the enemy was four to one yet some said whom I will not here name that the enemy was but a small strength but when Sir Thomas Fairfax was to fight with them within two daies of the same time the same party said they were a great Army and it was dangerous in fighting I name this passage not to dishonor any who deserve praise but to shew how and by what waies some use sleights to under-value those better then themselves to set up themselves much more may be spoken in time convenient when brave Massey's honour will burst forth like the Sun from under a cloud and stand for after Ages so long as the Sun and Moon endure Phillip Skippon Esq. Major Generall of the Army etc CHAP. XVI Upon the most renowned Souldier Major Generall Shippon * More things to make a souldier compleat Are required then a valiant heart Time travaile art experience great And scarrs make up the whole of every part Of warlike worth these requisites and more Stout Skippon had and piety good store Which made him to sleight death at Nasby feild Which he deserted not till foes did yeeld Edghill Newbery marsh and Cornish ground This Champions fame for evermore will sound OF all the gallant Commanders England ever bred renowned Major-Generall Skippon may have his name inrolled in that golden Beadrow both for his faithfulnesse valour and constant perseverance he never yet was knowne to turne his backe upon the proudest enemy he never was cried up and Idolized for things he never performed hee alwaies was ready to act the part of a valiant Champion and to let the praise redound to those that expected applause he amongst all the rest is the man if I may so say that hath gone through good report and bad report through threats promises and earnest solicitations and yet by all these is not as too many are shaken in his stedfastnesse and to give gallant Skippon his due praise he is one of the prime military men at this day in command in England as may appeare by the many gallant exploits by him performed since his first taking up of Armes he first encountering the enemy neare Worcester Septemb. 12. 1642. and putting them to flight and from thence marched to Edge-hill and drew the Army there into Battalia charged the enemy resolutely and after a fierce and bloody fight the enemy retreated with great losse both of men and horse Octob. 22. 1643. Reading also taken by the assistance of valiant Skippon April 18. 1643. as also Cirencester taken and the Kings forces totally routed at Newbery fight having performed this gallant service according to command he retreated with his Infantry to Winter-Quarters but hearing of a house fortified leaving open the rode which did much mischiefe to the City of London he undertooke with a small Brigade to bring it in obedience to the Parliament which hee did most gallantly performe taking the Garrison called by the name of Grafton-house with all the Armes and Ammunition and great store of plunder which was the souldiers booty Decemb. 20. 1643. and having performed this gallant piece of service he came back to London for further instruction and so soon as the valiant Generall the Earle of Essex was provided he marched forth with him Westward took Barnstaple with Taun-Deane 22. of June 1644. and from thence marched more Westward and tooke Mount-Stamford Plimpton Saltash Launceston Greenvill-house and Newbridge and from thence marched further into Cornewall and tooke Tadcaster and Foy the Kings Forces drawing upon them and taking them in that narrow creek put them to great streights both for provision for men and much more horse so that his Excellency by a Councell of Warre was advised to force a passage with his horse through the Kings Army which he accordingly did but this heroick Skippon was allotted to stay behind and make his termes as good as possible he could in this case with the King and finding no faire termes from them he encouraged his souldiers to stand to it which accordingly they did and fought with the Kings whole Army for some seven or eight daies together not giving any ground at all but rather gaining upon them so that then the King thought good to grant them terms more reasonable then before they would heare of least they might have wasted their Forces or relief might have com which drew neer them and in this piece of hot service Generall Skippon did so gallant service as made both friends and foes much admire him and because there were many in London who murmured and complained indeavouring with much earnestnesse to foment jealousies and bring in disgrace men of worth and eminencie as the Lord Roberts Sir Philip Stapleton and some others who were not of their opinion in Religion viz. men of confusion in Church and State even these men cry out of plots and designes of carrying the Army into the West but had the Army prospered Oh then how London would have sounded of who had done the worke though there had not been 20. in the whole Army And these and such like are and have beene the practises of some against them that are not lovers of their abhominable doings these their designes are like the fine designes of the but God in due time will deale with this Generation of selfe-exhorters truth-destroyers and Covenant-revolters I shall give them no other epitome at present and as for those worthies of England viz. the Earle of Essex the Earle of Manchester the Lord Roberts the Lord Willoughby Sir William Waller Sir Philip Stapleton Sir Samuel Luke M. Gen. Poyntz Major-Generall Massey and Lievtenant-Generall Skippon with the rest that are Covenant-keepers as our Brethren of Scotland who have borne with patience what the height of malice could invent against them this will one day be their comfort that they have beene reviled and have not reviled againe and that they have suffered all manner of wrong and reproach for Gods sake his causes sake and their Covenants sake I shall say no more at present for them but descend to the rest of the valiant actions of this religious Commander who was upon the new Modell of the Army listed in the like office hee formerly executed under brave renowned Essex Englands faithfull Lord Generall valiant Sir Thomas Fairfax being created Generall in his stead did upon recruit march forth with valiant Skippon and gave the Kings Forces a dismall battell at Naesby-field where the Kings Forces were utterly routed June 14. 1645. and afterwards marched up to Leicester and regained it and this may stand to perpetuity as a crown of honour upon religious Skippons head that he encountred the enemy in field and Garrisons 125. times and never turned his back in the height of an assault storme or battle upon the adverse Party to describe all the particulars I shall referre the Reader to the Table of this booke and the actions of the two Generalls viz. the Earle of Essex
alone but from the field There Massey made three Armies fly or yeeld Once P. Rupert knowes and the groaning West Partly by Massey's manly deeds find rest IF the outside of a portraicture could decipher the inside of a most valiant and heroick Commander then vertue honour and valour would be brave Massey's Effigies but because such graces cannot be so explained by the Art of the rarest Artist it shall therefore satisfie me that some would but could not sufficiently set forth as in a mirrour so much so rare and so transcendent deserts as are due to this true-borne English Patriot yet to bury in oblivion his gallant actions and unparellelled proceedings were the master-piece of ingratitude the which that I may convince both friend and foe that I am not guilty of I shall as formerly in part set forth the most material actions by the hand and assistance of God by him performed since his first taking up of Armes which was in the month of June 1642. at which time hee marched forth with our renowned Generall the Earle of Essex and at Worcester gave the Kings forces battell and beat them to a disorderly retreat Septemb. 12. 1642. and from thence followed them to Edg-hill where they and the Kings Army had a most fierce fight but at the latter end of the day the Enemy with great loss retreated Octob. 22. 1642. presently after this fight this faithfull reliligious and valiant Major-Generall Massey was made Governour of Glocester who had no sooner set the Garrison in a posture of defence but falls to action and marcheth into the field and by the assistance of Sir William Waller routed the Kings forces under the command of the Lord Herbert and took many prisoners March 30. 1643. at which good service the Kings Forces being very much inraged and the Councell of Oxford by Gods good providence infatuated determined to besiege Glocester with their whole Army the Parliament at that time having none in the field were necessitated to recruit the Lord Generall who had long wanted recruits in the interim of time Glocester was strongly besieged desperately assaulted and gallantly defended many large proffers were made unto the faithfull and truly religious Major-Generall Massey but by him rejected and finding him to be no Subject to bee wrought upon by large and plausible promises they fell to proud and daring threatnings and upon an arrow shot into the Town these words These are to let you understand that your God Waller hath forsaken you and hath retired himselfe to the Tower of London Essex is beaten like a dog yeeld to the King's mercy in time otherwaies if we enter perforce no quarter for such obstinate trayterly rogues From a Well-wisher To which presently upon another arrow was shot this ensuing Answer Waller 's no God of ours base rogues ye lie Our God survives from all eternitie Though Essex beaten be as you do say Romes yoke we purpose never to obey But for our Cabages which ye have eaten Be sure e're long ye shall be soundly beaten Quarter wee 'l aske ye none if we fall down K. Charls wil lose true Subjects with the town So saies your best Friend if you make timely use of him Nicolas Cudgel you wel My purpose is only to make a very succinct mention of these particulars and to proceed the towne being by the noble Lord Generall the Earle of Essex relieved Septemb 5. 1643. Major-Generall Massey marched againe forth into the field fell upon a party of the Kings Army near Tueksbery routed them and took many prisoners Octob. 16. 1643. and not long afterwards beat Colonel Vavasor from Teuksbery Decemb. 6. 1643. as also Sir John Winter from Newnham and did afterwards dissolve and dismantle the Garrison of Wotton Decem. 14. 1643. and hearing of some scattered forces neer Glocester drew forth upon them and tooke most of them prisoners March 20. 1643. and afterwards hearing of Sir Iohn Winter at Newnham drew up to him and by a traine of powder did him much harme and tooke very many prisoners and much provision as also the same day defeated the Kings Forces at Little Deane tooke the Town with all the armes and ammunition May 7. 1644. having cleared that part of the Countrey he marches up to Beverstone-Castle and takes it by storme with all the ammunition May 27 1644. and with the like successe tooke the Town of Malmesbury May 30. 1644. as also the Garrison of Chippenham having cleared the Countrey he took the Garrison and secured what before he had got a party of the Kings Horse and Foot under the command of Colonell Mynne entred those parts not long after and this renowned Major-Generall Massey hearing of him went againe forth into the field with a small party and near Kidmarly entred fight with them kild their Generall Mynn took many prisoners and much ammunition Aug. 12. 1644. afterwards marched up to the Castle of Monmouth and took it Septemb 26. 1644. as also defeated the Enemy at Betsly Sconce in the Forrest of Dean and tooke much Ammunition Sept. 30. 1644. and presently afterwards marched towards a strong party of the Kings Forces commanded by Sir Iohn Winter encountered them neare Beechly and routed them taking many prisoners Aug. 12. 1644. having thus gallantly dispersed the enemy he did endeavour to secure the Frontier Garrisons under his Command which he did accordingly in which interim of time Sir Iohn Winter again recruited and came up towards the Forrest of Deane where he had been before beaten the which renowned Massey no sooner heard of but drew forth his strength and did with much courage and gallantrey march towards the said Forrest and gave them battell and in a small space had utterly routed them taken and kild many Febr. 26. 1644. and not long afterwards having intelligence of a party of the King's horse coming out of Bristoll for the assistance of Prince Maurice were met by this noble Generall and upon a sudden routed and many taken prisoners March 24. 1644. presently afterwards he marched towards the strong Garrison of Evesham and besieged it upon a fierce storme tooke it with all the ammunition therein May 27. 1645. having thus gallantly performed not to be parallelled considering his strength yet some who were no well-wishers to Honour nor Religion did murmur and complaine of this noble Generall whose honour will stand to perpetuity upon Glocester walls and in all true-borne English mens hearts and although some thought his sudden taking off from that service would have dis-ingaged him from all service it is well knowne by the West that after he was made there Generall he did most gallantly and was indeed as I may so say the very wall to defend Sir Thomas Fairfax's Army from the incursions of the enemy brave Massey led brave Fairfax the way into the West witnesse the daily skirmishes he was in for five or six weeks together beating the enemy to retreats at least 120. miles taking and killing many notwithstanding
and Sir Thomas Fairfax and conclude exhorting to give God the glory of this Champions actions for he alone was the supporter of his heart in the day of battel and this great God was unto him a buckler a helmet a tower a fort and a rock of defence to him in the time of danger and so he was is and will be to the end of the world to all them that put their trust in him rest on him and keep Covenant with him Sr Iohn Meldrum CHAP. XVII Upon Sir JOHN MELDRUM Knight deceased * Nere was there in a man more self-neglect Nor more contempt of lawfull rest and ease Then in courugious Meldrum whose defect If any was excesse of zeale to please His God and to redresse his countries wrongs For which heroick acts both pens and longues Shall Meldrum mellifie and for th' expence Of all his labours heaven hath ta'ne him hence SInce debts of honor are due to such valiant Champions as renowned Meldrum deceased thus neither words nor pens can sufficiently expresse honor enough for future Ages to read but since it is by Gods providence my lot I shall endeavour to revive to posterity the dying memory of our English and Brother-Scottish Peers and Patriots due valour and faithfulnesse to maintaine Religion the Kings Honor the Parliaments Priviledges the Subjects Liberties and the firm union betwixt both Nations according to the sacred Covenant one of the first that with valour and courage stood up for the Parliament was this thrice-honorable Scottish Patriot who was as sensible of Englands distemper as if it had been his owne and therefore out of a godly zeale he begirt his sword about him and with a couragious and gracious spirit went forth and by a heavenly hand conquered his enemies as I shall make it appeare At his first going forth he joyned with Sir William Waller and was assistant in the valiant service of the West and in particular he was very couragious and prosperous in the taking of Portsmouth in Hampshire as also the raising of the siege at Hull July 22. 1642. and not long after the Earle of Newcastle againe besieged Hull and this noble and renowned Sir John Meldrum issued out beat the Earle with his whole Army out of their Workes took nine piece of Ordnance and much more Ammunition Octob. 13. 1643. and having beaten the enemy and raised their siege hee marched into the field and by the assistance of noble Sir Thomas Fairfax tooke the strong town of Gainsborough by storme with all the men armes and ammunition therein Decem. 20. 1643. and afterwards he tooke the Isle of Axholm with all the Ammunition Febr. 4. 1643. and from thence marched to his owne County of which he was by the Parliament made Generall viz. the County of Lancashire where he was no sooner come but he had notice of a great Brigade under the Command of the Lord Byron and Lord Mollenaux near Ormskirk plundering to whom he hastned and coming within sight of them they presently prepared to battell and charged once and then ran quite away being utterly routed and having lost at least 1000. horse and the Lord Byron himselfe hid in a Corne-field or else had beene taken prisoner Aug. 20. 1644. having cleared the field he againe marched towards the Isle and fort of Jarmouth and in a short time took it with many ships in the Harbor closely begirt the Castle and by a most bold and resolute assault received his deaths wound the which his souldiers took much to heart making most sad lamentation for him and they alone did not lament his losse but the Parliament also and many thousands more in the Kingdome and although his person be taken from us yet his name will stand to perpetuity and our after-Ages will speake to brave Meldrums praise Sr. William Balfore etc CHAP. XVIII Upon the valiant and faithfull Knight Sir William Balfour * That providence that made thee first a cause Of preservation of the innocent Call'd thee to preservation of his Lawes And the destruction of the violent Opposers of just rights and Liberties Therefore the List of Worthies doth comprize Valiant Balfour whom fames relation Soundeth an honour to the Scottish Nation IF there were not in the Common-wealth some men of publike spirits Balfour-like to lay a side places of honour and profit to promote the publike as he did our Common-weal would become a common woe to all that have habitation therein or relation thereunto but as we and our children after us have cause to blesse God for accomplishing our war so we and our children also will have just cause to honour the persons in the memoriall of the gallant actions of our English and Scottish noble Commanders and Souldiers one whereof here speakes as much honour to the Kingdome of Scotland as any one this day in Europe of his rank and quality brave Sir William Balfour by name some of whose brave actions I shall insert as so many everlasting monuments of his praise and for his gallant service he performed under his Excellency Englands faithfull Lord Generall the deceased renowned Earle of Essex I shall omit for brevities sake and only speake breefly of those his gallant exploits performed in the taking of Newbery with all the arms and ammunition therein and afterwards cleared those parts of an oppressing Adversary and not many moneths afterwards marched further Westward according to order and took Weymouth and in it 27. peeces of Ordnance with all the rest of their Ammunition and having settled that Garrison and cleared those parts he marched with all speed towards Taunton-Deane and tooke it with all the Ammunition therein many more exploits and valiant actions he performed still eyeing the publike safety more than his owne or private interest persevering in all his actions standing to his Covenant principles viz. the advantage of Reformation in Church and State and the rooting out of Popery Prelacy Schism and Heresie that as there is but one God so there might be one faith one truth and one way of worshipping this one God in newnesse of heart and affections Major Generall Poyntz CHAP. XIX Upon the couragious Commander Major-Gen Poyntz Knight * Here valour and fidelity contend Which shall exceed in an officious way And both doe to posterity commend Brave Pointz triumphing on a routing day On Rowton-Heath neer Chester where the flower Of Cavaleerian force fell in the power Of this Commander whose couragious brest Hath purchas'd honour and his Countries rest THis valiant and faithfull Commander Major Generall Poyntz if it were onely for his constancy in the cause he undertooke and stability deserveth of all true-born English-men to be honoured and as a Souldier he hath done gallantly even when the Parliament and Kingdome was in a low condition and the enemy strong yet he in many parts North and North-West gave the Kings forces many defeats and overthrowes as at Rounton Heath neer West-Chester and cleared those
parts and afterwards drew more Northward and cleared those parts was alwaies active in promoting the publike and when the warre was compleated and our Brethren of Scotland retreated towards their owne Kingdome this renowned Sir Sydenham Poyntz had a command to secure and keep in quietnesse those Northerne parts in case of any insurrection of the Malignant or any other party which he did most faithfully performe and in all his proceedings he did endeavour to keep brotherly unity with our Brethren of Scotland which may adde one badge of honour to him more then to some of the rest of our gallant Commanders and this may be the crowne of his honour that in all the troubles of England and sad division he hath kept himselfe unspotted from covetousnesse ambition or faction which if all men in eminency and trust hath done the like we should have had lesse contests for honour and more self-deniall lesse reviling of and exclaiming at our faithfull Brethren of Scotland and more Covenant-ingaged affection to them lesse fomenting and fostring of division and more advancing of the truth in a reall Reformation according to our most sacred Oath and I could wish some men of eminency had not been so guilty of blowing and kindling the coles of jealousie betwixt England and Scotland and finding God blasted them in that Machiavell designe they act a second tragedy not inferiour to the former viz. foment and countenance a division at home in the same Kingdome amongst one and the same Subjects of one flesh and blood and although God it may be hath used some such men to doe his owne worke whom as men I honour yet I am confident their honour is not of so a long a life as their person but for faithfull men such as valiant Poyntz when their persons decay and decrease their honours will increase to posterity The Religious succesfull and truly Valliant Lieutenant Generall Cromwell CHAP. XX Upon the valiant Commander Lievtenant-Generall Cromwell * Here 's noble blood if that a noble mind Makes man noble by denomination And he that reads this Souldiers acts shall find Matter of wonderment and admiration That in such well-fought fields and fortresses Assaulted alwaies conquering happinesse Attended him thus with grace beautified Despised men pull down great Princes pride AS a valiant faithfull Commander brave Cromwell deserves perpetuall honour who for his gallant actions the Cavaliers have Anabaptist-like rebaptized him if I may properly so say and given him a new name called Old Iron sides and very well they might call him so for oftentimes hee did prove to them as an iron rod to brake them in pieces God hath used him as one of the great instruments to rescue our Religion Lawes and Liberties out of the hands of those that would have destroyed them all and therefore he deserveth high honour I here present to the view of the world his valiant exploits in shorter terms then M. Sprig in his large Folio History of large relations and of the largest size since hee was made Commander of a Brigade one of the first and gallant pieces of service he performed was in the taking of Stamford and clearing the parts adjacent often skirmishing with the enemy alwaies prosperous especially at that never to be forgotten fight at Marston-More where in person he did performe most gallant service and afterwards was active in all his undertakings and being eminently taken notice of upon the Modell of the New Army was chosen Lievtenant-Generall and at that great battell of Naseby did bravely performe the day to the downfal of the Cavalierian faction and encouraged the souldiers to prosecute the day and with zealous courage marched towards their Garrisons and first tooke in Leicester and afterwards Heighworth relieved Taunton-Deane re-gained Ilchester routed Gorings Western Army took also Langport Burrough Bridgewater and the Citie of Bath and afterwards did march with the Army against Sherborne-Castle and took it with the Castle of Nunney Porshut Point and the strong Towne and Castle of Bristoll and having re-gained that marched to the Devizes and tooke it with the Castle of Farleigh Chedwick and the strong Garrison of Basing the very receptacle of rogueing Rob-Carriers and having performed this gallant service hee marched more Westward towards the reliefe of those poore oppressed parts and in his march tooke Langford-house Tiverton Fulford and Chillington-house and presently marched to Pouldram-house and tooke it relieved Plymouth regained Budex Church and Sir Francis Drakes house and having thus weakned the Kings strength in Garrison he did march towards the Lord Hopton and routed him took Launceston Listithiell Saltash Wardbridge and Temple-guard the Lord Hopton recruited to the number of 5000. Horse whom within few daies was by this valiant Commander and the rest inforced to disband and deliver with all their ammunition and having cleared the field in the West marched up to Dennis-Castle and tooke it also with Felford Haven Axmouth Inch-house and Hilford Exeter hearing hereof did also suddenly deliver and Barnstaple stood not upon so great termes as formerly but was surrendred and having finished the work in those parts marched more Eastward and tooke Radcot-house Sherborn and Oxford and having been thus active and compleated the worke except some petty Garrisons this valiant Cromwell came backe to take his place as a Member of the House of Commons where I leave him to act by his counsell according to that patterne he hath acted with his hands Richard Browne Esq. major Generall of Oxon Berkshire Buckingham CHAP. XXI Upon the valiant and worthy Gentleman Major-General Brown * And brave Brown bringeth up the Reare Last in the List but not the least in field And he that reads this Souldiers acts shall find Matter of wonderment and admiration That in such well-fought fields and fortresses Assaulted alwaies conquering happinesse Attended him thus with grace beautifide Despised men pull down great Princes pride BRave Brown although last in List of the beadrow of Englands Worthies yet inferiour to few in his actions and fidelity as the Cavaliers know and acknowledge at this day with griefe of heart and that it may bee manifest to all I shall here insert part of those gallant passages and exploits by him performed since these unnaturall uncivill civill warres began and first when Englands never to bee forgotten generally beloved Generall the bewailed deceased Earle of Essex first marched forth this gallant Commander attended him in his marches from London towards the enemies Quarters and falling in upon them neere Worcester they utterly defeated them and put them to flight in this battell this successefull Major-Generall Browne did most excellent service and afterwards marched after the Kings Forces who did recruit with much vigorousnesse but being againe over-taken at Edgehill were inforced to fight which both sides did most gallantly but after a hot dispute the Kings forces gave ground retreated and our souldiers kept the field having won the day and having thus
ammunition December the 19. 1644. 166 Knaresborough taken with all the ammunition December the 20. 1644. 167 Bellasith-house neare Abbingdon taken by Major Generall Browne with all the ammunition 168 Russell-house in Worcestershire re-taken the 27 of January with all the armes and ammunition 169 The Kings Forces in Wales routed by Collonell Laughorne and took 300 common Souldiers 400 Arms and foure pieces of Ordnance the second of February 1644. 170 Scarborough town taken by Sir John Meldrum that faithfull Commander and in it 30 pieces of Ordnance and 120 Ships in the Harbour upon the 17. of February 1644. 171 Shrewesbury taken by stratagem by Colonell Mitton and in it 100 Commanders and Gentlemen 36 piece of Ordnance 3000 Armes 2000 Souldiers with all the provision February 19. 1644. 172 Scarborough castle taken by Sir John Meldrums forces with all the ammunition March 25. 1645. 173 Weymouth re-taken the 27. of April 1645. with all the ammunition 174 Bletchington-house taken Aprill 28. with all the ammunition 175 Evesham taken by Major-Generall Massey and in it 30 Commanders and Gentlemen 500 prisoners 500 armes 120 Horse May 27. 1645. These Mercies with many more which are exprest in the List of Sir Thomas Fairfax his victories hath God bestowed upon Englands Lovers and Covenant-keeping Friends for which let God have the glory the Enemies to Truth and Reformation the shame and Schismaticall Incendiaries division and jealousie-contrivers betwixt the two Nations their due punishment according to our Covenant that so God may be one and his Name one in the three Kingdomes to which let Englands Scotlands and Irelands Friends say AMEN So be it A perfect List of the many Victories obtained through the blessings of God by the Parliaments Forces under the command of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax since the losse of Leicester being last May 1645. to this present moneth of June Anno Dom. 1646. with the names of the Garrisons Towns and Castles taken from the Enemy 1. THat never to be forgotten Naseby field where after a fierce battel were routed all the Kings Horse kild and took all his Foot with all the Ordnance bag and baggage Also the Kings Cabinet of Letters took and since published and the designe discovered All this was performed the 14 of June and after a long march 2. Leicester regained June 17. with all the armes and ammunition therein with 400. men prisoners 200. horse which was performed after a very hard march within three dayes afterward 3. Highworth Garrison taken with all the ammunition 4. The reliefe of poore oppressed but faithfull Town of Taunton July 4. 1645. 5. The retaking of Ilchester in Sommersetshire the 7 of July with all the ammunition 6. The routing of Gorings Western army neere Langport taken 10 Colonells 2000 prisoners 2000 horse 4000 armes 35 Colours of horse 21 of foot foure peeces of Ordnance This was most gallantly performed the tenth of July 1645. 7. The Garrison of Langport taken with all the ammunition therein 8. The Garrison of Burrough also taken with all the armes and ammunition upon the 14 of July 1645. 9. Bridgewater a strong Garrison taken by storm with all the armes and ammunition July 22. 1645. 10 The city of Bath surrendred with six peeces of Ordnance and all the ammunition July 22. 1645. 11. The Club-men in Somersetshire beaten 2000 armes taken from them and 300 of the ringleaders upon the third of August 1645. 12. The strong castle of Sherborne taken by storme with all the armes and ammunition Aug. 15. 1645. 13. The castle of Nunney in Somersetshire taken the 8. of September with all the ammunition 14. Portshut point commanding Kings Road taken upon the 11. of September 1645. and afterwards 15. The strong Citie of Bristoll most gallantly retaken by storme with all the armes and ammunition 16. The Town and castle of Devizes taken the 22 of September with all the armes and ammunition 17. The castle of Farleigh in Somersetshire taken 18. The castle of Cardif with 16 peeces Ordnance and 400 armes taken the 15 of September 1645. 19. Lacok House in Wiltshire taken with all the armes and ammunition therein 20. Barkley castle in Glocestershire taken Septemb. 26. 21. Chedwick castle neere Lime taken with all the armes and ammunition therein 22. The strong castle of Pontefract in Yorkshire with all the armes and ammunition Taken by our Brethren of Scotland 23. The strong Citie and castle of Carlile with all the armes and ammunition And likewise 24. The impregnable castle of Scarborough taken 25. The castle of Rabi in the countie of Duresme taken as likewise our brethren since took 26. The castle of Canon in Herefordshire The Forces under the command of the Committee of Shrewsbury have been prosperous in the takeing of 27. Dauly castle by composition with all the armes 28. Shraden castle by composition with all the armes 29. Caos castle by composition with all the armes 30. Stockley castle by composition with the armes 31. Morton-Corbet House by storme with the armes 32. Rowton castle by composition with the armes 33. Linsell Mannor And 34. Aply House with the losse of very few mens lives blessed be God for it 35. The rebellious Army of Montrosse subdued and dispersed Septemb. 16. 1645. 36. In the raiseing of the siege of Pembroke our English Army was likewise prosperous 37. Likewise a glorious victory over the Welsh three miles from Hereford where they were totally routed 150 of them killed 700 taken prisoners foure peeces of Ordnance five barrels of powder and 800 armes with all their carriages and provision the first of October 1645. 38. The town and castle of Haverford West taken by storme October 3. 1645. and in it two peeces of Ordnance 140 armes 39. The castle of Carew taken with all the Ammunition therein 40. The castle of Picton in Pembrokeshire taken by storme with all the armes and ammunition 41. Cardif castle in Glamorganshire taken with the armes and ammunition therein 42. The Kings forces totally routed at Rownton Heath neer Chester September 24 by Gods blessing upon the Armies under the command of the most victorious Major Generall Poynts where was killed the Earl of Litchfield 1600 common Souldiers taken prisoners and 2000 horse and ten Knights with some 90 commanders 43. The castle of Sandall taken the second of October 1645. with all the ammunition 44. The citie and castle of Winchester taken the sixt of October with all the ammunition therein 45. The town and castle of Chipstow in Monmouthshire taken Octob. 11. with all the ammunition 46. Holt-Church Garrison taken by storm the 13 of October with all the ammunition 47. The plundring Garrison of Basing taken by storme with all the armes and ammunition by the wonderfull blessing of God upon our Forces under the command of that religious succesfull and truly valiant Lieutenant Gen. Cromwell with Col. Dolbier Octob. 14. 1645. 48. The town and castle of Carmarthen taken the 14 of Octob. with all the ammunition 49.
under Laughorne he was eight thousand and we were three thousand and took them prisoners And Chepstow and other Garrisons were there reduced As also Appleby Castle Brugham other places of strength in the North And Waymor Castle in Kent A good successe in North Wales against Sir John Owin The defeat of Sir Henry Lingen and his party on the 17th of the same month in Montgomeryshire by the Forces under the Command of Colonell Horton and Major Robert Harley and Col. Dingley Newcastle 10 Aug. 1648. Lieu. Col. Lilburn Deputy Governour of Tinmouth sends most of his owne souldiers in parties abroad and declares for the King and Himselfe armed such prisoners that were in the Castle The Officer that kept the Armes being but a Corporal he ran through for refusing to deliver them a sadde and ominous action some leap over the wall to give Sir Arthur Hazleridge our Governour notice In the interim Lilburne summons all the saylors and others to come in and assist him for the King Sir Arthur in the meane time sends a party under Lieut. Col. Ashfield also with a 100 Dragoones who with such ladders as could be got got thither before morning yet not so private but some shot was made they fall to storming Major Cobbit leading on the Forlorn and after a hot dispute the Castle was recovered all in armes put to the sword the Lieut. Col. found dead whom a Souldier espied cuts off his head and sets it upon a pole on the wall where it now stands crying God blesse the Parliament The Souldiers got at least 2000 li. in money and plate which was laid up by Lieu. Col. Lilburnes Royall friends Aug. 14. 1648. 800 land souldiers and saylors came to land with a resolution to fall upon Col. Riches Col. Hewsons men as they lay intrenched but being discovered 300 Musketeers were drawn out of Col. Hewsons Col. Maj. Husbands mounted 100 Horse The Princes forces marched up with a great resolution the Major wheeles about in way of retreate which occasioned them to advance in conceit of a victory the horse flanked them the 300 Muketiers at the same time discharged and presently the Princes party is in disorder the Parliaments fell to execution neere 200 slaine on the place many of quality taken 100 prisoners 300 Armes the rest wounded and fled Sandoune delivered up It is observable that Aug. 17 the Covenant was taken in Scotl. and their Army on Aug. 17 was routed for the violation thereof in England A List of the Particulars of the Victory against the Scots from the first to the last Taken Prisoners Duke Hamilton Lord Gen. the E. of Callendor L. G. and two Earles besides Maj. Gen. Vanrusk Lieu. Col. Bayley five Lords five Knights 16 Colonels 20 Lieutenant Colonels 25 Serjeant Majors 70 Captaines 100 Lieutenants 90 Ensignes 30 Cornets 8 Trumpeters 350 inferiour Officers 300 Servants Taken in all 9000 Souldiers by L. Gen. Crum 2000 souldiers in severall places 3000 Souldiers in Vloxter 4000 Horse 3500 Horse Armes 15000 foot armes 160 Colours 2500 slain Ours under the command of Lieut. Gen. Crumwell was but 8600. Letters were read in the House of Commons from Col. Rich that he Col. Hewson c. have taken Deale Castle for the Parliament Officers and Souldiers to march away and leave all behinde them giving their faith never to engage against the Parliament There marched out Captaine Wynn the Governour and 200 more besides 16 that were sicke Aug. 19 Taken Prisoners in Colch The E. of Norwich L. Capel L. Louborough Sir Charl. Lucas was shot to death Sir Geor. Lyle was likewise shot to death Sir William Compton Sir Barn Gascoign Sir Abra. Skipman Sir Hugh Oreley Sir Hen. Appleton Sir Rich: Mauleverer Sir Lodo. Dyer Sir Char. Hastings c. Collonels Wil Maxey Farre Ayloff Bard Hamond Till Heath Tewk Chester Gilburt Culpepper Saver Slingsby Lancaster c. 183 Knights Col. and Esquires 300 other Officers 3067 Souldiers 5000 Armes 26 Ordnance Scarborough taken by Col. Bethel by storme with the losse of six men and some wounded and 35 of the Enemy slain and neer 200 prisoners Septemb. 16. 1648. The Names of those that are appointed to attend his Majesty during the Treaty Duke of Richmond Marquesse of Hertford E. of Southampton Earle of Lindsey George Kirke James Leviston Henry Murray Thomas Davis Hugh Henne Humphery Rogers William Levet John Rivers Sir Ed. Sidenham Rob. Tirwhit John Howsdon Mrs. Wheeler with such maides as she shall make choice of Sir Fowlke Grevile Capt. Titus Cap. Burrowes M. Cresset M. Ansley M. Firebrace Dr. Juxon Dr. Dupper Dr. Sanderson Dr. Turner and Doctor Honywood Sir Thomas Gardner Sir Orlando Bridgeman Mr. Jeffery Palmer Mr. Thomas Cooke Mr. Jo. Vaughan Edward Walker Esquire Mr. Philip Warwicke Mr. Nicholas Owdart Mr. Charles Whitacre Mr. Philip Newton Mr. Clement Kinnersley Dr. Ducke Dr. Reves two civill Lawyers The names of the Commissioners sent from the Parliament Of the Lords House The Earle of Northumberland Earle of Pembrooke Earle of Salisbury Earle of Middlesex Viscount Sea And of the House of Commons The Lord Wayneman Sir Henry Vaine Sir John Pots Mr. Crew Mr. William Perepoint Mr. Denzill Hollis Sir Harbottle Grimstone Mr. Glin Mr. Bulkeley and Mr Samuell Browne Chaplaines for the Commissioners Mr. Caroll Mr. Seymer Mr. Hearle Mr. Vines Mr. Marshall FINIS * The Earl of Essex was in his friendships just and constant and would not have practised foully against those he took to be enemies No man had credit enough with him to corrupt him in point of loyalty to the king whilst he thought himself wise enough to know what treason was But the new doctrine and distinction of allegiance and of the king's power in and out of parliament and the new notions of ordinances were too hard for him and did really intoxicate his understanding and caused him to quit his own to follow theirs who he thought wished as well and judged better than himself His vanity disposed him to be his Excellency and his weakness to believe that he should be the General in the Houses as well as in the field and be able to govern their councils and restrain their passions as well as to fight their battles and that by this means he should become the preserver and not the destroyer of the king and kingdom With this ill-grounded confidence he launched out into that sea where he met with nothing but rocks and shelves and from whence he could never discover any safe port to harbour in When he took the command of the parliament army he was better qualified than any man in the kingdom for that post but was soon eclipsed by a new race of soldiers who if not his superiors in the art of war went far beyond him in spirit and enterprise He died the 14th of September 1646 and his death helped to open a way for the ambition of Cromwell The due desert of Englands deceased Generall the Earle of Essex The Earle
grant may be effectuall that righteousnes may take place and peace and truth may meet together so shall our Kingdom flourish and we become a happy people by continuing in the Bond of Unity Courteous Reader if you meet with errata for I am conscientious to my selfe of my owne insufficiency I intreate you to impute them to the Diurnalls my best Intelligencers And as for other slips not suiting with thine affection yet perâ—it judicium cum res transit in affectum I must conclude with Lypsius his deprication Mihi quidem mens ubique bona si alibi humana haec lingua aut calamus hic titubavit ne asperè quaeso minus luam To close all as I prefixed to this short Epistle a Doxalogie so I shut it up with the Psalmists thankful acknowledgment which that renowned Conqueror Hen. 5 commanded to be sung in his Campe after the famous Victory at Agin-Court Not unto us Lord not unto us not to our Parliament not to our Armies not to our Navy nor to London but to thy name give the praise Ps. 115. 5. By John Leycester Robert Earle of Essex his Exellence Lord Generall of the Parlints Army etc lately deceased CHAP. I. Upon the illustrious and right honourable ROBERT Earle of Essex sometimes Generall of England lately deceased * Brightest Starre of the whole constellation Of warlike Worthies sending influence Of vigour to an old collapsed Nation Divided not by Romish negligence Had not thy courage cop'd with bloudy men Thy Conquests had not been so got with bloud But destruction needs must follow when Their cruelty threatning like a swelling floud Life and Lawes with an imperiall rage Providence by thy prowesse did asswage That furious torrent leaving the crimson ground Edg-hill and Newb'ry Marsh thy fame to sound For in those fields thou didst triumphantly Conquer the enemy and got'st the victory Therefore thou had'st instead of passing Bells The Drums and Cannons thunder forth thy knels THis our never sufficiently honoured English Generall his Excellency the Earle of Essex deserves a record written in letters of gold and a tomb carved out in precious stones with this inscription upon it for after Ages to read Here 's intomb'd Robert Devereux Brave renouned Earle of Essex Who was in English mens account The Phoenix Peer Lord Paramount A friend to Truth and Peace he was God lov'd him well that was the cause That he away from hence was sent Into the highest Firmament Where I leave him amongst the Angels and glorious host and descend from his celestiall to this terrestriall actions in some measure to speak of what he did most gallantly perform in the time he was late Lord Generall of England which was in the yeare 1641. and upon the third of July in the said year his Excellency rode through London to take a view of his voluntarie Citizens and Apprentices of London that had listed themselves under him and were met to be mustered in the new Artillery whither their renouned Generall no sooner came but was entertained with shouts of joy flinging up their hats into the ayre and crying with a loud voice We will live and die with you my Lord and he answered And I by the help of God am ready to do the like with you Never was Generall better beloved by his Souldiers then he was many of them to this day with heavy hearts shake their heads and cry Adieu brave Devereux adieu This renouned Generall had no sooner received his instruction from the Parliament but he marched into the field and hearing of the Kings Forces near Worcester plundering and spoiling the Countrey he marched up to them fell suddenly upon them and utterly routed them the 12. of September 1642. and afterwards tooke the City of Worcester and hearing the Kings scattered Forces got a head neare unto Shrewesbury in Shropshire he marched after them and drove them before him untill they saw their own advantage of time and place pitched there maine body upon a place called Edge-hill neere Keynton where our noble Generall drew up to them and most gallantly charged them in his own person and after a fierce battell the Enemy were wholly routed and most confusedly retreated with great losse where was taken the Kings Standard the L. Willoughby Sir Edward Stanley Col. Vavasour Col. Lunsford with many hundreds more in which sight was slain the Earl of Lindsey the Kings Generall the L. Aubeny Sir Edmond Verney the Kings Standard-bearer with divers other Officers of quality and many hundred common souldiers Octob. the 22. 1642. in this battell the Earl of Essex fought so gallantly shewing so much courage and fidelity that his very enemies did acknowledge it The winter was no sooner over past that Artillery might bee drawne but his Excellency againe tooke field and marched up to Reading and straightly besieged it and after a small time tooke it Aprill the 18. 1643. and afterwards marched to Glocester and relieved it then to Cirencester and took it and drew up the whole Army and gave the Kings Army battell at Newbery and utterly routed them kill'd five Lords and many hundreds more in this fight our noble Generall did in his owne person charge the enemy to the great encouragement of his Souldiers and after he had performed this service he marched for the relief of the oppressed West Countrey and beat up the enemies quarters before him tooke the town of Barnstaple in Devonshire and the Castle of Taunton-Deane with all the ammunition the 22. of June 1644. and afterwards marched up to Mount Stamford and tooke it with all the ammunition as also the town of Plympton with the Garrison of Saltash and Launceston with four or five more small Garrisons And againe he marches forward and takes Greenvill-house and Newbridge with all the ammunition the 14 of July 1644. and afterward took Tadcaster in Cornwall and Foy with many Ships in the Harbour These with many more did this renouned Generall his Excellency the Earle of Essex performe alwaies bearing a tender respect to his souldiers to see them well provided for And this was and is noble Essex's honor that he was mercifull to man and beast himselfe free from cowardice or covetousnesse pride or contention His Exellence Alexander Lasley Generall of the Scotch Army CHAP. II. Upon the right Honourable Alexander Lesley Earle of Leven Generall of the Scots Army * The great Commander of our warlike Friends And Brethren is this noble valiant Scot Whose sincere heart 's free from selfe-seeking ends His love and labour must not be forgot York Newcastle and her Marquesse knowes Their conquer'd State and his sad overthrowes Digby and Langdale too may waile their losse And that rebellious Army of Montrosse IF art could invent or wisdom delineate the height of perfection that is to be found in the most noble parts of military Discipline then renouned Lesley would be the admiration of all the world who now hath
and no sooner had he set the Covenant a foot and got together a small Brigade of 3. or 4000. men but he marched into the field drew up to the Earle of Newcastle gave him battell being four to one near Tadcaster and routed him took much armes and ammunition Decemb. 8. 1642. and after having eased those parts of that enemy he drew more up into the heart of the Countrey in which space the Earle of Newcastle againe recruited his Army and besieged Leeds my Lord Fairfax raised his siege and beat him and not long after met again with him neer Bradford and there fell upon him utterly routed him and tooke much ammunition Jan. 3. 1642. afterwards besieged and tooke Wakfield May 27. 1643. and the Popish Earle having againe recruited besieged Hull the which the Lord Fairfax no sooner heard of but with speed hastened and did rout the Popish Army raised the siege and afterwards marched to Whitby and took it with Cawood Castle and Oxholm Island Again he marched to cleare the field and finding a strong party neare Selby fell in upon them charging fiercely in the Flanke and Rear suddenly routed them and tooke much ammunition and after this sight this noble Lord joyned with our loving Brethren of Scotland and by joynt assistance they beseiged the Marquesse of Newcastle in York and finding it to be advantageous to draw off and let Prince Rupert relieve it they got ground and ingaged with the Prince and Newcastle at Marston Moore and routed them tooke many prisoners and killed multitudes upon the place and within three or four daies gained Yorke in all which service this noble Lord Fairsax did most gallantly for which unto God be the glory and brave Generall Ferdinando Lord Fairfax the praise The right Honourable the Lord Roberts CHAP. IX Upon the right honourable Lord Roberts Behold a true Nathanael without guile Such are the Nobles of an heav'nly race For bold sincerity regards no smile Nor frownes of fortune nor a Princes face Let Cornish choughes be caught with gins of praise And promises this Cornish Eagle waies To basenesse shuns therefore that Skellum base Greenvill and 's Army he did rout and chase I Shall not need to speake much in the commendations of this most noble religious and pious Lords behalfe whose vertues speak forth his praise whose valour renowned Plymouth and malignant Cornwall will acknowledge to this day his constancy and perseverance in the Cause of God and maintenance of his and the Nationall League and Covenant is too high above my expression in way of commendation yet to let passe in silent so worthy so deserving and so renowned a Patriot of his Countrey were great ingratitude therefore I shall in part particularize some of his most noble exploits by him performed since these unnaturall warres began and that which in the first place crownes all his actions was the fierce and famous fought battell at Newbery where this noble Lord lead on the battell in his owne person charging the maine Body of the Kings Army with such resolution as did inliven the London Brigade to second and relieve them suddenly yet notwithstanding this noble Champion stood to the fight and lead up other souldiers and incouraged them and so continued untill the enemy retreated with great losse of men and armes afterwards he with his Brigade marched with his Excellency the Earle of Essex into Cornwall where in his march he assisted in the taking of fifteen Garrisons mentioned in the Lord Generalls List of Victories he encountered treacherous Skellum Greenvill and beat him with his Cornish choughes from place to place and had timely relief been sent this noble Lord with the Lord Generall long before this by the help of God had subdued that malignant Countrey but being prevented and inforced by necessity to give way to the spoilers they retreated and this noble Lord with part of his Brigade made good Plymouth against all the power of the enemy and several times beat them off to their great losse having thus gallantly performed and his trust discharged and by an Ordinance being home called out of obedience thereunto his Commission he surrendered and into his place he returned to act by his Councell what before he did by the sword The right Honble Robert Lord Brooke etc was shot at Lichfeild CHAP. X. Upon the right honourable Lord Brooke slain at Lichfield 1642. This branch of honour and of Martial sprite In whom the hopes of many thousands lay And whom the love to truth did first invite To take up Arms too soon was snatch't away B' untimely death yet conqu'ring liv'd and di'd O're sin and death and many sons of pride And left behind a gallant Souldiers name But his piety doth augment his fame IN warlike posture this noble Brook was first who by grim death had his daies shortned and the expectations of many frustrated who expect more from him then God would suffer him to perform in the time God afforded him he was not idle as may appeare by his gallant service near Southam where he killed and took many of the Kings souldiers prisoners as also his keeping of Warwick Castle against all the Kings forces and likewise his valour at Lichfield where in the moneth of March 1642. this noble Lord was killed by a musket bullet c. his death was much lamented by his souldiers and many thousands more than knew him The right Honourable the Lord Willoughby of Parham etc. CHAP. XI Upon the right honourable Lord Willoughby of Parham Nor is this Patriot of the last impression Of aulick Nobles which adore the beast But with his sword hath made a good profession And 'gainst unjust dominion doth contest It is no circling pomp nor spells of praise That faithfull Willoughbies affections swaies It is the truth for which this Baron bold Did take up Arms and will to death uphold TO ecclipse the worth of brave Willoughby or to be silent in setting forth his due desert were great partiality great men good are like apples of gold in pictures of silver so rare so hard to be found that they are almost Phoenix-like hard to be heard of but since our faithfull Willoughby is one of those Worthies that to manifest his unfained affection love to Religion and resolution to keep his Covenant adventured himselfe in person in many desperate pieces of service by him performed as first in taking by storme at midnight the impregnable Garrison of Gainesborough and in it the Earl of Kingston and 30. Knights more at least 300. common Souldiers July 16. 1643. and from thence marched into the enemies quarters beats them up and takes many prisoners and afterwards besieges and takes Bolingbroke Castle with all the armes and ammunition These with many more gallant exploits hath this noble Lord performed which are here omitted for brevities sake The most Exellent Sr Thomas Fairfax Captin Generall of the Armyes etc CHAP.
XII Upon the illustrious and most valiant Knight Sir THOMAS FAIRFAX now Generalissimo of the Parliaments Forces * Thy Victories for number and short time Unparallell'd do make so loud a noise That not t' extoll thee were no lesse a crime Then to deny thee to be th' Arrow choice Of Gods King deliverance not shot untill Tyranny was ripe fit for Astroeas stroaks And by thy puissant hand and Martiall skill Given oft unto the sturdiest Oaks Of hostile enmity is tumbled down Maugre the Vassals of the Triple-Crown Thus by the aspect of this Northern star Darting his lustre both at home and far The fascinations magick spells are marr'd And the enchantment 's done that did retard Our hopes But his victorious success And vertues Volumes are more fit t' express TO illustrate this gallant Generalls fame were but to light a candle against the sun therefore I shall onely point at some particulars of his gallant proceedings before as well as since he was made Generall of the Parliaments Army Yorkshire may remember Sir Thomas Fairfax who with a handfull of men in comparison of the Popish Army did withstand and many times foyle Newcastle and his Army with this small party tooke Leeds Jan. 26. 1642. and in May 1643. he took Wakefield and afterwards marched into Cheshire and relieved oppressed Nantwich and totally routed the Lord Byron and tooke Biddle-House and afterward he marched into the North againe and tooke Cawood Castle Axholm Island and routed the Kings Army neare Selby Aprill 13. 1644. and in July most gallantly acted his part in the routing of the Popish Earl of Newcastle and for this his valiant and faithfull service in the North was by the Parliament made Generall of their new modelled Army which the enemy promised themselves victory over but at that never to be forgotten and gallant fought battell of Naesby they found the contrary in that field did this gallant General charge bare-headed and after that he had there tooke their Foot and most of their Ammunition he marched to Leicester and re-gained it and afterward marched to Hieworth and tooke it relieved Taunton-Deane and regained Ilchester routed Gorings Army at Langport and tooke the said Towne with the Town of Burrough Bridgewater and the City of Bath having performed all these gallant pieces of service in the moneths of June and July 1645. he marched into Somersetshire and suppressed the unruly clownish Club-men who without feare or wit stood in opposition to his proceedings and after he had secured the Ring-leaders of that rabble rout he marched to Sherborn Castle and tooke it with Nunney Castle Porshot-Point and the strong City and Castle of Bristoll and in the moneth of September he tooke the towne and castle of Devizes with Farleigh castle and Cardiffe castle Lacock-house Barkley castle and Chedwick in the moneth of October 1645. Thus our noble Generall went on prosperously in the taking of the City of Winchester Holt Church Garrison and Langford House with the Garrison of Tiverton and in the moneth of November 1645. he tooke the towne of Fulford neare Exeter and marched from thence in the moneth of December 1645. and tooke by storme Chibington-house relieved Plymouth tooke Pouldram-house and in the moneth of January he tooke by storme Canterbury Fort and Budex Church with Sir Francis Drake's house as also the town and castle of Dartmouth the castle of Belvoir and the towne of Torrington and afterwards in the moneth of Febr. 1645. he tooke Launceston Listoll and Saltash with Wardbridge Temple-Guard and in the month of March 1645. he routed the Lord Hopton took Dennis castle Felford Haven and the Fort of Axmouth with Inch-house Hilford Fort in the moneth of Aprill 1646. this gallant Generall took Exeter Barnstaple and Ilfordcomb-Fort with Michaels Mount in May 1646. he also took Woodstock Manner and Radcot-house with Bostoll-house Sherborn and the City of Oxford and in the moneth of June he tooke Farringtone and Wallingford These with many more victories and successes hath God been pleased to honour this noble Champion with for which let God have the glory and noble Sir Thomas Fairfax due praise and respect from al that wish wel to the peace of these Kingdoms Sr. William Brereton Major Gen of Cheshire Staffordshire and Lankashire CHAP. XIII Upon the religious and magnanimous Knight Sir William Brereton * Thus restlesse souls tend to eternall rest And active spirits in a righteous way Find peace within though much with war opprest This bravest Brereton of his name could say And now triumphs maugre those Nimrods fled Aston Capell Byron and Northampton dead The slaughter'd Irish and his native soile Now quiet shew his courage love and toile COnstancy and stability with much perseverance is brave Breretons badge of honour and since the time of his taking up of Armes for the defence of King Parliament and Kingdome he was never found to betray his trust or decline his proceedings as Cheshire Sallopshire Lancashire and Staffordshire can well witnesse and for his prosperous proceedings I shall insert the particulars at his first coming into Cheshire many well-affected to the Parliament appeared some had armes some he armed to the number of 2000. and hearing of the Kings Brigade under the command of Sir Thomas Aston drawing up he did prepare to give him battell near the Nantwich the which the enemy hearing of prepared all the power possibly they could and ingaged their Army with Sir William Brereton who in an houres fight routed the enemy took 100. foot and 100. horse prisoners Jan. 28. 1643. and afterward marched into the Countrey and relieved many oppressed people by taking off the heavy taxations that lay upon them and hearing of the Earle of Northampton marching that way gave him the meeting neare Stafford and by the assistance of noble Sir John Gell gave him battell and routed him killing upon the place the said Earle of Northampton March 26. 1644. and presently afterwards tooke the strong towne of Stafford by a stratagem and from thence went to Wolverhampton and tooke it with all the Ammunition and then retreated towards his owne Countrey of Cheshire and by the way tooke Whichurch and afterwards marched up to Eckelsall castle and tooke it with all the ammunition June 26. 1644. and coming into Cheshire was there received with much joy and many Voluntiers listed themselves under him with whom he marched to Houghton Castle and tooke it with much ammunition July 22. 1644. and afterward marched toward the Lord Capell near the Nantwich and gave him battell routed his whole Army tooke many hundreds prisoners and presently marched up to Holt Castle and besieged it and by Composition tooke it with much Ammunition Novemb. 21. 1644. and marched after to Harden Castle and tooke it with the ammunition with the Towne of Rippon Decem. 3. 1644. The Lord Byron having a strong and potent Army marched up to the Nantwich and besiged it
prosperously proceeded and the winter drawing on apace they came to London the chiefe Garrison of England and so soon as Forces were able to march this renowned Browne did march forth with a Brigade against Arundell Castle and by a fierce storme tooke it with all the Ammunition and not long after this service marched into Kent and quel'd the mutineers that had made a great uproare there afterwards cleared those parts and marched up to Waltham-house and tooke it with much Ammunition and from thence marched to Greenland-house and tooke it also and afterwards took Abbington and fortified it just under the enemies noses and defended it most valiantly against all the power the King then had in his chiefe Garrison of Oxford tooke also an opportunity and marched forth and took the strong Garrison Ballasith-house with all the provision and retreated back to Abbington and preserved it from all the furious attempts of the enemy These with many more gallant pieces of service did this gallant Commander performe and though many proffers of honour riches and preferment were made him yet this may be valiant Brownes honour that he did refuse all and stood for that cause his Covenant had ingaged him unto and doth persevere to this day which if he also doe to the end it will be a crowne of honour to religious renowned Browne for ever ANd now having briefly recited many of the gallant actions of some of our valiant Commanders I shal also add hereunto the names of many more who have been seconders of the former in gallant performances and because most of their actions are included with the former I shall at present only speak to part of the particulars but for the future God willing I do intend to speak more at large for the first the truly worshipfull Colonell Hollis his birth and blood speak him to be a man that is free from basenesse his actions in the field have been valiant and his ends faithfull and I dare bouldly say it was not profit honor or preferment did allure that thrice noble hearted Hollis neither was it the Tower of London in which he was most unjustly imprisoned did any wayes daunt this valiant-hearted publike-spirited noble descended and religious affected Denzill Hollis from prosecuting the designe of God and his Country and for many of his valiant actions in the field I might speak much to his praise as also of his valiant Regiment not inferiour to any in England or that ever was in England since these last troubles in England but at present I forbeare for brevities sake and for his learned speeches profound motions and religious orthodox advice and Councell in the Honorable House of Commons I could insert somthing to his honour which is well knowne if it were proper for time and place And next in order to religious Hollis I shall speak of faithfull Covenant-keeping Sir Philip Stapleton somtimes Commisary-Generall to Englands generally beloved Generall the Earle of Essex and as it hath been said of that religious Earle deceased that when he was alive there was none like him in a publike Covenant engaged heart so when he died he left not his fellow so I may truly say of the truly worshipfull Sir Philip Stapleton if without prejudice I may speak it there is not his fellow-Knight nor will hee leave his fellow behind him I wish England were worthy of such men as hee is I might add to this renowned Stapleton many gallant things he hath both performed by his sword and his Councell which are more for his honour then all his enemies I hope can invent for his dishonour but for me to pretend as some of the new light-mongers do to light a candle to the sun were a master-peece of folly therefore I shall say no more but leave brave Stapleton beclad with wisdome honour and glory as a robe And so I shall descend to speak of valiant Sir David Lesley whose actions do deserve to be written in letters of gold for to rehearse them were to mention almost all the victories of that faithfull Army of our true-harted brethren of Scotland but I shall at present only give religious Sir David Lesley this character a man noble by birth noble in mind and noble in actions true to his Country true to his Covenant and true to his God as also loyall to his King in all just wayes and proceedings which renders not him only honour but also that Army which had such and many such like religious Commanders and Souldiers And the next to this religious and faithfull Lesly is Sir George Booth the elder of Cheshire who when the troubles first began stood up for his Countrey exciting his tenants so to do promising them that had leases of their lands from him that if any such did suffer in person or goods he would make them recompence and if any had Lease by life and should be slaine the life of his wife child or friend should be put in his stead a brave religious resolution if all the Gentry that had adhered to the Parliament had done the like the warres could never have lasted so long But this religious brave Booth thought it not enough so to doe but tooke a place of command himselfe and was verie active and couragious for the preservation of his Countrey did many gallant exploits which I hope hereafter to mention at large and at present give him this Character faithfull free grave godly brave Booth the flower of Cheshire Another neighbour and associated vigilant and valiant Commander is Sir John Seaton a Lancashire Gentleman for activity piety and constancy inferiour to few in England he is the man under God did pull down the pride rage and cruelty of the proud potent Papisticall Lord Strange who with his great Army thought to carry all before him but as we have just cause so let us blesse God and honour true-hearted Sir John Seaton for those great gallant things that have been done in reformed Lancashire and consequently in all England And as great honour is due to valiant Season for all his victories performed which are mentioned in the List of the Lord Generall so to valiant vigilant and religious true-hearted and right honourable Colonell Harvey who when things were at a low condition was willing to doe his Kingdome service marched forth with a Brigade of the City of London and with a small party did most valiant things which I omit for brevities sake And because I have somwhat more knowledge of him then many of whom I have and am to speak of I can without flattery say of true-hearted Harvey thus much that I ever found him a man of a noble spirit free from by private and base ends aiming at the good and prosperity of the Common-wealth active for the ends contained in the most sacred Nationall League and Covenant a man most free from the scab of errour adhering to no faction nor party further then the Covenant union of the Kingdomes and truth
ungratefull but acknowledge he hath done England good service Likewise Vice-Admirall Batten hath performed most gallant service at Seas and with the Navy hath been as a Bulwarke to preserve our distracted Kingdome from forraigne power which had in all appearance long ere this made us miserable Many valiant things have by him been performed as also the valiant Reare-Admirall Swanley whom I designed to bring up the Reare his actions in Wales Cornewall Devonshire and the Northerne parts of England can witnesse to bee such as deserve a History of themselves to be extant to succeeding Generations And thus much I can say as most conclude with mee that there is not his fellow at Sea this day for valour and judgement in the commanding and mannaging a Navy at Sea I crave pardon in my rude conclusion and desire to be excused by many whom I shall hereafter mention as Sir Robert Pye Colonell Sir Hardresse Waller Colonell Sir Arthur Hasterig Colonell Sir James Harrington Colonell Sir William Constable Colonell Sir Matthew Boynton a man whom England owes much honour to as also those deceased valiant hearted Worthies who adhered to the Parliament I have here nominated as also all others that have beene slaine on the Kings party with the common souldiers on both sides as also those that fled out of the Kingdome all which I hope will bee excepted of without prejudice from him who hath hitherto been and resolveth by the help of God for the future to bee the Kingdomes most faithfull servant in reality constancy and sencerity to serve them Josiah Ricraft A perfect List of the many Victories obtained through the blessing of God by the Parliaments Forces under the Command of his Excellency Robert Earl of Essex and Ewe Viscount Hereford Lord Ferrers of Chartley Bourchier and Lovaine Lord Generall of England His Excellency Alexander Lesly Earl of Leven Lord Generall of the Army of our Brethren of Scotland And the right honourable Edward Lord Mountague Earl of Manchester Viscount Mandevile Lord Kimbolton Chancellour of the University of Cambridge Major-Generall of the Associated Counties c. With the names of the Cities Towns Castles and Forts taken from the Enemie since the beginning of these unnaturall Warres in the Yeares 1642 43 44 to the 14 of June 1645. 1 THe first City in England assaulted by the Cavaliers since these unnaturall warres began after the King was denied admittance into Hull was renowned Coventry the King came in person against it and the inhabitants thereof most couragiously issued forth and routed their Forces took two peeces of Ordnance and many Prisoners July 26. 1642. 2 The Cavaliers had no sooner recruited but ingaged with the Forces under the command of the Lord Brook near Southam where they were again routed and many taken Prisoners 3. Portsay Island the 15. of August taken with all the Armes and Ammunition therein 4 The Town and Castle of Portsmouth in Hamshire taken with all the armes and ammunition therin by the renowned Patriots Sir William Waller and Sir Iohn Meldrum of happy memory 5 Southsay castle taken by surprisall with all the armes and ammunition 6 His Majesties Forces routed neare Worcester about the 12 of September 1642. by his Excellency Englands faithfull Lord Generall the Earl of Essex in which fight the religious and faithfull Colonell Brown did gallant service 7 The ever to be honoured town of Manchester in Lancashire the Garrison thereof being but few in number and brought to great penury yet most gallantly issued forth beat the Lord Strange raised the siege and took many Prisoners 8 Cawood Castle in Yorkshire taken by storme with all the arms and ammunition the 23. of October 1642. 9 His Majesties Forces routed at the never to be forgotten and famous fought battell of Edg-hill Octob. 22. 1643. where was taken the Kings standerd L. Willoughy Sir Edward Stanley Col. Vavasour Col. Lunsford and many hundreds more in which fight was slaine the Earl of Lindsey L. Generall of His Majesties Forces the Lord Aubeny Sir Edmond Verny the Kings Standerd-bearer with divers other Officers of quality and many hundred common souldiers in which battell his Excellency the Earl of Essex fought so gallantly shewing much courage and fidelity that his very enemies did acknowledge it 10 The Castle of Farnham taken by storm with all the armes and ammunition by the renowned Sir William Waller 11 Madbury neare Plymouth taken by storme with all the ammunition 12 The City and Castle of Winchester taken by Sir William Waller and in it the L. Grandison and 65. other Gentlemen and Commanders 1000. Foot 600. Horse 200. Dragoones and 600. armes with all the rest of the arms and ammunition December 7. 1642. 13 The Earl of Newcastles Army in the North neer Tadcaster routed by the noble Lord Fairfax about the 8. of December 1642. 14 Arundell castle in Sussex taken by storme Decemb. 16. 1642. with all the armes and ammunition by Sir William Waller and Col. Brown 15 Chichester taken by Sir VVilliam Waller the 26. of December 1642. with all the armes and ammunition therein 16 The Earl of Newcastles Popish Army again routed neer Bradford by the noble and religious Lord Fairfax January 3. 1642. 17 The said Army of the Earl of Newcastle had no sooner rallied and recruited but they were again routed by the noble and successefull Lord Fairfax neer Leeds the 9. of January 1642. 18 His Majesties Forces routed neer Henly upon Thames the 11. of January 1642. and many hundreds taken prisoners 19 Leeds taken by noble Sir Thomas Fairfax January 26. 1642. with all the armes and ammunition therein 20 His Majesties Forces under the command of Sir Thomas Aston routed neer Namptwich by the noble and truly religious Sir VVilliam Brereton Jan. 28. 1642. taken prisoners 110. Foot and 100. Horse 21 The town of Preston in Lancashire taken by Sir Iohn Seaton by storme Feb. 10. 1642. with all the armes and ammunition therein 22 Lancaster town and Castle taken Febr. 13. 1642. with all the Ammunition 23 The Cornish Cavaliers routed the 26. of February 1642. neere Madbury five pieces of Ordnance 200. Arms 120. Prisoners taken 24 Lichfield Close taken March 3. 1642. with all the ammunition 25 Lastoll surprised with all the armes and ammunition 26 The Army under the command of the Earle of Northampton routed neer Stafford and the Earle himselfe slaine by faithfull Sir VVilliam Brereton and Sir John Gell about the 25. of March 1643. 27 Malmesbury taken by storme March 28. 1643. by Sir VVilliam VValler with all the armes and ammunition 28 The Welch Army under the command of the Lord Herbert were routed in the Forrest of Deane by Sir VVilliam VValler and Col. Massey 29 Tewksbury taken by faithfull Colonell Massey with all the armes and ammunition about the third of Aprill 1643. 30 The town of Wigon in Lancashire taken by Sir John Seaton with all the armes and ammunition therein 31 Monmouth in Wales taken by Sir VVilliam VValler about
100. Neer Stafford of the E. of Northamptons men 140. At Middlewich of Sir Tho. Ashtons 30. Neer Malmsbury 10. In the Forrest of Dean by Sir W. Waller 600. At Lichfield close 30 At Sherborn town 10 At Dorchester 60 At Causam bridge 100 At Hereford 20 At the taking of Stafford by Sir William Brereton 3 Neer Newark by Col. Cromwell 100 At Whit-Church 150 Neer Nottingham divers but of note 4 At Friznol hill 200 At Glocester siege at least 220 In skirmish at Auborn hills 80 At Newbery fight of dead and wounded 140 cart-load  Slain about 200 In the pursuit neer Reading 100 At Gainsborough siege raising 300 At Stamford 200 Neer Burleigh of club-men 50 In Kent at Tunbridge 20 In fight by the E. of Manchester neer Horn-castle 1000 At Weem 6 cart-load of dead about 60 At Plimouth 25 At Alton 40 At Plimouth siege raising 100 At Winsby fight 100 At Namptwich siege 500 Slain in raising the siege 800 By the L. Fairfax neer Hull 30 Neer Nottingham 100 By Col. Lambert at Bradford 100 At Alrezford 400 At the storming of Lincoln 400 At Lime 140 At an assault against Lime by stratagem 400 At Dudley castle by the E. of Denbigh 100 In all against Lime in that siege 2000 At Marston Moor 41â—0 In Penbroke-shire by Colon Laughorn and Cap. Mitton 500 At New bridg 200 At Ridmarly 100 Neer Crowton house by S. W. Brereton 400 At Mountgomery castle 500 At Pool 16 At Newbery 200 At Taunton siege 1000 At Nazeby 800 Besides Irish Queans 300 At Langport 220 At Routon Heath 400 At Bazing house 300 The full number 21560 A List of those that have fled out of the Kingdom THe Lord Goring senior Sir Iohn Finch c. Sir Francis Windebank The Lord George Digby The Earle of Yarmouth The Lord Percy The Marquis of Newcastle The L. Widrington Sir Hugh Cholmley The L. Goring junior General Hinderson The L. Newport Mr. Walt. Mountague L. Culpepper The E. of Huntington The L. of Loughborough The E. of Northampton Sir Rich. Greenvill Sir Nich. Crispe L. Hopton The L. Wentworth The L. Capel Sir Endi Porter Major General Taplane Sir VVil Neave M. Ashburnham with many others COurteous Reader take notice that many more were slain at other places but in regard I could not have certain intelligence of them I thought it fit rather to break off then to proceed superfluously here being all that were slain in chiefe Battels and Skirmishes at the most remarkable Towns and Castles that were besieged and taken by storm from the Enemy FINIS An Addition of the late proceedings of the Army to this present IN April 1648 a great tumult insurrection and mutiny first began on the Lords day in the afternoon in the County of Middlesex where they seized on the colours of one of the Trained Bands of the said County being dispersed by some of the Lord G. forces did gather together within the City of London and liberties thereof and in a riotous manner did breake open divers houses and Magazens and took away plate and mony and seized upon the drums of the trained Bands seized upon the Gates Chaines and Watches marched to the Lord Mayors and shot into his house beate back his Guards and killed one of them came to the Magazeen at Leaden-hall but by the speedy and seasonable aide of the Lo. G. Horse their Drak coulors were taken for which the Militia in the name of the City by unanimous consent of the Common-Councel was to return to his Excellency the Lord Generall hearty thankes A rising in Norwich where they seised upon the Magazin and those that fired the same were destroyed but those that were cordiall friends to the Parliam being underneath the house fell part of it upon them that part below them were all saved one having his head seen was digged out after he was out he told of others until all were digged out without losse of life or limbe The old Lord Goring was on the 5 of June 1648. proclaimed Generall of the Kentish forces upon the hill neer Alisford where their body was drawn up consisting of 8000 men and 3000 more in Maidston and Alisford coming as a fresh supply there were 300 slaine and about 1300 prisoners among which were Gentlemen of good quality Sir Gamaliell Dudley Sir William Brookman Esq Scot Maj. Price and others there were about 500 Horse 3000 Armes nine foot colours and eight peeces of Cannon with store of Ammunition taken their word was KING and KENT ours TRUTH the rest marched over Rochester bridge with about 3000 Horse and Foot most of them were Cavaliers Prentices and water-men these fled over the water into Essex by Woolidge and Greenwich June 30 1648. 600 horse met for the King about Kingstone and the Duke of Buckingham with them Lord Francis Earle of Holland Lo. Andrew Lo. Camden and others Proclamation was made that they expected the Parliament would have settled the Kingdome but because they would not they would fetch the King and live and dye with him to settle it also Col. Leg and others of the Kings Officers Captain Pritty with a party of Horse from Windsor fell into Kingston and took 20 prisoners and beate all the Royalists out of the town 6 July Lord Gray of Groby sent a party of Horse under Colonell Hacket took 200 of them and routed the whole body of them near Wiloby 5 July Col. Rossiler had a victory against the Pontefret forces 4 Cornets 2 Ensignes 42 Gentlemen of quality 500 Prisoners were all Horse except 100 Dragoones 8 Carriages taken with Armes and Ammunition Col. Pocklington Col. Cholmley slaine all their Coulours bag and baggage taken 10 July was defeated totally the Royall party with the Earl of Holland at St. Needs by a party of Horse commanded by Col. Scroop sent from the Leagure before Colchester the Parliaments Forlorne charged and routed them before the body came up but when the body came up they in an instant fled severall waies yet many fell the Duke of Buckingham fled with about 60 Hors towards Lincolnshire the E. of Holland was taken in his chamber Sir Gil. Gerrard Col. Skemisher M. Holland M. Sleping Lieu. Col. Goodwin C. Dolbeire slain C. Leg. wounded 10 prisoners taken Kenelm Digbyes son slain 100 gallant Horse taken good store of gold and silver good cloaths weapons good store 10 July 1648. was surrendered Pembrooke Towne and Castle to Lieut. Gen. Crumwell for the use of the Parliament upon honourable termes The Commanders were to depart the Kingdom not to return within two years other gentlemen and private souldiers had free liberty to goe to their habitations 1 July 1648 Were prisoners taken in Northumberland by Col. Lilburn of which Col. Grey commander in chiefe â—00 Souldiers between 4 and 500 Horse and many Arms they were 1200 and Coll. Lilburne 900 600 from Barwicke should have joyned with Col. Grey that day A great defeate given to the enemies forces in Wales