in danger requiring the assistance of the Scots and that he hath fully accepted of the treaty proposed and gives it all the furtherance that lies in him by demanding the necessary meanes of effecting not doubting of the Parliaments ready compliance He conjures them is Christians and good Patricts that they will make all possible expedition by hasting downe their Commissioners praying the God of peace to blesse all endeavours that all his Dominions may enjoy a safe and happy peace A designe was laid for the betraying of Stafford for the King but by the Industry of Captain Stone it was prevented The Commons upon the City Petition Order a Bill to be brought in that Major Generall Skippon lift no more but by speciall Order of the House The Earle of Pembrooke was made Constable of Windsor-Castle in the roome of the Earle of Holland The Lords communicate to the Commons their Votes touching the Kings Letter which were to this purpose That the four Votes of non-addresses formerly made by both Houses be null And 1. That his Majesty may have all such to come to him as are necessary for the carrying on of the Treaty on his part 2. That he have such servants as are needfull to attend his person 3. That the Treaty be at Newport 4. That his Majesty may also invite the Scots to the Treaty to treat on the Propositions at Hampton Court wherein they concur'd 5. That the number of Lords to treat be five and the Commons to appoint ten 6. That his Majesty may have as much Liberty as at Hampton Court Lastly That all possible expedition may be made therein this being apprehended to be the most necessary for the setling of a peace Tinmouth Castle at that time Revolted and retaken the manner thus The Governour being absent the Deputy-Governour sends all the old Souldiers abroad in parties he suddenly declares for the King Armes all the prisoners Invites Seamen and other discontented persons to his assistance one making an escape over the walls Informes Sir Arthur Haslerig of it who immediately sent a party under the Command of Colonell Alhfeild also 100 Dragoones who with what Ladders could be got scaled the wall Major Cobbet led on the forlorne after a very hot Encounter enterd the Castle put all in armes to the sword The Deputy-Governour was found dead The Prince having laine long in the Downs and effected nothing resolves upon Laud service to which purpose they land eight hundred on the Kentish shoare diverse of which were Resormades and persons of quality Colonell Hewson being orderd for the security of the Kentish forces draws together what force he could which were betwixt three and four hundred who together with the assistance of Major Husbands with 100 Horse fell upon them kild many totally disperst them took diverse prisoners In Herefordshire 200 Horse were got together Commanded by Sir Henry Lingen for the King who suddenly surpriz'd the County troop and destroyd them The Commons fell into debate of the Heads of the Kings Letter concerning a treaty they agreed to all excepting their calling the Scots to their assistance who had broke the peace and enterd England in an hostile manner secur'd the townes of Barwick and Carlile but after a long debate they assented that the King should Invite any of the Kingdome of Scotland to come and treate in the behalfe of that Kingdome and that they should have safe conduct They likewise orderd Instructions for Colonell Hamond and order that he so deport himselfe as that the King may be in the same condition as at Hampton Court viz. with freedome Honour and safety The Lieutenant Generall and Lambert being Joyn'd the whole Army was concluded to be 12000 fighting men The Army march of Gisburne where there was a skirmish betwixt Major Righy and some part of the Enemy The next day the Army marcht to Stonyhurst a great house in the way to Preston a party was drawne out commanded by Major Sanders who fell on the Enemies out-guards and took the Earle of Connought a Scotchman and six others prisoners The next morning early the Army marcht to Preston where the whole Army of the Enemy both English and Scotch lay which by computation could be little lesse then 24000 fighting men a forlorne was commanded out by Major Smithson consisting of 500 foote 200 Horse and two Troops of Dragoones who charg'd furiously upon the Enemy pursuing them from lanes and Villages with great resolution which so allarm'd the whole Army and caus'd them to draw up upon a More two miles East of Preston out forelorne notwithstanding the deepnesse of the wayes behaved themselves with much Gallantry who after they had cleared the lanes our foote drew up the Van consisted of Colonell Bright The Lord Generall and the Lancashire Regiments The Reare of Colonell Overtons Deane and Prides Regiments The Battle of a suddaine was very hot and there was a fierce dispute for two houres the enemy having lined the hedges did much mischiefe both to Horse and foote but by the Courage of our men they quickly clear'd the Hedges and forc't them to retire The enemy still gave ground and we still pursuing from hedge to hedge our Horse pursue them through Preston Towne the enemies Army divides and retreats two severall wayes A body of 3000 Horse move toward Lancnster the rest of their Horse and foote retreat over the river Ribble our men follow and pursue them severall wayes Colonell Twissleton and Colonell Thornelow pursue them Northward overtook Rout scatter and took multitudes prisoners But the maine of our Army followed that part that went Southward there was a very hot dispute over Ribble birdge which they Gallantly defended for two houres at length a body of our Pikes runs furiously upon their Muskets and forced them to retire we kild and took many of them but night approaching hinderd the pursuit The next morning the Enemies whole body was drawne up upon a hill on the side of Preston our men fall on with courage and forced them to retire in disorder we kild and took many and that night they fled to Wiggon which they plunderd The next morning the Enemy came within two miles of Warington where they drew up in a very strong field which had high banks like fortifications where O swold King of the Northumbers was formerly slaine We fell upon them though with very great disadvantage our Horse Charge Resolutely The dispute was long and sharp untill such time as the foote could come up to engage which no sooner came but they retire and we pursued them to Warington bridge there was kild of the Enemy above a thousand and above two thousand taken prisoners the rest fled over Warington bridge where the foote were left by the Horse who fled upon our advance they sent a parly and above 4000 well accoutred men with the Lieutenant Generall laid downe their Armes and submitted to mercy Those that went with Duke Hamilton move up and downe in Cheshire
which the King plainly perceived could produce no good effect in March following he dissolves them Not long after the Estates of the Low Countries send over Ambassadours to mediate in behalfe of a peace betwixt the King and Parliament Prince Rupert goes on Victoriously with a flying Army relieves Bolton Stopford and Leverpoole advances to York in his way Raises the siege of Latham House which was at that time besieged by the Parliaments Forces Upon his approach the Enemy drew off their siege They within sally out and doe some mischiefe to the reare of the Enemy The Prince pursues them with a Resolution to give them Battaile At last he comes to York upon whose approach the besiegers drew off the Prince follows intending to fight them and accordingly the third of July 1644 at seven a clock in the morning the fight began the Parliaments Forces having the advantage of the ground being on the South side of Marston Moore within four miles of York the Prince with the Right wing fell on the Parliaments Forces routs them the Generall Goring and Sir Charles Lucas fell on the maine body of the Enemy and routed them but pursuing them too far the Enemy Rallied and fell on the divided bodyes totally disperst them took 3000 prisoners 20 pieces of Ordinance beside a considerable quantity of Officers Immediately the Lord Fairfax and his Son the Earle of Manchester surround York Sir Thomas Glenham being then Governour for the King but by reason of Marston-Moore-fight all their powder and Ammunition was spent Sir Thomas was compeld to deliver it on honourable tearmes In December 1644 William Lord Archbishop of Canterbury after above an hundred times Attendance on the House was by the Commons Voted Guilty of High Treason and therefore condemn'd to be hang'd drawne and quarter'd which sentence he patiently received but upon his Petition they Vote him to be beheaded he likewise Petitions for his Chaplain Dr Sterne to whom they joyne Mr Marshall whom he refused for the Comfort of his soule and accordingly on the tenth of January he was conducted by Penington to the scaffold on Tower-hill where he made his last Sermon to the people enlarging himselfe on this Text Heb. 12. and 2d Let us run with patience the race that is set before us looking unto Jesus the Author and finisher of our faith who for the Joy that was set before him endured the Crosse and despised the shame and is now set downe at the Right hand of the throne of God which Sermon or Speech continued almost an houre and after prayer and some short Ejaculations laid down his head upon the block which the Executioner struck off at one blow and thus with much patience and Christian magnanimity he deliver'd up his soule to God Sir John Hotham in December 1644. was sentenc't to loose his head Captain Hotham was likewise Condemn'd and Executed the first of January Sir John the second of January on Tower-bill Not long after there was a treaty of peace appointed at Vxbridge The Commissioners on both sides being met the Proposals on both sides were made but all hopes of peace were frustrate Mr Love was much complained of who preaching there told them That the Kings Commissioners came with hearts full of blood and that there is as great distance between this treaty and peace as between heaven and hell for which in stead of being checkt he is taken into favour by the Parliament In March 1645. Sir Lewis Dives took Waymouth for the King In which was good store of Ordinance and all other provisions answerable with forty small Vessells in the Harbour The Kings Forces lay siege to Melcomb Regis Crumwell intends to joyne with Waller for its reliefe They of the Garrison of Plimouth issue out and beate the Kings Forces from Mount Stamford and took 150 prisoners Sir Marmaduke Langdale went out of Oxford with 2000 Horse and Dragoones fell upon the Lincolnshire Horse and forc't them to retire confusedly having taken two compleate troops marcht forward with Intentions to cause the Parliaments Forces to draw off thereby to relieve New-wark Belvoire Ashby de la zouch with provision to enable them to hold out the longer when they shall be attempted They likewise endeavour the reliefe of Pomfret Castle but my Lord Fairfax is ready with a body to receive him However Sir Marmaduke advances falls on the Enemy and after he had kild and taken diverse hundreds relieves the Castle and returnes to New-wark from thence to Litchfeild that thereby he may make choice either of going to Oxford or joyning with Prince Maurice The King at Oxford takes care to furnish it as also Wallingford and Banbury with all necessary provisions for six moneths and to get a formidable Army into the field this Summer The House of Lords made the Earle of Northumberland and his Lady Governour and Governesse of the Kings Children at Whitehall The Earle of Northampton lying at Banbury with foure hundred Horse fell on the Northampton Horse routed and kild many Major Generall Browne at Abbington sent out severall parties at times who returned very successfull with good store of provisions having kild diverse of the Enemy The Commons conceive the Earle of Essex too mild in the prosecution of the warre he having had such ill successe in the West and began to thinke of New Moddelling the Army to which purpose a Bill is brought into the House for Sir Thomas Fairfax to be Generall They likewise Vote the Earle of Essex to pacifie him 10000 l. per Annum out of Delinquents estates Both Houses Vote Sir Thomas Fairfax a Gentleman descended from a Noble and ancient family to be Generall for the Parliament who with much modesty accepted of it On the first of Aprill he issued out Commissions and on the third of Aprill went privately to Windsor to assist in the New Moddelling of the Army They likewise continued Lieutenant Generall Cromwell a stout Champion for his Country who having received his Commission immediately marcht and found the Enemy and ingag'd them at Ipsley Bridge the Enemies Brigade consisted of the Queens Colonell Wilmots the Earle of Northampton and Colonel Palmers Regiments Routed them kild many took 500 Horse and 200 prisoners together with the Queens Standard and pursues them to Blechingdon-house which Colonel Windebank kept for the King He sends a sharp Summons to the Governour to be speedily answered The Governour doubting of reliefe from Oxford immediately surrenders the House with all the Armes and Ammunition Cromwell immediately slighted the house and sent the Armes to Alsbury For which Windebank was sentenc't by a Councell of War at Oxford to be shot to death The Generall having compleated the Army was at a losse which way he should steere his course either to Oxford or the West Oxford was the Kings chiefe Garrison and there lay the most part of his traine of Artillery which if he could take would be of very great consequence but the distressed estate of Taunton
then close besieged by the Kings Forces ballanc't the scale and at a Councell of War it was resolved to relieve Taunton The King at that time was in a condition to take the field and had sent severall Dispatches to that purpose Sir Thomas Fairfax on the first of May advances with the whole Army first to Blauford then to Salisbury excepting that party of Horse and Dragoones Commanded by Lieutenant Generall Cromwell and foure Regiments of foote which were ordered to joyn with him The King taking the advantage of the Armies march into the West draws forth his Artillery from Oxford and began to gather into a considerable Body Lieutenant Generall Cromwell and Browne were orderd to attend him but being too few in number to engage The Generall by the Committee of both Kingdomes was commanded back all but a Brigade for the Reliefe of Taunton which were neer 5000 foote and 2000 horse who march without any impediment till they came within ten miles of Taunton where they discharged ten pieces of Ordinance to give the Enemy notice of their arrivall The Enemy being inform'd that the Generall and the whole Army were within ten miles prepare to draw off upon which Blake made a sally out and fell upon the reare kild and took diverse Colonel Wildon sends a party of Horse who approach to the walls for the Enemy had quit it The viewing the Towne was one of the saddest spectacles that ever eyes beheld it being almost consum'd by fire and the people almost starv'd The Generall and most of the Army being come back to Newbery were met with an order of the Committee of both Kingdomes immediately to lay close siege to Oxford Cromwell and Browne that attended the King were commanded back to assist in the work and after fifteen dayes surrounding the Towne it was by a Councell of War thought altogether Inconvenient to continue the siege the Kings Army unattempted in the field which the Generall presents to the Committee The King Horses most of his foote and moves up and downe and taking the Advantage of the Scots advance toward Westmorland and after he had relieved Chester comes on and faces Leicester Prince Rupert sent a Summons to the Towne offering quarter to the Souldiers Townsmen and Countrymen The Committee and Officers within desire till next morning to returne their answer The Trumpeter no sooner comes to the Kings Army but immediately a Drum is sent to require an answer in a quarter of an houre which while they were debating in the Towne the Kings Canons from the battery began to play and all were commanded to their Charge in order to a storme the Contest continued a day and a night with a great deale of Resolution on both sides In some breaches they came to push of Pike On Saturday at three of the Clock they enterd the Towne and in hot blood many were put to the sword some plunderd On the other side Colonel Massey with 2000 Horse and foote having laine two dayes before Evisham storm'd the Towne and took it with the Governour and twenty Officers 500 foote 120 Horse with all the Armes and Ammunition The Commons order six hundred men to be sent for the security of Portsmouth There came news from the West that Generall Goring Sir Ralph Hopton and Sir Richard Greenvill had joyned together and falne upon that party that had relieved Taunton and forc't them to retire to Taunton in great disorder Upon the news of the taking of Leicester the Commons order that the straightning of Oxford be turned to a close siege Lieutenant Generall Cromwell was orderd toward Ely to prevent the Kings breaking into the associated Counties they like vise order the Earle of Leven to advance with the Scots Army and to joyne with Colonel Vermuden to prevent the Kings going Northward But upon second thoughts the Commons order the Generall to raise the siege at Oxford and to take care to preserve the associated Counties and fight the King The Generall on his removall viewed Bostoll House and ordred a party to besiege it He likewise sent a party of Horse and foote Commanded by Colonel Rainsborough to summon Gaunt House The Governour upon the first summons return'd answer that he liked not Windebanks Law but the next day Rainsborough having provided all things ready for a storme the Governour caused a parly to be beaten and surrenderd upon Quarter Lieutenant Generall Cromwell moving up and downe in Cambridge-shire Huntington and Ely managed his businesse with so much discretion as that he was able to have raised an Army of 12000 men to assist him in following the King But leaving those Counties in a posture of defence he marches toward the Generall with 600 Horse and Dragoones The King sends a party of Horse and faces Northampton he himselfe being at Harborough with the maine Body The King sends 1200 Horse with good store of Cattell and sheepe to Oxford which immediately returne Sir Thomas Fairfax came with the Army to Wotton thence to Glastenborough within five miles of Burrough hill where the Kings Forces were all drawne up in a readinesse The Generall for the Parliament advances from Gilling to Naseby endeavouring to ingage the Enemy the scouts discover that they were at Harborough and great bodyes of Horse appeared on the hills nigh Harborough he orders a Randevouz of the Army neere Naseby and to put them in such a posture that should the King advance toward them they might having the advantage of ground receive him By this time the Kings Army advances endeavouring to get the winde which occasioned Sir Thomas Fairfax to draw off the Army into a large fallow field toward the Northwest of Naseby which was defended on the right hand with a Hedge a place very convenient for a battell January 13. 1645. the King draws off from Burrough hill the scouts bringing Intelligence of the Parliaments Army approaching took up their quarters in Naseby Ireton with a flying party of Horse fell upon the flanke of the Enemy kild some and took diverse prisoners which so allarum'd the King that he posts to Harborough for better security summons a Councell of War and considerd that should they draw off and march to Leicester if the reare were ingaged the whole Army might be in danger and they could with no safety march with the Van till the Reare was secured whereupon it was resolv'd to give battell which was the most fatall and destructive to the King that ever hapned since the first beginning of the quarrell yet many of the principall Officers endeavoured to perswade to avoyd fighting The King Commanded the maine body The Right wing was Commanded by Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice The Left by Sir Marmaduke Langdale The Right Hand Reserve by the Earle of Lindsey and Sir Jacob Astley The Left by the Lord Bards and Sir George Lisle Sir Thomas Fairfax Commanded the maine Body Lieutenant Generall Cromwell the Right Wing Ireton the Left Prince Rupert falls in on the
where it was resolv'd that a Parliament should assemble the third of November following and to desire a speedy Treaty with the Scots at Yorke the Scots replied it was no way safe for them by reason that my Lord of Strafford Generall of the Kings Army had proclaimed them traytors in Ireland before the King had done it in England he being an utter Enemy to them and one whom they did Intend to Impeach At last Rippon is the place agreed on The Commissioners on both sides are Chosen The Scots present their demands to this purpose 1. To confider how their Army should be maintain'd till the Treaty be ended and their peace secured 2. If more Commissioners be required they may be convai'd with safety 3. All Intercourse of Letters betwixt them and the Parliament to be convai'd with safety 4. That there may be a free correspondency of Commerce with Newcastle especially for Victualls Which Proposalls at first seem'd very hard to the English who thought it more reason first to provide for their own Army but the Conquering sword decides the Controversie The English must yeeld to the Scots unreasonable demands After many meetings of the Commissioners at last in thirteen Articles they agreed upon a cessation which was signed by the King the 16 of October but the Grand Treaty was by their supplication to the King appointed at London and in the meane time all acts of Hostility to cease At that time the Earle of Montrosse who had acted all along with the Covenanters began to discover the treacherous Designes of the Scots and now plainely saw that they meant nothing lesse then what they pretended viz. The Honour of his Majesty and the preservation of Religion as alwayes the vilest actions are covered with the most specious pretences yet was so wise as not presently to discover himselfe but from time to time advertiz'd his Majesty of the proceedings which Letters by Hambiltons advice were taken out of the Kings pockets transcribed and sent to the Covenanters who dissembled it to the Earle but cast durt in his face raising frivolous aspersions endeavouring to make him odious to the people Great was the Expectation of the whole Kingdome for the happy meeting of the Parliament and every small obstruction was lookt on as a great Impediment many Good men hoped for the redresse of Grievances others waited to spit that venom which they had a long time contracted In November 1640. the Parliament began where the King in a Gracious Speech declared his earnest desire for the happinesse and prosperity of the Kingdome giving an account of the Scotch war and desired them as he promis'd he would to lay aside all prejudice and he would now clearely and freely put himselfe upon the love and affection of his English subjects desiring them to consider the best way for the safety and security of the Kingdome of England and in order to it for satisfaction of their just Grievances wherein he would heartily concur that the world might see his Intentions were to make this a Glorious and flourishing Kingdome freely leaving it to them where to begin and concluding That it should not be his fault if this were not a good and happy Parliament Many Members made long Speeches about Grievances as Sir Ben Ruddier Mr. Grimston Mr. Pim Sir John Clotworthy and others which were backt by diverse other Members Their first businesse was to Vindicate distressed Ministers diverse were inlarged and restored to their former Livings Many Petitions were presented from most parts of the Kingdome for Redresse of Grievances The Lords complaine that the priviledges of their House were broken because the Earle of Warwick and the Lord Brooks had their Studies and Cabinets searched The House discharged Mr. Prin Mr. Burton and Dr Bastwick out of prison and Voted Mr. Burton 6000 l. damage Mr. Prin and Dr Bastwick 5000 l. a piece Mr. Denzill Hollis not many dayes after was sent from the Commons to the Lords to Impeach the Earle of Strafford of High Treason Mr. Pim made a report to the House what Capitall Crimes were objected against him upon which in fourteen Articles he is Charg'd by Mr. Pim. The Earle is forthwith sequestred the House and committed to the Black Rod. On the 18 of December Bishop Wren and Bishop Laud are Voted by the Commons Guilty of High Treason and a Charge was immediately brought in against Bishop Laud upon the Reading of which he is order'd to the Tower but upon his request was respited for two dayes Sir Francis Windibanke principall Secretary of State fled and not long after him my Lord Finsh one that had been very Active for Ship-money which was then Voted Illegal and most of the Judges were Voted Delinquents The Parliament began to strike a terror into all that had any way offended or had been violent in action both in Church and State In December Alderman Penington with a great multitude out of London for now it was customary for Petitioners to come in great numbers Petitioned the House against Episcopall Government and other Ceremonies of the Church of which a Committee was appointed to consider The Armies in the North lay heavy upon the Kingdome which moved the House to allow 100000 l. toward their present pay and the money to be borrowed of the City of London untill the same be raysed by subsidy The King summons both Houses together to the Banqueting House and declares himselfe not satisfied with their slow proceedings and the Great Charge of maintaining two Armyes next of the low condition of his Navies and Forts whereby his enemies are encouraged and his friends disheartned and likewise tooke notice of diverse strange Petitions presented to the House against the Government of the Church he told them he was content with a Reformation not an alteration of Church-Government He tooke notice of a Bill preparing in the House for frequent Parliaments to be elected by the Sheriffes without his consent which he could by no means admit of it being an Inseparable right of his Crowne and did freely confesse that frequent Parliaments were the best means for preserving a right understanding betwixt him and his subjects These were the two principall rocks he would have them avoyd Not long after arrived the Dutch Ambassadour to negotiate in behalfe of a Match betwixt the Prince of Orange and the Lady Mary the Kings eldest daughter which the King thought fit to Impart to the Parliament they for the present doe nothing in it but proceed to the drawing up the Bill for a Trienniall Parliament which being past by both Houses was the 16 of Feb. presented to his Majesty for his consent To whom he declares himself reminding them that this was one of the two rocks which he formerly tould them of and that the Consequence of it was such that never Bill past the House of more favour to the subject then this minding them that by reason of their proceedings he might justly question the doing it
that he denied the King Entrance They are both sent by Sea prisoners to the Parliament and Sir Matthew took possession of the Towne June 17. 1643. The Earle of Essex at Tane orders the Buckingham Forces to beat up the Kings quarters which accordingly they did Prince Rupert having notice of it falls in with a body of Horse Routed and disperst most of the party There was slaine the Earle of Musgraves Son and Mr. Hamden one of the five Impeached Members a man violently active against the King At that time the Parliaments Army was much visited with the Contagion many dying daily On the fift of July was a great defeat given to Sir William Waller in the West after he had continued there victoriously for some time by a party from Oxford conducted by the Lord Wilmot which defeate gave a great Check to the Parliament The Generall by reason of the sicknesse and other great wants of his Army marches towards London quartering them at Kingston on Thames and other adjacent places Great were the successes of the King almost in every part of the Kingdome for Sir William Waller was quite routed in the West Sir Ralph Hopton in the head of a Gallant Army upon whom the King was pleased for his fidelity and Valour to confer the Honour and Title of a Baron Prince Rupert was order'd to besiege Bristoll which in short time was deliver'd to him Prince Maurice besieged Exceter whither the Earle of Stamford was fled which on the fourth of September 1643 was diliver'd up to him upon Articles Sir John Barkly was made Governour The Lord Fairfax Sir Thomas Fairfax and most of the Parliaments forces in the North were defeated driven into Hull by the Lord of Newcastle who at that time commanded the Greatest Army in England and not onely able to terrifie the Parliaments Forces in England but likewise formidable to any Scotch forces that should come to their assistance Collonell Goring landed at Newcastle with 200 old Souldiers The Earle of Newcastle in his march from Tadcaster surprized Leeds and in it diverse persons of quality friends to the Parliament he likewise proclaimes the Lord Fairfax traytor The King in the Head of a Gallant Army summons Glocester offering free pardon and protection to the Inhabitants if they would lay downe their Armes requiring a positive answer in two houres In the Interim he surrounds the Towne with six thousand Horse and foote by the time appointed the Magistrates Officers and Souldiers returne this answer That they kept the Towne for his Majesty and his Royall posterity and doe accordingly conceive our selves wholly bound to obey the Commands of his Majesty signified by both Houses of Parliament and are resolved by Gods Help to keep the City accordingly The King stood amazed at their confidence for at that time they could not hope for reliefe In the Towne was onely one Regiment of foote an hundred Horse beside the trained bands in all not exceeding fifteen hundred men The King resolves to lay a close siege and a considerable party Intrencht on the South and East side though they within sallied out with some damage to the Kings forces the Welsh and Worcestershire forces on the North west side Generall Ruthen on the South-side the East and South parts were dam'd up with Earth They within make no lesse then eight sallies in ten dayes with no small prejudice to the besiegers The King prepares for a storme which with much valour was performed on both sides a mine was sprung under the East gate which they countermand by the industry of Collonell Massey the Governour The Parliament being inform'd of the Kings Intentions toward Glocester order the Generall to march out who mustred about 10000 Horse and foote at Hounslow and so marches forward for the reliefe of the Towne They likewise took care for recruiting an Army for Sir William Waller The Generall being come within seven miles of Glocester fired some pieces of Ordinance to give notice of his approach On the first of September a party of Horse is sent to face him whilst the King drew off from the siege Many of the Kings friends much blamed him for sitting downe before the Towne when he might without difficulty have come to London and fully ended the work for the Parliament were never in so low a condition since the beginning of the warre as they were when the King first sat downe before the Towne The Lords House being sensible of the danger Uote a Treaty and the Commons were consulting of it The Parliament sent to require the assistance of their brethren of Scotland and Vote 30000 l. be instantly borrowed for their advance The Solemne League and Covenant was drawn up and taken by all the Members of both Houses and orderd to be Imposed on all the associated Counties Doctor Featly a reverend and learned Divine was Imprisoned for refusing to take it The King immediately sends out his Proclamation against it in these words Whereas there is printed a paper pretended to be order'd by the Commons in Parliament on the 21 of September last to be printed and published which Covenant though it seemes to make specious expressions of piety and religion it is indeed nothing else but a traiterous and seditious combination against him and against the established religion and Lawes of this Kingdome in pursuance of a traiterous designe and endeavour to bring in forraine forces to invade this Kingdome his Majesty doth therefore straitly charge and command all his loving subjects of what degree and quality soever upon their allegiance that they presume not to take the said seditious and traiterous Covenant most straitly forbidding all his subjects to tender the said Covenant as they will answer the contrary at their extreamest perill The Earle of Bedford and Holland came to Oxford to tender their allegiance to the King but after a short stay return'd to the Parliament The Marquesse of Ormond the Kings Lieutetenant Generall in Ireland upon the Kings Letter sends over five Regiments of Souldiers for the Kings service every Officer and Souldier first took an Oath to defend the Protestant cause and the Kings person against all enemies Essex suddenly surprizes Cirencester by killing the Centery marcht into the Towne without any opposition and in it took Great store of Armes and Ammunition with thirty Cart Load of provisions which was there reserv'd for the Kings Army From thence he marches to Chilleton The Kings Forces drew up on Maverne hills The Earle of Essex drew off toward Hungerford and from thence toward Newbery which the Kings Forces had possest before-hand On Wednesday the 20 of September 1643. was fought the famous battell of Newbery on which depended the condition of the whole Kingdome The Kings Forces early in the morning had possest themselves of Biggs hill Essex his own Regiment assisted with Collonell Barkleys and Collonell Holburnes Regiment marcht and Charging furiously beate them from the Hill and possest it By this time a great
Left wing Routs them pursues them to Naseby Towne and being too eager of the plunder lost the King the day for in his absence Lieutenant Generall Cromwell Charges furiously on the Kings Left Wing and forc't them to retire from the body Sir Thomas Fairfax with the maine body advances falls on the Kings body who received them with much Valour and courage Great Rallyings there was on both sides and for a long time the battell was fought with Equall Courage but it pleased God to give the Victory to the Parliaments Forces for upon their Rallying they recovered Courage and Charged with greater fury forcing the Kings Forces to fly and had the pursuite of them within two miles of Leicester which is neere fourteen miles They left behind them all their traine of Artillery bag and baggage many were slaine 4000 taken prisoners 200 Wagons 3000 Horse many Officers of note On the Parliaments side about 1000 Officers and Common Souldiers diverse Officers wounded Great were the successes of the Parliament in diverse places In the field was taken the Kings Cabinet of Letters which were sent up to the Parliament and by them published The Marquesse of Winchester held out Basing House for the King a long time after it was besieged The Parliaments Forces despairing of gaining it drew off This was the last pitcht Battell that ever the King fought The King with some forces fled to Leicester and not conceiving himselfe safe by reason of the Parliaments forces advance goes to Ashbe de la Zouch where after he had rested himselfe a small time in the dead of the night went to Litchfield and so into Wales Sir Marmaduke Langdale fled the same night to New-wark Munday the 16 of June the Parliaments Generall and Army comes before Leicester The Generall summons the Governour immediately to deliver the Towne with all the Armes and Ammunition the Lord Hastings being Governour returnes answer that he would not deliver it but hold it out to the last man which occasioned the Generall to Issue out Warrants to summon the Country to bring in Ladders and things necessary for a storme And on the 17 of June they began to storme the Governour perceiving the danger sends a Trumpet to desire a parly for the delivery of the Towne which was concluded in then Articles and the next day the Towne was delivered up In it was 14 piece of Ordinance 30 Colours 2000 Armes 500 Horse with diverse other necessaries for warre The King returnes for Hereford with 2000 foote that Major Generall Gerhard had raised in Wales for him and posts over Severne toward Bristoll Prince Rupert following him with 3000 Horse Sir William Brereton in Shropshire sell on a party of the Kings routed them and took 300 prisoners Not long after Sir Thomas Glenham Governour of Carlile for the King having been a considerable time besieg'd and having no hopes of Reliefe delivers up the Towne on honourable Conditions Sir Thomas Fairfax marches with the best part of the Army to the Reliefe of Taunton then besieged by Goring At that time there was in the West a multitude of Rude people called Clubmen who declaring for the King did great mischiefe to diverse of the Parliaments Garrisons they boldly Capitulate with Sir Thomas Fairfax at Dorchester and desire safe passage for such as they should appoint to goe both to the King and Parliament in order to an Accommodation Sir Thomas civilly sends them an answer which not answering their expectation and fearing to oppose so potent an Army they draw off in discontent not without doing some mischiefe to the Governour of Linne then for the Parliament Upon the news of Sir Thomas Fairfax his arrivall within a dayes march of Taunton Goring draws off his forces the besieged sally out and forced the reare to retreate in disorder upon the Enemies flight the Army advances falls upon the Reare and took diverse prisoners They still pursuing at last engaged Goring at Langport whom they worsted and put to flight having taken diverse Colours some Armes and Ammunition The Generall returnes with the Army and resolves to besiege Bridgewater and having staid some time till supplyes came he closely begirts the Towne summons the Governour who returnes a resolute answer being every way well fortified and provided The Generall resolves to storme it on Munday the 22 of July 1645. Which accordingly was performed with much Resolution but the enemy within being nothing daunted fling Granadoes and other combustible stuffe to the prejudice of the besiegers The Generall the next day sends a Message telling them that their deniall had wrought in him no thoughts of Compassion but onely to women and children who might otherwise suffer by the Governours obstinacy and accordingly diverse Ladyes and Gentlewomen and Children came out of the Towne The Generall assaults them againe and at last compells them to a surrender they all to submit themselves prisoners and the Towne to be preserved from plunder which accordingly was performed Immediately after Pomfret and Scarborough Castles were surrendred no Reliefe being expected Toward the latter end of July the Generall summon'd Bath which was accordingly surrendred In August 1645. Lieutenant Generall Cromwell falls on the Club-men who at that time were very high and insolent kills diverse and took above 300 prisoners The Generall summons Sherburne Castle of which Sir Lewis Dives was Governour who return'd a resolute answer but the next day was taken by storme The Generall immediately resolves to besiege Bristoll which was govern'd by Prince Rupert Orders were sent for Ships to begirt it by Sea he summons the Governour who refusing to surrender immediately he surrounds it they within sally out six or seven times not without losse on both sides at last it was agreed to send a positive summons and upon refusall to storme it The Prince requires leave to know the Kings minde but the Generall would by no meanes permit it Upon the Princes refusall at a Councell of War it was resolv'd to storme it which accordingly was with much Courage performed the Towne was fired in many places which moved the Prince to request a parly which the Generall consented too on condition that care should be taken to quench the fire and accordingly by Articles of agreement the 11 of September 1645. The City with all the Armes Ammunition was deliver'd up The Prince with the rest immediately march to Oxford During the time of Bristolls siege news was brought of the severall successes of Montrosse in Scotland against the Covenanters which moved the Generall Lieutenant Generall and all the Colonels of the Regiments to subscribe a Letter to General Leaven of the Condition of the Kingdome and their willingnesse to spare forces for their assistance All this while the King moves up and downe sometimes in Wales sometimes in one County sometimes in another still hearing the mishaps and disasters hapning on the neck one of another so that all his hopes were almost frustrate Lieutenant General Cromwell
Bar and likewise the Lord Fairfax 1000 l. per Annum The Scots being encouraged by the Votes of the House pretend that Scotland was much exhausted by the late war and that his Majesties presence in Scotland might endanger the peace of that Nation so that it may truly be said of him as the Scripture expresseth of our Lord and Saviour He came to his own and his own received him not At last it was concluded 100000 l. to be told at York sealed and put in boxes The Scots to give Hostages to deliver up Newcastle Tinmouth and all other Garrisons thereabout the other 100000 l when they shall goe on the other side of Tine The other 200000 l. to be secured to be paid out of Delinquents estates They to deliver up the King and depart home and quit all their Garrisons The Assemblyes Confession of Faith was Voted by the House to be printed And likewise an Ordinance past for continuing the Army under Sir Thomas Fairfax for six moneths and the disbanding Major Generall Masseys Brigade The Common Enemy being quite beaten out of the field there hapned sad divisions in the Parliament and Army at home They were distinguished into two severall parties under the title of Presbyterian and Independent the Independent being the most subtill and close Insinuated into the most part of the Army and carried on their designes with greater Vigor and Resolution then the other as the sequell will manifest The King from Newcastle on the 20 of December 1646. sends a Message to both Houses of Parliament at Westminster and to the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland for a personall Treaty Charles R. His Majesties thoughts have been alwayes sincerely bent to the peace of his Kingdomes was and will be ever desirous to take all wayes that might most clearely make appeare the candor of his Intentions to his people and to this end could find no better way then to propose a personall and free debate with his two Houses of Parliament upon all the present differences yet finding very much contrary to his expectation that this offer was laid aside His Majesty beat all his thoughts to make his Intentions fully knowne by a particular answer to the Propositions deliver'd to him in the name of both Kingdomes the 24 of July last and that his Majesty plainly saw that whatsoever answer he could give was subject to mis-informations and mis-constructions which upon his own explanation he is confident will give good satisfaction for the setling of a lasting peace to which purpose his Majesty desireth to come to London or any of his Houses thereabouts upon the publick faith and security of his two Houses where by his personall presence he may not onely raise a mutuall confidence betwixt him and his people but also have those doubts cleared and those difficulties explained to him assuring them that he will make no other demands but such as he believes confidently to be just and such as will tend much to the tranquility of the people for except King and people have reciprocall care each of other neither can be happy To conclude it is your King that desires to be heard the which if refused to a subject by a King he would be thought a tyrant for it wherefore his Majesty requests you to accept this offer and that it will be the readiest way to make these Kingdomes a Comfort to their Friends and a Terror to their Enemies The Lords and Commons after some time sent a Letter by Sir Peter Killigrew in answer to the Kings Message Both Houses Voted his Majesty to come to his House at Holmbey in Northampton-shire a House not Inferior to any in the Kingdome They likewise Vote that the Earle of Pembrooke the Earle of Denbigh and the Lord Mountague Sir Walter Earle Sir John Holland Sir James Harrington Sir John Cooks Mr. Crue and Major Generall Browne with Mr Marshall and Mr Caryl to attend them be sent as Commissioners to receive the King at Newcastle and to conduct him to Holmbey They likewise orderd diverse servants to attend him The sixt of February 1646. The Scots according to agreement quit Newcastle and the English possest it they likewise deliver'd up his Majesty to the Commissioners sent by the Parliament his Majesty seemed somewhat unwilling at first to goe to Holmbey rather choosing to goe to Newmarket but after a short time he was satisfied but by no meanes he could be drawne to heare Mr. Marshall or Mr. Caryl preach hoping they will allow him his Conscience Munday the 8 of February his Majesty with a sad and sorrowfull Countenance set forward with the Commissioners attended with 900 Horse and that night came to Durham on thursday to Aukland fryday to Richmond saturday to Rippon and there rested the Sabbath day Munday to Leeds tuesday to Wakefeild wednesday to Rotheram so to Mansfeild thence to Leicester where he stays the next Lords day on Munday He sets forward for Holmbey whither being no sooner come but Proclamation is made that none that had deserted the Parliament and assisted the King should presume to come neare his Majesty Sir Thomas Fairfax came to Leicester with a considerable part of the Army where he was met with the Mayor and Aldermen in state His Majesty sent a Letter to the House to request his Chaplains to be sent to him he named twelve viz. Bishop of London Bishop of Salisbury Bishop of Peterborough Dr Shelden Dr March Dr Sanderson Dr Bayly Dr Hamond Dr Beà le Dr Haywood Dr Fuller Dr Taylor but desired any two hearing no answer he sent a second Letter but still they delayed sending an answer The 25 of February his Majesty at the Commissioners request kept the fast ordred by the Commons it hapning on the same day that he had appointed for the Calamities of Ireland February the 28 his Majesty was pleased to bestow a visit on the Earle of Pembrooke who was at that time dangerously sick His Majesty made a Resolution to keep every fryday a day of solemne fasting and humiliation The Commons Vote and Order what Garrisons shall be slighted and which continued The Parliament Vote likewise the remainder of the Army to disband all but those that were appointed for Ireland and the severall Garrisons Upon which diverse Petitions came in from severall Counties to the Generall not to disband till such time as he had fully settled the Kingdome whereupon immediately the Army had a Randevouz and draw up a Petition to be presented to the Parliament That their arreares might be payd An act of Indempnity passe to secure them that the foote might not be compeld to serve out of the Kingdome that the widdowes and children of such as had lost their lives in the service might be provided for which Petition was presented by Colonell Hamond Colonell Rich and Colonell Ireton The Parliament shewed their dislike of the Petition and Vote that those that shall continue in this disturbing condition shall be proceeded against as
the stoutest men of the Enemies Army Apprentices and Seamen and such as had been in Armes for the King The fight continued for six houres they valiantly disputed in every streete at last the Towne is taken with the loss of sixty men in it were taken 1300 prisoners diverse of quality 400 Horse eight pieces of Ordinance with good store of booty The Generall shewed personall Valour by Charging in his slippers Many of the Kentish forces march over Rotchester bridge toward London where on Black heath they muster a considerable Army whither many apprentices and resolute persons repaire under the Command of old Goring The Essex men had by this time secured the Committee men and sent to require an answer to their Petition to which the Parliament speedily send an answer The Sea-men likewise Revolt and refuse to receive the Earle of Warwick but upon their own tearmes they likewise sent Vice-Admirall Rainsborough on shoare and unanimously declare for the King Whilst the Earle of Warwick shews his affection for the Parliament his brother the Earle of Holland unfortunately riseth in armes with the Duke of Buckingham and the Lord Francis who with 500 Horse at Kingston take the advantage of the Armyes dividing But by the care and industry of Sir Miles Livesey who fell on them they were put to flight The Lord Francis refusing quarter was kild Major Dalbere and diverse others were kild the Earle of Holland fled to St Needs where he was totally subdued and taken by Colonell Scroope and immediately sent prisoner to Warwick Castle While the Essex men were requiring an act of Indempnity Sir Charles Lucas was come to Chensford with a party of 2000 Horse and foote Colonell Whaly was orderd to goe against them Those with Goring being denied a passage over London bridge come over on Essex side secure Bow bridge with a small party whilst the rest march further into the County Sir John Owen in North-Wales endeavours to raise forces for the King which the Sheriffe of a County Indeavoured to impede but being too weake was taken prisoner and his party supprest a second time severall partyes well affected to the Parliament joyne together and with contrary successe to the former fell upon Sir John Owen tooke him prisoner and totally disperst his forces Pomfret castle is likewise surprized by one Morrice The Generall spared what forces he could over into Essex with the assistance of the well affected of the County who pursued the Enemy till they came to Colehester which Towne they closely begirt but diverse times sallyes were made out to fetch in provisions The Lieutenant Generall having laine long before Pembrooke Castle and hearing of the Scots on their March for England and the Report of the Prince Duke of York being at Sea thought fit to give Conditions to Poyer and Langhorne for the delivering up of the Towne and Castle that thereby he might have Liberty to advance Northwards which Conditions were accepted And to say truth as things then stood it was of a considerable value as to the service of the Parliament On the 13 of July Marquesse Hamilton enterd England with an Army of 9000 Horse and foote the Generality of the people of Scotland were wholly averse to it the Ministers every where exclaiming against the Duke The Duke immediately sent a Letter to Lieutenant Generall Lambert of the Grounds and Motives of their coming into England which the Lieutenant Generall as speedily answer'd The Parliament immediately Vote that those Scots that enter England in a Hostill way with authority of Parliament are enemies to the Kingdome of England and shall be proceeded against as such July the 17. the Commons debate to what place his Majesty shall come and concluded the King name three places two whereof within twenty miles of London and one within ten and the Parliament to make choice of one of the three Mr Ashurst comes from Scotland with a Declaration of the Councell of Estate in which they declare that they were Invited in upon which the Parliament Vote all those hat Invited them in to be traytors On the 18 of July the Commons consider'd of a personall treaty with his Majesty and having duly weighed all the Inconveniences that might arise by his Majesties coming to London and duly considerd all the objections against his Majesties granting the three Propositions before the Treaty they resolv'd that the Treaty should be in the Isle of Wight and that it be with Honour freedome and safety they appointed a Committee to consider of time manner and place July 30 they Vote to send to his Majesty to nominate a place in the Island to trat in two of the Commons were orderd to goe to his Majesty to that purpose They likewise order the Earle of Warwick to fight with the Revolted ships notwithstanding their specious Declaration Information was brought to the Parliament that Colonel Bourton Governour of Scarborough Castle had declar'd for the King Major Huntington left the Army having taken distast at the proceedings of some Grandees The Prince from aboard in the Downs sent a Letter to the Speaker of the House of Peeres relating to a Treaty with his Majesty and diverse other particulars which was laid aside On the same day a Petition was presented from the Court of Aldermen and Common Councell of the City of London for a personall Treaty his Majesty to be freed of his restraint Church Government to be setled according to the Covenant all Acts of Hostility to sease to which the Commons promised a speedy and satisfactory answer Lieutenant Generall Cromwell being joyn'd with Lambert their force is 5000 Horse and Dragoones and 7000 foote he sent a Letter to the House giving them an account of his proceedings with a returne of thanks for their care in providing for his Army Tinmouth Castle Revolted but was suddenly retaken The Lieutenant Generall immediately marches to Pomsret assaulted the Towne with much Resolution kild thirty and took an hundred prisoners The Lorch of Middlesex return'd from his Malesty with his answer which was to this effect That if the peace of his Dominions were not dearer to him then any Inlerest he had too much reason to take notice of severall Votes that past against him with his sad condition seven moneths together and sets down what soever he conceives is necessary to so blessed a worke professing he can no more treat in this condition then a blind man judge of colours or that he can run a race whose foote is tyed and therefore desires the recalling of those Votes that bar mean from coming to him and that all that he shall send for for necessary use may have leave to come unto him and waite on him in this treaty the place Newport and that he may be in the same condition that he was in at Hampton Court conceiving he cannot treat in honour so long as men are afraid to come to him for safety he mentions not as not fearing his person