brought them in and planted sure Vpon thy holy Mountain to endure In thine Inheritance thy precious Place Which Thou O Lord hast made full fraught with Grace And heav'nly Glory where Thy Self doth dwel Thy Sanctuary where all joyes excell By thine own export Hand most rarely made To all Eternity establisht staide Where Thou O Lord most gloriously dost Reign And shalt for ever evermore remain For why proud Pharaoh's Horse and Chariots All His daring Horsemen Riders strong and tall Into the Sea audaciously did enter And durst into the Deep most proudly venter But sodainly the Lords great Blast did blow And all the Waves and Floods did backward flow And drench and drown them All in Israels eye Whilâ—â— This his People passed over dry Thus as said Jethro in the very Thing Wherein they proudly dealt heavens glorious King Was admirably farre above them All And into utter Ruine made them fall And thus may I say Englands glorious King To whom so justly wee these praises sing Hath wondrously declar'd unto us All That in the Things intended for our thrall By our Papistick Atheistick Foes The Lord Jehovah farre above them rose And tumbled them into the Pit which they Had digg'd as deep as Hell for our decay For this O Lord this great deliverance Our Soules our Songs Thy Praise doe thus advance For this so great so gracious Love O Lord Our Hearts and Tongues thy Praises doe record For this so mighty Mercy glorious King For evermore wee will thy Praises sing And tell our Childrens Children of the same That they when wee are dead may blaze thy Fame To their Posterity for evermore O sing aloud all Laud and Praise therefore Advance O England then thy cordiall-voyce To Heav'ns great King who makes us thus rejoyce Omnis Gloria solius est Domini FINIS Imprimatur Ja. Cranford Aprill 4. 1646. THE BVRNING-BVSH not Consumed OR The Fourth Part of the Parliamentarie-Chronicle ABOUT the later and of the Moneth of July 1644. the Reader may bee pleased to remember that wee lest the Affaires of the Kingdome in a prosperous posture and Victorious condition for the Parliament both in the Northern parts of the Land after the most memorable and renowned Victory at Mâ—â—stone-Moore neer York together with the surrendring up of that great City it self into the power and possession of the Parliament and the Earl of Manchesters most successefull advance Southward after his departure from York with his conquering Army As also in the Western-parts of the Kingdom where the Lord had marveilously blessed the proceedings four most noble Lord Generall his Excellency â—he Earle of Essex both in releeving and securing of Liâ—â— Plimouth and other straitned Towns in the West and in the reducing of Saltash Causam Sâ—ellum Greenvills house Mount-Stamford Plimpton Barnstable Dartmouth and Warâ—ham with many other strong Holds and Towns in those parts Now therefore having by the good providence of God opportuniâ—y 〈…〉 so happily 〈…〉 famous History of the Parliaments most 〈◊〉 and inevitably necessitated proceedings and managing of affaires over the whole Kingdome for the publick safety and subsistence thereof against the destructive designes of the pornicious and viperous Adversaries thereof Atheists Papists Prelates and besotted yea bewitched Malignants I shall now I say by Gods gracious assistance and the Readers constant candor and Christian patience proceed to a Fourth part of this our Parliamentarie-Chronicle which for Varieties sake which in all things and actions addes delight and content I have termed or Entituled The Burning Bush not Consumed To which admirable-wonder shewn by God himself to Moses Exod. 3. 2 3. c. I doubt not but wee shall make a most full and fit resemblance and allusion in the admirable providentiall passages of this ensuing History For as the Angel of the Lord or as some the Lord Christ himself appearing unto Moses in a flame of fire in the midst of a Bush which Burned and was not consumed called unto Moses who voluntarily turning toward it exprest his desire to see this strange sight how it came to passe that the Bush so burning was not consumed to draw neer unto it and to put off his shooes from his feet in regard of the place of Gods presence So I shall now earnestly desire the godly Reader in the sight and 〈◊〉 of this most admirable and renowned History of the Burning estate of our â—ottering State and Kingdome all on fire with intestine furious flames of threatned ruine and confusion yet to this day even miraculously preserved by the All-saving presence of the Lords mighty protection and preservation dwelling in the midst of it whereby it is not nor hath been long ere this as otherwise it had been utterly consumed and turned into ashes of desolation and dâ—struction I shall now therefore I say desire the godly Reader to put off the shooes of prejudicacy and sinister construction and so to draw neer and seriously to peruse and take speciall notice of these miracles of mercy and divine providence with the 〈◊〉 but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Christian candor and singlenesse of heart and affection and seeing them greatly and graciously to admire and adore the infinite riches of the free grace and goodnesse of Him that thus dwelt in the Bush for it s so rare and unspeakable preservation And thus now let us accordingly come neer to behold this Wonder And for the first part and apparition thereof which presents it self to our eyes and understanding and wherewith I shall begin this Moneth of mighty and even miraculous preservations in this Burning Bush of our present Parliaments great affaires and necessitated Armes and negotiations shall bee of that most famous faithfull active and successefull Commander Colonell Massie Who about the beginning of this Moneth of August 1644. by his own Letter to the Speaker of the House of Commons in Parliament certified us of a very brave defeat which he had given to the Kings fiery Furies and Cosmorant-like devourers the Cavaliers under the command of Colonell Mynne which for the Readers better satisfaction I shall heer insert verbatim as it was Printed and published by authority of Parliament August 6. 1644. To the Honourable William Lenthall Esquire Speaker to the Honourable House of Commons SIR KNowing the affaires of the Parliament so many and so weighty that their time is precious and therefore a tedious relation not so sutable to them having by this Post more fully related in my Letter unto the Lords and Gentlemen of the Committee of both Kingdomes it being their command I at all times should so doe I shall intreat you to excuse mee unto them at this time who shall suddenly God willing enform and render unto them a more perfect account of both the late following passages both of Gods displeasure yet afterward Mercy unto us That upon Friday last Colonell Generall Mynne being entred into our parts with a considerable strength both of Horse and Foot
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
50 Horse and so returned safe with our said prize Much also about the same time wee had certain intelligence of some singular good service done immediately after the fore-mentioned furnishment of Oswestry with Ammunition by that most valiant and brave Commander Sir Tho. Middleton at or neer about Mountgomeâ—y-castle the substance of which intelligence by a Letter was this That by Gods gracious assistance that noble Commander was advanced and came into Mountgomery where he found the people all very willing and ready to receive him and that Sir Thomas had summoned the Castle and that his own Regiment fell in that interim upon New-Town and had there taken Sir Thomas Gardiner and his whole Troop of Horse 28 prisoners 36 barrels of powder some store of match two Horse Colours one Quarter master and since that even immediately after came certain information unto us that the said most noble and renowned Commander Sir Thomas Middleton having as was fore-mentioned summoned the Castle of 〈◊〉 where the black Lord Horbert was hee upon faire and honourable termes surrendred it without much contestation about it although it bee a Castle as strong as any Castle in the Kingdom whatsoever or in the Principality of Wâ—lâ—s and of very great concernment for the happy reduction of all North-wales to the Parliament of which more in its proper place About the 10 of this instant September wee had certain information by Letters from Wem that the vigilant and active Committee there resident having intelligence of the drawing out of the forces in Shrewsbury toward Ludlow as was then conceived but afterward they understood those forces marched toward Sir Thomas Middleton they sent out under the Command of Leivtenant Colonell Rinking a very good Souldier a party of foot and horse to surprise Morton-Corbet-Castle and sent unto the Lord Calven to meet them with a party from Stoke and upon a Saturday night about one or two of the clock they came before the Castle every man being assigâ—ed the place where hee should fall on Now they being come thither it being but about four miles from Wem and they finding the People in great security ordered the businesse thus First the Commander gave the Word which was Will and Tom with order that if any asked who they were to answer Will and if the other answered not Tom they should give fire this being done hee sent Drums at a fields distance from the house with order to beat a march as soon as ever the assault began which they did accordingly and therby made the Enemy think that there had been a great strength when as indeed it was no such matter Then presently the Leivtenant Colonell calling aloud to bring up such a Regiment to such a place and such a Regiment to another place this much daunted the hearts of the Enemy at the hearing thereof and then hee sent some to discover the Centery with an order to tell the Centery that they were friends and to hold him in discourse untill they had notice which service was so well performed on all parts that before the Centinell knew who wee were our Ladders were mounted and wee in possession of one of their works and then the Enemy took the alarum and our men plyed the work most stoutly The Leivtenant Colonell endevoured with but ten men to have forced a little door wherein not prevailing hee marched along over the tops of the works with but four men and with these fell upon them that were in another work and forced them with one volley to betake them to the House where out of the windows and holes they within shot fiercely at us till wee by throwing in among them some hand Granadoes they quitted those places which gave way to our men to break a stone pillar of a window where the Leivtenant Colonell entred and his four men entred and after them immediately after many more but before these were come in the Enemy being at least 80 foot and 30 horse and fearfully supposing by reason of the noise of the Drums afore-mentioned and the Leivtenant Colonels calling together of so many Regiments supposing therefore I say that a greater force of ours followed those five then entred into the Castle they all instantly cryed out for quarter which these five granted them and by that time the rest of our Forces were come up and had entred the Castle and so possessed themselves firmly of it and in it Major Bridgeman Captain Maurice one Leivtenant one Sergeant one Quartermaster one Ensigne two Horse Colours at least 80 Souldiers and 30 good Horses 6 barrells of powder with much other provisions The House was so strongly fortified that my Lord Calven and the Leivtenant Colonell who behaved themselves most bravely in this action said it might have been maintained against a great strength for had it been day-work they should not have attempted it In all this so resolute and even desperate service wee lost but one man and had only some few wounded Now much about this time there having come constant and most true intelligence of the sweet tranquillity and peaceable and free Trading of the people in all the Eastern and Southern Associated Counties of this Kingdom where the the Kings devouring Cormorants the bold and bloody Cavaliers had no power to pester them and pilfer from them which I may therefore heer most justly adde to the Catalogue of all the rest of our most rare and singular Parliamentary-mercies as namely in Cambridgeshire what a goodly and full Fair there was kept at Sturbridge neer the University with free Trade and comfortable commerce as was formerly accustomed in our former most peaceable times the like also at Berry in Suffolk at Lyn in Northfolk at Braintree in Essex at Maidstone in Kent at London both at Peters Fair in Westminster Jameses and Bartholomew Fair in Smiâ—â—field and divers other parts and places under the power of the Parliament and where I say the Cankerworms and Caterpillers of the kingdom the most accursed Cavaliers came not And again if wee look no farther than the most renowned and famous Cities of London and Westminster the intolerable terrours and tormentors under God of all the rotten Royalists where the Word of God is most powerfully and purely most freely and frequently Preached where peace and plenty are even to the highest admiration of Gods infinite and unexpressible praise and glory enjoyed and where they know not But by hear say ever magnified and omnified bee the free grace and great mercy of our good God the most wofull massacrings plundrings and pillagings spoylings and filthy deflouring of all sorts and sexes which in very many yea too too many parts and places of the kingdom are most sadly seen and suffered where the Atheisticall Royalists Romish and Malignant Atheists rule and tyrannize as in Worcestershire where the English Papists and Cavalierian Atheists have all the time of these most unhappy warres kept correspondency with
the Lord Powis a grand Papist and most desperate and devillish blasphemer of Gods name was Governour and the Owner also did often oppose and interrupt the bringing in of provisions unto our forces at Mountgomery castle whereupon Sir Thomas Middleton summoned the whole County thereabout to come in unto him and presently upon it advanced from Mountgomery to Pool with 300 foot and a 100 Horse where they quartered on the Munday and Tuesday night following and on the Wednesday morning next at 2 of the clock even by Moon-light Mr. John Aâ—undell the Master-Gunner to Sir Thomas Middleton placed a Petarre against the outer-gate which burst the gate quite in peices and notwithstanding the many shewers of stones thrown from the Castle by the enemies Sir Thomas Middletons foot commanded by Captain Hugh Massey and Major Henry Kett rushed with undaunted resolution into the Enemies works got into the porch of the Castle and so stormed the Castle-gate entred it and possest themselves both of the old and new-castle and of all the plate provisions and goods therein which was great store which had been brought from all parts thereabout they also took prisoners therein the Lord Powis and his brother with his two Sons together with a Seminary-Priest 3 Captaines one Leivtenant and 80 Officers and Common Souldiers 40 horse and 200 armes The place is of great concernment for before the taking of it it did much mischeif to the Country and almost had blockt up the passages from Oswestry to Mountgomery-castle so that now the strongest forts in all Northwalâ—s are in the possession of the Parliament this Castle being conceived to bee of strength sufficient to hold out a years siege and to bee able to keep out at least 10000 men for a whole 12 moneth it having at that present sufficient provision in it of all sorts for such a continuance of time Besides by this means noble Sir Thomas Middleton hath now the command of all North-wales and can raise men there at his own pleasure About the 10 of this instant October the Ordinance for Ordination of pious and painfull Ministers pro tempore whereof I breifly made former mention that it was in preparation in the Parliament now fully had passed both the Houses and was Printed and published By which it was Ordained by the Lords and Commons in Parliaments upon advice had with the Learned and Reverend Assembly of Divines convened at Westminster that during the present exigencies of the Armies and of the Navy as also of many Congregations destitute of able and faithfull Ministers and untill a farther and fuller Church-government were compleated and the whole and constant course of Ordination of Ministers in an ordinary way were set up and setled for the three Kingdomes of England Scotland and Ireland That these persons in the City of London being Presbyters viz. Dr. Cornelius Burgeâ— one of the Assessors of the Assembly Dr. William Gouge Mr. John Ley Mr. George Walker Mr. Edmund Calamy Mr. Daniel Coudrey Mr. Stanley Gower Mr. John Conant and Mr. Humphrey Chambers all members of the Assembly Mr. Henry Roxborough Mr. John Downham Mr. Charles Offspring Mr. Richard Lee Mr. Timothie Dod Mr. James Cranford Mr. Thomas Horton Mr. Thomas Glendon Mr. Arthur Jackson Mr. Samuel Clark Mr. Emanuel Brown Mr. Fulk Bellers Mr. Francis Roberts Mr. Leonard Cook or any 7 of them the major part being present shall examine all those which are to bee admitted into the Ministery upon these particulars following viz. Touching his skill in the Originall tongues and that tryall bee made by reading the Hebrew and Greek Testaments and rendring some portion of them into Latine Whether hee hath skill in Logick and Philosophy What Authours hee hath read and what knowledge hee hath to defend the Orthodox Religion contained in them That hee shall frame a discourse in Latine upon some Common place or controversie in Divinity as shall bee assigned him and maintain a dispute thereon and shall preach before the people or Ministers appointed to Ordain or some of them Being thus approved hee is also to Preach three severall dayes in the Church where hee is to serve that they also may have tryall of his gifts and may know and bee satisfied concerning his life and conversation Which being thus completed and concluded the next thing in reference to that and the very first thing indeed the pious and prudent House of Commons took into consideration was how such godly and able Ministers might bee supported and comfortably subsist who formerly had very small and inconsiderable livings and yet that the Parishioners might not bee over-charged therein Whereupon a remedy was propounded to bee out of the revenues of Deanes and Chapters of Cathedralls which also was generally approved of and referred to the Committee of plundered Ministers to bring in an Ordinance to that purpose And a president thereof was made for a farther allowance to bee given to the Minister of Toâ—â—ham-High-â—rosâ—â— out of the revenues of the Dean and Chapter of Pauls in Londâ—n hee having at that time not above 30 pound a year in that Parish But of this more in its due place About the 14 of this instant wee had certain information by Letters out of Gloâ—estershire and from Colonell Massie himself who thereby confirmed the truth thereof to the Parliament of a very rare and famous exploit performed by this most renowned successefull and unconquerable Commander Colonell Massie the substance of which Letters was to this effect That God had in his rich mercy and goodnesse given him singular good successe against the Kings Forces commanded by Sir John Winter that active arch Papist at the passage at Beechley where hee had formerly well cudgelled him as I have before specified And now again Sir John Winter perceiving himself and those of his Popish and malignant humour that inhabited in those parts to bee in a desperate condition unlesse that passage at Beechley or Bestley could bee fortified by them against Colonell Massies constant excursions upon him whereupon hee I say adventured again to fortifie the same and which hee did with much admirable dexterity and expedition as was almost incredible to bee beleeved that in so few dayes such strong works could bee made but having pallisadoes ready made at Bristol and speedily conveyed to him of three severall sorts each higher than other and all of them well strengthened with iron-work they were therefore suddainly fastned into the ground and good deep ditches made But notwithstanding undaunted Colonell Massie hearing heerof presently marched out of Monmouth with a 100 Foot all commanded men and 8 troopes of Horse and therewith marched against the Enemy who having intelligence of his approach presently drew out a party of Musketteirs and lined the hedges in his way but about 4 of the clock in the morning the noble Colonell fell upon them beat them from the hedges and drave them to their holds and following them close
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
Arms and the other inferiour Officers and Souldiers onely with their Swords There were taken in this Castle about 100 Muskets 50 Pikes two Barrels of Powder and good store of other Provisions And much about the same time we had certaine information by Letters from Gloucester that that valiant and most active Governour of Gloucester had intelligence of a designe against Canon-Froom by the Enemy in Hereford for the storming and surprizing of it with a strange Engine which they had provided for that purpose and brought along with them marching thus forth out of Hereford with about 400 men with their Governour they only faced the House and after that whâ—â—led about toward Malvern Hils to meet with additionall Forces from Worcester fâ—lly to besiege it whereof the Governour of Canon-Froom having knowledge and considering his present dis-furnishment of things necessary to defend the Garison against a siege or assault he sent to valiant Colonell Morgan to Gloucester praying his assistance who presently came forth to help him with 500 Horse and 200 Foot and marched to Ridley where he joyned with 300 of Corstane men but the Enemy having notice thereof lying then about Ledbury posted thence quite away but had left behinde them the strange Engine which sorely frighted our men at Froom guarded with two or three Troops of Horse from Hereford till they returned In the intrim those that had faced Canon-Froom as was toucht before falling in at Ledbury in their way to Malvern to refresh themselves there a Quartermaster of Canon-Froom with about twelve onely of their Horse accidentally being forth to view the Coasts and coming through the Towne not knowing of the Roysters being there fell upon them all and seeing themselves suddenly engaged cryed out Fall one Fall ane slew two on the place and brought away five prisoners past by the Engine without much ado the Enemy It seems being amazed at the sudden onset and unprovided some drinking and others carelesse of any such attempt cried Horse Horse and went away in a distracted manner where they surprized the Engine within a mile and half of the place drove away the Troops that were with it seized on it with the two Captains and many prisoners and brought all with their Ladders and other Instruments provided for the storme to the Garrison of Canon-Froom upon the coming in whereof such a shout was made that all the Country rang of it The Engine was such a one as the like hath not been known since these wars The Roysters called it a Sow It was carried upon great wheeles and to be drawne with Oxen it was made with rooms or lofts one over another musquet proof and very strong out of which were holes to play and shoot out It was so high that it was above all the Works at Canon-Froom so that they could discharge over the Works besides which a doore opened to bring them into the Works out of which went a Bridge for their entrance The Garison was then in such a condition that had they not been thus disappointed in all probability this Engine had effected their intended designe but God be praised it was prevented On the Lords day following Novemb 9. Master Jackson a Minister in Gloucester having information thereof in the morning before Sermon gave publique thanks in the Pulpit for so great a deliverance and unexpected and unlikely preservation About the twelfth of this instant a Messenger from the Right Reverend Assembly of Divines at Westminster was tendred to both 〈◊〉 of Parliament therein acquainting them that according to an Order sent unto them from the Parliament Novemb. 20. 164â— they had now fully perused the Psalmes translated into English out of the Originall Hebrew Tongue by learned and much honoured Master Rouse conceiving them very fit to be publikely made use of thorow the Kingdome and that they had likewise perused the Psalmes translated by Master Barton a reverend and learned Minister of the City of London who they acknowledged deserved much commendation for his great paines and abilities therein also but conceived the other most fit for publike use which were accordingly authorized by the Parliament whereof more in its due place And about the 14 of this instant Novemb. we were certainly informed that Colonell Sir Thomas Aston lately before made Lord Ashton forsooth who in the beginning of this Parliament was a mighty stickler for the Prelates and a chiefe Agent to get hands to Petitions for supporting of the Bishops Hierarchie and was one of their grand Champions of a Laick as they term'd them to write in defence of them That this Ashton I say came with a party to seeke some additionall reliefe for the King his Master about Dudley Castle and those parts of whose designe valiant active and loyall Colonell Stone Governour of Stafford having intelligence sent out a party and encountred him in the way who soone routed all his party which was in number about 100 Horse or more tooke at least 80 of them slew some on the ground sorely wounded the said Lord Ashton who within a seven night after as was for certaine informed dyed of his wounds yet he lived to see his darling Episcopacy and many base apostatizing Bishops to die and fall before him a just increment and addition to his other wretchednesse the remainder of his Horse which was about twelve or sixteene at most fled for their lives to Worcester to carry newes of their Leaders good successe and faire recruit in that designe And much about the same time we were also credibly informed that Major Blundell of Reading with a party of Horse met with a party of the Kings the most of them being Gentlemen of his Life Guard neer unto their Garrison at Wallingford where they were most jovially revelling in their Nectar-Cups all whom he there suddenly surprized being about 40 of them and carried away with him prisoners to Reading without any resistance Upon the 17 of this instant November the anniversary commemeration of the happy and blessed inauguration or coronation of that most peerlesse and precious Princesse of ever blessed memory eternally to be renowned pious magnanimous and Heroick Queen Elizabeth was still even to this day most solemnly celebrated in the famous and faithfull City of London and in some places Sermons preached on her most happie memoriall and thus incessantly hath continued notwithstanding her so long decease above 40 yeares In which regard this me thinks is a most remarkable note and worthy most Christian serious observation with all true English Protestants and sincere Christians and which I desire the godly Reader to take speciall notice of as most pertinent to these times that notwithstanding I say her so long decease she should still so constantly and cheerfully be so highly honoured and so zealously remembred being as it were most deeply ingraven with indelible Characters of gratitude and joy in the hearts of the heartiest surviving Subjects of
at Sea driven into a creek neer Plymouth from whence a Boat was sent to demand and know whom they were for the Marriners thinking themselves to be in his Majesties Quarters answered They were for the King Hereupon our boat left them and acquainting the Governour of Plymouth therewith he sent forth severall Boats with Musketeers to take the Barke which they did after some resistance and some few slain on both side and so brought it safely into Plymouth to be made use of for the King and Parliament And about November the 24. we also received certaine information by Letters out of Gloucestershire of a brave defeat given to the Enemie in those parts which also was confirmed by another Letter especially from Malmsbury the substance whereof was as followeth That upon occasion of planting and fortifying a Garrison for the Parliaments partie by renowned and active Colonell Morgan the valiant and faithfull Governour of Gloucester at Sir Henry Fred. Thynnes House at Kempsford in that Countie the Enemy belonging to Rad-Court and Farringdon being enraged at it and much offended that they should have a troublesome neighbour so neere them to straighten and curb their former accustomed excursions into the Countrie for contribution-money and plunder They therefore came forth with a party of about 30. horse to impede and disturbe their workes begun Whereupon Captaine Moore who had the Command of Malmsbury foot left at Letch-lad by Colonell Morgan drew out 60. Musketeers with which he bravely flankt the Enemie slew 2. of them shot their Captaine in the thigh and so made retreat but this their Commander swore in a rage that they would ere long be avenged upon our forces and thereupon they presently fetched in unto them Major Duet that French-Renegado and base apostate from the Parliaments service who since his defection had beene a Scourge and vexation to those parts though most Commonly with losse to himselfe who came that very evening with 100. foot and 120. horse purposing to have surprised ours in their workes and now to be revenged on them for his friends former repulse but valiant and vigilant Captaine Moore timely discovered them sent out another partie of Musketters and the Gloucester-horse thereabout having taken the Alarm drew forth also to the Encounter set fiercely upon the Enemy put them to the rout pursued the chace mortally wounded Major Duet himselfe unhorst him threw him into the dire where within 4 or 5 houres after he was found dead a just hand of God now at last upon such a disloyall and faithlesse apostate from the honest Cause which he first undertooke they also slew another Captain and 20. more Common Souldiers upon the place tooke 30. prisoners whereof one was a Corner and 5. of the Kings Life-guard 40. horse and 60 fire-armes And thuâ— having by Gods great mercy to whom alone be all the praise and glory thereof chaced them close to Rad-cot-Bridge even almost to their very workes they returned victoriously safe to their Garrison without the lose of any one man of theirs slaine only 2. or 3. wounded but not mortally Finally about the latter end of this November it pleased the Lord to put into the hearts of our most prudent and provident Parliamentarie-Statists for the more luculent and cleare manifestation of their hearts integrity to manage all matters for the greater honour of that great and supreame Court of Parliament and the fairer evidence of their own personall sincerity in and about the same to take into their serious debate the great prejudice which many have received by protection of Members of Parliament and their servants or attendants and therefore how the same might be remedied for the future The result whereof came at last to this issue that they appointed a Committee of New elected Members who were to meet certaine dayes weekly with power to heare and examine complaints of such as have suffered in that nature And also to receive such complaints as shall upon just ground be brought against any Member of Parliament for taking of Bribes or for any other act of injustice whatsoever Certainely such acts of justice as these especially being faithfully and effectually carryed on will make this already most famous Parliament much more famous and illustrious to all posterity and cannot but most justly stop the mouths of all malicious-hearted Malignants and others who have or shall endevour injuriously to scandalize their honourable proceedings And here now againe good Reader let me desire thee to stay a while to make a most gratefull review there in to admire the rare and remarkable Parliamentarie-mercies of this moneth also in the cleare and most demonstrative ratification of this admirable wonder of the Burning-Bush still unconsumed and rarely kept and recovered from the many menaced distractions of it by the incessant assailant furious flames and conflagrations flashing continually round about it as hath beene most apparently seen and set forth both in the Parliaments provident care and Circumspection for the safety and welfare of the Kingdome and City of London in those two excellent Orders against Delinquents In the taking in of Shelford-House And miserably taring in peeces of the Lord Digbies late scattered forces againe rallyed into a body In the surrender of Abarashwait a strong Garrison of the Enemie in Cardiganshire into the Parliaments power And the gratefull recordation of the Parliaments happie preservation from the malicious machinations of the plotting Enemies therof since the beginning of it to this present In the taking in of Worton-Garrison Wiverton and Welbeck-house And the spontaneous falling off of all Glamorganshire from the Kings pernicious party In the surrender of Bolton-Castle in the North to the Parliaments forces And the brave defeat given to the Enemy at Cannon-Froom and surprisall then of a notable Engine for batterie called a Sowe In the notable defeate given to the Lord Ashton and his forces where himselfe was slaine And the brave prize taken at Sea from the Enemie by Plymouth Garrison In the brave defeat given to Major Duet that French renegado and base Apostate where he himselfe was slaine And lastly In the remarkable testimonie of the Parliaments integrity shining forth in that excellent order of theirs against Parliaments protections and taking of bribes All which graciously and gratefully considered can amount to no lesse than a most cordiall and comfortable acknowledgement and confession of the Lords unchangeable free grace and unexhaustible bounty to us his most unworthy people of England even to admiration and astonishment to all our neighbour Nations round about us And that therefore they may and must most justly cause yea compellus with thankfull thoughts hearts and tongues to confesse and say with holy David Through the Lord alone we have done thus valiantly and he it is that â—ath thus graciously and gloriously trod downe our Enemies Yea He it is that hath bidden us not to be afraid of our most potent or politick
in their hands and to depart to the Kings next Garrison or home to their houses if they pleased and the House with all therein Ordnance Armes and Ammunition to be delivered up for the use of the Parliament In which there was taken eight Peeces of Ordnance six Murtherers 500 Arms with store of other Provisions and Ammunition with great plenty of rich prizes and pillage By the reducing of this House the whole County of Lancashire is now totally set at liberty and cleared of all its Enemies and Colonell Bâ—oth and the other Forces which lay before it advanced thence toward Chester to joyne with Sir William Breretons Forces before Westchester About the eighth of this instant we also received certaine intelligence by Letters out of the West that his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Forces had taken in Fulford House a strong Garrison also of the Enemies on the other side of Exeter with all the Armes and Ammunition therein By the taking of which Garrison the way was made fully open to Plymouth so that our Army there had a free passage to advance for their relief which not long after was also happily effected whereof more in its more proper place And now about the 20 of this instant December Letters were read in the House of Commons both from Colonell Morgan and Colonell Birch fully relating the particulars of the taking of the Towne and Castle of Hereford the substance of both which Letters together with other unquestionable information whereof I have here for the Readers better content and full satisfaction therein set downe a true and exact Narration which was as followeth Colonell Birch having been not long before in London was by Order from the Committee of both Kingdomes sent post to his Forces at Bristoll for the effecting of some designe against the City of Hereford which ever since our Brethren the Scots raised their siege thence was growne very jocond proud and secure of all danger from thence he marched to Gloucester to advise with Colonell Morgan about the designe but finding the way which was at first intended altogether frustrate and the Governour of Gloucester at that time not very well Colonell Birch went with Sir John Bridges neer to Hereford and sent for thither two Gentlemen with whom Sir John had treated before about matters tending to this businesse who were then out of Hereford fearing to come into the Town and there Colonell Birch was fully satisfied concerning the Enemies supine security and the apparent negligence of the Guards of the Towne being I say most fearlesse of any approaching danger to them And now Colonell Birch consulting againe with Colonell Morgan whom now he found in perfect health and most active to promote the worke presently Colonell Morgan provided about 1100 Horse and Foot to joyne with Colonell Birches 900 Foot and his own Troop being about 50 more Horse which were quartered about Gloucester to be ready at an houres warning whensoever they should be called and ordered to furnish themselves with knap-sacks and provisions for a long march and so about Munday Decemb. 15. they began to march from Gloucester at which time the snow being almost knee deep they were constrained to march in file one by one both Horse and Foot and so to keep one track intending to reach to Hereford that night but I say the snow was so deep and the weather so extream cold that the Foot Souldiers had a very hard march insomuch that three of them died by the way the Foot being to beat their way thorow the snow Here Colonell Morgan and Colonell Birch were constrained to make an hault before they had marched within six miles of Hereford but their forlorne hope had marched within two miles thereof and were so neer ingagement that they came not off without some difficulty But the two gallant Commanders finding that they were discovered the better to colour their businesse marched back halfe way to Gloucester with part of their foot and lodged them at Ledburie 10. or 12. miles from Hereford and others of their horse marched almost to Gloucester After which having rested their foot and the Enemie now conceiving that they were marcht back and quite gone suddainly on Wednesday December the 17. about 9. of the clock they marcht againe toward Hereford the same way and in files as before and came by midnight within twice Musket-shot of Hereford and there rested the whole body of the Armie being 2000. Horse and foot effective Now here I must remember you that Colonell Birch as you heard before had been in these parts 4. or 5. dayes before to lay the designe and to view the ground with those worthie Gentlemen fore mentioned Sir John Bridges and the others At which time it pleased the Lord to put an excellent prize and oportunity into their hands which they accordingly by Gods assistance wisely made an excellent improve ment of and which tooke also most answerably For about that time Scudamore the Governour of Hereford had sent out a warrant under his owne hand to the High Constable of an adjacent Towne for Labourers to be sent into Hereford to breake the ice about the City now this warrant they had happily laid hould on and taken from the high-Constable the substance of which warrant was thus THese are straightly to Charge and Command you to send to my Garrison at Hereford out of your hundred a hundreth able men with spades Shovells Pickaxes and other necessaries fit for Piâ—ners for his Majesties Service whereof you are not to saile as you will answer the contrary at your utmost perill Barnabas Scudamore Given under my hand this 14. of Decemb. 1645. Now the Governour of Gloucesters Secretarie had made a returne to this warrant as from the high Constable of the hundred expressing That he had now sent the Constable of such a Towne with 6. men to worke the rest were to follow And upon this ground Colonel Birch had plotted and contrived the worke as followeth He had provided 6. faithfull and resolute men in the forme of Labourers and one more with them a stout and resolute Livetenant to be as a Constable with this warrant to bring thosâ— his Townesmen to worke in the City To whom for their present encouragement he had given a good summe of money in hand and had promised them a larger reward on their faithfull performance which accordingly they all did as now you shall heare These 6 men and their Constable together with 150. firelocks in the darke of the night lodged neere the Gate of the City in one of the burnt houses within Pistoll shot of the bridge even as neere as the ground would possibly admit In all which time ours with carefull Spies and Scouts kept back all intelligence from the Enemie So that they never discovered or suspected us after our first retreat toward Gloucester Now I say these Firelockes were for the better managing of the businesse left to
House That Church-Government might be setled and are most humbly thank full for your favourable interpretation thereof proceeding from the good intentions of the Common-Councell who are resolved according to their duty to have a tender respect to the Priviledges of Parliament whereby the Liberties of the City and Kingdome are preserved That in December last at the choise of new Common-Councell men for the yeare ensuing the Inhabitants of most of the Wards in this City petitioned their respective Aldermen in their Wardmote to move your Petitioners to make their further addresse to the Honourable Houses of Parliament for the speedy setling of Church-Government within this City and against Toleration as by a Copy of one of the said Petitions annexed appeared That private Meetings especially on the Lords Day of which there are at least eleven in one Parish are multiplyed whereby the publique Congregations Ordinances and godly 〈…〉 are very much neglected and contemned as if they were Antichristian and our present times were like the Primitive persecutions or as if we were still under the Tyranny of the Prelaticall Government and by reason of such 〈◊〉 and the preaching of women and other ignorant persons superstition Heresie Schisme and Profaness are much increased 〈◊〉 divided and such Blasphemies as the Petitioners tremble to thinke on uttered to the high dishonour of Almighty God That the Petitioners are informed that divers persons have an inteâ—â—tion to Petition this Honourable House for a Toleration of such Doctrines at are against our Covenants under the Notion of Liberty of Conselâ—â— The Petitioners therefore having no power of themselves to suppresse or overcome these growing evils Doe according to their Covenant reveale and make the same knowne to this Honourable House and for timely prevention and removall thereof do 〈…〉 the Preâ—â—â—sses may be taken into your most serious consideration And that Church Government 〈◊〉 speedily 〈…〉 to our most Solemne Covenant with the most high God in such manner and forme as to your Wisdomes shall seeme most agreeable thereunto before me be destroyed one by another through 〈◊〉 and divisions And that no Toleration be granted either of Popery Prelacy Superstition Heresie Schisme Prophannesse or of any thing contrary to sound Doctrine and the power of godlinesse And that all private Meetings contrary to the said Covenant the rather in regard of the sad effects thereof may be restrained And the Petitioners shall pray c. MICHELL To the Right Worshipfull the Alderman and Common-Councell men of the Ward of Farrington within at their Ward-moot A representation of the Humble desires of the Inhabitants of the said Ward I THat Church Government may speedily be setled within the City before we be utterly ruined with rents and divisions II That this Government may be that which is agreeable to the Word of God and example of the best Reformed Churches according 〈◊〉 solemne League and Covenant with the most high God III That no Toleration either the Popery Prelacy Schisme Heresie Superstition Prophamenesse or any thing contrary to sound Doctrine or the power of godlinesse may at all be yeelded unto as being against the Word of God and contrary to the very Letter of our Covenant And these our most humble and earnest desires which we are obliged and encouraged also to make by reason of our said Covenant we intreat the Right Worshipfull the Alderman and Common-Councell men of this Ward to represent to the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor and the Honourable Court of Common-Councell at their first sitting that they would make their further addresse to the Honourable Houses of Parliament for the obâ—aining of these our just and necessary desires The Answer to the said Petition pronounced by the Speaker of the House of Peers THe Lords have alwaies had great experience of the care and good affections of the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Common-Councell of the City of London for which they are glad of any opportunity to expresse their great sense and to returne their hearty thanks and 〈◊〉 especially upon this occasion wherein the Common-Councell have maâ—â—â— so great zeale and faithfulnesse to the true Worship of Almighty 〈◊〉 and care for the Peace and well ordering of the City of London 〈…〉 the whole Kingdome is so neerly concerned The Lords therefore 〈…〉 of the Petition now presented unto them and the expressions of that worthy Alderman made unto their Lordships have commanded me in their names to give ye further and larger acknowledgements for your great care and endeavours to prevent so growing a mischief giving ye this assurance That as they have been very forward formerly to do what in them lay for a settlement of Church-Government so they shall still continue to advance and perfect a Worke so much tending to the glory of God and to the â—erâ—ing of the Peace of the Kingdome holding themselves thereunto obliged by their solemne League and Covenant and they do seriously recommend it to the care of the Lord Mayor and such at 〈◊〉 in Office in the City to suppresse and prevent such great Offences by you mentioned which are so much to the dishonour of God and the disturbance of the present and future good Government of the City of London And wherein ye shall finde your selves wanting in pâ—wer the Lords will be ready to contribute their authority for your incouragement and assistance And about the 20 of this instant January we were credibly informed by Letters from Abington of an excellent exploit performed by the Forces of most active loyall and renowned Major Generall Brown against Wallingford Horse in which he had taken Lieutenant Colonell Lour the Deputy-Governour of Wallingford some other Officers and Prisoners of note 50 of the Enemies Horse their Riders and Armes and also rescued 30 Horse which the Enemy had before taken of ours by which defeat Wallingford Garrison was much weakened On the 23 of this instant we received happy and most welcome newes out of the West of the taking of Dartmouth with the Castle Ordnance c. by storme on Sunday night Jan. 19. and there was also a Letter read in Parliament from his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax of all the particulars of the storming and taking of the said strong Towne and Castle with a List of the Prisoners therein taken which being a full and authentick narrative of the whole businesse I have here for the Readers better content and satisfaction inserted a true Copy of the said Letter which was as followeth My Lords and Gentlemen AFter my coming to Totnes the Enemy rising in great disorder from the siege at Plymouth and leaving their Guns and some Ammunition behind them I considered with those about me of attempting upon Dartmouth and it being concluded affirmatively I caused two Regiments of Foot to march to Ditsam and two to Sucheflemming being on the West of Dart River I having summoned the place before resolved upon Sunday night to attempt it by storme which was agreed to
l. per annum formerly voted to be conferred on his Excellency and his Heynes for ever might be presently setled possessed and enjoyed by him They likewise ordered That a Letter should be written to his Excellency to returne the thanks of both Houses of Parliament for his noble valour and unwearied paines in the service of the State and particularly in the storming of Dartmouth and to informe him what a great mercy the Parliament esteems this businesse of Dartmouth and how highly they respect and esteem of his Excellency and his designes and undertakings And here now I shall desire the Reader for Gods greater glory and high honour to consider seriously and most graciously and gratefully how admirable wisely powerfully and advantagiously for us the Lord carried on all these late great works in these few ensuing observations worthy our cordiall consideration As first That God all along cast such a pannick feare upon our Enemies such a Magor-Misabib into their hearts and spirits that they were a continuall terrour to themselves and that since our taking of Boviâ—-Tracy God hath given into our hands neer 1000 of the Enemies Horse and that upon the advance of a party of ours from Crediâ—â—on the Enemies fled and onely â—ix of Colonell Okeyes Dragoones put 500 of their Horse from their post at which time they fled from Plymouth leaving their Guns Arms and Ammunition behind them Secondly That Captaine Batten Vice-Admirall of the Parliaments Ships coming to block up Dartmouth by Sea as our noble Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax had ordered him liâ— upon a Ship of the Enemies bound for France wherein were many Gentlemen of quality and money and jewels to a good quantity together with many other rich 〈…〉 Thirdly which is indeed very remarkable That till our Forces came before Dartmouth in at least seven weeks space there had been little or no 〈◊〉 upon that 〈◊〉 but now our Army being there ther was such a mighty shole of Muâ—â—its taken as comfortably fed our Army and which so continued among them to the great admiration of all the Inhabitants Fourthly That in the storming of the Towne though all things answered not the appointments of the Councell of War yet there was no confusion or miscarriage in the whole worke and withall that we had very faire weather all the time of the siege and storme even to a minute till the Town was taken and then only it rained much Fifthly That notwithstanding the great strength of the Fortifications of the Town and in men and Ordnance also yet it was taken without much bloodshed we having lost but two men in all the whole worke that we could possibly heare of which was even a miraculous mercy to us considering I say that there were 〈◊〉 strong Works and Forts in it and about 100 Peeces ready mounted and manned which might have been thought sufficient to have maintained the Town and Harbour against a very potent Army Sixthly and lastly That Master Peters one of the Ministers of the Army at this time presented to the Parliament divers Colours taken in the Towne and Country and among the rest the Kings owne first Colours which he first advanced at Yorke against the Parliament with the Kings owne picture on it and a Sword in 〈◊〉 hand and a booke in the other together with a bundle of brave Letters found in the Governours House in Dartmouth some of the Princes some of Ruperts some of Gorings some of Culpeppers and their Commissions by Sea and Land besides a Popish Masse-Book and an Altar taken from the Engineer of Dartmouth who was a Dutch Masse Priest For all which so rare and remarkable free favours and mighty meer mercies so graciously conferred upon us our most renowned Parliamentary Worthies most rightly and religiously ordered a solemn day of Thanksgiving to be kept a Copy of which their Order I have here thought fit to insert which was as followeth Die Jovis Jan. 26. 1645. THe Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled do order and appoint this day fortnight being Thursday for a day of Thanksgiving for the taking in of Dartmouth and Hereford to be kept within the Cities of London and Westminster the Lines of Communication and ten miles about And this day three weeks for all other places over the Kingdome in the Parliaments power About the 26 of this instant January we received also certaine intelligence by Letters out of Stafford-shire that Captaine Stone that valiant and active Commander had sent out a party of about 100 and odde Horse to beate up the Lord Molinaux his Quarters who fell upon the Enemy at a place called Cark within seven miles of Stafford and managed their charge with such martiall resolution and dexterity that they routed 300 of the Enemies and tooke prisoners three Captaines two Cornets eight Reformadoes ten inferiour Officers about 100 Horse and divers prisoners above 100 Pistols In which conflict many of the Enemies were wounded and some slaine And thus they returned victoriously to Stafford againe with their Prisoners and Prizes And about the 28 of this instant we were certainly informed from our Army in the West that Pouldram Castle which was Sir William Courteens House a strong Garrison of the Enemies neer Exeter was surrendred to brave Colonell Hamond who commanded in chiefe upon these Conditions The Officers and Souldiers to depart to their own dwellings leaving all their Arms behind them There were about 120 in the Castle 4 Peeces of Ordnance unmounted 5 Barrels of powder with Bullet and Match proportionable but little other Provisions His Excellencies most courteous carriage and mercifull useage of those at Dartmouth notwithstanding that he wonne it by storme had a great influence and operation upon the spirits of the Enemies elsewhere and was not only a prevalent motive to these of Pouldram Castle to yeeld so soone unto his famoused mercy but made many others also shortly after to desert the Enemy for there being at least 120 Cornish men prisoners in Dartmouth notwithstanding their former even most barbarous cruelty to ours yet I say renowned and mercifull Sir Thomas Fairfax as I was credibly informed set them all at liberty and gave them two shillings a man to beare their charges And was not here a heaping of Coales of fire on their heads as our Saviour commands and commends in his Disciples and a rare way of winning of hearts even of those formerly heathenish cruell Cornish Enemies Those of them that would stay and take up Armes for the Parliament as divers did he gave them â—â—ree shillings a peece to all the Seamen in prison he freely gave their liberty and to all their Common Souldiers unwilling to take up Armes he gave Passes to go to their owne habitations nay to severall Officers of whom any of the faire conditioned Townesmen could give any good Character he also gave Passes to go to their owne homes also on promise of future faire and peaceable demeanour toward the
Commanders 〈◊〉 for the use of the King and Parliament And that which made the mercy much more sweet and remarkable was that the surrender of this Towne was a cleare and most evident returne of the prayers of Gods people who had the fast day before the Moneth of January beene pressing the throne of grace for this great mercy in particular And now this Thursday February 6. being the day of solemne Thankesgiving set a part by speciall command of the Parliament for Gods great goodnesse in the obtaining of the strong Towne and Castle of Dartbmouth whiles the Parliament was in the midst of that God-delighting dutie of Thankesgiving in Margrets-Church in Westminster there came a Gentleman belonging to renowned Sir William Brereton with letters directed to the Speaker of the House of Commons certifying that the Citie and Castle of Chester were surrendred to Sir William for the use of the King and Parliament the third day of this instant Februarie about the houres of 11 or 12. at Noone upon very faire yea indeed too faire termes and conditions to such a bloody Butcher as Byron was save only in mercy and pittie to the poore and miserably long-besieged without and much abused within Inhabitants of the City and to avoyd the utter ruine and devastation thereof which this bloody Byron had vowed rather than to surrender on termes inferiour to those now thus granted For in the present condition thereof it was exceedingly impoverished by the Enemies obstinacie and cruelty within very little provisions to be found therein save only of armes and ammunition whereof indeed was good store The particulars wherof take in this list thereof the best and fullest that was then imparted to us There were taken in the City of 〈◊〉 upon the surrender thereof 300. Peeces of Ordnance 3000. armes 20. Ships and smaller Vessells 40. Barrells of Powder and good store of Bullet 2000. Bandileers 200. Firelocks â—2 Skenes of Match 200. Horse 300. Sadles and other furniture 30. Hogsheads of Wine 17. Firkins of Butter very little Cheese 20 Wagons 17. Flitches of Bacon and a little salt-beefe for the Officers 8000. Ounces of Plate and good store of other rich treasure in Byrons quarters for Byron himselfe was permitted to carry away with him not above 50. l. in mony the Seale of the County-Palatine a 1000. Records and Evidences there were also in the City two Powder-Mills and 250. Irish Prisoners This City and that of Dartmouth were of singular concernment and very great mercies to the Parliament and their losse so 〈◊〉 the greater to the Enemie blessed be our God for it forâ— this of Chester was most Convenient for landing of the Irish-Râ—â—â— and that of Dart-mouth for the French besides the strength which the Enemie had in them which is now by this meanes much weakned and scattered and our forces also which were aâ—â— them now at libertie to be elsewhere imployed on other usefull and important avocations toward Oxford Litchfâ—ild or some such places About the 8. of this instant Februarie we had certaine intelligence by Letters from Leicester that a party of about 80. horse and 40. dragoones were sent out of Leicester under the command of Major Meeres a very valiant and discreet Gentleman by night into Ashbie de la Zouth who carried on the designe exceeding â—â—avely and marched with such expedition and privacie that they came to Ashbiâ— about 11. of the clock that night altogether undiscovered which was about 12. miles march whither being come they suddainly surprised the Centinells fell in at the Turnpike broke the chaine and entred the Towne tooke neere 100. of the Enemies Horse being the greatest part of the horse of that Garrison 30. whereof were ready Sadled and fitted to have gone forth upon some designe of theirs all of them excellent good horses and some of them worth 20. 30. and neere 40. l. a horse they tooke store of armes and more other Pillage released divers prisoners and some Country men whom the Enemie had taken for ransomes and thus having plundred the Towne in part of requitall of the many mischiefeâ— and plundring of that Garrison to the Parliâ—â—â—ts friends all these 〈◊〉 friends returned to Leicester without the least molestation the Enemie who was in the great House or Close either not 〈◊〉 the alarme or nor daring to come forth at all against them And thus I say they came safely back againe to Leicester with all their horse prize and pillage And about the 10. of this instant we received certaine information by Letters out of the West of the most prosperous proceedings of the Parliaments forces in those parts And how the Enemie did mightily desert their Colours and Commanders yea and how that some of the Commanders themselves with their Souldiers came in unto our renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfaxes party and in particular that a Commander with a party of Horse from the Princes Army came voluntarily and proffered his Service to his Excellency who was most nobly entertained by our renowned Generall And the said Commander did also assure his Excellency that as soone as oportunity did serve divers more intended to come away from the Enemie a great part whereof were North-Countrie Gentlemen who had an earnest desire to serve his Excellency And that a party of Sir Franis Drakes regiment went to visit a guard of the Enemies kept at Burrington where they tooke the Major and all his guard being about 40. Horse in number this partie of ours was commanded by Major Stephens he that formerly routed Gorings Brigade and tooke his Colours from him About the 12. of the instant Februarie our prudent and provident Worthies of the House of Commons tooke into their serious consideration the great obstructions in severall parts of the kingdome and how much it might prejudice the people in case they should not enjoy the benefit of the Lawes of the kingdome Whereupon they ordered That as formerly Commissions should be issued forth under the Great-Seale of England to the justices of Assizes and Oyer and Terminet Goale-deliveries and Nisi-prius should continue and proceede in their power in their Circuits according to former Votes and instructions A singular good worke indeed and much conducing to settlement of the peace and tranquility of the Common-wealth the long intermission whereof which could not till now be well remedied by reason of the Civill-warres among us having beene of great prejudice to the whole Kingdome And the 19. of this instant Februarie being Thursday the House had ordered a day should be set a part as a solemne day of Thankesgiving for the great mercie of God to this Kingdome for the happie surrender of the City of Chester into the Parliaments possession and that a Collection should be made in all the Churches for the releife of the Sicke mained and wounded Souldiers that lay before that place and likewise for the releife of other distressed people in and about that Citie
against the Parliament of England not being under restraint do before the sixth day of April 1646. depart out of the Cities of London and Westminster and Lines of Communication And if any such person shall continue within the said Lines after that time such person is hereby declared a Spy and shall be apprehended imprisoned and proceeded against as a Spy according to the Rules of War And the said Lords and Commons do further orden That all such persons do forbeare upon the penalty aforesaid to come within the said Lines without Licence under the hands of the Committee appointed for Compositions at Goldsmiths-Hall And the Committee of the Militia of London and the Sub-Committees in their severall limits respectively are hereby required to keep strict Guards and Watches and cause frequently searches to be made and to take care for the due execution of this Order Provided that this Order nor any thing therein contained shall extend to any person or persons who shall obtain license under the hands of the Committee of Goldsmiths-Hall to continue within the limits aforesaid Provided that this Ordinance or any thing therein contained shall not extend to any person or persons who came in to the Parliament before the first of June last 1645. and are cleared by both Houses of Parliament from their Delinquency Provided also that no Peere of this Realm shall resort unto the Committee for license to continue within the limits aforesaid but shall repaire only to the House of Peers for their said License This Order to continue for one Moneth after the sixth of April and no longer And it was also further ordered and resolved on by the Lords and Commons in Parliament That in case the King should contrary to the advice of the Parliament then already given unto him come or attempt to come within the Lines of Communication That then the Committee of the Militia of London shall have power and are hereby enjoyned upon advice had with the Committee of Lords and Commons for the Army to raise such forces as they shall think necessary to prevent any tumults that may arise by his coming and to suppresse any that shall happen and to apprehend and secure all such as shall come with him and to prevent resort unto him and to secure his own Person from danger About the sixth of April we received certaine good newes by a Letter written to renowned Major Generall Brown of a brave defeat given to the Kings Horse about Farringdon not far from Oxford which Letter was read in the Honourable House of Commons and a Copy whereof for the Readers better content and satisfaction therein I have here inserted as it was printed and published which was as followeth Honourable Sir THe last night I had intelligence the Enemy was drawn out of Oxford and gave out that they did intend to plunder Newnham wherefore I sent to Colonell Betsworth to desire him to draw his Horse towards Abingdon which he did but early this morning we had intelligence that six hundred Horse marched out of Oxon through Conmer and Fisield whereupon I commanded forth our Horse and Dragoons and marched with Colonell Betsworth after the Enemy and it pleased God to direct us that we found them at Farringdon and quartered at the Towns thereabouts We had gallant hunting them from place to place over the hils and pursued them into Farringdon Town and afterwards we discovered a good party of about two hundred between the two Coxwels who ran down into a Meadow and would have parlyed to â—urrender their Horse and Arms but our â—â—n fell on them and took them all save very few that escaped Afterwards we gleaned up divers more in severall places so that I am confident that party is so broken that the King will scarce be able to get such a body of Horse againe in the Kingdome We took above 300 Horse and almost as many Prisoners there was brought in this evening about 250 unto Abingdon the Major and most of the Officers of Sir William Comptons Regiment belonging to Banbury are prisoners it was esteemed the best Regiment the King had and the newes of their ingagement being reported at Oxford this day that they would come off with honour or be lost they sadly replyed if that Regiment were lost they were all undone There was but one man slain on our part and not many of the Enemies Sir your most humble and faithfull servant Geo. Payne Abington April 3. 1646. About the 10 of this instant Aprill Letters came from his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Quarters from severall Gentlemen of credit to the Committee of both Kingdomes and by other informations from thence that the Articles for the surrender of the City and Garrison of Exeter were now fully agreed on and foure Hostages given for performance of the same to be surrendred into the hands of the Parliament on Munday Aprill 13. 1646. and as a farther firm pledge and assurance hereof they immediately upon the mutuall giving of Hostages surrendred three of their strong Forts into the renowned Generals hands viz. Saint Downes Fort on the North side Mount-Rat-Ford on the South side and a very strong House in Saint Tho. Pâ—rish on the West side all these were surrendred on Thursday April the 9. the maine substance of the Articles was That all within the Garrison that would were to march away on April 13. being Munday both Horse and Foot with Arms and to have a Convoy either to Pendennis or Saint Michaels-Mount or to Oxford and to nominate which of these three places they would go unto when they marched out And those that would to have Passes to go beyond Sea or laying down their Arms to go to their own homes upon an ingagement not to take up Arms againe against the Parliament All the nobility as some of these were there Gentry and Clergy in the City to have liberty to march out with the Garrison Souldiers with their Horses Arms and their own proper goods One Article was mainly insisted on concerning the Cathedrall in Exeter that forfooth it might not be defaced which was also so farre agreede on Now if any should imagine these and the other conditions to be too large for such enemies Let them but waigh the considerablenesse of the place and how long it might have held out withall its advantages and it may easily balance all the rest Besides that now it is gained with the losse of so little bloodshed and in so short a time since the Armie returned out of Cornwall That now also upon the matter all the West is cleared and setled in a peaceable posture and how considerable this is that now the army may immediately advance and take the oportunity to cleare up these Eastern-parts which in all probability will by Gods blessing be effected suddainly and we hope an end put to these miserable and most unhappie warres The noble Generall presently upon this with part of his Armie advanced
call in all such Commissions as any have at Sea from him and accordingly hath done As for his Towns he is willing to surrender and that they be slieghted and accordingly hath sent to Sir Thomas Glemham onely in regard there are some such there as have faithfully served him in the preservation of his person he desires they may have honourable and good tearmes and that had the surrender of Oxford shall be a rule to the rest of the Towns Cities and Castles that all Forces may be disâ—anded to the quiet and ease of both the Nations likewise that the debts of the Kingdome be paid he shall be willing with some other particulars but these are the chiefe The Letter from His Majestie to the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland is as followes Verbatim CHARLES R. Right trusty and welbeloved Couzens and Counsellors right trusty and right welbeloved Couzens trusty and welbeloved Councellers And trusty and welbeloved We greet you well AFter so long and sad an interruption of the happy understanding betwixt Us and Our good Subjects of our Kingdome of Scotland which hath exceedingly afflicted Us and lest the sad effects thereof may have alienated the affections of many of that Kingdome from Us and preferring nothing to the love of Our subjects on which Our safety and greatnesse most depends and without which We propose not to our selves any happines We have thought fit to labour to dispossesse them of all prejudices rather by shewing them Our present Resolutions than by remembring them of Our former differences having come hither with a full and absolute intention to give all just satisfaction to the joynt desires of both Our Kingdomes And with no thought either to continue this unnaturall War any longer or to make a division betwixt the Kingdoms but to comply with our Parliaments and those entrusted by them in every thing for setling of Truth and Peace Your Commissioners have offered to Us divers Papers in your name expressing Your Loyall intentions towards Us for which we cannot but returne you hearty thanks And shall study to apply Our selves totally to the Councells and advices of Our Parliaments We have already sent a Message to the two Houses of Our Parliament of England and your Commissioners at London which we hope will give satisfaction We have likewise written to all such within Our Kingdom of Scotland as have any Commission from Us to lay downe Armes disband their forces and render their Garrisons And have written to Our Agents and Ministers abroad for recalling all Commissions issued forth by Our Authority to any at Sea against any of Our Subjects of either Kingdom And have sent Letters to the Governour of Our City of Oxford to quit that Garrison upon honorable conditions and disband Our forces there which being granted to him we have resolved presently to give the like order to all Our other Garrisons and forces within this Kingdome And that the truth of these Our Royall intentions may be made known to all Our good Subjects of Scotland We desire a Proclamation may be printed and published together with this Letter at all convenient places hoping none will believe but that this is Our voluntary and cordiall resolution and proceeds from no other grounds than Our deepe sence of the bleeding condition of Our Kingdomes And that Our Reall intentions are with the blessing of God and his favourable assistance to joyne with Our Parliament in setling Religion here in purity after the aduice of the Divines of both Kingdoms assembled at Westminster And Our Subjects of both Kingdoms in freedom and safety So expecting your Councells and advices in every thing wherein we shall be concerned We bid you very heartily farwell From Newcastle May 10. 1646. Besides these likewise the King to shew his love to the City of London also sent a Letter to the said most famous City which being but short I shall for my Readers better content and satisfaction here insert which was as followeth CHARLES REX RIght Trusty and welbeloved we greet you well Having expressed Our resolutions to the two Houses of Our Parliament of England and the Committee of Estates of Our Parliament of Scotland to give all just satisfaction to the joynt desires of both Kingdomes we have now likewise thought fit to assure the two chiefe Cities of both Our Kingdomes That nothing is more grievous to Vs then the troubles and distractions of Our people And that nothing on earth is more desired by us then that in Religion and Peace with all the comfortable Fruits of both they may henceforth live under Vs in all godlinesse and honesty And this profession we make for no other end but that you may know immediately from Our selves Our integrity and full resolutions to comply with our Parliaments in every thing for setling truth and peace And our desire to have all things speedily concluded which shall be found requisite for that end That Our returne to that Our ancient City may be to the satisfaction of Our Parliament the good liking of you and all our good people and to our owne greater joy and comfort we bid you heartily farewell From Newcastle the 19. of May 1646. And upon the 26. of this instant May the most renowned famous and faithfull Citizens of London in their most Cordiall zeale for Gods glory the honour of Religion hatred of damnable doctrines errours and Schismes wherewith the City was then extremely infected and infested and for the honest honourable vindication of themselves as touching their Solemn League and Covenant in promoting the long desired establishment of a godly Church-Government in City and Country and over the whole Kingdome exhibited to Both Houses of Parliament which I must and that most worthily inroule in this our Parliamentarie-Chronicle among the rare and most remarkable mercies of our good God unto us in thus raising up the Spirits of these most renowned Citizens to such a high place and pitch of godly zeale and faithfull courage exhibited I say a most noble and renowned Remonstrance or Petition in the name of the Lord Major and Aldermen and Common-Councell of that most Honorable City of London wherein their piety and Cordiall integrity to God the Church and State was most Copiously and right Christianly Demonstrated to the perpetuated honour and indelible dignity of those renowned Citizens especially of their never sufficiently honoured and renowned religious and pious Lord Major Alderman Adams who told his Brethren who in their prudence and providence for waightie reasons best known among themselves not willing to let their noble Lord Major goe along with them to the exhibiting of the said Remonstrance told them I say with expression of much fervour and zeale therein That Though his Person was not permitted yet his heart he assured them most affectionately went along with them Which said rare and religious Remonstrance both for the Readers better content and satisfaction especially it having beene so basely and abusively
scandalized by a rable of rotten hearted impious and impudent Sectaries of the City and for the super-eminent Excellencie of the Thing it selfe speaking indeede much merited honour for it selfe I have here thought fit to insert it which was as followeth And here first good Reader thou shalt see the honour which the most Honorable House of Lords in Parliament put upon it in giving speciall Order for the speedie printing and publishing of it to all the world and then after it thou shalt have their most noble and ever to be renowned resent and singular approbation and Commendation of it immediately after it Die Martis 26 Maii. 1646. IT is this day Ordered by the Lords in Parliament Assembled That the Remonstrance and Petition of the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Common-Councell of the City of London this day exhibited to the House of Peeres and their Lordships Answer thereunto shall be forthwith printed and published And the care for the true printing thereof is hereby specially recommended unto Colonell John Bellamie who is by this Order authorized and required to print and publish the same accordingly And none else are to presume to print and publish the same as they will answer the contrary at their perils Jo. Browne Cleric Parliamentorum To the Right Honourable the LORDS Assembled in High Court of Parliament The humble Remonstrance and Petition of the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Commons of the City of London in Common-Councell assembled OUR duty in the first place doth lead us to begin all our Addresses as we most heartily and humbly do these with all due and humble acknowledgement of the great Labours and endeavours which Your Lordships have these many yeers employed in Reformation both of the Church and Common-Wealth and in preservation of both with the humble tender of our constant devotion to serve the Parliament according to our Covenant made before Almighty God In the next place we most humbly crave pardon although we do presume to returne againe unto your Lordships and humbly yet plainly lay open the sorrowes and feares of our hearts even in this season when as God hath blessed your Armies with the greatest successes and that man might perswade himselfe that the War is almost at an end For first when we remember that it hath been long since declared to be farre from any purpose or desire to let loose the golden Reins of Discipline and Government in the Church or to leave private persons or particular Congregations to take up what form of Divine Service they please when we looke upon what both Houses have resolved against Brownisme and Anabaptisme properly so called when we meditate on our Protestation and Covenant And lastly when we peruse the Directory and other Ordinances for Presbyteriall Government and yet finde private and separate Congregations daily erected in divers parts of the City and elsewhere and commonly frequented and Anabaptisme Brownisme and almost all manner of Heresies Schismes and Blasphemies boldly vented and maintained by such as to the point of Church-Government professe themselves Independent we cannot but be astonished at the swarmes of Sectaries which discover themselves every where who if by their indeavours they should get into places of profit and trust in Martiall and Civill affaires it may tend much to the disturbance of the Publike Peace both of the Church and Common-wealth We also cannot but call to minde what Vowes we have made to God in the same Covenant as well as our former Protestations to preserve the Rights and Priviledges of the Parliament and the Liberties of the Kingdomes and to preserve and defend the Kings Majesties person and Authority in the preservation and defence of the true Religion and Liberties of the Kingdomes that the world may beare witnesse with our Consciences of our Loyalty and that we have no thoughts or intentions to diminish his Majesties just Power and Greatnesse and do humbly rest in the assurance we have received in the many former Declarations of both Houses concerning their intentions towards his Majesty his Royall Posterity and the Peace of this Kingdome which we doubt not but your Lordships will pursue with all speedy dispatch of Propositions to his Majesty now whilst God doth so mercifully and miracuously go along with your Armies in all the parts of the Kingdome We may not in the next place forget our Brethren of Scotland how first they were invited to engage with this Kingdome in Gods Cause when yet they were at peace at home in what Covenant this Nation is mutually linked with them at what time in relation both to the weak condition of our Forces then and the season of the yeare they adventured upon an Enemy warmly lodged and well armed and prepared what they have since suffered for this Cause in their own Kingdome how successefull ever since God hath made our Forces in suppressing the Common Enemies of both Nations and what present hopes we have of a well-setled Peace while we continue in this mutuall amity And then cannot but lament the many jealousies which the Enemies of our Peace Union and good Government do now strive to beget between both Nations and tremble at the sad effects thereof if not timely prevented by the wisdome of the Parliaments of both Kingdomes We cannot also omit humbly to represent unto your Lordships consideration how many Citizens have already suffered and how many more will be undone if your Lordships shall still make use of that ancient Priviledge to protect your selves the Assistants of this Honourable House and the Servants of both and others from being proceeded against in any course of Law for Debt which now because this Parliament hath already sate so long and is likely by reason of the unsettlednesse of affaires to sit much longer would especially require some expedient for relief of so many as otherwise must daily suffer under this Priviledge And now that the Kingdom is almost reduced by which means the Revenues of the Kingdome will be unburthened and the Customes and Excise increase and the publike charge of the Kingdome decrease now that Delinquents do daily come in and compound and now that the Enemy hath but few Holds left we hope that the great and extraordinary Taxes and burthens on this City and their Trade shall be in the future abated that the Debts owing to the City and Citizens of London either by particular Assurances of the Parliament or upon the Publike Faith of the Kingdome be taken care for and discharged as well as those assigned upon the Excise and may not be diverted from the uses appointed by former Acts and Ordinances And we humbly crave have to present to the consideration of this Honourable House the Committee of Haberdashâ—rs-hall as being one of the greatest grievances of this City and which so long as it is continued doth hinder the concoursie of people thereunto and tendeth much to the destruction of the Trade and Inhabitants thereof And now also we doubt not but God
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
Frigot taken by our ships Hilford Castle taken Livetenant Colonell Ingoldsby slain by Musket shot A day of solemn Thanksgiving for the forementioned great mercies to the King Our noble Generals advance to Exeter Inch-House surrendred Pouldram Fort taken High-Archall surrendred to the Parliament Bridge-North Towne taken by Shrewsbury forces Colonell Billingsley slaine in the Storme Portland castle surrendred Exmouth-Fort neere Exeter taken Aprill 1646. Dennington Castle taken An Order of both Houses of Parliament for restraint of Papists and other Delinquents from coming to the Cities of London and Westminster An Order also concerning the Kings private coming to London A brave defeat given to the Kings Horse neare Farringdon Treaty about the surrender of the City of Exeter to the Parliament Three strong Forts already delivered up to the Generall Justification of the large Articles of conditions agreed unto upon the surrender of Exeter Ruthin-Castle surrendred to the Parliament A brave defeat given to Denbigh forces by Colonell Mitton Captaine Cottingham slaine Prisoners and prizes taken at Denbigh and Ruthin The Raglanders soundly beaten by Sir Trevor Williams Many Gentlemen of Wales came out of Ragland castle to Sir Trevor and submitted to the Parliament Master Fog a Minister rewarded for his Loyalty to the Parliament The strong Garrison of the City of Exeter surrendred to the Parliament The first letter The second Letter The manner of their marching out of the City of Exeter Branstable Towne and Câ—stle surrendred Sir Michaels-Mount surrendred Titbury-Castle surrendred Aburisthwait Castle in Wales surrendred Dunstar-Castle surrendred Our WesternArmie advanced toward Oxford Woodstock-Garrison surrendred Bridge North Castle surrendred The just praise of the most faithfull and active Committee of Shrewsbury The Duke of Lenox and others come in unto the Parliament The King escaped out of Oxford in a disguised manner 1 Sam. 2. 30. May. 1646. The Parliament informed of the Kings departure out of Oxford toward London Both Houses of Parliaments Order published throughout London and Westminster touching concealing the King The Parliaments providence for the welfare of the City of London A Copy of the â—etter from the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland to the Commissioners of both Houses concerning His Majesties coming to the Scotch Army The manner of the Kings coming into the Scots Army and discovering himself unto them Newark surrendred to the King and Parliament The summe of the Articles of Agreement Our Brethren of Scotland drew off from Newarke Banbury Castle surreâ—dred to the Parliament A day of Solemn thanksgiving to the Lord for late great mercies to us Hartlebury Castle taken The prizes taken therein Ludlow surrendred to the Parliament Some hopefull sweet effects of the kings being in the custodie of our loyall Brethren of Scotland The summe of the kings Letto the Parliament of England The famous Citie Remonstrance exhibited to Both Houses of Parliament Remonstrance of the State of the Kingdome pag. 19. The Parliaments Declaration upon his Majesties Declaration after the Battell at Edge-hill pag. 659. * This desire of the City of London is no more nor other in effect than the House of Commons in Parliament it self voted as most justly at the taking of the Protestation May 5. 1641. Salcoomb Regis Surrendred Bostol-House also yeilded up to the Parliament Ordinance of Parliament for the better settlement of Presbyterian Church Government Bostoll Garrison surrendred Carnarvan Towne and Castle surrendred The Propositions for a wel grounded Peace resolved and in speciall 〈…〉 of the Kingdom The Ministers of London and Westminsters pious meeting and religion resolution in Zion Colledge Letters from Sir Thomas Fairefax Articles for the Surrender of Oxford and the Messengers rewarded by the Parliament The Duke of Yorke to come from Oxford to S. James-House Beaumorris Town and Castle surrendred The manner of the surrender of Oxford His Majesties Letter to the Marquesse of Ormond The Propositions for Peace sent to the King Psal 30 11 12 Ehen-Ezer The summary use of all Caution and Exhortation 1 Caution Zechar. 10. 5. Ezra 9. 6. Deut 32. 6. Ier. 37. 10. Iohn 5. 14. Mat. 12. 45. 2 Exhortation Reformation both Nationall and personall Building of Gods house Schisme and Errour petitioned against The danger of it briefly described The building of Gods house petitioned Hest 6. 3. The great fault and â—ayling of these times Scripture Eye-salve 2 Chron. 16. 9 Gods eye of providence over us Zeche 8. 1â— Our Fasts turned into Feasts Num. 23. 13. No enchanment or Divination against Gods Israell Isa 54. 17. No weapon formed against us hath proâ—pered Jer. 30. 16 17. Our devourers are devoured and our spoylerâ— are spoyled Ezekiel 20. 38 The regaâ—â— Rebels purged out of the Kingdome Isay 66. 5. The Royalists impious hypocrisie unmasked Great encouragements for Gods Children Iob 5. 27. Marke this O England Isa 19. 11 12 13 14. A true description of the Kings Counsellours Exod. 18. 11. Isa 51. 12 13. A just objurgation and too tâ—ue taxation on all Psal â—6 7 10 An exhortation to Christian courage and godly resolution Exod. 19. 4 5. Breake off from sinne Remember our Covenant Bâ—â—ld Gods House Love our Brethren of Scotland Our Brethren of Scotland were the main meane of procuring this present Parliament Exod. 19. 5. One hundred and forty Cart-loads of dead and wounded at Newbery fight some at Brainford at Dorchester and Causham at Marston-moore A Looking-glasse for Malignants