both Kingdomes of England and Scotland and there were sundry excellent speeches made there and then to the Citizens to set forth the great importance of their speedy assistance in this particular and how acceptable a work it would be to the Lord not onely to enter into a holy League or Covenant for reformation of the evills in Church and State but also to seal it with some benevolent and chearfull act of Contribution though but by way of loan to set forward the work that thus both hand and heart might goe together in the work and wee with holy David might manifest that wee would not offer a sacrifice to our God of that which cost us nought To which motion then most efficaciously made there All then present with very much chearfulness and alacrity declared their forwardness and willing assent to the utmost of their ability as was desired and at the same time and afterward also at the taking of the said Covenant in all the Parish-Churches in and about London great numbers subscribed for very considerable summes to be raised accordingly with all convenient and possible expedition And now good Reader thou mayst be pleased to remember that wee lately left the atheisticall Earl of Newcastle and his Popish Armie besieging the strong and important Town of Hull most bravely defended as I mentioned before by the most renowned and victorious Lord Fairfax the most noble and faithfull Governour thereof Now therefore to return to it again I shall heer acquaint thee that about the 14th of this instant October 1643. came certain intelligence to London from thence both by severall relations and also by Letters of a most memorable and brave bickering between the besiegers and the besieged wherein the Lord was pleased to crown the most noble Lord Fairfax with a very glorious and famous victory over those his Popish adversaries and thereby to raise that insolent Siege of this proud Atheist against Hull put the said new Marquess forsooth for honours at Oxford are t is too well known so cheap that they are most easily bought and sold for any base and treacherous designe against the Parliament and Kingdome of Newcastle to new troubles and driving him quite out of his little patience and probitie and making thereby his wit as well as his honestie run a wool-gathering and indeed plunging him into inextricable perplexities as was most remarkably evident in this most memorable and brave Defeat given to him and his Popish forces before Hull where he lay in Siege as you have already heard For now Winter being come on and he desirous to make Hull his most strong and advantageous Winter-quarter and safe retyring and retreating place on all disasterous occasions he now resolved to set stifâ—y and stoutly upon the work and with his utmost powers to endeavour to procure it but was now forced to make a new reckoning for thus reckoning without his hoste The description of which noble and renowned skirmish and brave bickering for the more full and clearer setting forth of the truth thereof I have heer thought fit to give the Reader a sight of the Copie of that renowned Commander Sir John Meldrums own letter even verbatim as he himself being a principall actor in the whole business writ and sent it to the Speaker of the Parliament onely I shall heer or there interlace some few materiall circumstances extracted out of the most noble Lord Fairfaxes Letter sent also about the same time to the said Mr. Speaker of the Parliament which was as followeth For my honourable Friend William Lentall Esquire Speaker of the Commons House of Parliament SIR I Shall not weary you much with the relation of some happie successes God hath blessed us withall since my arrivall at Hull knowing that many pens will be set awork whereby neither the truth in the narration nor the favour and mercy of God can be fairly and fully revealed There having been a supply sent into Hull Octob. 5th 1643. of about 400 Souldiers from the Earl of Manchester and about 250 from Sir William Constable Upon munday the 9th of the said October the Reginalists or Popish forces under the Earl of Newcastles command about break of day did with a great deal of courage being commanded by Denton Stricland and one Little a Countryman of mine who commanded in chief fell upon one of our Outworkes called the Ragged-jetty a place of great importance for the safe riding of our Shipping before the Town but by the resolution of two English Commanders and a Countryman of mine cousen-germane to Sir William Cunningham and the courage of the Gunners and Souldiers they were upon view of an hundred Musqueteers which followed mee from the Mount beaten out of the work and driven to a most shamefull retreat leaving the bodies of their Commanders dead upon the place many of their Souldiers killed and wounded Whereupon on the said 9th of October my Lord Generall called a Councell of warre where it was resolved for us to issue forth and to beat them out of their next workes approaching to ours The order was to fall out in two distinct bodies of five hundred Musqueteers apiece commanded under my charge by two Colonells Lambert and Rainsborow who with Major Forbess and Major Wren carried themselves very bravely in the business and thus the Lord Generall having placed three troopes of horse to keep off the enemies horse which were quickly drawn into a bodie from annoying our foot marching along about nine of the clock that morning toward the enemies line of approach on every side the enemy abandoning one work after another untill wee had made our selves masters of their Ordnance But as the Sun in its greatest brightness is subject to Eclipses so it fell out with us at this time for the forwardness and violence of our souldiers was abated by about an hundred pikes of the enemie who charging the Van of our foot scatter'd and drave us back again even so as that they regained their Ordnance and enforced us all to a shamefâ—ll retreat neither my self nor the other Commanders being able to stop any one man no if the Kingdome it self had been at the stake In this retreat Colonell Rainsborow was as I conceive either taken prisoner or killed dead and so fallen into some ditch for he could not be found but his mans dead body was found Upon my Lord Generalls order to shut the gates and upon the sense of their own miscarriage a body of our foot was drawn up again which falling again with as much animositie and heat of courage as formerly they had retreated did drive them again out of their workes recovered again all the Ordnance lost and gained beside a half-Cannon and a Demiculverin of brass which wee had not possessed in the first charge even one of their â—orreigne great brazen-staves which now through Gods mercy hath proved a Staff of Reed unto them Upon this change of the Scene of affaires the Marquess
horse they all marched willingly and cheerfully together till neer one of the clock that night in the way toward Basing but on a sodain were appointed to face toward the South and so toward Alton passing exactly between the hills till they obtained within half a mile of the said Town most privately undiscovered at all by the enemie our Scouts being so diligent that not a person stirring in all those passages was left at liberty to have any opportunity to enforme the enemie of our proceedings and being now in sight of the Town about nine of the clock in the morning wee understood by the Scouts we took that the Lord Craford was in the Town who had there about 500 horse the taking of which Scouts and some of them escaping gave opportunity for the said Lord to shift for himself who conceived himself and all the rest of his forces lost yet unhappily found a private hole by which he made an escape with a partie of his horse about 300 and rode Eastward toward Winchester roade where unexpectedly he met with some of our horse and so was enforced for feare to retreat back again into the Town and fled Southward which our horse perceiving pursued them hard whiles our valiant foote made the woods ring again with the eccho of their loud shoutings for joy There were three or foure of them slain in their flight but being in narrow lanes after half a miles pursuite our men retreated to us having taken about 30 horse and some prisoners In which interim out foot were not idle nor Sir William himself whose rare and politick exploits in this service deserve to be registred with the rest and best of his former brave atchievements and honourable actions The horse were immediately appointed to make good all passages so that the enemie could have no benefit of their accustomed trick of running away but were still taken by our horse when they attempted it Our foot also in the mean time behaving themselves bravely like men with great expedition and resolution beat the enemie out of their workes on the North-west East parts of the Town and possest themselves thereof where they cheerfully displayed their Colours in the face of their enemies and then our men advanced valiantly into the Market-place and the enemie being all Musketteers drew themselves into the works neer the Church where they had double trenches a half Moon and made the Church and a Barn thereby their chiefest refuge and heer grew a very hot fight which was continued neer two houres together by reason of a malignant in the Town who wilfully fired his own barn and other houses thereby to offend our men with the smoak by reason of which smoak indeed wee lost about three men but at last the said fire and smoak abating our men fell closs to their work again and enforced the enemie to retreat into the foresaid Church and barn where they were all taken prisoners The enemies to give them their due made good the Town with much courage and resolution and would not yeeld when they had lost many men so long as their Lievtenant Colonell Boles lived stood to it very stoutly but he being slain in the fight aforesaid and a chief commander besides of theirs much wounded they then began to shrink and then ours came in upon them and became Masters of the Town on all sides and the Town being now thus taken the enemie desired and obtained quarter yet being infected with Irish-rebells and their wonted treacherie one of them after quarter given fired off a pistoll in the said Church against Major Shambrook but by Gods providence he was not killed therewith but hurt in the thigh and hopefull to recover upon which act there was much adoe to keep our men from cutting them in pieces which it was believed they would have done could they have known the Irish from the other In this fight were taken prisoners 700 in the Church neer an 100 in the Barn above an 100 in the field with diverse Irish men and 〈◊〉 men also neer 200 horse a 1000 armes one Colonell one Major one Lievtenant Colonell 13 Captains 3 Coronets one of which with the Princes armes another the Earl of Straffords with divers other Colours hid in the Church There were slain of the enemies neer fortie among whom was Colonell Richard Bolles as aforesaid The enemies word was Charles ours was Truth and Peace The mighty providence of God was marveilously seen in this as in many other mercies toward us for in this fight for a certain truth there were not above five of our men slain and about six wounded and about six scorched with gunpowder by their own negligence And now all this being done as aforesaid our most worthy and renowned Major Generall caused the people of the Town to slight all the workes took the prisoners and tyed them two by two with match and sent most of them to Farnham Castle where they were kept in safe custody till they were otherwise disposed of After this we were credibly enformed that above 500 of these prisoners which Sir William took at Alton took the Covenant and served under Sir William Waller and about 500 more refused it and those prisoners being most of them Irish were afterward sent up to London with the Citie forces who safely and triumphantly conducted them thither One passage heerin I may not omit viz. That a little before this designe and fight the Lord Craford had begged the favour of our most worthy Major Generall to let him have a Hogshead of Sack which noble Sir William with a loving complement sent accordingly unto him which the Lord Craford caused to be carefully kept for his own drinking but by reason of this sodain and unexpected company coming thus to visit him he was struck with such a panick fear that he left the wine behinde him without any complement to be again at Sir Williams disposall but after the fight and his flight to Winchester their head quarter he sent a Letter to Sir William Waller to this effect SIR I Hope your gaining of Alton cost you dear It was your lot to drink off your own Sach which I never intended to have left for you I pray you favour me so much as send mee mine own Chiruâ—geon and upon my honour I will send you a person suitable to his exchange Sir your servant Craford Winton Decemb. 16. 1643. And soon after the said fight Sir Ralph Hopton also writ a Letter to Sir William Waller from his Quarters at Winchester which was to this purpose SIR THis is the first evident ill success I have had I must acknowledge that I have lost many brave and gallant men I desire you if Colonell Boles be living to propound a fit exchange if dead that you will send mee his corps I pray you send me a list of such prisoners
December the 16. 1643. Thus wee see what wayes these irreligious and perfidious Court-Cormorants take to devour and destroy all in their Harpeian-reach and to compass this wicked designe by such base dishonourable aymes and meanes just as that ravenous Prince Ruperts or rather Prince Robbers underhand dealings to betray Bristoll The Earl of Crafords base agreement with loyall Capt. Sydenham to betray Pool C. R. to a writing to betray Aylesbery George Lord Digbie subscribed in a Letter to Sir John Hotham to betray Hull and this most unworthy endeavour to have basely obtained this Town and Castle of Nottingham In all which we may most apparently perceive and see our good and gracious great and glorious wonder-working God our most mercifull Shepherd of his Israel who never slumbers nor sleeps but is most wise and watchfull over us for good even then when wee least deserve or desire the same but now to goe on About the 24th of this instant came certain intelligence by Letters from Leicester to London that about an 140 of the Newark and Belvoir Cormorants went into Rutlandshire to plunder and pillage the Country where they took many kine sheep and horses from the Country people which being timely made known to Colonell Waight who most valiantly kept and commanded Burleigh-house upon the edge of that Countie with a competent garrison for the Parliament he issued out of the said House with but about 60 valiant choice men and marched toward them to Strozby-Heath where about he overtook them and sent a trumpet to sound them a challenge but they having more mind to be gone with their prey than to stay and fight went on theâ—â—with Whereupon this valiant Colonell with his resolute Comrades fell courageously on them and so necessitated them either to fight or die and at the very first encounter which was very hot for the time Allen his Capt. Lievtenant so bravely charged them that he mortally wounded Capt. Plunket the vilest villain among all the Cormorants of Bever or Belvoir-Castle or Newark either and one mentioned in the Kings Proclamation in the beginning of this Parliament for a notorious Irish Rebell but now it seem'd come over to fight for the Protestant religion and who was heer made their chief Commander in this robbing designe who immediately dyed of the said wound Colonell Lucas also was sorely cut over the face with a sword and had not his horse been better than himself he had been at that time taken prisoner And upon a second charge Colonell Waight so bravely bestirr'd himself with his valiant associates that though he had his horse shot under him and his Lievtenant shot in the thigh yet they carried it on so resolutely that his enemies betook themselves to their heeles and ran away in the pursuite of whom even to Belvoir or Bever-Castle they slew divers of them took about 60 of their horse 46 prisoners many armes recovered the greatest part of the prey from them wounded many of those that fled and all this without the loss of any one man of theirs and but three wounded About the 26th day following 36 of those prisoners were brought into the Town of Leicester that they might be safelier there kept than at Burleigh-House After this victory thus by Gods mercie obtained the noble Colonell so ordered the business with his Souldiers that all the stoln cattell recovered from the robbing enemies were restored to their proper owners again A most just and laudable act in him and most worthy to be imitated by all the Commanders that fight on the Parliaments side in defence of our Religion propertie and liberties About the 28th of this instant Decemb. came also certain newes from Plymouth that the Kings Cormorants who had long besieged that Town but by Gods admirable providence and protection had been prevented of their pernicious purposes against it had now at last a speciall designe upon it namely to storm it about the 23th of this instant at night whereof their prudent and valiant Governour Colonell Wardlaw having timely intelligence he caused all such persons as were able to bear armes in the Town to stand upon their guard and also drew forth the greatest part of his forces that night who most industriously and undauntedly cast up a sconce against the enemies trenches and in the morning sent out a partie upon the forlorn hope who skirmishing a while with the enemies began to retreat whereupon the enemy supposing they had none to second them followed them close till at last the rest of the Governours forces appeared for their relief and after a very fierce encounter between both parties Plymouth-men being then off from their workes and with remarkable courage enforced their enemies to a very hastie retreat from the Town slew at least an 100 of them in this assault with the loss of not above 16 of their own men and made them heerby quite relinquish the Siege leaving behinde them about 660 of their sick and maimed Souldiers to our mercy which was far greater than their malice and mischief deserved of us who were not able to be conveyed away nor so much as to crawle out of their trenches And upon the day of their deserting this siege departure out of their trenches one Thomas Basset the enemies Major Generall called to one of Plymouth Officers in their workes and bidding them farewell told them that he verily thought God fought against them and said moreover That if he could be convinced that he was not in the right he would hang himself at his door ere he would take up armes in this quarrell on the Kings part Heer yet yee may see was some ingenuity in a seduced Malignant And this was avouched for most true in the Narration of Plymouths siege published by authority of Parliament pag. 13. Thus I say they left the siege and departed some to Plympton others to Modbery and the rest to Tavestock But in their retreat they most wickedly maliciously swept that part of the Country about the Town of all sorts of provisions that possibly they could get within their reach and knowledge not leaving a sheep swine or cowe behind them and to express the depth of this their diabolicall rage and malice they burnt all the hay and corn thereabout thus utterly undoing many poor people who had nothing els to live upon And heer I may not omit one most memorable print of Gods admirable providence to Plymouth in the time of this their long and strait siege but must with all bounden praises to the Lord gladly make mention of it to stirre up others also to help to magnifie and admire the name of our good and gracious Lord God therein which was this That after the Town had been a long time strictly besieged and no fresh victuall either flesh or fish could be had it having pleased God also that the Ships which had long time been sent
Iohn Byron of whom we made mention before The generall report and relation whereof came unto us to London on the 3. of this instant Ianuary 643 being the Monthly Fast-day at night just about the time of the conclusion of the holy exercises of that day and which was by Letters confirmed more certainly particularly the next day being Thursday and Friday following The substance and manner whereof was this The English and Irish Forces which but a little before came out of Ireland under the command of sir Michael Earnly and severall other Commanders having laid siege to that brave and faithfull Town of Namptwich resolving it is probable to doe some brave piece of service at their first arrivall into England had therefore made three severall onsets and assaults upon it and were most bravely repulsed every time by Captaine Booth Governour of the Towne with great losse to the Enemie Lieutenant Colonell Boughton and foure Captaines more besides many common Souldiers being there slain before the towne At last they hearing the advance of Sir Tho and Sir William toward them to relieve the besieged they raised their siege from thence and drew out their Forces upon a plaine neere the Town to give them bâ—ttell Both Armies bâ—ing met there continued a fierce encounter betweene them which was very bravely performed on both sides for the space of two houres at least At last the enemy Gods providence so ordering it began to give ground which our as vigilant as valiant Commanders soone perceiving were greatly encouraged thereat to animate and draw on their souldiers with the braver resolution Sir Thomas Fairfax most magnanimiously charged their Horse whereof bloody Byron was Commander who not daring to stand to so fierce a shock began first to fly mangre all his former lying vaunts over brave Sir William Brereton our Horse valiantly pursuing the opportunity thereof gave not over till they had â—â—terly routed their enemies and dispersed and scattered all their Forces The names of the Prisoners of eminency taken all of them either Commanders of the English Forces in Ireland or native Irish-rebells were Major Generall Gibson Sir Richard Fleetwood Major Sir Michael Earnley Sir Francis Butler an Irish Rebell Colonell Monck Colonell Warren Lieutenant Colonell Gibs Sir Ralph Dames Major Hamon 14. Captaines 20. Lieutenants 27. Ensignes 3. Cornets 4. Quarter-masters 40. Drummes 4. Serjeants 63. Corporals 1700. Common-Souldiers and above an 100. wicked Women and Irish Queanes with long and sharpe Skeanes or Knives to play the barbarous Cut-throats of such as they should have taken Prisoners or were wounded had they got the Victory 6. Pieces of Ordnance 4. Canoneers 27. Wagons laden with very rich spoiles taken by the Irish-Forces from the Inhabitants of those parts Very many of them were slaine on the Ground and in the pursuit of them among which were Colonell Wane a Lieutenant Colonell 4. Captaines yea and Sir Wil Brereton in his own Letter to the Parliament testifies that there were about 2400. of the Enemies slaine and taken Prisoners in this Battaile and at the siege of Namptwich there were above 500. slaine before the Towne and yet that in all that siege the Towne lost but 2. men in all Boasting bloody Byron himselfe fled like a cowardly beaten and bitten Dog with his taile between his leggs to Oxford there to bragg how he had made noble Sir William Brereton flye as his custome was and to vapour of his happy victory and good success he hath had since his former late inhumane butcherie of Lancashire Forces Herein still the Lord most wisely and justly suiting his Divine dispensations to mens actions and worthyly repaying to the wicked a suitable and proportionable measure of Iustice and revenge Of this and all the rest of his rich and rare mercies and wonderfull Victories and Deliverances let our Wonder-working God alone have all the most meritorious praise and glory And accordingly on the Fryday following which was the 2. of February the pious and prudent House of Commons in Parliament passed an Order to this effect That on the next Lords day publike thanks should be rendred unto Almighty God both for the seasonable comming in of our faithfull and loving brethren of Scotland to our assistance against the mighty Enemies of the Lord for the good successe of the Garrison of Nottingham against Newcastles treacherous fraud and forces together with the happy discovery and defeat of the severall late plotts of the Enemy against us as was forementioned and especially for this last foresaid famous Victory of Sir Thomas Fairfax and Sir William Brereton against the English-Irish Forces in Cheshire and it was Ordered therein also that the said Order should be read by the Ministers of the severall Congregations in and about the Cities of London and Westminster and that the names of all such Ministers as should refuse to publish the said Order should be returned to the Parliament And here now I shall desire to cast Anchor againe and make a little stay of Contemplation and gratefull rumination on the precious Traffick and rich Commodities of this Moneths Voyage wherein the godly Reader may see at a sight and seeing admire the great mercies of our good God thus still carrying on his Arke and causing it to over-top all the troublesome waves and windes of Malignity that have thus still bruisht and rusht against it and bringing it home in safety to the Haven of this Moneths end fairely fraught with all these mercies As first in raising up the spirits of the Swedes to interrupt the Auxiliary designe of Denmarke against England In the taking of those two Houses Holts-House and Bewley-House two pernicious Kennels or Cages for the Kings Cormorants those birds of Prey to roust and nestle in for the fitter falling upon the spoile and plunder of the people and places neer about them In the happy and timely discovery of that pernitious plot of dividing the Parliament and City under the modest mask forsooth of pretended Peace by Sir Basil Brook Riley and the rest and the happy deliverance of those three honest and loyall Patriots of their Countrey in Gernsey from the present Imprisonment and intended future danger which they were in In the happy taking into the Parliaments possession of Arundel-Castle by Sir William Waller and his valiant Forces besides a brave Ship full fraught with Armes Ammunition and other good Merchandizes The most happy Harmony and union of Spirits Love and Loyalty between the Parliament and City of London most sweetly manifested in that famous invitation at Marchant-Taylors-Hall In that most noble Defeat given to Sir Nicholas Byron by valiant Colonell Mitton Sir Iohn Gells valiant surprisall of Burton on Trent and the taking of Hilsden-House by the Parliaments Forces In the happy discovery and disappointment of the base Plots and trecherous designes of mischievous Major Ogle both in endeavouring to sow the seeds
rather flying that way they pulled up the bridge and laid the loose boards upon stones for a party of their own forces then behind to passe over and then they intended to take them away to hinder the passage of any of the Parliaments Forces then in pursuite of them But the Rear of the Kings Army marched so hastily away that the loose boards slipt away from the stones when many were upon it there being a great and deep water running swiftly under the bridge so that about 60. of them fell into the river and were drowned among whom were some Commanders of quallity Thus we see still how evill haunts the wicked man at the heeles to destroy him And Sir William Waller still pursuing them as we were credibly enformed fell upon a party of them and took the Queenes Serjeant Major 3 Cornets and about an 100 horse But the noble and prudent Lord Generall well knowing what a considerable and sufficient party Sir William Waller had to pursue them marched Westward and Colonell Masseys forces joyned with Sir William Wallers in the prosecution of this running flight of their Enemies And about the 8th of this instant June we had credible enformation touching the siege and taking of Shudley-castle by that noble and renowned Generall Sir Wil. Waller a very strong piece and of much consequence which Sir William plyed so close with his batterring pieces that in a short space he became master of it for they within came soon to a parley with him the issue whereof was That they delivered up themselves prisoners and onely had quarter for all their lives Wherein were taken prisoners Col. Sir William Mourton Lieut. Colonell Sayer Serjeant Major Aldham Serjeant Major Floyd 4 Captaines 7 Lieutenants 1 Cornet 4 Ensignes 7 Gentlemen of quality 289 common souldiers one Drum a Malignant Priest and his 2 Sons 80 horse 2 Drakes many were slain in the fight against the castle but not a man slaine on Sir William Wallers side A rare mercy and singular preservation The very same day also on which the former good service was performed as aforesaid Colonell Purefoy being returned from Glocester and not willing to be idle by the way but having taken up some more strength from Coventry to adde to his owne Warwicke forces set upon the Earl of Northamptons-House commonly called Compton-House being between Banbury and Warwick a place or House of very considerable-strength In which House they found as was credibly enformed 5500 l. in ready money besides 5 or 6 earthen-pots of money afterward found in a fish-pond they tooke also an 120 prisoners and all their Armes 60 Horse 400 sheepe neer an 100 head of Cattell 18 loads of excellent plunder and other good prizes and there also they tooke prisoners Colonel Knotsford and Captain Clarke And now about the 10th of this instant came out the Ordinance of Parliament mentioned a litle before printed and published for the association of Buckinghamshire Berks and Oxfordshire and a Committee was nominated therein for the raising of money upon Papists Malignants and Delinquents estates in those Counties and likewise to settle the Excise there and to levy money upon the Ordinance of Parliament for the 25th parts for the maintenance of the forces that are or shall be raised for the reducing of the Enemies garrisons in those Counties And that the said Committee have power to cut downe the wood and timber of Papists or Malignants to raise fortifications or for other services as there shall be occasion And likewise that they shall call before them the Malignant Clergy and Schollars in those Counties and place and displace such as they shall find occasion thereunto And all this power was put principally into the hands of this brave and loyall Citizen Serjeant Major Generall Brown who was thereby also of purpose made Serjeant Major Generall of all the forces raised or to be raised in all those Counties aforesaid and he had power by this authority of Parliament to assemble a Councill of war as oft as he saw occasion for the executing of justice on all sorts of offenders About the 12. of this instant came certain information by letters and otherwise from that most valiant and worthy Commander Sir William Brereton of an excellent exploit performed by that most valiant and noble Patriot of his Country the Earle of Denbigh against a party of the kings horse which came to raise his siege at Dudley-castle the manner whereof was thus related The King being upon his departure from Bewdley toward Shrewsbury sent a party of about 3000 horse against the Earle of Denbigh at Dudley-castle which horse comming suddenly on them the noble Earle sent a party of forlorn-hope commanded in chiefe by ever honoured Col. Mitton Governour of Wem who most bravely charged the Enemy but their force as I said being all horse and comming violently on our forlorne-hope seemed to be in a forlorn condition being on a sudden desperately engaged and in such a danger that it was advised by the Councill of War That the Earl could not without great hazard to his whole Army attempt to releive the forlorn-hope but must rather leave them to shift as they could and keep their trenches with their main body to receive the Enemy if they came on But the noble Earle to his perpetuall honour hating to see his dear friends sacrifice their lives in a Cause so just as Religion and Liberties and himself stand by a looker on resolved to relieve them maugre all disadvantages or dye in the attempt and with this martiall and most noble resolution he drew up his forces and himselfe in person leading them on against the Enemy with admirable courage cryed out thus to his Souldiers Come on Sirs follow mee for by the grace of God I will rescue Colonell Mitton or lay my bones in the place And thereupon charged them to so good purpose that he soon freed his forlorne-hope and in short time put the Enemies to a disorderly flight if not quite routed them and was in the pursuite of them divers miles together In which flight as was certainly enformed the Enemy lost above an 100 men which were slain in the place and among them one person of speciall note was then killed for whom they made much lamentation there were also 17 persons of quality taken prisoners besides the common-souldiers and 30 more afterward at Master Dudleys House whom that valiant and most worthy Commander Colonell Rudgeley who with his Staffordshire forces did singular good service in this fight tooke prisoners before they could retreat besides Horse and Armes and on the Earles side was onely 7 slain and some wounded I a little before made mention of the good hand of God upon the most valiant and courageous garrison of Lyme in their long and straight Siege by a furious and cruell Enemy And now about the 15th of this instant came certain intelligence of
Kingdomes returne and re-advance with all my said Forces unto a place called Spurstow heath where that night we quartered and thence advanced upon Munday morning towards Whitchurch we quartered that night likewise in the open Fields at a place called the Fennes in Flintshire where yesterday we marched towards Elsmore and so to the said Towne of Oswestree where the Enemy endeavoured by battering and storming of the same violently to have carryed it about two of the clocke in the Afternoon we came in sight of the Towne and within three miles of it where the Enemy having got intelligence of our approach prepared to receive us the chiefe Forces of our Enemy consisting of the most valiant Commanders and Souldiers drawn out of the garrisons of Chester Cheshire Shrewsbury Shropshire Ludlow Denbyshire Flintshire and other places The Enemy had taken the passage of water neere to Whittington and very furiously assaulted and charged us but were repulsed and forced to retyre through the courage of our Horse who most courageously entertained the Enemy three severall times the skirmish was doubtfull either side being forced so often to retreat but in the end our Foot Forces comming up relieved the Horse beat back the Enemy and pursued them with such force that the Horse thereby encouraged which indeed was formerly weary joyning with the Foot they put the Enemy to an absolute flight in which we pursued them Five miles towards Shrewsbury to a place called Felton-heath and where likewise we remained after their flight again thence Masters of the Fieldâ— In the skirmish with the Enemy and in the pursuite wee lost severall of our Horse some of our Troopers but never a Foorman which I am yet informed of many of the Troopers are hurt but I hope they will recover I lost one Captain Williams and one Captain Lieutenant Fletcher a very couragious man being Captain Lieutenant to Colonell Barton in my Brigade was dangerously shot but I hope not mortally As for the Enemy they lost many stout men had many of them taken prisoners the number whereof the inclosed will manifest some of them being of great quality As the Lord Newports eldest Son And besides in their flight such was their haste that wee found in the way of our pursuite of them the high way as it were strewed with store of Bread Cheese Bacon and other good provisions clothes and such necessary appurtenance to an Army besides some whole Veales and Muttons new kill'd The Enemy before the reliefe came had taken the Church being the strongest hold about the Town upon the approach of the reliefe they suddenly deserted it and sent their two battering pieces unto Shrewsbury In the way also were taken by our Forces seven Carts and Waggons loaden with provisions as Beer Bread and other necessaries whereof one was loaden with Powder and other Ammunition the Towne of Oswestree I find to be a very strong Town and if once fortified of great concernment and the Key that lets us into Wales SIR I had to my ayd 3. Regiments of Foot viz. Colonell George Boothes Regiment a gallant Regiment led by himselfe on foot to the face of the Enemy Another by Colonell Manwaring and the third by Colonell Croxon all of them stout and gallant Commanders and the rest of the Officers and Souldiers full of courage and resolution Major Louthien Adjutant Generall that brave and faithfull Commander to whom I cannot ascribe too much honour brought up the Reare that day SIR I rest Yours THO MIDDLETON Prisoners taken at Oswestree at the raising of the siege thereof Francis Lord Newport Son and heir to the Earl of Newport Captain Swinerton Captain of a Troope of Horse twenty Welsh and Shropshire Gentlemen one Cornet of Horse which had no command Lievtenant Norrell one Quartermaster two Corporalls 32 Troopers two pieces of Artillery to come up to the walls to save the Musketteers seven Carryages whereof one of powder 200 common-souldiers most of them Welsh great store of Armes found as was toucht before in the wayes and ditches There was since also taken Major Manly and Major Whitney under the walls of Shrewsbury in the pursuite of them About the 5th of this instant July came certain intelligence out of the North to London of that most famous and glorious victory wherewith it graciously pleased the Lord to crown our three most noble and ever to be renowned Generalls viz. Cenerall Lesley Earl of Leven in Scotland The most noble Earle of Manchester and the most renowned Lord Fairfax Which was most happily obtained on the second of this instant July 1644. being Tuesday toward night and that within the space of lesse than three houres The full and true relation of which Fight and famous Battell although the three most noble Generalls aforesaid sent it to London under their owne hands and divers other relations thereof have been published in print to shew the clearnesse and truth of the thing they every one in substance agreeing one with another yet both in regard of the fulnesse and faithfulnesse as also the pious enlargements of that Copy which was written by that very reverend learned and pious Pastour and Heroicke-spirited Gentleman Master Simon Ash Chaplaine to the most noble valiant and victorious Earle of Manchester I have therefore made choice of his excellent relation and here inserted it verbatim as it was printed and published with onely some interlacing and addition of some few materiall passages cull'd out of other authentick copies for the Readers better satisfaction and much content therein which was as followeth A true Relation of the Fight and famous Victory at Marstone-Moore neere YORKE from Master Ash his owne hand-writing VPon the thirtieth of June being the Sabbath towards evening we had certaine Intelligence that Prince Rupert with his Army were quartered at Burrow-brigs within twelve miles of Yorke and that he intended to fight with us the next day Heereupon the 3 Generalls resolved that night and in the morning to raise the Siege that they might be able to encounter the great Forces now ready to assault them with hope to returne unto the Seige upon the repulsion of the potent enemy You will easily believe that there was much joy and many manifestations thereof in the Citie upon removing of the Forces which had so long begirt it on every side And truely many of our hearts were oppressed with heavinesse looking upon this providence as speaking Divine displeasure against us but our God hath mercifully made knowne the groundlesnesse of our doubts and discouragements for ever blessed bee his Name Upon Monday July 1 we marched with all our Forces unto 〈…〉 on the Sâ—uch-side of the River Owsed with hope there to meet with Prince Rupert in his way towards Yorke In the afternoon our Army was set in Battaliâ— and our Souldiers were full of joy expecting to have a Battaile with the Enemy becaâ—sâ— we were assured by our Scouts that the Prince with his whole
have ascribed the glory of the victory unto man and therefore it pleased the Lord in reference to his owne praise to lessen our strength that so his owne arme might justly be exalted But I say to go on The Enemies being all beaten out of the Field the most noble Earle of Manchester about 11 of the Clock that night did ride about to the Souldiers both Horse and Foot giving them many thankes for the exceeding good service which they had done for the Kingdome And he often earnestly intreated them to give the honour of their Victory unto God alone He also further told them that although he could not possibly that night make provisions for them according to their deserts and necessities yet that he would without faile endeavour their full satisfaction in that kind in the morning betimes The Souldiers unanimously as my Lord had desired and most cheerefully gave God the glory of their deliverance and this great Victory and told his Lordship with much alacrity that though they long fasted and were faint yet they would willingly want three dayes longer rather than give off the Service or leave his Lordship That might we kept the Feild when the Bodies of the dead were stripped and in the morning there was a mortifying object to behold when the naked bodies of thousands lay upon the ground and many were not altogether dead but lay groaning and gasping their last We judged that the number of the slaine was at the least 3000 of the Enemys but the Countrey men who were commanded to bury the dead Corps told us they for certaine buried 4150 bodies and we beleeve as it s most probable they were best able to know the truth by the burying of them Of which 4150 two thirds were assured to be Gentlemen and persons of quality that is almost 2000 which as reverend Master Ash said was the more easily believed by reason of the very white and smoth skinnes of the many dead bodies in the field apparently seene when they were stript And that those of quality slain in this fight might be taken away and have a more honourable buriall than the rest if their friends pleased Sir Charles Lucas was desired as was credibly enformed to goe along to view the corps as they lay spred on the ground and to choose whom he would which he did but would not say whom he knew of them But one gentleman at least that had a bracelet of haire about his wrist he said he knew and desired the bracelet might be taken off saying that an honourable Lady should give thankes for it As he passed along he said in the presence and hearing of many Alas for King CHARLES Vnhappy King CHARLES And we may all most justly say Alas poore ENGLAND Vnhappy ENGLAND to be so miserably rent and torn for the satisfying of impiety folly and wilfullnesse in Papists Prelates and atheisticall Malignants And among the dead men and horses which lay on the Ground we found Prince Ruperts Dog killed which is onely here mentioned by the way because the Princes Dog hath been so much spoken of along time and was more prized by his Master than creatures of much more worth Divers men of good quality were found and knowne to be slaine in the foresaid number as namely The Lord Carey eldest Son to the Earle of Monmouth Colonell Ewers Nephew to the Lord Ewers Colonell Roper brother to the Lord Baltinglasse Sir Wil. Wentworth brother to the Earl of Strafford late Vice-roy of the kingdome of Ireland Sir Francis Dacres neer kinsman to the Lord Dacres Sir William Lambton of an ancient family to the Bishopprick of Durham Colonell Slingsby Son to Sir William Slingâ—by Sir Marmaduke Louddon Sir Thomas Mettom Monnsieur Saint Paula a French Gentleman Sir Richard Gloedhill made knight by the Earl of Newcastle Lieutenant Col. Lisle who heretofore had done good service in Holland Colonell Houghton Son to sir Gilbert Houghton Col. Fenwicke eldest Son to Sir Iohn Fenwicke Col. Prideaux son to BPP Prideaux Lieut. Col. Atkins Lieutenant Colonell to the Marquesse Lieutenant Col. Stonywood a Commander in the late warrs of Ireland Davenant the Poet also a loose liv'd Gentleman and divers others not yet so particularly known but these thus named I had from credible testimony Wee also tooke at least 1500 prisoners of which also many were men of quality and great esteem with the Enemy viz. Sir Charles Lucas Lieutenant Gen. to the Horse Porter Major Gen. to their Foot forces Major Generall Tilliard a very stout and able souldier who came out of Ireland the Lord Gorings Son with divers other Field-Officers Wee tooke all the Enemyes Cannon Ammunition Waggons and Baggage The Earl of Manchester had for his part ten pieces of Ordnance one case of Drakes about 1500 Muskets 40 barrels of powder three tun of great and small bullet 800 Pikes besides Swords Bandileers c. Now it is very admirable to consider and we cannot but admire Cods rare mercy in it how few were slain in the Battell on our side In the Earl of Manchesters Army Captain Walton had his leg shot off with a Cannon bullet and onely Captain Pue a foot Captain was slain and not above six more of our foot that we could find slain and about twenty wounded in the Moore The totall number that we could reckon and find to be slain in all our Armies was at most but between 2 and 300 of which our greatest number was among them who ran away and the carriage-keepers Many of our Souldiers the horsemen especially met with much gold and silver and other Commodities of good worth and indeed they very well deserved such encouragements by their excellent service and brave adventures and therefore as our proverbe is Win gold and wear gold Thus did the Lord put on righteousnesse as a brest-plate and an helmet of Salvation upon his head and he put on the garments of vengeance for cloathing and was clad with zeal as with a cloake And according to their deeds accordingly he did repay fury to his adversaries and recompence to his Enemies Yea surely in this famous battell the Lord seemed to say and sound courage into the hearts of our Souldiers as Nehemiah to his people at the reedifying of Ierusalem when they were molested by wicked Tobiah Sanballet and their accursed complices Be not affraid of them but remember the Lord your God who is great and terrible and fight for your brethren your sons and your daughters your wives and your houses And thus far we have principally made worthy use of reverend and religious Master Ash his unquestionable authentick relation of this most famous fight and most memorable victory with some interlacing I say of some materiall passages which I borrowed from most credible testimony And now although that our foresaid very venerable author and precious pattern by whom I have thus chosen to write hath in
that most famous defeat and glorious Victory given by the good hand of God to the Parliaments three most renowned and victorious Generalls the most religious and renowned Earl of Manchester his Excellency Generall Lesley and the ever to be honoured valiant and victorious Lord Fairfax against that barbarous and bloody hair-braind ignoble Rupert the disgrace of his progenitors and indelible stain of his Posterity In the notable and unexpected discovery of the Lord of Râ—chfords disloyalty to the Parliament in speciall and Kingdome in generall The taking of Greenland-house by Major Generall Browne And Taunton-castle by the most Noble Lord Generalls Forces In the taking of Cholmley-house by the most noble Earl of Denbigh Colonell Rossiter Governour of Lincoln his valour and activity against the common-Common-Enemy Captain Sydenhamâ— and Captaine Carrs most brave exploit against the Lord Inchiquin and the religious resolution of the Parliament to establish a learned and godly Ministry In the taking of Wilne-Ferry and Fort by the noble Lord Grey and valiant and faithfull Sir John Gell the said Lord Greys valour and vigilancy for the good of his Country and the most solemn and memorable Celebration of the Day of Thankesgiving at London for the most famous victory which God gave us at the great and bloody fight nere the City of Yorke In the most happy surrendering up of the City of York it self unto the three most noble Lord Generalls forementioned and the pious and prudent Message and motion which the said noble Generalls made and sent to the Parliament in point of farther thankfullnesse to God and satisfaction even to the worst of men In the most noble renowned and truely religious Earl of Manchesters successefull and victorious advance and progresse with his brave Army in taking Tickhill-castle and farther prosperous proceedings since the last great victory at Yorke And lastly In the brave defeates given to the Roysterly-regall Enemies both by Col. Laughorn and Capt. Moulton in Pembrookeshire by the noble Earl of Denbighs and Warwick Forces at Evesham the famous and ever to be renowned Garrison of Lyme at Colliton and Chard and finally in the most noble and renowned Lord Generalls brave and victorious and famous progresse into Devonshire and Cornwall and all those Western parts wherein hitherto by Gods power and providence he might worthily say as conquering Caesar said Veni vidi vici even all for the most part either voluntarily comming in unto him or violently enforced thereunto by his valiant and victorious forces All which most seriously and religiously considered have we not good Reader great cause justly and ingenuously to confesse and acknowledge to see and say with holy Samuel EBEN-EZER and to make this the glorious and gracious Motto of our Parliamentary Barke the Ark of our God most deeply ingraving it with indelible characters of golden-gratefull Remembrance HITHERTO HATH THE LORD HELPED VS And therefore zelously and constantly to conclude and hold maugre all malicious contradiction whatsoever that our title is most truely and infallibly ratified from heaven by all those manifold and even miraculous premises and patternes thereof that GODS Arke hath most triumphantly over-topped and been born above all the Worlds boysterous Billows swelling surges And hitherto the Lords most faithfull and glorious Cause blessedly embarked in our most pious Parliament hath in all its just undertakings most impregnably prevailed and been preserved against all the Malignant Atheisticall and Papisticall Machinations Plots and Practizes that men or devills were ever able to invent and foment against Gods Truth and a glorious and pure Gospel-Reformation In so much that now upon all these serious considerations of the Enemies combinations and injurious conjurations on the one side and our Gods most omnipotent and omniprudent frustrations of them all thus from time to time wee may most worthily say as the holy Prophet once said especially on the gracious and most gratefull recordation of that most memorable and admirable victory at Marston-Heath neere Yorke and also all those late forementioned Westerne victories even of this last Moneth of July wee may say and that most worthily as the LORD God himselfe said by the holy Prophet Now also many nations are gathered together against thee O English ISRAEL that say let her be defiled and let our eyes looke on Zions defilement But they know not the thoughts of the Lord neither understand they his Counsell For hee hath gathered them together as sheaves into the barn-floor And hath said to all our renowned Generalls and to their Armies Arise and thresh O daughter of Zion for I have made thy horne as iron and thy horses hoofes as brasse and thou shalt beat and bruise in pieces as with a strong flale many people and I will consecrate their gain to my selfe saith the Lord and their substance to the Lord of the whole Earth And hast not thou ô England as then Zion was promised seen all this come to passe for thy sake upon thine Enemies Even many nations brought together English Irish Dutch French Walloons who not that could be was not gathered against thee to defile and spoil thee yea to glut their accursed eyes and hearts with wicked joy at thy ruine and defilements But ah wicked fooles how ignorant and unacquainted were they with the Lords Counsels and how farre his thoughts were above and against their thoughts who brought them but together at York and else where like so many Sheaves on the barn-floar of Marston-Heath and there and then most graciously and gloriously said to our renouned Generalls Commanders and Souldiers Arise arise and thresh those Sheaves of shame and dishonour for I have made your Swords and instruments of war as Iron flales and your horses hoofs as brasse to trample on them and tear them in peices And then did the Lord also most triumphantly consecrate unto himselfe and we as we were able most worthily gave their gain and substance even all the honour and glory of these great and most famous victories to the Lord our God alone whose strong arme alone got us and gave us these glorious victories over all those our fierce and furious Enemies Yea he alone I say According to their deeds accordingly hath repayed fury to his Churches and Childrens adversaries recompense to his Enemies and to the Irish I stand he hath repayed and will yet still repay recompence And thus indeed it must needs be for Their strength and defence was departed from them and our God had made them as bread for us to eat and devour Yea our God hath for us wounded and broken in pieces the heads of these Leviathans and given them as meat to us his poore despised people And hath wounded the hairy scalps of all these that thâ—s went on in their insatiable wickednesse That thus therefore the great name of the Lord might be feared from the North to the West and his glorious splendour from the rising of the Sun
Namptwich Sir Wil. Brereton followes Capell and makes him retreat to Wem The Lord Capell soundly beaten at Wem All this Relation was written and attested by a very pious Souldier of this action Divers rare passages of Gods providence preservation of our forces in this defeat Thirty or forty of our horse and Dragoons chase and beat a thousand of their horse Psal 62. 9 10. The renowned Earl of Manchester spoiles Newark of provision Bullingbrook-Castle taken by the Lord Willoughbie of Parrhaâ— The declining condition of the Earl of Newcastles armie The defection also of the Gentrie of Yorkshire from him A yet farther defection of other Northern Counties from the Kings partie The Cessation of armes in Ireland a main cause of this foresaid defection The Kings Declaration from Oxford justifying that abominable Irish Cessation Mark this well ô English-MalignaÌ„ts touching this Irish Cessation Mark this also and admire it Almost twâ— hundred thousand Englâ—sh Protestants butchered in that most barbarous Irish-Massacre Mark this also And this too and tremble at it Isaiah 5. 20 The contrary effects of the Irish Cessation A New-Broad Sâ—â—l of England Sir Wil. Waller apprehends the Lord Saulton a Popish Scotish Lord at Newbery and 4000 li in money with him The brave fight at Stamford Mount neer Plimouth and the excellent effect it produced A proper note and fitly applyed Pools brave performances Captain Layes undaunted resolution at the Town of Warham Warham prepares to encounter the Poolians The Poolians politick carriage in approaching the Town Pool-men enter the Town of Warham The enemies flie Prisoners taken Prizes taken The Poolians victorious and safe return The Earl of Warwick made Lord high Admirall of England The brave exloits of the most valiant and faithfull Governour and garrison of Warwick Castle The valiant brave performances of Sir Wil. Brereton Sir Thomas Midleton An OrdinaÌ„ce of Parliament granting Letters of Mart to Merchants and Seamen against the enemies of the Parliament The Arks safe arrivall at the end of this Monethly voyage The holy-Merchant-like improvement of this Moneths voyage to Gods glorie A Summarie recitall of all the rare and rich mercies of this Moneths voyage 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Gods little flock preserved thus in his Ark gives all the honour to God alone December 1643. A New Great Seal of England The New Great Seal of England confirmed The names of the Commissioners The manner of the Solemnity of the delivery of the New great Seal of Eâ—gland to the Commissioners The Solemn-League or Covenant to be farther pressed where not yet taken The House of Peers take the solemn League and Covenant The Earles Lords that took the Covenant at westminster Commanders in Armes Knights and Gentlemen also take this Covenant The Covenant sealed in the City of London with the Loan of an 100000â—â— The main end of this holy League and Covenant Oxford Spiders suck poyson out of the herb Grace GODS Ark carried on prosperously notwithstanding all advers blustring blasts against it Many deserted Oxford took the Covenant The brave exploits of renowned Colonell Massie at Gloucester Colonell Vavasor beaten from Tewksbery Sir John Winter frighted from Newnham Wotton garrison also dissolved discomfited by Col. Massey A plot against the Citie of Gloucester prevented The manner of discovering the plot Sir John Winters plot defeated A brave defeat given to the Lord Digbie at Plyâ—â—uth The Town forced to a retreat The enemie put to a retreat The enmie soundly beaten The slain and prisoners taken A brave defeat given to the enemie at Dunscot neer Tociter by the Northampton forces The most famous defeat given to the L. Craford at Alton is Surrey The manner of their ordering the business They marched at night The secret carriage of their march The Lord Craford and 300 horse got out of the Town The slain and prisoners taken in the pursuite The Town begirton all sides with our horse and foot The enemie is beaten out of their trenches Our men enter the Town A very fierce fight for the space of neer two houres The enemie fought valiantly Lievt Colonell Boles slain in the fight The Town is totally taken Major Shambrock shoe with a pistoll in the church after quarter given The prisoners and prizes taken The slain on the enemies side The slain on our side Above 500 of the prisoners take the Covenant and served under Sir William Waller Sir Wil. Waller sends the Lord Craford a hogs head of Sacâ— The Lo Crafords Letter to Sir 〈…〉 Sir Ral Hoptons Letter to Sir Wil Waller A remarkable passage of Gods providence Mr John Piâ—s departure out of this life A plot to convey away the young Duke of Gloucester and the Ladie Princess Elizabeth to Oxford discovered and prevented The triumphant return of the trained Bands of London and Westminster with their prisoners The prisoners they brought The brave company that went out of the Citie to meet them An excellent Ordinance of Parliament for the conservation of the good government of the Citie of London The brave exploits of valiant Colonell Sydenham of Pool The notable reformation at Canterbury in the Cathedrall in Kent Austine first Bishop of Canterbury Christ and the 12 Apostles Twelve more Popish Saints Picture of God the Father and the Holy-Ghost Pretty sport with a Prebendaries wife of Canterbury As good sport also with her husband the Prebendary himself Seven figures of the Virgine Mary A Cathedrall Petty-Canon shoots his fools bolt at this work Thomas Becket a Romish Saint an English traytor Gainesborough stormed by Sir Tho. Fairfax and Sir John Meldrum and a brave prize taken The Kings partie most unsuccessfull ever since the Irish Cessation Pious Serjeant Major 〈◊〉 Skippon and his brave Londoners at Grafton-House Grafton-house stormed by the Londoners and brave Northampton forces Grafton-house taken and the rich prizes and spoiles therein An OrdinaÌ„ce of Parliament enabling the Militia for the City of London to send forth two regiments unto Sir Wil. Waller A notable plot against Nortingham Castle Colonell Hutchinso Governour of Nottingham Castle his constancy and fidelity to God and his Cause * The offers to Captain White was 10000li. and 100 to his Officers to procure it A Pack of Cavalerian plots A brave defeat given to the Belvoir Cormorants by Colo. Waight Governour of Burleigh-house Colo. Waight sends the enemie a challenge Capt. Plunket a most wicked and bloudie Irish-Rebell slain Colo. Waights brave resolution at a second charge The enemy is put to flight The prisoners and prizes taken A most worthy act in Colonell Waight after the fight The siege of Plymouth deserted The enemie resolves to storme Plymouth A very fierce encounter on both sides At least one hundred of the enemies slain and not above 16 of ours The Siege quite deserted and 660 of the sick enemies left behind Major Generall Basset his ingenuous coÌ„fession touching this siege The horrible malice mischiefe of the Kings
strong Stone-wall but God seasonably sending Colonell Hubbard and Colonell Palsgrave to his assistance both with men and Ordnance the brave Colonell with this auxiliarie strength immediately advanced to the said Burleigh-House sate down before it and having commodiously planted his Ordnance shot at it two or three houres beginning about three of the clock that morning but could doe no good that way the house being so strongly built Then the noble Colonell sounded a parley to the enemie and offered them quarter to have their lives and libertie to depart without their weapons But the enemy utterly refused the motion resolutely answering that they would neither take nor give quarter Heerupon the valiant Colonell gave present order to storm and assault it with his Musketteers whereupon the fight grew very hot and was bravely performed on both sides for a while and with much difficultie and danger on ours the enemy being very active and confident and thus the assault continued divers houres till at last the Cavaliers courage began to fall ours pressing on them very fiercely and furiously so that they sounded a parley from within the House whereupon the as virtuous as valourous Colonell commanding presently that not one of his Souldiers should dare to shoot or kill any man during the parley on pain of death notwithstanding their former cruell and bloudy answer to his foresaid proffer of quarter to them In brief they soon concluded upon quarter for their lives and so they took them all being 2 Colonells 6 or 7 Captaines 3 or 400 foot about an 150 or 200 horse with all their armes and ammunition together with the pillage of the whole house Admirable was the providence of God in this victory in that in all this fight which continued about nine or ten houres not above six or seven of our men were slain though many were hurt in that so hot and fierce an encounter or assault onely about two miles beyond Stamford toward Grantham some 400 Club-men coming to the ayd of the Cavaliers and having kill'd some of our Colonells Scouts he sent three or foure troops of horse to meet and encounter them who at the first onset had almost slain one of the Captaines of one of our said troopes so furiously they fell upon ours at the first whereupon ours being instantly much enraged fell very fiercely upon them and had quickly slain about fiftie of them and forced the rest to flie into a great Wood hard by them for their lives Immediately after this brave victory thus most successfully atchieved namely about July the 31 1643. this noble and renowned Colonell sent a Letter to Cambridge to the Parliaments Committee there informing them of his brave proceedings also with the Earl of Newcastles Popish forces who had then lately again besieged Gainesborough which for the Readers better content therein and clearer satisfaction I have thought fit heer to insert verbatim as it came to my hands The Copie of a Letter written by Colonell Cromwell to the Committee at Cambridge July the 31 1643. Gentlemen IT hath pleased the Lord to give your Servant and Souldiers a notable victory now at Gainesborough I marched after the taking of Burleigh-House upon the Wednesday to Grantham where I met about 300 horse and Dragooneers of Nottingham with these by agreement with the Lincolners wee met at North-Scarl which is about ten miles from Gainesborough upon the Thursday in the evening where wee â—arried untill two of the clock in the morning and then with our whole body advanced toward Gainesborough About a mile and half from the Town we met a forlorn hope of the Enemy of neer an 100 horse our Dragoneers laboured to beat them back but not aliting from their horses the Enemy charged them and beat some four or five of them off their horse then our horse came up and charged them and made them retire into their main bodie Wee advanced and came to the bottome of a steep hill upon which the enemy stood wee could not well get up but by some tracts which our men assaying to doe the body of the enemie endeavoured to hinder but wherein wee prevailed and got the top of the hill This was done by the Lincolners who had the Vanguard When wee all had recovered the top of the hill wee saw a great bodie of the enemies horse facing us at about a Muskets shot or less distance and a good reserve of a full regiment of horse behinde it wee endeavoured to put our men into as good order as wee could they enemy in the mean time advanced toward us to take us at a disadvantage but in such order as wee were wee charged their great bodie I having the right wing we came up horse to horse where wee disputed it with our swords and pistolls a pretty time all keeping close order so that one could not break the other at last they a little shrinking and our men perceiving it and pressing in upon them immediately we routed this whole bodie some flying on one side others on the other side of the enemies reserve and our men pursuing them had chase and execution about 5 or 6 miles I perceiving this body which was the reserve standing still unbroken kept back my Major Whaley from the chase and with mine own troop and the other of my regiment in all three troops wee got into a bodie In this reserve stood Generall Cavendish who one while faced mee another while faced foure of the Lincoln-Troopes which was all of ours that then stood upon the place the rest being ingaged in the chase at last the Generall charged the Lincolners and routed them I immediately fell on his rear with my three Troopes which did so astonish him that he gave over the charge would fain have delivered himself from me but I pressing on forced them down a hill having good execution of them and below the hill drove the Generall with some of his Souldiers into a Quagmire where my Captain Lievtenant slew him with a thrust under his short ribs the rest of the bodie being also wholly routed and not one man staying upon the place Wee after this defeat which was so totall relieved the Town with such powder and provision as wee brought which done wee had notice that there were 6 troopes of horse and 300 foot on the other side of the Town about a mile off us whereupon wee desired some foot of my Lord Willoughbies about 400 and with our horse and their foot marched toward them when we came toward the place where their horse stood we beat back with my troopes about two or three troops of the enemies who retired into a small village at the bottome of the hill When wee had recovered the hill we saw in the bottome about a quarter of a mile from us a regiment of foot and after that another and then also Newcastles own regiment
of War how prejudiciall this was like to prove to his designes he heerupon led on his misled animals to Namptwich hoping to get abroad what he prudently foresaw he was like to loose neer home but being come to Namptwich he found that that Garrison gave him his hands and his belly full ere Sir William Brereton who most providently watching his motions was on his march toward them could come to their relief Which also this nimble gallant perceiving he quickly retreats toward Wem and with his whole armie consisting of about 4000 horse and foot fell desperately upon that small strength which Colonell Midleton and Colonell Mitton had there who contrary to his good Lordships expectation did most bravely maintain the fight untill renowned active and indefatigable Sir William Brereton was come againe from Namptwich to their rescue assistance who being now all together did such execution upon the enemie that it with the particular circumstances of Gods admirable providence therein deserve to be perpetuated to all posteritie in those parts The particulars whereof being so memorable I have heer thought fit for the Readers better satisfaction and more full content to set down as they came from singular good hands which were as follow 1. That whiles wee quartered at Drayton as wee were on our March to assist Sir Thomas Midleton and the rest when there came with all possible speed upon us no less as was credibly reported than a 1000 horse from Shrewshery to have surprized us in our quarteâ—s they were all repelled and beaten back again by onely a partie of thirtie or fortie horse and Dragooneers commanded by Captain Munck there being divers of them slain and the rest pursued by our horse many miles toward Shrewsbery at which time some of Major Bromhalls men were taken prisoneâ—s some slain and some wounded and one Geâ—rge Cook a very valiant man of Sir William Breretons own troop was slain and one Peter Anlet another of them taken prisoner but afterward redeemed 2. That wee were not interrupted in our march to Wem all the next day nor disquieted or disturbed there during six or seven dayes untill wee had made some works of defence which though they were then but sleight and weak yet were of some encouragement and advantage to our men 3. That when they had made mightie preparation to hinder us in our fortification at Wem and that notwithstanding all the forces they could make united into a bodie which were said to consist of three or foure thousand which quartered within three or foure miles of Wem yet that they should and did receive interruption by two or three Companies of our Dragooneers who were quartered at Lappington a little village about two miles from Wem who hearing of the enemies approach betook themselves to the protection of the Church and Churchyard which they did most valiantly maintain a long time untill by the multitudes of the enemies encompassing them they were enforced to betake themselves onely to the Church where they behaved themselves so valiantly as that their enemies could not take the Church untill they fired the porch roof of the Church which were covered with shingles by which meanes some of our men were almost suffocated and stifled so as they were constrained to deliver up themselves prisoners though wee speedily rescued many of them Our Souldiers then wounded were Major Spotswood and Captain Daughtie since reported to be dead and one other Captain wounded and their Cannonier wounded or slain and their whole armie was repulsed by less than 200 foot and 300 horse of ours who hasted from Wem to the relief of our men in the Church so soon as they heard the enemies Cannon play and our horse pursued and routed them so as they left one of their Cannons within our power but by reason of the darknesse of the night wee knew not thereof nor could we see to pursue them the lanes being narrow and hedges thick They took Major Bromhall prisoner and we took Master Needham the Lord Vicount Kilmurreys sonne prisoner If they had then come on to Wem they had found the Town very weak and naked and much less able in respect of the workes to make resistance and defence than when they did make their violent assault upon tuesday and wednesday 17. and 18. October 4. That betwixt the first and second assault at which time they were much more encouraged by the increase of their strength from Litchfield Dudley Worcester and some from the Kings armie and when their forces were all united and in readinesse The Lord in his wisdome and goodness was pleased so to order as that there were many interruptions and diversions which occasioned their delay as want of cariages and steering their course toward us and assaulting Namptwich on purpose to withdraw the Cheshire forces out of Wem during which intermission wee made good use of our time in Wem to perfect the workes 5. That when they all came against Namptwich upon Munday October 16. they were so confident of surprizing the same as that the Lord Capell as it is reported returned backe all the Chester horse which were tendered unto him and coming to his assistance returning this answer That he had strength sufficient to take Namptwich to which end he did speedily and that before notice was given of his approach seize upon and possesse himselfe of Acton Church and Dartford house and attempted to force their passage by the way of Beame-bridge but by the valour of those few men who were left in the Town they were repulsed from passing the water not without the losse of divers of their men Foure whereof were found dead in the ditch those that attempted to undermine the walls in the darknesse of the night were taken prisoners and this night and the next morning there were neer forty prisoners taken besides many horses and armes and many of their men run away And upon the newes of our approach to their reliefe they sent away their carriages and marched after them with speed towards Wem This was the fift time they did come before and attempt this poore Town of Namptwich which the Lord hath miraculously preserved and defended and returned them alwayes backe with shame and dishonour 6. That whilst the Cheshire Souldiers continued in Wem which were about 500 Musketteers besides horse the enemy did forbeare to make any attempt against the Town but were repulsed and beaten off with great loss by a far lesse number than the third part of those who were commanded out of the Town and gone to relieve Namptwich as though the Lord judged all too many and preferred rather to deliver them by Gideons three hundred to whom the whole glory of this deliverance is to be attributed and ascribed 7. The unparalleld magnanimity resolution and dexterity of those young Souldiers who were not in any service except some of them in that skirmish at Lappington before they were ingaged in this
Admirall for the Maria-Pinace to ride before this Town We are yet in safety blessed be God but daily braved by the Enemy yet hitherto they have not dared to fasten upon this Town And I have observed that they have never come before this place or neer it but we have still worsted them we have alwayes taken prisoners horses armes wounded or slain some of them On Thursday last we took sixe men and Horse wherof one was a Cornet On Saturday wee tooke two men Horses and Armes shot a Captaine who lyes languishing at Rumsey and wounded three men more The Lord bee still our defence and refuge and give us thankfull hearts for his preservation over us This poor County of Hampshire having had its share of blood and misery in this sad Tragedie of our Nation that there is hardly left any thing for man or beast therein I perceive you have received knowledge of a treacherous practice for the delivery of this Town but lest you should bee misinformed therein I will give you a briefe account thereof Some few daies before Christ-tide last the Lord Hopton marched with his Army from Winchester towards Southampton with a purpose to face it as we were informed but he came not within two Miles thereof to outface it but marched to Redbridge the way into the New Forrest brake it downe to hinder us of Provision from thence after so horrible an Act he faced about and marched to his old quarters again without attempting any further atchievement The next day here arrived a Letter from one Mr. Iasper Cornelius sometimes an Atturney of this Town but run away before my comming hither for Malignancy directed to Mr. R. Mason a Merchant of this Towne intimating that this Cornelius was the day before with the Lord Hopton before this Towne and was the meanes of diverting the Lord Hoptons intent of attempting this place and tells Mr. Mason he had made choice of him to deliver an inclosed Letter to me with all secresie which I received yet the said Cornelius was an unknowne man to me by his Letter he insinuates that then was a fit time for me to doe his Majesty good service and that I was not the man I was formerly meaning as I conceived that the government of this Towne was imposed upon my honoured friend Colonel Norton which I long sued to be eased thereof and by it he thought I was a disconted person and so fit to be wrought upon but he was deceived I being never better pleased then to be eased of so great a burthen which I had borne long enough though it pleased his Excellency to require my service with a more sutable command to my disposition made me Serjeant Major to Colonell Norton which pleased me farre better after the receit of this Letter I instantly acquainted my Colonell and Master Mayor therewith we all agreed I should shew a seeming complying the better to bottome their designe and to find out what malignant party they had made in this Town I forthwith gave him a copie of a Character to explaine his minde more fully To which he replied That by the command of his Superiours he did in the name of His Majesty and his Countrey and two Lords which he named offer me a thousand pounds in money a present imployment of more value and honour than at present I had His Majesties pardon under the great Seale and his favour if I would be a meanes to reduce the Towne of Hampton to His Majestie I returned a seeming complying Answere and demanded the one thousand pounds in hand or the moity thereof and assurance given me for the residue the imployment named the Pardon sent me this performed he should soon see what I would say to it In the interim my Colonell acquainted my Lord Generall and Sir William Waller with the offer made by Cornelius wherein I continued the Treaty to regaine time untill Sir William Waller had finished his businesse at Arundel and drawne his Army this way and then to have drawne the Enemy hither in hope of gaining this place whilest Sir William might have fallen behind them in this place of advantage and so to have deceivd such treacherous corrupters I continued the Treaty untill I had his Majesties Signe Manuall for a Pardon sent me and afterwards the Pardon it selfe but I could get no money but strong engagements of honour to performe with me when the worke desired was effected I whiled out a moneths time with them to the exchange of eight Letters Master Robert Mason being still the man they employed to bring theirs and receive my Letters whom they had bound to secrecie by an Oath before I knew thereof who brought me the copy thereof hoping to have gained me to the like saying he had no engagement all this time on me neither by protestation nor promise to performe with them and which I still delayed which put the Projectors to a jealousie that I was not reall all to them yet to draw them still on I framed some offers in the nature of Articles for my selfe and this Towne to which the Lord Hopton subscribed that upon his honour he would performe them but I still pressed for the money but could not obtaine it they fearing I would Craford them as Poole did yet Master Mason offered me to become bound for it which I accepted of but before he could performe on Friday last was sevennight he earnestly pressed me to declare my reality in the designe I saw the man in a distracted extasie by his over-zealousnesse and rashnesse for them having no assurance of me my bowels pittied him his wife and many children told him plainly I never intended to be a villaine and traytor to betray a trust committed to me and the lives and goods of so many innocent people to be made a prey to cruelty and told him I have revealed it from the beginning to my Colonell Then he begged I would conceale his name I told him I could not but in compassion of his condition gave him leave to goe to his house being but three Houses from mine in which time I went foorthwith to acquaint my Colonell with what had hapned betweene Master Mason and my selfe wee concluded instantly to seize his person and caused all the gates to be secured but yet hee escaped from us and could not be found although we searched carefully for him since we heare he is at Winchester and shall be preferred and imployed in matter of trust In all the time of our Treaty I could not discover that he had any confederates of any Townsmen with him but had undertaken it to carry it alone But I was grieved that I was conceived by the adverse part to be a fit Instrument for them But now they have tryed me I am confident they will never doe the like but to revenge themselves on me But I will to all the world declare and maintaine my faithfulnesse to my Countrey and Cause I have
regular fortification and might have proved great offence to us whereupon they contracted themselves retreating in great fear and confusion toward Newark and the other side of Trent where at a generall Rendevouz at or about Mansfield they met with all Newcastles horse who together with them made up about an 100 troopes who quartered on that side Trent to the almost undoing of that part of the Country Now his Lordship being much affected with the distresse of the Country and perceiving that the vagabond-like Enemie declined to fight with him and were onely inclined to plunder he advanced to Grantham and from thence to Lincoln resolving by the Almighties assistance to attempt and take that place whereby he might either really weaken those Enemies of God and this Kingdome or else necessitate them to fight with us We came to Lincoln on Fryday the third of this Moneth iâ— the afternoone on which day in the morning Colonell Sir Peregrin Bartie high sheriffe of this County the Earle of Lindseyes brother and sometime Governour of this City was brought prisoner unto us by a party of ours We drew up our whole army in the face of the City on the brow of the hill neer Lanwicke and perceiving the enemy had made the entrance into that part which is called the old Towne very strong my Lord sent a trumpet to them with a fair demand of the place for the King and Parliament whereunto a very uncivill answer was returned reproaching us with the defeat at Newarke hoping we should be served here as there The next day we sent out a party of our Horse towards Gainsbrough and tooke some Prisoners who told us of a great body of Horse to the number of 5 or 6000. that were comming against us under Colonell Gorings Command which made my Lord resolve to storme them that afternoone and to that intent the scaling Ladders were brought forth and the Foot made ready to set on but second and better thoughts stayed us till next morning we having intelligence that they were farre enough off from comming to their reliefe for that night My Lord in the meane time sent 2000 Horse under the Command of Lieutenant generall Cromwell to meet the Enemy and to stop them from comming to relieve the City and thereupon the Foot were by Order drawne off from about the Hill which the Enemy perceiving it caused them to insult hooping and hollowing against us thinking we were affraid to set upon them but the next morning they were forced to sing another note in another tune For that night Order was given for the Foot to lye on the severall quarters of the Hill round about their Workes and to bee all in a readinesse to fall on from every quarter when they heard the great Ordnance goe off which was betweene 2 and 3 in the morning there being accordingly 6 Pieces together let fly And my Lord had a little before commanded 2 Regiments of Foot viz. Colonell Russells and Colonell Montagues to draw down toward the Gate and Draw-bridge which they accordingly did with admirable alacrity and resolution being led on by those two most valiant and religious Colonels who through the might of God so undauntedly approached the Enemy that after a very short dispute even within lesse than a quarter of an houre terrour seized on the enemies spirits and our men seized on their workes and so with incredâ—ble courage possest themselves of the low Town the enemy flying to the upper Towne and castle Ours tooke divers of the enemy in this brave bickering without the losse of any on our side which we humbly acknowledge to Gods glory to be a great mercy Upon the enemies retreat they endeavoured to have fired the low Town but ours pursuing closely prevented their mischievous intention in a great part and helped most industriously to quench those houses which they had fired We pursued no farther at this present resolving by Gods helpe to have stoâ—med the other part of the Towne and castle the next morning by breake of day though the common souldiers seemed to be impatient even of that short and needfull delay but by reason of much rain which fell that night and all the next day and night we were necessitated to deferre this worke till Monday following in which interim the Lord gave us the Sabbath day wherein we might seeke him for his blessing in so great a businesse Now the Enemy having by their Horse whom Colonell Cromwell strongly waited on with our whole Body of Horse enforced us thereunto it was consulted on whether the former resolution of Storming the next morning should hold or not it was presently agreed againe that by the help of our God the Lieutenant Generâ—l should with our Horse attend the Enemies Horse as aforesaid our Foot storm the Towne which was done accordingly wherein we received merveilous mercie from God who gave much wisdome and valour to our men as was then manifested for that at most in one quarter of an houre as was fore-showne wee gained their Workes every Division beating backe the Enemy and entring the places allotted to them to the admiration of the wisest and ablest of our enemies who did confesse that though they knew our intentions to storme them that night and therefore had drawne out all their Forces being 21 Foot Companies and 2 Troops of Horse besides the helpe of many of the City to make good their Works against our assault yet they were not able to stand out against the fiercenesse of our men whom as they said they thought to bee starke mad to come on in so desperate a manner at which as then so now on this second on-set they were so amazed and terrified that they fled to hide themselves but their pursuers found them out though they were crept into their Cathedrall many of them For our men never left running and pursuing of them untill they came to the top of the hill which would have been enough to have tyred a very Horse where being under the Castle-workes ours set up the Scaling-ladders which they in the Castle seeing left their Firing and fell busily to throwing downe of great stones upon us from over their Works and Walls by which we received more hurt than by all their former shot yet all would not daunt our men but up to the top of the Ladders they got which proved 100 short many of them to reach to the top of their Wallâ—s and their Workes they being most of them as high as London walls but yet they made shift to get up which the Enemy perceiving they had no spirit now left in them but betooke themselves to their heeles from the walls and our men close following them having all got over the walls and works shouting and hollowing and following them as fast as they fled but they not knowing whither to runne cryed out for Quarter saying they were
1. Haverford-west strangly taken without looking for as yet or fighting for Our forces marched toward Tynby summon it Admirable resolution in the assaulting of Tynby on both sides Commissary Guyne a stout souldier but a desperate enemy to Gods Cause The enemies Mr Gunner slaine The rare providence of God over ouâ— men Harm watch harme catch Tynby taken though of almost impregnable strengh The prize taken Carew Castle taken A sum of the totall Victory over the Earl of Carbury Capt. Jordanes good successe at sea chasing the Earle of Marlbrough the kings admiral Two ships taken at sea with their prizes Two ships more their prizes taken Glocesters good condition Col. Beares brave defeat given to the Earle of Northampton at Cambden Col. Massey stil victorious Our Brethren of Scotland passe over the River Tyne without resistance Newcastles great losse of Souldiers lying in the field Captain Tho. Pynes most brave defeat given to the Cormorants at Colliton neer unto Lyme Security is the bane of safety The prisoners and prize taken Excellent Reformation of the Cathedral at Westminster Quantum mutatur ab illo Popish trumpery expelld pious preaching establisht An introduction to the subsequent famous victory at Alsford Asshur is but Gods Rod to scourge his sinning children Psal 125. 3. Hoptons preparation Sir VVilliam VVallers preparation Hoptons head-quarter was at Winchester Sir William Wallers head-quarter A necessary preamble before the Fight Oxfords blustring Bravadoes about the raising of the Siege at Newarke Mercurius Aulicus the Kings Lyer in chiefe 〈…〉 Notorious boasts lyes to cousen the poore seduced Souldiers A message sent to Sir VVill. VValler not to engage himselfe in fight A true exact relation of the famous fight most memorable victory obtained at Alsford by renouned sir VV. VValler against sir R. Hopton The Enemies plot to surprise us at Church prevented A brave skirmish between us and the Enemy A Councill of War called on both sides The fight fiercely begun The day at this time very doubtfull Major Gen. Browne bravely charges the Enemies horse The Enemies put to the rout retreat The Enemy put totally to flight Prisoners taken The Lo. Iohn brother to the Duke of Lenox slaine in this â—ight Zach. 8 19. This moneths Fast day repayed within 2 or 3 dayes after with a blessed Feast day A returne of Prayers Exod. 15. 11. The pursuite of the Victory The Enemies flye to Basting-house and Andover c. How the Enemies Ordnance escaped from being all taken Sir William Waller is come to Winchester Gloucester fully relieved with necessaries The Kentish mens brave behaviour in this fight The admirable valour also of the City Regiment Observations upon the Victory Malignants lying mouthes stopt with the undeniable truths concerning this Victory The Lady Hopton and a traine of 200. taken by Sir Will. Belfore together with mony plate Whitchurch in Dâ—rsetshire taken with Sir John Mills a 100 Gentlemen more The Isle of Wights memorable and commendable Act of love to sir VVilliam VVallers army A day of publike thankesgiving ordered to be kept in all Churches for Gods great mercy in this so famous victory A most gratefull Summary recapitulation of all the Parliamentary Mercies of this Moneth Gods Arke over-topping the Worlds Waves swelling Psal 93. 3 4. Psal 68. 1 2 3 April 1644. A most excellent Ordinance of Parliament for the better sanctifying of the Lords day A fair gale of winde to carry on our floating Arke in the voyage Sir Iohn Gell that famous commander gives the enemy a brave defeat at Munkbridg Abrave defeat given again to Colonell Bellasâ—s by Victorious Colonell Lambert How the Ammunition for Gloucester was conveyed thither from VVarwick A strange mistake by night both by the Enemy and our Forces yet the Ammunition got safe to Gloucester Gloucester greatly enabled to oppose the adversaries by the safe coveyance of the Ammunition to it Waltham house taken by Col. Whitehead with the assistance of the London Brigade Propositions to surrender the House yeilded unto God honoured the London Brigade with Victory both going forth and comming home The Forces of Sir Tho. Fairfax and the Lord Fairfax his Father conjoyned together Cawood Castle and Axholm Island taken More of Captain Swanleys good Service in South VVales Want of pious preachers in Wales a great hindrance of their reducing to the Parliament Crowland regained by the Earle of Manchesters Forces under the command of Valiant Col. King Articles of agreement for delivering up the Town Hollands honourable attestation of famous Mr. William Prynne his learned Labours in the Parliaments Vindication This passage of Hollands honourable Attestation of Mr. Prynnes Book a Parliamentary mercy Fair correspondency between the Swedes and our Kingdome and Parliament The like also with the united Provinces The most famous and admirable victory obtained by the Right Honourable Lord Fairfax at Selby in Yorkeshire Gods Arke here mightily carryed up above all these swelling and blustring billows This brave victory thus obtaned the Lord Fairfax was now master of the Field A Day of Solemn Thanksgiving appointed 8000. pound ordered presently sent to the most Noble Lord Fairfax The most hopefull consequent advantages of this great Victory Two dayes of Solemn Thanksgiving in one the â—ame Moneth Newcastles Army sorely put to it Our brethren of Scotland draw up close to Durham The Marquess of Newcastle deserts and flyes from Durham General Lesly pursues him Newcastles great losse without any fighting Newcastle is got into the City of Yorke Prince Plunderer at Bever-castle The noble Earle of Manchester follows him close Sir Wil. Waller gives the enemy a brave defeat about Basing house The most noble Lord Fairfax our brethren of Scotland conjoyned into a body 30. Northampton souldiers surprized and taken prisoners by Banbury garrison All our Northampton souldiers imprisoned in a barne at Banbury Northampton forces are most bravely revenged on Banbury garrison The christian amity fidelity of our brethren of Scotland toward us of England The substance of a letter sent by the Iuncto at Oxford to the Lords of the Councell of Scotland Foul and false imputations laid on the Parliament at Westminster by the Oxford juncto O the wretched Rhetorick of the Oxfordians to argue themselves their posterity into perpetuall slavery Notorious and Devillish hypocrisie in this Oxford Juncto's jugling Our brethren of Scotlands wise and provident answer to the Oxonian Letter A Summary most gratefull recitall of all the excellent Parliamentary Mercies of this Moneth God Arke over-topping the worlds Waves swelling Psal 73. 1. Psal 46. 1 â— 3. May. 1644. A brave defeat repulse given to the Enemies at Plymouth A great providence at our Souldiers first adventure The Enemies beaten into the Church Ours obtain a brave victory The enemies horse face Plymouth againe Ours make a very fair and safe retreat A brave defeat given to the enemy by valiant active Colonell Fox Budely in Worcestershire surprized by valiant
consisting in all of about fifty foot colours and a great bodie of horse which indeed was Newcastles whole armie which coming so unexpectedly put us to new consultations My Lord Willoughbie and I being in the Town agreed to call off our foot and so I went to bring them off but before I returned to them divers of our foot were ingaged the enemy advancing with his whole bodie our foot retreating in some disorder and with some loss yet got the Town where now they are our horse also came off with some trouble being wearied with their former long fight and their horses tyred yet bravely faced the enemies fresh horse and by severall removes got off without the loss of one man the enemy following the rear with a great bodie The honour of this retreat as also of all the rest is due to God alone My Major Whaley did in this business carry himself with singular courage and gallantrie becoming a Gentleman and a Christian Thus have you this true relation as short as I could contract it what you are to doe upon it is next to be considered The Lord direct you therein Gentlemen I am Your faithfull Servant O. C. Huntington July 31. 1643. A list of the slain and prisoners taken at the raising of the Siege of Gainesborough GEnerall Cavendish slain Colonell Beton slain a Lievtenant Colonell slain a Sergeant Major slain Captain Husses slain a 100 dead in the place an 150 prisoners taken and 200 slain in the pursuite of them a totall defeat not ten men in a bodie Much about the aforesaid time also namely in the said July 1643. came certain information to London that the Kentish Malignants perceiving the firm resolution of the Parliament and Citie of London not to desert but closely to adhere to the cause of Religion and liberties of the Kingdome and being extremely vexed with a spirit of malignity and rage to hear of the constant preparations of the pious and well-affected Parliamentarians especially I say in the Citie of London to raise a considerable strength of horse to make a flying Armie a design at that time very hotly on foot to pursue the Kings Cormorants or devouring Cavaliers and thus to force them from their wicked trade of plundering and pillaging the Country They therefore in Kent upon a pretence of rising against a new Oath or Covenant begun at this time to be taken by the Parliament and Cities of London and Westminster and intended to be ordered to be taken over the whole Kingdome which they declared they had no minde to take and yet this Oath or Covenant was not as yet imposed upon them nor any penaltie on the refusers thereof onely the names of such as refused it were to be taken and returned thus to distinguish the well-affected from the ill-affected and to disarm them and to keep a more vigilant eye over their persons as just causes were administred Whereas their main plot was to make a generall insurrection and seditious disturbance of the whole Countie and thus to make way for Sir John Culpepper Sir Edward Deering and a strong partie of the Kings Oxonian Cormorants to joyn with them and thereby to disturb the Parliaments and Cities foresaid preparations and for the farther endangering of this royall Metropolis or chief Citie of the whole Kingdome and therein to work the ruthfull ruine of Church and State Therefore I say these Kentish Jack-Cades under colour forsooth of resisting and rejecting of that Oath and Covenant seditiously assembled themselves first at Seven-Oakes in Kent which they intended to be their chief Rendevouz and where they quickly increased for as our Proverb is Ill weeds grow apace into a body of about 2 or 3000 desperately minded Malignants or Atheists which you please their chief Ring-leaders being Sir Edward Bathurst Captain Stanley and one Mr. Leigh with some others of those parts They being thus audaciously assembled together about 200 of them attempted to have seized on the Magazine at Dartford but a troop of horse appearing there prevented them therein yet some of them meeting with Sir Thomas Walsingham a most worthy patriot of his Country and member of the Parliament as he was riding with two servants onely to Dartford boldly laid hands on him and carried him prisoner to their Rendeâ—ouz and about the same time also they forced Captain Rolf a very worthy and religious young Gentleman of Arpington in Kent out of his bed about 100 11 of the clock at night who never suspected any such rising or sodain surprisall and with no little danger of his life carried him also prisoner with them to Sir Thomas Wâ—â—singham and there kept them together in prison and a little before these Rebells were subdued they were both in great danger to have been slain or put to death in prison had not God graciously prevented it Now the Parliament understanding of this sodain mutinie presently sent a Declaration among these mutiners by Sir Henry Vane the younger who took great paines by all fair meanes to pacifie them proffering them pardon if they would instantly lay down their armes and peaceably submit to the Parliament if not the bloud that must be spilt would lie on their own heads And withall to reduce them by force in case of disobedience Colonell Brown was presently dispatcht into Kent with a 1000 London-Redâ—oates and about 800 more after them together with two troops of horse from London divers Voluntieres also of the well-affected of Kent rose against those seditious and joyned with Colonell Brownes forces And that no opportunitie might be omitted for the taming of these insolencies the Parliament gave power to the Committee for the Militia in London to raise Dragooneers and to use what other meanes they thought fit to suppresse them And in regard the Parliament had had former information that this rising was a part or branch of treacherous Tompkins and Challenors designe who had appointed Blackheath to be the place of Rendevouz if that plot against the Citie had then taken effect they appointed strict watches and guards to be kept in the Citie and Out-workes therof and that a strength of horse should be sent into Surrey toward Rigate and other parts thereabout to suppress insurrections if any should happen to be there also Now these Kentish Rebells being thus assembled at Senock as aforesaid and hearing of the approach of Colonell Brownes forces toward them they deserted this Town and fled thence to Tunbridge and from thence sent a Messenger with a submissive Petition to the Commanders of the Parliaments forces to be presented to the Parliament that they were willing to lay down armes if the Parliament would forgive their offences but the Parliament most prudently and like themselves indeed utterly rejected any Petition from them whiles armes were in their hands but if they would lay them down first and then Petition they might finde grace
of Newcastle and Generall King brought down their whole Armie upon us from their head quarter Whereupon wee turned the two last pieces now taken by us upon this bodie of their armie and thereupon they were all instantly forced to a most wretched retreat and to stand at a distance untill wee had sleighted their whole line of approach and then wee brought off nine pieces of Ordnance the Demy-Cannon aforementioned called by some one of the Queenes gods and by others the Queenes Pocket-pistoll which at first we made shift to draw out of danger of the enemies recovery till wee had more leasure toward night to fetch within the walls as afterward wee did and brought them safely within our quarters Now after the enemie perceived they had lost the two brass-pieces which they did imagine wee were not able to draw off their whole bodie of foot with fortie Colours drew themselves as a fresh reserve both horse and foot within Pistoll-shot to our Ragged-Jettie resolving it seemed to fall upon it that night which they did with great fury and violence But it pleased the Lord infinitely to manifest great strength in the weakness of our weary men and as it were to put new spirits into their tyred bodies and after a hot skiâ—mish of about two houres at least wee also having ordered as they perceived two hundred Musqueteers to keep without the Jetty which could not possibly have been done if the enemie had had Ordnance and having put so many resolved men within the said Jetty thus I say at length it pleased the Lord so to order and dispose of things that they all betook themselves to their heeles about midnight and weâ—e driven quite out of the field and forced to retyre quite away to their head-quarter The Marquess of Newcastle himself and Lievtenant King were beholders of the second part of this act and as it was reported King himself was wounded in two severall places Our Ordnance did them a great deal of mischief and if wee had had but a fresh bodie of foot they had been put to a great strait indeed In their retyring their other great-god helpless gods stuck fast in the myre untill all the Country-people were called together to draw her off Among the Captains that deserved well in this service Captain Micklethwait Parsons Bethel and Hardstaff for the horse Captain Clayton the bearer heerof who hath a generall love of all the Souldiers did us singular good service Captain â—almond Captain Sibbalds and Captain Crooker did all of them carry themselves very valiantly I my self had a blow on my side by a slug of cutted-iron shot from the great piece but thanks be to the Lord was not the worse for it but I beleeve had her Majestie known where the shot should have lighted shee would have checkt the Gunner for not charging full home Whilest wee were in this service to increase our comfort we heard the noyse of the great incounter in Lincolnshire whereunto also God hath pleased to give a happie issue whereby wee may perceive that God is certainly upon the stage and that Dagon must down Since the beginning of this my Letter wee understand that Colonell Rainesborow is safe Sir I desire that you will continue your accustomed favour toward Your affectionate friend and servant JOHN MEâ—DRUM From Hull Octob. 14. 1643. And although this virtuous and valourous Commander Sir John Meldrum in his wisedome and humility forbeares to write ought of his own best deservings in that foresaid Service yet I cannot forbear to give the Reader at least one touch thereof attested by the most noble and renowned Lord Generall himself the Lord Fairfax in his Letter to the Speaker of the Parliament which in brief was this That itpleased God to give you my Lords own words by the gallant courage and activitie of Sir John Meldrum and the spirit and valour of the other Commanders and Officers that all which the Souldiers had got and lost at the first assault forementioned by their sodain fear and retreat was totally recovered again and that with advantage too and the whole victory in the Conclusion And now having formerly toucht upon the mention of that famous fight and most glorious victory which our good God graciously conferred upon that as virtuous as valiant Generall the noble Earl of Manchester against the Popish and atheisticall forces of Newcastle in Lincolnshire under their Papisticall Commander the Lord Widrington and Generall Henderson at Horn-Castle I shall now in the next place give the. Reader a most exact and full and fair account thereof also in all the materiall and substantiall passages of it especially for the just advancement of the honour of the Lord our God and the great comfort of all that wish the welfare and prosperitie of our Jerusalem About the 10th of October 1643. my Lord of Manchester having had notice when he was at Linne of a great force of horse and Dragooneers come into Lincolnshire under the command of Generall Henderson and that upon the retreat of Sir Thomas Fairfax and Colonell Cromwell from about Lowth they were much heightned with confidence of success when ever they could draw-out forces to an engâ—gement The want of foot and Dragooneers made Sir Thomas Fairfax and Colonell Cromwell very unwilling to fight with them till they had acquainted my Lord and tryed what supplies he could afford them and withall his Lordship was assured if he could draw any forces toward Balenbrook-Castle the enemy was so confident of his own strength that he would bring down all his force to fight with him Upon these grounds my Lord drew all his forces both horse and foot from Linne save onely one troop of horse and six companies of foot which he left for the guard of that Town with Colonell Walton whom he made Lievtenant-Governour Thus upon the Munday my Lord drew out all his foot out of Boston ten Companies he laid in Bolenbrook-Town under the command of Major Knight Serjeant Major to Sir Miles Hobart Colonell Russells Regiment was quartered at Strickford within a mile of them and my Lords own being but three Companies the rest being sent to Hull and left at Linne at Stickney and the horse were all quartered in the Townes round about at eight and ten miles distance Upon this Munday at night Major Knight summoned the Castle of Bolenbrook in my Lord of Mâ—nchesters name but was answered That his bug-bear words must not winne Castles nor should make them quit the place that night our men took in a little house on the right hand between the Castle and the Church and resolved the next night to endeavour to break-open the Church-doores and there to mount a Morter-piece and thence fire the Castle The enemie had notice on the fryday following that my Lord was coming or come into those parts and thereupon drew out all their horse and Dragooners from their severall Garrisons at Lincoln Newark and Gainsborow with a
bold resolution to finde him out and fight with him Upon Tuesday those of the Castle kill'd one or two of our men and as Major Knight and Quarter-master Generall Vermeyden were viewing of it made some shot at them and one of them hit the said Quarter-master Generall a little below the ancle but pierced not the skin onely bruis'd his leg That afternoon my Lord of Manchester came himself to Kirkby which is within a mile of Bolenbrook with Colonell Cromwell where also my Lord Willoughby met him and Sir Thomas Fairfax was then at Horn-Castle about five miles off one of his Regiments having the watch at Edlingston about three miles farther but neerer to the enemie My Lord had not been long there before he received a Letter from Sir Thomas Fairfax that an allarm was given to some of our Quarters and that himself had sent out some horse to discover what it might be and would immediately give him a farther account which he did by another Letter about an houre after the partie being returned and could get no information of any enemy neer but conceived it to be a mistake However Sir Thomas resolved to stay there untill the evening and then to come to Kirkby to my Lord. My Lord conceived it fit and so did all those that were with him to give the allarm to all his quarters and to appoint Horn-Castle to be the Allarm-place and then to goe himself immediately thither to Sir Thomas Fairfax and when all their men were thus drawn together to take farther resolutions and so immediately with my Lo. Willoughby and some Officers with him he took horse for Horn-Castle Sir Thomas Fairfax in the mean time getting no intelligence of the enemies approach came away toward Kirkby to my Lord. Before my Lord had reached Horn-Castle the allarm came to him in good earnest that the enemie was fallen into our quarters and was marching toward Horn-Castle Coming neerer the Town he could hear great shouting and noyse which he conceived to be the enemies triumph having beaten our men out of the Town but it proved otherwise for some of our men falling upon the enemies forlorn-hopes though but part of two troopes seeing themselves desperately engaged resolved to put the best face on it and fell upon them with crying and shouting which did exceedingly amaze the enemie and gave our men the easier passage through the midst of them Now my Lord finding the enemie come into his quarters before he could have any certain information where he was and the allarm-place possessed by the enemie he appointed Kirkby and Bolenbrook-hill for all his men to repair unto and accordingly sent word to all the quarters whither all our men came but that night except three troopes that were directed to Stickney and three or four troopes that went by the way of Tottershall and came not in till next morning Many of our troopes came to Horn-Castle according to the first orders but finding the enemie there came away without any loss at all or very little The enemie had fallen into our quarters at Thimbleby and some Townes thereabout where three or foure of our troopes were in a manner surprized but finding themselves ingaged gave so good testimony and proof of their courage and resolution that the enemie had little or no cause to brag of that nights work which being of so memorable consequence I have thought fit briefly heer to relate which was thus Captain Johnson Captain Samuel Moody and Captain Player were three of the commanders of these troopes which the enemie had thus almost surprized in their quarters and were afterward also environed about by the enemie who had gotten between them and the bodie of their horse so that they were forced to break through two bodies of the enemies horse of at least a thousand horse in each body but with admirable courage and resolution they with their troopes charged the enemy crying all of them as before they had agreed among themselves with a shout and loud voyce Come on come on all is our own all is our own which so amazed the enemie expecting some ambuscado that these three troopes brake thorow the first bodie and so thorow the second doing great execution yet lost but three men After that they hasting toward the Town of Horncastle where they thought the Earl of Mâ—nchester was about a mile before they came at the Town they discovered another partie of the enemies horse Heer they discreetly agreed to goe soberly toward them every man making answer to him that asked any question nothing but Friends friends all friends as if they had been of the enemies troopes and were going upon some design it being yet dark therefore when the enemies called to them Who is there the other all answered Friends friends and so they passed but as soon as they were past and thought themselves secure they turned faces about and asked the enemie Who are you for They answered for the King Then said they Wee are for the King and Parliament and charging the enemy fled toward Horncastle and the enemy pursuing followed them to the Town-side there being no forces in the Town on either side but they in the Town had with carts and timber barracadoed the passages into the Town so that by this meanes there was some loss in the troopes being thus unexpectedly put to their shifts but the loss was but little a Cornet and some few others and they brought half a douzen of prisoners with them Which could not but manifest a most evident hand of God in so great a preservation But to proceed All that night wee were drawing our horse to the appointed rendevouz And the next morning being Wednesday my Lord gave order that the whole force both horse and foot should be drawn up to Bolenbrook-hill where he would expect the enemie being the onely convenient ground to fight with him But Colonell Cromwell was no way satisfied that wee should fight our horse being extremely wearied with hard duty two or three dayes together The enemy also drew that morning their whole body of horse and Dragooneers into the field being 74 Colours of horse and 21 Colours of Dragooneers in all 95 Colours Wee had not many more than half so many Colours of horse and Dragooneers but I believe wee had as many men besides our foot which indeed could not be drawn up untill it was very late The enemies word was Cavendish and ours was Religion I beleeve that as wee had no notice of the enemies coming toward us so they had as little of our preparation to fight with them It was about twelve of the clock ere our horse and Dragooneers were drawn up after that wee marched about a mile nearer the enemie and then wee began to descry him by little and little coming toward us But untill this time wee did not know wee should fight but so soon as our men had
knowledge of the enemies coming they were very full of joy and resolution thinking it a great mercie that they should now fight with him Our men went on in severall bodies singing Psalmes Quarter-master Generall Vermeyden with five troopes had the forlorn-hope and Colonell Cromwell the Van assisted with other of my Lords troopes and seconded by Sir Thomas Fairfax Both armies met about Ixbie if I mistake not the Townes name both they and wee had drawn up our Dragooneers and gave the first charge and then the horse fell in Colonell Cromwell fell with brave resolution upon the enemie immediately after their Dragooneers had given him the first volley yet they were so nimble as that within half pistoll-shot they gave him another his horse was killed under him at the first charge and fell down upon him and as he rose up he was knockt down again by the Gentleman that charged him who 't was conceived was Sir Ingram Hopton but afterward he recovered a poor horse in a Souldiers hand and bravely mounted himself again Truly this first charge was so home-given and performed with so much admirable courage resolution by our troops that the enemie stood not another but were driven back upon their own body which was to have seconded them and at last put them into a plain disorder and thus in less than half an houres fight they were all quite routed and forced to run for their lives though they were two for one and as soon as our men perceived them to shrinke they fiercely charged within them all and then I say they ran for it leaving all their Dragooneers which were now on foot behind them Thus our men pursued them and did execution upon them about five or six miles all the way being strewed with broken armes dead men and horses And heer I may not omit to make mention of the rare courage and valour of that most noble Commander Sir Thomas Fairfax who when they first viewed the enemie and saw great odds in their number was so much the more inflamed with godly courage and resolution saying Come let us fall on I never prospered better than when I fought against the enemie three or four to one One hundred of their men to avoid the furie of our men were drowned many were wounded and in one gravell pit above an 100 were hid some there breathing their last breath others less wounded my Lord of Manchester most mercifully gave order that care should be taken of them all And heer it must not be forgotten that some with mortall wounds upon them cryed out The Commission of Aray the Commission of Aray brought us hither full sore against our wills wee were as true servants to the Parliament and our Religion and liberties as any in England and woe to those that were the cause that Lincoln and Yorkshire became a prey to the enemie wee die as true friends to the Parliament as any Two hundred horse were found left in the Castle their riders being all fled many hundreds fled into the waters up to the arme-holes they that lay slain in the high wayes were very many and divers of qualitie for there were brave bodies stript naked Sir George Bowles was slain and Sir Ingram Hopton Colonell Shelley was taken prisoner among those taken out of the water and Colonell Ayres the number of horse taken in all were about 2000 of prisoners about 1000 and as many slain of armes 1500 and not 100 of the enemies 't was verily believed to be found in a body of 94 Standards 35 were taken Wee lost very few of our men none of note wee hardly found above one officer hurt and that was Colonell Cromwells Captain-Lievtenant Our foot were not drawn up to the place where the fight was untill after the fight and chase was over Horse and foot though very weary marched on toward Horncastle where my Lord lay that night with all the foot his horse being sent to their old quarters in the Townes adjoyning And truly both Officers and Souldiers did their dutie that day singularly well and bravely my Lord himself also took wonderfull paines in bringing the business to this foresaid pass in drawing up all the foot to have relieved the horse in case they had been put to straits and had needed it But God himself did all taking away the enemies hearts and giving resolution and courage to our men to him therefore be all the honour and glory of this famous victorie Now whiles these things were thus in agitation the noble Lord Fairfax had a Letter brought unto him which was intercepted written by that ignoble Popish Lord Widrington the then present Governour of Lincoln in which Letter writing to his great Lord the Marquess of Newcastle he confirmes by his own confession the truth of this great victorie Another Letter was also intercepted written by Generall Hinderson also to the Governour of Newark The former Letter enforming Newcastle that the loss of all Lincolnshire and Yorkshire too was in a great hazard especially if he were forced to quit Hulls siege too and in his said Letter also certifying the loss of divers of their prime Commanders for certain slain in the foresaid battail Hindersons Letter also importing a pitifull complaint of his loss in the said fight and assuring the Governour of Newark that since the fight he was not able to rally or get together hardly 400 men of all his former great and numerous forces And that which addes extraordinarie lustre to the honour of our wonder-working God and which I may not heer by any meanes omit It pleased the Lord by his admirable providence so to order it that both this great victorie at Horncastle and that brave victorie also obtained by the most renowned Lord Fairfax at Hull under the command of that most worthy and expert Commander Sir John Meldrum were bestowed by the Lord our God upon his people and Parliament upon one and the same day namely Wednesday October 11 1643. And now to goe on About the 16th of October 1643. came Letters from Gloucester to London with most credible intelligence that the truly valiant and magnanimous Commander Colonell Massie that ever to be honoured and renowned Governour and by Gods wonderfull assistance maintainer of Gloucester having true intelligence that about a regiment of the Kings Welch forces were come to Tewksbery intending to fortifie and quarter themselves there and to make that Town winter-Garrison This noble and most vigilant Colonell being very desirous to be rid of such unfriendly and unruly neighbours speedily and privately drew forth a considerable partie of horse and foot from Gloucester and marched with them to Tewksbery where he sodainly and resolutely fell upon the enemie slew above 30 of them took many prisoners and forced the rest to flie for their lives some of whom were in that their hastie flight drowned in the river Severn He also took
Enemie and the next morning being the Lords day wee found the Enemy in the field standing with a body of horse and another of foot in a posture to receive us upon a ground chosen for their own advantage and when we were within half a mile of them wee committed our selves to Gods protection and began our work with publike prayers for his blessing upon us And those done wee speeded unto the Enemy with such resolution and courage in all the Captains and common Souldiers as by their deportment I might have rather deemed that they had made hast to have saluted their friends than to have encountred their enemies the enemies word was In with Queen Mary ours was God with us and at our first appearance God so struck the hearts of these our enemies with terrour that before a blow given their Horse began to retreat our foot gave a great shout our Horse pursued theirs fled their foot dispersed and fled they all trusted more to their feet than their hands they threw away their Armes and Colours deserted their magazine drawn with eight Oxen and were totally routed in one quarter of an houres time our horse slew some few of them in the pursuit and drave many of them into the Sea wee took their Colonell Hudleston of Millam two Captains and an Ensign and about foure hundred Prisoners six foot Colours and one horse Colour and their Magazin and some horses and more armes than men and all this without the losse of any one man of ours wee had onely one man hurt by the Enemy and onely another hurt by himselfe with his own Pistoll but neither mortally upon the close of the business all our men with a great shout cryed out Glory be to God and wee all except one Troop of horse and one foot Company which I left to quiet the Countrey returned forthwith towards our siege at Thurland most of our horse-men without alighting from our horses and most of us all without eating or drinking so that early the next day wee came again to Thurland where wee found our siege continued within view of more than treble forces from Westmerland this worke in Fournes had that influence upon all the Castles and all the Gentry of Westmerland and Cumberland who then lay within our sight at Kirby-Loynsdale that within two dayes after the Castle was by the Negotiation of Sir Philip Musgrave then commanding in chief in Westmerland and Cumberland agreed to be rendred unto me to be demolished which is accordingly done And though I endeavoured to have preserved all the combustible materials therein from fire yet I could not therein prevaile with the common Souldiers without great displeasure My humble suit now is to have the order of the House of Commons for my indempnity for demolishing of the Castle And because Colonell Hudleston who yet hath a Regiment in Yorkshire in or neer Hallifax is as I heare Serjeant Major Generall of Cumberland and the most considerable man in Cumberland and our next neighbour to Lancashire and one whom without further danger to the peace of our Countie I cannot conceive can be kept prisoner here I have therefore presumed to send him unto you under the care and custody of Mr. Robert Fog of whose industry and fidelity both you and we heer have had much experience Sir that God may blesse and prosper all your designes and proceedings for his glory and the peace of this Kingdome is the daily prayer of Your most humble Servant Alex Rigby Preston in Lancashire this 17. of Octo 1643. Ordered by the Commons in Parliament that this Relation be forthwith printed and published Hen Elsynge Cler. Parl. D Com. About the 25th also of this instant November came certain information from famous Pool in Dorsetshire of the brave atchievements and famous performances of those renowned active spirits in their most valourous taking of the Town of Warham in that Countie which was also ratified by a letter to a worthy Member of the House of Commons in Parliament to this effect The most loyall and resolute Commanders and Officers in this garrison of Pool in prosecution of some former fortunate adventures and most valourous resolutions wherein God had extraordinarily prospered and preserved them sent out a partie of about 200 Musketteers under the Command of Captain Lay a man of whose fidelity and valour the Parliament had had much experience who disposing his men into such boates lighters as belonged to the Town went by water to Wâ—rham a Town about seven miles distant from Pool westward drawing neer the Main-land but navigable home to the very Town in such vessells as they made use of The first opposition they met with was by certain Musketteers of the enemies who played on them from a brest work made on the passage a mile before they came to the Town where the said valiant Captain immediately commanded a partie ashore which being perceived by the enemie they instantly threw down their armes ran away crying our heeles heeles for the Town So that the Town having by this means an alarm were all in a readinesse to receive the Poolianâ— before they could possibly approach them and had drawn severall ambuscadoes into the hedges to annoy them which way soever they came and withall making good the bridge-foot as they conceived which was the main hiding place to come into the body of the Town But this courageous and resolute Captain being too wise for such untuter'd fresh-water Souldiers before he came neer the Town had landed an indifferent strong partie which being divided into two parts were at one and the same time to enter the Town in two places at once and the residue were to follow presently at the main landing place all which was exactly observed according to command and direction but by the way the enemies ambuscadoes still at adventures playd upon our men retreating amain into the Town but did little hurt for the night not being very light and our men having command to keep their matches closs and not to discharge till they came to the Townes end where they might have some inducement to bestow a volley of shot to purpose this was a notable meanes that the enemie knew not well how to shoot to annoy them Our men thus courageously coming on the enemie left all their defensive brest-works and rallyed themselves into a body in the midst of the Town and all with one voice crying out Now come on yee Roundheads if yee dare and our men came timely up together into the severall quarters of the Town the enemie having no way to escape but by a gate behind them which could not possibly be blockt up by our men but ours being come up most bravely together gave them a handsome volley of shot at which the enemie unanimously without farther dispute betook them to their heeles and throwing down their armes fled away and it being in the night season many escaped out of
that Postern-gate but about 200 of them were taken prisoners and much ammunition and armes besides many fat beeves sheep and other provision which was then provided for the next dayes Market with good store of other pillage and the Souldiers who before had resolved to be in no Drapers debt for new-cloathes borrowed as much cloath as would serve their turn of other kinde neighbour Cormorants who at the first word gave them no deniall therein and thus by the time that they had made a diligent search through the whole Town for their enemies which were left behinde they got much other fraight for their vessells and sent home also a good quantitie of hay and provender with their other prizes to welcome home brave Captain Sydenham with his horse who was then likewise gone Eastward from Pool to Winborn to demand that Town also but his main purpose was to keep the Warham alarm from them at Winborn and so to farther Captain Layes design which as aforesaid he bravely effected and returned safely to Pool About the 28th of this November also it pleased our good God so to order and dispose of things by the wisdome and providence of our ever to be honoured Worthies in Parliament that the most noble and renowned pious and valiant Earl of Warwick was by an unanimous consent of both Houses voted to be Lord high Admirall of England an honourable title fit to be invested on so honourable trustie and noble a personage and indeed I cannot exactly say whether the title more honours him or he the title but this I am sure of the title is most like to be more honoured and the Kingdome the better secured by him whose actions are and ever have been most like himself honourable pious and faithfull Much also about the aforesaid time came credible information by severall Letters to London out of Warwickshire that Serjeant Major Bridges Governour of Warwick Castle had sent our severall parties of horse from the Castle at severall times which brought in from within two miles of Banburie out of the Lord Sayes grounds at lest a 1000 sheep which the Banbury garrison had stoln from the poore inhabitants of the Countries and places adjacent And also that they had surprized an hundred horse of the enemies taken a Serjeant Major and some other Officers and to the great comfort and content of the Inhabitants of Gloucestershire had lighted upon an high Sheriff commonly called the Task-Master Generall who had layd many heavie impositions and taxes upon the Country-people of those parts making their lives grievous unto them Also that understanding that a company of ragged Welch-vermine were come into Worcestershire and intended to nestle and fortifie themselves in Caughton-House belonging to Sir Robert Throgmorton a great Papist the said brave Governour sent thither about 80 Musketteers who speedily possessed themselves of the House fortified it very strongly and since that sent fifty horse thither beside to make the said House a more strong and complete garrison for part of his Souldiers the better to free and secure those parts from the plunderings and rapines of the enemies forces And certainly had all the Parliament Commanders been as faithfull courageous and active as this most valiant Commander was and as the ever to be renowned Colonell Massie governour of Gloucester Colonell Wardlow governour of Plimouth and the governour of Pool valiantly to watch and lay hold on advantages as these have done from time to time the enemie had been in a lower estate and condition than now they are and wee might have put a more speedie period to this warre But wee must most wisely ascribe the event of all things to the all-disposing hand of our most wise God who thus orders it giving over some to cowardize and others to treachery that so he may the more weaâ— us from relying too much on the arme of flesh and cause us to trust more unto and to see far more in the Creator than in any creature-props and 〈…〉 About the 30th also of this foresaid November came certain information to London by Letters out of Cheshire that Sir William Brereton that most famous and successfull pious Patriot and Sir Thomas Midleton that most loyall and valiant Commander went on very successfully in those parts and that after they had taken Holâ—-Castle the draw-bridge over the river Dee Harden-Castle and the Town of Rexham by which meanes they made stop of all provisions out of Wales going to the relief of Chester Sir Thomas Midleton went out with a partie into Flintshire and that the Town and Castle of Flint presently were surrendred unto him and after that that the Town and Fort of Mostin and foure pieces of Ordnance in it were also surrendred to him whereby they garrison'd their men in all the Townes about Chester the Country coming in unto them as also many Gentlemen of note and qualitie and that with very much freeness About the foresaid time also our most renowned Parliamentary Statists passed an Ordinance of Parliament for the better encouraging of all Merchants Masters of Ships Mariners and others to be approved of and appointed thereunto by the most noble Earl of Warwick Lord high Admirall of England that should set forth any ships or pinnaces to Sea waâ—likely appointed equipped and manned at their own proper cost and charges that in recompence of the same and their adventures therein they should have and enjoy to their own proper uses all such ships ammunition goods moneys and Merchandiazes which they took or surprized by sea or by land intended or designed against the Parliament and their adherents in this Kingdome or for the relief of the rebells in the Kingdome of Ireland or that had carried or whom they should take carrying any supplies to the intents aforesaid And also that so much money should be paid to them or their assignes by the Treasurer of the Navie for the time being as should enable them respectively to victuall their ships and pinnaces for so many moneths as they shall employ them at Sea in this service accounting twenty â—â—lings to each man for moneths victualls and not exceeding forty 〈◊〉 to every hundred tuâ—â—s burthen of their respective 〈…〉 every voyage Thus wee 〈…〉 and mercy of our good God to counsell 〈…〉 our most honoured Worthies to 〈…〉 fare of the Kingdome both by sea and by land ever magnified and praised be his holy and great Name for it And thus having by Gods providence and gracious assistance carried on the historicall Narration of Gods Ark even the holy Cause of our pious Parliament in all this Moneths victorious Voyage and having now thus happily arrived to the end thereof I shall heer now desire the godly Reader to give me leave a little while to cast anchor and to make a short stay of recapitulation of and profitable rumination on the rare and rich mercies of this Moneths voyage thereby to see what holy merchantlike
Liberties Their main if not onely ayme therein being the honour of God and settlement of Religion sound doctrine and discipline in the Church of God the redemption of our King from Cavalerian and Popish thraldome and therein his best good and investure into all his most just rights and Prerogatives and the vindication of our Lawes and Priviledges our just inheritance which with honest Naboth wee would not wee might not sell away especially for Popish and tyrannicall slavery on any conditions yet see notwithstanding the pious Parliaments Peeres and Peoples honest aymes loyaltie integritie heerin as aforesaid how those venomous Spiders of Oxford suckt poyson out of those fragrant flowers and Herb of grace most Satanically slandring abusing this holy Covenant the honest Covenanters Which was most evidently seen in a most impious and audacious paper under the title of a Proclamation against the Covenant which those vipers at Oxford most villanously and trayterously using and abusing the Kings name therein set forth and published to open view which said Proclamation coming to my hands I have thought fit heer to insert that the world may see how atheistically bold they are to abuse all sacred and most holy things at their own impious and Plutonicall pleasure which was as followeth By the King His Majesties Proclamation forbidding the tendering or taking of a late Covenant called a Solemn-League and Covenant for Reformation c. WHereas there is a printed paper entituled A Solemn-League and Covenant for Reformation and defence of Religion and happiness of the King and the peace and safety of the three Kingdomes of England Scotland and Ireland pretended to be ordered by the Commons in Parliament on the 21. day of Sept. last to be printed and published Which Covenant though it seemes to make specious expressions of piety and religion is in truth nothing â—lse but a traiterous and seditious combination against us and against the established Religion and Laweâ— of this Kingdome in pursuance of a traâ—â—erous designe and endeavour to being in forein force to invade this Kingdome Wee doe therefore straitly charge and command all our â—â—ing Subjects of what degree or qualitie soever upon their allegiance that they presume not to take the said seditious and traiterous Covenant And we do likewise heerby forbid and inhibite all our Subjects to impose administer or tender the said Covenant as they and every of them will answer the contrary at their utmost and extremest perills Given at our Court at Oxford this ninth day of October in the 19th year of our Reign God save the King Oxford printed by Leonard Litchfield Printer to the Vniversitie of Oxford 1643. Thus you see how these accursed and most corrupt Counsellers at Oxford do most basely abuse the Kings name to countenance their wicked wayes and most destructive designes against God and goodnesse most blasphemously calling counting that most holy and religious Covenant and League of loyaltie to God and the King a Combination of treacherie and perfidious rebellion But yet notwithstanding this and all the rest of their Muehivillian plots and practises thus to sink overtop and over-turn Gods sacred Ark his glorious Cause and work of Reformation Our most wise and good God most powerfully and prudently breathed on this his holy Ark most blessed prosperous gales carried on the work most successfully and notwithstanding I say all the adverse brushes and blustrings against it this blessed Covenant was since that freely and cheerfully taken both by the rest of the Lords and Commons in Parliament who had not formerly been present at the first taking of it and by the Judges Lawyers Clerkes and Gentlemen of all sorts and ranks whatsoever Ministers and people in Citie and Country yea and divers both Earles Lords Knights Gentlemen and Officers in armes Souldiers and others who have since deserted the Kings partie and left Oxford that sink of muddie slime and cage of unclean birds have heartily as wee hope and freely taken this Covenant and entred with the rest of Gods people into this holy League to live die in this our most blessed and glorious Cause But now to proceed About the 6th of this instant December came credible intelligence by Letters to London from out of Gloucestershire that whereas the enemies resolutions were grown very high and lofty to garrison and entrench themselves round about the Citie of Gloucester yet that they have been bravely lopt and cut down by the vigilancie valour and prudent circumspection of that most famous ever to be renowned Commander Colonell Massey As first Colonell Vavasor being appointed Governour of Tewksbery issued out his Warrants in that name to the adjacent parts commanding in provisions and pioners for the strengthning of his garrison and establishment of his government there But by two troops of horse sent out of Gloucester he was so disanimated frighted that his government soone dissolved and Tewksbery was quite quitted by them and he thus freed of so troublesome a neighbour as he intended to have been After this Colonell Sir John Winter the Court Papist and one of the Queens white-boyes entred upon the government of Newnham with such forces as the Lord Herbert could afford him horse and foot but by a partie sent out by this active and resolute Colonell Massie after some of Winters forces had got a good purchase of stoln Cattle into their filching fingers and were entred their garrison at Newnham ere Colonell Masseys troops could reach them after a complement of thanks given to one Major Adams a grand sheep-stealer in those parts for his extraordinary care in that piece of the every which he had new brought in unto them but I say ere the said complement was fully ended the Gloucester troops most resolutely arrived at this Towns end which being so sodain changed the close of the foresaid complement into a fearfull alarm cry Wee are all lost wee are all lost So that with the loss of two of their colours and 7 or 8 men slain they quitted that government also Besides after this the enemie took courage on the other side of Gloucester to erect new governments at Tedbury Wotton which caused that valiant and vigilant Governour Colonell Massey to march that way also with what forces he could possibly make against them but two troops of his horse which were seen before by the enemie were so formidable and terrible to them at Tedbury that with the loss of some 14. or 15. of their Souldiers slain and taken prisoners the whole regiment government and governours with Horatio Carey fled thence and were dissipated scard scattered with such a panick feare and trembling as hardly to return again in haste to that government Upon this good success this most worthy and unwearied Col. Massey took the opportunitie to march to another Garrison at Wotton where the enemy being and that with good reason jealous of him expected his
coming upon them also who accordingly hearing of his coming upon them indeed drew themselves into a body upon a hill to face our brave Colonell but on his neerer approach they retreated hastily to their Garrison at night where somewhat late Col. Massey valiantly coming on setting on them found the enemy all mounted yet gave the word so fell on them and put them all to flight toward Bristoll with great terrour of whom he took onely 11 or 12 prisoners â—lew some 5 or 6 but all the Officers being well mounted and by reason of the extraordinary darkness it being also a very rainy night made their escape and left that government also for Col. Massey to quarter in that night After all this the gallant Colonell marched back to Gloucester contrary to the hopes of Sir John Winter aforesaid and the rest of that â—action in the Citie of Gloucester who had secretly and treacherously sent to all quarters of the Forrest Monmouth and Herefordshire to march presently to Gloucester on hope by the assistance of a fly partie aforesaid in the Town now in the Governours absence to have surprized the City as by the sequell may easily appeare For that very night the Governour had intelligence that the enemy in the Forrest was advanced three miles toward Gloucester and upon their march thither he then not thinking on or hearing of any such purposed plot by the enemy who thereupon who thereupon commanded a Captain at one of the clock at night to draw 50 or 60 Musketteers from off the guards and to advance that way some three miles off to make good a House upon the passage to the Citie but ere the said Captain came to Mr Cooks House at Heighham he encountred the enemy both foot and horse drawn up in a broad lane upon whom he commanded fire to be given and sodainly slew one of the enemies Captains and 3 or 4 Souldiers more at the very first charge But the enemy so sodainly and unexpectedly meeting with this partie sent out as aforesaid by this prudent provident Governour sodainly retreated to Huntley where Sir John Winter in person much amazed at that change with all speed also marched away in such a confused manner at the approach of about 14 or 15 of the Governours horse that they fell in among them also slew 7 or 8 of them carried 9 or 10 of them prisoners to Gloucester and so that plot was by Gods mercy thus happily prevented and the enemie discomfited About the 10th of this instant December came credible information by Letters and other intelligence from Plymouth to London that upon that Lords-day was a seven-night before about 2 or 3 of the clock in the morning the enemie under the command of the Devill and Lord Digbie then chief Commander there gave an assault on the Town and set upon the weakest Forts thereof and at last took by force the Fort called the Lorde-fort and forced the Town and Souldiers to a retreat But upon this alarm the whole Town was readie standing on their guard and by break of day made a â—ally out with very great courage against the enemy being 2000 foot and 800 horse with undaunted spirits and resolution either to recover their â—oâ—s or lose their lives and so fell most furiously upon them but the enemie unwilling to endure such a fierce sodain shock quickly retreated and our men soon regained their work and Ordnance and upon the enemies disorderly retreat our horse came on very valiantly seconded and maintained by the Musketteers and so most bravely routed the enemie so that some fled into the water and mud and myre and whatsoever way seemed best to make an escape and save their lives of whom 25 were found dead on the place 40 prisoners taken 80 horse besides many armes and severall barrells of powder and other prizes God undoubtedly fought for them for the enemie was at least six for one of ours the most brave and valiant Governours horse was twice shot under him yet he most undauntedly came safely off by Gods good providence and returned home most victoriously for this time secure from the danger of the enemie praised be the Lord for it Much also about the same time came certain intelligence by Letters from Northampton that a partie of horse issued out of the garrison at Northampton in the night time to fall upon the enemies quarters at a place called Dunscot a mile and half from Tociter whither being come they valiantly fell upon their grand-quarter killed 15 or 16 on the place took 17 prisoners and wounded divers took 35 horse gave them alarms in most of their quarters round about and so retreated without the â—oâ—s of one man And this defeat so affâ—ighted the enemie that when ours â—ent out a partie of but 10 or 12 horse they would make them all quit a Town where they quartered yea though fire were but given on the Sentimells in so much that they were constrained to remove their quarters more toward Banburie Such a spirit of fear and terrour possest them upon this onely defeat About the 14th of this instant came also most certain information to London by Letters and other infallible testimony of the great and famous victory through Gods good providence obtained by the Parliaments forces under the command of renowned Sir Wil Waller against the Kings 〈◊〉 under the command of the Lord Graford at Alton in Surrey which being in speciall related by a Messenger sent by Sir Will. Waâ—â—er himself to the Parliaments Committee for the safety of both Kingdomes and to divers of the House of Commons and by them ordered to be printed published I have been thought fit to give the Reader the relation thereof from the said Copie together with some small additions of another authentick relation thereof which came to my hands which was as followeth An exact Narration of the great victory through Gods providence and famous Defeat obtained by the Parliaments forces under the command of Sir William Waller at Alton in Surrey Decem. 13. 1643. against the Royalists ON Tewsday the 12th of this instant Decemb. Sir Will. Waller in the afternoon drew forth his forces into a battalia in Fernham-Park being about the number of 5000 horse and foot among which were the regiment of Westminster whose behaviour and valour in this service is never to be forgotten The manner of the business was exceeding well carryed both by Sir William and all the rest for strictness of appearance and likewise for secrecie in so much that neither the enemie nor any malignant partie could have the opportunitie to understand the least part of their intentions heerin They were upon their march by seven of the clock in the night and in an houres march obtained a heath between Brundon Fernham and there after an houres stay for the foot whose march could not be so quick as the
made some great shot against the House which caused a parley while the parley was some shot was made from the House which hurt or killed two of Coventrymen Whereupon they left parling and instantly fell to battering the House whereby they kill'd divers of them within and forcibly made their way into the House took about 80 prisoners some horse and all the plunder of the House so returned safely to Coventry Shortly after they issued out again under the command of Colonell Boswell and marched to Bewley-House which was one Mr Sheldens being a very strong hold on the edge of Warwickshire but in the County of Worcester which the enemy had strongly fortified But in brief Coventry forces forced their passage and surprized it and the whole garrison and much wealth and rich pillage therein and all the Irish-Rogues whom they found there they put to the sword and victoriously returned safely home again Much also about the same time namely the beginning of this instant Ianuarie 1643. it pleased the Lord the great and glorious searcher of hearts and discoverer of the most secret and deepest designes of the most politick and pernicious enemies of his Church and children to bless our Kingdome and Parliament in the timely revelation of a very dangerous plot and conspiracie under a pretence of Propositions for peace forâ—ooth to which end there was a new Cross-Petition contrived under a colour of accommodating the differences between the King and the Parliament but thereby in very deed to destroy the Parliament by dividing the City of London from it and by such a combustion to prevent the coming in of the Scots to the ayd and assistance of the Kingdome and Parliament Now the parties who were prime promoters and machinators of this plot were Colonell Read a Jesuiticall Papist and a great Commander in the Rebellion in Ireland and a prisoner to the Parliament but released and then residing at Oxford Sir Basill Brook a notorious Papist also and personally acting also in that Irish-rebellion and a prisoner to the Parliament and who to make his aboad at London the firmer and more immoveable contrived as I was credibly enformed to have an Execution for debt layd upon him that thus without suspect or molestation he might actuate at London in the plot One Mr Violet or rather stinking Varlet a most malignant Goldsmith or rather a Projector in that trade And one Mr Riley a Citizen of London Scout-Master Generall for the Citie of London who had the name and reputation of an honest religious man but in the issue of this discourse will be found to appear either a very simple fool or a notorious hypocrite and down-right deep dissembler The place of meeting was at the three-Cranes in the Vintrie and at The Man in the Moon The way and manner of contrivance thereof was first that Mr Riley being in much credit in the Citie must be a means to get this Irish-Rebell Read out of prison by whose meanes for the better effecting of their plot he being at liberty an address was easily made to my Lord Generall that one Captain Read a poor old man taken by the Earl of Manchesters forces tonight be exchanged for one that was a Quarter-Master for the Parliaments armie and then in prison at Oxford and was a Scout of Mr Rileys Now my Lord Generall relyed so much on the supposed integrity of Mr Riley that he forthwith granted his Exchange and the Rebell-Read was thereby presently released But before this Read departed out of the City He Mr Riley and Sir Basill Brook had conference together about this designe and it was agreed that Colonell Read should direct his letters to Mr Riley by the name of The Man in the Moon and that one Mr Wood should be the Messenger between London and Oxford This Wood being an apprentice of London living then in the Stocks Read being come to Oxford propounds the designe to his Majestie who instantly called to advise with him the Queen the Lord Digbie a proclaimed traytor and the Dutchess of Buckingham the Arch-Prelate of Canterburies convert forsooth wife to the great Irish-Rebell the Earl of Antrim then at Oxford His Majestie with these rebells and traytors contrived what they should propound to the City to beget Propositions for Peace just such an intended peace as Bynions should have been and thereupon they concluded to write to the City that his Majesty was resolved to maintain the Protestant Religion and that in as ample manner as the Irish-rebells and atheisticall traytors thus admitted to be of his Majesties Cabinet Councell would or could require his Majestie to settle it for the good and content of the whole Kingdome the clean contrary-way Now at the first time of their generall meeting they concluded of the draught of a Letter to the Lord Major and Court of Aldermen from his Majestie full of expressions of love to encompasse the designe to his loyall Subjects the Citizens of London though traytors rebells a little before and this was dispatched by Wood with a Letter from Colonell Read to Mr Riley by the name of the man in the Moon to passe over his Majesties Letter with Sir Basill Brook to put it into such words as they should think fit but Read writ in his Letter to Riley that what he did he should do it quickly for it must be done and concluded before the Scots come in or not at all and withall writ to have Violet set at liberty to come to Oxford to seek an exchange that he might passe to and fro on this occasion They met accordingly and concluded of the Letter for his Majesty to signe of some Propositions Violet was the Clerk that writ them Sir Basill Brook and Mr Riley as was enformed contrived them Mr Riley loses no time but applies himself to Sir Arthur Hasâ—erig and propounds Mr Violet in exchange for a brother of his Mr Hasterig prisoner to the pretended Lord Loughborough commonly called Master Hastings and to have leave to goe to Oxford Sir Arthur thinking Mr Riley to be the man he was reputed to be gave way and his libertie was obtained to goe to Oxford to solicite this exchange Violet goes accordingly carries with him the Letter for the King to subscribe and other Instructions and as by his Examination he confesseth he imparted the same onely to the King Queen Dutchess of Buckingham Colonell Read and the Lord Digby who all met together and that he stayed not seven houres in Oxford but returned with the Letter directed to the Lord Major and Aldermen signed by his Majestie under his signet Violet returned and the Letters being imparted to Mr Riley and Sir Basill Brook means was used how to engage others in the plot whereupon Violet attempted to sound Sir David Watkins and soon came to the bottom of honest Sir Davids judgement who told him he did like well of
last delivered up to Sir William Waller and all within the Castle left to his mâ—rcie wherein he took prisoners Sir William Ford high Sheriff of Sussex who formerly brake out of Windsor-Castle and had sent a Letter to his Majestie offering to bring him a thousand men and to undertake the conquest of the whole County of Sussex although it be sixty miles in length but before he had gone twelve miles thereof he was caught again for want of a running horse There was also then taken Sir Edward Bishop Colo. Bamfield Lievtenrnt Colonell Roles Major Massey Major Moulines and divers other Gentlemen of qualitie of Sussex There were also taken above fifty Reformadoes that had all Commissions to raise Companies 1200 prisoners and their armes divers Engineers about 4000li. in money great store of other rich prize and pillage And heer now if wee reckon up these our late victories together and the number of prisoners taken wee shall easily see they will amount to at lest a little armie As namely first at Alton 900 at Gainesborough 700 at Grafton 300 at Sir Tho. Holts-House neer an 100 almost as many at Bewly-House by Sir William Constable and Sir John Meldrum in a House in Yorkshire from which Sir Hugh Cholmley ran away at least an 100 and heer now at Arundell-Castle above a 1000 besides what had then lately been taken by Pool Southamptons garrisons which in all may arise to at least 3300 horse and foot besides all the ammunition and armes In most just and serious consideration whereof have wee not great cause to magnifie the mercies of our good God unto us in thus still weakning the armies of our adversaries and strengthning our hands against them And yet again to adde to the lustre of this foresaid famous victory very shortly after the taking of the foresaid Castle it pleased the Lord so to order and dispose of things that Sir Will. Waller seized on a very rich prize by Sea namely a Dunkirk-Ship of a great burthen which had been chased by the Hollanders as was then credibly enformed and was forced into the harbour at Arundell and that not till wee had taken the Castle which Sir William himself went aboard of and found in her about 20 excellent brass pieces of Ordnance an 100 barrells of powder 2000 armes great store of other ammunition divers Commanders and other persons of qualitie together with a great quantitie of linnen cloth as considerable in value as the other prizes which could not but be a singular advantage to Sir William for the present better securing and defence of Arundell-Castle And about the 8th or 10th of this instant came certain information from Leverpool in Lancashire to London that a Ship of the Kings which he had sent from Bristoll to Chester with good store of armes and ammunition most unexpectedly but very happily opportunely came into Leverpool to serve the Parliament the Sailers therein having compelled their Master to put in there which armes and ammunition came very seasonably to help to arme recrute Colonell Ashtons regiment which a little before had received some loss in their valiant performances against the enemies of their Country And about the 12th of this instant moneth of January 1643. the famous and ever to be renowned Citie of London being very sensible of the great care and indefatigable pains of the Parliament in and for the defence and preservation of Religion the whole Kingdome and liberties thereof from that slavery and misery which the Prelaticall and Popish faction would bring upon them and also of their singular vigilancy and great providence and circumspection to discover all plots and secret designes against the Citie and Parliament to divide the one from the other and so to destroy both together and to shew that they are the more inseparably conjoyned and firmly united the one to the other notwithstanding all the joynt endeavours and sly insinuations of the adversaries and in speciall of that late mischievous Machination by Colonell Read that base Irish-Rebell Sir Basil Brook and the rest of that accursed rable as was forementioned The City I say was therefore pleased in the name of the Lord Major Aldermen and Common-Councell their representative-Body by both the Sheriffs some selected Common-Councell-men to make an humble request to the Parliament by way of testimony of their gratitude for the great endeavours as aforesaid of the Parliament for the good of the whole Kingdome to invite them all therefore even of both the Houses to a dinner at Merchant-Taylors-Hall in London on Tuesday or Thursday then next ensuing whether day might best stand most convenient with the great affaires of the Kingdome Expressing farther to both Houses that they desired that that late designe to have divided the Parliament Citie might appeare by this loving action of theirs more firmly to have united them to one another Which motion of theirs was most acceptable to the Parliament as appeared by the answer given them by the Speaker in the name of the House of Commons which in substance was this That the House of Commons had considered the loving expressions delivered by them at the barre in the name of the whole Citie of London manifesting their great esteem of the endeavours of the Parliament and their sense of the late designe of the enemie against both the Parliament and the Citie by such a division to involve both of them into one universall calamity declaring their resolution to continue in a faithfull compliance with the Parliaments good endeavours and to live and die with them in the maintenance of the publick Cause having now also desired them as a testimony of this and to deceive the expectation of their enemies that they would honour them with their presence at a dinner in the City The Speaker therefore told them he was commanded by the House to take notice of the good affection of this great City therein and that the House looked on the invitation as a seasonable demonstration of their love to them and their resolved loyaltie to the Cause and that therefore they were resolved on Thursday then next ensuing to give them a meeting according to the Cities desire And said he that both they and you may lay hold on this opportunity joyntly to acknowledg the continued blessing of God in prospering this Parliament and the City from the secret practises and malicious open designes of their enemies and particularly in this lewd and last discovery they desired that on the foresaid Thursday morning at their intended meeting about eight of the clock there might be in such a place as the City should think fit to make choice of an able godly Minister intreated to preach a Sermon for the commemoration among the rest of Gods manifold mercies of this late and not the least deliverance both of the Parliament and City and indeed therein of the whole Kingdome And
faithfull religious and honourable Pillars of the Truth and maintainers of their rights and priviledges and Patrons of the true Religion appeare with so united a concurrence of hearts and spirits The same morning there was set up in Cheapside in the place where the Crosse formerly stood a standing frame of slight Firre-poles on which were hung up divers Pictures and Trinkets as Crosses Crucifixes Images and Saints Agnus Dei's Beads Whippes and other superstitious Reliques and frivolous inventions of Papists all which with a chest of Popish Books were set on fire at the coming by of the said honourable Persons as a testification of their detestation and hatred of all such Romish and Babylonish superstitions and to declare their intentions to reforme take away those things which may justly incense the wrath of God against us one thing is also very remarkable that after they had been honourably entertained at Merchant-Taylors-Hall and dinner ended in stead of idle Maskings and other such uncomely actions heertofore used at such publike meetings to declare their union of spirit as in the presence of God all both Lords Commons at the godly motion of the reverend Assembly of Divines publikely and unanimously heavenly harmony indeed sung together the 67 Psalme to testifie their thankfulnesse to God A religious president worthy to be imitated by all godly Christians in their both publike and private feastings and meetings And which addes much to the admirable radiant lustre of this so precious a day of rejoycing in the Lord and to make this our joy yet more complete on this very same day of this so rare and fair an Assembly namely the 18th of this instant January our loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland came with their whole armie into England to help the Lord and us his greatly abused servants against our mightie and most malicious enemies All which I mean both this most memorable and unparalleld Love-feast and the seasonable entrance of our brethrens brave armie and all in one day how much they must needs vex the impious Oxonians and all the rest of our motley-Malignants and how great and unexpressible cause they gave of cordiall comfort and enlarged thankes to the Lord to all his Saints and servants I leave to every rationall and honest Reader religiously to judge and consider And for the yet greater and most just glory of God within a day or two after namely about the 20th of this instant both Houses of Parliament to shew their deeply obliged thankfulness to the Lord for that late foresaid great deliverance agreed most piously upon an Order for a publick day of thankesgiving in all Churches in and about London for Gods great mercy in preserving the Parliament and Citie of London from the secret practises and most malicious designes of their foresaid enemies Sir Basill Brook Read Violet and Riley which was immediately printed and published and accordingly performed on the appointed day Much about this foresaid time also came certain intelligence by letters from about the parts of Staffordshire and Namptwich to London of an unhappie defeat given to the Parliaments forces of Lancashire part whereof were enforced to flie to a Church for their farther hoped safety but were there also environed and at last broken in upon and by that base and bloudy pretended Lord Sir John Byron most barbarously put all to the sword at his accursed Turkish command and which was worse to triumph in this his inhumane barbarity he immediately upon this villanous victory of his wrote a Letter to his as base and treacherous brother the mischievous Marquess of Newcastle which was by Gods providence intercepted by noble Sir William Brereton and by him sent to the Honourable House of Commons in Parliament a true Copie whereof in aeternam rei infamiam being afterward printed and published I have thought fit heer to insert for the Readers fuller content and satisfaction A Copie of Sir John Byrons I had almost said Sir John Butchers Letter to the Marquess of Newcastle dated December 26. 1643. My Lord I Have already dispatched two Messengers to your Excellency to give you an account of my proceedings in these parts I am now at Sambich and have thought fit to acquaint your Excellency that Brereton for the relief of Namptwich had so prevailed with the Lancashire-men as to draw thence 1500 foot which I having notice of immediately marched toward him but as soon as I came within sight of him he instantly according to his custome ran away a most intolerable egregious Popish lyer as all men know that know that noble and renowned Commander in great confusion so that now those 〈◊〉 are so dispersed that they are not like to meet together again And I doubt not but by Gods assistance in a short time to clear this Country if your Excellencies forces advance toward Stopford to be able to set footing in Lancashire The rebells had possessed themselves of a Church at Bartumley but wee presently beat them forth of it and I put them all to the Sword Which I finde to be the best way to proceed with these kinde of people for mercy to them is crueltie so indeed sayes Salomon of such wicked ones as Byron I am my Lord your Excellencies most humble servant J. B. But now to come to my intended purpose this forementioned relation being onely an introduction to what followes that this inhumane monster bloudy Byron and all his accursed malicious adherents might clearly see and take notice of a divine providence notwithstanding this his insulting blasphemous Letter which over-powers the greatest potency of the proudest Bragadochiâ—es yea mightiest Monarches in the world which oppose his all-sacred soveraign power and authoritie There came therefore most certain intelligence by Letters out of Cheshire to London of divers brave repulses given to buteherly Byrons forces at the siege of Namptwich by the most valiant besieged Souldiers and Inhabitants of the said Town And shortly after by a Letter under Col. Mittons own hand which was brought to London about Jan. 20th 1643. By which it was for certain advertised That Sir Nic. Byron Governour of Westchester uncle to this foresaid bloudy Byron having heard of the sore repulses and defeats given to their forces at Namptwich which redounded to the great loss of his proud insulting kinsman bloudy Byron as aforesaid at his said kinsmans intreatie Sir Nicholas advanced with a partie of horse and foot from Westchester to fetch in armes and ammunition both to supply his kinsmans wants therein and his own too their Ship being carried to Lerpool as was forementioned which should have supplied those their wants and coming unto a Town called Elsmere neer Colonell Mittons quarters this most valiant and loyall Commander Colonell Mittan drew forth his regiment fell upon the enemies forces aforesaid who were then in the Town he killed above 60 of them in the place took the said Sir Nicholas Byron Commander in
chief Serjeant Major Generall Willis a very considerable Commander even that perfidious run-away Willis taken prisoner formerly at Winchester belonging to the Cavalerian garrison at Shrewsbery and his brother Major Willis Capt. Offley Capt. Hatton Capt. Rixam and another Capt. with an 100 inferiour Officers 250 horse and armes 30 of them being the prime horse of all those parts eight double barrells of powder 700 waight of Match 3 pieces of Ordnance all which he brought safe to Stafford together with all the provision that Sir Nicholas had brought at this time from Shrewsbery for supply of his own and his Cousens wants which indeed renders this exploit more famous and of the greater consequence the enemie in those parts being then in such want of warlike provision as they were About the 23th also of this instant came certain intelligence out of Darbishire by Letters to London that that valiant and most loyall and active Knight and brave Commander Sir John Gell took Burton upon Trent and therein divers Commissioners of the Array being Knights Esquires and Gentlemen of great qualitie in that Countie with about nine-score common-Souldiers their guard much armes ammunition and treasure Colonell Hastings himself hardly escaping by flight This defeat was also so much the more advantageous in that it was very probable to be a meanes to recover three troops of horse of ours then lately surprized at Melton in Leicestershire by exchange and some prisoners to boot Much about the same time came true information to London that Sir Alexander Deyntont house in Oxfordshire called by the name of Hilsden-House was taken by some of the Parliaments forces it being about 14 or 15 miles from Oxford and some 7 or 8 miles from Aylesbury It was taken by a partie that went from Newport-Pannell and some from about Banbury they being in all not above an 100 yet there were in the House an 140 many whereof were then taken prisoners and about an 100 armes but Sir Alexander himself escaped And heer also having happily had the opportunitie of a pretty piece printed and published by Order from this noble and renowned Earl of Manchester I have thought fit to adde and insert some very memorable notes and observations collected and divulged by the said noble and pious Patriot upon the many remarkable mercies of the Lord conferred upon the seven associated Counties Cambridge Essex Hartford Huntingdon Norfolk Suffolk and Lincoln since their first association most worthy our most serious sight and consideration both for the just honour and glory of God and the singular encouragement of those and all other the Counties of this whole distressed and distracted Kingdome First then I shall desire the Reader to remember the great mercie and good providence of God in quenching that fire which began to be kindled at Laystolk by some eminent malignants there which would undoubtedly have hazarded all the Eastern parts of this Kingdome if God had not I say by a seasonable providence timely prevented the same by some of the noble Earl of Manchesters vigilant Commanders of the association this disturbance beginning to break out in that very conjuncture of time in which there had been a confederacie of the disaffected of those parts togather to a head Secondly the reducing of Croyland which is a place strong by scituation and which had a professed Papist for its Governour which how dangerous it was to some parts of this association and to the neighbouring parts of Lincolnshire Northamptonshire and Hantingdonshire is well known to those that were subject to their daily plunderings and pillagings Thirdly The defeat given to the enemies at Grantham where 11 of the Parliaments troops facing 21 or 22 troops of the enemies five of the associated troops charging the right wing of the enemies body utterly routed them and had the execution and chase of them almost two miles and got five or six of their Colours Fourthly The taking of Burleigh-House where was also taken the Lord Cambdens regiment of horse with their Colours three or foure Companies of foot and Dragooneers with all their ammunition and with about foure hundred prisoners Fifthly The defeat given to the enemies horse at Gainesborough to the breaking of neer 30 troops of the enemies horse where was slain the Lievtenant Generall Charles Cavendish Colonell Heron the high Sheriff of Lincolnshire forced into Trent with many other Officers and Souldiers who were there drowned and whereby Gainesborough was at that time relieved with ammunition which then it exceedingly wanted and this battle fought and victory gotten as without any considerable loss to us so within a mile of the Marquess of Newcastles armie Sixthly The saving neer 20 troops of horse belonging to the Lord Fairfax and under that renowned Gentleman Sir Thomas Fairfax his Son with which horse he hath since performed such notable good service in Cheshire and other parts which said horse were almost starved by the strait siege of Hull and could not in probabilitie have been thence delivered but by the horse of this association which was done by 14 troops of horse and 3 of Dragooneers belonging to this association there being nothing in assistance of them but six troops belonging to the Lord Willoughby and neer 40 troops of the enemies under the Command of Sir John Hinderson who had opportunitie to have fought with our horse before wee could come to joyn with Sir Thomas Fairfax his troops if he had pleased but did not take it Seventhly The taking of Lyn-Regis a strong Town and of great importance by raw undisciplin'd new raised Souldiers which was a place as likely to have undone this whole association as any which rebelled at such a time as the Marquess of Newcastle was at the strongest and so absolute in Lincolnshire that if he would have engaged his armie to have come to the rescue thereof the forces of this association then raised had not been considerable to have made resistance Eighthly The fight at Winsby where ours being about 60 colours of horse and Dragoons did encounter neer 90 colours of the enemie both parties being by estimate between 8 or 9000 horse Dragoons the enemie being in all probabilitie about 5000 of that number where ours gave them such a defeat that they took and killed about 1100 of them and took neer thirty of their Colours Ninthly The taking of Lincoln where the force of the defendants were in computation many more than of the assailants which the enemy surrendred to us on hard termes to themselves where we got about 3000 armes the enemies colours with good proportion of ammunition and five or six pieces of Ordnance Tenthly The taking of Gainesborough by storm the greatest part of the foot being our association-men who repulsed the enemie got over their works without any loss and possessed the Town whereby Lincolnshire formerly almost totally under the command of the enemies became wholly cleared of them
21th of January about 12 of the clock at night The word was Charles and the enemie was to be let in at the North-gate but if they could not accomplish it that night it was to be deferred till the 24th day following for it was Lievtenant Colonell Moselyes turn to watch every fourth night At their foresaid meetings Major Ogle used many arguments to perswade him to it alledging how much it would advantage his Majesties service in regard the Parliament was to sit at Oxford the Munday following which might much animate the Kings partie and exceedingly encourage that Parliament to proceed And in case this designe should not take effect the King sent him an engine which was shewn at a Conference in Parliament touching this discovery whereby he should have fired the Magazine of the Town but if none of these succeeded then upon their Storming of the Town he was to set fire on the Town The Kings forces being confident of their project at least to succeed one way or other of the three drew forth all their garrison from Taciter and the greatest part of their forces from Banbury Abington Oxford and Wallingford most of the forces the King could make in all those parts to the number of at least 5000 horse and foot All these marched two dayes and three nights in the extremity of very bitter cold weather which was at that time in so much that at last they were not able to march or set one foot before another the wayes were so deep with snow and the snow beating in their faces and so many hard passages they met by the way that their foot were enforced to make way for the horse which did so weary the poor foot forces that they fell down fourscore in a heap as it were together not being able to stirre whereupon the Officers came with Canes and beat them like dogges to force them forward and so at last with much adoe compelled them to get within two miles of Aylesbury and were quartered at and about Ethrop-House in expectation of the promised prize but being now with all that foresaid toyle and miserable hardship gotten hither betimes in the morning about five of the clock they there heard for certain that their design was discovered so that they were enforced to return back again to Oxford the walk and fresh ayre being all they had for their 100li. the good horse and sword which Lievtenant Colonell Mosley got by the bargain which their prize of mouthes full of fresh ayre must needs be worth their money considering how ill they were accommodated for fresh ayre at Oxford and so I say they returned homeward with as much comfort and content as a dog newly whipt with his tail between his legs biting tearing and plundring those that were able all that was in their way before them but it was verily believed yea and apparent too that the King lost at least 500 of his men in this sore and fruitless service for many of them ran away many dyed and many others fell sick and diseased And were not heer so many sore brushes against the Ark of God and as it were so many rough and rigid Remora's to stop at least if not over-turn the Ark of God his precious Cause and thus to have at least impeded and hindred its prosperous progress Yet see how our good God the most gracious protector and Pilot thereof freed it from the deep and desperate danger of them all But yet heer 's not all for the enemies inveterate malice was working still for much about the same time of the other foresaid plots there was a devillish design against the Town and Castle of Nottingham also to have sodainly surprised it either by force or fraud for which purpose they had provided 1500 horse and foot out of the garrison of Newark and their other Cavalerian quarters thereabout and prepared a Letter to be sent and delivered beforehand to the most valiant faithfull Governour of the Castle Colonell Hutchinson for a full and clear relation whereof I shall refer the Reader to the Governours own Letter a true Copie whereof written by noble Colonell Hutchinson himself to a worthy Patriot of his Country then residing in London coming to my hands I have heer thought fit to insert verbatim as it was printed and published by authoritie which was as followeth SIR About 6 of the clock in the morning Jan. 16th 1643. the enemie faced us on both sides of the Town and our house with 2 foot Companies went to the workes but they being a very great body and the workes not yet defensible in many places they to give them their due very bravely came on and forced their entry into the Town and our horse and foot were both forced to retreate to the Castle but we had not one man slain or wounded in the retreate Our Ordnance from the Castle made a lane among them at their entry and our Musketteers kild many of them as they retreated into the Castles The enemy possessed themselves of St. Peters Church and those houses street ends which hindred our sallying out but when our horse saw they were able to do no service their body of horse being far greater Colonell Thornhagh all the other horse Commanders encouraged their Troopers to take Muskets in their hands and serve as foot which to their great glory they very cheerfully and couragiously did and with a foot company joyned to part of them sallied out and beat the Cavaliers out of the neerest houses to the Castle and possessed them When we saw our sally and retreat both made indifferent safe we drew out 2 other foot Companies all the rest of the Troopers with Muskets who went on with so great courage valour that they drove the enemy before them out of the Town with a great deal of dishonour and confusion we have now 80 prisoners and all their armes and a great many kild the certain number whereof I cannot relate divers of them were wounded carried dead off from the field some they had buried in the field before they had entred the Town we traced them 2 miles in the snow by much bloud which we found spilt and we hear that they left dead and wounded men in the Towns as they passed I do not perceive we have any prisoners above the quality of a Captain Lievtenant but the reason is because the Commanders ran away in such hast that they left their own and got Troopers horses and took no care of their men but left them without command being happy who could first scape away We lost not all this day but one man slain and 2 or 3 wounded At last the enemy rallied in a valley about a mile from the Town where they had a body of horse which never came into the Town we faced one another but we finding their body so much exceeding all our force would not hazard the whole
of sedition in the City of London by Master Nye Master Goodwin and other Independents in the Plot against Windsor and that also at Aylesbury and the most happy preservation of Nottingham Towne and Castle by loyall and valiant Colonell Hutchinson The long desired and seasonable comming into this Kingdome of our loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland to our assistance with a potent Army to help to re-establish Peace and Truth among us In the harmonious pious and prudent consent of the Commissioners and Estates of both Kingdoms in a most excellent Declaration for the just terror and trouble of our Popish and Atheisticall Adversaries as a condigne punishment of their viperous insolencies And lastly in that most memorable and famous Victory which the Lord graciously vouchsafed to give unto his two faithfull and magnanimous Joshuahs Sir Thomas Fairfax and Sir William Brereton at Namptwich All which admirable Parliamentary mercies being rightly reflected on and seriously considered of with a truly pious and gratefull heart who can choose but sâ—e and say Gods Ark was here also triumphantly over-topping the Worlds waves and winds fiercely raging and swelling And upon the right and religious review thereof who can but in all bounden gratitude with holy David break out into most thankfull expressions of soule and say Ascribe unto the Lord O happy England ascribe unto the Lord glory and strength ascribe unto the Lord the glory due unto his great name worship the Lord in the beauty of holinesse For the voice of the Lord is upon the great waters yea the Lord rideth upon many and mighty waters as King for ever And now to proceed About the beginning of this moneth of February came certain advertisement by Letters out of Gloucestershire to London that the ever to be renowned Commander Col. Massey had lately before issued forth with a party of his Souldiers and had fallen upon Sir Henry Talbots quarters at Shepstow where he surprized the said Colonel 3 Captains 3 Lieutenants 3 Irish Reformadoes Serjeant Major Moore besides 60 Common Souldiers with much arms and ammunition And that he had also the week before this sent out a Frigot man'd with his Garrison-souldiers which took a Vessel going with supplies to the Enemies forces at Worcester the Bark was laden with Tobacco and some ammunition which was all brought into Gloucester for his own Souldiers And it was likewise then confirmed that divers parties of his Horse had taken divers Carriers going with severall parcels of Gunpowder and other Military necessaries to the Enemy which he also disposed of to his own better uses Also about the beginning of this instant Febr. came certain intelligence from Sir Iohn Meldrum that brave pious and prudent Commander that whereas a little before some French-men had treacherously betrayed about 20 of Sir Iohn's Souldiers and a Captain of his together with divers well-affected Inhabitants of the Isle of Axholme into the hands of Newcastles Cavaliers Sir Iohn hereupon resolved to go into that Island with a convenient party to repay that affront and to give them their due desert for their said treachery and about the 4. of February Sir Iohn approaching the Isle most valiantly assaulted and took the Royall Fort or chiefe Defence of the said Island which commands all the passages from Newark upon Trent and that he purged the Island of all the Malignants therein and took there about an hundred prisoners most of them men of quality 8 peeces of Ordnance 300 Arms and a Troop of Horse of Newcastles Cormorants together with 5 Hoyes upon the River which were going forth with provision to Newcastles Army Much also about the same time our most pious and prudent Parliamentary Worthies having long and divers times had much debate in both Houses about a resolved Councel of State for the more sure secret transacting and managing of the principall and most weighty affaires in and about all the three Kingdomes of England Scotland and Ireland and having deliberated most seriously both of the persons and power of those that were to be chosen thereunto and after a most wise and discreet regulating thereof so as that they may never commence nor determine a Peace without the House of Commons consent and good liking They at last agreed that all those personages which were nominated by the Lords should be returned without any alteration and so resolved to transmit the businesse to the Lords The names of those that were to be of this Councell are these following The Earle of Northumberland the Earle of Essex the Earle of Warwick the Earle of Manchester the Lord Vicount Say and Seale the Lord Wharton and the Lord Roberts Of the house of Commons Sir Gilbert Gerard Sir William Waller Sir Arthur Haslerigge Sir William Armyne Sir Henry Vane senior Sir Henry Vane junior Sir Philip Stapleton Mr. Crew Mr. St. Iohn Sollicitor Mr. Brown Mr. Glyn Recorder of London Mr. Perpoint and Mr. Wallop And for the State and Kingdome of Scotland the Lord Lowden the Lord Maitland Sir Archibold Johnstone and Mr. Berkley But shortly after namely about the midst of this instant February the Ordinance for the absolute setling of this great Councel of State passed both Houses with a joint concurrence in all particulars both the time of their sitting for three moneths to advise consult order and direct concerning the Recruits regulating and government of the Armies and concerning Treaties and Answers and other the great affairs of the three Kingdoms The names of the persons ye have had their place of meeting was Derby-house in Chanel-row in Westminster This piece of State-policie may by Gods mercy and hath already as we have found by happy experience it hath and doth produce much good to the whole three Kingdomes and is no doubt a mighty terrour and startling to the Enemies God in his mercy go on still to direct them for the best advancement of his glory and the blessed peace and welfare of the three Kingdomes About thâ—5 of this instant came certain intelligence by Letters to London of another mischievous designe plotted against the Town of Southampton most happily discovered and prevented by the wisdom and loyalty next under God of Mr. Peter Murford Serjeant Major to Colonel Norton the most noble and active Governour of the said Town Which Letter containing the exact relation thereof and having in it divers very observable passages I have therefore thought fit for the Readers better and more full content and satisfaction therein here to insert verbatim as it was printed and published by Order and Authority A true Copy of Mr. Murfords Letter touching the discovery of a new Plot against the Town of Southampton by the Kings Cormorants or Cavaliers SIR YOur Letter is come to my hands which I take kindly from you I should desire to exchange lines oftner with you I thank you for your newes I had Letters this day from my Lord
undertaken and cleare my unfeigned reputation Thus much I thought good to say unto you that you may give a satisfactory testimony of that designe in my behalfe if you heare it falsely reported And I shall be ready to requite you in vindicating of truth and acknowledge my selfe Southampton Feb. 5. 1643. Your reall friend PET. MURFORD About the 6. of this instant came to the publike knowledge of the City of London and so to others in the Kingdome a notable designe from Oxford namely That in the latter end of Ianuary last the pretended Parliament or rather mischievous meeting of Popish Atheisticall and Malignant fugitive Lords and rotten Members of the most blessed Parliament at Westminster being brought into a desperate condition by the happy and good successe of our said Parliamentâ— Forces against them assembled themselves into a most illegall jugling Iunto or accursed Conventicle at Oxford and would needs there forsooth make a poor shew of Propositions for Peace And by their Lord Generall Ruthen the Popish Earl of Forth they contrived a Letter which was signed by the Prince the Duke of York 44 of the foresaid condition'd Lords and about an 100 rotten Commons and was sent as from Ruthen to his Excellencie the Parliaments most noble and renowned Lord Generall the magnanimous and heroick Eul of Essex and in that Letter manifested their scornfull esteem of our most renowned Parliament at Westminster not allowing it so much as the name of a Parliament which must needs argue a proper piece of intention really to advance a true Peace betwixt the King and his Parliament Now hereupon the said Letter being by his Excellencie communicated with the Parliament they thought it not fit to take notice of the said Message only it was consulted and resolved on by both Houses that my Lord Generall should be intreated to send a Complement to the Earle of Forth and to inclose the Covenant and Declaration agreed upon by both Kingdomes in this Letter which accordingly his Excellencie performed as followeth His Excellencies Letter to the Earl of Forth in answer to a Letter from Oxford subscribed by the Prince Duke of Yorke and divers Lords and Gentlemen at Oxford My Lord I Received this day a Letter of the 29. of this instant from your Lordship and therein a Parchment subscribed by the Prince Duke of York and divers Lords and Gentlemen but it neither having addresse to the two houses of Parliament nor therein there being any acknowledgment of them I could not communicate it unto them My Lord the maintenance of the Parliament of England and of the priviledges thereof is that for which we are all resolved to spend our blood as being the foundation whereon all our Lawes and Liberties are built I send your Lordship herewith a Nationall Covenant solemnly entred into by both Kingdomes of England and Scotland and a Declaration passed by them both together with another Declaration of the Kingdome of Scotland I rest Your Lordships humble Servant ESSEX Essex-house Ian. 30. 1643. About the 9. of this instant February our most noble and renowned Patriots in Parliament resolved on the sequestring of the Estates of many grand Malignants and Incendiaries and to order and dispose of their Estates for the publike use And they appointed a Committee accordingly to take order for the sequestrating of the Lands and Estates of the Earle of Berk-shire prisoner in the Tower and that the same should be disposed of for the use of the publike good And the like for the estate of the Earle of Carbery a great stickler for the adverse party in Wales The Lord Aborthorum Mr. Walter Mountague prisoner in the Tower The Lord Cottington that Spanish Don and grand Incendiary of the Kingdome And that all the goods and Chattels already sequestred and to be sequestred belonging to the aforesaid Lords and Gentlemen should be forthwith sold and the monies made use of for the publike service and more especially for supplies for the Noble Lord Fairfax in Yorkshire The like also for all the goods and chattels belonging to Sir John Banks Lord Chiefe Justice at Oxford The like for the Bishop of Winchester and the like for all the goods of all other Malignants sequestred and being in Cambden-house in London or elsewhere As also the goods and whole estate in and about London belonging to that unhappy and unholy Neuter or Ambo-dexter Dr. Vsher Arch-Prelate of Armagh resident at Oxford a man once I confesse of good yea of great esteem like his apostate brother Dr. White Bishop of Ely in City and Country both in England and Ireland but at length whose last dayes hitherto have proved his worst dayes Of whom one thing I may not here omit to his eternall shame and ignominie That upon debating of the businesse in Parliament concerning him there was evidence given in to the Parliament against him That upon the first framing of that pernicious Oath at Oxford to enjoyn all men to take up Armes against the Parliament this slye Archbishop was a chiefe Agent by his Episcopall rhetorick to perswade all men to take the said Oath yea and that he wished they might all dye in prison that refused to take it that divers who by his perswasions had taken it were afterward much troubled in conscience and some of them dyed in that condition much perplexed and unsatisfied A most sad and bad burthen to lie on the Conscience of such an unholy and unhappy Instigator thereunto whose perishing blood will I feare be one day severely required at his hands without repentance Also about the 10. of this instant certain intelligence came out of York-shire by Letters to London from the most Noble Lord Fairfax of the taking of Burlington in the said County the place where the Queene formerly landed when she unhappily returned out of Holland by a party of Horse and Foot commanded by that valiant and vertuous Colonel Sir William Constable who entred the Town in a full Carriere took 250 Common-souldiers besides Major New nam the Governour of the Town and divers other Officers with 2 Drakes and 500 Arms besides other Ammunition In this exploit Major Briery and Captain Bethel the one in the Van the other in the Reare did singular good service and put the Enemy into a great disorder This place being within 6 miles of Scarborough will make Sir Hugh Cholmley that perfidious Apostate to look about him And very shortly after came farther intelligence of another notable Exploit performed by the said brave and valiant Commander Sir William Constable who surprised a party of the Enemy at a place called Driffle between Malton and Scarborough where he took 300 of Newcastles Horse Colonel Washington one serjeant-Serjeant-Major three Captaines divers Officers and about an hundred and sixty common Foot-souldiers and routed another Regiment besides Much about the same time came certain information by Letters from the Scotch Commissioners out of the North That since
our loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland's advance into this Kingdome from Barwick toward Newcastle and their taking of Alnwick and Morpeth the two only Towns of defence and strength twixt Barwick and Newcastle That they also took the strong Island of Cocquet with about 200 men and their Arms 7 peeces of Ordnance and other necessary martiall provisions Also that Colonel Gray brother to the Lord Gray of Wark with a Regiment of Horse came in unto the Army of our said brethren of Scotland and most cheerfully took the Covenant That they had rescued a head of cattle which were driven away by the enemy toward Newcastle and that they most honestly restored them to the persons from whom they were taken A notable act of justice and that the Counties of Northumberland and Westmerland most cordially came in and adhered to them About the tenth of this instant certaine letters being intercepted were read in Parliament which came from the Lord Goring to the Lord Digby dated at Paris Feb. 7. 1643. The summe whereof in briefe was this That he hoped this Letter would have better successe to come to the hands of his most blessed sacred Mistresse than his former Letters had That he was in nothing more happy than to be accounted a Trator at London considering his sacred Mistresse had the same badge of honour stamped upon her before him in whose service he professed hee would be ever faithfull to the quicke and was not here think'st thou good Reader a pure and sure slave to Sathan That the same morning he wrote this Letter he was called to sweare to be true to the two Crownes of England and France and afterward was to dine with the King And further specifying what forreine forces armes and ammunition were in preparation to be sent into this Kingdome And said he in this very expression let my Mr. hang me if I do not furnish him with armes ammunition c. And concludes thus that what he writes they may believe to bee as true as Gospell This flashey letter of this old doting shamelesse Traytor full as yee see of blasphemy and Treason and so adjudged by the Parliament they have ordered to be recorded with an other former intercepted Letter of his which will be sufficient evidences to make good their impeachment of high Treason against him See heere then good Reader the good hand of Gods wise and just providence thus to discover the secret and slavish enemies of his Church and people But to goe on Besides those former brave exploits of that pious and prudent Commander Colonell Sir William Constable aforesaid There came certaine intelligence to London much about the middst of this instant February of divers other most valiant performances and victorious atchivements of the Parliaments Forces in severall other places worthy our most thankefull remembrance both to Gods glory and the Instruments deserved praise The first was performed by the brave and active well-deserving Garrison of Pool in Dorsetshire who sallied out and by an Ambuscado their enemies owne late Stratagem against Pool with some little losse not long before they entrapped Colonell Windham and about 7. or 8. score of his Horse and slew his Lieutenant Colonel Barker but the Colonell himselfe with the rest of his men taken as aforesaid they carried Prisoners into Pool A Partie also of Warwick Garrison issuing out toward Stow on the Wold in Gloucestershire tooke a Cavalier Colonell Prisoner and about 30 good Horse with him And heere also I may most justly commemorate diverse brave atchievements of Sir Thomas Fairfax that as famous as pious Commander in Cheshire since his last great Victory at Namptwich who most prosperously pursued his late Victory in those parts took a strong hould called Keel-House Another called Adlinton-House Duddington also belonging to sir Thomas Delves And Crew-House where he tooke an 150. Royalists Prisoners and great store of Armes and Ammunition together with Dorison-House another strong Garrison of the Enemies where he tooke 200. Prisoners with good store of armes and ammunition Darby Forces also having been two dayes before Kings-Mylus a very strong House of the Earle of Huntingtons neere Wildon-Ferrey upon the River of Trent whereinto Colonell Hastings alias Rob-Carryer had put a Garrison of Souldiers who much annoyed that part of the Countrey but the House being very strong their Ordnance did no great execution upon it Whereupon that brave and most couragious and faithfull Patriott Sir Iohn Gell chose 5. men out of each of his Troopes to storme it who made such a desperate assault upon it that they tooke this House with the losse onely of three of his men whence they brought 46. Prisoners with their armes to Darbey but Captaine Daniel and his Lieutenant they sent Prisoners to Nottingham-Castle Lastly that most noble and renouned successefull Patriott of the Northern parts the good Lord Fairfax with his valiant Commander sir William Constable marched toward Whitby a Haven-Town in the farthest part of Yorkeshire with a very considerable Army intending if the Enemy would not deliver up the Town to Storm it For this Whitby was a very strong Garison of the Earle of New-Castles But the Enemie considering in what a condition they were surrendered up the Town to the Lord Fairfax wherein were above 500. Captaines Lieutenants Commanders Officers and Common-souldiers besides at least 20. of the Commission of Array and almost a 1000 Saylers and Inhabitants of the Town all which delivered up the Towne and with it themselves to the said most noble Lords Service together with 40. Vessels greater and lesser in the Haven So this most Honourable Lord with valiant sir William Constable seized on all their Workes Ships Ammunition 500. Armes many Barrels of Powder Match and other traine of Artillery and it was verily beleeved about an hundred pieces of Ordnance in the ships and on the Workes for the use of the Parliament About the 16th of this instant February 1643. an Ordinance of the Lords and Commons in Parliament and instructions agreed upon by them for the taking of the Solemne League and Covenant throughout the whole Kingdome which we have formerly mentioned to have been solemnly taken by both Houses of Parliament and in and about the whole Cities of London and Westminster and the Dominion of Wales was new Printed and published together with a most emphaticall and patheticall â—xhortation made by the Assembly of Divines at the motion and desire of our most pious and prudent Parliamentary Worthies for the more willing and cheerfull taking thereof and for the better and more full satisfaction of all such scruples as might arise thereupon which was ordered to be taken after this manner The minister was first to read the whole Covenant distinctly and audibly in the Pulpit and during the reading thereof the whole congregation to be uncovered and at the end of his reading thereof all to take it standing
precious particulars aboundantly declaring and cleering the truth of all herein intended namely How our God hath most graciously and gloriously caused this his deare Darling his holy Arke his precious Cause thus maintained by our ever blessed Parliamentarie Worthies to over-top and safely rise and ride above all the worlds boysterous and swelling Waves still struggling and striving to overturne it And therefore plentifull enough to cause us all to confesse with holy Moses That we have all seene what the Lord hath done to our Egyptian Malignants and how he hath born us up with Eagles wings and brought us so neere unto himselfe And therefore with the pious Prophet most gratefully and graciously to acknowledge That all these Mercies come forth from the Lord of Host who is wonderfull in Counsell and most excellent in working wonders And now to proceed Thus having a little heere made a stay and refreshed our Weather beaten Barke and in some measure fitted it for this next succeeding Moneths Voyage I shall now cheerfully put forth againe and lanch into the Maine And first of all acquaint the Reader that about the beginning of this instant March as a happy return of Prayer on the last Moneth day of Humiliation came certaine intelligence that Bidle-house upon the edge of Staffordshire and neere Cheshire was taken or rather with discretion surrendred to that most famous and faithfull Commander Sir Thomas Fairefax and that most valiant and loyall Patriot Col. Ridgeley which house was of so great consequence that by this meanes all the Moore-Landers are freed from the great annoyance of a vexatious Enemy and in a condition to assist their neighbour Cheshire In which foresaid House were also taken the Lord Brereton who was supposed to be taken before but it was a meere mistake and with him 4 Colonels 200 Common-Souldiers 500 Armes and great store of riches Plate Gold and Silver Also that the Forces of our most renowned Lord General whom we may very fitly Paralel with that famous old Roman Commander Fabius Hanibals sore Antagonist Of whom for his prudence and providence it was said by Cicero that famous Romane Oratour Vnus homo nobis cunctando restituit â—om Or to that most renowned old Prince of Orange Grave Maurice who was never rash in any attempt or waighty enterprise he undertooke yet ever for the greatest part most victorious but like a grave and discreet Generall still pondered how he might win and not lose I meane any of his Souldiers For he never accounted that Commander valourous who had not more care of his Souldiers than of his Towns Forts or Castles which either he tooke or kept but would as neere as might be make both sure So I say this our most noble Lord Generall hath all along most prudently carried on all his great designes with like wisdome and Martiall moderation and discretion and about this time his Forces about Alesbury and Newport-pannell performed a most excellent piece of Service under the command of renowned and active Colonell Cromwell and Colonell Craford without the losse of any one man slaine on ouâ— side at Hilsey-house when they tooke Sir Arthur Denton Colonell Smith and divers other Gentlemen of quallity together with an 100 Horse and about 300 Souldiers whereof there were about 150 Walloones and Frenchmen such a pack of bloody Villaines that the world hardly had the like they having committed many great Robberies in those parts all which Walloones therefore and Frenchmen had no quarter given them but were put to the Sword as they most worthyly deserved And since the taking of this Hilsey-house we were credibly informed that the brave Garrison of Northampton went out with a Party and faced Banbury and thereabout surprised all or the greatest part of the Princes Troope and brought them safe to Northampton About the second also of this instant as another rich returne of Prayer even within two dayes after the last Monethly Fast-day came certaine Intelligence by Letters out of Yorkeshire to London of a brave Victory obtained through the mercy of our good God by that valiant Commander Colonel Lambert under the command of Sir Thomas Fairfax in the West-Riding of Yorkeshire not farre from Bradford where the Bradford Garrison understanding that Colonell Lambert advanced that way to reduce that Towne to the Service of the Parliament they presently sent intelligence of this his resolution to Yorke as also of the weakenesse of this Colonels condition wherupon a commanded power of Horse and Foot led by Colonell Iohn Bellasis Governour of York farre exceeding Colonell Lamberts Forces at least three to one in number was forthwith dispatched to releeve them In briefe both parties faced each other not farre from Bradford and Colonell Lamberts Forces though lesse in number did exceede in valour for indeed as reverend Master Ienkins Pastour of Christ-Church in London sweetly said Wee have oftentimes known that God hath had too many to fight his battailes but never too few and the encounter grew exceeding hot and for 7 howres space the thundring disputation was fiercely continued at length by Gods great mercy Colonel Lambert perceived he had the better of his enemies but yet his necessity was such that for want of Powder he knew not what to doe for none of his Souldiers had at the most above two charges left Hereupon a Councill of Warre was sodainly called and as suddenly it was agreed that before they would offer any paâ—ley to the enemy the Horse should charge once more which in that desperat exigence was performed with such undaunted courage and resolution of spirit that the Enemies Horse not able to withstand the shock began a little to give ground which our Cavalry soone observing they followed the advantage with so much impregnable courage that they forced them to a very disorderly retreat and our Foot taking notice of the brave action and advantage their Horse had gotten as valiantly charged the body of the enemies Infantry who perceiving their owne Horse to abandon them began to leave the Field and swiftly to retire toward Yorke even with what confused speed they possibly could The brave successefull Colonell Lambert could not follow them in pursuâ— by reason of the great want of Powder in which at that present he was But he tooke Prisoners in the fight Colonell Sir Iohn Girlington and divers other Officers in Armes and persons of quality and about an 100 common Souldiers Colonell Bellasies himselfe being shrewdly put to the switch and Spurre to escape there were above an hundred slaine in the place And thus this valiant Colonell Lambert after this defeat and brave Victory so fortunately atchieved presently entred into Bradford and re-garrison'd it for the use of the Parliament About the 5 or 6 of this instant March 1643. came certaine Intelligence by Letters out of Leicestshire to London that Colonel Hastings that noble or rather notable
Thiefe having intelligence that according to the direction of the Parliament the Nationall Covenant was taking throughout that County and to that purpose that there were Summons of all the Clergy-men Church-wardens and other Officers to come in to Leicester to take the Covenant whither accordingly they came for two or three dayes together with much freenesse and cheerefulnesse whereof I say Hastings having notice hee with 4 Troops from Bever-Worton-house coursed about the Countrey as farre as Dunton and Litherworth and tooke neere upon an 100 of the Clergâ—emen and others and carried them Prisoners to a Town called Hinckley intending to have carryed them to Ashby-de-la-Zouch c. using them very coursely and threatning to hang all them that should take the Parliaments Covenant nor were they content with this but roaving up and downe the Countrey they tooke away about 80 Kine Oxen and Horse from the poore Countrey people and one Master Warner a godly Minister whom they much abused threatning to hang him But the intelligence of these things comming to Leicestor and they most justly very ill resenting these outrages and cruelties lost no time but though all their horse were gone to Newark yet they resolved every private man to spare his owne horse and so sent away presently an 120 of the Foot Souldiers and some 30 Troopers that lay at Bagworth-house to keep it from the enemy under the command of Colonell Gray whom the Lord Gray had made Governour of Leicester These their Forces being upon their March toward Hinkley so well ordered the matter that about eight of the clock that night they fell most valiantly on them in their quarters undiscovered tooke the Enemies Scouts and without much resistance tooke the outworks and a piece of Ordnance and there performed their worke also with so good successe that they presently entred the Towne killed one of the Enemies Captains named Man-waring and foure or five more of their Souldiers wounded 9 or 10 of them very sorely presently routed them all tooke two of their Lieutenants one Quarter-master one Ensigne 45 Prisoners and 140 Horse with their Armes released all the Country men rescued all the Cattle and restored them to the right owners and so returned home safe with this victory and booty the next day being Shroâ—e-Teusday as then they called it None of Leicester men were slaine in this defeat onely 4 wounded whereof one was casually hurt by Colonell Gray because he forgot their Word in the fight which was God prosper us the Enemies Word being For the King But that which makes this exploitâ—the more remarkable was that the Enemy was between 4 and 500 strong as was credibly informed and ours not above 200 at the most Our men went on most couragiously in all the Service and had they not been too greedy of the prey we had meere taken them all And therefore desire to ascribe all the honour to God alone And about the same time also came certain intelligence to London that valiant and vigilant Colonell Norton had takes severall prisoners in his parts about Southampton and slaine divers of the seulking enemies among whom Sir Iohn Stowell was slaine in the place About the 18th of this instant came yet farther intelligence by letters out of Yorkeshire to London that that brave and valiant commander Col Lambert since his late famous victory at Bradford hearing that a party were gathering against him to oppose him in the West-riding of Yorkeshire be drew out his forces to meet them and discovering the enemy neere Kirkelesse consisting of about 11. troopes of horse of the Earle of Newcastles as good as they could make up for the designe Col. Lambert presently drew out a small partie which he sent upon the forlorne hope to draw the enemy into a noose who discovering onely a small party of our men they marched toward them Hereupon our men began to retreat the enemy followed In which interim brave Colonell Lambert having wisely carryed the businesse had placâ—d a party on each side of the enemy so as they were surrounded ere they were aware Whereupon with very litle harme the valiant Colonell surprized and cooped them up on three sides and there being a river on the fourth side they all became his prisoners irresistibly save only two or three who adventured to swim over the river who whether they were drowned or not was uncertaine for the river was deepe and dangerous The noble Colonell tooke prisoners at this time 4. Lieut. Colonels and Serjeant Maiors 7. Captaines 11. Cornets 300. souldiers and other officers with other purchase and prizes which the enemy had pillaged in the Country a sore pull from them and a faire strengthening of us blessed be the Lord for it And about the very same time we had certaine knowledge that Sir William Constable that most pious and prudent commander and one Captaine Carter had with a very small and unconsiderable losse taken two bridges in the East-Riding of Yorkeshire both of them very considerable places for their designes the one called Chester-bridge and the other was Stamford-bridge with them they tooke also divers prisoners and three pieces of ordnance there Much also about the same time came credible information to London that a party of Colonell Waights horse from Burley-House in Rutlandshire went out suddenly toward Beaver-castle intelligence having beene given them of a troope of horse quartered a mile off from the castle Whereupon they with the best preparation they could make of sadle-horses and others for dragoones the most part of their garrison troupers being then out in the service at Newarke siege with Sir Iohn Meldrum they fell on them in their quarters tooke divers of them prisoners and then went neerer the castle tooke thence 20. fatt oxen and at least 200. fat sheep and brought them all away safely with them to Burley-House And much about the foresaid time we were for certain enformed at London that divers ships at sea full fraught with Irish-bloody-rebells bound for Westchester met with a great storme by Gods justice and good providence which so violently tost and shattered them that at least a full regiment consisting of 1500. were cast away and drencht and drown'd in the salt streames of the sea as they had destroy'd others in the gory streames of their blood at land And about the same time it was enformed most infallibly that the noble garrisons of Pool and Warham beat upon the then ignoble Weather-cocke the Lord Inchiquins regiment of Irish bloody Rascalls in Dorsetshire with a fierce land-storme where they tooke divers prisoners 2. pieces of ordnance killed very many of them fired their magazine and returned victoriously and safely home againe About the 10th of this Instant March came information from Southampton that a party of Sir Ralph Hoptons horse came and faced that Town Whereupon the brave and valiant Governor thereof Colonell Norton sent out some
forces against them who came forth and faced them also whiles other some of his forces had placed themselves in some advantagious ambuscadoes and upon the ingagement of the rest in fight came upon the reere of Hoptons forces beat them soundly tooke about at least 80. of them prisoners among whom were 2. Cornets and other officers whom they safely carryed into Southampton And that most loyall and magnanimous commander Sir William Belfore had performed much good service against the enemy neere Basing-house in Hampshire where he defeated a party of Basing forces which sallyed out of the said House and fell upon his infantrie in their marching that way But Sir Williams horse wheeling about and comming in the rear of them killed 20. on the place routed 200. horse and tooke many prisoners whereof some were men of quality After which he advanced to Newbery and tooke possession of the Towne which the enemies garrison understanding of his comming toward them had quite quitted upon his approach thither at which time he was about 5000. strong in horse and foot And about the same time came certaine intelligence from forraine parts which I here mention as having reference to our present affaires in England that on the last Monethly fast day of Febr. last 1643. which was also kept at Delph in Holland the same day that ours was in England by the English Inhabitants and Merchants there residing and that the Prince Elector Palatine CHARLES subscribed the Solemine-League or Covenant entred into by the Kingdomes of England and Scotland and which had beene sent over and ordered by the Parliament to be taken by all the English in all those Provinces and that many also of the Court in Holland have done the like Also that the Swedes had about that time taken the King of Denmarkes castle of Elsenburge which guards the Sound on Norway side and that they had then also taken two Danish ships with 1200. of the king of Denmarkes souldiers And which is of greatest concernment and most remarkable that the Swedes were then expediting an Embassie to the Parliament of England wherein they desired the first motion wherof we touched before that they might associate themselves with the kingdomes of England and Scotland for the mutuall defence of one another in point of the Protestant religion against the Popish party in any part of the world Thus good Reader we see still dayly how the kingdome of Antichrist like Sauls house decayes and decreases more and more and therefore how justly and joyfully we may and must expect the House of David to encrease flourish and prevaile in all parts of the earth and thereby our glorious hopes more sweetly and firmely to be lifted up in expectation of the most happy holy Halcyon dayes of the Church of Christ in this last age of the world Amen and Amen About the 12. of this instant came farther intelligence also out of Yorkeshire That the most noble Lord Fairfax did still enlarge his quarters in those parts and that his two most valiant Champions Colonell Sir William Constable and Colonell Lambert grew more and more prosperous and victorious And in particular that Colonell Constable marching to Yorke quartered at a place called Pocklington and from thence to the enemies quarters and faced their Garrison at Tadcaster-Bridge within ten miles of Yorke on the East side fell valiantly on the Enemies and in short time took it In which Gaâ—rison he took 10 Captaines Lieutenants and Commissioners of Array besides other Officers about 200 Souldiers 300 Armes 3 peices of Ordnance 14 Barrells of powder besides match and other good prizes Much about this time the Declaration of both Kingdomes for the comming in of the Oxford partee by the first of March 1643. had a great influence upon many of the more ingenuous moderate and discreet delinquents among them so as divers of note and quality came in before and some â—ince the time assigned and very willingly took the Solemn League and Covenant Some of the most considerable of whom I have here thought fit to expresse by name viz. The Earl of Westmerland the Earl of Monmouth the Earl of Thanet Sir Francis Lâ—e one of the Gentlemen of the Kings Bed-chamber the Lord Paget who went to Warwick-Castle the Earle of Carlile Sir Anthony Ashley-Cooper Baronet high Sheriffe of Dorsetshire and Governour of Weymouth Sir Edward Deering Sir Iohn Evelin of Hampshire Sir Iohn Evelin of Surrey Sir William Acton an Alderman of London Mr. Roger Pits Mr. Mason Mr. Carpenter and many other most of them men of eminency and great Estates who came to London and took the Covenant besides many who had submitted themselves to the Parliaments Garrisons at Northampton Warwick and other places too numerous to be here particularized and many more would fain have come away thence had they not taken such a strict course in all the Kings Quarters to retain and restrain them by setting up Gibbets at Oxford and threatning them most terribly with no lesse than hanging if they were taken in any such defection Here also I conceive it not unfit but in much pertinent measure consonant to these our Parliamentary mercies to make mention of that most vile and base Athesticall defection of that most ignoble and perjured Knight Sir Richard Geenvile which I say may justly come in as no small mercy to us in regard of the great designe of the Parliament about that time against the enemies thereof a mercy I say that he went then away since he was so rotten at the core and had so false a heart to the State and Parliament so soon when as he did us so little hurt where as had he stayed till our Forces had gone into the Field and had been to joyn in Battail with the Enemy as not long after they did he might especially being then also in such an eminent place of power and trust in the Army like his brother in iniquity Sir Faithlesse Fortescue at Edgehill Battell he might I say have done us a far greater mischiefe in the fight than he did by this his base flight But for this his so wicked and unworthy tergiversation he was followed with a most just reward for upon the 15. of this instant March being Fryday according to an Order of the Councill of War there were two Gibbets erected the one over against the Royall Exchange in Cornhill in London and the other in the Pallace yard at Westminster whereat Proclamation was made by the Provost Marshall and trumpeters of his Excellencies Armie declaring Sir Richard Grinvile that grand Apostate and Renâ—gado of England a Traiter unto the Kingdome which Proclamation was fixed upon both the foresaid Gibbets in writing in the words following Whereas Richard Greenvile hath of late presented his Service unto the Parliament and hath been entertained by the Parliament as a Colonell of a Regiment of Horse And whereas the said
At which his Lordship flung out of the roome leaving the Gentlewoman with teares in her eyes and so shee was faine to depart to her house full of griefe and pensive thoughts A passage of so barbarous a deportment of a Lord to a grave Gentlewoman that I beleeve History can scarse Parallel to have proceeded from any Heathen The lamentable condition of the well-affected being by the Admirall and Commanders discussed and disputed It was demanded of Colonell Laughorne and the Mayor of Pembrooke what Force the well-affected party was able to raise to oppose his Lordship It was by them replied that they could not raise above 40 Horse and about 60 Foot Then it was demanded in case there should bee 200. Seamen landed well armed whether they would joyne with them and be active and resolute in their owne defence against this insolent Lord otherwise they must prepare to goe away with the Fleet. The Colonell and Mayor with the well-affected Gentry like gallant men who had rather dye than out-live the honour and happinesse of their Countrey resolved cheerefully and faithfully to put themselves under the providence of the Almighty and with the help of the Seamen to affront the Enemy which was without delay put in execution and speedily and undauntedly fell upon the Garrison of the Enemies in a strong hold called Stockpoole the Mannor-house of one Master Roger Lort on which our great Guns having made a breach after 8 houres assault they took with the losse of two of their men and many wounded on both sides Then they fell on another Garrison of the Enemies called Treffloyne within a mile of Tynby out of which Towne the Earle of Carbery issued with about 200 Horse and Foot intending to have relieved the said Garrison with whom he faced our Forces but at whom they let fly a Piece of Ordnance whereat his Lordship wheeled about with all his Forces and swiftly ran into the Towne Our Forces prosecuting their former assault upon the Garrison tooke it and therein 45 Horse and 150 Armes with the losse of two men more on our side six on the Enemies God having given them this good successe they retired to Pembrooke to refresh their men and enable themselves for a more potent designe on the Enemy intending to oppose the whole body of them which consisted of about at least 1200. horse and foot but the Earle hearing of this designe and though he had fortified Haverford-West which was their rendevouz and where most of his strength was placed his Lordship like a valiant Commander with 20 horse some foot and 4 field pieces ran away telling the rest of the commanders that he rode unto the adjacent Counties to raise more forces and that he would suddenly returne Now when our men had refreshed themselves they marched forth with six field pieces mounted on their carriages with waggons to convey their ammunition and victuals and now resolved first to fall on the Fort at the Pyll which they bravely assaulting both by land by water with their ordnance they at last entred the Fort by force which the enemy perceiving cryed quarter which was granted though they litle deserved it as who had formerly vowed that if they proved conquerours they would kill the doggs and ravish the bitches and drowne the whelps meaning us and the inhabitants their adversaries most inhumane language onely fit for the barbarous and blasphemous Imps of the Beast of Rome In this Fort we tooke 200. armes 18. pieces of ordnance 240. souldiers 26. commanders and two good ships the Globe of Bristol forementioned wherein were twelve pieces of ordnance and another ship called the Providence This brave victory was onely the gift of God unto us and the purchase of his owne strong arme to him alone therefore be all the praise and glory for in this fight and victory wee lost not a man of our side either by sword or shot When the enemy was routed some of their souldiers fled to Haverford-West and enformed the commanders there of the losse of the Fort and that al their commanders and souldiers therein were taken prisoners At which news it was credibly reported Sir Henry Vaughan with the rest of the commanders began to rage ravâ— and sweare like mad men and as bears robb'd of their whelps ran up and downe the streetes crying out beat up the drums gather our horse and foot together for we will out this night and be revenged on these Round headed Parliament doggs and having with this bravado drawne their forces into a body being about 450. Sir Iohn Stepney the governour of the Towne like a prudent Surveyer and provident over-seer went into the Churchyard to see if he could discerne our forces to approach toward Haverford-West and instantly about halfe a mile from the Towne he discovered a heerd of blacke bullockes comming toward him in the field Those horned beasts all in a cluster so amazed this wise knight and brave souldier that being affraid of his owne shaddow his worship in his valour ran to the head of their forces and swore by Gods-wounds the Round-headed dogs were comming at which report they all marched out of the Towne and calling to mind the late valiant example of their brave L. General Carberry they wheeled about and ran away The boyes of the Towne perceiving them to run fell on the reare and took from them 60 muskets this disorder in the reare made those in the front believe that the Round-heads indeed were close at their heeles and the pittifull and pannick feare thereof metamorphosed all our Cozen-Taffees into nimble Mercuries with winged speed enforcing every man to fly for his life some threw away their armes for hâ—st and those that had the charge of the powder flung it into the river that so the Round-heads might make no use of it against them and in this manner and by this meanes was the Town of Haverford-West surrendred unto us That saying of wise King Solomon or rather of God himselfe Solomons teacher being here most truely verified The wicked flyeth when no man pursueth him whereas the righteous is as bold as a Lyon When the enemy fled out of this Towne they left behind them at least an 100. red coats which had never beene worne a good quantity of victualls and ten pieces of ordnance all which argued they wanted nothing but a good conscience and a good cause to maintaine Thence our forces marched being plentifully replenished and furnished with all necessaries toward Tynby whither they being come they presently summoned the Towne to be surrendred to them but the governour returned a negative answer hereupon we advised and required them to send out of the Towne all the women and children assuring them that unlesse they did comply and that speedily they would in discharge of their dutie use their utmost endeavour to force them thereunto In all which wee receiving no satisfaction
from the Governour or Mayor of the Towne our men fell to playing on the Towne with their ordnance both by sea and by land both our seamen and landmen performing admirable good service and the Towne also maintaining the assaults with brave resolution as ours more bravely assaulted them even to the face of death and danger Commissary Guine the Governour of the Towne shewed himselfe indeed to be a man of an undanted spirit issuing out of the Town and bringing up his small shot and making good their owne ambuscadoes but his hot valour exposed the Towne to unavoydable misery by his furious vowing he would neither give nor take quarter whereby he forced himselfe into much danger for leading on his men to face our small shot who plyed their muskets so thick and nimbly that his men forsooke him and himselfe received a shot under his right pap which enforced him to retreat who was no sooner entred the Towne but the master Gunner thereof was also slaine In all which brave and resolute fight we must not omit to manifest the high praise of Gods providence toward us for our small shot having forced the enemy out of their ambuscadoes pursued them close to the Town-gate their gunner having laden a piece of ordnance with case-shot and watching for such an opportunity having also travised the gun said to those that stood by Now you shal see me make a slaughter of these Roundheads at which word a small shot from our forces hit him on the head after which he never spake word more but dyed instantly which fall of his so daunted the enemy both commanders and souldiers that forthwith they cryed out for quarter and so we by Gods mighty mercy and goodnesse obtained the Towne of Tynby which was held by the judgement of the most judicious almost impregnable it being not to be entred but by single file In this Towne wee tooke 3 or 400 prisoners as many armes 7 pieces of ordnance all which were taken on Saturday March the 9. 1643 and on the Lords day March the 10. Carew-castle was also surrendred unto ours and therein also was happily consummated the totall subduing of all the malignant and insulting party in the whole County of Pembrooke Wee tooke from the Earle of Carbery and his complices in this action 4 castles 53 pieces of ordnance about 6 or 700 souldiers as many armes and the whole County I say of Pembrooke subdued who thereupon most unanimously took the Covenant to stand to Gods cause for the King and Parliament In all which the Lord of hostes gave his servants the victory over his and their enemies and gives us all therein just cause to put our confidence in him and in that comfortable ejaculation of holy David to exult and say By this we know that thou Lord favourest us in that thou hast not suffered our enemies to triumph over us And now to proceed About the foresaid 16 or 17 of March also came true information of more very good successe with our ships at Sea about the Isle of Garnsey performed and obtained by Captain Iordan who went out with a squadron of ships well man'd a part of brave Captain Swanlyes fleet before famously mentioned to beat the Earl of Malborough the Admirall of the Kings fleet at Sea who was gone to those parts of Garnsey and Iersie to get souldiers for the Kings Service which yet he could not effect as he hoped and at last Captain Jordan understood that the Earl was got to St. Mallows whither he thereupon set sail and came to Cape Tryhull whence he chased two Vessels the bigger of them fleeting towards Saint Mallows he took by the way which had been a ship belonging to Lyme and was bound for Topsham laden with Canvase cloth wine c. of burthen an 110 tuns and bearing 13 peeces of Ordnance The other ship was chased by Captain Thomas who forced her on shoare and the next day got her off being also laden with Canvas and belonging unto and bound for Topsham of 36 tuns and she being shot between wind and water they unladed her goods into their own Ships The next day plying the Cape aforesaid they took two Barks more of Topsham laden with Wollen cloath Iron Train Oyle c. bound for Saint Mallows of 30 tun a peece and of value able to defray the whole charg of the ships then in company But the Earl having got into Saint Mallows they could not reach him nor durst he stir forth all the time of their waiting for him there and so they missed of that hoped oportunity to have bickered with him About the 18th of this instant came certain information by Letters from Gloucester that although the ammunition intended for Gloucester could not wholely be conveyed thither with safty by reason of the great partee of the Enemies thereabout yet that Colonel Massey that most famous Commander having sent an expresse to the Earle of Denby Sir Thomas Fairfax and Colonel Bear That he was able by Gods assistance to keep the Town 6. moneths longer yea though he were closely besieged and that therefore if any designe or opportunity were offered them he prayed they would pursue it Since which time neither of those brave Commanders had beene without action and for confirmation thereof besides their former services it was particularly advertised by severall Letters That the valiant Commander Colonell Beare having intelligence of a Regiment of the Earle of Northamptons quartered at Cambden in Gloucestershire he drew forth a Party of his Horse who fell upon the Enemy there routed the whole Regiment tooke 80 Horse about 10 Officers whereof one was a Major and 2 Captaines 2 Horse Colours and 5 Foot Ensignes an 100 Prisoners much Armes and Ammunition and pursued them as farre as Burford in Oxfordshire and afterward brought the Prisoners and Prize to Warwick-castle About the 20 th of this instant also wee had certaine intelligence by more Letters from Gloucester that that valiant faithful and renowned Gentlemen Colonell Massey whose actions render him truly Honourable for Virtue is the badge of Honour as Vice is of Shame had taken from the Enemy about 8 Miles from Gloucester 35 Horse and some prisoners and returned back safely and seasonably to Gloucester having intelligence that sir Iohn Winter his Popish neighbour was at some places in the Forrest of Deane to raise men by virtue of the Commission of Array whereupon he forthwith marched toward him and most bravely defeated his designe tooke about 60 Horse of his prisoners and victoriously returned home againe Thus most gallantly and vigilantly awing his Enemies on every side And about the 22d. of this instant March came Letters from the Army of our loyall Brethren of Scotland which were read in the Parliament certifying that they had then passed over the River Tyne at three severall places without any opposition and shortly after were possessed of
Sunderland about which time the Enemies shewed themselves upon a hill within two miles of the Towne but soone retreated without giving one stroake and then the Enemies Forces of Durham and Newcastle joyning and by the accession of new forces from Yorkeshire supposed to be about 14000 Horse and Foot they shewed themselves againe in a body within 3 miles of Sunderland whereupon the Scots drew out put themselves in Battalia both Armies standing so all day long and lay in the field all night within halfe a mile at most of each other the like they did the next day and the next night after but the Enemy having the advantage of ground the Scots could not engage their Army without great disadvantage and through the unpassablenes of the hedges and ditches betwixt them Within 3 or 4 dayes after in the morning the Enemy retreated apace toward Durham and the Scots sent out a Partie after them who skirmished upon their Reare and tooke some of them Prisoners by whom they received information that Newcastles Forces lying in the Field in the clod Snowey weather and in the skirmish had lost at least 800. Horse and men kill'd and runne away And within 3 or 4 dayes after the whole body of the Scots Army advanced against the Enemy toward Durham leaving about two Regiments at Sunderland for the security of that place About the 24th of this instant came certaine information by Letters from Lyme to London that Colonell Wear going from Lyme with a party of neere upon 7 or 8 score foot and Dragoons into Devon at least 14 miles from his Garrison to joyne with some well-affected persons that had invited him to come thither and were then in Armes but unhappily set upon by the Enemy who kill'd and surpriz'd most of them before the Colonel could get to them Whereupon the Colonell retreated to Lyme and the Prisoners which the Enemy tooke they carryed to Colliton a Towne within 4 miles of Lyme and to expresse their joy for this Victory they presently fell a drinking and carousing in exessive manner But the vigilant and valiant Captaine Pyne of whom we have made mention before having got good intelligence thereof lost no time but that very night went out of Lyme with a party of Horse to Colliton being come thither they first killd the Sentinels then entred the Towne and sodainly fell upon them in the night and height of their secure jollitie where he tooke a Collonell 2 or 3 Captaines and other Officers released all their owne Prisoners tooke above 60 common Souldiers with divers Horse and Armes and brought them all safe into Lyme By which excellent exploit all things rightly reckoned and accounted one would thinke they had little cause to boast of that dayes good successe much lesse of a Victory And about the 26 of this instant March my intelligence put me in minde heere to make mention of Gods admirable and most wise ordering and disposing of things to the glory of his Name joy of his children and vexation of the base Brats of Rome and malignant Enemies of Reformation in the most rare and strange alteration of the face of things in the Cathedrall Church at Westminster Namely that whereas there was wont to be heard nothing almost but Roaring-Boyes tooting and squeaking Organ-Pipes and the Cathedrall Catches of Morley and I know not what trash now the Popish-Altar is quite taken away the bellowing Organs are demolisht and pull'd downe the treble or rather trouble and base Singers Chanters or inchanters driven out and instead thereof there is now set up a most blessed Oxthodox Preaching Ministery even every morning throughout the Weeke and every weeke through the whole yeare a Sermon Preached by most learned grave and godly Ministers of purpose appointed thereunto and for the gaudy guilded Crucifixes and rotten table of dumbe Idols Popish Saints and Pictures set up and placed and painted thereabout where that sinfull Singing was used now a most sweet assembly and thicke throng of Gods pious people and well-affected living teachable Saints is there constantly and most comfortably every morning to be seen at the Sermons O our God! what a rich and rare alteration what a strange change is this indeed And about the end of this instant March wee were credibly informed that Hopton and his Mercenary and compulsatory Confederates had swept the Westerne parts pretty cleane to make up a mighty supposed formidable Army as if therewith he intended to pursue Gods people like furious Pharaoh himselfe to the red Sea of ruine and destruction or rather to make the Seas and Rivers red with the blood of Gods Saints and servants which the land was loath to drinke in Inchiquine with his Hell-bred Irish Generall Forth foaming and fuming with his witlesse Welsh and the rest of the rabble of Outlandish godlesse gracelesse French Walioones c. Gebal Ammon and Amaleck with the Philistims were all gathered together that they might all perish together at once like Sisera and Iabin at the brooke of Kison The Cause is one and the effect shall be the same for the same God lives now and for ever and hath onely appointed them a time wherein to whip his Children for a while for a day to be scourged and disturbed but not destroyed by them For sayes the Lord Asshur is my Rod. But this being once done this rod shall be cast into the fire and then neither their Idols Images Crosses Crucifixes Ave-Maries Pater-nosters or any or all their Masse-Sacrifices shall be able to save them but they shall perish and be packing to Rome whence they most unhappily came among us For as I say Hopton was thus preparing his powers against God So on the other side Sir William Waller Sir William Belfore and renowned Major Gen. Brown a rare Pair-royall of most famous faithfull and magnanimous Commanders were also with a very considerable Army within a little distance of the multitude of their impious Adversaries and as ready to receive them as they to give the Charge The head Quarter of the Enemy was at Winchester and upon the Downes foure miles from Winchester where Hopton had raised some Workes and a great part of his Army lay about in the Field Sir William Waller also Sir William Belfore and Serjeant Major Browne lay about Petersfield and Trafford and some parts of the Armies on both sides faced each other as they lay at distance and some slight Skimishes had first beene with some of Hoptons Horse who were beaten by brave sir William Belfores horse but Hoptons were experienced hoppers and runners too and so saved themselves the better But now to come to the maine matter intended And yet before we come to speake exactly of the fight it self I shall desire the Reader to give me leave with his patience to premise these pertinent antecedents thereof very worthy pre-observation namely That about this time it was
Plate and money yet what plate goods or Jewels did properly belong to her and her attendants was permitted the next day to be friendly conveyed to Oxford with her she being used with all respect and civility by Sir William VValler and Sir VVilliam Belfore so was not the Honourable Lady Fairfax used at Bradford in Yorkeshire though afterwards she was onely and barely sent home Fiftly the taking of the said Lady Hopton so neer Redding put the garrison at Redding into such an affright and terrour that on the 3. of March the said enemy quitted that great garrison Town and the like in other garrisons also about Oxford and those parts Sixtly that Sir VVilliam VValler pursued the enemy to Salisbury entred that Towne and tooke there neere upon 500 Armes and made all the Cathedrall men run for feare of after-claps Seventhly and lastly that Sir William Waller rested not there neither but sent out a Partee of about 1000. Horse and Dragoones into Dorsetshire and at a Towne called White-Church tooke sir Iohn Mills and 100. Gentlemen more who were met there together to raise men for Hopton Which partie went presently after to VVeymouth for farther designes And now false and foul mouth'd malignants judge even ye your selves whether Hopton was not soundly beaten to suffer all this without least resistance all this while and so long away One thing more of moment I may not here pretermit for the honour of the inhabitants of the Isle of Wight neer Portsmouth viz. That since this routing of Hoptons forces as aforesaid they not only supplyed Sir William Wallers army in a very large manner with victualls which was then very welcome refusing to take one penny of pay for the same but farther of their owne voluntary accord as hath beene since credibly enformed raised 300 stout able men and sent them to Sir William together with large expressions of their chearfulnesse and forwardnesse farther to assist him with their lives and fortunes as their should be an occasion offered Now the Honourable House of Commons in Parliament taking into their serious consideration this so happy successe of their Forces under the Command of Sir Wil. Waller and Sir William Belfore as aforesaid against the Forces of the King under the Command of Sir Ralph Hopton In acknowledgement of Gods singular great mercy herein Ordered that on Aprill the 14th being the Lords day Publike Thanksgiving should be in all Churches and Chappels on the Southside of Trent within the power of the Parliament and that the like thanksgiving should be on the Northside of Trent 14 dayes after which was to be the 28th of April then next ensuing which Order of Parliament for the Readers better content and satisfaction I have thought fit here to insert as it was Printed and published by their Authority Die Lunae 1 April 1644. An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons in Parliament Assembled appointing a Solemne day of Thanksgiving c. THe Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled having certaine information of the great mercy of our good God in the happy successe of the Forces of the Parlioment under the Command of Sir William Waller and Sir William Belfore on Friday March 29. 1644. Doe in their acknowledgement of Gods mercie herein Order That upon the Lords Day which will be on the 14 of this instan April Publike Thanksgiving be given in all Churches and Chappels on the Southside of Trent within the power of the Parliament unto the Lord of Hosts that giveth all Victory for the seasonable and extraordinary blessing whereby the Army under the Command of Sir Ralph Hopton was totally routed with the losse of very few of the Parliaments Forces And all Ministers in their respective Churches and Chappels are hereby directed and Commanded to give notice thereof and to Exhort and excite their people to acknowledge and improve this great blessing in a Spirituall way that as this mercie was bestowed in returne of our Prayers and Humiliation upon the late and solemne Fast the Wednesday before this Victory So God may have the sole honour and glory of it in our praises and thanksgivings and that the like thanksgiving shall be made on the Northside of Trent 14 dayes after which will be on the 28 of this instant April Ordered that this Ordinance of publike Thankesgiving be forthwith Printed and Published And that the Printer of the House doe bring in a convenient number to the Members of the House to be sent into the severall Counties Hen. Elsynge Cl. Parl. D. Com. And heer now good Reader let me desire thy godly and Christian patience and permission a little to make a pause and cast Anchour againe at the end of this Moneths happy voyage briefely to revise and survey the precious Merchandizes and happy Incoms of Gods goodnesse to our English Nation in protection of his Holy-Arke the Parliaments Cause So constantly and cruelly molested tost and turmoyled by the swelling waves and insolent surges of wicked and ungodly Adversaries which will be most conspicuously evident to all In the taking of Biddle-House in Staffordshire by Sir Thomas Fairfax and Colonell Ridgeley Hilsey-house in Buckinghamshire and the surprising of the Princes Troop by Northampton Forces In Colonell Lamberts brave victory at Bradford in Yorkeshire The notable defeat given to Hastings at Hinchley in Leicestershire where and when the Solemne Covenant was setling and taking in those parts together with another most brave defeat given by the foresaid valiant Colonell Lambert to Newcastles Forces as also Sir William Constables good successe and Colonell Waights also at Burleigh-house In the notable Sea-storme wherein about 1500 Irish Rebels were cast away and the Land Storm also which God raised against those bloody Irish-Rascals at Pool and VVareham in Dorsetshire together with the singular good successe of Colonell Norton against the enemies at Southampton Sir VVilliam Belfores good successe against the enemy neere Basing-house in Hampshire The Prince Palatines taking of our Covenant in Holland and the whole Kingdome of Sweathlands voluntary Message and desire to enter into Amity and Confederacy with our Parliament against the Adversaries of the true Protestant Religion Sir VVilliam Constables victorious taking of Tadcaster in Yorkshire The singular good successe of the Parliaments Declaration for calling in Delinquents from Oxford and how God turned that wicked Apostacy of Greenvile into a mercy unto us Together with the pious care of the Parliament for the godly institution of the Kings Children at S. Iameses and the singular good successe of the Parliaments Forces at Bredport and Burley-house neere Lyme The most victorious proceedings and magnanimous atchivements of the Parliaments Forces in South-VVales by renowned Captaine Swanley who most happily prevented much-intended evill there and reduted the whole County of Pembrooke to the obedience of the Parliament The yet farther good successe of the Parliaments side by Sea in valiant Captaine Jordanes chasing the Earle of Marlebrough the Kings Admirall from his intended
Designes and winning divers Ships and valuable Prizes from them Together with Gloucesters good posture and condition And Colonell Beares and Colonell Masseyes victorious achivements over the Enemies In our loyall Brethren of Scotlands safe passage over the River Tyne without resistance and the feare and terror of the Lord put into the Enemies hearts that they durst not set upon our brethren but being enforced to wait on the Scottish Forces day and night in the Fields lost many hundreds of their Army to the great weakning thereof and enforcing of them to a hasty retreat to Durham In the brave defeat given to the Enemy at Collyton neere Lyme by valiant Captaine Pyne and the excellent reformation of the Cathedrall at VVestminster And lastly in this last fore-mentioned most famous defeat and glorious Victory which God in his great mercy gave Sir VVilliam VValler and Sir VVilliam Belfore at Alsford in Hampshire against Hopton and his formidable Forces who had even already swallowed us up in their deepe hopes and greedy expectations but wherein God admirably frustrated their high-built-hopes and dasht in pieces their deepest designes In just and serious Contemplation and Consideration then of all those precious premises who can deny but that he hath most evidently and undenyably seene in this Monethes most prosperous and successefull Voyage Gods Arke Over-topping the worlds waves swelling and although the outragious waves of wicked men Atheists Papists and perverse Malignants gave the Arke especially in this Alsfords bickering many sore brushes against its sacred sides to overturne it So that we might say with holy David The floods were lifted up O Lord the floods did lift up their voice as in those Oxoniensia Sesquipedalia verba the floods did lift up ther waves But the Lord was mightier than the noise of their many waters yea than all the mighty waves of the Sea And therefore let us all with most cheerfull hearts and voyces with that sacred sugered Singer of Israel aforesaid in holy exultation and gracious gratification Say and Sing Let God arise and let his enemies be scattered and let all those that hate him flee before him As smoake is driven away so drive thou them away O God as wax melteth before the fire so let the wicked perish at the presence of the Lord. But let thy righteous ones still be glad and rejoyce yea let them exceedingly râ—jâ—yce in thy Salvation And now to proceed ANd here now to hoyse up our sailes again and begin the next Moneths Voyage see what singular and soveraign good fruit we are all ready fraught with in the very first setting forth to the farther praise and glory of God a work most pleasing to heaven and all true holv and heavenly minded Saints namely how it pleased the Lord to put into the hearts of our most pious Patriots and precious Parliamentary Worthies the care of the more holy strict sanctification of the Lords Day about the beginning of this moneth of April to passe and publish a most excellent Ordinance of Parliament wherein were many sweet holy and holesome Orders and Penalties agreed on and confirmed to be put in exact excution and inflicted upon all manner of Offenders against the same And among them this one clause was also added That the Ordinance formerly made for the burning of all books of giving Liberty for prophane pastimes and Lawful recreations forsooth as our impious Pontificians wickedly termed their wickedly termed their Bacchanalian sports set out by the Arch-Prelate of Canterburies license and allowance should all be put in execution throughout the whole Kingdome under the Parliaments power and Authority And was not here a blessed blast and faire gaile of wind breathed out from heaven it selfe upon this Arke of God to carry it on successefully in this Moneths troublesome Voyage through the swelling Seas of this so sorely distracted and distressed Kingdome And about the 2 of this instant April came certain Intelligence by Letters out of Derbyshire to London That that brave active and faithfull Commander in Armes Sir Iohn Gell after the raising of the Siege at Newarke had such a Vigilant eye upon the Enemie that he sent forth a partee which fell upon one of their quarters at a place called Munk-bridge upon Dove-river not many miles from Derby where they killed 22 on the place routed the rest and drave divers men and horse into the said River where they were drowned took an 140 horse and 80 prisoners Much also about the same time came credible information by Letters out of Yorkeshire to London that Colonell Bellasis Governour of Yorke marched out thence toward Bradford where his Victorious Antagonist brave Colonell Lambert lay with his Regiment which Bellasis intended and hoped to have an oportunity to set upon and surprise But the Vigilant Colonell having timely intelligence of his comming sallyed out of the Town to meet the Enemy after a little facing one another Colonell Lambert warily perceiving that the Enemy were too numerous a partee for him to encounter with thought it not safe to advance beyond his Works whereunto he discreetly retreated and there maintained the fight very valiantly and beat off the assailants with their losse having kil'd and wounded so many that the Enemy was forced to a hasty retreat which the Valiant Colonel soon perceiving pursued them therein at least 6 miles in which Action Colonell Lambert took 200 horse and furniture and a 100 Foot and took Colonell Bagshaw a notorious Lancashire Papist 8 Captains and other Officers and Commanders About the 8th of this instant we had certain Information by Letters from Gloucester to London that the supply of powder and other Military Ammunition and Provision which had long lyen about Warwick expecting an oportunity to be conveyed to Gloucester to Colonell Massey was now at last come safely thither and it is worthy the observation in what manner it was effected which in briefe was thus It was sent by parcells at 3 severall times the first time severall barrels of Powder Match Flax Brimstone and some quantity of Money were sent by honest Carriers with their pack-horses about 14 in number which were conveyed with a guard of 60 Horse In the night time the Forlorn Hope as they past along espied a fire in severall places in a small compasse as they conceited which out of sodaine fear they took to be the Enemy The Enemy also espied the same fire and conceived that the Parliaments Forces were there The Parliaments Forces upon their fear wheeled about quite out of the way the Enemy by reason of their fear hastily retreated from them but the honest Carriers not knowing or once dreaming but that the convoy of the Parliaments Forces was before them drove on their Horses till they came to one of Colonell Masseys outmost Garrisons where the Ammnition was joyfully received and presently convoyed into Gloucester but the convoy turned to VVarwick with onely hopes which
blessed be God afterward proved true that the Ammunition came safely to Gloucester The second time also all that was sent came safely to them without danger or disturbance The third time when all that was appointed for Gloucester was sent away was also most safely conveyed by Colonell Beare who went with his Valiant Troopes without fear of the fiercest Enemie who now had need looke about them that they be not frighted with a worse feare than an Ignis fatuus for now Gloucester was hereby enabled not onley to be most secure within it selfe but also to offend and greatly to disturb their pernicious neighbours For since this the Country as 't was credibly reported came in unto Colonell Massey very much and deserted Mr Dutton and the rest of the Commissioners of Array in those parts and tooke the Covenant to serve the King and Parliament About the 10. also of this instant April came certaine intelligence by letters from severall persons of quality and note in the London brigade dated from a Town called Wickham within a mile of Waltham in Hampshire that on the 6. of April 1644. Major Gen. Browne that brave famous and victorious London Commander in his march from Southampton toward Waram had intelligence that Colonell Whitehead being set down before Waltham house aforesaid with about an 100 men there being also the like number within the said House to keepe and maintaine it who hearing that the London Brigade passed by that way he sent unto Major Generall Brown to desire his ayd in taking thereof with the quicker dispatch Whereupon the London Brigade marched toward the said House and planted their Ordnance against it but upon the valiant Majors drawing up his men to make an assault Propositions were sent forth from those in the House to the Major Generall which at last were assented unto being to this effect That the commanders and officers then in the House might passe away with their horses and their swords by their sides and the common-souldiers onely with a rod or staffe in their hands Which articles were accordingly performed on both sides the enemies leaving behind them all their armes and ammunition and good store of provision and rich plunder all which was divided among the souldiers to their great refreshment and encouragement After which the brave London Brigade marched away leaving the House to Colonell Whitehead to demolish and pull it downe if hee conceived it requisite or convenient And thus it pleased God to honour this London Brigade with this other victory making them successefull and victorious both in their going forth and in their comming home To God alone be all the praise and glory thereof And about the foresaid time also we had credible information by letters out of Yorkeshire to London that that noble Son Sir Thomas Fairfax was joyned with his most renowned Father the ever to be honoured Lord Fairfax and that they joyntly were full 2500. foot and 4000. horse a most gallant power and like to make a most notable diversion of Newcastles army And that about the same time great store of Corne and other provisions of all sorts were sent from Hull and other places to our brethren the Scots army The effects of which happy and honourable Union of this famous fathers and sons forces we shall have occasion to make mention of in its proper ensuing place In which interim we were credibly informed that the most noble Lord Fairfaxes forces had taken Cawood-castle neere Yorke belonging to the Arch-bishop of that Sea with divers of the Marquesse of Newcastles forces and much armes and ammunition therein and they had again possessed themselves of the Isle of Axholme with an 160 horse and 80 foot therein besides much armes and ammunition About the 12. also of this instant April came certaine intelligence out of Wales of the happily continued and brave exploits and singular good service of that most worthy and valiant Patriot and Sea-commander Captain Swanley which was confirmed by letters sent to noble Sir William Brereton which letters made mention of all Pembrookeshire Carnarvanshire and Mountgomery all these 3. Counties to be by Gods speciall blessing on his brave endeavours there joyned in an association for the King and Parliament and that they had taken all the chief Townes and castles of those Counties and in them the number of 49 pieces of ordnance And that if the Lord vouchsafe them a good preaching ministry of Pastors after his owne heart 't is very probable that those old now brutish Brittains may become pious Protestants for they begin now to be very much discontented at the comming over of so many of the blood-thirsty Irish rebells Much also about this foresaid time came certain information out of the Eastern-parts of the Kingdome that the affairs of those parts and especially about Lincolnshire went on very prosperously by Gods blessing on the forces of that most noble and pious Patriot and successefull Commander in chiefe the right honourable Earle of Manchester who had under the command of valiant Colonell King regained and repossessed themselves of those Townes which the enemy had lately before taken and particularly Crowland alias Croyland a most Malignant Town but a place of very great consequence which was surrendred to the said valiant Colonell King The articles agreed on betweene the said Colonell and Captaine Styles a pestilent Malignant and of the right Canterbury-cut Commander of the forces in the Towne were That the souldiers in the Towne should have quarter for their lives should march out with their swords but leave all the armes and horses in the Towne unto the Colonell which were accordingly performed and no violence offered them by any of our forces notwithstanding their most perfidious dealing with ours so lately at Newark There were taken in the Towne 80 horse and 300 armes About the 16. of this instant April 1644. The learned grave and pious Gilbertus Voetius ofVtrick one of the united Netherland Provinces declared his judicious and learned testimony of that most famous and ever to be most justly honoured Philopatriae Mr William Prynnes most elaborate Book entituled The Soveraigne Power of Parliaments in foure Parts c. Which testimony he sent in his Letter to Mr Walter Strickland the Parliaments Agent in the Netherlands dated Vltrajecti Non. Feb. 1644. In these words Accepi nuperrime commodato librum Gulielmi Prinne tam din mihi desideratum et Rationes omnes cum responsionibus tam solide et erudite pro Parliamentis contra adversarios instruct as atque explicatas deprebendi vt non videam quid ultra desiderari potest Debebat tractatus ille latine Gallice exstare vt Reformatis Theologis ac Politicis in Europa legi potest The sence and substance of which honourable Attestation is this in English That he did highly esteeme of the long desired labours of Mr. William Prynne with his solid and learned arguments in
defence of the Parliament against the common adversaries thereof and held it very fit that the said Bookes containing four parts should be translated into the Latin and French tongues that so they might be read of all the reformed Divines and States-men in Europe This passage I have here most deservedly added as a Parliamentary-Mercy of the Lord in thus raising this faithfull and heroick-hearted Patriot from his once being as it were buryed alive in the grave of a most unjust and barbarous forreigne Perpetuall Banishment thus to vindicate the most honourable reputation of our most renowned English Parliaments About the 18. of this instant out most pious prudent and provident Parliamentary Statists taking into serious and deliberate consideration the good affection which the Swedes beare to this Kingdome which they have severall waies expressed to this our present Parliament they therefore held it very fit that faire correspondencie should be continued betwixt them and us and thereupon agreed on an Ordinance with the consent of the Committees of both Kingdoms to send with their Agents to the Sweeds to declare their reciprocall amity and mutuall affection to them As likewise into Zeland and other the united Provinces who had likewise declared their good affection to the proceedings of the Parliament have endevoured to prevent the bringing over of Armes and Ammunition into this Kingdome to be imployed against them And about the 19 of this instant came certaine intelligence to the Parliament by Letters from the most noble renowned L. Fairfax that most famous faithfull and never sufficiently honoured pious Patriot of his Countrey intimating the admirable good successe wherewith it pleased the Lord God of Hosts to Crowne him since he and his most magnanimious and virtuous Sonne Sir Thomas Fairfax joyned their Forces together and especially touching that famous and admirable Victory which they obtained at Selby in Yorkeshire For the Readers better satisfaction wherein and the fairer cleerer Demonstration of the very truth wherof I have here thought fit to give thee the Copy of the said Letter verbatim as it was by Order and Authority of Parliament Printed and published Which was as followeth A Letter sent from the Right Honourable the Lord Fairfax to the Committee of both Kingdomes concerning the great Victory lately obtained by Gods blessing at Selby in Yorkeshire My Lords ACcording to the Orders sent to mee and my Sonne from your Lordships we have now joyned our Forces together and though the Enemy held all the passages from the East-riding to the West and by that meanes intercepted divers of our Letters and thereby became acquainted with our appointments and so endeavoured to prevent them which forced me to decline Selby and make a passage over the River tenne miles below it in Marshland where my Men and Carriages being passed with some difficulty on Sonday and Monday last I instantly marched with the whole Army consisting of two thousand Horse and Dragoones and two thousand Foot or thereabouts to Ferry-Bridge and so to Selby where Colonell Iohn Bellasyss commanding in chiefe in Yorkeshire then lay with an Army of fifteene hundred Horse and 1800 Foot as themselves confest though reports made it much more numerous Vpon Wednesday our Forlorn-hope of Horse beat in a partee of the Enemies Horse and followed them into the Towne taking divers of them prisoners and the day being farre spent I quartered the Army within a mile of Selby that night and drew them out againe early the next morning and then with the Foot in three Divisions one led up by my selfe a second by Sir Iohn Meldrum and a third by Lieutenant Colonell Needham fell upon the Towne to storm it in three places altogether where the Enemy received us with much courage and made strong resistance for two houres or thereabouts but in conclusion my owne Foot Regiment forced a passage by the River side and my Sonne with his Regiment of Horse rushed into the Town where he was encountred by Colonell Bellasyss and the Enemies Horse but they being beaten backe and M. Bellasyss himselfe wounded and taken prisoner and our Foot entred on al sides the Town the Enemy was wholly routed and as many as could saved themselves by flight some towards Cawood some towards Pontefract and the rest towards Yorke over the River by a bridge of Boates laid by themselves We pursued them every way and tooke in the Towne and chase the prisoners Ordnance Armes Ammunitions and Colours mentioned in the List inclosed Of my owne men I lost in the fight divers gallant Commanders and Souldiers and very many sore wounded And indeed all my Army both Commanders and Common souldiers behaved themselves with as much courage as ever I observed in men All which we must acknowledge to God alone who both infuseth courage and gives Victory where he pleaseth I shall now I hope be able to raise more Forces in the Countrey and improve this Victory that God hath bestowed on us to the best advantage This being all for the present untill further occasion I rest Your Lordships most affectionate and humble Servant Fer. Fairfax Selby 12 April 1644. A List of the Officers taken Prisoners the 11. of April 1644 Colonell Iohn Bellasyse Colonell Sir Iohn Ramsden Colonel Sir Thomas Strickland Lieutenant Colonell Tyndall Lieutenant Colonell Forbes Major Heskit 8 Commanders of Horse 14 Captaines of Foot 4 Lieutenants of Horse 20 Lieutenants of Foot 6 Cornets 11 Ensignes 9 Quartermasters Elias Walker Master of the Magazine Richard Ludlow Provost Marshall And divers Serjeants Trumpets Corporals Drums and others Officers Divers slaine and lay strewed in the way to Yorke for four miles together others that fled to Pomfract were pursued as far as Ferry-Bridg Foure Brasse Pieces of Ordnance Seven Barrels of Powder Sixteen Bundles of Match Two thousand Armes or above Many Horse and Foot Colours taken but as yet sixteene or seventeen come in And sixteene hundred common Souldiers Above five hundred Horse The Pinnance taken at Gainsbrough All their Bag and Baggage and many Ships and Boats upon the River And foure hundred more prisoners were taken at Homcough neere Selby and some commanders among them And was not here good Reader the Arke of God mightily elevated and borne up maugre all the malignity of this terrible Storme of wrath and rage in the enemy above all the swelling waves and boysteâ—ovs billowes of the enemies fiercest fury Did not the Lord ride gloriously in triumph on the Chariot of his innocent and upright Ark and curb the pride of these proud swelling surges and cause his blessed Arke I say safely to float above them all Yes certainly it must needs be confest even by our adversaries themselves who to their shame sorrow felt and found it so Now then the L. Fairfax presently after the fight and victory obtained as aforesaid sent a letter to the Parliament and therein desired to be directed by them how to dispose of the
made immediately for a speedy supplying of the said noble Earle with Carriages and all other military necessaries About the 25. of this instant came letters to the Parliament from Sir Will. Wallers army intimating that this ever to be renowned generous Generall having intelligence that a considerable convoy of the enemies was going with much Cattell and other necessary provisions for the further supply of their garrison at Basing-house he sent out a convenient party of his horse who suddenly encountred them seized on their cattell and carriage tooke of the enemy neere the said garrison one master Gunner 3 Serjeants 3 Corporalls 40 common souldiers a 1000 sheep and other fat cattell together with a considerable summe of money which they had gathered in the adjacent Counties to have helped to pay their garrison And about the 26. of this instant came letters out of the North assuring the Parliament that the most noble Lord Fairfax and his famous faithfull and thrice noble son Sir Thomas Fairfax were conjoyned with our loyall brethren of Scotland and that having a very brave army they had drawne their forces on each side the river of Ouze neer unto Yorke and had closely begirt the said City whereby they not onely stopt the passage of any persons from comming to the Earle of Newcastle by water but by land also having made good all the bridges and were in great hope in Gods good time and by the Lords gracious assistance to be victorious masters of the said City About the 28. also of this instant came letters from Northamptonshire informing us that a party of some 30 foot men with firelocks were sent out from Serjeant Major Whetham Governour of Northampton to collect money in that County neer Banbury they had onely a Clerke of a company with them who commanded that party which about Easter-day 1644. lay at Sir Iohn Draytons house at Cannons-Ashby 6 miles from Banbury But a party of the enemies about 200 and 20 horse with them from Banbury-castle having intelligence of their being abroad there marched into the Town which our Forces having notice of got quickly into the Church for their better-safety and defence whether the enemy pursued them and soone got in by fastning a pettard to the Church door which instantly forced it open whereupon our men got into the Steeple which they bravely maintained 2 houres together but at last the Enemy beginning to fire it they yeilded themselves upon composition and were all carried prisoners to Banbury save onely one whom being sorely wounded they left behinde who since got back again to Northampton and there declared these things as aforesaid Our men in this action killed one of theirs with a stone from the Steeple and wounded 2 or 3 others but the Enemy got all their Muskets and about 7 pounds in money and imprisoned all the Souldiers in a Barn in Banbury The next day the Committee and Governour of Northampton hearing hereof sent for an exchange of these prisoners which being refused Major Lidcot who commanded the horse in Northampton it was that same Lidcot that gave the Earl of Northampton a touch on the forehead that knockt him off from his horse at the fight neer Stafford where and when the said Earl was slain This brave Major I say being much displeased at their refusall of the said exchange presently after led forth about 5 or 6 Troops of Horse with 50 fire-locks to Banbury who being undauntedly led into the Town on foot most fiercely entred the same bravely set al our foresaid prisoners at Liberty out of the Barn and then most furiously marched into the very body of the Town where a partee of the Enemy opposed them but ours most bravely beat them into the Castle took 33 of them prisoners whereof 2 were Ensigns and 2 Corporalls released 10 men more whom the Enemy had pressed and intended to send to Oxford for his Majesties service slew 5 or 6 of the Enemies in the fight and took besides 40 horse as many Muskets and so returned back unto Northampton with the losse onely of one man who adventured too far and was taken prisoner Thus were they well revenged on their Enemies for their former losse having sodainly and souldier-like put themselves thus upon such a desperate and most dangerous adventure And much about the conclusion of this Moneth of April 1644. we were certified by Letters out of Scotland that our faithfull and loving brethren of that Nation were not a little encouraged at the prudent and pious progresse of our Assembly of Divines in England at Westminster they having sent Letters to some Members of the said Assembly and to their own Divines to the same effâ—ct intimating therein That England could give them no greater content and incouragement to gain their best assistance and love than this their willingnesse in joyning themselves with them in the Solemn Covenant thereby to set up a thorough Reformation in all their Churches according to the Word of God And together with those Letters they sent likewise a letter sent by the Juncto at Oxford to the Noble Earl of Argyle and other Lords of the Councill of Scotland which were much to this effect in briefe First therein manifesting their impious explanation of the Act of Association of both kingdomes which as they said with Iesuiticall Spirits was consented to by the Lords Subscribers thereunto and others that were prisoners with them at Oxford as though the Act of Association had not been made with the joynt consent of his Majesty and the Parliament of both Kingdomes but between a private Juncto and some aspiring Papists stupid Atheists Parasiticall Iesuite Priests and damnable Irish Rebels then at Oxford Withall they further averred That the Lords in Parliament at Westminster were not then above 25 and that the major part of the Commons were then with them at Oxford that there were nothing but tumults in London and unruly Voting which was the cause that they themselves had deserted that pretended Parliament as then they audaciously and maliciously called and counted it and what said they in this Letter Will ye my Lords get but a knock with a pollax or a Sequestration-lash But all this was but the Preface to this their learned Epistle Their subject matter follows in such modest straines as these We do conjure you my Lords by your common allegiance and subjection to the King by the amity and affection betwixt the two Nations by the Treaty of Pacification and by all Obligations both Divine and Humane to use your utmost endeavours to prevent the effusion of so much blood as must needs follow the invasion of this Kingdome this you must consider was before our Scottish brethrens comming in unto us by your intended Armies preparing for the pretended Parliament at Westminster Thus you see good Readers that our impious Oxonians seem to be very sensible and tender of the effusion of blood which
they say the comming in of the Scottish Nation will occasion though they know very well that their former comming in was by Gods mercy a great means to prevent it and so also may this but they are too willing to forget or at least to silence what horrid cruelties are dayly committed by their bringing over of such multitudes of Irish Rebels or that this damdable Plot of theirs can be any Invasion of our Kingdome since these are forsooth the Kings honest Catholik Subjects O grosse and egregious daubing and dissimulation Now the Lords of the Councill of Scotland having received this Letter spent no long time about it but the very next day O the mercy of our God thus to cleare up their pious and prudent judgement herein dispatched an answer to that Letter much to this effect That they conceived their Lordships at Oxford were not so great strangers to their proceedings as not to know that their expedition into England was not intended till all other meanes were first assayed and disappointed That they will not deny the invitation of the Parliament to ayde them and that not onely out of pittie to see England bleed but out of sense of the danger of their owne Religion and Lawes they had thus as a maine cause taken up Armes at this present that they hold not the invitation of the Parliament any wayes invalid or null'd because they at Oxford are wanting thence or others are gone beyond the Seas having either wilfully deserted the Parliament or been expelled thence for their Delinquency but how this Parliament hath sought earnestly for Reformation of Religion for redresse of grievances and the happy settlement of the great affaires of that Kingdome and which was indicted by his Majestie for these ends is ratified by a speciall Act of Parliament not to be raised without advise and consent of both Houses as null and void and that those who stay in Parliament are not a sufficient number without them at Oxford is more than they can apprehend And as they are more deepely affected with unfeined griefe for these unhappy differences betweene his Majestie and his Subjects and more sensibly touched with the sufferings of their Brethren than desirous to judge of the Lawes and practises of another Kingdome So they doe hold themselves in duty obliged to their Countrey to clear that Kingdome of that unjust aspersion of invasion These things with sundry other excellent expressions were contained in this Letter or answer to the former as by the Letters themselves Printed and published at large appeared And heere now good Reader I shall again desire to cast Anchor to put in and make a short stay in the happy Harbour of this Moneths Voyages conclusion also a little to refresh and recollect thine and mine own serious thoughts in the most gratefull Contemplation and Recapitulation of all the eminent and excellent Parliamentary Mercies as so many specious and precious Merchandizes safely brought home in the Successefull adventure of the Arke of God in this Moneths Voyage which may conspicuously appeare to the eyes and understanding of any of all intelligent and impartiall Readers First In that most fragrant Aprill Primrose or odoriferous virtuous Violet I meane that most excellent Ordinance of Parliament for the better sanctifying of the Lords day In those brave Defeates given to our Adversaries The one at Munck-bridge by Sir Iohn Gell the other given to Colonell Bellusyes by victorious Colonell Lambere in Yorkeshire In the remarkable meanes of Conveyance of the Ammunition from Warwick to Gloucester And how thereby they were enabled to fright and secret their neighbouring Enemies Together with the taking in of Waltham-house by Colonell Whitehead with the good assistance of the London Brigade which God made victorious both going and comming In the happy Conjunction of the Lord Fairfaxes Forces with his most valiant and virtuous Son Sir Thomas Fairfax whereby their eminent designes were by Gods mercie greatly advanced which was immediately begun in the taking of Cawood Castle and the Isle of Axholme In the farther good successe and singular good service of Captaine Swanley in South-Walles And the regaining of Crowland a place of great concernment by the noble Earle of Manchesters Forces In the Hollanders Honourable attestation of precious Master Prynnes learned Labours in his Invincible Vindication of the Parliaments Power and Priviledges Together with the most comfortable correspondency betweene our Kingdome and Parliament and the Kingdome of Swethland and also States of the Vnited Provinces In that most Famous and admirable Victory obtained by the right Honourable and most renowned Lord Fairfax at Selby in Yorkeshire In the prosperous pursuit of Newcastles Atheistiall Army from Durham to Yorke by our valiant and vigilant brethren of Scotland the most noble Earle of Manchester and most worthily thrice Honourable Lord Fairfax who all uniting and joyning themselves together into a body about Yorke necessitated Newcastle to be enclosed and coop'd up within the walles of the said City In the brave Defeat given by renowned Sir William Waller to the Kings Cormorants at Basing-house Together with that other given by Northampton Forces to their Adversaries at Banbury And lastly in the Lords most gracious frustrating and foolifying that most pâ—rnicious Oxonian Plot to have diverted or rather perverted the Christian Amity and Fidelity of our loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland in their pious purposes aud resolutions to come into our Kingdome for our timely and needfull assistance All which precious premises rightly regarded and most seriously considered especially that most remarkable Conquest at Selby and this the Lords most gracious turning of Oxonian Achitophels crafty and cruell Counsell into folly O who can but most justly and ingenuously acknowledge that in all in any of these rare and rich Parliamentary-mercies the Lord hath most comfortably caused his blessed Arke triumphantly still to over-toppe the high swelling waves and rough rising billows of Papists Atheists and mischievous malignants So that we may in strong and long experienced confidence in God conclude with holy David Yet truly the Lord is good to his Israel and to all such as are of an upright heart Great câ—use have wee therefore with magnanimous Martyn Luther in our greatest straits and seeming distresses to say and sing God is our refuge and strength a very present help in time of trouble Therefore we wil not fear though the earth be removed and though the mountaines be hurryed or caryed into the midst of the sea and though the waters thereof roar and be troubled But now to goe on and to lanch forth again into the next Mouths adventure And first to begin with the certain intelligence which about the beginning of this Moneth of May came to London by Letters from Plymouth that that traiterous Skellum and base Apostate Sir Richard Greenvile came within two miles of Plimouth to a place called S. Butolphs with some Forces of Horse and Foot whereof
Plymouths Commander in Chiefe Lieutenant Colonell Martine having timely intelligence upon the 18th of April last past between 4 and 5 of the Clock in the morning issued out with 17 Colours of Foot and 3 Troops of Horse the Forlorne Hope being Commaâ—ded by Captain Owen who not knowing the way came upon the Enemies Scouts unawares who would have fired upon them but by a speciall providence of God their Carbines would not off whereupon Captaine Owen safely advanced with his Souldiers to the Quarters of his Enemies-Foot-Souldiers fell upon them all pell-mell and at last forced them to retreat and to make what haste they could to sanctuary in the Church in the said Towne from the Steeple whereof the Enemy fired very violently upon our men and many of them shot from divers places round about the Church and others from the Houses but their surie was soone abated for our men fell in upon them most courageously and tooke two whole companyes of them compleat with their colours and drums 2 barrels of powder besides store of match with 40 horse there were also about 20 of the enemies souldiers drowned in their flight endeavouring to swim over Salt-Ash in Cornwall Our men heard since this defeat that Greenvile himselfe was in the Towne whereof had they had true and timely notice in all probabillity they had then surprized him On the Fryday following which was about April the 20. or 21. in the morning the enemies horse againe faced our workes upon which â—odain attempt our men could not be kept in but out they would upon them at which time about 60 of ours sallying forth pursued them as far as Plympton-bridge neere which place their maine strength lay but ours were so provident and circumspect as not to adventure too fare but had given them such a brave alarum as put them to a nonplus what to doe But ours I say not intending to hazard themselves so unequally unlesse a very faire advantage had been offered made a very faire and safe retreat our forlorne hope in this sally being led by valiant Captain Holme who fell upon one of their workes killed two in it and one brave Cavalier of quallity besides who with his horse was slaine by a shot from a piece of ordnance and many other also were slaine about that time by severall shots from Mount-Goâ—ld And thus was Plymouth bravely cleared for the most part some three miles about whereby they had a fit opportunity to cut downe two woods neere the Towne and supplyed themselves well with fuell which had beene one of their former greatest wants Much also about the same time we were credibly advertised by an expresse from Gloucester that that ever most renowned Governour Colonell Massey sent forth a party thence which joyned with the forces under the command of Colonell Fox and some other small parties from the garrisons of Warwicke and Coventry and entred Eusum where they tooke 80 of the kings Cormorants prisoners with much provision and many armes and at the same time they obtained a very good booty at Wych and other garrisons of the enemy in Worcestershire from whence they brought away diverse prisoners and performed all this with the losse only of 4 men of theirs who were taken straying from their companies and carryed prisoners into Worcester And about the third of this instant May 1644. this active and resolute Commander Colonell Fox went forth from Tamworth accompanyed with not above 64 men and that night came to Budeley a very considerable garrison Towne of the enemies At his comming to the first Court of guard in the Town he boldly commanded them it being in the night to make way for some of the Princes Regiment who desired to quarter in the Town that night which was immediately granted unto him both by that and the second guard at the chaines and so being thus come to the entrance into the Towne his men slew 5 or 6 of the Sentinells and thereby possessed themselves of the Town and set a guard at divers of the doores where the commanders officers and men of quallity lay all which he tooke with most of their common-souldiers there being about an 120 in all From thence he went to a great Mannour-house not farre from the Towne where he surprized Sir Thomas Litleton a Parliament-man and some other gentlemen tooke thence 4 brave Flaundersmares and great store of provision all which with 40 most gallant horse of the Kings Cormorants and as many prisoners together with Sir Thomas hee brought into Coventry the very next morning about which time all the neighbouring Cormorants and garrison-souldiers thereabout were raised up in armes with an intent to have rescued their friends thus taken captives and carryed away from them but blessed be God they came a day after the fair and according to that old proverbe When the steed was stoln then they would have shut the stable doore for all the prisoners and prizes were safely housed in Coventry About the 6. of this instant May came a most full and exact relation testified under the hand of that learned and truly religious minister of God Mr Goad Chaplain to the right honourable and most renowned Earl of Manchester concerning the prosperous proceedings and victorious atchievments of this most viâ—tuous and valiant Generall especially of the famous winning of Lincolne and so consequently the regaining of all that whole County and of the frighting and forcing of those most odious and enormous devouring Cormorants from all their Augean-stalls aud holds therein which relation for the Readers better content and fuller satisfaction therin I have thought fit here to insert together with some small addition out of another very authenticke and unquestionable author which came to my hands which were as followeth After the most renowned and successefull Earle of Mancesters army had marched toward Huntington and from thence to Oundell and the Townes adjacent the Lord Generall himselfe met it at a place called WaterinHeath where the Rendevouz was appointed to be from whence we marched to Stamford and quartered there till we were in some measure furnisht with ammunition fit for a neerer advance toward the enemy During our abode at Stamford intelligence was carryed to the enemies being then at Grimsthorp and Sleeford with a purpose to fortifie those two places being chief inlets into Holland and those parts but my Lord speedily sending out a party though but small whereof the enemy hearing before ours did approach them they quitted Grimsthorpe not having made any workes at all about it My Lord being farther advertised that the enemy lay almost all over the County of Lincolne raising money and levying men by the Commission of Array and miserably plundring the Country his Lordship forthwith sent out another party under the command of the Lieutenant Generall Cromwell consisting of about 2000 horse and dragoones upon whose advance they quitted Sleeford where they had begun a
the blood of the Protestants that was upon them And about the same time we were certainly enformed that the most gallant and active Governour of Gloucester Colonell Massey loosing no time to annoy the Enemie nor omitting any opportunity to advance and advantage the Kingdomes Cause intercepted a Letter going from Wales to Oxford the contents whereof signifying that if assistance came not all Wales would be utterly lost And he also having intelligence of some preparations for that designe on the Enemies side to be put in action by Colonell Mynne he instantly and resolutely fell upon Mynnes quarters took divers Prisoners and Horse and brake the necke of that designe And about the same time it pleased the Lord very graciously to defeat our Adversaries devillish designs in the discovering of a most treacherous plot for the betraying of Gloucester into the enemies hands which was acted and agitated by one Edward Stanford Esquire a knowne Papist who plotted with an honest and loyall-hearted Gentleman Captaine Backhouse a Captaine of Horse under Colonell Massey In whom this Papist conceived he had a deep interest by reason of former ancient and intimate acquaintance To whom this Stanford assured a reward of 5000 l. for effecting the Treason But Captaine Backhouse most loyally and politickly deceived the said Popish Traitor and by speciall assent and good liking of Colonell Massey exchanged divers Letters about the firme contriving and carrying on of the businesse and so brought the Popish Agent into such a Fooles or Knaves Paradise as that he received 200 l. in hand of the said moneyes from Stanford and held out the acting of the businesse at least 3 moneths in treaties about it and things so fell out in that interim that partly Captaine Backehouse seemed to be necessitated to put it off but principally themselves were not fitted for action therein So that in the upshot they found themselves wound into a dangerous noose had it gone on and so voluntarily themselves left it off All this being at large related in print by Captain Backhouse himselfe with the interchangeable letters that past betweene them wherein was a cleare and full discovery of the whole plot to the just shame of those blood-thirsty traitors and the most deserved honour of that most loyall and faithfull commander Captain Backhouse May the 10. the most renowned and ever to be highly honoured Citizens of London observing a long and tedious obstruction in the Parliament about the re-establishing of the State-Committee of both Kingdomes which in its former setlement had produced much good to the affaires of the Kingdome and finding that the City Malignants began in their common discourse to seem to have great hopes of an utter dissolution thereof and most justly much fearing the ill consequences that were likely to follow thereon and considering that the main rub and remora thereof was in the House of Peeres The religious resolute prudent and provident Citizens therefore petitioned First their owne City Common-Council and the Common-Councill in the name of the whole City lamenting the not farther continuing of this Committee for both Kingdomes petitioned the whole House of Peeres for a most happy and speedy concurrence with the House of Commons especially now when an unanimous correspondency betweene them even in this conjuncture of time might redound much to their honours and the singular good of the Kingdome it having in 3 moneths time almost ruined our adversaries in their deepest designes against us as affaires then stood To which petition the Lords returned a very respective answer with great thankes for their love and care for the publike good And upon the 15. of May following the two Sheriffs of London with severall of the Aldermen and Common-Councill being the representative body of the City of London presented to the House of Commons in Parliament an humble petition expressing to that honourable House their thankefullnesse for the great and undefatigable paines which the House had now for some yeares past taken in the service of the publike Telling them withall that they were very sensible of the great discouragements they had received by some late obstructions yet did humbly desire them to loose no time in setling the Committee of both kingdomes assuring them that the City was resolved to obey the orders and directions of the House of Commons and that with the House of Commons they would live and dye as by the petition it selfe it was more at large expressed The House of Commons hereupon by their Speaker instantly returned many thanks to the City for their continued affection to the publique and to that House in particular and because a Petition so full of affection and resolution for the good of the publique might appeare to posterity They ordered it to be entred in the Journall-Book of the Parliament and the answer thereunto which was framed in expressions so suitable to the Petition as that it was exceedingly for the honour of the City and for the terrour of the enemies of this great Cause who eagerly sought and were in great hope at this time to have divided the one from the other The substance of this answer was delivered by Master Speaker as aforesaid on the very day of the delivery of the said City Petition and upon the Saturday following their Petition having been delivered but the Thursday before being May the 18th it was by expresse Order of the House delivered in writing by divers members of the House at a Common Councill in Guild-Hall sitting there of purpose to recieve the same Yea and upon the 20th or 21 of May next ensuing the Lords sent to the House of Commons this so long desired Ordinance for setling the Committee of both kingdomes with the alteration only of one word in it and the addition of two words more than were in it before and thus this weighty matter so long in disputation and expectation was now comfortably composed and yeelded unto to the great content of the well-affected and to the adversaries of the Causes great vexation and discouragement But yet within a day or two after the House of Commons moved the House of Lords againe by way of a reply to former Propositions therein with solid reasons why they could not concur with the Lords to have an additionall number of 15. to mannage the State-affaires with secrecy which is the key of certainty this having been the great blocke and obstruction in this weighty businesse and matters of high concernment being best carryed on when the number is the least So that at last the Lord was pleased to direct the heart of the Peeres to a full and clear setlement of this great businesse according to the desire of the House of Commons and long longed expectation of all the Well-affected Party and to the heart vexation of Malignants who hoped for an unhappy intestine division hereby among our selves Much also about
the same time came certaine intelligence by letters from Colonell Massey of more singular good successe which God had then given unto him against his neighbour enemies especially against that great Papist Sir John Winter the Queenes Secretary whom together with the most barbarous and bloody Irish-Rebells his so pious Mistresse imployed to settle the Protestant Religion I shall forbeare for brevities-sake to give an exact and particular relation how this most renowned Colonell by a brave martiall stratagem laid a train of powder and a granado at the end of it which did good execution to the purpose on the enemies the succinct number of the prisoners and the place where they were taken were as followeth Prisoners taken at Newnam which was Sir Iohn Winters head-quarter 3 Captaines 3 Lieutenants 4 Ensignes 12 Serjeants 4 Corporalls 4 Drums one Cannoneer one Engineer one provost Marshall 1 Chaplaine of the army 4 double barrells of powder 60 skaines of Match one Fawknet 3 Hambrough guns 4 Pieces of Ordnance 130 Common-souldiers besides good store of Armes Taken also at Westbury the same day which in the relation was about May the 7. the whole garrison with officers and souldiers one Capt. one Lieut. one Ensigne besides other officers 60 souldiers besides 9 slain 2 barrells of powder and 12 skaines of match At Litle-Deane also the day before slaine Lieut. Colonell Congrave the Governour thereof Captaine Wigmoore 70 others also slain there and at that time and 15 prisoners taken And thus have you briefely seene how that ever most worthily to be ever honoured and valiant Commander Col. Massey made notable advantages of that provision which was so lately before sent unto him And how to give this brave Commander his due praise or how to crown his browes with sufficiently flourishing green Laurells I confesse I am not able my expressions being indeed too low to set forth so high deserts and the present generation is so envious that if I could and should give him but so much right as I conceive him most worthy of and should not say as much of the rest they would I fear storme against me though I desire to exclude or extenuate no mans worth nor would disparage any in commending active Massey I will onely therefore say thus much in briefe and that most truely Many garrisons have done bravely but Massey at Gloucester hath exceeded them all And truly that brave Commander Colon Mitton of Wem garrison may challenge a second place in our highest and lowdest praises and expressions and why not renowned Lime garrison the third place which hath also done bravely to deep admiration as hath beene already and shall be yet more fully set forth in it's proper place All all the rest I say have done singularly well to Gods glory and their honour be it spoken As Captain Ludlow at Warder-castle Col. Norton Colon. Sydenham and the rest at Pool who have done as much as no man could expect more yea Warwicke garrison Alesbury and Northampton and the rest who have all done most heroickly and honourably and if they have come short of any others I hope they have meant as well as the best but peradventure had not the like opportunities thereto But to proceed About the 12. of this instant came credible information out of the Westerne parts from the garrison of Lyme that revived Prince Maurice not this ghost though he be ghost-like in reguard of his infirmity stormed the Town of Lyme a third time and was now also beaten off with great losse above 80 of his men being slain in one ditch and 60 in another and the rest of his army pursued even to their own workes and that Lyme garrison brought off 2 Pieces of the enemies ordnance within the command of their works though the enemy slew many of the poore Country-men to compell them to fight to have saved the 2 pieces of ordnance but all in vain And now upon Monday the 13. of this instant his Excellency the Parliaments Lord Generall of all their Forces advanced toward Oxford his Carriages went the day before and he in person followed the next day early in the morning which was Tuesday the 14th upon which day at Black-Fryers in London was a day of humiliation kept in the behalfe of the Western affaires at Saint Brides a Day of Thankesgiving for the Victory at Lincoln together with prayers and Solemn Supplications for the good successe of the Noble Earl of Manchesters Army and ere his Excellency left London he earnestly desired that a day might be set a part to seek the Lord for him and his brave Army which was accordingly performed in a most high and solemn manner by the Lord Mayor Aldermen Shriffes and Common-Councill of the City of London at Christs Church on Fryday the 17th of May A thing which had not been done before in all the time of these unhappy wars since they first began and therefore we have the greater ground of hope of a happy issue and good successe and that God will in mercy be found of those that seeke him first and which desire to go forth in his name and in his strength alone And about the 16th of this instant May we were certainly enformed at London that the Counties of Devon and Cornwall began to be sensible of and displeased at the concourse of the Irish comming into those parts declaring that rather than they would beare with it any longer they would with an unanimous consent as one man rise against them and expell them out of their Countries and thus we may hope that the kingdome will at length be beaten into a condition of having their eyes of understanding opened to see and believe those truths of their hastning danger which they before so long withstood to their late and long just misery and that now at length they will come back although it be by weeping-crosse which they might have avoyded had they not either through envy or ignorance fought against those who with the hazard of their lives have thus long preserved the Kingdome and untill this unhappy difference and inhumane discord and bloody war was plotted and managed by Romish-Iesuits and most ambitious and proud-Prelates no story can make report of so much basenesse of the English Nation especially after so much illumination as to take up armes against their owne Parliament chosen by themselves and which hath been in all ages the preservation of the subject But to proceed Whereas the Malignant-Spirits and most malicious adversaries of our Kingdome are continually working and contriving how to ruine themselves and the whole Church and State and had for this end by their active agents in Scotland the Marquesse Huntley the Lord Montrosse Craford Musgrave and others attempted an intestine insurrection in the Kingdome of Scotland about Aberdene the most malignant Towne in all that Kingdome hoping thereby by way of a divertive warre to bring off
our brethren of Scotland from Newcastles and Yorkes siege to looke to their owne Kingdome of Scotland which they intended thus to distresse and disturb with civill broyles and certain ruine if possibly they could like most desperate and villanous vipers But our wise and most worthy Brethren of the nation had most prudently foreseene by heaven inspired wisdome providence this machinated malice and probably ensuing mischiefe of these their suspected enemies and did therfore with all convenient circumspection endevour to shut fast their own doors before they adventured to look abroad And therefore the most Noble prudent and potent Earl of Argyle who had engaged himselfe for Marquesse Huntleys fair and peaceable demeanour in their absence though Huntly was a known Papist and who being a Papist held fast still that old Popish principle That no faith is to be kept with Hereticks And therefore in this time of the Scots absence in England he having first begun this seditious insurrection with but an inconsiderable stength The said Noble Earl of Argyle by Gods assistance having sodainly raised a fair Army soon stifled that abortive birth and wicked design the whole Country as one man rising with the foresaid Noble Earl and couragiously setting upon them put them all to flight and brake the neck of this their hellish hope and expectation ere they could grow to any great Maturity And since that the foresaid Montrosse and his Popish and Atheisticall mates making head again in Scotland and intending to get Dumfreiz into their possession again It pleased the Lord to raise up the Spirits not onely of that most Noble Scottish Peer aforesaid the Earl of Argyle but also of the Valiant Earl of Calender and others well-affected to this cause of God who soon raised a power of about 8000 horse and foot and quickly repelled the pride and expelled the persons of Montrosse and his mischievous confederates out of Scotland took from them all their Ordnance and many Armes and much Ammunition and forced them to flye into Cumberland and those parts and so to Carlile whether they were also pursued by the said noble Earle of Callender and as about this 16 or 18 of May we had credible information he beat them out of that Towne of Carlile and forced them to fly into the Castle where they were all then straightly besieged and in a fair way to be all surprized and taken therein Thus we see how our great and glorious God carries on the worke lifts up his Arke still above all the swelling Surges and billowing waves of Malignity to him be all the honour and glory thereof And this also I thus thought fit here to make mention of as having such clear and neer reference to the present weighty affaires of our own Nation and Kingdome About the 20th of this instant May a true and perfect Relation was made to the Parliament by Captain Iones and Captain Player who came out of Lime the Saturday before of the most valiant and resolute carriage of the Governour Captain Seeley a second Massey and his brave Souldiers in defending that Town against Prince Maurice who by storming of the Town by losse by sallies out of the Town and by running away from first to last hath lost 2000. of his men Col. Bluet Col. Strangewayes and divers persons of great note were slaine the ditches and trenches were severall times filled with the dead bodies of the enemy and Prince Maurice lost his owne colours and two battering pieces he sent a trumpet to fetch off the body of Colonell Strangewayes and tooke one away whom they said was the man These two Captaines likewise informed that the enemy had made above a 1000 great shot against the Towne and yet had slain with them but one old man that was making his will just as the bullet hit him the like at Gloucester where but one old woman and a pig was kill'd with a Cannon and that they had consumed at least 200 barrels of powder in shooting in the great and lesser guns That when the ditches were fill'd with dead bodies of the enemy Prince Maurice sent for a parley the Governour refused it and sent him word he would make a breach 20 yards where he would desire it and give him leave to come and take the Towne if he could but the Prince refused his offer and sent him word that he would make a breach himself and hang the Governour over the wall the Governour sent him a prisoner home and bad him tell Maurice England that had fed him and his brother with bread they in requitall came to consume with fire and sword but he hoped to see them both rewarded with a Halter or made shorter by the head One of Maurices Capt. whom the Town took being mortally wounded desired to receive the Sacrament a rare devotion in a cavaliere and being upon receiving of the Sacrament was demanded whether P. Maurice was alive he positively assured he was though he had been long and then continued very ill of an infirmity and presently after the Cavalier dyed There were 400 foot of Sir Arthur Hasteriggs then come into the Town of Lyme and a 100 more under the command of Captain Chase of Chichester a valiant and faithfull commander If Maurice pleased to abide any longer against Lyme as he did he was like to find as he did as harsh entertainement as ever he did formerly Much about the same time letters came to the Parliament from the Earle of Warwick informing them of the taking of a good prize by sea going to the Queen at Exeter intended to have put in at Dartmouth which had a convoy of four States-men of war under the command of Van Trumps Reare Admirall not farre from Callis Captaine Owen being Rear-Admirall to the Earle of Warwicke and having three more brave Ships met with the said Ship and Holland Men of Warre and demanded the prize which not being condescended unto he gave them a broad side or two whereupon the States Men of Warre it was conjectured according to their instructions from the States though not from Orange presently left the prize to the Parliament Ships who brought her into the Downes and the prize and Ship was estimated at 8000 l. at least And surely it might appeare that the prize was the greater by reason of so great a Convoy in provisions of Warre and other things which her Majestie sent for over About the foresaid time also came certaine intelligence to London that the Committee for the County of Kent lighted upon an excellent example of honour to God for the mercies they received in that County and so consequently to the whole Kingdome in that they had designed the 21th day of this instant May for a generall Day of Thankesgiving over all Kent for their deliverance from the late Rebellion raised through their whole County I shall here give the Reader a true Copy of their Warrant thereunto that
joy of Gods people and the extreame terrour of the malignant Papisticall and Atheisticall adversaries of the great and glorious Cause of God there was a generall muster of all the City forces yet remaining within the line of Communication besides 6 Regiments of the City forces then abroad upon the publique service which were found to be no lesse than 12 regiments of foot of the London Train'd bands containing 40 companies Also Sir Iames Harringtons regiment being the Train'd bands of Westminster and that liberty containing 8 companies Colonell Hudsons regiment being that of Southwarke containing also 8 companies Also 4 regiments of Auxiliaries containing 20 companies within the City Colonell Willoughbies regiment being the Auxillaries of the Hamlets containing also 8 companies In all 48. All the companies of each severall regiment being more than 6 Companies in a Regiment were taken for a guard for the City and Parliament The rest being 12 Regiments 6 Companies in a Regiment marched about Noon on Thursday May 30. 1644. to Hyde-Parke where Tents were pitcht and Ordnance planted and whither the Right Honourable Sir John Wollaston then Lord Mayer of London together with the Right honourable the Lady Majoresse and other Ladies and Gentlewomen in about 30 Coaches went to see this famous Muster performed and where met them divers of the Lords and 〈◊〉 of Parliament who were there entertained in great State together with all the brave Colonels and Commanders The other 12 were thus disposed of 7 Companies to Guard the Works and Forts upon the Northside of the River 2 Companies to Guard the Southern side 1 Company for Westminsterh The other 2 Guarded the City one Company thereof at the Exchange the other Company halfe at the Tower-hill and the other at Pauls The names of the Colonels whose Regiments went forth were these The Right Honourable the Lord Mayors of the City of London Col. Atkins Col. Penningtons Col. Adams Col. Warners Col. Towers Col. Haringtons Col. Hâ—â—sons Col. Towes Col. Willoughbies Col. Shepheards and Colonell Harsnets This good Reader is here mentioned not to cause our hearts to be lifted up with pride by the Reedish-props of the arme of flesh No God forbid it God the searcher of all hearts knowes I am for from it and should much grieve if any should make such a sinister use of it but unfeinedly desiring in the words and with the spirit of the prophet Hosea to â—â—y out and confesse that Ashut shall not save 〈◊〉 we will noâ— ride 〈◊〉 horses nor will wee say to the workes of our hands ye are our gods for in thee the fatherlesse findeth mercy No I say I only doe it to shew forth the admirable power and great pitty of the Lord toward us who thus graciously raised us up and Remembred us in our â—owestate for his mercy endureth for ever But now to go on About the 3â— of this 〈◊〉 May we had certain intelligence that Russell-Hall in Staffordshire was surrendred to the noble Earle of Denbigh who managed the worke there with singular martiall prudence and prowesse There was taken in it Colonell Lane and divers other commanders at least 〈◊〉 other prisoners and all the 〈◊〉 in the House They tooke there also above 10000 l. worth of goods and wares that had beene plundered and pillaged from the carriers comming from London and other parts going toward Lancashire this being observed to have beene one of the most thee â—ing garrisons of the royall Cormorants in all that County in that they had sometimes taken 7 â—â—ore packs at a time from the Country so that 〈◊〉 piece of service hath much advantaged the security of the Country there about both in reguard they may have more free and fearlesse passage for the time to come to Coventry and London and also in reguard that a greater part of the goods thus taken will be restored to the proper owners And much about the same time we were for certain enformed by letters from Plymouth that the garrison therein sallying forth with a considerable party fell upon the enemies quarters at a place called Milbrooke 2 miles from thence where they tooke 9 pieces of ordnance a 150 prisoners a 100 cowes and 300 sheepe In which encounter 10 of the enemies were slain and 6 of ours And Colonell Martyn the brave Governour thereof did then also certifie that hee was in a good posture of defence onely that he desired some farther supply of provision to be sent unto him for which purpose 3 barks were speedily laden with victuals and all other necessaries for reliefe of the said brave Towne and faithfull inhabitants thereof Much also about the same time came certaine information by letters from Nottingham to London that that valiant and faithfull Governour of Nottingham castle Colonell Hutchinson whom neither the power nor the promises of the atheisticall Marquesse of Newcastle could ever make to startle from his loyalty and sincere obedience to the Parliament had lately sent forth a party of horse toward Newarke where they encountred with a party of the enemies horse under the command of Captain Thimbleby and Captain Cartwright and after a hot skrimish and brave bickering forcing them to fly they tooke in the pursute between 50 and 60 horse and about 20 officers and gentlemen prisoners among whom was Captain Cartwright and a Captain Lieutenant whom the acute Rhetorick of their swords perswaded to keepe them company to Nottingham-castle the foresaid Captain Thimbleby being slain in the fight And finally about the end of this Moneth of May came certain Newes of divers letters intercepted dated at Lyme May 24. under the hands of Portescue formerly a Parliamenterian Ashburnham her Majesties bed-chamber friend and some others of that stamp who informed their great masters Bristol and Heath by those letters that that villanous Town of Lyme had destroyed more brave gentlemen of the West and men of honour than had been lost in all the West since these wattes began But that they were resolved once more to storme it for a farewell and would dispute it line by line and worke by work yet feared they should be forced to leave the siege else the Country people they said would cut their throats they were so bent for the Parliament at Westminster And shortly after according to the tenour of the foresaid Letter they assaulted this brave Towne whereupon the Towne-Souldiers suffered them to make a breach in their Workes and then ran away from the defence of the Worke as if indeed they had fled away from the Enemy but by that time that 3 or 4 hundred of the Enemies were entred the breach they instantly made use of the advantage and cut off and tooke every man of them Prisoners with their Armes and Ammunition and had the slaughter of the Enemy from other of their Works and thus by Gods great mercy beat off their Enemy and rested safe and secure for this time also And here
now having thus happily finished this Months Voyage I shall desire to cast Anchour and put to shore and make a little stay desiring the Christian Reader with me to make a briefe review and succinct recitall of all the rich Merchandize of this Moneths Voyage the better to raise up our soules to a just and gratfull valuation and admiration of them As First the brave defeat and repulse of the Enemies at Plymouth And Colonell Foxes valiant and active performances and taking of Budely-house in Worcestershire The most successefull progresse of the most renowned Earle of Manchesters Forces in Lincolnshire and taking of the Towne and Castle of Lincolne The Pious Ordinance of Parliament for the demolishing of all Organs and Superstitious Monuments of Popery in Churches and Chappels or else where together with valiant Captaine Swanleys yet farther brave exploits in Wales And Colonell Massies at or about Gloucester The brave Citizens of Londons Petition for the re-establishment of the State-Committee and the happy result thereof Together with more of renowned Colonell Massies brave performances about the adverse Garrisons neere Gloucester Lyme Stormed and its Enemies bravely repulsed The renowned Lord Generalls advance of his Army Westward and a day of Humiliation set a part in London to seeke the Lord for a blessing on it And Devon and Corwalls defection from the bloody and barbarous Irish A most devillish designe and pestilent plot to have undone Scotland and England too by a divertive Warre but most blessedly crost and prevented with the discomfiture and disgrace of those that plotted and acted it A brave and briefe description of the state of that famous Garrison at Lime Together with a brave prize taken at Sea by the most noble Earle of Warwicks Ships And Kents pious pattern of gratitude to God for its great deliverance The truely Noble Earle of Pembrookes love and loyalty to the Parliament attested Cawood-castle And Ayremouth Isle and Fort taken by valiant and virtuous Sir Iohn Meldrum in the Northerne parts of the Kingdome The most renowned Lord Generals prosperous progresse and advance with his Army into the West Valiant Captain Temples brave exploit at Islip The gratulatory Message sent by the Parliament in England to the Parliament in Scotland More of renowned Colonel Masseys admirable activity and the Parliaments most worthy gratifying of his good Service And lastly Englands great wonder to Gods great glory in the famous Muster of so many thousand Souldiers in and about the City of London all compleatly Armed notwithstanding so many Armies abroad in the Field before it The taking of Russell-house that notoriously theevish Garrison Together with the brave defeate given to Newarke by Nottingham Garrison And the brave condition of that famous Towne of Lime notwithstanding the long and tedious Siege against it All which being rightly regarded and seriously laid to heart have we not still great and just cause to see and say that God hath most triumphantly carried and borne up his holy Arke the Parliaments blessed Cause above all the raging and roaring billowes and swelling surges of the turbulent Ocean of this our greatly distracted and disturbed Nation carrying it on I say most smoothly with pleasant gales of good things bestowed and preserving it most happily from malice and mischiefe threatned And therefore how great cause hath England in almost infinitely bounden gratitude to confesse with holy David and sincerely to say Lord thou art good and thou doest good And therefore also to exult and rejoyce in the Lord our God yea and as good David saith To make our boast of God all the day long and to praise his name for ever and ever With a Selah Especially since as the holy Spirit of God himselfe declareth in Hannahs sweet Song There is none holy as the Lord for indeed there is none beside him neither is there any Rocke like our God Talke no more therefore so exceeding proudly ô yee Atheisticall Malignants and Popish Irish-Rebels let not such arrogancie come out of your mouth for the Lord is a God of knowledge and by him actions are weighed Yea and as holy Iob saies He is most wise in heart and mighty in strength Who hath hardned himselfe against him and hath prospered ANd now I shall againe put out our blessed Barke to Sea hoise up our Sailes and launch forth into the Deepe and prosecute this our next ensuing Moneths Voyage wherein we shall see how the Lord still carries on his glorious Arke the Parliaments Cause above all the furious Floods and raging Waves of its outragious and impious Adversaries And in the first place I shall desire to remember the Reader how it most graciously pleased the Lord to bring off his blessed Arke from a very dangerous and death-threatning Shelfe of devouring Quick-sands and most safely and securely to set it afloat againe carrying it on with most pleasant and prosperous gales I meane the happy and honourable releiving and raising of the Seige of that long beseiged and greatly straightned famous Towne of Lime in Dorsetshire a most full exact and true relation wherof sent in a Letter to a friend at London and comming to my hands I have thought fit here to insert for the Readers better content and satisfaction which was as followeth An exact and true relation of the relieving of the most resolute Garrison of Lime in Dorsetshire Sir I Have written one Letter to you since I came into this Bay where also I have received yours I blesse God for present health onely much sadnesse of spirit is contracted from the sad spectacles which besieged Lime continually offers to our view a Towne which deserves aboundance of pitty and love they being so constantly under the violence of a cruell Enemy But God hath brought our most noble Lord Admirall to this Towne to a singular purpose it tending directly to the preserving of that distressed Towne it not having in it at his Lordships comming above a dayes bread and a small quantity of ammunition There were then in the Town 4000 Soules whereof a 1000 in garrison who though they wanted shoes stockings cloathes and pay and had not departed from Lyme since the beginning of the siege yet were all of them resolved to stand out to the last man and when they could doe no more to breake through the Enemy with their swords At my Lords first comming he sent on shoar neere 40 barrels of powder and some match which came along with his Lordship purposely for their reliefe The ships under his Lordships Command did before his comming spare what provisions they could none comming from any other parts and the passages by sea being neer blockt up his Lordship contracted for 350. l. worth of corn and other provisions being then bound for Plymouth to be sold there and tooke order to send it into the Towne himsefe undertaking the price The condition and courage of the besieged did so prevail with our seamen
that out of their poore overplus they sent them above 30 pair of boots a 100 pair of shoes a 160 pair of stockings some linnen and old cloathes and some quantity of fish and bread which they had formerly saved out of their sea-allowance They did also unanimously give one 4th part of their bread for the next 4 Moneths amounting to 9000 waight which their hard labour and constant duty might advise them to have reserved rather for their owne beâ—lies My Lord and the ships with him determined to spare them 2000 weight of bread more and some quantities of beefe porke shot fish and other necessaries Some of our Seamen also being desired by the Town to looke to the line while 600 of the garrison sallyed out on the Enemy hereupon 300 men were resolved to be sent But the same day the Towne received a terrible storme from the Enemy yet with litle advantage to the besiegers they loosing about 60 and the Town but 8 men only some of their Commanders were then hurt viz. Colonell Ware was shot in the belly but not dangerously and Lieutenant Col. Blake was slightly hurt in the foot The Townsmen of the 3 Captaines that led up the forlorne hope killed one Captain Southern who had on the L. Pawlets own armour and tooke prisoner another viz. Captain Aston who was the next day brought aboard our ship This Captain Aston is brother to a servant of Mr. Ketchmar in Fish-street in London the Enemy refused to take off their dead resolving in the pride of their heart to bury them and take the Town altogether But God afterward corrected their daring and presumptuous cruelty The garrison being much encouraged by this good successe resolved to prosecute their former purpose of sallying out and in pursuance thereof the 300 men were sent safely on shore though to make good their landing 3 or 4 of the Townsmen were slain The same day his Lordship determined to send 2 of his ships and all the ship-boats fitted with men toward Charmouth Bird-port and other places about 6 miles from Lyme that the Enemies opinion of our landing men in those parts might draw off the horse whereby the sally might be more secure and advantageous And so accordingly immediately after the ships and boates were sent out at a time signified from the Towne by shooting off a gun from Daves-Fort and giving an alarum on the East-shoar they obtained what was in designe For all the day long 4 or 5 troopes of horse and some hundreds of Foot attended the moving of the ships and boates from whence divers great shot and small shot played on them which forced the Enemy to cast up a brest-worke by the Sea-side for their defence Now the Enemy mistooke our intention supposing that these boats had in the night taken men out of the Towne with purpose to set them on shore to get provisions into the Town or to fall on the reare and thereby thinking the Town to be weakned and therefore on the same day appointed by the Town for they sally aforesaid they assaulted the Town with great fury from about 6 at night to about 8 of the clocke in all which time there was such a continuall peal of small and great shot that the Town seemed to be all on a flame Twice the Enemy made an orderly retreat appearing each time in a body of about a 1000 men The third assault was most violent the Enemy advancing with brave resolution and being as gallantly received by the Townsmen A litle after 8 of the clocke there was a remitting of the former fury and about 9 almost a generall silence There were slain of the Enemies in this assault as some of the Town clearly computed at least 400 and of the garrison not above 6 or 7 at the most killed and wounded whereof Major Townsend was one who was shot in the head but was alive at the first relation hereof Among the slain of the Enemies there was found one Gentleman that came that morning from Exeter with letters for Oxford whither he would fain have carryed the newes of the taking of Lyme but God prevented him both in his journey and newes and the letters were found in his pocket and sent to London the principall thing imparted in them being That they found the wayes to Oxford began to be obstructed that the Queene was better I hardly believe it than formerly and much comforted in Doctor Miroons comming unto her But to proceed At last there was a parley sent to the Towne the Enemy now desiring leave to bury their dead which before they had scorned And about this time came some more reliefe to the Towne by Sea in the afternoone of which day the Enemy had fired the Towne yet but houses burnt and afterward againe another part of the Towne was fired which flame and combustion increased so as to burn down twenty new houses there And now you may easily judge the state of poor Lyme but if you had seene it as it was continually before us your eyes certainly would have beene much affected considering that such brave and gallant spirits very worth a whole nation indeed should bee the subjects on which the rage and madnesse of a base and cruell Enemy was from day to day exercised and implacably imprinted Who ever had then but rightly known their merit and condition I am confident they would not onely compassionate them but relieve them But what was wanting in men was mightily supplyed by the power and providence of Heaven Whose salvation had been all along as their Wals and Bulwarks And to manifest this the more cleerly I may not here omit that at the late storming of this Town one woman shot off 16 muskets upon the Enemy and the women of the Town generally did fill the Souldiers bandileers while they fought And it was credibly enformed by honest inhabitants of Lyme that a maid that had had one of her hands cut off in the fight being asked what course shee would take to live now shee had lost of her hands Truly said Christ for whose Cause I am as willing and ready to loose not onely my other hand but my life also A sweet and most Saint-like speach indeed Such admirable courage it pleased the Lord to infuse into the hearts of all the inhabitants in all the time of this long and sharpe Siege the continuance of their dangers having it seemed much blunted the sense and feare of their dayly dangers retaining in their spiris a constant cheerefulnesse as being strongly perswaded yea and certainely knowing they should have deliverance either from the affliction or by it as was then immediatly after that last and fore assault before mentioned most happily visible to their eyes and sight For Maurice and his mischievous Mates being tyred with the siege and their intollerable losses and terrified with the fear of the Lord Generalls hourly expected approach
the Parliaments Cause above all the boisterous Billowes and swelling Surges which have tost and tumbled it too and fro purposing thereby to have over-topt or over-turned it but our God I say who is Soveraigne Lord of Sea and Land hath borne up the beautifull Sailâ—s of his blessed Arke and carryed it on most comfortably and brought it home safely to its home and harbour And therefore who can be so stupid and stony-hearted as not to acknowledge but that this is the Lords owne Worke and it is marvellous in our eyes and therefore in spirituall exultation to sing out with holy David and say The waters saw thee O God the proud waves and waters of the world even wicked and bloody men and were afraid before thee and the great depths were troubled at thee So that as Moses also sang The Children of Israel went into the the middest of them upon dry ground and the mighty waters were so farre from drowning or destroying them that they were a wall of safe-guard on their right and on their left hand to defend them And therefore as the foresaid sweet Singer of Israel Not unto us Lord not unto us but to thy great name be all the praise and glory of all these rare and rich mercies of all these many and mighty Deliverances But now to proceed ANd now we shall by Gods safe assistance put forth to Sea again with our blessed Barke the Arke of our God even our most righteous Cause and make this our next Moneths Voyage and begin first wiâ—h a present touch upon the Parliaments most renowned Lord Generalls successefull proceedings in the Westerne parts of the Kingdome From whence wee were certified by Letters from Chard that about the latter end of the last moneth and beginning of this there came in unto his Excellency within the circuit of twelve miles at lâ—st 4000 men who were all drawn into Rankes and Files in a Meadow whither his Excellency came to welcome them together with the noble Lord Roberts Lord Marshall of the Field who made an excellent speech unto them which they most cheerefully accepted with great and frequent acclamations they all offering themselves to live and dye in the Parliaments Cause and this in part confirmes what I mentioned before touching these West Countreymen at Dorchester Plymouths brave Garison also offered to take the Field with the most noble Lord Roberts who was Ordered aud resolved to goe into Cornwall and a part of that Garrison went out at that time about seven miles from Plymouth beat up a quarter of the Enemies tooke 44 Horse with their Riders Prisoners were pursued by that Skellum Greenvill but he also was beaten backe in great disorder with the losse of divers of his men Colonell Arundell a Member of the Oxford Junto and Major Wiseheart were slaine Colonell Digby brother to the traiterous Lord Digby wounded in the face and Greenvile himselfe closely put to it for his life but escaped the Gallowes as yet Much about the same time we were also informed by Letters out of Darbysh that that most worthy and active Patriot S. Ioh. Gel having sent 3 troops of horse 2 troops of dragoons to the E. of Denbigh then in Lancashire had also a small party of Horse abroad towards Nottingham seeking adventures who were met by some of the Kings Forces from Winkefield and divers of ours by them taken Prisoners but the alarme comming to Darby a fresh Party was sent out who in Winkefield set upon the Enemy as they were carousing and rejoycing at dinner for their good successe where they recovered all their owne men tooke 80 of the Enemies Horse and Riders and brought them all safe to Darbie without the losse of one man of their owne About the 4th of this instant Iuly we had also certaine newes out of the West that the greatest part of the Garrison at Barnstable being called off by Prince Maurice who it was then said was to goe to Pendennis Castle to be a Life-guard to the Queene yet the Garrison would needs leave a stinking savour behind them of their old trade of Plundering Whereupon the Inhabitants knowing the Lord Generall was at hand tooke courage and stoutly resisted them and in the issue bravely overcame their late tyrannicall Masters Which the most noble Lord Generall understanding of presently sent them a strong Party of Horse under the Command of the noble Lord Roberts and Sir Phillip Stapleton to helpe them to beat them quite away and keep them out from returning againe And thus they most happyly shooke off that servile Yâ—akâ— of those cruell Cavees and twice repulsed young Digby and others whom Prince 〈◊〉 â—ent to have reduced them again under that banefull bondage and killed divers of them and tooke many others prisoners And now we hope they begin to taste how sweet religion and Liberty is And ô how vâ—liant they grow being now sensible I say of what it was that made their brave Brethren of Lyme with so much unheard of 〈◊〉 to fight and stand it out against such spoylers of their peace and conscience comforts Much also about the foresaid time we had certain intelligence at London by a letter sent by that brave Commander Sir Thomas Midleton to the Speaker of the Honourable House of Commons concerning the brave and victorious raising of the siege of Oswestree lately taken by the noble Earle of Denbigh as was forementioned who left that brave Commander Colonell Mitton Governour of the said Town and Castle and which presently after my Lords departure for Lancashire was besieged by the Kings forces of those parts under the Command of Colonell Marrow which Letter containing a full relation of the carryagâ— of the whole worke I have thought fit here to insert as it was printed and published by authority of Parliament which was as followeth To the Honourable William Lenthall Esquire Speaker of the House of Commons HONOURED SIR NOt to trouble you with vain relations whereby to hinder the other serious imployment for the Kingdomes good May it please you to be advertised That the Town of Oswestree late taken by the Forces of the Parliament under my Brother Colonell Mittons Command was upon Saturday last begun to be begirt and since strictly besieged by the Kings forces consisting of about Fifteen hundred Horse and Three thousand five hundred Foot under the command of Colonell Marrow And that thereupon in pursuance of a Councell of War's determination occasioned by â—â—â—â—arnest and importunate Letter from my Brother Colonell Mitton directed to wee for speedy reliefe and raising of the siege of the said Towne I did upon the Lords-day last past with such Forces of Horse and Foot as I then had with me and the Foot Forces of Cheshire all of us then at Knotsford upon a determinate resolution to have marched for Manchester and then for the service in the North According to enjoyment of the Committee of both
Gods glory and our great comfort as witty and worthy Britanicus well noted his Majestie made Bonefires in the morning and our three foresaid noble Generalls quenched them and put them all out again before night And though now I have done with this brave Battell and famous Victory yet give me leave Good Reader to add this one note for a conclusion which I had from very credible and good information viz. That our Malignants choice Champion and stout Souldier Prince Robber as valiant and courageous as they would have the world hould him to be yet I say this great Kill-â—owe besides the losse of his dainty Dog found dead among the rest of the slain lost also his brave Beaver in the field or flight for found it was and himselfe as divers affirmed lay hid in a Bean-field as was toucht before after a litle service done in the field untill it was dark and then got away into Yorke And in the same place where the Marq. of Newcastles Commission was found there was also found a Letter signed with Charls Rex to it saluting the Marquesse of Newcastle by the name of Right Trusty and most entirely beloved Couzen and Councellor by which we may observe that he was most entirely beloved that put Armies into Papists hands to cut the troats of Protestâ—nts signifying by that Letter That his Lordship should take care that the Lord Viscount Rochford should have all his Rents paid unto him for that he was reconciled to his Majesty If then his Majesty spake truth the Lord of Rochford deserved much blame who was thereupon accused by the House of Commons for adhering to the Enemies and upon Thursday Iuly the 11. the said Lord comming to the House of Peers was saluted with an impeachment of high Treason and committed prisoner to the Black Rod. About the 12 of this instant it was for certain informed that although they at Oxford boasted much of the relieving of Greenland-House yet now by Gods mercy it was yeilded upon fair termes and moderate Articles unto Major Generall Brown and that for the present his Souldiers maintained a Garrison in it But that it was resolved on not to continue it so but to have it demolished to the ground The taking of this House was of great concernment to the City of London for by that means great quantities of provisions may be securely convayed by water to London out of Oxfordshire and Barkshire and aboundance of Wood out of the Oxford Malignants estates in those parts to serve London for fuell all the succeeding winter Much also about the same time came certain intelligence by Letters out of the Western parts of the Kingdome that the Forces of his Excellency the Parliaments most Noble Lord Generall under the Command of Sir Robert Pye and Colonell Blake had taken Taunton Castle a peice of great strength and concernment also in those parts and that in it they had taken 4 Iron peeces of Ordnance 6 Murtherers 4 Hogsheads of Beef a load of Iron great store of powder one Demi culverin 2 tun of Match one powder-Mill a great quantity of bullets 2 Loads of Cheese 2 Hogsheads of Oatmeal with great store of Salt Wheat Meal and other sorts of provision with store of Housholdstuffe and rich moveables and Colonell Reve who commanded the Castle for the King and the rest of his souldiers had quarter to March away to Bridgewater the Kings next Garrison Town About the 14th of this instant came also certain information by letters from the truely noble Lord Denbigh that whereas he had made a shew as if he would have drawn his Forces toward Shrewsbery as intending to besiege it yet indeed his private resolution 〈…〉 upon the House of the Lord Cholmley and tooke it which was a singular good 〈◊〉 of service to the State in 〈◊〉 that this House had been a very great and long mischiefe to the Country in those neer adjacent 〈◊〉 into it Much also about this foresaid time we were certified by letters out of Lincolnshire of the brave activity and valour of Colonell Rossiter Governour of Lincoln who weekly used to fall upon the Enemy neer Newark and that at one time he took a Major a Captaine and 30 Troopers and their horses Shortly after also that issuing out again he took another Major 3 Captains and 50 horse more with their Riders within three miles of Newark The Commanders especially were good prize these not being so easily 〈◊〉 as Horses those Newarke plunderers making a shift frequently to take an 100 horse in a hight out of the Villages about them Thus that poor County of Lincoln was continually wronged and turned by that pestilent den of plunderers About the 16th of this instant came certain intelligence of some late performances and good Service done by Captain Sydenbam and Captaine Carr neer Dorchester which was informed to be thus The Lord Inchiquin drew out of Warchaâ—â— about 240 horse and Dragoons and came against Dorchester intending to plunder burn and destroy all before them but making some pause before they fell upon the Town it gave Valiant Captain Sydenham and Captain Carr the opportunity of comming to their reliefe before they had attempted the intended mischiefe and so they fell upon the said Enemies about a mie from the Town beat them soundly back again took 160 prisoners with 60 horse and good store of their late gotten plunder elsewhere loaden in a Waggon and that some of the Enemies so taken being Irish Rogues euen 8. of them thus taken had such quarter given them as they gave the Protestants 〈◊〉 Ireland viz. That they hanged them up presently they having pursued their Enemies about 12 miles killing many of them by the way About this foresaid 〈◊〉 the honourable House of Commons in Parliament took into confideration having also before it passed the bill and great businesse of Ordination of Ministers the pious and religious 〈◊〉 of a godly and learned ministery of which there was and iâ— great complaint of the 〈◊〉 of and not without cause thankes to our former wicked Bishops almost all over the whol Kingdome And thereupon they agreed that all such as shall have Ordination shall be sound men well skil'd in Philosophy Logick and in the Tongues If all these and piety especially must precede it is to be feared that an age will not furnish all the Parishes in England and Wales in such a manner How ever we have just cause to blesse the Lord most heartily for so blessed and long desired a godly resolution in them and to wait on God for the good issue thereof Much also about the 18th of this instant July came certain intimation by Letters to London from out of Leistershire that Generall Hastings that wicked Râ—b-Carrier of all those parts was at Colchetâ—â— with about 2000 horse and Foot they being all he could possibly draw out of all the Garrisons under his Command with
some intention to walk in his accustomed way of plundring robbing and spoyling the Country about him Whereupon the truely noble and valiant Lord Gray of 〈◊〉 hearing of this partee of the Enemy drew out of Leicester with all expedition thirsting to give his old Antagonist battell supposing this gallant partee which Hastings had gathered together would have put some valour into him But as soon as the Lord Grâ—y drew neer unto him he presently retreated to Asâ—â—by de la Zouch his old den and kennell of refuge to be there an onely spectator of the Lord Grey and Sir John Gells meeting who no sooner were joyned together but they fell upon Wilne-Ferry and Fort which had been Hastings chief trap to take the Carriers in their passage between Dâ—rby and Leicester with such resolution and courage that after 3 dayes siege giving the Enemy continuall Alarms with notable thunder-claps of Cannon both their Forces drew up close to the Ferry and Fort and immediately with admirable brave gallantry they stormed it kill'd 8 or 9 men took the Governour prisoner with 2 Captains 3 Lieutenants 3 Ensignes with their 〈◊〉 and Colours 2 Drakes 80 Souldiers neer an 100 Gentlemen and others which came in to their assistance with all their Armes and brought them all into Leicester In all which businesse the Lord Grey lost but one man and some few hurt but thanks be to God not mortally As soon as this businesse was thus successefully finished my Lord presently slighted the Works pull'd down the Fort and burn'd the House in its own rubbish 〈…〉 to Lâ—icester the Enemy never so much as attempting to 〈…〉 Charge Now during this time the prudent Lord Grey ever desirous to preserve his assoâ—iation hearing that a party of Newarke and Belvoir Horse was come up as farre as Melton Mowbray to plunder the Country in his absence he immediately sent Colonell Waâ—t with a party of Horse to drive the Enemy out of the Country or fight with them which was accordingly done and the Country thereby in the interim safely protected And here now I cannot I may not passe over without a great 〈…〉 of impious ingratitude the happy remembrance of that most sweet and Solemn-day of Thankesgiving to the Lord our all-good-giving and forgiving God which was rarely and religiously celebrated on Thursday the 18th of this instant July 1644. for that late and most admirable yea even miraculous Victory which the Lord our God gave unto our forces under the command of those three most renowned Generalls in the North neer the City of York And yet which happy day our impious and heaven-out-daring Adversaries the wretched Royalists had laboured as was before mentioned at the end of the description of that famous victory to cloud and to take off the Edge of our thankfulnes by spreading abroad false rumours and presuming I say most audaciously to mock God by outward appearances of their pretended and false joy whereas they had no salvation wrought for them in the thing wherein they seemed to rejoyce and one main argument which our Malignant-Enemies used to discourage and discountenance us and if it could have been to have infused into us to believe that there was some truth in their outward flourishes that so I say they might have cast ashes upon our heads in the day of our triumph was because the City of Yorke was not yeilded to us which said they would not nay could not hold out if Prince Ro. had beene routed But our most wise and mercifull God would not suffer them hereby to rob him of his honour and therefore it is most worthy our observation that the newes of Yorkes being certainly surrendred unto the Parliaments forces arived at London the very Thankesgiving-day before the time set a part for the duties of our Solemn-Thankesgiving Which now I say comes here next to be spoken of namely That on Thursday July the 18th 1644. The Lords and Commons of Parliament joyned together at Westminster in the cheerful solemnization of this day and every parish in and about London Assembling together both forenoone and afternoone to hear Sermons preached in their Churches and prayers and praises proclaimed to our so great and good God the Wonder-working God of this our Israel and in a speciall manner this was performed by the Right Honourable prudent and pious Lord Mayor of the City of London Sir John Wolaston together with the most worthy Aldermen and Sheriffs his Brethren as also all the Companies of the City of London in their Gownes and Liveries at Pauls-Church where after the morning Sermon was ended a volley of small shot was triumphantly discharged and two Ensignes or Colours were flourished and displayed on the toppe of Pauls-steeple which gave notice to the severall Forts in the fields and thereupon the Ordnance went off round about the City and after the afternoones Sermon great outward joy and thankesgiving was expressed both first in liberall summes of money collected in the Churches to refresh the loynes of the poore and afterward in ringing of Bells and making Bonefires in the streets that night yea and the neighbours and parishoners of divers parishes in London both Husbands and Wives supped altogether in extraordinary solemn-manner especially in the parish of Christs-Church in London where I my selfe was an unworthy part and present eye-witnesse of the same All or the greatest part of the said whole parish both men and women especially of the best sort and quality Knights Ladies Gentlemen and Gentlewomen yea all well-affected persons of fashion and ability assembled together in the great Hall of Christs-Hospitall to the number of about 200 men and their wives who being all very gravely and cheerfully met together and supper made ready their reverend pious and painfull Pastor Mr. Jenkins who indeed was the first mover of this so solemn meeting an act worthy a godly Divine indeed he I say began A Psalme of David as sweet heavenly musicke which all the Company sang together whiles the dishes of meat were brought in and set on the tables Then a blessing on the creatures craved and supper ended the said reverend Pastor as hee piously began so hee religiously concluded with thankesgiving and another Psalme sung by them all at their tables ere they rose all done in a most grave and reverend manner And here also I desire the godly Reader to take notice of one remarkable passage of Gods providence about this worke which happily preâ—eded this solemn-meeting in the foresaid place viz That upon the Wednesday the very immediate day before this meeting it pleased the Lord so to order and dispose it That that most worthy and most deservedly ever to be honoured religious and zealous Nehemiah of our dayes Sir Robert Harlow Knight of the Bathe came himselfe to the said Hospitall and caused by the power and authority of Parliament most happily invested on him a mighty great and most
Peace may goe forward can argue nothing but a true and clear desiring of Peace and the happy setlement of the Kingdome in quiet the great thing so much at least pretended to be desired by the adverse party And this cannot but content I hope the great Vapours of Peace in our Malignants who desire any Peace be it ever so bad so it be Peace And now to proceed About the 20th of this instant we had certain information by the foresaid reverend and religious Gentleman Mr Ash his letters that the most noble Earl of Manchester advanced from YORKE more Southward to refresh his Souldiers and that night being Saturday night and all the next Lords-day his Foot quartered in â—adcaster and the other Townes thereabout and his Horse neere Pontefract a strong Garrison of the Enemies and from thence on the Munday following his Lordship remooved to Doncaster and quartered therein both his Horse and Foot in other Townes thereabout from whence he sent 200 Dragoones commanded by Lieutenant Col. Lilburne to quarter in Tickhill about five miles from Doncaster where the Enemy had a long time quartered where was a strong Castle called Tickhill-castle which was pallisadoed and invironed with a broad Mote and a Counter-scarfe in which was 80 Muskettiers and a Troop of Horse armed which did great oppression and injury to the Coâ—ntry thereabout both by laying heavy burthens and taxes upon them and which did much interrupt the trade and transportation of cloth from Leedes Hallifax and other parts of Bawtree their Horse also bringing in frequently 20 30 40 horses at a time loaden with cloath which oftentimes upon the payment of twenty shil a horse-load they again released Now upon the Dragoones comming into the Town they tooke prisoners a Captain a Cornet a Quartermaster and some other Souldiers and about thirty horses belonging to the said Castle The Governour of the Castle understanding hereby that my Lords Army was so neer and being now summoned the next day to surrender the same to the King and Parliament did admit parley with the said Lieutenant Col. Lilburne which conference produced this conclusion That three of the chiefe Gentlemen therein should come to my Lords quarters to Doncaster upon a safe convoy 〈◊〉 for their returne which being done and the Gentlemen comming accordingly on Thursday Iuly the 25th it was agreed that the said Castle should be yielded up the next day upon four or five fair and honourable Articles befitting Gentlemen and Souldiers which Articles were sealed by both parties accordingly and then his Lordship with Lieutenant Gen. Cromwell Major Gen. Crawford and many other chiefe Officers guarded by a brave Troop of Horse rode to Tickhill the Fryday following in the afternoon to take possession of it and to see the Articles on our side exactly performed whither being come the Draw-bridge let downe and a lane made by our Dragoones to whom his Lordship had given strict charge not to offer offence in the least measure by word or deed to the Souldiers of the Garrison who were to passe by them they all came out with passes in their hands to the severall places of their desired aboad who also were safely convoyed by our Troop of Horse and so his Lordship and his Officers with twenty Musketteers onely entred and possession being taken and some hurries appeased my Lord with his attendants gave solemn thankes to God there for giving in that place of so much concernment upon most easie termes and without the losse of one drop of blood There were in the Castle Major Mâ—nekton the Governour Colonell Redhead Major Redhead and divers Captaines with some of their Wives There was left in the Castle one Iron-piece mounted about in hundred Muskets sixty Horse and Armes some Powder and Match above an 100 quarters of grain many barrels of salt butter store of cheese powdred Beeâ—e and some beasts and sheepe with other necessary provisions About the 23. of this instant came certain information by letters out of Gloucestershire that the valiant Colonell Lâ—ughorâ—â— Governour of 〈…〉 and Captain Moulton with his valiant and courageous Sayleâ—s understanding of Gerrards 〈◊〉 approach to Peâ—brook with the Earl of Carbery and his Welsh and Irish-Papists our forces there joyned in a body to oppose them and the inhabitants of the County to shew theâ—â— willingnesse to assist them in this great 〈◊〉 the defence of their religion lawes and liberties First 〈…〉 books and Pâ—pish pictures apt to seduce to be brought forth and burnt and then afterward joyned themselves in a compleat boâ—y with their other friends already in armes against the common Enemy who marching into Pembrookeshire our Forces met them and notwithstanding all their power fell courageously upon them and in a short space did notable execution upon them made the Welsh fly apace to their own homes and holes in the Mountaines with great losse unto them even Gerrard himselfe hardly escaping by flight In this fight Colonell Laughorne and Captain Moulton flew and tooke prisoners at least 500 of the Enemies they also took divers Armes and many carryages with most of their baggage yea the Enemy was so routed as 't was verily believed they could never be able to get into a considerable body again against them Colonell Laughorne also resolving to follow the pursuite not leaving till he hath totally subdued them to the obedience of the King and Parliament In this fight also Captain Moulton and the brave Saylers deserved much praise and due respect for their undanted activity in this as in former performances And it was credibly assured that since this brave Sea-commander Captain Moulton cast the last Irish-rebells overboard into the Sea there have not any more been seen to passe out of Ireland About the 26th of this instant we had certain intelligence by letters out of Worcestershire that there went a party of Horse from Worâ—ester unto Evesham with an intent to have surprized some of the Earl of Denbighs Forces who were there a fortifying Evesham But the vigilant and valiant Earl of Denbighs and Warwickshire forces having private notice thereof in their march that way dispatched 600 Horse thither presently 300 whereof were to come in upon one side of the Town and the other to wheele about and to come in by the other way upon the Enemies Rear upon the comming in of the first party of the Enemies ours began to retreat and the Enemies thinking they fled began to follow them But instantly they were set upon by our other party which wheeled about upon the Enemies Rear and skirmished with them a while till at last 50 of them were slain in the place and 120 Horse and about 40 or 50 prisoners taken with the losse of onely two or three men of ours at the most the rest of the Enemy got back into Worcester About the 28th of this instant we were credibly informed by letters out of the Western
parts of the Kingdome that the King about this time marching with his Forces into Devonshire and passing by Chard in Sommersetshire towards Honyton in Devonshire the way to Exetor A Regiment of the Kings horse commanded in chiefe by that upstart Lord and rotten Runagado Henry Piercy who desirous as it appeared to visite Lyme took up his quarters about Collyton a Town within 3 miles of Lyme and gave them an alarme which notwithstanding the Garrison at first slighting yet after a little pawse considering and perceiving the Enemies designe was onely in a bravado to give them a visit and so a vale to return back again to Collyton and renowned Lyme doubting whether it might not be taken a little unkindly if no regreet were given on so friendly a visit Lyme therefore to acquit themselves of that suspected guilt sodainly sent out young Captain Hercules Pine Capt. Herl Capt. Bragg and some others with a partee of about an 120 horse who ere the Enemies had well digested their Supper at Collyton sodainly fell in among them took as many horse of the Enemy as they carried out with them viz. between an 100 and sixscore besides 55 prisoners whereof one was a Major of that Regiment 2 or 3 Captains and some other Officers above an 100 Armes very good pillage found about those they took and brought them all safe into Lyme that whole Regiment by this notable exploit being totally routed and dispersed But yet this brave and most active Garrison rested not here but made another gallant adventure with the like partee of horse and came to Chard in Sommersetshire 12 miles from Lyme where the King being scarce got out of the Town with his main body they surprised 11 gallant Horses all with rich saddles and furniture conceived to be the Kings own Stable horses which they brought to Lyme with some prisoners of the Enemies partee And about the 30th and 31th of this instant Iuly we were certainly informed by yet more frequent letters out of the West that upon his Excellencies the most Noble Lord Generalls advance toward Plymouth the Forces which were then under that Apostate Greenvile being about 3000 were stricken with such a panick fear that they quitted their quarters there and raised themselves from their severall trenches and holds so as his Excellencies Forces immediately after possessed themselves of severall considerable Garrisons as namely Mount-Stamford where they tooke foâ—re pieces of Ordnance Plympton where they tooke 8 pieces of Ordnance Salt Ash and in it a great Fort with some pieces of Ordnance and many Armes Lanson also and divers other small Garrisons thereabout which all instantly yeilded to my Lord Generall That presently after my Lord Generall sent a party against Greenviles-house at Tavestock Plymouth men having also about this time taken the field and being in all between 2 and three thousand Horse and Foot whither they being come those within the House hung out a white flag and desired a parley but our brave Souldiers had no patience to stand upon termes and treaties but sodainly and resolutely stormed the House got over the walls and soone entred the House they within crying out for quarter which was granted to all except bloody Irish-Rogues There was taken in the House two pieces of Cannon an 150 prisoners very neer 1000 Armes a â—oomefull of excellent good Muskets many pair of pistols excellent pillage for the Souldiers even at least 3000 pound in money and plate and other provisions in great quantity From thence his Excellency advanced toward Lanceston and tooke it and in it 40 barrells of powder And that Skellum Greenvile being gotten to Newbridge which is a passage into Cornwall his Excellency sending a considerable party thither set upon Greenviles Forces where they found some hot opposition for a while but at last ours got the bridge and Town too with the losse of some 40 of our men but there were slaine on the Enemies side neere upon 200 and many prisoners on their side taken and that a party of the noble and right valiant Lord Roberts Brigade being sent to pursue Greenvile and his Army which was reported to be neer 3000 strong horse and foot over-took him and forced their passage over Horsbridge fell fiercely on him and routed most of his forces about a place called Listithell in Cornwall where many of his men were slain and a 150 taken prisoners and that now they had no considerable Enemy left them in Cornwall so as they might proceed according to their owne designes leaving the most noble Lord Roberts with a reasonable party in Cornwall totally to keepe it downe and to reduce that whole County by presenting a full body to the East Intimating likewise that now that had advanced toward Bodmin and that in their passage from Newbridge as aforesaid they had taken Tadcaster and Foy and that in all they had taken from the Enemy 17 or 18 pieces of Ordnance and many ships of good value in Foy which the Enemy quitted and yet it was a place of great consequence and a Haven-Towne in Cornwall And thus the West also as ye have heard is in a very faire way and hopefull condition as well as the North to be timely reduced to the obedience of the Parliament especially if the Kings forces now gathered into a body in those parts be well back't with a party of the Parliaments to come as a reserve upon his Rear which was about this time seriously recommended to the farther consideration and speedy dispatch of the Committee of both Kingdomes and also of the Westerne Committee and money and other necessary supplies to be sent speedily to his Excellency the most noble and renowned Lord Generall of the Parliaments Forces And thus now have we by Gods good providence and gracious guide and assistance brought our Bark back again most prosperously into the Haven or Harbour of this Moneths rest and repose also full fraught and richly laden with rare Commodities most worthy the serious reveiw rumination and recogitation of every pious and prudent Christian Reader Wherefore I shall here now cast Anchour and make a stay to rest and refresh this our weary and weather-beaten Bark to rig and trim it and fit it for another Voyage whensoever God gives a fair occasion thereunto In which interim let me here now unlade and lay open in a summary and short occular sight and review all the most rare rich and indeed unvaluable Parliamentary-prizes and Kingdome-commodities which God hath purchased for us in this last Moneths happy Voyage and honourable adventure As first in our most noble Lord Generalls first very successefull advance toward the Western parts of the Kingdome from Oxford to raise the Siege at Lyme Darbyshires activity Barnstables revolt from the King to the Parliament And the second brave defeat given to the Enemy at Oswestree by the most noble and renowned Lord Denbighs Forces In
I therefore earnestly beseech thee good Reader in the pages fore-cited to correct and amend with thy pen also this so materiall mistake therein The Authors promise of part of Requitall for the foresaid favour ANd in part of requitall of thy fore-desired friendly favour I shall good Reader both promise as I hope I have now in this third Part performed more care for the future And also hasten out for thy full content the fourth Part of this Parliamentary-Chronicle which I intend if the Lord permit to compleat and bring up to the very present time of its immediate publication with all the most famous admirable and almost incredible Victories and Successes of this last Sommer and Autumn-Season I having even now almost quite finished and fitted the said promised fourth Part for the Printers Presse if at least I find as I hope I shall this my present third Part so courteously accepted as to make the speedier way for the comming forth thereof and so consequently for the compleating of this so fair and famous a History Thyne J. V. FINIS An Exact Table of all the most materiall Passages of this third Part of the Parliamentary-Chronicle A THe Arke and Parliament compared together Page 1. The Assembly of Divines petition the Parliament 2. The Assemblies petition for Reformation 4 Apprentices provided for 31 The Authors gratefull remembrance of Gods goodnesse to him 37 The Associated Counties cared for 55 The Isle of Axholm taken 147 The Bishop of Armagh his memoriall 153 The famous Victory at Alsford 185 Axholm Island taken 202 The famous defeat at Aulton 95 The Earl of Argyle in Scotland 230 The Isle and Fort of Ayremouth taken 234 Abington taken by the Lord Roberts ibid. Arundell Castle besieged and taken 122 Association of Hampshire Surry and Sussex 57 Army of the Earl of Newcastle declining 67 Ammunition conveyed to Gloucester and how 200 Aâ—lesbury to be betrayed 135 Advance of the Scots into England 136 B. Burleigh-house taken 7 Colonell Brown beats the Kentish Rebels 13 Sir William Brereton wins Houghton Castle 18 Beverly pittifully plundred 30 Bullenbrook Castle taken 67 A new Broad Seal 71 The Scots march from Barwick into England 137 Burlington taken 154 Biddle-house taken 167 Bradfords Victory obtained by Colonell Lambert 168 Burleigh house garrison active 171 Sir William Belfore in Hampshire 172 Bredport taken 175 Burleigh-house in Dorsetshire 176 Colonell Beares brave defeat given to the Enemy 182 Colonell Bellasis beaten 200 Basing-house defeated 209 Banbury Forces beaten 211 Sir William Breretons brave performances 84 The enemy â—â—ated at Budely 217 Col. Boles slain 97 Belvoir forces beaten 110 Major Gen. Brown made Commander in chiefe of 3 Counties 249 Major Gen. Brown much honoured 251 Sir William Belfore at Lime 257 Bewley-house taken 17 Sir Bazill Brooks plot discovered 118 A Bristoll ship taken 124 Banstable shakes off the Cavalerian yoake 265 Beverton Castle taken 236 A brave Bonefire of Popish trinkets 128 Bloody Sir John Byron 129 Burton upon Trent taken 131 Bodmin in Cornwall taken 297 Beggars must be no carvers 303 C. Colonell Cromwell beates the Earle of Newcastle 6 Col. Cromwell takes Stamford in Line 7 Clubmen in Lincoln beaten 8 Col. Cromwels Letter shewing his Victory at Gainsbrough 8 Generall Cavendish slain at Gainsbrough 9 Canterbury Malignants rise 15 City Malignants Imprisoned 27 A Covenant or Oath to be taken in London 24 A Commission to Sir Wil. Waller 28 Sir Alexander Carews plot at Plymouth 29 Care taken for Apprentices 31 Christs-Hospitall relieved by the Parliament 37 Cambden Cormorants beaten 49 The Kings Cormorants beaten at Newport Pannell 55 The Lord Capell beaten at Wem 62 Cessation in Ireland justified by the King 68 Contrary effects to the Irish Cessâ—tion 71 A Councill of State for the 3 Kingdomes 147 Sir William Constables good service in the North. 154 The Covenant taken the manner how 157 Sir William Constables good service at Yorke 160 Cheshire much aimed at by the King 161 Church-government 162 Covenant taken in Leicester 169 Chester-bridge in Yorkshire taken by Sir William Constable 171 The Earl of Carberies pride and cruelty 177 The E. of Carbery quite vanquisht 181 Cathedral at Westminst reformed 184 Cawood-castle taken 202 Crowland regained 203 Correspondence with the Swedes 204 Commissioners for the New Broad scale 88 Carnarvan Town and Castle taken 224 Covenant taken by the House of Peers 90 Commanders in Arms take the Covenant 90 Covenant sealed with loan of 100000 l at London 90 The Earl of Callender stirs in Scotland 230 The L. Crawford saluted by Sir Wil. Waller 98 Canterbury Minister reformed 101 Cawood Castle in Yorksh taken 233 Chippingham Garrison taken 237 A Chain of gold bestowed by the Parliament on Capt. Swanley 248 The Kings Commanders catcht at Cards and Dice 112 Compton-house taken 251 3 Children in one bed miraculously preserved 254 Coventry Forces take Holt-house 117 Coventry forces take Bewley-house ibid. Citizens of London invite the Parliament to a Feast 124 Covenant to be taken over the whole Kingdome 157 A Collection for sick and wounded souldiers by an Ordnance 33 Leiut Gen. Cromwells due praise 273 Major Gen. Crafords valour 273 Croyland subdued 132 Cholmmy-house taken 285 A brave defeat given to the Enemy at Chard 296 D. A rich Danish ship taken 20. Delinquents woods to be cut down 36 A brave defeat given to the Enemies of Cambden 49 A great design against London 52 The Kings Declaration justifying the Irish cessation 68 Defection of the Northern Counties from the King 68 A Declaration touching the great Seal 72 A Declaration touching the cessation in Ireland 70 A brave Defeat given to the Enemy by Col. Rudgeley 78 A Declaration consented to by England and Scotland 142 The Parliaments Declaration sent to Oxford 152 Divers Delinquent Lords c. names 153 Daâ—by Forces take Kings Milus 156 The Parliaments Declaration tooke good effect at Oxford 175 Delinquents reclaimed 174 Durham fled unto by Newcastle 228 A brave Defeat given to the Enemy by Col. Fox 216 The Kings Declaration against the Covenant 91 Deserters of Oxford 92 Lord Digby beaten at Plymouth 94 The Enemy beaten at Dunscot 95 The Famous Defeat at Aulton 95 The Devizes molested by Col. Massye 237 The Lord Denbigh takes Russell-Hall 239 A brave Defeat given to the Enemy at Nottingham 240 The Lord Denbigh against Dudley Forces 251 The great Danger and Deliverance of Col. Mitton ibid. The Lord Denbigh wins Oswestree 260 The Danes our underhand Enemies 116 The Danes vexed by the Sweeds 117 The great Design of the Royalists 121 Darbies brave activity 265 A desperate Designe against Nottingham 133 E. England likned to the Sea 1 Embassadors sent from France into Scotland 54 English-plantations taken care of 58 English-Irish Souldiers revolt from the King 61 England and Scotland consent in a Declaration 142 Exploits of the Parliaments Forces 155 Explaits of Pool ibid. Exploits of Warwick Castle 156 Exploits of Sir Thomas Fairfax ibid. Exploits of Pool
against Prince Rupert 163 Exploits of Col. Massye about Glocester 92 Exploits yet more of Colonell Massyes 227 Englands just objurgation 229 Englands great wonder to Gods great glory Anno 1644. 237 Enemy bravely beaten at Oswestree 266 The low Ebbe of the Parliaments Army 22 Estates of Malignants sequestred 153 Enemy bravely beaten at Lyme 241 A brave Defeat given to the Enemy at Evesham 295 F. The Fellowship a brave ship taken by the Parliaments Forces 27 Fuell provided for for the City of London 35 The Lord Fairfax his Victory at Hull 38 Sir Thomas Fairfax at Horn-Castle 47 France sends into Scotland 54 A brave Fight at Stamford 75 Sir Tho. Fairfax 156 Lord Fairfax Victorious at Hull 163 The Lord Fairfaxes Forces conjoyned with Sir Tho. Fairfaxes 202 L. Fairfax and the Scots conjoyned 210 Fidelity of the Scots to England 211 Col. Fox Victorious at Budely 217 Forces of Northampton beate the Enemy 95 Sir Thomas Fairfax stormeth Gains-borough 102 Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Valour at Marston-Moor Fight 274 Sir Tho. Fairfax compared to Julius Caesar 284 Foy in the West taken 297 G. Gally-slaves of Sathan are Wicked Men. 2 Gods glory is our Alpha and Omega ibid. Gainsbrough won 6 Gainsbrough taken again 51 Lord Gorings Letter intercepted and read in Parliament 155 Lord Generalls just praise 167 Gallows set up at Oxford and the cause 174 Sir Richard Greenviles defection from the Parliament 174 Gloucesters good condition 182 Gloucester releived with necessaries 192 Sir John Gell Victorious at Muck-bridge 199 Gloucesters Ammunition how conveyed thither 200 The Lord Generals advance with his Army 228 Gainsbrough stormed by Sir Thomas Fairfax 102 Grafton house taken 103 The Lord Generalls Mercifull Proclamation 235 The Lord Grey of Grooby his brave carriage at Leicester 257 The Lord Generall successefull in the West 264 3 Garnsey Gentlemen mightily preserved 122 Greenvill beaten at Plymouth 265 Government of the Church 162 Greenland-house taken 285 Lord Grey of Grooby and Sir John Gells forces take Wellney Fort. 287 The Lord Generall victorious in the West 296 Greenvils house at Tavestocke taken 297 H. Sir Edward Hales taken prisoner 15 Houghton Castle in Cheshire taken 18 The Earl of Hollands trunk seized on 27 Hull besieged 30 Hull remarkably preserved 31 Horn-castles famous Victory 42 Hulls victory related by Sir John Meldrums Letter 39 Hampshire Surry and Sussex Associated 57 30 or 40 of our Horse beate 1000 of the Enemies Horse 65 Hilsey house taken 167 Lord Hastings vexes the honest inhabitants of Leicester 169 Hinckly house 170 Sauls house decreaseth Davids house increaseth 173 Haverford west in Wales strangely taken 180 The Lady Hopton and two hundred prisoners taken 194 House of Peers take the Covenant 90 Sir Ralph Hopton writes to Sir William Waller 99 Sir Ralph Hoptons low ebbe 253 Hollanders underhand Enemies to the Parliament 116 Sir Tho. Holts house taken 117 Hildsden house taken 131 Sir Robert Harlow puls down a mighty crucifix at Christs-Hospitall in London 290 I. Capt. Johnsons brave courage 45 Intelligencers and Spies voted against 49 Irish Massacree 69 About 1500 Irish Rogues cast away at Sea by a storm 172 A Land storm also on the Irish ibid A Welch jest 179 Captaine Jordans good successe at Sea 182 The Lord John brother to the Duke of Lenox slain 190 Irish Rebels accorded with by the King 248 Justice of God prosecutes the wicked 249 K. The Earl of Kingstone slaine 7 Kentish Malignants rise in Rebellion 11 The King sends Letters into Scotland 54 The 3 Kingdomes to have one Councill of State 147 King Milus taken 156 The Kings great ayme at Cheshires County 161 The Kings children cared for by the Parliament 175 Kentish-mens brave behaviour at Alsford 193 Kents memorable gratitude to God 232 The Kings party unsuccessefull ever since the Irish cessation 102 The Kings Forces frighted 234 The Kings ungodly agreement with Ireland 248 The King pursued by Sir William Waller 248 L. Sir Michael Levesey at Yawlden in Kent 14 Londoners Petition against a pretended peace 23 Londoners take an Oath 24 A Loan of an 100000. l. to be raised in London for the Scots 38 Lincoln taken 51 Letters sent by the King into Scotland 54 London must be starved up 55 A Letter sent from Oxford to the Parliaments Lord Generall 152 A Letter from the Lord Goring intercepted and read in Parliament 155 Leicestershire men victorious at Hinckly 170 Col. Lamberts brave victory at Bradford 168 Col. Lambert again Victorious 171 Col. Laughorn in Penbrookshire 77 London Regiments brave valour at Alsford 193 Col. Lambert beats Bellassys in Yorkshire 200 Captain Layes Valour at Wareham 81 Solemn League or Covenant farther pressed 88 London petitions the Parliament for the setling of the State Committee 225 Lyme stormed by the Enemy and bravely repulsed 228 Lymes condition related 231 Lymes brave carriage against Prince Maurice ibid. Lymes valour testified by the Enemy 240 Lymes seige wholly raised 243. 252 Lyme bravely beats the Enemy 241 The Kings Letter to the Lord Mayor of London 121 Generall Lesleyes carriage at Marstone Moore fight 273 Col. Lamberts valour 274 Laystolk Garrison quitted 132 Col. Laughorns brave performances in Pembrookshire 294 Lyme garrison gives the Enemy a brave defeat 296 M Malignants of London imprisoned 27 Sir John Meldrum at Hull 39 Captain Moodies brave courage 45 Earle of Manchester victorious at Horncastle 42 Colonel Massies good service at Tewksbury 48 Earl of Manchester takes in Lincolne 51 Earl of Manchester takes Gainesborough 51 Earl of Manchesters care for the associated Counties 55 Malignants estates sequestred 153 Kings-Milus taken by Darby Forces 156 Members of Parliament that tooke the Covenant their names and number 157 Milford-Haven taken 161 Colonell Mitton beates Prince Rupert 161 Colonell Massey still victorious 183 Malignants mouthes stopt 194 At Munk-bridge Sir John Gell victorious 199 Letters of Mart granted against the Parliaments Enemies 84 Earl of Manchester again victorious at Lincoln 217 Colonell Massies brave exploits about Gloucester 92 Colonell Massey at Wotton garrison 93 Colonel Massyes just praise 227 Sir Thomas Middletons brave performances 84 Montrosse beaten in Scotland 230 A Message sent from England to Scotland 236 Col. Massey victorious 236 Malmsbury taken by Colonell Massye ibid. Colonell Massey still Victorious 237 Colonell Massies good services rewarded by the Parliament 237 Morpeth-castle taken by the Scots 247 Colonell Mitton his great daunger and deliverance 251 Two Maids had three of their hands shot off together 254 Gods mercy to Manchester in the midst of her misery 258 Malignants in London their Flea-biting 260 Marstonâ—Moores most famous victory described 269 Sir John Meldrum stormes Gainesborough 103 Monuments of Superstition to be demolished 222 The Earl of Manchesters labour and vigilancy at York fight 273 A learned and godly Ministry to be ordained 287 Captain Moultons brave performances in Pembrookeshire 294 N The Earle of Newcastle beaten from Gainesborough 6 Mewcastle besiegeth Hull 30 Newcastle in great straites
39 The Kings forces frighted from New-port-pannell 55 Newcastles declining condition 67 Northern Counties leave the Earle of Newcastle 68 Newcastles forces beaten by Colonell Rudgeley 78 Namptwich bravely relieved with a glorious victory 142 Names of divers delinquents or malignants 153 Names and number of Parliament members that took the Covenant 157 Newcastle besieged by the Scots 158 Northampton garrisons good service 162 Nottingham preserved from a notable plot 163 Northampton forces tooke the Princes troope 168 Colonell Norton at Southampton 172 Names of reclaimed delinquents 174 The E. of Newcastles great losse 183 The Earl of Northampton beaten by Colonell Beare 18â— Newcastle flyes to Durham 208 Newcastle got into Yorke 209 Northamptons forces revenged on Banbury 211 Northampton forces victorious 95 A notable plot against Nottingham-castle 104 Newarke garrison beaten 240 Colonell Needhams valour 274 Another desperate plot against Nottingham 133 Newbridge in the West taken 297 O Ordinance of Parliament against the Kentish rebells 16 Oxfords proclamation to starve up the City of London 18 An Oath or Covenant taken by Londoners 24 Ordinance of Parliament to search 〈◊〉 and carriages 30 Ordinance for a collection for sick and 〈◊〉 souldiers 33 A charitable Order in Parliament for Christs-Hospitall 37 Ordinance against Spies 49 Oxfords Propositions for a pretended Peace 152 Ordinance for taking the Covenant 157 Oxford sets up gallowes and why 174 Ordinance for sanctifying the Sabbath 199 Ordinance for demolishing of Organs c. 222 Oxford Spiders sack poyson from hole some flowers 91 Oxford deserted by many 92 Oswestree taken 260 Ordinance of Parliament against rotten revolters from the Parliament 260 The Enemies bravely beaten at Oswestree 266 Ordinance for the well governing of the City of London 100 Serjeaâ—t Major Ogle a notable traitor and plotter 135 Observations on the fight at Marston-Moore 278 P Parliament compared to God Ark. 1 Proclamation from Oxford to starve London 18 Alderman Pennington made Lieutenant of the Tower of London 19 Four Proclamations sent to the Lord Mayor of London at one time 35 Captain Players brave resolution and courage 45 A great Plot against London 52 A plot to hinder the Scots advance 53 The Plot to starve the City of London frustrated 55 Plantations abroad cared for by the Parliament 58 Almost two hundred thousand English Protestants massacred in Ireland 69 A Plot against Southampton discovered 148 Propositions for a pretended peace 152 Pools exploits 155 A Plot against the Scots discovered 161 Preachers at London to be provided for 162 A Plot against Nottingham discovered 163 Pools exploits against Prince Rupert ibid. The Princes Troop taken 168 The Palsgrave takes the Covenant in Holland 172 The Parliaments care for the pious institution of the Kings Children 175 Capt. Tho. Pyne 175 Capt. Tho. Pyne his just praise 176 Pembrookshire hopefully reduced to the Parliament 176 Pembrookshires brave resolution 178 Captain Tho. Pyne victorious at Collyton 184 Preachers greatly wanted in Wales 202 Master Pâ—ynnes honour attested out of Holland 203 Plymouth gives the Enemy a brave Defeat 215 Pools brave performances 81 A Plot against Gloucester 94 A Plot to undo England and Scotland 229 A brave Prize taken at Sea 232 Master John Pym honourably mentioned as deserved 99 A Plot to convey the two young Princes from Saint Jamses to Oxford 99 A Plot against Nottingham Castle 124 The Earl of Pembrookes just praise 233 Plymouth garrison takes a brave prize 240 A Pack of Plots 109 Plymouths Seige deserted 111 An admirable providence by Pilchards at Plymouth 112 Parishaw bridge destroyed 60 Royalists 250 Prizes at Sea taken by our ships 256 Preparation by Sea to help the West affaires 257 Prizes taken by Sea and Land 259 A Plot against the Parliament 118 The Parliament invited to a feast by the Londoners 124 Pretended peace petitioned against 23 A Plot against Southampton discovered 1â—â— A Plot of Religion to divide the City and Parliament 134 Propositions for Peace to be tendred to the King 292 R. Reformation petitioned for by the Assembly of Divines 4 Rebellion in Kent 11 Rebellion at Canterbury appeased 15 Col. Rudgely bravely defeats the Enemy 78 Return of the Train'd Bands of London and Westminster to London 99 Russell-Hall in Staffordshire taken 239 About 60 Royalists drowned together 250 Revolters from the Parliament 262 Rats crawl up ships Masts when the ship is ready to sinke 262 Reformation in King Henry sevenths chappel at Westminster 113 Reformation in Canterbury-Minster 101 Prince Ruperts atheisticall speech 275 Royalists impudency in triumphing for what they never had 283 Colonell Rossiters activity 285 Lord Rochford impeached of High Teason 285 S. Stamford in Lincolnshire taken 7 A Ship of Denmarke taken 20 Spies and Intelligencers ordered against 49 Souldiers revolt from the King at Bristol 61 Surrey Sussex and Hampshire associated 57 The Lord Saulton a Scotish Popish Lord apprehended 75 The Scots march from Barwick fully related 137 Stamford mount neere Plymouth 75 The Scots successefull progresse in the North. 154 Capt. Swanley successefull at Milford Haven 161 Sir John Stowell slain at Southampton 170 The Sweds desire to associate with our Parliament 173 Capt. Swanley Victorious in Penbrookshire 176 Sir John Stepney a brave Welsh surveyour a pretty jest of him 179 The Scots passe over Tyne 183 Security the bane of safety 184 Sanctification of the Sabbath day ordered 199 Captain Swanley still victorious in Wales 202 Sweathland and England respond together 204 Selbies famous victory 205 Scotlands fidelity to England 211 A new great Seal of England 86 Captain Swanley still victorious 224 Sweet Sympathy twixt the Parliament and City of London 226 Secrecy is the Key of certainty 226 Colonell Sydenhams Valiant Exploits 101 Serjeant-Major Skippon takes Glaston house 103 Sunderland preserved from a treacherous Plot. 247 Capt. Swanley honoured with a chain of Gold by the Parliament 248 Capt. Swanley Commander in chiefe in Wales 247 Shâ—â—ly-Castle taken 250 Swedes vex the Danes who would have vexed us 117 A brave Ship taken 123 Sick and mained souldiers cared for by the Parliament 33 Col. Sydneys valour at Marestone-Moore fight 273 Col. Sydenhams brave valour 286 Scots advance into England 136 T. Trunkes to be searched and other carriage 32 Tewksbury lookt unto by Colonell Massey 48 Sir Henry Talbot surprised in his quarters 146 Tadcaster taken 173 Tinby Town and Castle taken 181 Triumphant return of the Trained Bands of London and Westmin 99 Capt. Temples brave Exploits at 〈◊〉 235 Tewksbury taken 249 Taunton-Dean taken 257 Pâ—pish trinkets burnt 128 Taunton Castle taken 285 Publike Thanksgiving famously celebrated at London for the glorious Victory at Marstone Moore 288 Tâ—ckhill taken 293 Tastcaster in the West taken 297 V. Aglorious Victory at Namptwich 142 Sir Henry Vaughan a Welch Commander his valour described 179 Victory at Selby 205 Col. Vavasor beaten 93 A Vniversall plot against the Protestant Religion over all Christendome 116 Victory at Marstone-Moore 269 Vse of all this History 302
W. Wicked men compared to the Waves of the Sea 1 Lord Willough by of Parham wins Gainsbrough 6 Sir Thomas Walsingham taken prisoner by Kentish Rebells 12 Sir William Waller hath his Commission to advance 28 Sir John Wollaston chosen Lord Mayor of London 34 Sir John Wollastons fidelity cleared by a great tryall 35 Woods of Delinquents cut down 36 Wem Forces beat the Lord Capell 60 Lord Willougâ—by of Pâ—rtham takes Bâ—llingbrook Castle 67 Sir William Waller apprehends the Lord Saulton 75 Warwick Castles Exploits 156 Whiâ—by in Yorkeshire taken 156 Col. Waights good service 171 Westminster Cathedrall bravely reformed 184 Sir William Waller at Winchester 192 Whitechurch in Dorcetshire taken 195 Isle of Wights love to Sir William Waller ibid. Waltham house taken by Colonell White-head 201 Sir William Waller heats the Enemy at Basing 299 The Earl of Warwick made Lord high Admirall of England 83 Warwick Castles brave Service ibid. Sir John Winter beaten from Newnham 93 Wotton Garrison spoiled by Colonell Massey ibid. Sir William Waller sends a present to the Lord Craford a 〈◊〉 of Sacke 98 At Wantage the Kings Forces are frighted 234 The Women of Lymes admirable courage at that siege 246 Sir Will. Waller pursues the King 248 10000. l. Proffered to Capt. White to be a taitor to his Country 106 Col. Waight beats the Kings Cormorants of Belvoir 110 Sir William Waller takes Shudley Castle 250 Weymouth taken by Sir William â—elfore 257. Western affaires going on successefully 258 Wives and children of souldiers slain or maimed provided for 259 Windsor-castles brave exploits about Redding 113 Sir William Waller takes Arundell Castle 122 Winsby fight 133 Windsor Castle to be betrayed 135 Weln Ferry and Fort taken 287 Western parts hopefully reduced to the Parliament 298 Our enemies as Whales caught in Gods net 301 Wait and believe is a Christians duty 303 Y Goods service done at York by Sir William Constable 160 York is Newcastles last shelter 209 The Yoke of Cavalerian slavery Shaken off by Barnstable â—65 〈…〉 Marston-Moor Victory 291. FINIS Imprimatur Jan. 31. 1644. Ja. Cranford Psal 107. 23 24. England fitly likned to the Sea The wicked and ungodly rable to the raging waves of the Sea The Parliament and Assembly of Divines compared to the Ark of God God the Pilot The Ark over-topping the waves The wicked are Satans Gally-slaves The Authors two former Voyages in this English-Ocean Gods glory is ought to be the Alpha and Omega of all mercies The Authors third Voyage An Apologie for the pretermissioÌ„ of some preceding Parliamentarie-Mercies in the third Part of the Parliamentary-Chronicle and which come now to be heer related July 1643. A recitall of some former Parliamentarie-Mercies omitted in their proper place in the former Narration The Assembly of Divines petitioÌ„ the Lords and Commons in Parliament for speedy reformation of some speciall evills among us A copie of the Petition of the Assembly of Divines delivered to both houses of Parliament July 19 1643. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. The Parliaments Answer to the Divines Petition A fan gale to carry on the Ark of God Gainesborough in Lincolnshire won by the noble Lord Willoughby of Parrham The pâ—izes taken Colo. Cromwell raises the Newcastelian forces from besieging Gainesborough The Earl of Kingstone slain in a pinnace by Newcastles Cavaliers The Town of Stamford taken by Colonell Cromwell Return of our Monethly fast dayes prayers Burleigh-house in Lincolnshire taken by Colonell Cromwell A parly sounded by Colonell Cromwell Burleigh house stormed A parly sounded from within the House The House taken and the priz The great providence of God in the preservation of our Souldiers in this victorie 400 Clubmen come to ayd the Cavaliers discomfited and fiftie of them slain by ours Col. Cromwels own relation of his brave victory over the enemie at Gainesborough Siege A hot skirmisâ— at a hill The hill gained by the Lincolners The fight most fiercely begun Ours rout the enemies horse Ours have them in chase five or six miles Generall Cavendiâ—sh charges the Lincolneers most fiercely Colo. Cromwell charges him as bravely Generall Cavendsh slain Gainesborough relieved Another skirmish with the Newcastelians on the other â—ide of Gainesborough Newcastles whole Armie appeares Ours retreat and safely recover the Town The rising of the Kentish Malignants The new oath or Covenant is pretended to be the cause of this insurrection The main end of imposing this Oath The main plot of the Keâ—tish Malignants Seven-Oakes is their Rendevouz Their chief Ringleaders Sir The. â—â—lsingham and Captain Rolf taken prisoners by these Rebells And in great danger of their lives Sir Hen. Vâ—â—e sent into Kent by the Parliament with a Declaration of pardon to appeale them Col. Brown sent also into Kent with forces both horse and foot from London This Kentish insurrection was a part of Tompkins and Challenors conspiracie The Cities great care and providence The Rebells flie from Senock to Tunbridge The Rebells Petition the Parliament Their Petition rejected whiles they were armed Colo. Brown charges the rebells A hot skirmish for at least three houres space Col. Browns most valiant and resolute courage The Rebells are put to fâ—â—ght Prisoners taken The slain on both sides Their Priests were the principali fomenters to this rebellion About 5000 of them were assembled at Tunbridge The Inhabitants of Tunbridge desperate Malignants Sir Michael Levesey also at Yawlding his good service against those rebells Sir Michael plants his Ordnance against the Town yet endeavours by treatie to appease them The Town very much sleights Sir Michael A remarkable passage of Gods providence against the rebells in Yawlding Master Godfrey in Sir Michael his name fairly appeaseth the rebells The prize found in the Town Yawlding set in good order and quiet Canterbury Fevershâ—m malignants began then to rise also The well-affected partie of Canterburie appease this insurrection The Major of Fevershams carriage in the business Sir Geo. Sands taken prisoner The Major of Canterburie marcheth on to Sittingborn Sir Ed. Hales his Grandson a Captain of these rebells taken prisoner The heads of the Rebells brought to London and imprisoned Houghton Castle in Cheshire taken by Sir Will Breretons forces A Proclamation from Oxford to starve the Citie of London The Cities care and providence to prevent this plot of the impious Oxonians The L. Major and two Sheriffs of London take the Lievtenantship of the Tower by authoritie of Parliament A just brief touch of the due praise of Ald. Penningtons happie Majoraltie Alderm Pennington only made Lievtenant of the Tower of London A succinct most gratefull review of all the Parliamentarie-Mercies of this moneth 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Gods Ark above the worlds waves Jeâ— 5. 22. Psal 46. 1 2. August 1643. A ship of about 300 tun bound from Denmark to Newcastle laden with arms and ammunition taken at Sea A true Copie of the Inventorie and particular prize and goods taken out of
Cormorants at their departure A most admirable passage of Gods provideÌ„ce to Plymouth by a great shole of Pilchards coming into their harbour in the time of this Siege Captain Clark of Northampton apprehended diverse Commanders playing at Cards Windsor-Castles Dragoons brave exploits about Redding Foure high Constables and 80li. taken and carried to Windsor Good cheer provided for a partie sent out of Windsor at a greaâ— Malignants house at Stoke The high-altar Popish pictures in King Henry the sevenths Chappell taken away and demolished A briefe recapitulation and gratefull rumination on all this last Moneths remarkable mercies GODS Ark over-topping the worlds waves swelling Psal 31. 19. Januarie 1643. 2 Chron. 16. 9. A most notable and deep designe and pernicious plot against the Protestant Religion in all Christendom The Danes Hollanders coÌ„tribute to the King against us An admirable and sodain breaking-out of a combustion twixt Denmark and Sweden The King of Denmarkes plot against the Swedes discovered by Letters intercepted The Swedes enter into Denmark The falling out of the Danes with the Swedes much for our good Sir Tho. Holts House surprized by Coventrie forces A treacherous parley desired from the house The house batterd and taken Bewly-House also taken by the foresaid Coventry forces A most dangerous and pernicious plot against the Parliament discovered The ayme in this plot to divide the Citie Parliament The coÌ„trivers of this plot The place of meeting and consulting The contrivance of the plot The plot discussed on at Oxford The settlemeÌ„t of the Protestant Religion by Papists traytors and atheists still pretended The result of their first meeting was to send a Letter to London Rilâ—ys honesty acts a peace for this peacefull work The plot advanced And by Gods providence so dainly discovered Sir Basil Brook examined The Letter to the Lord Major The conspirators imprisoned The whole business communicated to the Citie of London Gods providence in delivering three worthy Gentlemen of Garnsey faithfull friends to the Parliament from prison in Castle-Cornet in Garnsey Acts 12. 11. Arundell-Castle besieged taken by Sir Wil. Waller The Castle delivered up to Sir William Waller The prisoners taken Fifty Reformadoes taken 1200 Common Souldiers 4000 li in money taken and other rich pillage A little armie taken prisoners in a little time about the taking Arundell-Castle At least 3300 enemies taken prisoners A brave Ship also richly laden taken at Arundell-Castle A Bristoll ship also taken at Leverpool in Lancashire The Citie of London takes into serious consideration the great care love paines of the Parliament for the welfare of the Kingdome The Citizens of London invite the Parliament c. to a dinner in the Citie A most excellent Message and Motion of the Citie to the Parliament at the invitation The Parliaments answer to the Cities invitation The Parliaments most pious desire to have a Sermon to be preached at this meeting The admirable expressions of loving acceptance of the Parliament of the Cities love to them The guests invited meet at Christ-Church in London Venerable Mâ— Marshall preached before them Whose excellency and unparalleld same and fidelity I must coÌ„fesse I want words to set forth as it deserves The same day of this glorious Assembly our Brethren of Scotland came into England with their armie All these causes of vexation in the wicked causes of rejoycing in the godly A publike and more generall day of thanksgiving appointed by order of Parliament A bloudy defeat given to the Parliament forces by Sir John Byron but an introduction to a great most admirable victory obtained by ours Pro. 12. 10. A most brave defeat given to Sir Nicholas Byron Governour of Chester by Colonell Mitton The slain prisoners and prizes taken Sir John Gellâ—s brave surprisall of Burton upon Trent Hilsden-House taken by the Parliaments forces 1. Laystolk quieted 2. Croyland subdued 3. Granthams victorie 4. Burleigh-house taken 5. Gainesborough relieved 6. Twentytroops of horse of Hull preserved 7. The winning of Lyn-Regis 8. Winsby fight 9. Lincoln taken 10. Gainesborough taken by storm 11. Hilsden-House taken Another most devillish plot between the Earl of Bristol and Serjeant Major Ogle to make a division between the ParliameÌ„t and Citie of London Mr Nye and Mr Jo. Goodwin wrought with to help on with the plot Propositions for encouragement to the Independent-men to help on the design Serjeant Major Ogle being released out of prison gets to Oxford This plotcame to nought in the end Another plot to betray Windsor-Castle into the Kings hands The manner of contriving it This plot also perished almost in the birth Another plot to betray Aylesbury most neatly disappointed Serjeant Major Ogle a plotter again in this treachery also A 1000 li promised as a reward for the betraying of Aylesbury and great preferment and an 100 pound therof paid in hand a good horse and a sword Ogles mightie motives to encourage Lievtenant Colonell Mosely in the plot Three hoped strings to their Bowe yet all brake and faild them The great preparatioÌ„ of forces to goe to take possessioÌ„ of Aylesbury Their extreme misery in a most bitter March At Ethrop-house 2 miles from Aylesbury the enemies heard the designe was discovered Their good reward which they got for all their cost and coyle The King lost at least 500 of his men at this Service Sore brushes against Gods Ark. A desperate design against Nottingham-Town and Castle A true Copie of Colo. Hutchinsons letter sent to a worthy GentlemaÌ„ of NottinghaÌ„shire resident then in London Esa 57. 19 20. Our Brethren of Scotlands first advance and coming into England for our assistance What a rich rare mercy this of our Brethren of ScotlaÌ„ds coming into England is unto us Three or 4. memorable Contingents in the Scots March 1. A great thaw much hindring the Scots march 2. A Bridge which would much have retarded the Scots March not suffred to be cut down as intended 3. The contrary effects of the great Snow in the Scots march 4. A remarkable hard Frost which helped all the Army over the river Tweed Gods evident hand of good Providence going along with the Scots Army A Declaration consented to and confirmed by the Estates of England and Scotland 1. 2. 3 4. Namptwhich most bravely relieved and a most glorious victory obtained by Sir Tho. Fairfax and Sir Willâ— Brereton A retunr of Prayer The first relation of this famous victory came to London on the conclusion of this monthly fasts hoâ—y duties Namptwich 3. times assâ—ulted and the enemy most bravely repulsed The siege raised The 2. Armies met and encountred each other Bloody Byron commander of the Horse first began to fly Prisoners and prizes taken Above an 100 Irish-Queanes with sharp long Skeanes to cut throats The slaine on the Enemies part Bloody Byron fled to Oxford His lying brag retorted on him An Order of Parliament for solemne Thanksgiving to God for this great viâ—tory A most gratefull revise
and review of all the most memorable Parliamentary mercies of this Moneths Voyage 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 8. 9. 10. Gods Arke over-topping the Worlds waves swelling Psal 29. 1 2 3 10. February 1643. Col. Massey surpriseth Sir Henry Talbot in his quarters And performeth other brave exploits Sir Iohn Meldrum takes the Isle of Axholm The Island prisoners and prizes taken A Councel of State for all the 3 Kingdomes established The names of the Councel of State An ordinance of Parliament for the setling of the Councel of State The maine matter of this Councel of State and their place of meeting A pâ—ot against Southampton discovered and prevented The impious Oxonians being brought to a desperate condition pretend propositions for Peace A Letter sent to our Parliament or rather to his Excelcelency the L. General from Oxford A Complemental Letter returned from his Excellency the L. Gen. with a Declaration and the Covenant inclosed in it Malignants estates and goods sequestred and sold away for the publike use The Earle of Berks The Earle of Carbery Lord Aborthorum Wa. Mountague Lo. Cottington Sir Io Banks B. of Winchester B. of Armagh A brief bad memoriall of the Archbish of Armagh D. Vsher A most wicked imprecation of this Arch-Prelate of Armagh Burlington in Yorkeshire taken by sir Wil. constable Another brave exploit performed by sir Will. Constable at Driffle in Yorkeshire The progresse and successe of our Brethren of Scotland in the North. The Lord Gorings Letter intercepted and read in Parliament Divers noteble exploits of the Parliaments Forces briefely remembred Pools exploits Warwick-Castle Sir Tho. Fairfax his brave exploits Derby-Forces take Kings-Milus The Lo Fairfax Sir VVilliam Constable take VVhitby a Haven-Town in Yorkshire The prizes taken An Ordinance of Parliament for taking the Solemn Covenant over the whole Kingdome and Dominion of Wales An Emphaticall Exhortation Printed therewith The order or manner of taking the solemne League or Covenant as was prescribed by the Parliament A Catalogue of the names of the Members of the House of Commons that took the Covenant at least 228. at one time The proceedings of our brethren of Scotland about Newcastle A Summons sent to Newcastle and the answer thereunto The Scots proceedings after the foresaid answer Sir VVilliam Constables most successefull proceedings in the North. A brave victory obtained by Sir VVilliam Constable at Yorke A plot or designe against our brethren of Scotland most happily frustrated Milford-haven won by brave Capt. Swanley Prince Robber helpes on the designe Col. Mitton most bravely beates him Prisoners taken The County Palatine of Chester much aim'd at by the King Care taken in Parliament for setling of Church government Care taken about Preachers in London Northampton garrisons good successe Captaine Farmer taken prisoner A brief but good and gratefull note The noble Lord Fairfax his brave victory about Hull Pool Garrison took 3000. l. of Prince Robbers going to Waymouth A most dangerous plot against Nottingham Town and Castle discovered Cavaliers in Womens apparrell Sacks of Corn turn'd into powder pistols and match The cavalerian treacherous Metamorphosis discovered The Governour of Nottingham threats the cavalerian cormorants the racke to confesse the plot The confession discovery of the plot by the enemies themselves Preparation to encounter the enemy by night A brave victory obtained against the enemie beside the discovery and defeat of their plot A summary recitall and gratefull review of al this Moneths Parliamentary mercies Gods Arke over-topping the worlds waves swelling Exod. 19. 4. Esay 28. 29. March 1643. A returne of Prayer Biddle-house taken by Sir Tho. Fairfax and valiant Col. Ridgley The Prisoners prizes taken His Excellencie the Lord Generals just praises Grave Maurice Prince of Orange this wise Martial Maxime Hilsey-house in Buckingham shire taken The Princes Troope surprised about Banbury by Northampton Forces Another return of Prayer Colonel Lamberts brave victory obtained at Bradford The unequality of their Forces Mr. Ienkins Pastor of Christ-Church in London his excellent saying The great straights Colonell Lamberts Forces were put unto A very furious fight The admirable courage of our horse and foot The enemies flie The prisoners taken and the slaine The Covenant taken in Leicester Col. Hastings molests their proceedings therein His outrages in the Country Leicester Town heares therof and sets out against Hastings They marched that night suddenly to Hinkley against the enemy God gives ours a brave victory and booty at the Towne of Hinkley Our word and the Enemies word Sir Iohn Stowell slain neer Southampton Another brave prize taken by Col. Lambert Colonel Lambert his politick stratagem to ensnare the Enemie Sir Wil. Constable takes Chester bridge and Stamford bridge Col. Waight at Burley House The prize taken About a 1500. Irish rogues cast away in a storme at sea A land storme also destroyed them from Pool and Wareham garrisons Col. Norton at Southampton Sir Wil. Belfore in Hampshire CHARLES Prince Elector Palatine tooke the Covenant in Holland The Swedes also desire to associate with England against Rome The House of Saul decreases and the House of David increases Sir William Constable still victorious Tadcaster taken The good effects of the Parliaments Declaration to summon in delinquents from Oxford The names of reclaimed Delinquents Gallowâ— set up at Oxford to deter men from falling off from the Kings partee Sir Rich. Greenvile his base defection from us a great mercy to us Sir Faithlesse Fortescue fitly remembred here 2 Gibbets erected to Sir R. Greenviles eternall infamie A Coppy of the Proclamation fixed on the gibbets aforesaid The Parliaments most godly care taken for the pious institution of the Kings children at Saint Iameses Bredport and much good prize taken by brave Capt. Thomas Pyne Pynes of Lime in Dorsetshire Captain Tho. Pyne of Lime in Dorsetshire his most worthy praise Burleigh-house neere Lime in Dorsetshire taken An extract out of the relation of the brave reducing and securing Pembrookeshire to the Parliament by that renowned Sea Commander Cap. Swanley written more at large elsewhere by Cap. VVill Smith Vice-Admiral in the same Voyage Colonel Laughorne and the Mayor of Pembrook come aboard the Leopard The Earle of Carberies pride and menacing insolencies A remarkable passage full of serious note and compassion The inhumane carriage of the Earle of Carbery toward a grave Gentlewoman What strength the wel-affected Party in Pem were able to raise to defend themselves The brave resolution of the wel-affected in Pembrookeshire The victorious beginnings progresse of the noble Captaine Swanley and his Company A brave trick of a Welsh commander in chiefe A strong Fort at the Pyll taken The prize taken in the fort Sir Henry Vaughan and the rest of his râ—ut their brave deportment on the knowledge of our victory Sir John Stepney an exquisit welsh-Survey our A herde of blacke Bullocks mistaken for an army of men The marvellous pretty effects of the Welsh-mens feares Levit. 26. 17. Prov. 28.
Col. Fox Sir Tho. Littleton surprized by Col. Fox Mr. Goads relation of the most happy and prosperous progresse of the thrice noble and renowned Earl of Manchestâ—r in Lincolnshire The manner of the Earle of Manchesters march An 100 troops of Newcastles horse plunder the Country on the other side of Trent The Earle of Manchester advanâ—â—â— to Lincolne Sir Pâ—regâ—in Barty taken prisoner and brought to my Lord of Manchester Lincoln summoned by my Lord of Manchester Resolution to storme the Town Colonel Cromwell sent out with 2000. horse to oppose Col. Goring from relieving Lincoln Preparation to storm the City of Lincons Colonell Russels and Col. Moâ—ntague lead on most bravely to the on-set The lower town taken The Enemie in their retreat endeavoured to fire the Lower Town A second full resolution to storm the Town and Castle as was formerly intended The furious assaults on the Enemy in the upper town Castle The indefatigable paines and courage of our men about the Castle The scaling Ladders set up against the Castle wals The Town Castle obtained The slain the prisoners taken The losse on our side very inconsiderable Two Officers slain but 10 Common Souldiers The singular piety of the most noble renouned Generall A brief List of the Commanders Officers in Armes taken prisoners All the Common souldiers taken were willing to fight for the Parliament An Ordinance of Parliament for the demolishing of all Organs and superstitious monuments c. Capt. Swanley takes Carnarvan Town Castle other good prize Col. Massyes constant activity Col. Mynne beaten in his Quarters A Plot to betray Gloucester discovered 5000. l. profered for a reward to betray Gloucester 200. l. paid in hand of the 5000. to Capt. Backhouse The â—â—â—successe of their plot from themselves The Citizens of London petition the House of Peeres for the re-establishment of the State-Committee The result issue of the Cities petitioning the House of Peeres The Citizens of London also petition the House of Commons The result issue of the Cities â—â—â—tion to the House of Commons Singular sympathy 'twixt the House of Commons and the City of London The happy event of the City Petition in the principall expectation from both Houses of Parliament Secrecy is the Key of certainty The State-Committee for both Kingdomes established Col. Masseyes brave defeats given to the Enemies at Newnam Westbury and Little Dean Newnam defeat The prisoners and prizes taken Wesbury defeat The prisoners and prizes taken The defeat at Little Dean the prisoners and prizes taken Col. Massyes just Encomium The just commendation of divers other garrisons Lyme stormed the enemy bravely repulsed A day of Humiliation set a part to seeke the Lord upon the advance of the L. Gen. Army Devonshire Cornwall disaffected to the Irish Amost just objurgation of England from Devon Cornwalls great folly in deserting the Parliament A most wicked devillish plot to undoe Scotland also with England by the Popish Royallists there by way of diversion to recall our brethren of Scotand from assisting us The Noble Earl of Argyle stirs against the Popish insurrection begun in Scotland The Earl of Argyle breaks the neck of this Plot and puts the Marquesse Huntly to flight The Earl of Calender also riseth with about 8000. horse and foot to suppresse this intestine insurrection Montrosse forced to flye into the Castle of Carlile The present state of Lyme related to the Parliament by Cap. Iones Cap. Player The brave most resolute carriage of the Governour of Lyme to Pr. Maurice A brave prize taken at Sea by the noble Earle of Warwicks Ships An excellent patterne of gratitude in the County of Kent A just most deserved testimony of the right noble Earle of Pembrookes love loyalty to the Parliament Cawood Castle and all in it surrendred to the Parliam The Isle and Fort of Ayremouth taken also by Sir Iohn Meldrum The Kings Forces durst not bid battell to the Parl. L. Generall at Wantage Abington taken by the noble Lord Roberts Valiant Cap. Temples brave exploit on the enemies at Islip The most noble L. Generals mercifull Proclamation A Parallel of that Proclamation with the Oxonian Edict lately published from Oxford A most prudent pertinent Message sent by our Parliament in England to the Parliament in Scotland Beverton Castle in Gloustersh taken by Col. Massey Malmesbury taken by Col. Massey Chippenham Garrison in Wilts taken by Col. Massey Col. Massey advanceth into wilts with 2000. men toward the Devizes A most Noble and Renowned act of the Parliament in rewarding the good Service of Col. Massey Englands great wonder to Gods great glory May 30. 1644. Above 6 brave Armies at one time in the Kingdome on the Parliaments side The true muster of the City forces of Westminster at this 〈◊〉 Hosea 14. 3. Psal 136. 23. Russel-hall in Staffordshire taken good prize therein by the Earle of Denbigh This garrison was a most notorious thievish place A brave prize taken by Plymouth garrison The Garrison of Notingham gave Newarke Garrison a brave defeat Limes undaunted Valout testified by its adversaries themselves The Enemy bravely beaat Lime A gratefull summary recitall of all the foresaid Parliamentary mercies of the moneth past Gods Arke borne up above the worlds swelling waves Psal 119. 68. Psal 44. 8. 1 Sam. 2. 2 3. Iob 9. 4. Iune 1644. Lime most notably releived and the Seige wholly happily raised The most noble Lord Admirall arived at Lime Lymes distressed condition at his Lordships comming The most virtuous Lord Admiralls piety charity to Lyme Yea of my Lords honest Seamen too An assault upon the Towne to the enemies great losse The Enemies pride high hopes The most noble Lord Admiralls Stratagem The Enemy was mistaken frustrated of his hopes A very furious Assault upon the Towne bravely received The number of the slain in this Assault The enemies be fooled in reckoning without their hoast The enemies stomacke now come downe The enemies rage in firing the Towne Gods power providence was Lymes wals bulwarks The admirable courage of the women of Lyme The most pious reply of a maide in Lyme whole hand was shot off The continuance of Limes troubles took away the sense of fear terrour of them Prince Maurice leaves Lime raises his Siege The Earle of Calender possessed of Morpeth-Castle in Northubmerland Sunderland delivered from a treacherous Plot. A reward of 200 l. bestowed on the honest Seamen for their loyalty good service Valiant Capt. Swanley made commander in chief in Wales A Chaine of Gold worth 200 l. bestowed on Captain Swanley by the Parliament The Kings most ungodly agreement with the Irish Rebels Expelled him from his former secure abode at Oxford Valiant active Sir Will. Waller follows the King Gods justice prosecutes the wicked with terrour disgrace Major Gen. Brown made Commander in chiefe of 3 Counties by the