the enemy was four to one yet some said whom I will not here name that the enemy was but a small strength but when Sir Thomas Fairfax was to fight with them within two daies of the same time the same party said they were a great Army and it was dangerous in fighting I name this passage not to dishonor any who deserve praise but to shew how and by what waies some use sleights to under-value those better then themselves to set up themselves much more may be spoken in time convenient when brave Massey's honour will burst forth like the Sun from under a cloud and stand for after Ages so long as the Sun and Moon endure Phillip Skippon Esq. Major Generall of the Army etc CHAP. XVI Upon the most renowned Souldier Major Generall Shippon * More things to make a souldier compleat Are required then a valiant heart Time travaile art experience great And scarrs make up the whole of every part Of warlike worth these requisites and more Stout Skippon had and piety good store Which made him to sleight death at Nasby feild Which he deserted not till foes did yeeld Edghill Newbery marsh and Cornish ground This Champions fame for evermore will sound OF all the gallant Commanders England ever bred renowned Major-Generall Skippon may have his name inrolled in that golden Beadrow both for his faithfulnesse valour and constant perseverance he never yet was knowne to turne his backe upon the proudest enemy he never was cried up and Idolized for things he never performed hee alwaies was ready to act the part of a valiant Champion and to let the praise redound to those that expected applause he amongst all the rest is the man if I may so say that hath gone through good report and bad report through threats promises and earnest solicitations and yet by all these is not as too many are shaken in his stedfastnesse and to give gallant Skippon his due praise he is one of the prime military men at this day in command in England as may appeare by the many gallant exploits by him performed since his first taking up of Armes he first encountering the enemy neare Worcester Septemb. 12. 1642. and putting them to flight and from thence marched to Edge-hill and drew the Army there into Battalia charged the enemy resolutely and after a fierce and bloody fight the enemy retreated with great losse both of men and horse Octob. 22. 1643. Reading also taken by the assistance of valiant Skippon April 18. 1643. as also Cirencester taken and the Kings forces totally routed at Newbery fight having performed this gallant service according to command he retreated with his Infantry to Winter-Quarters but hearing of a house fortified leaving open the rode which did much mischiefe to the City of London he undertooke with a small Brigade to bring it in obedience to the Parliament which hee did most gallantly performe taking the Garrison called by the name of Grafton-house with all the Armes and Ammunition and great store of plunder which was the souldiers booty Decemb. 20. 1643. and having performed this gallant piece of service he came back to London for further instruction and so soon as the valiant Generall the Earle of Essex was provided he marched forth with him Westward took Barnstaple with Taun-Deane 22. of June 1644. and from thence marched more Westward and tooke Mount-Stamford Plimpton Saltash Launceston Greenvill-house and Newbridge and from thence marched further into Cornewall and tooke Tadcaster and Foy the Kings Forces drawing upon them and taking them in that narrow creek put them to great streights both for provision for men and much more horse so that his Excellency by a Councell of Warre was advised to force a passage with his horse through the Kings Army which he accordingly did but this heroick Skippon was allotted to stay behind and make his termes as good as possible he could in this case with the King and finding no faire termes from them he encouraged his souldiers to stand to it which accordingly they did and fought with the Kings whole Army for some seven or eight daies together not giving any ground at all but rather gaining upon them so that then the King thought good to grant them terms more reasonable then before they would heare of least they might have wasted their Forces or relief might have com which drew neer them and in this piece of hot service Generall Skippon did so gallant service as made both friends and foes much admire him and because there were many in London who murmured and complained indeavouring with much earnestnesse to foment jealousies and bring in disgrace men of worth and eminencie as the Lord Roberts Sir Philip Stapleton and some others who were not of their opinion in Religion viz. men of confusion in Church and State even these men cry out of plots and designes of carrying the Army into the West but had the Army prospered Oh then how London would have sounded of who had done the worke though there had not been 20. in the whole Army And these and such like are and have beene the practises of some against them that are not lovers of their abhominable doings these their designes are like the fine designes of the but God in due time will deale with this Generation of selfe-exhorters truth-destroyers and Covenant-revolters I shall give them no other epitome at present and as for those worthies of England viz. the Earle of Essex the Earle of Manchester the Lord Roberts the Lord Willoughby Sir William Waller Sir Philip Stapleton Sir Samuel Luke M. Gen. Poyntz Major-Generall Massey and Lievtenant-Generall Skippon with the rest that are Covenant-keepers as our Brethren of Scotland who have borne with patience what the height of malice could invent against them this will one day be their comfort that they have beene reviled and have not reviled againe and that they have suffered all manner of wrong and reproach for Gods sake his causes sake and their Covenants sake I shall say no more at present for them but descend to the rest of the valiant actions of this religious Commander who was upon the new Modell of the Army listed in the like office hee formerly executed under brave renowned Essex Englands faithfull Lord Generall valiant Sir Thomas Fairfax being created Generall in his stead did upon recruit march forth with valiant Skippon and gave the Kings Forces a dismall battell at Naesby-field where the Kings Forces were utterly routed June 14. 1645. and afterwards marched up to Leicester and regained it and this may stand to perpetuity as a crown of honour upon religious Skippons head that he encountred the enemy in field and Garrisons 125. times and never turned his back in the height of an assault storme or battle upon the adverse Party to describe all the particulars I shall referre the Reader to the Table of this booke and the actions of the two Generalls viz. the Earle of Essex
the commendation of the greatest part of Europe the Low-Countreyes and divers parts beyond Seas at this day eccho forth his praise and with a sorrowfull looke and pale face bid him Adieu brave Lesley adieu but the love he bare to Religion his King and Countrey ingaged him to steere his course towards these Kingdoms and coming to the Court of England was courted and consulted withall and being found neither knave nor foole was presently discountenanced and so departed into his owne Countrey of Scotland and was there received with much triumph and joy they knowing he was free from cowardice or covetousnesse which is often the losse of Armies and Garrisons if I be not mistaken Oxford Banbury and Bristoll will witnesse yet neither profit or penury could incline him or decline him from doing or suffering to his uttermost in the cause of Religion Lord-Bishops and all that depend upon their Episcopall Hierarchy will remember renouned Lesley who was under God the two-edged Sword that cut them and their wild branches off at the root witnesse the yeare 1640. in which time he entred England with an Army of twenty thousand men and upon the first entrance routed the Queens Regiment of Horse and Foot and all the rest fled finding a paire of heels to be of more use for security then a paire of hands but notwithstanding this advantage our Brethren were desirous to treat with His Majesty who condescended thereunto and hearing the reasonablenesse of their Propositions condescended thereunto and so in peace they did depart not long after but in the yeare 1642. a civill Warre arising amongst our selves and the Parliaments Army not able to suppresse the enemy were necessitated to desire the assistance of our Brethren of Scotland who were as ready to help us as we were readie to desire their help their sensiblenesse of our misery was exprest in tears as may appeare by the relation of our Messengers the Lord Wharton Sir Henry Vane M. Solicitor S. John M. Marshall and M. Burroughs and that which puts a seale of confirmation to these and other relations of their love and willingnesse to help us is their coming into England so suddenly after and at such an unseasonable time as they did it being mid winter that they marched in snow and water to the mid leg for a hundred miles together and their noble Generall his Excellency the Earl of Leven most resolutely fell to the work although in an enemies Countrey having before him the Earl of Newcastle with an Army of 20 thousand strong yet he drove them before him killing and taking prisoners many of them daily and upon a sudden he wheeled about with his Army and tooke Cockit Island with the town Jan. 20. 1643. and afterwards marches up to the enemies quarters and beats them up taking in also the strong Garrison of Alnwick Febr. 14. 1643. and afterward hastned his march further into the enemies Countrey and takes in the Town of Morepeth Febr. 22. 1643. and marches againe up to the enemy and beats up his quarters and takes the strong Garrison of Tinby March 19. 1643. and afterwards marches forward and takes Sunderland with great store of Ammunition Newcastles rage being risen drawes up his whole Army as intending to give battell to the Earle of Leven but no sooner did he draw up but Newcastles popish ragged Regiments ran away and our Brethren of Scotland marched forward and tooke the strong Garrisons of Durham and Lomby Aprill 14. 15. 1644. they marched yet forwarder and beat severall parties of the enemies and tooke Morepeth Castle with all the Ammunition the 2. of June 1644. and having notice of the renouned Earl of Manchester's marching up towards them they with much rejoycing hastned to meet him whom they longed to see the face of and having met him with much joy saluted him and so joyned both their Armies together and drove the Popish Earle of Newcastle and all his Army into York and there besieged him Prince Rupert being at that time in Lancashire hastens to raise their siege making his boasts how he would beat the Scots and would know of what mettle those fresh-water souldiers were made which e're he departed he very well knew to the deare price of 4500. mens lives upon the place called Marston-Moore never to be forgotten by Prince Rupert nor the Earl of Newcastle and after the spoile of the battell was taken they marched up to Yorke and tooke it with all the Ammunition and when this was performed the Earle of Manchester marched Westward and the Earle of Leven Northward and tooke Gateshead 12. of August 1644. and straightly besieged Newcastle upon Tine prepared mines and all accommodation for storme offered faire terms but were not accepted then stormed the towne and tooke it the 20. of October 1644. with much Arms and Ammunition and afterwards tooke Tinmouth Castle marched up to Carlisle and took it also and afterwards besieged the strong Castle of Scarborough and took it with the Castle of Rabi and the Castle of Canon-Froome and since have been assistant in the taking of Newarke And for the gallant service of this noble Generall the Earle of Leven let true-English-men give him true honour and praise let that tongue cleave to the roof of that mouth that is so ungratefull and uncivill as to foment divisions betwixt us and these our Covenanted-Brethren The Right Honble. Robert Earle of Warwick Lord Rich of Leeze Lord High Admirall of the Seas CHAP. III. Upon the right honourable and noble Patriot Robert Earle of Warwicke * A third bright star within our Hemi-Spheare Of Reformation is this noblest Rich Richer indeed then can to men appeare Because his aymes on noble ends do pitch This trusty Pilot waits upon the Ocean Watching both forraigne and domestick Foes Then to the land thus in their restlesse motion Are pious souls whom God doth here dispose To honour him and do his will on earth And them he honours with a second birth VVhich begets in Warwick prudence and love A lions heart yet harmlesse as the dove IT were great ingratitude to let passe or bury in oblivion the many glorious things that this our high Admirall of England Robert Earl of Warwicke hath performed both by Sea and Land since the year 1642. which both his and our adversaries at home and abroad know to their griefe he was unto our Kingdome under God as a bulwarke of defence a rock of refuge a castle and tower to flie unto a strong and mighty wall to defend us from the malicious pride and cruelty of France Spain Denmarke and all the world beside and had not brave renouned Warwicke stood to us and guarded our coasts we and our Kingdome had long e're this been a prey to our enemies at home and abroad But God be praised who put it into the hearts of our Parliament-Worthies to make so good a choice and they
and Sir Thomas Fairfax and conclude exhorting to give God the glory of this Champions actions for he alone was the supporter of his heart in the day of battel and this great God was unto him a buckler a helmet a tower a fort and a rock of defence to him in the time of danger and so he was is and will be to the end of the world to all them that put their trust in him rest on him and keep Covenant with him Sr Iohn Meldrum CHAP. XVII Upon Sir JOHN MELDRUM Knight deceased * Nere was there in a man more self-neglect Nor more contempt of lawfull rest and ease Then in courugious Meldrum whose defect If any was excesse of zeale to please His God and to redresse his countries wrongs For which heroick acts both pens and longues Shall Meldrum mellifie and for th' expence Of all his labours heaven hath ta'ne him hence SInce debts of honor are due to such valiant Champions as renowned Meldrum deceased thus neither words nor pens can sufficiently expresse honor enough for future Ages to read but since it is by Gods providence my lot I shall endeavour to revive to posterity the dying memory of our English and Brother-Scottish Peers and Patriots due valour and faithfulnesse to maintaine Religion the Kings Honor the Parliaments Priviledges the Subjects Liberties and the firm union betwixt both Nations according to the sacred Covenant one of the first that with valour and courage stood up for the Parliament was this thrice-honorable Scottish Patriot who was as sensible of Englands distemper as if it had been his owne and therefore out of a godly zeale he begirt his sword about him and with a couragious and gracious spirit went forth and by a heavenly hand conquered his enemies as I shall make it appeare At his first going forth he joyned with Sir William Waller and was assistant in the valiant service of the West and in particular he was very couragious and prosperous in the taking of Portsmouth in Hampshire as also the raising of the siege at Hull July 22. 1642. and not long after the Earle of Newcastle againe besieged Hull and this noble and renowned Sir John Meldrum issued out beat the Earle with his whole Army out of their Workes took nine piece of Ordnance and much more Ammunition Octob. 13. 1643. and having beaten the enemy and raised their siege hee marched into the field and by the assistance of noble Sir Thomas Fairfax tooke the strong town of Gainsborough by storme with all the men armes and ammunition therein Decem. 20. 1643. and afterwards he tooke the Isle of Axholm with all the Ammunition Febr. 4. 1643. and from thence marched to his owne County of which he was by the Parliament made Generall viz. the County of Lancashire where he was no sooner come but he had notice of a great Brigade under the Command of the Lord Byron and Lord Mollenaux near Ormskirk plundering to whom he hastned and coming within sight of them they presently prepared to battell and charged once and then ran quite away being utterly routed and having lost at least 1000. horse and the Lord Byron himselfe hid in a Corne-field or else had beene taken prisoner Aug. 20. 1644. having cleared the field he againe marched towards the Isle and fort of Jarmouth and in a short time took it with many ships in the Harbor closely begirt the Castle and by a most bold and resolute assault received his deaths wound the which his souldiers took much to heart making most sad lamentation for him and they alone did not lament his losse but the Parliament also and many thousands more in the Kingdome and although his person be taken from us yet his name will stand to perpetuity and our after-Ages will speake to brave Meldrums praise Sr. William Balfore etc CHAP. XVIII Upon the valiant and faithfull Knight Sir William Balfour * That providence that made thee first a cause Of preservation of the innocent Call'd thee to preservation of his Lawes And the destruction of the violent Opposers of just rights and Liberties Therefore the List of Worthies doth comprize Valiant Balfour whom fames relation Soundeth an honour to the Scottish Nation IF there were not in the Common-wealth some men of publike spirits Balfour-like to lay a side places of honour and profit to promote the publike as he did our Common-weal would become a common woe to all that have habitation therein or relation thereunto but as we and our children after us have cause to blesse God for accomplishing our war so we and our children also will have just cause to honour the persons in the memoriall of the gallant actions of our English and Scottish noble Commanders and Souldiers one whereof here speakes as much honour to the Kingdome of Scotland as any one this day in Europe of his rank and quality brave Sir William Balfour by name some of whose brave actions I shall insert as so many everlasting monuments of his praise and for his gallant service he performed under his Excellency Englands faithfull Lord Generall the deceased renowned Earle of Essex I shall omit for brevities sake and only speake breefly of those his gallant exploits performed in the taking of Newbery with all the arms and ammunition therein and afterwards cleared those parts of an oppressing Adversary and not many moneths afterwards marched further Westward according to order and took Weymouth and in it 27. peeces of Ordnance with all the rest of their Ammunition and having settled that Garrison and cleared those parts he marched with all speed towards Taunton-Deane and tooke it with all the Ammunition therein many more exploits and valiant actions he performed still eyeing the publike safety more than his owne or private interest persevering in all his actions standing to his Covenant principles viz. the advantage of Reformation in Church and State and the rooting out of Popery Prelacy Schism and Heresie that as there is but one God so there might be one faith one truth and one way of worshipping this one God in newnesse of heart and affections Major Generall Poyntz CHAP. XIX Upon the couragious Commander Major-Gen Poyntz Knight * Here valour and fidelity contend Which shall exceed in an officious way And both doe to posterity commend Brave Pointz triumphing on a routing day On Rowton-Heath neer Chester where the flower Of Cavaleerian force fell in the power Of this Commander whose couragious brest Hath purchas'd honour and his Countries rest THis valiant and faithfull Commander Major Generall Poyntz if it were onely for his constancy in the cause he undertooke and stability deserveth of all true-born English-men to be honoured and as a Souldier he hath done gallantly even when the Parliament and Kingdome was in a low condition and the enemy strong yet he in many parts North and North-West gave the Kings forces many defeats and overthrowes as at Rounton Heath neer West-Chester and cleared those
parts and afterwards drew more Northward and cleared those parts was alwaies active in promoting the publike and when the warre was compleated and our Brethren of Scotland retreated towards their owne Kingdome this renowned Sir Sydenham Poyntz had a command to secure and keep in quietnesse those Northerne parts in case of any insurrection of the Malignant or any other party which he did most faithfully performe and in all his proceedings he did endeavour to keep brotherly unity with our Brethren of Scotland which may adde one badge of honour to him more then to some of the rest of our gallant Commanders and this may be the crowne of his honour that in all the troubles of England and sad division he hath kept himselfe unspotted from covetousnesse ambition or faction which if all men in eminency and trust hath done the like we should have had lesse contests for honour and more self-deniall lesse reviling of and exclaiming at our faithfull Brethren of Scotland and more Covenant-ingaged affection to them lesse fomenting and fostring of division and more advancing of the truth in a reall Reformation according to our most sacred Oath and I could wish some men of eminency had not been so guilty of blowing and kindling the coles of jealousie betwixt England and Scotland and finding God blasted them in that Machiavell designe they act a second tragedy not inferiour to the former viz. foment and countenance a division at home in the same Kingdome amongst one and the same Subjects of one flesh and blood and although God it may be hath used some such men to doe his owne worke whom as men I honour yet I am confident their honour is not of so a long a life as their person but for faithfull men such as valiant Poyntz when their persons decay and decrease their honours will increase to posterity The Religious succesfull and truly Valliant Lieutenant Generall Cromwell CHAP. XX Upon the valiant Commander Lievtenant-Generall Cromwell * Here 's noble blood if that a noble mind Makes man noble by denomination And he that reads this Souldiers acts shall find Matter of wonderment and admiration That in such well-fought fields and fortresses Assaulted alwaies conquering happinesse Attended him thus with grace beautified Despised men pull down great Princes pride AS a valiant faithfull Commander brave Cromwell deserves perpetuall honour who for his gallant actions the Cavaliers have Anabaptist-like rebaptized him if I may properly so say and given him a new name called Old Iron sides and very well they might call him so for oftentimes hee did prove to them as an iron rod to brake them in pieces God hath used him as one of the great instruments to rescue our Religion Lawes and Liberties out of the hands of those that would have destroyed them all and therefore he deserveth high honour I here present to the view of the world his valiant exploits in shorter terms then M. Sprig in his large Folio History of large relations and of the largest size since hee was made Commander of a Brigade one of the first and gallant pieces of service he performed was in the taking of Stamford and clearing the parts adjacent often skirmishing with the enemy alwaies prosperous especially at that never to be forgotten fight at Marston-More where in person he did performe most gallant service and afterwards was active in all his undertakings and being eminently taken notice of upon the Modell of the New Army was chosen Lievtenant-Generall and at that great battell of Naseby did bravely performe the day to the downfal of the Cavalierian faction and encouraged the souldiers to prosecute the day and with zealous courage marched towards their Garrisons and first tooke in Leicester and afterwards Heighworth relieved Taunton-Deane re-gained Ilchester routed Gorings Western Army took also Langport Burrough Bridgewater and the Citie of Bath and afterwards did march with the Army against Sherborne-Castle and took it with the Castle of Nunney Porshut Point and the strong Towne and Castle of Bristoll and having re-gained that marched to the Devizes and tooke it with the Castle of Farleigh Chedwick and the strong Garrison of Basing the very receptacle of rogueing Rob-Carriers and having performed this gallant service hee marched more Westward towards the reliefe of those poore oppressed parts and in his march tooke Langford-house Tiverton Fulford and Chillington-house and presently marched to Pouldram-house and tooke it relieved Plymouth regained Budex Church and Sir Francis Drakes house and having thus weakned the Kings strength in Garrison he did march towards the Lord Hopton and routed him took Launceston Listithiell Saltash Wardbridge and Temple-guard the Lord Hopton recruited to the number of 5000. Horse whom within few daies was by this valiant Commander and the rest inforced to disband and deliver with all their ammunition and having cleared the field in the West marched up to Dennis-Castle and tooke it also with Felford Haven Axmouth Inch-house and Hilford Exeter hearing hereof did also suddenly deliver and Barnstaple stood not upon so great termes as formerly but was surrendred and having finished the work in those parts marched more Eastward and tooke Radcot-house Sherborn and Oxford and having been thus active and compleated the worke except some petty Garrisons this valiant Cromwell came backe to take his place as a Member of the House of Commons where I leave him to act by his counsell according to that patterne he hath acted with his hands Richard Browne Esq. major Generall of Oxon Berkshire Buckingham CHAP. XXI Upon the valiant and worthy Gentleman Major-General Brown * And brave Brown bringeth up the Reare Last in the List but not the least in field And he that reads this Souldiers acts shall find Matter of wonderment and admiration That in such well-fought fields and fortresses Assaulted alwaies conquering happinesse Attended him thus with grace beautifide Despised men pull down great Princes pride BRave Brown although last in List of the beadrow of Englands Worthies yet inferiour to few in his actions and fidelity as the Cavaliers know and acknowledge at this day with griefe of heart and that it may bee manifest to all I shall here insert part of those gallant passages and exploits by him performed since these unnaturall uncivill civill warres began and first when Englands never to bee forgotten generally beloved Generall the bewailed deceased Earle of Essex first marched forth this gallant Commander attended him in his marches from London towards the enemies Quarters and falling in upon them neere Worcester they utterly defeated them and put them to flight in this battell this successefull Major-Generall Browne did most excellent service and afterwards marched after the Kings Forces who did recruit with much vigorousnesse but being againe over-taken at Edgehill were inforced to fight which both sides did most gallantly but after a hot dispute the Kings forces gave ground retreated and our souldiers kept the field having won the day and having thus
July 1646. Likewise a gallant ship taken that came from Burdeaux laden with wine and meale intended for the relief of Pendennis Castle August 25 1646. Also a ship of the Dunkirkers manned by Irish Rebells set upon two of our English Merchants and surprised them and by the vigilancy of this our noble active faithfull Admirall were both re-taken and the Dunkirk ship also with thirty Irish Rebels in it that were throwne over board as a just recompence or Reward for their former villany in the moneth of September 1646. These with many more gallant pieces of service hath this renouned Worthy performed for which England is ingaged thankfully to remember and highly to honour him who God hath thus wonderfully honoured Robert Lord Rich Earle of Warwicke Lord high Admirall of England The right Honble Edward Earle of Manchester c major Generall of the Association CHAP. IIII. Upon the right Honourable and religious Earle of Manchester * The bright propitious star to Church and State Is this approved Peere in peace and warre In hostile actions alwaies fortunate But th' influence of this excelling starre Was wormwood alwaies to his Countries Foes Witnesse their frequent routs defeats and blowes Horn Castle Winsby Marston-Moor know well How thrice th' imperiall forces fled and fell Before this brave Generall conquering The Idolizers of a mortall King Therefore the rose of Sharon doth thee greet And makes thy name same on earth smel sweet THis bright star of Englands Horison had no sooner girt his sword about him but whole Troups Regiments and Armies out of the associated Counties of Essex Suffolk Norfolk Cambridge and Huntington were ready to attend him with their lives in their hands and at his first sight they gave him such a shout as made the aire to eccho to the admiration of standers by and no sooner had he saluted his gallant Army but presently falls to action and marches to Lin Regis in Norfolk where he straightly besieged them and with much hardship and valour gained the towne in the moneth of June and afterwards marched towards a potent Army as any was in England commanded by the Earle of Newcastle but no sooner had he entred the enemies Countrey of Yorkshire but a Brigade of the enemy ingaged with him whom he totally routed and triumphantly marched forward towards the maine body of the enemy who were neer Horn Castle whom this noble and renouned Earle and his Army had no sooner espied but with a resolute concurrence fell to charge them in the Van Flanke and Reare of their Body who were presently brought into a confused rout in which fight there was taken of them 55. Colours 200. Horse and 1500. Prisoners all this was performed in the moneth of August 1643. and in the moneth of September this noble Generall pursued his victory in taking of the enemies strong Garrisons as Horn Castle the City of Lincolne the strong town of Gainesborough by this time the enemy begins to get a head which this religious and renouned Earl no sooner heard of but with speed he hastened towards them and in his march took Croyland and Burleigh-House and after a hard march yet couragiously encountred the Popish Army neare Winsby and utterly routed them and took 22. Colours 1100. Foot and 500. Horse and much Ammunition and after all this hard service yet was this noble Earle so desirous to put a period to our miseries that notwithstanding the coldnesse and unseasonablenesse of the weather it being in January the worst of the winter season even at that time he doth march the major part of 100. miles to relieve the oppressed Countrey of Lincolnshire and finding Lincoln to be the nest or cage of those unclean birds it being re-possest by them he there besieges them and by a fierce storme re-takes the City and not long after the Castle and in it seven piece of Ordnance 200. Knights Colonells and Commanders 800. prisoners 3000. Armes and presently hereupon having intimation of another Northern Popish Imperiall Army marches backward and drives many scattering parties before him but no sooner had our most loving Brethren of Scotland heard of this our Star of the East come out of his own Horison of the Associated Counties to give light to a Northern dark beclouded Country and by his bright beams to dispell a black and darke cloud but they had a desire according to which they conjoyned with a triumph of joy the two most noble and religious Generall saluting each other fall presently to the worke and besieged Newcastle and all his ragged Regiments in Yorke of which Prince Rupert having notice inforceth all the Countries before him to march for the reliefe of Yorke the which our Army understanding did admit of his entrance for other advantages the Prince being with pride puft up said he would try what mettle the Scots were made of which e're he departed he did very well know and his 4000. slaine upon the place might testifie in which fight our noble Brethren and this renouned Patriot the Earle of Manchester did take 1500. prisoners and within three or foure daies got the famous City of Yorke and after Yorke was surrendred the Armies parted and our prosperous and religious Earl of Manchester towards the West retreated and by the way he tooke the Garrisons of Tickell Shelford and Welbeck-house and in the moneth of October gave the Kings Army a meeting at Newbery Marsh where in the height of the pride of their Western victory this noble Generall utterly routed them tooke 9. peece of Ordnance 3000. Prisoners and 500. Armes and in the next moneth of November tooke Farrington for his farewell and however some unseasoned words came from some black mouthes concerning this most honourable pious and prudent Peer let such be assuredly satisfied that his fame and honour will live when they and all the generation now living are dead The right Honourable the Earle of Calender etc CHAP. V. Upon the right Honourable Earl of Calender Generall Ranked among these Heroes of renoune Is th' honour'd chieftaine Earl of Calender A strong opposer of the triple Crowne Who calls that holy which is civill Warre But this brave Scot with an impartiall eye Looks on the Faiths Professors misery Carlisle Gateshead and Coquet Island still As Trophies stand of his unfain'd good will THis renouned religious Earle famous in Church and State as were most of his Ancestors himselfe being of the same blood and bone and inferiour to none that went before him as he hath made it evident in Scotland and also in England since our uncivill warres began first in his willingnesse to assist us notwithstanding the lownesse of our condition the height of our enemy and the unseasonablenesse of the weather Secondly in his activenesse having the command but of a small Brigade most of them raw untried and unexperienced men in Martiall affaires yet did he performe valiantly with them Thirdly his perseverance notwithstanding
the large proffers the enemy made to the Army if they would with-draw or with-hold And besides the many reproaches sleightings and calumnies that Army did patiently undergo by a factious party amongst our selves had not the hand of God guided and carried on noble Lesley and renouned Calender with the rest of those worthy pious Patriots our condition had been miserable before this day and we weltering in our owne blood our wives defloured our children massacred our houses rifled our lands confiscated our goods divided amongst a generation whose Religion teacheth them Rebellion whose Faith is Faction and Division whose meere Mercy is Cruelty Having past through the grounded evidences of this noble religious and faithfull Peers willingnesse activenesse and perseverance in assisting us I shall also particularize some of the most materiall passages he hath performed since his first entrance into England which was with much courage his Army being put to great straights with hunger cold and often skirmishing with the enemy whom he drive before him and fell upon Carlisle and tooke it with all the Ammunition marched againe and beat up Newcastles Army and by the assistance of the Earle of Leven and the Earle of Manchester with the Lord Fairfax and his valourous son the truly honourable Sir Thomas Fairfax besieged Newcastle in Yorke with-drew and gave battell to him with Prince Ruperts Army and routed them both after tooke Yorke and afterwards this noble Earle of Calender marched Northward and tooke the strong Garrison of Gateshhead neare Newcastle with much Armes and Ammunition and returned and assisted in the taking Newcastle by storme with all the Armes and Ammunition therein much more hath this faithfull Generall performed which is here omitted his owne worth speaking for him to all that know him more than I can here expresse Henry Gray Earle of Standford Lord Gray of Groby Bonvile c CHAP. VI Upon the right Honourable Earl of Stamford This noble slip not of the last edition Of ancient stocke and formidable name To Englands foes of old when Spains ambition 'Gainst Queen Elizabeth did mischiefs frame Heroicke Stamford not degenerate Is true and loyall unto Church and State Exeters defence and Lord Hoptons flight At Modbury field declare his heart is right A Renouned worthy amongst the rest is this gallant Peer the noble Earle of Stamford whose former generations have been a terrour to Englands enemies as he himselfe hath been since the time he was made Generall of South-Wales with the foure Counties of Glocester Worcester Hereford and Cheshire upon the 10. of Decemb. 1642. he marching from hence towards them was received with much joy and a considerable party ready to march along with him he delayed no time to be in action with them but forthwith marched towards Cornwall and coming to Newbridge and finding the bridge pulled downe and a strong Garrison in the towne forced his passage through the river with a hot dispute on both sides at last beat the enemy took much Ammunition and marched forward and beat the Lord Hopton from Bristoll towards Exeter joyned with the Devonshire men and still pursued him from holes to holes like a fox brought those malignant Counties into a good condition securing and taking many Garrisons and had he had money and ammunition those parts in all appearance had been sooner gained but where the fault lay my Lord himselfe best knowes and it may be in time will manifest it to others if I be not mistaken I could wish great men professing Religion would lay aside covetousnesse and under-hand dealing and be no longer like Water-men rowing one way and looking another I presume this noble Earle of Stamford is sensible of some particulars which I here omit it is and hath been the noblenesse of his disposition to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace being free from the spirit of faction and division which breeds confusion from which good Lord deliver us Basil Feilding Earle of Denbigh c CHAP. VII Upon the right Honourable Earle of Denbigh Lo here a gemme of honour casting forth Resplendent beams of magnanimity But words too weake are to describe his worth VVho 's more enobled then by Progeny His pious soule shews that a righteous cause Is dearer to him then a Monarchs I awes Ches Shrop. and Staffordshire may well expresse Their love and valour and their thankfulnesse I Eealousies arise amongst some sort of men without cause as sometimes there did of this noble Earle of Denbigh I must confesse had his fathers blood and his been of one and the same putrified temper we might all have had just cause to fear a piece of treachery but I hope God hath moulded his heart in his owne hand and framed it according to his will as hath evidently appeared hitherto by his proceedings First in standing to the Parliament and taking the most solemne League and Covenant for Reformation and rooting out of Bishops and all other erroneous and factious persons which if brave Denbigh once decline I shall recall what I have and hope to affirme of him Secondly his taking up armes and adventuring his life in the high places of the field as was evident at his taking of Russell-Hall the 29. of May 1646. as also routing the Kings Forces neer Dudley the 10. of June 1646. And taking by storme the strong Garrison of Oswestree the 22. of June 1646. with Chomley-House and many more I omit for brevity sake intending to speak more at large hereafter and as time shall make evident The most Noble Ferdinand Lord Fairfax Generall of the Northern Countyes CHAP. VIII Upon the right Honourable Ferdinando Lord Fairfax This happie heart heated with heav'nly fire Stands up against the Rampant Lions pawes Frustrates the haughty hope and vast desire Of Popish regulating Lives and Lawes Discovers Protean Hothams treacheries Preserves ingaged Hull from foes surprize Routed and rooted out Lycaons brood Of wolvish natures loving native blood Shine on resplendent Fairfax or Faire-Torch To friends a light to foes a fire to scorch Thou and thy fellow-Stars in Englands night When neither Sun nor Moon do shine give light HEre is a right Noble in blood and actions deserving to be ranked amongst the most noble of our Peers and Patriots for his good and faithfull service for Church and State as may evidently appeare by his former gallant actions in the North of England which it were great ingratitude to omit I shall only point at the chiefe which by the Arme of God assisting the noble Lord Fairfax performed and deserve to be written in capitall letters for after Ages to read c. At his first being made Generall of the North there was a great Army in the field a malevolent Countrey the greatest part being Papists and Athiests the Parliament sending down the Covenant to be taken in those parts himselfe first began and some of the godly party followed
prosperously proceeded and the winter drawing on apace they came to London the chiefe Garrison of England and so soon as Forces were able to march this renowned Browne did march forth with a Brigade against Arundell Castle and by a fierce storme tooke it with all the Ammunition and not long after this service marched into Kent and quel'd the mutineers that had made a great uproare there afterwards cleared those parts and marched up to Waltham-house and tooke it with much Ammunition and from thence marched to Greenland-house and tooke it also and afterwards took Abbington and fortified it just under the enemies noses and defended it most valiantly against all the power the King then had in his chiefe Garrison of Oxford tooke also an opportunity and marched forth and took the strong Garrison Ballasith-house with all the provision and retreated back to Abbington and preserved it from all the furious attempts of the enemy These with many more gallant pieces of service did this gallant Commander performe and though many proffers of honour riches and preferment were made him yet this may be valiant Brownes honour that he did refuse all and stood for that cause his Covenant had ingaged him unto and doth persevere to this day which if he also doe to the end it will be a crowne of honour to religious renowned Browne for ever ANd now having briefly recited many of the gallant actions of some of our valiant Commanders I shal also add hereunto the names of many more who have been seconders of the former in gallant performances and because most of their actions are included with the former I shall at present only speak to part of the particulars but for the future God willing I do intend to speak more at large for the first the truly worshipfull Colonell Hollis his birth and blood speak him to be a man that is free from basenesse his actions in the field have been valiant and his ends faithfull and I dare bouldly say it was not profit honor or preferment did allure that thrice noble hearted Hollis neither was it the Tower of London in which he was most unjustly imprisoned did any wayes daunt this valiant-hearted publike-spirited noble descended and religious affected Denzill Hollis from prosecuting the designe of God and his Country and for many of his valiant actions in the field I might speak much to his praise as also of his valiant Regiment not inferiour to any in England or that ever was in England since these last troubles in England but at present I forbeare for brevities sake and for his learned speeches profound motions and religious orthodox advice and Councell in the Honorable House of Commons I could insert somthing to his honour which is well knowne if it were proper for time and place And next in order to religious Hollis I shall speak of faithfull Covenant-keeping Sir Philip Stapleton somtimes Commisary-Generall to Englands generally beloved Generall the Earle of Essex and as it hath been said of that religious Earle deceased that when he was alive there was none like him in a publike Covenant engaged heart so when he died he left not his fellow so I may truly say of the truly worshipfull Sir Philip Stapleton if without prejudice I may speak it there is not his fellow-Knight nor will hee leave his fellow behind him I wish England were worthy of such men as hee is I might add to this renowned Stapleton many gallant things he hath both performed by his sword and his Councell which are more for his honour then all his enemies I hope can invent for his dishonour but for me to pretend as some of the new light-mongers do to light a candle to the sun were a master-peece of folly therefore I shall say no more but leave brave Stapleton beclad with wisdome honour and glory as a robe And so I shall descend to speak of valiant Sir David Lesley whose actions do deserve to be written in letters of gold for to rehearse them were to mention almost all the victories of that faithfull Army of our true-harted brethren of Scotland but I shall at present only give religious Sir David Lesley this character a man noble by birth noble in mind and noble in actions true to his Country true to his Covenant and true to his God as also loyall to his King in all just wayes and proceedings which renders not him only honour but also that Army which had such and many such like religious Commanders and Souldiers And the next to this religious and faithfull Lesly is Sir George Booth the elder of Cheshire who when the troubles first began stood up for his Countrey exciting his tenants so to do promising them that had leases of their lands from him that if any such did suffer in person or goods he would make them recompence and if any had Lease by life and should be slaine the life of his wife child or friend should be put in his stead a brave religious resolution if all the Gentry that had adhered to the Parliament had done the like the warres could never have lasted so long But this religious brave Booth thought it not enough so to doe but tooke a place of command himselfe and was verie active and couragious for the preservation of his Countrey did many gallant exploits which I hope hereafter to mention at large and at present give him this Character faithfull free grave godly brave Booth the flower of Cheshire Another neighbour and associated vigilant and valiant Commander is Sir John Seaton a Lancashire Gentleman for activity piety and constancy inferiour to few in England he is the man under God did pull down the pride rage and cruelty of the proud potent Papisticall Lord Strange who with his great Army thought to carry all before him but as we have just cause so let us blesse God and honour true-hearted Sir John Seaton for those great gallant things that have been done in reformed Lancashire and consequently in all England And as great honour is due to valiant Season for all his victories performed which are mentioned in the List of the Lord Generall so to valiant vigilant and religious true-hearted and right honourable Colonell Harvey who when things were at a low condition was willing to doe his Kingdome service marched forth with a Brigade of the City of London and with a small party did most valiant things which I omit for brevities sake And because I have somwhat more knowledge of him then many of whom I have and am to speak of I can without flattery say of true-hearted Harvey thus much that I ever found him a man of a noble spirit free from by private and base ends aiming at the good and prosperity of the Common-wealth active for the ends contained in the most sacred Nationall League and Covenant a man most free from the scab of errour adhering to no faction nor party further then the Covenant union of the Kingdomes and truth
ungratefull but acknowledge he hath done England good service Likewise Vice-Admirall Batten hath performed most gallant service at Seas and with the Navy hath been as a Bulwarke to preserve our distracted Kingdome from forraigne power which had in all appearance long ere this made us miserable Many valiant things have by him been performed as also the valiant Reare-Admirall Swanley whom I designed to bring up the Reare his actions in Wales Cornewall Devonshire and the Northerne parts of England can witnesse to bee such as deserve a History of themselves to be extant to succeeding Generations And thus much I can say as most conclude with mee that there is not his fellow at Sea this day for valour and judgement in the commanding and mannaging a Navy at Sea I crave pardon in my rude conclusion and desire to be excused by many whom I shall hereafter mention as Sir Robert Pye Colonell Sir Hardresse Waller Colonell Sir Arthur Hasterig Colonell Sir James Harrington Colonell Sir William Constable Colonell Sir Matthew Boynton a man whom England owes much honour to as also those deceased valiant hearted Worthies who adhered to the Parliament I have here nominated as also all others that have beene slaine on the Kings party with the common souldiers on both sides as also those that fled out of the Kingdome all which I hope will bee excepted of without prejudice from him who hath hitherto been and resolveth by the help of God for the future to bee the Kingdomes most faithfull servant in reality constancy and sencerity to serve them Josiah Ricraft A perfect List of the many Victories obtained through the blessing of God by the Parliaments Forces under the Command of his Excellency Robert Earl of Essex and Ewe Viscount Hereford Lord Ferrers of Chartley Bourchier and Lovaine Lord Generall of England His Excellency Alexander Lesly Earl of Leven Lord Generall of the Army of our Brethren of Scotland And the right honourable Edward Lord Mountague Earl of Manchester Viscount Mandevile Lord Kimbolton Chancellour of the University of Cambridge Major-Generall of the Associated Counties c. With the names of the Cities Towns Castles and Forts taken from the Enemie since the beginning of these unnaturall Warres in the Yeares 1642 43 44 to the 14 of June 1645. 1 THe first City in England assaulted by the Cavaliers since these unnaturall warres began after the King was denied admittance into Hull was renowned Coventry the King came in person against it and the inhabitants thereof most couragiously issued forth and routed their Forces took two peeces of Ordnance and many Prisoners July 26. 1642. 2 The Cavaliers had no sooner recruited but ingaged with the Forces under the command of the Lord Brook near Southam where they were again routed and many taken Prisoners 3. Portsay Island the 15. of August taken with all the Armes and Ammunition therein 4 The Town and Castle of Portsmouth in Hamshire taken with all the armes and ammunition therin by the renowned Patriots Sir William Waller and Sir Iohn Meldrum of happy memory 5 Southsay castle taken by surprisall with all the armes and ammunition 6 His Majesties Forces routed neare Worcester about the 12 of September 1642. by his Excellency Englands faithfull Lord Generall the Earl of Essex in which fight the religious and faithfull Colonell Brown did gallant service 7 The ever to be honoured town of Manchester in Lancashire the Garrison thereof being but few in number and brought to great penury yet most gallantly issued forth beat the Lord Strange raised the siege and took many Prisoners 8 Cawood Castle in Yorkshire taken by storme with all the arms and ammunition the 23. of October 1642. 9 His Majesties Forces routed at the never to be forgotten and famous fought battell of Edg-hill Octob. 22. 1643. where was taken the Kings standerd L. Willoughy Sir Edward Stanley Col. Vavasour Col. Lunsford and many hundreds more in which fight was slaine the Earl of Lindsey L. Generall of His Majesties Forces the Lord Aubeny Sir Edmond Verny the Kings Standerd-bearer with divers other Officers of quality and many hundred common souldiers in which battell his Excellency the Earl of Essex fought so gallantly shewing much courage and fidelity that his very enemies did acknowledge it 10 The Castle of Farnham taken by storm with all the armes and ammunition by the renowned Sir William Waller 11 Madbury neare Plymouth taken by storme with all the ammunition 12 The City and Castle of Winchester taken by Sir William Waller and in it the L. Grandison and 65. other Gentlemen and Commanders 1000. Foot 600. Horse 200. Dragoones and 600. armes with all the rest of the arms and ammunition December 7. 1642. 13 The Earl of Newcastles Army in the North neer Tadcaster routed by the noble Lord Fairfax about the 8. of December 1642. 14 Arundell castle in Sussex taken by storme Decemb. 16. 1642. with all the armes and ammunition by Sir William Waller and Col. Brown 15 Chichester taken by Sir VVilliam Waller the 26. of December 1642. with all the armes and ammunition therein 16 The Earl of Newcastles Popish Army again routed neer Bradford by the noble and religious Lord Fairfax January 3. 1642. 17 The said Army of the Earl of Newcastle had no sooner rallied and recruited but they were again routed by the noble and successefull Lord Fairfax neer Leeds the 9. of January 1642. 18 His Majesties Forces routed neer Henly upon Thames the 11. of January 1642. and many hundreds taken prisoners 19 Leeds taken by noble Sir Thomas Fairfax January 26. 1642. with all the armes and ammunition therein 20 His Majesties Forces under the command of Sir Thomas Aston routed neer Namptwich by the noble and truly religious Sir VVilliam Brereton Jan. 28. 1642. taken prisoners 110. Foot and 100. Horse 21 The town of Preston in Lancashire taken by Sir Iohn Seaton by storme Feb. 10. 1642. with all the armes and ammunition therein 22 Lancaster town and Castle taken Febr. 13. 1642. with all the Ammunition 23 The Cornish Cavaliers routed the 26. of February 1642. neere Madbury five pieces of Ordnance 200. Arms 120. Prisoners taken 24 Lichfield Close taken March 3. 1642. with all the ammunition 25 Lastoll surprised with all the armes and ammunition 26 The Army under the command of the Earle of Northampton routed neer Stafford and the Earle himselfe slaine by faithfull Sir VVilliam Brereton and Sir John Gell about the 25. of March 1643. 27 Malmesbury taken by storme March 28. 1643. by Sir VVilliam VValler with all the armes and ammunition 28 The Welch Army under the command of the Lord Herbert were routed in the Forrest of Deane by Sir VVilliam VValler and Col. Massey 29 Tewksbury taken by faithfull Colonell Massey with all the armes and ammunition about the third of Aprill 1643. 30 The town of Wigon in Lancashire taken by Sir John Seaton with all the armes and ammunition therein 31 Monmouth in Wales taken by Sir VVilliam VValler about
under Laughorne he was eight thousand and we were three thousand and took them prisoners And Chepstow and other Garrisons were there reduced As also Appleby Castle Brugham other places of strength in the North And Waymor Castle in Kent A good successe in North Wales against Sir John Owin The defeat of Sir Henry Lingen and his party on the 17th of the same month in Montgomeryshire by the Forces under the Command of Colonell Horton and Major Robert Harley and Col. Dingley Newcastle 10 Aug. 1648. Lieu. Col. Lilburn Deputy Governour of Tinmouth sends most of his owne souldiers in parties abroad and declares for the King and Himselfe armed such prisoners that were in the Castle The Officer that kept the Armes being but a Corporal he ran through for refusing to deliver them a sadde and ominous action some leap over the wall to give Sir Arthur Hazleridge our Governour notice In the interim Lilburne summons all the saylors and others to come in and assist him for the King Sir Arthur in the meane time sends a party under Lieut. Col. Ashfield also with a 100 Dragoones who with such ladders as could be got got thither before morning yet not so private but some shot was made they fall to storming Major Cobbit leading on the Forlorn and after a hot dispute the Castle was recovered all in armes put to the sword the Lieut. Col. found dead whom a Souldier espied cuts off his head and sets it upon a pole on the wall where it now stands crying God blesse the Parliament The Souldiers got at least 2000 li. in money and plate which was laid up by Lieu. Col. Lilburnes Royall friends Aug. 14. 1648. 800 land souldiers and saylors came to land with a resolution to fall upon Col. Riches Col. Hewsons men as they lay intrenched but being discovered 300 Musketeers were drawn out of Col. Hewsons Col. Maj. Husbands mounted 100 Horse The Princes forces marched up with a great resolution the Major wheeles about in way of retreate which occasioned them to advance in conceit of a victory the horse flanked them the 300 Muketiers at the same time discharged and presently the Princes party is in disorder the Parliaments fell to execution neere 200 slaine on the place many of quality taken 100 prisoners 300 Armes the rest wounded and fled Sandoune delivered up It is observable that Aug. 17 the Covenant was taken in Scotl. and their Army on Aug. 17 was routed for the violation thereof in England A List of the Particulars of the Victory against the Scots from the first to the last Taken Prisoners Duke Hamilton Lord Gen. the E. of Callendor L. G. and two Earles besides Maj. Gen. Vanrusk Lieu. Col. Bayley five Lords five Knights 16 Colonels 20 Lieutenant Colonels 25 Serjeant Majors 70 Captaines 100 Lieutenants 90 Ensignes 30 Cornets 8 Trumpeters 350 inferiour Officers 300 Servants Taken in all 9000 Souldiers by L. Gen. Crum 2000 souldiers in severall places 3000 Souldiers in Vloxter 4000 Horse 3500 Horse Armes 15000 foot armes 160 Colours 2500 slain Ours under the command of Lieut. Gen. Crumwell was but 8600. Letters were read in the House of Commons from Col. Rich that he Col. Hewson c. have taken Deale Castle for the Parliament Officers and Souldiers to march away and leave all behinde them giving their faith never to engage against the Parliament There marched out Captaine Wynn the Governour and 200 more besides 16 that were sicke Aug. 19 Taken Prisoners in Colch The E. of Norwich L. Capel L. Louborough Sir Charl. Lucas was shot to death Sir Geor. Lyle was likewise shot to death Sir William Compton Sir Barn Gascoign Sir Abra. Skipman Sir Hugh Oreley Sir Hen. Appleton Sir Rich: Mauleverer Sir Lodo. Dyer Sir Char. Hastings c. Collonels Wil Maxey Farre Ayloff Bard Hamond Till Heath Tewk Chester Gilburt Culpepper Saver Slingsby Lancaster c. 183 Knights Col. and Esquires 300 other Officers 3067 Souldiers 5000 Armes 26 Ordnance Scarborough taken by Col. Bethel by storme with the losse of six men and some wounded and 35 of the Enemy slain and neer 200 prisoners Septemb. 16. 1648. The Names of those that are appointed to attend his Majesty during the Treaty Duke of Richmond Marquesse of Hertford E. of Southampton Earle of Lindsey George Kirke James Leviston Henry Murray Thomas Davis Hugh Henne Humphery Rogers William Levet John Rivers Sir Ed. Sidenham Rob. Tirwhit John Howsdon Mrs. Wheeler with such maides as she shall make choice of Sir Fowlke Grevile Capt. Titus Cap. Burrowes M. Cresset M. Ansley M. Firebrace Dr. Juxon Dr. Dupper Dr. Sanderson Dr. Turner and Doctor Honywood Sir Thomas Gardner Sir Orlando Bridgeman Mr. Jeffery Palmer Mr. Thomas Cooke Mr. Jo. Vaughan Edward Walker Esquire Mr. Philip Warwicke Mr. Nicholas Owdart Mr. Charles Whitacre Mr. Philip Newton Mr. Clement Kinnersley Dr. Ducke Dr. Reves two civill Lawyers The names of the Commissioners sent from the Parliament Of the Lords House The Earle of Northumberland Earle of Pembrooke Earle of Salisbury Earle of Middlesex Viscount Sea And of the House of Commons The Lord Wayneman Sir Henry Vaine Sir John Pots Mr. Crew Mr. William Perepoint Mr. Denzill Hollis Sir Harbottle Grimstone Mr. Glin Mr. Bulkeley and Mr Samuell Browne Chaplaines for the Commissioners Mr. Caroll Mr. Seymer Mr. Hearle Mr. Vines Mr. Marshall FINIS * The Earl of Essex was in his friendships just and constant and would not have practised foully against those he took to be enemies No man had credit enough with him to corrupt him in point of loyalty to the king whilst he thought himself wise enough to know what treason was But the new doctrine and distinction of allegiance and of the king's power in and out of parliament and the new notions of ordinances were too hard for him and did really intoxicate his understanding and caused him to quit his own to follow theirs who he thought wished as well and judged better than himself His vanity disposed him to be his Excellency and his weakness to believe that he should be the General in the Houses as well as in the field and be able to govern their councils and restrain their passions as well as to fight their battles and that by this means he should become the preserver and not the destroyer of the king and kingdom With this ill-grounded confidence he launched out into that sea where he met with nothing but rocks and shelves and from whence he could never discover any safe port to harbour in When he took the command of the parliament army he was better qualified than any man in the kingdom for that post but was soon eclipsed by a new race of soldiers who if not his superiors in the art of war went far beyond him in spirit and enterprise He died the 14th of September 1646 and his death helped to open a way for the ambition of Cromwell The due desert of Englands deceased Generall the Earle of Essex The Earle
signal exploit was the taking of Carlisle in which he found a seasonable supply of arms and ammunition He freely confessed to Charles I. upon what errors and mistakes he had been corrupted and by whom and pretended so deep a sense of what he had done amiss that it was believed he would have taken a command in the king's army which he declined as it might have been penal to him in Scotland by some clause in the Act of the Pacification but especially upon pretence it would disable him from doing him greater service in that kingdom whither shortly after the standard was set up he repaired with all solemn vows of asserting and improving his Majesty's interest in those parts The earl of Calendar died in October 1672. The hand of God carrying on our brethren of Scotland Carlisle taken York taken The due praise of the noble E. of Stamford Henry lord Grey of Groby married Anne daughter and co-heir of William Cecil earl of Exeter in whose right he was possessed of the castle borough and manor of Stamford whence he took his title He was colonel of a regiment in the parliament army under the earl of Essex and was very active in their service particularly in Herefordshire and Cornwall In the Mercurius Rusticus is an account of his sending captain Kirle to plunder the house of Thomas Swift vicar of Goodwich in the county of Hereford who was supposed to have been plundered oftener than any other person during the civil war He was grandfather of the celebrated dean of St. Patrick's The earl of Stamford died the 21st of August 1673. Religion a cloke for covetousnesse The due praise of the noble E. of Denbigh Basil Fielding son of William Fielding earl of Denbigh was an officer in the parliament army at Edge-hill where his father fought on the part of the king In 1644 he took Russel House in Staffordshire and by that means opened a communication between Coventry and London and afterwards with a small number of men routed three thousand of the king's forces sent to the relief of Dudley Castle which he was then besieging In 1643 he succeeded to the peerage by the death of his father in consequence of several mortal wounds he had received in a hot engagement near Birmingham Upon the new modelling of the army he resigned his commission together with the earls of Essex and Manchester but still continued to act in concert with the republican party The earl of Denbigh was the chief of the commissioners sent to treat with the king in the Isle of Wight and when his majesty was about to deliver to him his answer to the parliament sealed he told him That though they had no authority to treat with him or to do any thing but to receive his answer yet they were not to be looked upon as common messengers and to carry back an answer that they had not seen and upon the matter refused to receive it and said they would return without any except they might see what they carried The king conceiving their return without his answer would be attended with the worst consequences told them that he had some reason for having offered to deliver it to them in that manner but if they would give him their words that the communicating it to them should be attended with no prejudice to him he would open it and cause it to be read and thereupon he opened it and gave it to one to read The earl of Denbigh died November 28 1675. Russell Hall and Oswestree taken The due praise of the right honourable L. Fairfax Ferdinand lord Fairfax at the commencement of the civil war received a commission from the earl of Essex generalissimo for the parliament to command all the forces of Yorkshire and the adjacent counties in chief by which in less time than could be reasonably imagined he was enabled to draw together an army of five or six thousand horse and foot so that York was in danger of falling into the hands of the parliament But the earl of Newcastle marched quickly to its relief and having left a good garrison in Newcastle and fixed such small garrisons in his way as might secure his communication with that port to which all his ammunition was to be brought he entered York and though the lord Fairfax kept Selby and Cawood the earl of Newcastle was absolute master of the field and totally routed Fairfax at Adderton Moor in June 1643 but he and his son sir Thomas gained a complete victory over colonel Bellasyse governor of York at Selby the eleventh of April 1634 for which the parliament ordered a general thanksgiving After sir Thomas Glemham had surrendered York and the earl of Newcastle had retired beyond the seas he succeeded to the government of that city and of the northern counties He died at York March 13 1647-8 The Covenant taken in york-shire Newcastle routed neer Tadcaster Newcastle again routed neer Bradford VVhitby Cawood and Axholm Island taken The due praise the right honourable L. Roberts John lord Roberts had the command of a regiment under the earl of Essex and at Newbury led the parliament forces to the charge with great gallantry and by his courage and conduct routed the royal army He with part of his brigade defended Plymouth against the combined force of the enemy and several times repulsed them to their great loss He was a leading man in the councils of the patriotic junto and had afterward a principal hand in the restoration He had much learning but it was mixed with the pedantry of the time of James I. and was of a morose and splenetic temper He was appointed lord-lieutenant of Ireland by Charles II. in 1669 in a time of confusion when the various claims to the estates in that kingdom was to be adjusted His parts were by no means equal to this government at so critical a juncture as he had a genius rather for starting than solving difficulties He treated the Irish nobility with haughtiness and contempt and was himself treated with much less ceremony than he expected The king found it necessary to remove him from this employment and soon after his return to England appointed him president of the council and created him earl of Radnor He was observed to puzzle business and retard the dispatch of it more than any man that had ever been in the great offices which he enjoyed He died in the year 1685. His daughter Letitia Isabella who was first married to Charles earl of Drogheda was afterward the wife of Mr. Wycherly the dramatic poet The King routed at Newbery sight 15 Garrisons taken in Cornwall The due praise of the right honorable L. Brook Lord Brook was one of those patriots who so ardently longed for liberty that he was determined to seek it in America if he could not find it at home He and lord Say had actually agreed to transport themselves to New England but the sudden turn of affairs prevented their voyage Having
reduced Warwickshire to the obedience of the parliament he advanced into Staffordshire On the festival of St. Chad to whom the cathedral of Lichfield is dedicated he ordered his men to storm the adjoining close whither lord Chesterfield had retired with a body of the king's forces but before his orders could be put in execution he received a musket-shot in the eye by the hand of a common soldier of which he instantly died It was the opinion of some of the royalists and especially of the Roman Catholics that the bullet was directed by St. Chad. It is observable that the same man who was by one party looked upon as a monument of divine vengeance was by the other reverenced as a saint Baxter has placed him in heaven together with White Pym and Hampden His death happened in 1643. It was reported that lord Brook in his prayer the morning of his death for he used to pray publicly though his chaplain were in his presence wished that if the cause he was in was not right and just he might presently be cut off The due praise of the honorable L. Willoughby of Parham Lord Willoughby of Parham greatly distinguished himself in taking by storm at midnight the strong garrison of Gainsborough in July 1643 and in it the earl of Kingston and many gentlemen and common soldiers He afterward besieged and took the castle of Bolingbroke with a considerable quantity of arms and ammunition and signalized his courage on many occasions But a little before the restoration of Charles II. he left the parliament and secretly transported himself into Holland and arrived at Rotterdam when colonel Bamford returned from the fleet and went to wait upon the duke of York at the Hague Bamford delivered such a message from the fleet as he thought would hasten the duke's journey thither and told him the seamen made great inquiry after the lord Willoughby and much longed to have him with them insinuating to the duke that he had much contributed to that good disposition in the seamen and was privy to their revolt and had promised speedily to come to them and that it would be the most acceptable thing his highness could do to carry him with him to the fleet and make him his vice-admiral The duke made all imaginable haste to Helvoetsluys and immediately went on board the admiral where he was received with the usual marks of joy and acclamation He declared the lord Willoughby his vice-admiral and appointed some other officers in the several ships and speedily made ready to be out at sea Lord Willoughby accompanied the fleet sent to convey the king from Holland to his native country in 1660. Gainesborough taken * Sir Thomas Fairfax was formed as a soldier under Horatio lord Vere in the Netherlands and was at the taking of Bois le Duc from the Spaniards He was one of the first characters of his time for integrity and military accomplishments but his natural simplicity was so great that he was ever the dupe of Cromwell who had only the appearance of it He was a very useful instrument in the hands of that aspiring man who quickly reaped the fruit of all his victories Sir Horace Vere his master in the art of war was remarkable for doing great things with few men and Fairfax with the loss of few When the parliament determined to carry the war into Scotland Fairfax who had hitherto worn the name of general declared positively that he would not command the army against that country The Presbyterians said It was because he thought the war unlawful in regard it was against those of the same religion but his friends would have it believed that he would no longer fight against the king Hereupon Cromwell was chosen general which made no alteration in the army which he had modelled to his own mind before and commanded as absolutely But in all other places he grew more absolute and more imperious he discountenanced and suppressed the Presbyterians in all places who had been supported by Fairfax Sir Thomas afterward lord Fairfax has written memorials of himself and it is much to be wished that every great general had done the same though he had not like Caesar been equally dexterous at using the pen and the sword He versified the Psalms of David and other parts of Scripture but it is probable that they were never thought worth printing He died Nov. 12 1671 aged sixty The due praise of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax Byron routed at Namptwich Naesby fight Gorings Army routed at Langport Sherborn Castle Bristol taken Hopton routed Exeter Barnstaple Oxford Farringdon and Wallingford taken * Sir William Brereton gave abundant proof of his valour in the time of the civil war He in a sharp skirmish defeated sir Thomas Aston near Nantwich and soon after gave battle to the earl of Northampton in Staffordshire where that gallant and loyal nobleman was unfortunately slain He presently after took the town of Stafford by stratagem and next defeated lord Capel and aided by sir Thomas Fairfax forced lord Byron to raise the siege of Nantwich On the 18th of August 1645 he gained a memorable victory over prince Rupert in Cheshire In November the same year he in a fierce battle totally routed a large party of the king's army in conjunction with all the Welsh forces under the command of sir William Vaughan which composed a body of six thousand men He also took several castles the town of Rippon and the cities of Chester and Lichfield The due praise of Sir William Brereton E. of Northampton slain L. Capel routed The gallant service of Sir W. Brereton Beeston Castle taken Chester Lichfield and Dudley Castle taken * Sir William Waller son of sir Thomas Waller constable of Dover Castle and Margaret daughter of Sampson Lennard lord Dacre served in the Netherlands in the same camp with sir Ralph Hopton and was in the army of the confederate princes against the emperor He was one of the most able and active of the parliament generals and was for a considerable time victorious and therefore called William the Conqueror He was defeated at the battle of Lansdown near Bath and afterward totally routed at Roundway Down near the Devizes Hence with a little variation it was called Runaway Down and continues to be called so to this day Sir Arthur Haslerig's cuirassiers well known by the name of the lobsters were among the fugitives Cleveland says that they turned crabs and went backwards The conqueror's fame sunk considerably from this time but he afterward had the honour of defeating his former fellow-soldier the lord Hopton at Alresford The Presbyterians caused sir William Waller to be named for deputy or lieutenant of Ireland and at first Cromwell did not oppose the motion but consented to it being very willing to be rid both of Waller and all the officers who were willing to go with him who he knew were not his friends But when he saw Waller insist upon great supplies