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
of Essex made Generall of England in the yeere 1641. The Kings forces routed and Worcester taken Edge hill sight Prisoners taken Reading taken Aprill 18. 1643 Glocester relieved Cirencester taken Newbery sight * Alexander Lesley earl of Leven acquired the highest reputation as a soldier under Gustavus Adolphus king of Sweden who appointed him governor of Stralsund which he bravely and vigilantly defended against the Imperialists He was also governor of the cities along the coast of the Baltic and afterward felt-marshall over the army in Westphalia He had the supreme command of the Scottish army when it invaded England and was upon the cessation of arms betwixt the two kingdoms created an earl and about the same time made governor of the castle of Edinburgh He also commanded the army that marched into England in 1644 and which had so considerable a share in the battle of Marston Moor the greatest that was fought during the civil war Soon after the defeat of the royal army at this place general Leven the earl of Manchester and Fairfax with their combined forces sat down before York which presently surrendered upon terms They soon after divided their armies and Leven returning into the North took the rich town of Newcastle Zachary Hamilton preceptor to the Pretender's son told lord Hailes that Lesley was a soldier of fortune and that one day on a march in Scotland he said to an officer There is the house where I went to school How General answered the officer I thought you could not read Pardon me I got the length of the letter G. The due praise of Alexander Lesley Earl of Leven Lesleyes salutation and courting at the Court of England See their Speeches in print Cocket Island taken Ian. 20. 1643. Tinby taken March 19. 1643. Durham and Lomby taken April 14 15 1646. York besieged The battell at Marston-moore York taken Newcastle besieged Newcastle taken Octob. 20. 1644. Carlisle taken Newark taken by the assistance of our brethren of Scotland * The Earl of Warwick who assisted in the king's council was not much wondered at for deserting his royal master whom he had never well served nor did he look upon himself as obliged by that honour which he knew was conferred upon him in the crowd of those whom his majesty had no esteem of or ever proposed to trust so his business was to join with those to whom he was indebted for promotion He was a man of a pleasant and companionable wit and conversation of a universal jollity and such a licence in his words and in his actions that a man of less virtue could not be found so that one might reasonably have believed that a man so qualified would not have been able to have contributed much to the overthrow of a nation and kingdom But with all these faults he had great authority and credit with those people who in the beginning of the troubles did all the mischief and by opening his doors and making his house the rendezvous of all the silenced ministers in the time when there was authority to silence them and spending a good part of his estate of which he was very prodigal upon them and by being present with them at their devotions and making himself merry with them he became the head of that party and got the character of a godly man When the king revoked the earl of Northumberland's commission of admiral he accepted that office from the parliament and never quitted their service and when Cromwell dissolved that parliament he betook himself to the protection of the Protector married his heir to his daughter and lived in so entire a confidence and friendship with him that when the Protector died he exceedingly lamented him The earl of Warwick died April 19 1659 aged 71 and lies buried in Folstead Church Essex He left his estate which before was subject to a vast debt more improved and repaired than any man who trafficked in that desperate commodity of rebellion The due praise of Robert Earl of Warwick The E. of Warwick made high Admirall of England in the yeer 1642. The Navy at Sea secured Portsmouth taken Carmarthen Casurprized by the Earle of Warvvick * Edward earl of Manchester a nobleman of many great and amiable qualities was a zealous and no less able patron of liberty but without enmity to monarchy or the person of the king He was one of the avowed patriots in the house of peers and the only member of that house who was accused by Charles of high-treason together with the five members of the house of commons In the civil war he had the charge of seven of the associated counties and with his usual activity and address raised an army of horse which he commanded in person Soon after he entered upon his command he forced the town of Lynne to submit to the parliament and defeated the earl of Newcastle's army at Horn Castle In 1644 he took Lincoln by storm and had a principal share in the victory at Marston Moor After the battle of Newbury he was suspected of favouring the king's interest was even accused by Cromwell of neglect of duty and by the self-denying ordinance deprived of his commission He had been bred up in the court under the favour of the duke of Buckingham a lady of whose family he had married and had attended upon the prince when he was in Spain was called to the house of peers in the lifetime of his father which was a very extraordinary favour Upon the death of the duke of Buckingham his wife being likewise dead he married the daughter of the earl of Warwick a man in no grace at court and looked upon as the greatest patron of the Puritans because of much the greatest estate of all who favoured them after this second marriage lord Manchester totally estranged himself from the court and entered into all the politics of his father-in-law but at last he heartily concurred in the restoration of Charles the Second who appointed him lordchamberlain of his household He died May 5 1671 aged sixty-nine The due praise of the Earle of Manchester Colours and prisoners taken Horncastle Gainesborough and Lincolne taken York besieged Tickell Shelford and VVelbeck taken The due praise of the Earle of Calendar James Levingston earl of Calendar who descended from the house of Linlithgow was formed as a soldier in the wars of Bohemia Holland Sweden and Germany and acquired a great reputation in his military character He was a gentleman of the bedchamber to Charles I. who created him lord Levingston of Almont in 1633 and earl of Calendar 1641. Upon the eruption of the civil war he took the side of the parliament but afterward attached himself to the king He marched into England soon after the battle of Marston Moor with ten thousand men to assist the earl of Leven in reducing York He was lieutenant-general of the Scots army that attempted to rescue Charles from his confinement in the Isle of Wight His most
grant may be effectuall that righteousnes may take place and peace and truth may meet together so shall our Kingdom flourish and we become a happy people by continuing in the Bond of Unity Courteous Reader if you meet with errata for I am conscientious to my selfe of my owne insufficiency I intreate you to impute them to the Diurnalls my best Intelligencers And as for other slips not suiting with thine affection yet perâ—it judicium cum res transit in affectum I must conclude with Lypsius his deprication Mihi quidem mens ubique bona si alibi humana haec lingua aut calamus hic titubavit ne asperè quaeso minus luam To close all as I prefixed to this short Epistle a Doxalogie so I shut it up with the Psalmists thankful acknowledgment which that renowned Conqueror Hen. 5 commanded to be sung in his Campe after the famous Victory at Agin-Court Not unto us Lord not unto us not to our Parliament not to our Armies not to our Navy nor to London but to thy name give the praise Ps. 115. 5. By John Leycester Robert Earle of Essex his Exellence Lord Generall of the Parlints Army etc lately deceased CHAP. I. Upon the illustrious and right honourable ROBERT Earle of Essex sometimes Generall of England lately deceased * Brightest Starre of the whole constellation Of warlike Worthies sending influence Of vigour to an old collapsed Nation Divided not by Romish negligence Had not thy courage cop'd with bloudy men Thy Conquests had not been so got with bloud But destruction needs must follow when Their cruelty threatning like a swelling floud Life and Lawes with an imperiall rage Providence by thy prowesse did asswage That furious torrent leaving the crimson ground Edg-hill and Newb'ry Marsh thy fame to sound For in those fields thou didst triumphantly Conquer the enemy and got'st the victory Therefore thou had'st instead of passing Bells The Drums and Cannons thunder forth thy knels THis our never sufficiently honoured English Generall his Excellency the Earle of Essex deserves a record written in letters of gold and a tomb carved out in precious stones with this inscription upon it for after Ages to read Here 's intomb'd Robert Devereux Brave renouned Earle of Essex Who was in English mens account The Phoenix Peer Lord Paramount A friend to Truth and Peace he was God lov'd him well that was the cause That he away from hence was sent Into the highest Firmament Where I leave him amongst the Angels and glorious host and descend from his celestiall to this terrestriall actions in some measure to speak of what he did most gallantly perform in the time he was late Lord Generall of England which was in the yeare 1641. and upon the third of July in the said year his Excellency rode through London to take a view of his voluntarie Citizens and Apprentices of London that had listed themselves under him and were met to be mustered in the new Artillery whither their renouned Generall no sooner came but was entertained with shouts of joy flinging up their hats into the ayre and crying with a loud voice We will live and die with you my Lord and he answered And I by the help of God am ready to do the like with you Never was Generall better beloved by his Souldiers then he was many of them to this day with heavy hearts shake their heads and cry Adieu brave Devereux adieu This renouned Generall had no sooner received his instruction from the Parliament but he marched into the field and hearing of the Kings Forces near Worcester plundering and spoiling the Countrey he marched up to them fell suddenly upon them and utterly routed them the 12. of September 1642. and afterwards tooke the City of Worcester and hearing the Kings scattered Forces got a head neare unto Shrewesbury in Shropshire he marched after them and drove them before him untill they saw their own advantage of time and place pitched there maine body upon a place called Edge-hill neere Keynton where our noble Generall drew up to them and most gallantly charged them in his own person and after a fierce battell the Enemy were wholly routed and most confusedly retreated with great losse where was taken the Kings Standard the L. Willoughby Sir Edward Stanley Col. Vavasour Col. Lunsford with many hundreds more in which sight was slain the Earl of Lindsey the Kings Generall the L. Aubeny Sir Edmond Verney the Kings Standard-bearer with divers other Officers of quality and many hundred common souldiers Octob. the 22. 1642. in this battell the Earl of Essex fought so gallantly shewing so much courage and fidelity that his very enemies did acknowledge it The winter was no sooner over past that Artillery might bee drawne but his Excellency againe tooke field and marched up to Reading and straightly besieged it and after a small time tooke it Aprill the 18. 1643. and afterwards marched to Glocester and relieved it then to Cirencester and took it and drew up the whole Army and gave the Kings Army battell at Newbery and utterly routed them kill'd five Lords and many hundreds more in this fight our noble Generall did in his owne person charge the enemy to the great encouragement of his Souldiers and after he had performed this service he marched for the relief of the oppressed West Countrey and beat up the enemies quarters before him tooke the town of Barnstaple in Devonshire and the Castle of Taunton-Deane with all the ammunition the 22. of June 1644. and afterwards marched up to Mount Stamford and tooke it with all the ammunition as also the town of Plympton with the Garrison of Saltash and Launceston with four or five more small Garrisons And againe he marches forward and takes Greenvill-house and Newbridge with all the ammunition the 14 of July 1644. and afterward took Tadcaster in Cornwall and Foy with many Ships in the Harbour These with many more did this renouned Generall his Excellency the Earle of Essex performe alwaies bearing a tender respect to his souldiers to see them well provided for And this was and is noble Essex's honor that he was mercifull to man and beast himselfe free from cowardice or covetousnesse pride or contention His Exellence Alexander Lasley Generall of the Scotch Army CHAP. II. Upon the right Honourable Alexander Lesley Earle of Leven Generall of the Scots Army * The great Commander of our warlike Friends And Brethren is this noble valiant Scot Whose sincere heart 's free from selfe-seeking ends His love and labour must not be forgot York Newcastle and her Marquesse knowes Their conquer'd State and his sad overthrowes Digby and Langdale too may waile their losse And that rebellious Army of Montrosse IF art could invent or wisdom delineate the height of perfection that is to be found in the most noble parts of military Discipline then renouned Lesley would be the admiration of all the world who now hath
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
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
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
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
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