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
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
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
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
the commendation of the greatest part of Europe the Low-Countreyes and divers parts beyond Seas at this day eccho forth his praise and with a sorrowfull looke and pale face bid him Adieu brave Lesley adieu but the love he bare to Religion his King and Countrey ingaged him to steere his course towards these Kingdoms and coming to the Court of England was courted and consulted withall and being found neither knave nor foole was presently discountenanced and so departed into his owne Countrey of Scotland and was there received with much triumph and joy they knowing he was free from cowardice or covetousnesse which is often the losse of Armies and Garrisons if I be not mistaken Oxford Banbury and Bristoll will witnesse yet neither profit or penury could incline him or decline him from doing or suffering to his uttermost in the cause of Religion Lord-Bishops and all that depend upon their Episcopall Hierarchy will remember renouned Lesley who was under God the two-edged Sword that cut them and their wild branches off at the root witnesse the yeare 1640. in which time he entred England with an Army of twenty thousand men and upon the first entrance routed the Queens Regiment of Horse and Foot and all the rest fled finding a paire of heels to be of more use for security then a paire of hands but notwithstanding this advantage our Brethren were desirous to treat with His Majesty who condescended thereunto and hearing the reasonablenesse of their Propositions condescended thereunto and so in peace they did depart not long after but in the yeare 1642. a civill Warre arising amongst our selves and the Parliaments Army not able to suppresse the enemy were necessitated to desire the assistance of our Brethren of Scotland who were as ready to help us as we were readie to desire their help their sensiblenesse of our misery was exprest in tears as may appeare by the relation of our Messengers the Lord Wharton Sir Henry Vane M. Solicitor S. John M. Marshall and M. Burroughs and that which puts a seale of confirmation to these and other relations of their love and willingnesse to help us is their coming into England so suddenly after and at such an unseasonable time as they did it being mid winter that they marched in snow and water to the mid leg for a hundred miles together and their noble Generall his Excellency the Earl of Leven most resolutely fell to the work although in an enemies Countrey having before him the Earl of Newcastle with an Army of 20 thousand strong yet he drove them before him killing and taking prisoners many of them daily and upon a sudden he wheeled about with his Army and tooke Cockit Island with the town Jan. 20. 1643. and afterwards marches up to the enemies quarters and beats them up taking in also the strong Garrison of Alnwick Febr. 14. 1643. and afterward hastned his march further into the enemies Countrey and takes in the Town of Morepeth Febr. 22. 1643. and marches againe up to the enemy and beats up his quarters and takes the strong Garrison of Tinby March 19. 1643. and afterwards marches forward and takes Sunderland with great store of Ammunition Newcastles rage being risen drawes up his whole Army as intending to give battell to the Earle of Leven but no sooner did he draw up but Newcastles popish ragged Regiments ran away and our Brethren of Scotland marched forward and tooke the strong Garrisons of Durham and Lomby Aprill 14. 15. 1644. they marched yet forwarder and beat severall parties of the enemies and tooke Morepeth Castle with all the Ammunition the 2. of June 1644. and having notice of the renouned Earl of Manchester's marching up towards them they with much rejoycing hastned to meet him whom they longed to see the face of and having met him with much joy saluted him and so joyned both their Armies together and drove the Popish Earle of Newcastle and all his Army into York and there besieged him Prince Rupert being at that time in Lancashire hastens to raise their siege making his boasts how he would beat the Scots and would know of what mettle those fresh-water souldiers were made which e're he departed he very well knew to the deare price of 4500. mens lives upon the place called Marston-Moore never to be forgotten by Prince Rupert nor the Earl of Newcastle and after the spoile of the battell was taken they marched up to Yorke and tooke it with all the Ammunition and when this was performed the Earle of Manchester marched Westward and the Earle of Leven Northward and tooke Gateshead 12. of August 1644. and straightly besieged Newcastle upon Tine prepared mines and all accommodation for storme offered faire terms but were not accepted then stormed the towne and tooke it the 20. of October 1644. with much Arms and Ammunition and afterwards tooke Tinmouth Castle marched up to Carlisle and took it also and afterwards besieged the strong Castle of Scarborough and took it with the Castle of Rabi and the Castle of Canon-Froome and since have been assistant in the taking of Newarke And for the gallant service of this noble Generall the Earle of Leven let true-English-men give him true honour and praise let that tongue cleave to the roof of that mouth that is so ungratefull and uncivill as to foment divisions betwixt us and these our Covenanted-Brethren The Right Honble. Robert Earle of Warwick Lord Rich of Leeze Lord High Admirall of the Seas CHAP. III. Upon the right honourable and noble Patriot Robert Earle of Warwicke * A third bright star within our Hemi-Spheare Of Reformation is this noblest Rich Richer indeed then can to men appeare Because his aymes on noble ends do pitch This trusty Pilot waits upon the Ocean Watching both forraigne and domestick Foes Then to the land thus in their restlesse motion Are pious souls whom God doth here dispose To honour him and do his will on earth And them he honours with a second birth VVhich begets in Warwick prudence and love A lions heart yet harmlesse as the dove IT were great ingratitude to let passe or bury in oblivion the many glorious things that this our high Admirall of England Robert Earl of Warwicke hath performed both by Sea and Land since the year 1642. which both his and our adversaries at home and abroad know to their griefe he was unto our Kingdome under God as a bulwarke of defence a rock of refuge a castle and tower to flie unto a strong and mighty wall to defend us from the malicious pride and cruelty of France Spain Denmarke and all the world beside and had not brave renouned Warwicke stood to us and guarded our coasts we and our Kingdome had long e're this been a prey to our enemies at home and abroad But God be praised who put it into the hearts of our Parliament-Worthies to make so good a choice and they
July 1646. Likewise a gallant ship taken that came from Burdeaux laden with wine and meale intended for the relief of Pendennis Castle August 25 1646. Also a ship of the Dunkirkers manned by Irish Rebells set upon two of our English Merchants and surprised them and by the vigilancy of this our noble active faithfull Admirall were both re-taken and the Dunkirk ship also with thirty Irish Rebels in it that were throwne over board as a just recompence or Reward for their former villany in the moneth of September 1646. These with many more gallant pieces of service hath this renouned Worthy performed for which England is ingaged thankfully to remember and highly to honour him who God hath thus wonderfully honoured Robert Lord Rich Earle of Warwicke Lord high Admirall of England The right Honble Edward Earle of Manchester c major Generall of the Association CHAP. IIII. Upon the right Honourable and religious Earle of Manchester * The bright propitious star to Church and State Is this approved Peere in peace and warre In hostile actions alwaies fortunate But th' influence of this excelling starre Was wormwood alwaies to his Countries Foes Witnesse their frequent routs defeats and blowes Horn Castle Winsby Marston-Moor know well How thrice th' imperiall forces fled and fell Before this brave Generall conquering The Idolizers of a mortall King Therefore the rose of Sharon doth thee greet And makes thy name same on earth smel sweet THis bright star of Englands Horison had no sooner girt his sword about him but whole Troups Regiments and Armies out of the associated Counties of Essex Suffolk Norfolk Cambridge and Huntington were ready to attend him with their lives in their hands and at his first sight they gave him such a shout as made the aire to eccho to the admiration of standers by and no sooner had he saluted his gallant Army but presently falls to action and marches to Lin Regis in Norfolk where he straightly besieged them and with much hardship and valour gained the towne in the moneth of June and afterwards marched towards a potent Army as any was in England commanded by the Earle of Newcastle but no sooner had he entred the enemies Countrey of Yorkshire but a Brigade of the enemy ingaged with him whom he totally routed and triumphantly marched forward towards the maine body of the enemy who were neer Horn Castle whom this noble and renouned Earle and his Army had no sooner espied but with a resolute concurrence fell to charge them in the Van Flanke and Reare of their Body who were presently brought into a confused rout in which fight there was taken of them 55. Colours 200. Horse and 1500. Prisoners all this was performed in the moneth of August 1643. and in the moneth of September this noble Generall pursued his victory in taking of the enemies strong Garrisons as Horn Castle the City of Lincolne the strong town of Gainesborough by this time the enemy begins to get a head which this religious and renouned Earl no sooner heard of but with speed he hastened towards them and in his march took Croyland and Burleigh-House and after a hard march yet couragiously encountred the Popish Army neare Winsby and utterly routed them and took 22. Colours 1100. Foot and 500. Horse and much Ammunition and after all this hard service yet was this noble Earle so desirous to put a period to our miseries that notwithstanding the coldnesse and unseasonablenesse of the weather it being in January the worst of the winter season even at that time he doth march the major part of 100. miles to relieve the oppressed Countrey of Lincolnshire and finding Lincoln to be the nest or cage of those unclean birds it being re-possest by them he there besieges them and by a fierce storme re-takes the City and not long after the Castle and in it seven piece of Ordnance 200. Knights Colonells and Commanders 800. prisoners 3000. Armes and presently hereupon having intimation of another Northern Popish Imperiall Army marches backward and drives many scattering parties before him but no sooner had our most loving Brethren of Scotland heard of this our Star of the East come out of his own Horison of the Associated Counties to give light to a Northern dark beclouded Country and by his bright beams to dispell a black and darke cloud but they had a desire according to which they conjoyned with a triumph of joy the two most noble and religious Generall saluting each other fall presently to the worke and besieged Newcastle and all his ragged Regiments in Yorke of which Prince Rupert having notice inforceth all the Countries before him to march for the reliefe of Yorke the which our Army understanding did admit of his entrance for other advantages the Prince being with pride puft up said he would try what mettle the Scots were made of which e're he departed he did very well know and his 4000. slaine upon the place might testifie in which fight our noble Brethren and this renouned Patriot the Earle of Manchester did take 1500. prisoners and within three or foure daies got the famous City of Yorke and after Yorke was surrendred the Armies parted and our prosperous and religious Earl of Manchester towards the West retreated and by the way he tooke the Garrisons of Tickell Shelford and Welbeck-house and in the moneth of October gave the Kings Army a meeting at Newbery Marsh where in the height of the pride of their Western victory this noble Generall utterly routed them tooke 9. peece of Ordnance 3000. Prisoners and 500. Armes and in the next moneth of November tooke Farrington for his farewell and however some unseasoned words came from some black mouthes concerning this most honourable pious and prudent Peer let such be assuredly satisfied that his fame and honour will live when they and all the generation now living are dead The right Honourable the Earle of Calender etc CHAP. V. Upon the right Honourable Earl of Calender Generall Ranked among these Heroes of renoune Is th' honour'd chieftaine Earl of Calender A strong opposer of the triple Crowne Who calls that holy which is civill Warre But this brave Scot with an impartiall eye Looks on the Faiths Professors misery Carlisle Gateshead and Coquet Island still As Trophies stand of his unfain'd good will THis renouned religious Earle famous in Church and State as were most of his Ancestors himselfe being of the same blood and bone and inferiour to none that went before him as he hath made it evident in Scotland and also in England since our uncivill warres began first in his willingnesse to assist us notwithstanding the lownesse of our condition the height of our enemy and the unseasonablenesse of the weather Secondly in his activenesse having the command but of a small Brigade most of them raw untried and unexperienced men in Martiall affaires yet did he performe valiantly with them Thirdly his perseverance notwithstanding
the large proffers the enemy made to the Army if they would with-draw or with-hold And besides the many reproaches sleightings and calumnies that Army did patiently undergo by a factious party amongst our selves had not the hand of God guided and carried on noble Lesley and renouned Calender with the rest of those worthy pious Patriots our condition had been miserable before this day and we weltering in our owne blood our wives defloured our children massacred our houses rifled our lands confiscated our goods divided amongst a generation whose Religion teacheth them Rebellion whose Faith is Faction and Division whose meere Mercy is Cruelty Having past through the grounded evidences of this noble religious and faithfull Peers willingnesse activenesse and perseverance in assisting us I shall also particularize some of the most materiall passages he hath performed since his first entrance into England which was with much courage his Army being put to great straights with hunger cold and often skirmishing with the enemy whom he drive before him and fell upon Carlisle and tooke it with all the Ammunition marched againe and beat up Newcastles Army and by the assistance of the Earle of Leven and the Earle of Manchester with the Lord Fairfax and his valourous son the truly honourable Sir Thomas Fairfax besieged Newcastle in Yorke with-drew and gave battell to him with Prince Ruperts Army and routed them both after tooke Yorke and afterwards this noble Earle of Calender marched Northward and tooke the strong Garrison of Gateshhead neare Newcastle with much Armes and Ammunition and returned and assisted in the taking Newcastle by storme with all the Armes and Ammunition therein much more hath this faithfull Generall performed which is here omitted his owne worth speaking for him to all that know him more than I can here expresse Henry Gray Earle of Standford Lord Gray of Groby Bonvile c CHAP. VI Upon the right Honourable Earl of Stamford This noble slip not of the last edition Of ancient stocke and formidable name To Englands foes of old when Spains ambition 'Gainst Queen Elizabeth did mischiefs frame Heroicke Stamford not degenerate Is true and loyall unto Church and State Exeters defence and Lord Hoptons flight At Modbury field declare his heart is right A Renouned worthy amongst the rest is this gallant Peer the noble Earle of Stamford whose former generations have been a terrour to Englands enemies as he himselfe hath been since the time he was made Generall of South-Wales with the foure Counties of Glocester Worcester Hereford and Cheshire upon the 10. of Decemb. 1642. he marching from hence towards them was received with much joy and a considerable party ready to march along with him he delayed no time to be in action with them but forthwith marched towards Cornwall and coming to Newbridge and finding the bridge pulled downe and a strong Garrison in the towne forced his passage through the river with a hot dispute on both sides at last beat the enemy took much Ammunition and marched forward and beat the Lord Hopton from Bristoll towards Exeter joyned with the Devonshire men and still pursued him from holes to holes like a fox brought those malignant Counties into a good condition securing and taking many Garrisons and had he had money and ammunition those parts in all appearance had been sooner gained but where the fault lay my Lord himselfe best knowes and it may be in time will manifest it to others if I be not mistaken I could wish great men professing Religion would lay aside covetousnesse and under-hand dealing and be no longer like Water-men rowing one way and looking another I presume this noble Earle of Stamford is sensible of some particulars which I here omit it is and hath been the noblenesse of his disposition to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace being free from the spirit of faction and division which breeds confusion from which good Lord deliver us Basil Feilding Earle of Denbigh c CHAP. VII Upon the right Honourable Earle of Denbigh Lo here a gemme of honour casting forth Resplendent beams of magnanimity But words too weake are to describe his worth VVho 's more enobled then by Progeny His pious soule shews that a righteous cause Is dearer to him then a Monarchs I awes Ches Shrop. and Staffordshire may well expresse Their love and valour and their thankfulnesse I Eealousies arise amongst some sort of men without cause as sometimes there did of this noble Earle of Denbigh I must confesse had his fathers blood and his been of one and the same putrified temper we might all have had just cause to fear a piece of treachery but I hope God hath moulded his heart in his owne hand and framed it according to his will as hath evidently appeared hitherto by his proceedings First in standing to the Parliament and taking the most solemne League and Covenant for Reformation and rooting out of Bishops and all other erroneous and factious persons which if brave Denbigh once decline I shall recall what I have and hope to affirme of him Secondly his taking up armes and adventuring his life in the high places of the field as was evident at his taking of Russell-Hall the 29. of May 1646. as also routing the Kings Forces neer Dudley the 10. of June 1646. And taking by storme the strong Garrison of Oswestree the 22. of June 1646. with Chomley-House and many more I omit for brevity sake intending to speak more at large hereafter and as time shall make evident The most Noble Ferdinand Lord Fairfax Generall of the Northern Countyes CHAP. VIII Upon the right Honourable Ferdinando Lord Fairfax This happie heart heated with heav'nly fire Stands up against the Rampant Lions pawes Frustrates the haughty hope and vast desire Of Popish regulating Lives and Lawes Discovers Protean Hothams treacheries Preserves ingaged Hull from foes surprize Routed and rooted out Lycaons brood Of wolvish natures loving native blood Shine on resplendent Fairfax or Faire-Torch To friends a light to foes a fire to scorch Thou and thy fellow-Stars in Englands night When neither Sun nor Moon do shine give light HEre is a right Noble in blood and actions deserving to be ranked amongst the most noble of our Peers and Patriots for his good and faithfull service for Church and State as may evidently appeare by his former gallant actions in the North of England which it were great ingratitude to omit I shall only point at the chiefe which by the Arme of God assisting the noble Lord Fairfax performed and deserve to be written in capitall letters for after Ages to read c. At his first being made Generall of the North there was a great Army in the field a malevolent Countrey the greatest part being Papists and Athiests the Parliament sending down the Covenant to be taken in those parts himselfe first began and some of the godly party followed
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
of God will admit of and as hee is a Member of that visible Body the Parliament so also I verily believe him to bee a Member of that invisible Body of Jesus Christ I wish so much good to England that all their Parliament Members were such as pious true-hearted Harvey And with him also valiant victorious Sir Samuel Luke a man who never was knowne to turne his backe upon the Enemy in most fights of the Army of his Excellency the Earl of Essex brave Sir Samuel Luke deserves to be honoured for his undaunted resolution and this I hope I may truly say that hee is no turne-coat Knight nor disobedient Commander but was at first beginning what I hope and verily believe he will be to the end viz. a true-hearted publike ingaged Covenant keeping and vertuous true-hearted English Knight to whom England may be indebted and he not indebted to England The next in order which is little used which if any shall judge me out I shall desire to be excused because it is the Nationall Malady at this day and therefore if any shall conclude it is too high or too low for the right worshipfull Sir Tho. Middleton or any other I shall leave it unto their wisdoms to please themselves and to doe as it seems just in their owne eyes as it was when there was no King in Israel yet I shall I hope give satisfaction to this worthy Commander as to the rest in declaring to the world that he hath been and still is faithfull in performing most gallant actions in and upon the Borders of Wales subduing many parties of Welch forces taking many Garrisons both by storm siege and stratagem he hath in most places where he came gained the love as well of his enemies as others he conquered not onely by the sword but also by his good and faithfull carriage he behaved himselfe like a man of wisdome a man of honour and vertue which is much to be found in one man I shall for brevities sake descend to speake of religious Sir John Gell whose worth is such as speake him to bee a man beloved of his Countrey and feared by his enemies valiant in his actions and faithfull in his ends to promote truth and peace it is honour enough for gallant Gell to be Patron of these vertuous parts of which also deceased Hambden was a man deserves to be put into the same beadrow for a gallant valiant vertuous Saint and the taking of that wise States-man away was the great weakening of the Martiall affaires Parliamentary affaires and Church-affaires the taking away from the evil to come the zealous religious Earle of Essex the faithfull valiant Meldrum the wise vertuous Pym the undaunted Covenanted Hambden speakes little prosperity either for Church or State I feare I pray it may prove otherwise And so I shall proceed to speake a few words concerning the worshipfull Colonell West Lievtenant of the Tower of London whose faithfulnesse deserves much of this City who hath not been biassed by parties and factions which if he had London might long ere this have been lain levell with the ground which is by his faithfull prudence at this day preserved and I am confident all Covenant-engaged Englishmen more especially Citizens and such as in some measure know him will conclude with me concerning this thrice noble and truly worshipfull Colonell West Lievtenant of the Tower That he is a holy Saint a valiant Souldier and a loyall Subject which I hope wil be as a badge of honour to him for after ages to read And for the honour of London I shall adde to him Collonell Manwaring Commander of the Horse raised by the City for the defence of it selfe and Parliament this noble Commander bears about with him the badges of his honour viz. wounds received in battell I shall conclude what I have to say of him in that I doe believe concerning him that he is a man of a vertuous heart of gallant desert and a souldier expert And for the honour of Wales I shall make mention first of Col. Laugherne whose prudence valour and fidelity hath preserved those parts and kept them in good obedience and by a handfull of men hee hath encountered great Armies routed and disperst them and hath done like an honourable man a loyall-hearted man and a faithfull man A seconder of himselfe and for the honour likewise of Wales is the valiant Colonell Morgan Governor of Glocester who hath the command over that Garrison that was under God the preservation of England he hath ever since he was put in the trust therewith improved himselfe to be faithfull hath done much service for the Parliament and that which is the badge of his and also Colonell Laughorne's honour is that they have stood faithfull to God their King and Parliament from the beginning and are still the same according to the Covenant which I hope will be unto them and all the rest of the Covenant-engaged Commandérs an eternall honour Amongst whom faithfull and resolute Colonell Birch deserveth to be had in remembrance for all his gallant actions performed especially since the new Modell he hath not been absent in any materiall piece of service but done his part and I could say truly more then his part were it not I should procure the emulation of some men but if I had been silent of him his actions speake him honour enough and much more then my pen can expresse therefore I shall at present be silent concerning him And call to minde the noble Colonell Milton whose actions have been many and prosperous and although his service hath been hard his Brigade small and his pay poor yet hath he hitherto kept himselfe from disobedience and his souldiers from mutiny they never yet dared the Parliament nor pillaged the Countrey but alwaies carried themselves like faithfull servants to their Masters the King and Parliament Another of the like faithfull Commanders is loyall-hearted valiant-minded Col. Butler an honourable Member of the commanding and conquering Army who hath left no Garrison unconquered nor no power unsubdued in England This resolute spirit hath beene in most of these the gallant performances of the Army and hath in what he undertooke done little inferiour to any of the most prosperous Commanders in England as in some kind scars of honour make it to appeare I intend brevity but must not forget another of the valiant Commanders Colonell Whaley a man of honour and of trust who deserves as much from the King and Parliament as the best of the Commanders in his Excellency Thomas Fairfax's Army now resident onely one excepted which I shall say more of in my second addition which at present time will not admit of and therefore I shall conclude in two or three words apiece to two or three Commanders more As Colonell D'Albere who hath beene faithfull alwayes to the Parliament and done them good service and although he bee not an English-man yet I hope none will be so
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
Langford House took the 17 of Octob. 1645. with all the armes and ammunition therein 50. The 17. of Octob. was Digby and Langdale routed in the North going for Scotland their bag and baggage taken and their journey stayed 51. The castle of Tiverton neer Exeter taken the 19 of October with all the ammunition therein 52. The town and castle of Monmouth taken by storm Octob. 19. with all the ammunition 53. Digby and Langdale having again recruited march again towards Scotland and are again routed by the Scotish Army bag and baggage taken and Langdale hardly escaped 54. The Kings Welsh forces under the command of Sir VVilliam Vaughan were totally routed by the Forces under the command of Sir VVilliam Brereton upon the twenty ninth of October Taken of the enemy prisoners foure hundred Foot six hundred Horse and kild two hundred upon the place with small losse blessed be God for it 55. The castle of Boulton taken by composition with all the arms and ammunition 56. Shelford House taken by storme with all the ammunition and armes October 1645. 57. Wharton House neere Newark taken by composition with all the armes and ammunition 58. The strong castle of Beeston in Cheshire taken by composition with the ammunition therein 59. The Fort of Latham taken by composition with all the armes and ammunition 60. The citie of Hereford taken by stratagem Decemb. 18. with all the armes and ammunition 61. The castle of Embleden in Carmarthenshire taken by composition December 29. 1645. 62. The castle of Skipton taken the 22 of December with all the armes and ammunition 63. The town of Tidbury taken by Sir Iohn Gell with all the armes and ammunition 64. The Garrison of Fulford neere Exeter taken with all the ammunition 65 Chillington House neer Exeter taken by a sudden storm with all the ammunition Decem. 28. 1645. 66 Pouldram house neer Exeter taken by storme Decemb. 29. 67 Plymouth relieved and the Kings Forces beaten Jan. 2. 1645. 68 The fort of Canterbury taken by a sudden storm Jan. 4. 69 Budex Church neer Plymouth taken by storm and in it 100 prisoners 100. horse 200. armes Jan. 9. 1645. 70 Sir Francis Drakes house taken Jan. 12. by storm and in it 100. prisoners besides other ammunition 71 The town and castle of Dartmouth taken Jan. 18. and in it one Earl two Colonels 5. Lievtenant-Colonels 3. Majors 15. Captains 22 Lievtenants 12 Ensignes 900 common Souldiers 120 peeces of ordnance two ships and all the ammunition 72 The castle of Belvoir taken by composition Jan. 20. 1645. 73 The city of Chester taken with great store of armes and ammunition by Sir William Brereton Jan. 29. 74 The town of Torrington taken by storme 75 The Prince and L. Hopton routed in the West 400 taken with 200 horse the rest fled 76 Cardiffe relieved by Ma. Gen. Laugherne 77 The Kings Forces in Wales totally routed by the said Major Generall Laugherne 800 common Souldiers taken 75 commanders 250 slain bag and baggage taken 78 Corf castle in Dorsetshire taken by storm and stratagem with all the armes and ammunition 79 The Kings Forces having surprized Abbington were by the Garrison souldiers beaten out with great losse in which service Col. Pane the Governour behaved himselfe gallantly 80 The Forces under the command of Major-Generall Web were routed Ian. 5. and many prisoners taken 81 Ashby-de-la-Zouch surrendred upon composition with all the ammunition March 2. 1645. 82 Chirk castle surrendred to Sir Thomas Middleton 83 Launceston taken and Bodman quitted by the enemy in the West 84. Listell taken and foure load of ammunition of the Lord Hoptons 85. Saltash taken and in it five peeces of Ordnance 86. Ward-bridge and Temple-Guard taken and the enemy totally routed and fled 87. The town of Litchfield taken by Sir William Brereton March 5. with the losse of three men 88. Sir R. Hoptons forces consisting of 5000 horse disbanded and delivered up to Sir Tho. Fairfax 89 Sir Iacob Ashley totally routed and himselfe with 1500 men and horse taken with all their bag and baggage March 21. 1645. 90. Dennis castle and Felford haven taken with 26 pieces of Ordnance in a Dunkirk ship that was comming for reliefe of Pedennis 91 The Fort of Axmouth is surrendred they were to march forth with their swords only 92. Inch House neer Plimouth taken with foure peeces of Ordnance and 90 Muskets in it 93. High Ark hall in Shropshire taken the 27 of March 1646. with all the ammunition 94. Hilford Fort in the West surrendred and in it 26 peeces of Ordnance 95. The strong castle of Dennington surrendred with all the ammunition to Col. Dolbier 96. Bridgenorth Town taken by storme the second of April 1646. with all the ammunition 97. The castle with the Isle of Portland surrendred with the armes and ammunition 98. The Kings body of horse routed neer Faringdon by Major Blunden where was taken 300 Horse 200. men and many arms 99. Exeter taken by composition April 13. 1646. with all the arms and ammunition therein 100. Ruthen castle surrendred to Lievtenant Generall Mitton with all the ammunition bag and baggage April 13. 101. Barnstaple surrendred by composition with all the armes to Sir Tho. Fairfax April 14. 102. The Fort of Ilford-comb taken by storm 103. S. Michaels Mount neer Pendennis castle surrendred a very considerable place 104. Aberistwith castle in Wales surrendred to Col. Powel with all the ammunition April 16. 105. Dunster castle in the West surrendred to Col. Black Ap. 19. with all the ammunition 106 The castle of Tidbury surrendred to Sir VVilliam Brereton April 20. with all the arms 107. Woodstock Mannor surrendred to Col. Ireton and Col. Rainsborough April 27. 108. The castle of Bridgenorth surrendred 109. The strong castle of Banbury surrendred to Colonell Whaley 110. The Garrison of Newark surrendred to the Commissioners of both Kingdomes And his Majesties coming to our brethren of Scotland 111. Penrin in Wales the Bishop of Yorks house surrendred to Colonell Mitton 112. Dudley castle in Staffordshire surrendred to Sir William Brereton May 12. 113. Hartlebury castle surrendred to Colonell Morgan May 16. with all the ammunition 114. Ludlow castle and towne surrendred to Colonell Birch June 1. 1646. 115. Radcot-house surrendred to Sir Thomas Fairfax 116. The town and castle of Caernarvan surrendred 117. The strong Garrison of Bostol-house surrendred 118. Sherburn-house surrendred to Sir Thomas Fairfax 119. The strong citie of Oxford his Majesties chief Garrison surrendred with all the ammunition 120. The Garrison of Faringdon surrendred July 1646. The City of Worcester with all the ammunition Lichfield Close taken with all the ammunition Wallingford-Castle taken In August 1646. The castle of Gothridge taken The castle of Rothian taken Ragland castle surrendred Pendennis castle surrendred Flint castle surrendred The Isle of Cily surrendred Denbigh castle surrendred Conway Castle taken Harleigh castle taken Holt castle taken The Isle of man taken The Isle of Garnsey taken The Isle of Iersey
signal exploit was the taking of Carlisle in which he found a seasonable supply of arms and ammunition He freely confessed to Charles I. upon what errors and mistakes he had been corrupted and by whom and pretended so deep a sense of what he had done amiss that it was believed he would have taken a command in the king's army which he declined as it might have been penal to him in Scotland by some clause in the Act of the Pacification but especially upon pretence it would disable him from doing him greater service in that kingdom whither shortly after the standard was set up he repaired with all solemn vows of asserting and improving his Majesty's interest in those parts The earl of Calendar died in October 1672. The hand of God carrying on our brethren of Scotland Carlisle taken York taken The due praise of the noble E. of Stamford Henry lord Grey of Groby married Anne daughter and co-heir of William Cecil earl of Exeter in whose right he was possessed of the castle borough and manor of Stamford whence he took his title He was colonel of a regiment in the parliament army under the earl of Essex and was very active in their service particularly in Herefordshire and Cornwall In the Mercurius Rusticus is an account of his sending captain Kirle to plunder the house of Thomas Swift vicar of Goodwich in the county of Hereford who was supposed to have been plundered oftener than any other person during the civil war He was grandfather of the celebrated dean of St. Patrick's The earl of Stamford died the 21st of August 1673. Religion a cloke for covetousnesse The due praise of the noble E. of Denbigh Basil Fielding son of William Fielding earl of Denbigh was an officer in the parliament army at Edge-hill where his father fought on the part of the king In 1644 he took Russel House in Staffordshire and by that means opened a communication between Coventry and London and afterwards with a small number of men routed three thousand of the king's forces sent to the relief of Dudley Castle which he was then besieging In 1643 he succeeded to the peerage by the death of his father in consequence of several mortal wounds he had received in a hot engagement near Birmingham Upon the new modelling of the army he resigned his commission together with the earls of Essex and Manchester but still continued to act in concert with the republican party The earl of Denbigh was the chief of the commissioners sent to treat with the king in the Isle of Wight and when his majesty was about to deliver to him his answer to the parliament sealed he told him That though they had no authority to treat with him or to do any thing but to receive his answer yet they were not to be looked upon as common messengers and to carry back an answer that they had not seen and upon the matter refused to receive it and said they would return without any except they might see what they carried The king conceiving their return without his answer would be attended with the worst consequences told them that he had some reason for having offered to deliver it to them in that manner but if they would give him their words that the communicating it to them should be attended with no prejudice to him he would open it and cause it to be read and thereupon he opened it and gave it to one to read The earl of Denbigh died November 28 1675. Russell Hall and Oswestree taken The due praise of the right honourable L. Fairfax Ferdinand lord Fairfax at the commencement of the civil war received a commission from the earl of Essex generalissimo for the parliament to command all the forces of Yorkshire and the adjacent counties in chief by which in less time than could be reasonably imagined he was enabled to draw together an army of five or six thousand horse and foot so that York was in danger of falling into the hands of the parliament But the earl of Newcastle marched quickly to its relief and having left a good garrison in Newcastle and fixed such small garrisons in his way as might secure his communication with that port to which all his ammunition was to be brought he entered York and though the lord Fairfax kept Selby and Cawood the earl of Newcastle was absolute master of the field and totally routed Fairfax at Adderton Moor in June 1643 but he and his son sir Thomas gained a complete victory over colonel Bellasyse governor of York at Selby the eleventh of April 1634 for which the parliament ordered a general thanksgiving After sir Thomas Glemham had surrendered York and the earl of Newcastle had retired beyond the seas he succeeded to the government of that city and of the northern counties He died at York March 13 1647-8 The Covenant taken in york-shire Newcastle routed neer Tadcaster Newcastle again routed neer Bradford VVhitby Cawood and Axholm Island taken The due praise the right honourable L. Roberts John lord Roberts had the command of a regiment under the earl of Essex and at Newbury led the parliament forces to the charge with great gallantry and by his courage and conduct routed the royal army He with part of his brigade defended Plymouth against the combined force of the enemy and several times repulsed them to their great loss He was a leading man in the councils of the patriotic junto and had afterward a principal hand in the restoration He had much learning but it was mixed with the pedantry of the time of James I. and was of a morose and splenetic temper He was appointed lord-lieutenant of Ireland by Charles II. in 1669 in a time of confusion when the various claims to the estates in that kingdom was to be adjusted His parts were by no means equal to this government at so critical a juncture as he had a genius rather for starting than solving difficulties He treated the Irish nobility with haughtiness and contempt and was himself treated with much less ceremony than he expected The king found it necessary to remove him from this employment and soon after his return to England appointed him president of the council and created him earl of Radnor He was observed to puzzle business and retard the dispatch of it more than any man that had ever been in the great offices which he enjoyed He died in the year 1685. His daughter Letitia Isabella who was first married to Charles earl of Drogheda was afterward the wife of Mr. Wycherly the dramatic poet The King routed at Newbery sight 15 Garrisons taken in Cornwall The due praise of the right honorable L. Brook Lord Brook was one of those patriots who so ardently longed for liberty that he was determined to seek it in America if he could not find it at home He and lord Say had actually agreed to transport themselves to New England but the sudden turn of affairs prevented their voyage Having