drawn upon us by the said Popish and Malignant party with the Estates and Lands of the said Inhabitants which is so absolutely false that it never entred into their thoughts and consequently needed no refutation Yet that the Subjects of this Kingdome inhabiting within the said Dominion of Wales may receive full and befiting satisfaction and We and our Brethren of Scotland Vindication against so foule and so barbarous an aspersion the said Lords and Commons do testifie and declare to all persons whatsoever to whom these shall come That they do much abhor and detest an Act of such Injustice and Inhumanity and that they are so farre from doing any such thing that if any of the said Inhabitants upon due sense and sorrow for any of their Crimes and Misdemeanours committed against the present Parliament shall submit and apply themselves by humble Petition to the Parliament and desire the favour of and reconciliation to the same the said Lords and Commons will be thereupon ready to receive any and all such upon such reasonable terms as the wisdome of the Parliament shall thinke in some measure proportionable to the qualities and degrees of their severall offences and thereupon yeeld them all such aid and assistance as they shall reasonably desire and the Parliament be able to 〈◊〉 Provided alwaies that this shall not extend to any that are excepted from pardon within the Propositions lately presented to his Majesty for a safe and well grounded Peace Jo. Brown Cler. Parliamentorum And here now the Reader may be pleased to remember That about the latter end of the last Moneths Relations I intimated our renowned Generâ—â—s bâ—leaguering and besieging of the strong Town or City of Bristoll and what a good beginning he had made there in taking from the Enemy that strong Fort of theirs called Portshead-Point And now about the ninth of this instant September as we were credibly informed our noble and pious Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax resolving to set effectually upon the work of winning and subduing the City to the Parliaments just obedience for the better and more happy and hopefull effecting whereof he most rightly and religiously resolved first to seek the Lords assistance therein and therefore appointed a day of holy humiliation to be solemnly kept throughout the whole Army which was accordingly performed and then they all prepared to storme the City suddenly the Somerset Clubmen having at a meeting at a place called Dunderry declared themselves with great alacrity and readinesse to give Sir Thomas their best assistance for the regaining of this said City of Bristoll But before the storming thereof you must take notice that our most noble and renowned Generall had sent his Summons to Prince Rupert the then Governour thereof to have it surrendred unto him on fair and â—itting Articles or Propositions which Rupert put off with tricks and delayes and desires to send first to his Unkle the King ere he would or could resolve ought therein Thus shewing himselfe in his old proper Colours preâ—ending one thing and intending another onely to gaine time till his Counter-Scarffs and inner-Lines were fully finished about which at that time they were very active and nimble as indeed it beloved them day and night But to be brief all relations to a true Treaty being broken off and in this the Prince and his Confederates within being left inexcusable for refusing the fair and honourable Conditions which noble Sir Thomas like himself had tendred unto him very faire I say and honourable and therefore the blood that was to be shed and inevitably spilt to be challenged at their hands and laid on their heads It was now therefore I say peremptorily resolved on Tuesday night being the 9 of Septemb to storm the City the manner of the storm was before thus agreed on â—â—lon Welden was to have one Brigade consisting of foure Tâ—unton Regiments viz. Colonell Welden Col. Twooldsâ—y Colonell Fortâ—soues and Colonell Herberts Regiments who were to make good Somersetshire side and to storme in three places Col. Mountague to command the Generals Brigade consisting of the Generals Col. Mountagues Col. Pickerings and Sir Hardresse Wâ—llers Regiments to storm on both sides of Lawford Gate Col. Rainsborough had another Brigade consisting of his own Major Generall Skippons Colonell Hammonds Col. Birches and Col. Barkleys Regiments to storm on this side the River Froom beginning on the right hand of the Sally-Port up to Priors-Fort and 200. of this Brigade to go in Boats with the Seamen to storm Water-Port One regiment of Foot and another of Horse to be moving up and down in the Closes before the Royall-Fort to alarm them and one Regiment of Dragoones with two of
memorable Parliamentary Mercies of this next ensuing Moneth also of Novem. 1645. with a most notable evidence and testimony of the most prudent and provident care and vigilancy of our Parliamentary Senators for the good and welfare of the Kingdome every way in two memorable Ordinances of Parliament ratified by the Lords and 〈◊〉 The one giving power to the Committee of Goldsmiths-Hall in London to tender the Solemne League or Covenant to all persons comming unto them out of the Kings Quarters to compound for their Delinquency And the other for the enabling of the Commissioners of the Great Seal and the other Committees in their severall Counties to tender an Oath to all such persons of what degree or quality soever that shall come into the Parliaments protection Both which Ordinances together with the foresaid Oath I have thought fit for the Readers better content and satisfaction here to insert as they were printed and published by authority of Parliament which were as followeth Die Sabbathi 1 Novemb. 1645. An Order of the Lords and Commons in Parliament Assembled giving Power to the Committee of Gold-Smiths-Hall to tender the solemne League and Covenant to all such Persons that come out of the Kings Quarters to compound for their Delinquency ORdered by the Lords and Commons in Parliament Assembled That the Committee of Goldsmiths-Hall shall have Power to tender the solemne League and Covenant to all persons that come out of the Kings Quarters to that Committee to compound either upon Master Speakers Passe or otherwise and to secure such as shall refuse to take the Covenant untill they shall conforme thereunto Joh. Brown Cler Parliamentorum Die Sabbathi 5. April 1645. BE it Ordained by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled That all and every person of what degree or quality soever that hath lived or shall live within the Kings quarters or beene syding assisting or adhering unto the Forces raised against the Parliment and hath or shall come to inhabit or reside under the power and protection of the Parliament shall sweare upon the holy Evangelist in manner following I A. B. doe sweare from my heart That I will not directly nor indirectly adhere unto or willingly assist the King in this War or in this Cause against the Parliament nor any Forces raised without the consent of the two Houses of Parliament in this Cause or Warre And I doe likewise sweare that my comming and submitting my selfe under the power and protection of the Parliament is without any manner of designe whatsoever to the prejudice of the proceedings of the two Houses of this present Parliament and without the direction privity or advice of the King or any of his Councell or Officers other than what I have now made known So help me God and the Contents of this Booke About the 2 of this instant November wee received certaine intelligence by Letters from the Northern parts about Newark that the King being then in Newark and extreame stricktly eyed and watched by faithfull active Major Generall Poyntz and that he could not stir any whither but still the Major Generall was on his back molesting his designes and especially he at this time lying about Shelford House his Majestie fearing the Major General intended at last to lock him up within Newark walls and so at length to block him up for a siege The King therefore would very faine have beene nibling with him watching opportunity to dislodge him if it might be from so neere an offensive neighbourhood had therefore a purpose at least made a shew thereof to set upon the Major Generall in his quarters But the sedulous and watchfull Major Generall being too circumspect to be so caught asleepe upon his Couch of Security and having timely notice of a party of the kings out of Newark approaching toward him had his forces in a fit and defensive posture which also the enemy by their Scouts understanding immediately they turned their course back againe to Newark and durst doe nothing upon them Whereupon the noble and most active Genâ—rall resolved that now he would doe something on the Enemie and that to purpose too and thereupon fell close upon Shelford-House a strong Garison of the Enemies sent a Summons to the Governour which was flatly denyed by reason that they expected and made no doubt of speedy reliefe by Newark horse which as was briefly toucht before failed them they onely making a shew as if they would have helped them but presently faced about and very peaceably departed to Newark And now also the Major Generall having received an additionall strength from valiant and active Colonell Rossiter he presently on the foresaid deniall stormed the House and very resolutly got over the works which was indeed gallantly defended by the enemy and disputed most hotly on both sides for about halfe an howres space at the swords point the Enemie standing upon their honour fortunes and strength of their works chose rather to die in their obstinacie than to aske for quarter upon which their desperat pertinacy there being about 180 of them in the house most of them suffered by the edge of the sword for we slew above 140. and gave quarter not to above 30. or 40. at most among whom was the Governour Sonne to the Earle of Chesterfield who had received many dangerous wounds and some t was believed mortall Now this strong Garrison being thus subdued we had thereby much fairer oportunity and accommodation for the besieging of Newark but yet for the present Major Generall Poyntz his designe was next for Worton whereof more in its more proper place Much about the same time we had credible information by Letters out of the North that since the routing of that brave upstart Commander the Lord Digbies forces upon Câ—rlile-Sands forementioned His scattered forces which remained after that rout being afterward rallyed together againe into a body they marched toward Dumfreez in Scotland but were happily met with all againe some of them by Sir Iohn Browne of Fordell who fought with them put them to flight and took 100. more of them Another party of them that fled toward Beeston-Castle were incounâ—â—ed by Colonell Brigges and the Lancashire forces and 200 more were taken by 〈◊〉 also Likewise above 〈…〉 of them flying through 〈…〉 withall by Major Generall Van 〈◊〉 So that the 〈◊〉 party of 1600. of the Kings prime horse under the Conduct of Digby that 〈…〉 now turned 〈◊〉 Generall 〈◊〉 man was thus 〈◊〉 spoiled taken only Digby himself and Laâ—gdale the Lord 〈◊〉 Sir William 〈◊〉 and not to more as was credibly informed had the unhappy happines to prolong their shame and-miserie by escaping in a small Frigot or Cock-boat or some such like small vessell to the Isle of Man there to condole their distresse with their as unworthy and ignoble unsuccessefull Copesmate the Earle of Darby Governour of the said Isle And about the 3. Instant we were credibly informed
saying Thou O Lord alone art most worthy to receive all Glory and Honour and Power For Thou hast created this great Salvation and Deliverance for us Yeâ— and All-Things were created and are for thy pleasure and Praise Even so Amen 2 To the Parliament TO the High and Honourable-Court of Parliament the renowned Lords and Commons as His Sublunary prime and principall Agents and Instruments in these our mighty and even miraculous Deliverances I must and doe most justly and ingenuously acknowledge your Loyalty and Zeal to and for God and your Country your constant out-darings of all Plots and Conspiracies witnesse that grand and unparallelled Affront and Abuse January the 4. 1641. Yea all Violence from abroad and at home The many thousand Mischeivous Machinations against us Your continuall and indefatigable tuggings through so many Counterplots and Oxford fine-Designes the like never heard of nor recorded in any age or history Have yee not most unanimously kept even to this day and long may yee that famous Act of Continuation even miraculously sealed unto you by the Royall Hand Who could have said 7 yeares agoe That a Parliament should have sate at all again in England Much lesse a Parliament to sit incessantly till now at Westminster especially considering that forementioned intended Acheldama or Field of Blood in the House of Commons by those armed ruffianly Royalists Yea and an Army whom yee payed when they were plotting and preparing to come against you and as it were rewarded them for intending your destruction a Bounty hardly heard of in other ages and yet for all these a Parliament They that saw whole Committees of Nobility and Gentry posting to York and doing what they could to carry the very Parliament-House had it been possible along with them And since that a pestilent and pernicious jugling-juncto or Mock-Parliament at Oxford and yet a Parliament at Westminster They that knew the intestine Temptings secret Sidings and perverting Partyings made within your own Walls and yet a Parliament at Westminster A Parliament indeed of Prayer summoned from Heaven and by Prayer continued in spight of Hell And what shall I say of you most Excellent Worthies far transcending ancient Romes so famoused grave and renowned Senators Yee have pulled down our tyrannicall Greivances and set up our hereditary Liberties Which the People will best see when the glistering of Swords is over the eye of popular judgement being now a while dazled with warre every Greivance now seeming to reside in that which so for the present pinches Yee have taken down by your Excellent Ordinances most of Idolatry from among us not suffering that Babylonish Harlot to have her name so much as in a peice of Glasse nor the shadow of a strange God in the Walls of our Church-Buildings Yee have Ordinanced away oppressing Prelacy and Popish-apish Innovations and Mimicall Ceremonies those Dark-Lanthornes of the Bishops by which they insensibly thought to have brought in the triple-Crown and none should have seen it till it had been among us Yee have Ordinanced standing-Remedies for standing-Troubles even a Monethly-Fast or Spirituall-Militia and are not wee a hard-hearted People that must bee compâ—lled to Repentance by a Law Yee have Ordinanced a precious and pious Solemn League or Covenant to tye 3 Kingdomes together to their God and One to another if it might bee A most heavenly Engine indeed considering there are so many Tuggers to pull them asunder both Papists Prelates atheisticall Malignants and unhappily if not unholily dissenting Separatists Yea you have Ordinanced a reverend religious and learned Assembly of Divines a divine auxiliarie indeed to promove and properate the blessed work of building and beautiâ—ying Gods House with powerfull and pure Ordinances and the Kingdome with a thorow Reformation These and many mo such like admirable Advancements of the Lords Glory have yee most happily and honourably establisht and effected for which Posterity shall have just cause everlastingly to praise and blesse the Lord for you Finally I may say of you both renowned Houses of Lords and Commons as Solomon of his praise-worthy Woman Prov. 31. 29. Many Parliaments have done excellently but This present Parliament hath excelled them all 3 To the Assembly of Divines TO the truely venerable Assembly of Divines whom I must most deservedly congratulate for your unwearied pains incessant disputes and learned toylings to build up as much as in you is the House of God to a glorious Evangelicall structure yea and for your holy and grave remindings of the Parliament continually to keep time with God in Victories and Losses by Praises and Humiliations And if any ask mee What yee are now a doing I answer Yee are doing yea doing the Work of the Lord in sending the Word abroad by your divine Agents and faithfull Factors for Reformation Yee are praying and disputing us out of our distempers and distractions And shall not Wee bee patient untill Yee by Gods gracious guidance and assistance have argued-out the Truth from Errour and illustrious Light from Glow-worm-Glistrings and too evident Darknesse God forbid However Reverend Gentlemen heer 's your Comfort your Work maugre all unbrotherly and uncharitable prejudice is with your God who will not leave it unrewarded 4. To the City of London TO thee most famous and faithfull Metropolis of the Kingdom the City of London who deservest not the least Congratulation in this our Panegyrick Pyramides of just Praises Of which I may most justly say with the sweet Singer of Israel Psal 87 3. Many and most glorious things are spoken of thee O City of God! Hast not Thou been under God a grand Bulwark and a constant Garrison to the Cause of God Have not yee most venerable Senators and renowned Commons thereof been a glorious and impregnable Reserve to 3 tottering Kingdomes Doe not Gloucester Newberry Redding Arundell c. look red with the glorious guerdion of your crimson-Conquests Have yee not exchanged your Shops for Tents Your soft and smooth advantages at home for rugged-difficulties and rough-dangers abroad Have you not been an admirable rich Armory and a munificent Magazine to the Lords just and most righteous Cause Hath it not been your Artillery for the most part and Ammunition which have given such and so many successefull Alarâ—â—s to the enemies of God Have not your happy Habitations been a Hyding-place and a safeguarding Sanctuary to Gods afflicted Out-casts and distressed Saints their Wives and Children from all parts almost of the whole Kingdom whom yee have with your Christian Charity and most helpfull Hospitality nourisht and cherisht with the Brest-milk of your Love and Bounty Have yee not been as it were an unexhaustible Exchequer to this great Cause Witnesse the wonderfull free and frequent disbursments of your money out of your Chests and purses and liberall Emptyings of your former rich and costly Cupâ—oards of Plate all to enrich the Gospel and advance the glorious Work of Reformation of Evils in Church and State And hath
and snapt up by a party of about twenty Horse of the Garrison of Stafford who had been scouâ—ing abroad upon some discovery and were informed thereof and got between them and home and took them all and safely carried them away with them which said twelve Horses were of that value and estimation with the Governour that bee offered a thousand pound to have had them again but could not About the sixteenth of this instant August wee also received a perfect and faithfully satisfying relation of the certainty of the thrice noble and renowned Earle of Manchesters victorious proceedings and farther advance in those Northerâ— parts from Dorcaster after that most famous Victory at Marston-Moor 〈◊〉 York which the Lord of Hosts gave us testified under the hand and by the Letter of that Reverend and truely pious Gentleman Mr. Goods Chaplain to the said Noble Earl which 〈◊〉 sent to his reverend and religious brother-Minister and fellow 〈◊〉 in to the said Earl Mr. Simâ—on Ash then in London 〈◊〉 whereof I have been â—â—tracted which was briefly this That the most Noble and Victorious Earl of Manchester being upon his advance according to order and agreement between the three renowned Generals at 〈◊〉 from Doncaster and Blyth they câ—me to Worsâ—p about eight miles from Blyth At which time of his Lordships being there Welbeck the Earl of Newcastles own dwelling-house wherein was a strong Garrison and where most of the Gentry of those parts of that County had laid up their Plate and 〈◊〉 goods having been summoned and besieged some dayes before by his Lordships forces was now surrendred to them upon composition and Articles of Agreement And whereas all the Souldiers in it â—ad liberty to march away with their Armes and one price of Ordnance whither they pleased there were not aboue thirty men of two hundred who took away any Armes but rather desired that they might depart peaceably to their own homes only there was a broken Troop of Horse which went from thence with the foresaid thirty foot unto Bever-castle This place was taken without any great noise nothing appearing there but friendship and civility when the House was surrendred Heer wee took eight or nine great peices of Ordnance some bigget some lesser with good store of Mâ—â—ch Bullet and two hundred Muskets The keeping of this House was committed to the care of Colonell Tiberâ—ay a Commander of Nottingham Garrison because the House is in Nottinghamshire There were left therein the Marquesse of Newcastles three Daughters the Lord Widdringtons children with others into very peaceable manner without any great disturbance to themselves or their families there After this this noble and victorious Generall the virtuous and valourous Earl of Manchester advanced farther and sent out a party of his Army consisting of 〈◊〉 thousand two hundred Foot and a Regiment of Horse commanded by Major-Generall Grawford and Colonell Pickering with three of their biggest peices of Ordnance to take 〈…〉 a strong hold in Yorkshire wherein were a Troop of Horse and two hundred foot strongly fortifyed with abroad and deep Treâ—â— of eighteen foot deep and water in it a strong 〈◊〉 work 〈◊〉 will round of two yards thick eight 〈◊〉 of Iron Ordnance and two Morter-peices Our forces being come neeâ—â—â—his Castle sâ—nt them three 〈…〉 which did 〈…〉 after which they sent 〈…〉 to the Castle who shot 〈…〉 at the 〈◊〉 two of which shots came very neer and hardly mist him and they flourishing their Swords cryed out they would have no other parley Where upon ours advanced into the Town and there quartered that night in which night and next day they raised two batteries within threescore yards of the Enemies out-works whereon our Ordnance fell to play upon them and did as much execution on the walls as peices of their bignesse could doe the greatest being but a Demiculverin and after about foure and twenty houres playing and plying thus with their Ordnance and finding it would protract too much time to lie thus battering with their pieces they resolved to send to my Lord Fairfax for the Queens pocket-pistall and a whole Culverin which accordingly were soon brought thither and presently mounted and the next morning betimes after their comming those three began to play which did very great execution upon one side of the Castle and brought the strong walls thereof down into the trenches and made a perfect breach And the noble Major-Generall having prepared all things in a readinesse for storming the Castle both Faggots Ladders and other accommodations thereunto digested the form of storming by a Councell of Warre it was resolved to send another Summons to the Castle which produced a present Treaty between three Gentlemen sent out of the Castle and three like men of our party who speedily concluded the surrender of the Castle upon fair Articles Wee took in this Castle foure hundred Armes besides the great Gunnes afore-mentioned twelve barrels of Powder much Match twenty tuns of great Iron-shot about foure hundred pounds worth of Corn Beef Bacon Cheese and other provisions all which and many other things except an hundred Muskeâ—s and a Morter-peice which were brought away were left in the Castle for supply thereof the Country thereabout giving my Lords Souldiers five hundred pound among them for 〈◊〉 good service against this place Shortly after this the noble Major-Generall having left Colonell Bright a Commander of my Lord Fairfaxes and a party of Foot in the Castle by order from the most noble Earl of Manchestor advanced toward Bâ—wzar alias 〈…〉 about eight miles from Sheffeild it being another strong House of Marquesse Newcastles in Darby shire which was well manâ—â—d with Souldiers and strengthened with great Guns one whereof carryed eighteen pound bullet others nine pound and it had strong works about it yet this Castle also upon summons was soon surrendred up to my Lords Forces upon faire and moderate Articles granted to them It pleased God to give us in this Castle of Boulsover an hundred and twenty Muskets besides Pikes Halberts c. Also one Iron Drake some leaden bullets two Morter-peices some other Drakes nine barrels of powder with a proportion of Match some Victuals for our Souldiers and some plunder Immediately also after this they all marched to Staley-House which was strongly fortified but upon our Armies advance to it it was soon surrendred also upon Articles of agreement and in it wee had twelve peices of Ordnance two hundred and thirty Muskets an hundred and fifty Pikes And Mr. John Fretchwell who had long held the House fortified with strong Works for the service of the King being then convinced of the goodnesse of our cause did very freely and voluntarily render to the Major-Generall all the Armes aforesaid with much other Ammunition From hence shortly after they also advanced to Wingfeild-Mannour about eight miles distant which House had been long besieged by Darby Forces but was not at this time
those most barbarous and bloody Canibals the Rebels of Ireland O the sad tragedies perpetrated and acted there in those parts by the Russels Brunts Canningâ— and other inhumain Cavaliers of that County by the Giffords in Stoffordshire the Tayâ—ors and Barnses in Warâ—â—ickshire the filthy French Walloones and all other sorts of blood-thirsâ—y Villaines in all parts I say where the ravenous and all-ruining Royalists get and keep pernicious power and preheminence witnesse their horrid and hideous crueltiâ—s and more than Turkish barbarities acted in Oxfordprisâ—ms in Marlborough Newbury Redding when t was in their helliâ—h hold Marâ— field Glocâ—sâ—eâ— shire Bathe the Vizes Sommersetshirâ— Devon and Cornwall in none of all which places is permitted any free Trading no powerfull Preaching no comfortable or quiet living but as I said the clean contrary And now sâ—riously and sadly put both these two conditions together as white to black and light to darknesse yea even as representative heaven to hell and then tell mee O thou most obdurate-hearted and Mole-eyed Malignant if thou bee but Comâ—os mentis if I say thou art not stark maâ— whether this one and only consideration were there no more bee not enough in meer common sense and reason to open thy blinde eyes and cause thee to see thy grosse errour most pestiâ—ent prejudice and unreasonable rage and rancour against the wayes of God and work of Reformation the great Cause and businesse of this present most pious Parliament so injuriously and so unjustly maligned and abused by thee God in mercy at length open thine eyes to see thy folly and madnesse and to bee truly humbled for it But to proceed Now much about the 14 of this instant came certain intelligence from that valiant and vigilant Commander Colonell Fox how that a party of his being drawn out by Captain Tudman marâ—hed toward Hartlebury-Castle and there salling upon a party of the enemies took prisoners Sergeant Whitlework and 4 others That another Captain of his namely Captain Johnson marched with a party of Horse to joyn with the Coventry forces for the securing of Asherton Fair heer 's another particular confirmation of the truth of what was forementioned from the Lord Loughboroughs or rather Rob-carryer Hastings and Litchfield Forces Which Fair though with much adoe was secured wherein Colonell Foxes Souldiers commanded by Captain Johnson aforesaid unhorsed Colonell Lane a Litchfield Commander brought away his Horse Pistols Cloak and Bever the Colonell himself being sorely wounded if not slain was with no small strugling at length rescued by a strong party and so carryed off to Litchfield but his chin was cut off in the fight his arm shot and his head sorely wounded and hee therefore deemed unlikely to live Much also about the 16 of this instant that ever to bee honored and approved Patriot of his Country Alderman Pennington then Leivtenant of the Towre of London having been brought into no small perplexity and trouble by the sudden and silent escape out of the said Towre of those two bloody Rebells the Lord Macquire and Machmahoon by the assistance of that most worthy Knight Sir John Clâ—tworthy a Gentleman also of a most publick Spirit and known integrity and a member of the House of Commons in Parliament who having private intelligence of the said Lord Macquire and Macmahoons place of residence where they had been securely hâ—â—boured ever since they got out of the Towre both these worthy Gentlemen and eminent Patriots suddenly and secretly got together the Trained Bands of Ludgate-Ward in London and with them expeditiously beset one Mr. Clouds house a Painter or Picture drawer in Drurie-Lane on all sides Clowde himself being out of Town reported to bee beyond Sea but beleeved to bee with the King hee being a known Papist and one of a great estate Now the house being round beset as aforesaid Alderman Pennington and Sir John Clotworthy with some others went into the said house and instantly found the two bloody Rebels eating Oysters on whose persons they instantly and joyfully seized especially the Leivtenant of the Towre whom their apprehension most neerly concerned and with the foresaid Trained Band guarding them along the streets to the Towre again where again they safely lodged and lockt them up till their farther triall for their lives which shortly after followed There were also found at the same time in the said Clowds house that Popish cloud that had hidden those two grand bloody Rebels in his house so long the pictures of filthy Father Corbet forsooth and devillish Ducket his copesmate two Irish-priests that had been hanged drawn and quartered at Tiburn but the Sessions before this apprehension of the said Irish-Rebels both those Villaines pictures being very fairly set forth in Oyle-colours so madly doe the Romish sots and slaves of the Pope dignifie if not Deifie such abominable base and bloody Trentine-Traitors Romes cursedly Canonized lying-martyrs which Pictures I my self saw in my ever most honoured friends house Sir John Wollastone then the most honourable Lord Major of London About the 18 of this instant September divers of the reverend and truely religious Ministers of the City of London to a very considerable number presented a petition to the House of Commons in Parliament for a full and speedy reformation and uniformity in Doctrine Discipline Worship and Government of the Church of England wherein among many other things they religiously remonstrated that by reason of many most dangerously erronious opinions ruinating Schismes and damnable heresies as Anabaptisme Brownisme Antinonianisme Socinianisme Libertinisme and Independency most unhappily revived and crept in among us and much fomented both in City and Country the Orthodox Ministery and truely pious and painfull Pastours were much neglected and contemned the people seduced congregations torn asunder families distracted rights and duties of Relations both nationall civill and spirituall very scandalously violated the practicall power of godlinesse greatly decayed Parliamentary authority was much undermined fearfull confusion introduced imminent destruction threatned and in part inflicted on us lately in the West as a sign of Heavens high displeasure at us for our most unthankfull and wanton quarrelling among our selves and thereby retarding of so great and glorious a work so much conducing to Gods high honour and the Kingdomes best security And therfore they desired as a soveraign remedy for the removall of these present distempers and growing evills and the prevention of their farther progresse the serious expediting of a Directory for publick-worship and to accelerate the establishment of a pure and Apostolicall Discipline and Government according to the Word of God and the best Reformed Churches and to endevour to take away all obstructions that might impede and retard the same Which petition was read in the House and the Petitioners called in and had thanks returned them with assurance how earnest the Parliament hath been to establish Church-Government as was desired which was most notably evident both
upon a party of the Enemies horse but then newly come from Oxford to doe some mischeif in those parts of whom divers were taken prisoners by the said valiant Captain Redman and the rest soundly beaten among those that were taken prisoners were Sir John Feunick Sir Thomas Strickland the Lord St. Paul a Frenchman and 15 more some were slain and many wounded the rest ran like brave Oxonians to save themselves but they left behinde them at least 30 horse and a rich Sumpter together with good quantity of Armes and Ammunition And at the same time wee were certainly informed that Knaresborough castle in Yorkeshire was surrendred to the thrice noble and renowned Lord Fairfax and in it good store of Armes powder and Ammunition with some Ordnance and other good booty viz. especially some hundred pounds in ready money and about 1500 pounds worth of Plate silver and guilt And about the 26 of this instant December wee were certainly informed by Letters from Radcastle that those 2 most loyall and renowned Commanders Sir Thomas Middleton and Colonell Mitton had taken a strong Garrison of the Enemies neer Mountgomery called Abby-cumhire This House had formerly been a Romish-Abby and was strongly built of stone upon their first comming before it they summoned it but upon the Enemies denyall to surrender Sir Thomas Middletons and Colonell Mittons old Souldiers assisted by Colonell Beal and Leivtenant Colonell Carters souldiers who were then lately come to them out of South-Wales and with brave resolution fell upon the Enemy and stormed and took the House in a short time where they took prisoners Colonell Barnard Governour of the Castle Hugh Floyd Esquire a Commissioner of Array in those parts and High-Sheriffe of that County and one of those that were excepted by the Proposition for Peace at Vxbridge to have no pardon 2 Captaines of Foot one Captain of Horse a Captain Leivtenant 3 Leivtenants a Foot Colours one Cornet of Horse 4 Sergeants 8 Corporalls 2 Trumpetters 4 Drums 60 common Souldiers 3 barrels of powder 60 firelocks 40 Horse 40 horse armes besides 200 Muskets and some other armes and ammunition By the taking of which said strong Garrison the Counties thereabouts are freed from much danger of their cruell Enemies who had before used many of the inhabitants with much severity About the 28 of this instant wee received credible information by Letters out of Staffordshire that Captain Stone the valiant Governour of Eccleshall castle having intelligence that some parties of the Enemies were abroad out of Tongue castle hee thereupon marched out of Eccleshall with a party of horse found them and fell upon them and in the fight slew divers of them took prisoners the Governour of Tongue castle divers Officers 200 common Souldiers and 50 horse with some other good booty And by Letters out of the West wee were farther informed about the same time that Major Dewet performed a brave exploit upon the Enemy at West Dean which was thus related Sir our brave-spirited Major but shortly after this a base apostate from us marched with his men from about Malmsbury toward our Garrison by West-Dean and by the way hee fell upon a quarter of the Enemies at Rushall neer Vphaven where there were quartered about 36 of Captain Paddons Troop who entituled themselves The Wiltshire Troope where after some hot and testy dispute he took prisoners Leivtenant Borrow Leivtenant of Horse commanding the Troop George Warner a Reformado Captain a Leivtenant of Foot 2 more Reformado Officers 6 Troopers 20 good horse and armes and other good prize for his Souldiers without the losse of any one man or horse on his side And about the same time wee had farther certain intelligence of another brave exploit performed against the Newarkers by valiant Colonell Thorney and the Nottingham Forces who took a considerable Garrison from the Enemies neer Newark viz. Sir Roger Coopers House and in it Sir Roger himself and his brother and 50 prisoners with their armes and ammunition And about the 30 of this instant December an Agent of the most illustrious Queen of Sweden was admitted with honourable reception into the Parliament the representative Body of the Kingdome of England with his Letters to the Parliament from the said most Royall Princesse which were then opened and after the translating of them out of the Latine-tongue in which they were writen they were read in Parliament The effect and substance of which was That the said thrice noble Queen of Swethland with her Nobles and whole State desired to associate themselves and to keep faire and loving correspondence with the Parliament and State of England and to enter into the Solemn League and Covenant with them for the mutuall defence of the true Reformed Protestant Religion A rare mercy indeed thus to see another Protestant Kingdome desire to joyn with us in this blessed work of setting the Lord Christ upon his Throne as our most loyall and loving brethren of Scotland have done to the high honour and glory of God and good of his Church And with this so sweet a mercy I shall heer most fitly close up this moneths most famous blessings on this Burning-Bush the Parliaments honest and upright Cause And heer now therefore good Reader let mee intreat thee to make a little stay and therein to stand amazed at this even senseastonishing Parliamentary-wonder to see and consider in this one Moneths contemplation thereof this Burning-Bush thus still Vnconsumed I mean the Parliaments just Cause and quarrell in the middest of so many devouring flames of bloody bickerings and perfidious plots and trecheries as have been fore-mentioned to stand upright still undestroyed yea contrariwise more and more flourishingly and fairly corroborated and fixed at the root the blessing of him that dwells in the Bush thus admirably still preserving and protecting it from constantly contrived and intended ruine and destruction Upon the serious sight and pious pondering whereof O what great cause have wee with holy David to break forth into a holy and hearty extasie of joy and admiration as wanting words to expresse sufficiently the many and mighty mercies of our God and to sing and say How excellent O Lord is thy loving kindenesse how powerfull is thy protection therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings They are abundantly satisfied with the fatnesse of thy house and thou dost make them drink of the rivers of thy pleasure And thou O Lord art hee alone that dost encompasse us still with songs of deliverance But now to proceed and set forward to the farther sight and contemplation of the succeeding wonders in and upon this our thus Burning Bush in this ensuing Moneth of January 1644. ANd first I shall begin heer to remember my Reader that as God had lately before begun to cut off in a Judiciary way one most pestilent plotter and dangerous Malignant Incendâ—ary who had not Gods
place and took neer as many prisoners 4 great barrells of powder being all they had there took all their field peices their bagge and baggage and dispersed the Enemy and had at this time utterly spoyled and ruinated them had not the darknesse of the night hindered his pursuite of them The Honourable House of Commons taking into consideration this prosperous successe which it pleased the Lord to give our brethren in Scotland which was of much concernment not only for the hoped peace of that Kingdome but of this also they therfore Ordered that publick Thanksgiving should bee made for the same the then next ensuing Lords Day in the severall Parish Churches in London and Westminster and within the Line of Communication and a Committee of the Lords and Commons addressed themselves to the Scottish Commissioners to congratulate them in that happy and seasonable Victory About the 14 instant among divers other usefull Ordinances of Parliament there was one passed by the House of Commons for exempting the University of Cambridge from all Military Taxes and other Contributions to the publike Service That nothing contained in any Ordinance or Ordinances of Parliament for or concerning the imposing levying or paying of any assessements taxes or charges whatsoever as well already made and charged as hereafter to bee made and charged by any former Ordinances shall not bee extended to charge the said University or any the Colledges or Halls therein or any the Rents or Revenues belonging thereunto nor to charge any Master Fellow or Schollar of any the said Colledges or any Reader Officer or Minister of the said University or Colledges for or in regard of any Wages Stipend or Profit due to them or any of them in respect of their places and employments in the said University any thing in the said Ordinances to the contrary notwithstanding Provided that the Tenents who enjoy Leases from the said University and Colledges doe claime no freedome or exemption or advantage by this said Ordinance Heer therefore that old Prelaticall slander of the Malignant Enemies is already clearly confuted who maliciously and falsly give out as if the Parliament were or would bee haters and discountenancers of Learning and parts whereas they ever aâ—med at the advancement thereof by a most necessary Reformation and cleansing of the University from its old stale and stinking lees and corrupted and corrupting dregs of Popery Arminianism superstition profanenesse and even open atheisme as was too evident in so many Prelaticall Popish and Arminian creatures therin such superstitious idle-addle-headed Governours so many formalists and politicians in Divinity meer Atheists in conversation who constantly infected the better wits and ingenous Spirits inducing and drawing them by their most prevalent pernicious examples to their own wayes and wicked practises But now the Fountain being purifyed and cleansed the streams must needs run abroad more clear into Church and Common-wealth by Gods blessing on the means About the 16 of this instant Aprill wee had suddain and certain intelligence out of Kent that about 3 or 400 mad-headed and discontented Malignants part of the rascality of that County were gotten into a body and had put themselves into a second open Rebellion and had taken Sir Percivall Harts house neer Farningham and had got divers horse and Armes which might threaten some danger to that flourishing County but by the speedy provision and care of the Committee and Gentry of that County the Serpent was crusht in the Egge for they had instantly ordered and authorized noble Colonell Blunt who indeed merited much honour in this Service to raise forces in the County for the suppressing of them who used such industry wisdome courage and fidelity therein that hee had soon raised a body of about 2000 horse and foot in one afternoon and part of the next morning and with quick expedition marched after them with 4 field peices toward Lunnington House and having found them out resolutely set upon them and had soon utterly routed and dispersed them took 50 of their principall Ring-leaders who were clapt up in safe custody till they might bee proceeded against by Martiall-Law And thus praised bee the Lord this spark of rebellion not being neglected was as timely quenched as it was soon kindled Much about which said time wee were certainly informed by Letters out of Hampshire that a party of renowned Colonell Nortons horse from Southampton being upon a design to fortifie Rumsey and so to straiten the Enemies Garrison at Winchester which the better to effect a party of his horse I say under the Command of Major Stewart were drawn out to face Winchester and so to keep the Enemy in play whilst Rumsey was thus fortifying which was done accordingly and after some small skirmishing Major Stewart retreated with the losse of 4 or 5 of his men and as many of the Enemies upon his retreat the Enemy advanced but now Major Stewart being seconded by a fresh party from Rumsey set again upon them routed and pursued them killed Leivtenant Coard and 6 or 7 more on the place took Captain Heath Cornet Barnes and 4 or 5 other Officers and about 30 horse and their Riders prisoners and brought them safe to Rumsey and afterward sent them to Southampton In this service Major Stewart received a shot in the thigh but not mortall only a badge of honour unto him praised bee the Lord for it About the 18 instant wee had clear intimation and knowledge of divers of the Lords and Peers of the Kingdom who having formerly deserted the Parliament and shown themselves in open opposition or at best in slie and faithlesse tergiversation from the Cause of God maintained by this present Parliament yet now at the length the Lord as wee hope having opened their eyes of understanding to see their errour and perswaded their hearts as wee trust to cleave to his Truth in sincerity and cordiall loyalty and therefore now I say divers of them were come in unto the Parliament from Oxford and took their Oath and the Solemn Covenant to bee true and faithfull to the service of the Parliament to the uttermost of their abilities both with their lives and fortunes First there came in about the 10 of this instant 3 Earles and 3 Lords Viz. The Earl of Bedford the Earl of Clare and the Earl of Leicester the Lord Pawlet the Lord Conway and the Lord Rich. And since that 5 more came in and took the same Oath and Covenant Viz. the Earl of Westmerland the Earl of Tenet the Earl of Monmouth and the Lord Savill The rest wee pray and trust will also in the Lords due time see their foul errours and seeing bee ashamed and sin no more in that kinde And about the 20 of this instant Aprill wee received certain intelligence by a Letter from a Member of the Committee of Worcester then residing at Warwick concerning a great and brave defeat given to Prince Maurice his forces in
and sorrowfull accidents lately falne out in the Kingdome to the great greit of the best Members thereof laying down also in their prudent and provident thoughts some most probable grounds and causes of all those sad and sorrowfull losses which had notwithstanding all our undeniable precious mercies fore-mentioned befalne the Parliamentary Cause a true representation therefore still of the Burning-Bush Vnconsumed and humbly therfore tendring the conceived remedies thereof and the likely prevention of more by Gods gracious assistance if seriously and seasonably seen unto Which Petition for the excellency thereof and for the Readers better content and satisfaction together with the Parliaments most fair and favourable answer thereunto I have thought fit heer to insert which was as followeth To the Right honourable the Knights Citizens and Burgesses of the Commons House of Parliament The humble Petition of the Lord Major Aldermen and Commons of the City of London in Common Councell Assembled Sheweth THat the Inhabitants of this City and parts adjacent are generally most deeply sensible of these pressing miseries under which they and the whole Kingdom now groan And that imminent ruine which is comming upon both through the releiving of Chester the unexpressible losse of Leicester the barbarous cruelty executed there the danger of the rest of our Garrisons and well-affected thereabouts and the increasing and prevailing of the Enemy by Sea and Land like a mighty Torrent That among other causes which have had a deep influence upon this most sad posture of our condition the said Inhabitants apprehend that the not compleating of Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Army according to an Ordinance of Parliament in that behalf the want of such a Committee in that Army as may give our Commanders in cheif power and encouragement to improve all present advantages without attending Commands and Directions from remote Councels The calling back of Leivtenant Generall Cromwell and Major Generall Brown when they were pursuing the Enemy The not advancing of our Brethren of Scotland into these Southern parts The great decay of Trade and discouragements of Merchants for want of a constant convey His Majesties publishing his sense of the proceedings at the late Treaty and the Parliament not publishing their sense thereof And their resolutions against free trade by Sea to such Ports as are or shall bee in the power of the Enemy have been the cheif That great numbers of those Inhabitants have lately expressed their earnest desires by Petition and otherwise to the representative body of the City in Common Councell Assembled That this their deep sense and apprehensions might bee forthwith made known to both Houses of Parliament Their humble suit that the remedies may bee speedily considered of and effectually executed and their resolutions according to all former expressions that they will not think their lives nor any thing they possesse too dear to hazzard for your encouragement and preservation Thereupon the Petitioners for prevention of further miseries inconveniencies and the utter ruine of the Parliament of this City and Kingdome make it their humble request to this Honourable House That care may bee taken for the speedy recruiting of Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army and for his encouragement That such a Committee may bee sent with that Army as may give our Commanders in cheif of whose faithfulnesse the Kingdom hath had so large testimony power and encouragement to improve all present advantages aforesaid That the said Army or such part thereof as in your wisdome shall seem meet may bee ordered forthwith to march towards our enemies in the field as well for the regaining of Leicester if it bee possible before it bee made impregnable by fortifications as also for prevention of the Enemies further surprizing of other places of strength and destroying the rest who have appeared in defence of the Parliament and for preservation of the Kingdom That our Brethren of Scotland may bee more earnestly prest to march Southward That Leivtenant Generall Cromwell may presently have power to raise and command the Association untill such other course bee taken as may tend to the safety of those Counties and of this City and Kingdome That the Navy may bee so ordered as may encourage Merchants and advance Trade by having constant convoyes That the proceedings of the late Treaty may bee forthwith published by the Parliament and their resolution against free Trade as aforesaid And the Petitioners as in duty shall pray c. Vera Copia H. Elsynge Cler. Parl. D. Com. Die Mercurii Junii 4. 1645. Resolved c. THat the Answer to the Petitioners shall bee That the House will take the particulars of the Petition into serious consideration And doe return them Thanks for their good affections And as to their desire of leave to present the like to the House of Peeres this House leaves it to themselves and to their own discretion H. Elsynge Cler. Parl. D. Com. About the 8 of this instant June wee had credible information by Letters out of Cheshire that a party of the Enemies forces about Chester were sent out by Byron the Governour of Chester some few miles a forraging into the Country thereabout and especially to Broxton hundred with imperious Warrants to fetch in Contribution-money where they plundered all they could finde worth carrying with them and took divers of our men prisoners Wherof Leivtenant Colonell Venables hearing hee made use of this opportunity and marched forth with a party from Tarvin and having got between the Enemies and the Town hee charged them with such courage and resolution that hee totally routed the whole party and took from them 180 prisoners whereof about 20 were Captains Leivtenants and other Officers in Armes and some of a degree above Captains hee also took in this service 50 horse and about 200 Armes besides divers slain in the conflict and having thus releived his captive and plundred friends and suppressed the Enemies hee returned with honour and triumph to his quarters And about the 10 instant wee received certain intelligence of a brave peice of service performed by valiant active and loyall Colonell Rossiter and Colonell Gray against a party of the Newarkâ—rs who marched under the Command of Colonell Willâ— his own Major who marched all night and at 6 of the clock in the morning appeared in a full body and came before Houghaâ—-House which the Enemy having thus now beset wondered to see not any of our men awake in the whole Garrison to make any resistance for a while they did forbeare to assault the place fearing ours might have prepared some stratagâ—m within but some new intelligence administring other counsels and putting by that fear they almost at once forced the bridge and entred the House where they found them all fast asleep not dreading or dreaming of the approach of any Enemy Being now entred they used them not whom they found within as our King Richard of old used a Souldier of his whom hee killed because hee found him
hands and handle not And that word of God was made good in the enemy who upon the Storme had not strength to handle their weapons to defend themselves but were delivered to the mercy of our souldiers A great part of the Pillage was sold to the Country people who likewise had a good part of the prey and carried many Cartloades away The House burnt downe and demolished After the reading the Letters of Bazing the House began to debate of some further timely service of the gallant valiant and religious Souldiers which might be done in those parts for the better cleering the passage into the West and the result of all was that Letters should be written to severall Committees to joyne forces with those that stormed Bazing for the taking of the Castle of Dennington c. The House likewise ordered that the Ministers in the severall Churches and Chappell 's in London and Lines of Communication should on the next Lords day in their severall Churches and Chappels give thankes to God for his great mercy in delivering up Winchester and Bazing House into our hands And about the 12. of this instant October we had certaine intelligence by letters from Gloucester that the valiant Active and faithfull Governour therof Colonell Morgan the most worthy Successour therein of even to be honoured Major Generall Mâ—ssiâ— with about 300. horse and 400. foot part whereof was sent unto him by the then deputie Governour of Bristol Colonell Fleet-wood assisted also by the Monmouthshire men having taken the towne of Chepstow besieged and summoned the Castle but the Governour thereof Colonell Fitz-Morris returned a peremptorie negative answer whereupon valiant Colonell Morgan planted 2 great peeces of Ordnance and a morter-peece for batterie and made a breach into the Castle whereupon the Governour sent presently to desire a parley but Colonell Morgan as presently returned answer That now it was too late whereupon all the Souldiers issuing forth fell downe upon their knees crying Quarter quarter for Gods sake and wholly referred themselves to the Generalls mercy and the Castle was instantly surrendred to him There were in the Castle Colonell Fitz-Morris the Governour Major Bridgeman and an 106. Common Souldiers who were all carryed prisoners to Gloucester They took besides in the castle 30 horse and their furniture 18. peeces of Ordnance great and small 16. barrells of Gunpouder 2 Harque bushes 6. tun of lead great store of fire-workes 30. beefs in powder 30. barrells of salt 4000. waight of bisket a butt of Sack 3. Hogsheads of Methegline 4. Hogsheads of beere and Ale 70. bushels of Oat-meale 10. bushells of Pease and Beanes and 30. bushels of Wheat many firkins of butter 400. waight of cheese with store of other provisions and ammunition And we were about the same time for certaine informed that Sir Trevor Williams and very many Gentlemen of Glamorganshire and Monmouthshire had freely and faithfully declared themselves for the Parliament and as a testimonie thereof had raised 1500. Souldiers out of both those Counties for the Parliaments service and resolved suddenly to besiege Monâ—â—th the effects whereof you shall see fully related in its proper place And thus we see how triumphantly the Lord now rides on in glorie for the blessed advancement of his Great Cause ever magnified and praised be his great and most glorious name therein The Messenger that brought this welcome Newes to the Parliament was rewarded by them with the gift of 10 l. for his paines in the journey And the House also most piously and gratefully ordered that thankes should be given to Almightie God on the Lords-day then next ensuing for the happy surrender of Chepstow Towne and Castle as also of Winchester and 〈◊〉 And they farther ordered that thankes and a reward should be sent to that faithfull and valiant Commander Colonell Morgan A right way indeed to thrive and proceed victoriously and successfully where God is in his mercies exalted and vertue and valour is not left without honour and reward About the 14. of this instant October the Vote in Parliament for sending forth writâ— for the election of new Members of the House of Commons for filling up the vacancie of those that were Deceased or had perfidiously deserted the House was put in execution and a Letter being read in the House of Commons sent from the Major of Sandwitch by a Member of the House of Peeres to procure the election of a Member to sit and serve in Parliament of his nominating according to the writ sent downe thither for that purpose Whereupon the Commons on serious debate on this businesse referred the same to the Committee of Priviledges the result wherof was That it was ordered that for the future a Copie of the Order of the House of Commons made in Anno 1641. should be sent downe with all writs for new elections A Copie of which Order for the Readers better satisfaction and for the clearing of our most renowned Parliaments integrity in this as in all other their faithfull managing of the States-affaires I have here inserted which was as followeth WHereas the House of Commons hath received Information that Letters from Peers are directed to Boroughs that now are to 〈◊〉 Elections of Members to serve in this Parliament They conceived that all Letters of that nature from any Peeres of this 〈◊〉 doe necessarily tend to the violation of the Priviledges of Parliament and the freedome of Elections of the Members that ought to serve in the House of Commons and doe declare That notwithstanding such Letters all Persons to whom Elections of Knights and Burgesses do belong ought to proceed to their Elections with that freedome which by the Lawes of the Realme and of Right they ought to doe and do expect that if any such Letters from any Peeres of the Realme shall hereafter be sent unto them That the parties receiving the same shall certifie the contents thereof or bring the Letters themselves to the Speaker of the House of Commons Octob. 10. There came a Letter from Abington to renowned Major Generall Brown the most worthy Governour thereof being then in London of a gallant peece of Service performed by that brave Garrison against the Enemy at Farringdon the particular whereof take in the said Letter sent from valiant and active Colonell Paine the said Major Generals Deputy Governour which was as followeth SIR The last night viz. Tuesday 14 instant I marched forth with a party of Foot and all our Horse to Farringdon where we came so neere the taking of that Garrison that I my self heard the Enemy earnestly call to draw up the Bridge our Foot being then within a stones cast of them before they could draw it up yet we lost not our labour for we bickering and skirmishing with them there tooke about 100 Horse of theirs foure Captaines one Lieutenant foure Quartermasters one Serjeant 17 Troopers eight Foot Souldiers and one Drum in all about 37 Prisoners and slew two upon
above 130 within the Castle We tooke in it seven Peeces of Ordnance 400 Muskets and Pikes ten or twelve barrels of Powder 25 Barrels of Brimstone and Salt-Peter together with good store of other Ammunition and Provision The truth of all this was consumed by Colonell Morgans owne Letter to the Parliament after the reading whereof the Commons ordered that thankes should be returned to Almighty God for all these great mercies in those parts the next Lords Day in all Churches and Chappels in and about London and Westminster And further Ordered That a Letter of thankes should be returned to the said valiant Colonell Morgan for this and all his other gallant and faithfull services for the State since his having command of Gloucester and that the said Colonell Morgan should have the command of all the Forces of the County of Gloucester And as for the Government of Monmouth it was conferred upon Sir Trevor Williams a worthy religious and gallant Gentleman A fit and faire-way indeed by gratifying the well-deserving to ingage their hearts and affections more and more to the State and Kingdome And much about the foresaid time the Letters taken in the Lord Digbies Coach at Sherburne conflict as hath been toucht before were read at a Conference of both Houses of Parliament In divers whereof to the Marquesse of Ormond in Ireland his Majesty much bewailes his low and decaying condition since Naseby Battell and advises him if he can to make a Peace with his Irish Catholique Subjects or at least a Cessation But however though he hazard the losse of that Kingdome that he should come away in person unto him withall the forces Armes and Ammunition that he could get and command from thence leaving the rest namely the Protestants on the Parliament-side and the Rebells to dispute the businesse together And to incourage the Marquesse therein he promised him that if he did prosper he should be preferred to all the dignity that possibly could be conferred upon a subject but if his Majesties undertakings succeeded ill as t was most like they would being altogether against God and his Truth hee and the rest of his followers would have the honour to die nobly in a good cause In another Letter upon occasion of Prince Ruperts advising him to a treaty with the Parliament his Majestie checks the said Prince for it wonders he was so much misled tels him that to condescend lower than his termes at Vxbridge would be as bad as a submission which he would never doe so long as he lived And in another Letter dated at Newarke October to the King declares the grounds of his comming to Newarke rather than any other Garrison it being most unlikely to be besieged Colonell Generall Poyntz being as the Letter said much broken with pursuing him That he had the greatest strength thence to break out upon occasion and to get to Montrosse who by an expresse gave him to understand that his Condition and late â—ent was not so bad and so great as was reported but that he was in a good condition and by an addition of forces from Kalcan who were coming to him he should be able to assist the King c. In all which premises we may all see with what poore and vaine hopes meere Egyptian-Reeds the King rests on and feeds himselfe and thereby thus more and more hardens his heart from hearing or yeilding any fit and faire accommodations with his people and Parliament About the 30. of this instant October we had certaine intelligence by a Letter under the hands of famous and faithfull Colonell Mitton Colonell Iones and Adjutant Louthian that the enemie being industrious to releive that Garrison of West-Chester and knowing that the losse of that would be the surrender of all the other They had therefore drawn a party out of their Garrisons of Worcester Ludlow Bridgenorth and other Garrisons thereabout 2400 viz. 1700. Horse and 700. foot and Commanded by Sir William Vaughan being all in one body neer Denbigh-Castle which was about 22. miles from Chester Whereupon our forces calling a Councell of War what was best to be done whether to suffer the Enemie to come neerer or to go out and right with them they concluded to goe out and so drew forth about 1400. horse and 100 foot leaving the Workes sufficiently man'd before Chester and on Saturday they came to the enemie neere Denbigh Castle sent a forelorne hope under the command of Captaine Otter the Body being commanded by gallant Colonell Generall Mitton the Horse led up by Colonell Jones the Foot by Adjeant Louthian who fell on the enemy with as much gallantrie as could be expected there being under their command some Lancashire horse some of Warwickeshire and Shropshire c. each Officer and Souldier deserving honour for their resolution and action among which Major Hanksworth of Warwick 〈◊〉 Major Sanders of Derby did very gallant service in short we wholly routed the enemie tooke betweene five and six hundred horse and above foure hundred foot slew above an hundred on the place and pursued them six miles doing great execution all the way so as in the evening there was not above one hundred left together of the enemie The particulars could not then be related this Messenger came on Tuesday night and had fiftie pounds given him for the intelligence And the Parliament also ordered that letters of thankes should be sent from that House to Colonell Mitton and the rest for this and all their other faithfull Service to the state And not long after the foresaid time we had yet farther information by Letters from those parts that renowned religious and victorious Sir William Brereton was now safely arived as had beene long and earnestly desired by the Countrie there at the Leaguer before West Chester and that valiant and vigilant Colonell Iones having certaine notice that Sir William 〈◊〉 the bloody Lord Byrons brother knowing well the wants and shalts of his said brother Governour of Chester had therefore got together what provisions hee possibly could make and scrape up together and all the forces he could raise to the number of about 400. neer Holt with an intent thus to releive the City of Chester on the Welch-side thereof But I say brave and active Colonell Jones knowing hereof chose rather to march out unto him by the way than to be more dangeously molested neere the City walls where he lay and so leaving a sufficient guard about the Towne in the Leaguer went forth and met him on the way bravely encountred him wherein the fight having soon routed him he tooke Sir William 〈◊〉 himselfe their Commander in Cheife Prisoner with about 50. other prisoners and horse slew divers on the place took divers hors-loades of their provision wherewith they intended to have relieved the City and thus by Gods goodnes hindred this designe also thus by Gods mercie hastning our hopes of the sooner surrender of the said Towne
Congregations throughout London and Westminster and the Lines of Communication Secondly That Colonell Birch should be Governour of Hereford and the Committee of both Kingdomes to send him his Commission and that his Regiment should be recruited to 1200 men according to his own desire Thirdly That 6000 l. should be charged on the Excize and forthwith paid in to be at the disposall of the Committee of both Kingdomes for the payment of his Forces and to discharge his engagements to his Souldiers for their activity and fidelity in this designe Fourthly That 1600 suits of cloathes knap-sacks shooes and stockings should be speedily sent to the Common Souldiers of the Garrison of Gloucester that had so great a hand in the performance of this great and good service in thus taking of Hereford And fifthly and lastly The House of Commons religiously and piously considering this businesse to be the worke of God alone and that his hand was chiefly visible in it They therefore to improve this mercy to Gods farther and future honour and glory tooke into their most serious consideration the setling of able and faithfull Preachers both in Gloucester and Hereford and for that purpose there was an Ordinance tâ—ice read and committed for the uniting of severall Churches in the City of Gloucester into one only Congregation and allowed among them 300 l. per annum to be paid to the respective Ministers of them out of the Revenues of the Dean and Chapter of that City aâ—d the disposall of them to be in the power of the Mayor Aldermen and Common-Councell of that City and the vacant meeting-places in the City to be set apart for a Library an English-Schoole a Magazine for Armes and other publique uses for the honour of that famous and faithfull City Also that a confirmation should also be made of all the Lands Liberties and Franchises heretofore granted under the Great Seal of England unto this said City and Corporation And likewise for the better encouragement of the Souldiers of that City the House Ordered that 30 l. a week should be paid to the Officers of the Trained Bands that do service at the Main-Guard thereof there being neer 200 that do constant duty there And shortly after also Lieutenant Barrow for so was his name that so neatly and notably acted the Constables part whereby we thus became possessours of Hereford being come to London was admitted into the House of Commons where he made a narrative of the whole businesse to the House and afterward being ordered to withdraw the House ordered that 100 l. should be forthwith issued out of Haberdashers-Hall to the said Lieutenant Barrow for his present support and further ordered That the summe of 50 l. per annum should be conferred on him and his heyres for ever for this his gallant undertakings in that service to be truly paid him out of the Estate of Sir Henry Lingen a notorious Delinquent neer Hereford A rare and singular act of encouragement to stir up the hearts of honest and active Souldiers to cheerfull industrie and fidelity in this the Parliaments most just and righteous Cause And now put all these together and then say was not here an ample and pious retribution of bounden gratitude both to God and men his Instruments for this great goodnesse and mercy to us yes certainly and therefore most worthy to be recorded to Posterity for the Parliaments indelible honour But now to proceed About the 23 of this instant December we had certaine intelligence by Letters out of the West that our most renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Forces had taken Canon-Tean a strong Fort or Block-House of the Enemies by which meanes they had the command well-nigh of all the River of Ex it was gained by storme and they found among those of the Enemies slaine in the enterprize a Lieutenant Colonell and two Captaines and divers Common Souldiers and that after the taking thereof there came voluntarily in unto Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Forces thereabout a Cornet of the Enemies with 30 good Horse who had revolted from them Also by other Letters out of the West we were certainly informed that a party of his Excellencies Forces there had taken in another strong Garrison of the Enemies lying upon the said River West of Excetor called Callyntine House and therin between thirty and forty Horse as many prisoners and their Armes by the gaining of which place the Enemy is much more straitned than before and the passage upon the River is quite blocked up And about Decemb. 26. the House of Commons received Letters from the Northerne parts of the Kingdome of the rendition of the strong Garrison of Skipton Castle which had been long besieged by our Forces the Enemy having had faire Conditions and clear performances of the same viz. To march away with their Arms either to Newarke Oxford or Hereford of the taking whereof it seems they then had not had information or knowledge Now upon the reading of this Letter the House referred the further consideration thereof to the Committee of the North. This surrender of Skipton Castle in Craven was no doubt of very great consequence for by this meanes not onely all York shire is cleared and happily reduced to the obedience of the Parliament but also all Northumberland Cumberland Westmerland and Lancashire the Enemy not having any one Garrison in their hands in all those parts of the Kingdome neerer then is Newark A wonderfull mercy indeed and most worthy our deerest and deepest engagements of 〈◊〉 gratitude to the Lord our most blessed and bountifull Fountaine of all our good And O that the sweet and serious consideration hereof might raise and rouse up our souls to an earnest and ardent deâ—ire and endeavour for the building of Gods House who thus even in the first place hastens the building of ours And about the latter end of this Moneth of December the prudent and provident Senators and Common-Councell of the most renowned City of London with a joynt and most unanimous consent among themselves at a Common-Councell hâ—ld in their Guild-Hall resolved that in regard of the many designes of the Enemy against the said City 500 Horse should be forthwith raised for the 〈◊〉 thereof and to prevent any audacious â—â—tinies or insurrections that might probably happen by reason of the multitude 〈◊〉 Delinquenâ—s and Royalists which were then laâ—â—ly come out of the Kings Quarters And that the Guards of the City should be doubled and that every one should contribute according to their ability toward the maintenance thereof And the Commons in Parliament likewise referred it to a Committee to consider how the prisoners in the Tower of London might be secured removed or confined to their Chambers and that they might be prevented from giving or holding any correspondence unto and with the Enemy And the said Committee was likewise to consider in like manner of all the other Prisons in London and
Parliament and their friends This indulgent and most noble favour thus shewed by his Excellency was not altogether fruitlesse unto us immediately after for some of those Officers proved very serviceable to our Army in some of their succeeding designes nor could lesse good effects be expected from many others where his Excellency occasionally made his Martiall progresse and advances whereby he hath most certainly and more and more most worthily been crowned with ancient Caesars more than Golden Diadems of perpetuall same and honour viz. Caesar noster Anglicus dando sublevando ignoscendo Gloriam adeptus est But now to proceed About the latter end of this Moneth of January we had further certaine intelligence by Letters from Dartmouth in the West that a Barke which came from France putting in at Dartmouth not knowing it was in the Parliaments hands and being come within command before they discovered it was there instantly seized on But speciall order and directions having been given to the Master of the Ship that in case he saw himself in danger to be taken by any of the Parliaments Forces he should throw his packets of Letters overboard into the Sea which now he had accordingly done but it being upon examination confessed Colonell Lambert presently commanded out boats to search for them and to see if they could espie any such Packets floating on the waters toward the shore which by Gods good providence at last they found so indeed and tooke them up and brought them to the noble Colonell even Letters of great concernment from the Queen Jermine and Goring which were all speedily posted up to the Parliament And thus besides the prize of the Ship and the fraught therein the Lord was most graciously pleased even by our Enemies themselves and especially by admirable interception of their Letters from time to time even all along to lay open and discover unto us the most hidden I had almost said the most hideous secrets of their hellish hearts against us and thereby giving us fair and seasonable opportunities by his blessed assistance to prevent and avoid their intended malice and mischiefe toward us blessed O ever blessed be the pure and precious grace and meere mercy of our good God unto us And here now againe good Reader I shall desire thee in thy wonted patience and piety together with me to make another short stay and take a summarie and briefe survey and gratefull revise of all the sweet and salubrious mercies of this moneth also so much conducing to the health and happinesse of this long languishing Church and State to the dressing pruning and prospering of this our Burning-Bush still as you see unconsumed the Parliaments just Cause thus still sustained in the midst of all the fiery machinations and flaming molestations burning and blazing round about it as hath been most comfortably and conspicuously seen to us all both in the great mercy of our God in so upholding the heart of the renowned Governour of Plymouth with such impregnable loyalty and fidelity to the Parliament and its most just Cause as not to betray that great trust committed to him by the Parliament in safe-guarding the said famous Town from the pawes and possession of the Enemie and also in the singular good successe which immediately after the Lord gave to those his loyall befieged servants against their besieging Enemies as a just reward of their late base batterie of treachery shot against it In that famous defeat given also to the Enemy at Bâ—vie-Tracy and our winning of Ilminster Ashburton Totnes and Okebampton together with the famous victory obtained against the Rebels of Ireland at Sligo and the excellent effects ensuing thereon In the most happy totall relief of Plymouth from a long and dangerous siege by base and blood-thirsty Enemies and recovery of Sir Francis Drakes House a strong Garrison also out of their hands In Gods great goodnesse unto us in still stirring up the hearts and raising up the spirits of the most renowned Citizens of London to stand close to his truth and to be very zealous for the building up of Gods House as was most eminently evident in their most excellent Petitions to the Lords and Commons in Parliament for the speeding thereof In the most happy surprizall of the Town and Castle of Dartmouth a mighty mercy unto us indeed it being a place of great consequence to the whole Kingdome and a faire and famous Haven and inlet from other forraigne parts And sixthly and lastly In that brave defeat given to the Enemy at Câ—rk neer Stafford the taking in of Pâ—â—ldram Castle by Sir Thomas Fairfâ—â—s forces in the West and his most Excellent and amiable demeanour among the people of those parts even like a second Julius Caesar Together with the most seasonable surprisall of that Ship from France in Dartmouth harbour by which that 〈◊〉 of Letters of so great Concernment was also by Gods gâ—â—d providence apprehended and found floating on the waves of the Sea All which most gratefully put together and seriously and sanctimoniously considered can amount to no lesse than a most large acknowledgement of our most deere and Deepe enâ—â—gement to the Lord our God in all the bonds of most bonden gratitude and therefore to breake out into holy and hearty zeale 〈◊〉 Cordiall thankfulnes and with the good Prophet to conâ—â—â—â— and say Who would not feare and love thee O King of Nations 〈◊〉 to thee alone indeed it doth appertaine for as much as among all 〈◊〉 and strong man of the Nations and all their kingdomes their 〈…〉 like unto the Lord our God Who hath most mercifully and 〈◊〉 been a wall of fire to us this unworthy Jerusalem round 〈◊〉 as and the onely glorie in the midst among us But now to proceed And here now I shall begin the farther prosperous per 〈…〉 in the comfortable contemplation of the continued wonder of the Burning-Bush unconsumed in this Moneth also of Februarie 1646. with the certaine intelligence by letters out of the North 〈◊〉 parts of the Kingdome about the beginning of the 〈◊〉 of February 1646. That the strong and almost impregnaâ—â— Garrison called 〈◊〉 Castle being one of the strongest and 〈◊〉 buildings in the Kingdome and therefore called Belvoir 〈◊〉 word signifying a Fair-Prospect which had 66 steps or 〈◊〉 unto it and therefore might well over-look the Country which for the most part being vallies round about it seemed 〈◊〉 yeild obeyâ—â—â—ce to this Castle which now I say is reduced 〈…〉 obedience of the Parliament Sir lartis Lucas the Governour thereof withall the Commanders Officers and Souldiers therin 〈◊〉 permission to march away to Litch-field upon more honourable termes indeed than they deserved And 〈◊〉 Thursday Februarie they came letters out of Cheshire from that 〈◊〉 faithfull and religious Commander Sir Williâ—◠〈◊〉 of the most happie surrender of the strong and long 〈◊〉 Castle of West-Chester into the noble
an account of our proceedings here as I desire We had to doe with Lawyers and Civilians who lengthened out our debate by their niceties so that the treatie ended not till the day of the writing hereof when they finished the Articles and agreed to march forth on Monday next The conditions were honourable viz. in briefe To march with Armes Colours flying Drums beating and Bullets to Oxford and the Cornish into Cornwall I will not trouble you with particulars but send you the Articles by the next Hostages were delivered for the performance of things promised and for farther assurance unto us 3. strong Forts were delivered up unto us in hand as hath been toucht before The Townesmen were very glad of the agreement The Generall is this night come to Tiverton and intends to morrow to be before Barnstable and to summon it The treaty was absolutely concluded yesterday in Exeter we sate up night and day about it I will not trouble you any more till afurther oportunity but remaine Sir Your most humble servant Aprill 9. late at night Columb-John House Post-script At Market-jew neere the Mount we tooke lately of the Mountmen 60 prisoners the most of that Garrison Also a Captaine in Pendennis came-off unto us with 80. men more We understand that in Pendennis they have nothing but Salt-beefe tainted and and that they cannot subsist long They have but little bread and their Wine almost spent we hope well shortly of both places The other Letter was this Sir Though I have but little Newes yet I could not omit this oportunity of sending to you we entred the City of Exeter on Munday last according to the Articles Sir Jacob Berckley the Governour with about 2000 being marched forth 700 whereof being Cornish as soone as they were out of the City gates faced Westward and resolving for their owne homes cryed out thus Every man to his owne home Every man to his owne home and so laying downe their armes departed accordingly the like resolution had most of the rest so that Sir Jacob was like to have but a small remnant to doe his Majestie any service at Oxford The Princes Highnes went forth with them leaving behind them in the City at least 3. Moneths provision 150. barrells of powder about 1500. Muskets and above 40. peeces of Ordnance About the 18. of this instant Aprill came certaine intelligence out of the West by letters to London of the surrendring of the Towne and Castle of Barnstable into the Parliaments hands with all the Armes and Ammunition therein much upon the same termes and Articles which were granted to Exeter by Sir Allen Apsley Governour thereof And shortly after also we understood of the surrendering of Saint Michaels-Mount in Cornwall that inpregnable and almost inaccessable strong fort whereof Sir Arthur Basset was Governour who with the rest that would and were therein had libertie to depart into the Island of Silly In this Mount were taken an 100. barrells of Powder 500. Muskets 100. Pikes 30. Peeces of Ordinances 3. Murthering Peeces 80. Tun of Wine with store of other provisions And about the 20. instant we had certaine Newes of the surrender of Titbury-castle a place of much Consequence and strength also and which will contribute much to the reducing of Litchfield-close which said Castle was surrendred also on faire conditions to the content of the Garrison-Souldiers thereof And much about the same time we were most certainly informed of the surrender of Aburisthwait to Colonell Powell Commander in Chiefe under renowned Major Generall Laughorne by Colonell Whitney Governour thereof upon very faire termes and conditions as was witnessed by valiant and victorious Major Generall Laughornes owne Letter to the Parliament And we had farther information of the surrender of Dunstar-castle in the West which was yeelded up to renowned Colonell Blake the brave Governour of Taunton upon very faire and honourable termes by noble Sir Thomas Fairfaxes example of Clemencie and Mercy Which Castle was surrendred up for the use of King and Parliament by Sir Francis Windham then Governor of Dunstar-Castle as was also certified to the Parliament by Colonell Blakes owne Letter About the 24. of this instant Aprill our Western armie was advanced backward and come toward Oxford for the beleaguring thereof and forming of a Seige round about it And about this time a part of our said Armie having alreadie besieged the Garrison of Woodstock and laine now before it some short time battering that brave and ancient Mannour house with our Ordnance and the besieged considering there was no hope of reliefe to be expected our other forces lying also so close about Oxford that they durst not stirre out It was now therefore at length surrendred to Colonell Rainsborough upon very faire termes and honourable Articles of agreement from the said Valiant Colonel and those other Couragious Commanders who joyntly adventured their lives for the Service of the State For the besieged were to depart thence to Oxford and to leave all their Ammunition and furniture of warre behind them and onely the Officers permitted to have their Swords along with them And about the 28. instant we received the certaine intelligence of the surrender of Bridge-North-castle into the hands of the brave and most active Shropshire forces upon faire conditions and articles of accord the Common Souldiers therein to march away with their hands in their Pockets and the Officers only with their Swords Sir Robert Howard the Governour and 3. other Knights with their Horse and 2. Servants a peece But one Latham an arch Villaine for Malignancie and who had beene the maine cause of burning the Towne not long before was justly delivered up to the justice of the Parliament to suffer most worthily for such a most base and abhominable scelerous fact They left behinde them in the Castle at least 6. weekes provision a Demi-cannon with other Ordnance at least 500. Armes and 50. Horse The place was a peece of great strength there were within the Castle about 400. fighting men the besiegers not above 700. in all Thus have we often heard of the brave services of those gallant Salopaons and even incomparable actions of that active and successefull Committee of Shrewsbury for the good of their Country and kingdome To God be all the glorie and praise who thus still Crownes us with victories and thereby thus encompasses us with songs of deliverance And much about the foresaid time we were certainly given to understand by Letters to the Parliament from Colonell Rainsborough that the Duke of Richmond the Earle of Lindsey the Kings Cup-bearer Sir William Fleetwood the Kings Standard-bearer and Knight Martiall Sir Edward Sydenham and Master Carew of the Bed-chamber were come in unto him casting themselves upon the mercie of the Parliament whereupon the House presently ordered that they all should be committed prisoners to Warwick-Castle And upon the 29. of this instant
will give the Parliament some better means and opportunity for the relief of our bleeding Brethren in Ireland and the suppressing of those horrid Rebels and reducing of that Kingdome wherein besides the publike and common interest we are particularly concerned Lastly we should have much to say for this City if we could imagine that its fidelity and constant services and devotions to the Parliament could either be questioned or forgotten that little we shall expresse on the part of the City is not to repeat how zealous we have been in the Cause of God and this Parliament how we have spilt our blood and spent and laid out our selves and our Estates in maintenance thereof how many publike acknowledgements we have by us of the favourable acceptance of them and promises to leave Testimonies thereof to all future ages but only to beseech your Lordships to consider how much our hearts may justly be dejected now that God hath followed your endeavours and our prayers with so many successes and brought the Warre to a probable period as to the sense of man That the Enemies of our Peace should strive now to sow jealousies between the Parliament and this City as hath been too evident of late and particularly should so far prevaile as to be able to render the chiefe Magistrate of this City the Lord Mayor suspected unto whom we cannot but give this iust Testimony That he in his place hath faithfully behaved himself and carefully dischaged his Office We could adde much more of the daily invectives against us from the Pulpit and other places where the Boutefew's of these Sectaries are admitted the scurrilous and seditious Pamphlets daily broached in and against the City And the great contempt of and discouragement unto the Ministers of the Gospel who adhere to the Presbyteriall Government But we shall conclude with this briefe and humble representation of our Petition and desires to your Lordships in the name of the whole City I. That some strict and speedy course may be taken for the suppressing of all private and separate Congregations II. That all Anabaptists Brownists Hereticks Schismaticks Blasphemers and all such Sectaries as conforme not to the publike Discipline established or to be established by Parliament may be fully declared against and some effectuall course setled for proceeding against such persons III. That as we are all Subjects of one Kingdome so all may be equally required to yeeld obedience unto the Government set forth or to be set forth by the Parliament IV. That no person disaffected to the Presbyteriall Government set forth or to be set forth by the Parliament may be employed in any place of publike Trust V. That your Lordships will please to hasten Propositions to His Majesty for setling of a safe and well grounded Peace amongst us after so long and unnaturall a warre VI. That your Lordships according to the Covenant and Treaties will please to study all means to preserve the Union between the two Nations of England and Scotland and to remove all jealousies which may endanger our mutuall agreement VII That your Lordships will please to consider of some meanes whereby the priviledge which the Members of this Honourable House and their Assistants and the Servants of both and others enjoy by being protected and exempted from being proceeded against for their debts may be so qualified as that the Subject may be able to recover his own in some due time VIII That all publike Revenues and Receipts may be employed to publike uses that so the Taxes of the City may be abated IX That the Estates and Compositions of Delinquents may according to the engagements by Ordinances of Parliament be applyed to discharge the great summes owing to this City and Citizens X. That the Plymouth Duty may be taken off the Trade especially now that the West is reduced XI That the Committee at Haberdashers-Hall may be presently dissolved or at least so limited and regulated as that the City may have no cause of complaint XII That the reducing of the Kingdome of Ireland may be taken into consideration before the good party there be too farre wasted and discouraged XIII That the Lord Mayor of this City may be fully vindicated XIV And lastly and above all That your Lordships will please not to looke upon any expressions of this our Remonstrance and Petition as charging any thing upon your Lordships or as intended to intrench upon any priviledges of this Honourable House but favourably to accept thereof and so to interpret the same as from a single and humble heart it is sincerely and without any by-ends or to comply with any party whatsoever intended and breathed forth from the sad heart of the Petitioners who are overwhelmed with many feares on all sides And who call God the Searcher of all hearts to witnesse that according to their Covenant and duty their zeale devotion and obedience is as servant and prostrate as ever to serve the Parliament with their Lives and Estates against all the Enemies of our Peace and to conjoyn the City more and more to the Parliament and to maintain the Union of both Nations against all Opposers whatsoever All which we humbly submit unto the wisdome of this Honourable House 26. Maii. 1646. The Answer of the Lords in Parliament to the Remonstrance and Petition of the City of London THe Lords are very sensible of the great fidelity and constant services of the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Common-Councell of the City of London to this present Parliament which they shall never forget They acknowledge their zeale expressed upon all occasions in the Cause of God and this Parliament and how readily they have spilt their blood and spent and laid out themselves and their Estates in the maintenance thereof They are well satisfied with your Expressions and Care to settle the true Reformed Protestant Religion according to the Covenant and with your desires to have all Heresies Schismes and Blasphemies suppressed as also with your respect to preserve the Rights and Priviledges of Parliament the Liberties of the Kingdomes and to preserve and defend his Majesties Person and Authority in the preservation of the true Religion and the Liberties of the Kingdomes his Royall Posterity and the Peace of the Kingdomes As also with your desires for the continuance of that union between us and our Brethren of Scotland Of whose services and sufferings we shall not only hold a gratefull memory but upon all occasions give a Retaliation Vnto all which we hold our selves equally with you obliged by our Solemne League and Covenant As to the person of the Lord Mayor the Lords hold a high esteem of him according to his Merit and have commanded me to let you know that nothing hath passed this House at any time in prejudice of him And when the particulars wherein he findes himself agrieved shall be made knowne unto them they shall be ready in a Parliamentary way to do him right The Lords will take
by storming it by our brethren of Scotland The Scots pious prudent carriage before the storming of Newcastle Marley the Major of Newcastle his proud dissembling carriage toward the Scâ—ts What great most just cause England hath for ever to love most entirely their faithfull brethren of Scotland Malignants most slanderous mouths justly stopped A brave exploit performed by renowned Col. Seelâ—y Governour in Lyme The most just reasons of an Ordinance of Parliament against Irish Rebels taken prisoners by Sea or Land who are to have no quarter granted them Certain intelligence brought to London that ours and the Kings forces were within 2 or 3 miles of Newberry and like to be engaged The Copy of a Letter sent to the honourable Speaker of the House of Commons relating the whole fight at Newberry 28 Octob. 1644. The King in Newberry The Enemies strength at Newberry was 8000 foot and 5000 horse God heer took more care for his servants than the King did of his best Subjects Our Army was necessitated to quarter al night in the open field Ours took 2 or 3 cart loads of the Kings provision and 100 horse and foot of the enemies The fight begun The fight maintained for at least 3 houres space with admitable courage fiercenes on both sides The Earl of Cleveland others taken prisoners 9 of our brave peices of Ordnance which had been lost in Cornwall heer now recovered our men fought like devils as the Cornish Souldiers cryed our running away The King â—â—ed out of Newberry with only one Troop of horse General Gorings brother shot dead in the fight Prisoners tâ—ken at Newberry fight The King flying out of Newberry reviles the Major Prizes-taken at about Newb. An Order of Parliament for a day of publik Thankâ—giving to God 〈◊〉 brave defâ—at happy Victory A just check to our improvidence in not improving this braveadvantage as we might have done The Castle in the Town of Newcastle taken by our brethren of Scotland The names of the prisoners taken in the Castle A most famous defeat given to the Enemies at Bever Vale by Sir Jo. Gells Sir Tho. Fairfax his forces 800 horse and 400 prisoners taken at Bever-Vale Colonell Sydenâ—ams good service in the West Leverpool in Lancashire surrendred up to Sir Jo. Meldrum The manner how Leverpool was taken Prisoners taken the goods of the Town recovered by Sea Tinmouth-castle surrendred unto Generall Leven with 38 peices of Ordnance in it and great store of oâ—her Armes Ammunition The most wise providentiall degrees of Gods completing his mercies to us This Moneths day of humiliation was also most justly turned as much into a day of exultation Reverend Mr. Cases baptizing of the surrender of Newcastle with the name of Gâ—d a Multitude The Burning-Bush not consumed 1. A brief most grateful â—ecapâ—tulation of all the memorable mercies of this moneth of October 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. The Burning-Bush not consumed Isa 54. 16 17. Ibid. ver 15. Psal 18. 31. 46 Novemb. 1644. A brave exploit performed by Captain Stones one of valiant Col. Ridgele yes Officers in armes against the Enemy about Eccleshall This 5 of November a day of publik thanksgiving for divers great and famous victories The great triumph in the City of London on this solemn day of thanksgiving The Enemies Garrison at Sir Jo. Strangeways House in Dorsetstire stormed taken by Sir Anthony Ashley-Cooper The storming of this Garrison continued 6 hours together Between 30 40 of our men blown up with powder in the taking of this house A brave defeat given to the Enemy at Helmsley castle Free Trading with Newcastle re-established by the Parlia Helmsley castle in Yorkeshire taken by the thrice noble Lord Fairfax A brave defeat given to the Enemy in Lincolnshire by Major Harrison A brave defeat given to the Enemy at Axminster by Lime forces A rich ship driven into Lime Haven by a storm Another brave defeat given to the Enemy by Lime Garrison Laughorn castle in South-wales taken by Colonell Beal A brave exploit performed by Col. Sydenham against the Enemy at Dorchester The admirable courage valour of Colon. Sydenham and his Souldiers A grateful summary review of the various ways of the Burning Bush not consumed Psal 46. 11. Decemb. 1644. A brave defeat given to the Enemies at Salisbury by Sergeant Major Dewet Colonell Cooke Leivtenant-Col Hook with others taken prisoners The self-denying Ordinance for calling home al the Members of both Houses of Parliament The substance of the Ordinance or Vote it self A day of Humiliation ordered to bee set apart for both Houses in private to seek the Lord touching this great Vote Isaiah 65. 1. Crowland taken by Col. Rainesborough A brave defeat given to the Enemy at â—edâ—ury by renowned Col. Massie Good service done by Sir Tho. Middletons forces about Mountgomery-shire A brave defeat given to the Enemy in the West by Col. Holborn Plots conspiracies of the Enemies discovered and prevented Stafford Town and Castle in danger Doverâ—castle Abbington Ailâ—bury Reading Plymouth Lyn-Regis in great danger to have been betrayed An exact relation of the crafty contrivement dâ—scovery of the plot to betray Lyn-Regis The Kings esteem of Lyn-Regis Captain Lemon seems to consent to the plot The Governour of Lyn made acquainted with the businesse The brave carriage of the businesse Leivtenant Sâ—ubbin 5 or 6 more with him sent from Lyn by the Governour came in a disguise to perfect the work Mr. Strange findes himself betrayed Mr. Strange his CommissioÌ„ taken and sent up to the Parliament The Copy of the Commission Iounton-Dean in the West releived Colon Holborns activity brave service in the West Care taken by the Parliament for the choosing of good Officers in the City of London Captain Redmans brave service neer Northampton Knaresborough-castle in Yorkshire taken Cumhire Abbey a strong Garrison of the enemies in Mountgomery shire taken by Sir Tho. Middleton Captain Stones brave defeat given to the Enemy at Tongue-castle Another by Major Dewet And another by Col. Thorney The most noble Queen of Sweden desires Association with the Parliament of England The Burning-Bush not consumed Psal 367 8. 32. 7. January 1644. Sir Alexander Carew beheaded for treason Sir John Hotham beheaded for treason Captain Hotham also Son of Sir John Hotham beheaded on Towre-Hill A remarkable passage of Divine providence The Directory for pure worship Voted in Parliament the Common-Prayer Book abolished The Arch Prelate of Canterb. to be now effectually brought to his Condemnation A remarkable note Divers brave exploits performed by the Parliaments forces against the Enemies Cardigan Town Castle taken by Col. Laughorn in Wales and a brave prize at Sea The Arch Prelate of Canterbury executed for treason on Towre-Hill Isaiah 6. 10. Prov. 11. 10. A brave defeat given to the Kings forces at Abbington by renowned Major Generall Brown A Copy of Col. Harsnets Letter to Capt. Jones touching