And now a King being wanting that good Order might be maintained the Princes in full Assembly proposed that Honour to Robert Duke of Normandy but he having notice of his Brothers death declin'd it as being desirous to return and take possession of his Kingdom of England though he afterward found it prepossessed by his younger Brother Henry nor long was it e're he deprived him of his Dutchy of Normandy and finally of his life by putting out his Eyes which many attributed as a Judgement for refusing the profferâ—d Scepter of Jerusalem but upon this refusal Godfry of Bulloin Duke of Lorrain was unanimously chosen King yet refused to be crowned with a golden Crown where his Saviour for the Salvation of Mankind had sometimes worn a Crown of Thorns And although an Army of an 100000 Turks and Sarazens advanced to recover the City yet the Princes drawing out their strength gave them Battel with so fearful an overthrow that all the Hills and Plains for the space of nine miles were covered with the bodies of the slain and so Jerusalem with other exceeding large Territories continued in the Possession of the European Christians during the Reign of nine Kings and for the space of an 100 Years when through their own Dissentions it was lost to Salladine the Sultan of Aegypt Thus Fame and Piety drew Arms from far And made proud Asia reel with heavy War Whilst Christian Faith 's regrafted on the stem Where it first flourish'd great Jerusalem Whilst Jacob's Heritage the Promis'd Land Do's find her Scepter in a Christian hand A Description of the Famous Battel fought near Cressy between the English under the Leading of Edward the Black Prince and the French under the Leading of Philip their King c. KING Edward the third of England having in the right of his Mother laid claim to the Crown of France and the French opposing to it their Salique Law by which the Heirs Female are disabled from governing he rais'd a powerful Army to gain by the Sword that Right which was deny'd him by a pretended Law made to exclude the Daughters of France c. taking upon him the Title of King of France Quartering the Arms of that Kingdom with those of England which have so continued from that day and landing in the North parts he wasted the Country with Fire and Sword as far as Turwin defeating such Forces as came to oppose him and reduced many Towns to his Obedience soon after destroying their Fleet of 400 Sail of Ships and in it 30000 men many of them of the prime Nobility but still being refused to be invested in the possession of the Kingdom having refreshed himself in England and settled his Affairs levied an Army of 32500 Horse and Foot with which he repassed the Seas and brought such a terror upon the French that many great Towns were abandoned without resistance which obliged Philip the French King to raise the whole power of his Country consisting of 100000 Horse and Foot the Flower of France c. and with them advanced by hasty marches to give the English battel or to oblige them to retire of which King Edward having notice by his Espials caused his Horsemen to quit their Horses and marshal'd his Army on foot in three Battalions the chief of which himself retained as a reserve mostly composed of men at Arms and the other two under the leading of the Black Prince his Son and divers Nobles he caused to advance into the Plain where the French coming on with great Fury as not expecting but to obtain the Victory were received in the front by the Avaunt-guard of the Men at Arms whilst the wings of Archers sent showers of Arrows amongst them which gauling their squadrons of Horse in the flank put them into great disorder at which the French Commanders of the Horse growing impatient broke through their own foot and made a strong effort upon the Princes Battel by continually pressing on with fresh men which made the Lords who guarded the Prince send to the King entreating him to advance with his battel to their Succour To which he returned answer That he designed the Glory of the day to his Son and that whilst he was alive they must not expect any Succour from him but fight valiantly to win Honour and Renown which Answer so animated the English that they fought more desperate than ever insomuch that the French Horse being in confusion by the goaring of Pikes and the shot of Arrows and the Foot not able to relieve them the men at Arms brake in with such fury and in a firm battel piercing their squadrons that they could find no place of retreat or rally so that the other Battalion charging in the flank and the Archers still delivering their Arrows with great Celerity Victory declared on the part of the English whilst nothing but flight and slaughter ensued on the part of the French insomuch that in six hours space the field was heaped with the bodies of the slain and nothing was heard so loud as the Crys of the dying men whilst happy was he that could escape the Swords of his fierce Pursuers In this battel were slain the Kings of Navar and Bohemia two Princes of the blood seven Earls and 15000 Barons Knights and men at Arms with not less than 30000 of-lesser note besides a great number taken Prisoners and many of those of the first rank which were afterwards put to their ransoms The battel being entirely won the King and Prince marched to Calais and besieged it when as the Governour having capitulated for some time and the attempts to relieve it proving unsuccessful he surrendred it to the King who placed an English Colony therein and whilst this War lasted David King of Scotland taking part with the French and invading England in the absence of the King was defeated near Durham and himself taken Prisoner by one Copland most of his Army being slain and was after eleven years imprisonment redeemed at 100000 Marks nor was Prince Edward less victorious in a second battel fought between him and John the French King Son to the foremention'd Philip who came against him with 100000 Horse and Foot or as some will have it 130000 in which battel fought near Poâ—tus there were slain fifty two Noble men most of them Dukes and Earls 1700 Knights and Esquires and 16000 common Souldiers the King himself together with Philip the Dauphin one Arch-Bishop ten Earls and about 200 Knights and Esquires were taken Prisoners besides a great number of lesser note though here the French were three to one in the Field Thus England's Antient Glory rais'd by Arms The World through Fame's loud breathing Trumpet charms And this Memorial through all Lands does spread That no Land has more valiant Hero 's bred A Relation of the fatal Battel fought on the Plains of Cossovia between Amurath the first King of the Turks and the Despot of Servia in League with divers other Christian Princes
THE Souldiers Companion OR MILITARY GLORY Display'd In a True and Impartial Description of all the Memorable Battels and Fights by Land and Sea c. That have been fought in Europe Asia Africa and America for upwards of Six hundred Years deduced from the Conquest of England by the Normans Anno 1066 to the last fight in Hungary Anno 1687. Wherein is contained the manner of marshalling Armies and Fights of divers Nations the Policies and Stratagems of Emperours Kings Princes and great Captains of several Ages together with their Success or Misfortunes on sundry Occasions drawn and collected from the most Authentick Histories and Relations Antient and Modern c. To which is added Seasonable Advice to young Souldiers and Officers c. Together with the Art of Gunnery and preparing Artificial Fire-works for War or Recreation with other things and Matters necessary to be known on the like Occasion By J. S. Timidi nunquam statuerunt Tropaeum Mars Dubius victorque cadit victusque resurgit Qui fugit Huic merito nulla corona datur LONDON Printed for Nath. Ponder at the Peacock in the Poultrey 1688. LICENSED And Entred according to Order THE PREFACE TO THE READER READER it frequently appears by the Histories of all Nations that Military Glory has not only taken up the Thoughts but the Business of the most Illustrious part of Men in courting which they have not only spared to expose themselves to all the hazards and dangers imaginable but pressing on even beyond the sense of danger have performed to their immortal Fame such Heroick Enterprises and Actions as have shaken the belief of many into the highest degree of Incredulity especially such as have received them upon bare report naked and unadorned with the many Circumstances that attended them wherefore I have thought it highly convenient at this juncture to restore if possible their belief by giving them a true Relation of the many famous Battels and Sea-Fights that have been fought under the leading of Emperours Kings Princes and Great Captains the most expert of their times in Warlike Discipline with their various Success and Fortune Nor may it serve less to incite or inflame the Valiant where a Just cause offers an Invitation Precedents of this Nature always being attended with powerful Motives to stir up even the Pusilanimous at least to conceive a generous esteem of great Atchievements and kindle in Heroick Minds a restless Flame not to be extinguished but by Death Themistocles that Noble Graecian whose Fame reaches to the end of Time having seen the Triumph of Miltiades for a Victory he had obtained could not as the story of him goes sleep but became altogether restless till he found Opportunity to enter upon a command wherein he became the Bulwork and Glory of his Country and it is reported of the Great Julius Caesar first Emperour of Rome that whilst he was but in a low Station seeing the Statue of Alexander the great and being sensible what vast Kingdoms and Countries that Monarch had subdued and brought under his Subjection in a short spaoe he wept because being equal to him in years himself had not arrived at his Perfection and thereupon ceased not till he made almost all the then known World at his Devotion nor of this kind is he who was truly stiled the delight of Mankind and the Honour of our English Nation the wise and valiant Sir Philip Sidney to be omitted who reports of himself That hearing the Ballad of the fight between the Earls Piercy and Dowglass sung but by a common Chanter it raised in him such a desire of Martial Enterprises that he from that time coveted nothing more than to signalize his Valour in the Field which afterward became to his immortal Fame the wonder of the Christian World. Nor does this Treatise consist only of Battels c. but of the Policies Stratagems and Practices of the most Expert and Renowned Generals and Captains whereby they secured themselves in a retreat circumvented the Enemy or obtained the Victory To which a Scheme of Military Behaviour is added c. with the most material matters and things appertaining to Engenry especially as to what relates to Gunnery and Artificial Fire works c. with somewhat that refers to Fortification by which even the unlearned may have an insight into that great and curious Art and Mistery and be made sensible at once of the danger and advantage that attendâ— it which insight if it be his fortune to seek for Honour in the Field c. may greatly profit the Reader or if otherwise he will at least get this advantage by it to know in his Retirement what otherâ— have sought for not without effusion of Blood through innumerable hazards and dangers And so hoping it will prove advantageous not being perverted to a sinister end I humbly take leave to subscribe my self Reader Your devoted Friend and Servant J. S. ADVERTISEMENT REader be pleased to take notice that the Battel of Alcazar is by an unhappy Mistake placed out of due order and ought to have followed the Battel of St. Quintines after Page Folio 134. A POEM Recommended to the Reader upon the Perusal of the Book intitled The Souldiers Companion c. By a Person of Quality IF Fame and Martial Glory you affect Reader what more than 's here can you expect Or if you 'd know what in days past was doneâ— This Book informs you how much Fame was won How by their Valour Heroes got Renown How never-fading Laurels wreath'd their Crown And rising Monarchs grasp'd a lasting Throne Or won vast kingdoms to augment their own How Nations felt a sudden change of State And Fortune's treacherous smiles perceiv'd too late How Princes set in Blood how Armies fell How Plains with might heaps of Ruine swell How Rivers with a Crimson Torrent rise How th' Victors shouts and how the vanquish'd's crys Pierce thinner Air and rend the blushing Skies How clashing Arms a horrid discord bray And Earth-born Thunders cloud the Lamp of day How Iron Globes with Death pave all their way Whilst angry Vollies bellow'd o're the Plain And made it seem but one great Field of Flame Here you may count the number of the slain Or see the yielding Souldier on his Knee Begging for Life from 's enrag'd Enemy See others nobly bold maintain a fight And in despair to conquer take delight More in a noble death than slavish flight See those in rout cast every way their Arms Whilst hot pursuit their rear with slaughter storms Sad sights you 'l say but he who War will court Must steel his Heart and think the Danger Sport Yet safely you may sit and view a Sceen That fatal has to bleeding Nations been Nor is this all in it more things you 'l find That may more please a weak and tender mind Though it for Heroes chiefly was design'd With Magick Flame it treats the God of War And new created Fires adds to his Star. THE Souldiers
or attempt to hinder his Passage when at Bachichich he mustered his Forces and found them to consist of 800000 Horse and Foot of divers Nations and there he gave them general Pay not having suffered any of them to do the least Outrage or Injury to the People or their Goods through the Country they had passed The News of whose Approach coming to Bajazet as he lay at the Siege of Constantinople he rise and with his whole Power passed into Asia happily as the Tarter wished who would have been otherwise much put to it for Conveniency to transport so great an Army nor had Bajazet failed with a small Fleet to have prevented it However whilst Tamerlane was passing the Euphrates and taking the great City of Sabastia Bajazet joyned his Lieutenant in Asia so that their united Forces made no less than 500000 effectual men when meeting with the Governour oâ— Sabastia whom Tamerlane had sent to acquaint him with the Subversion of that City he demanded which was the greater Army he having seen both to which after craving pardon if speaking according to his Judgment he should offend That doubtless Tamerlane's must needs be the greatest seeing he was Lord of far greater Countries at which Bajazet laughing said to those that stood by Out of doubt the sight of the Tartars have made this Coward so afraid that he believes every one to be two The Armies by this time being come within sight of each other upon the large Plains of Sennas it was not thought by either General convenient to joyn Battel that Evening by reason the Day was far spent but to stand upon their Guard till the next Morning though several Skirmishes passed between the Turkish Avaunt-guard and the Parthean Horsemen in which a Turkish Officer being taken and carried before Tamerlane he caused him to be dismissed with a Command to tell his Master That now he was come to meet him in the Field as he had desired and that he might the better know him he should find him fighting under the Green Standard The Morning being come and either Army standing in Battel-array the charge was sounded whereupon the Wings began to move with great speed whilst the Prince of Ciracan Tamerlain's Lieutenant and Kinsman with 40000 Horse gathered in Parthia and Media charging the Avaunt-guard with great fury pierced the main battel and put the Janizaries into disorder But the Prince entering too far amongst their Ranks was slain and his squadron in the end over-borne whereupon Axalla with his squadron composed of Sciths and Parthians with such fury charged the Turks left Wing that cutting down all that opposed him he stopped not till he faced the Battalion of the Janizaries at what time the foot-men came to joyn him yet so valiantly did the Janizaries stand to their Arms in the middle of whom was the Person of their King that the fight continued bloody and doubtful for the space of an hour or more all the place being paved with dead Men and Horses till the Tartars overcharged gave ground which Tamerlain perceiving sent 10000 Horse to reinforce them and other 10000 to fight in the Rear ward whilst his foot-men fell on with the Turk main battel that was as yet unshaken and forcing their way opened a Passage to the Rear-ward of the Janizaries who sustaineâ— their charge for a considerable time buâ— being in the end over-power'd by number they were obliged to give ground when Tamerlain coming on with a Reserve of 50000 fresh Horse and charging through the Horsemen that covered the main battel of the Turks and the Foot-men already wearied and tired out making but weak resistance many of their prime Commanders being slain they were on all sides miserably beaten down by the Horsemen who with their Maces Poll-axes and Scimiters entering their Ranks made great slaughter so that losing Courage and Power to resist they betook themselves to flight and amongst them Bajazet wounded in his endeavouring to restore the battel who together with his Son Musa fell into the hands of Axalla as also did the Despot of Servia who were presented to Tamerlain Nor is it held by many thar had not the Subjects of the Mahometan princes press'd to the War â—n divers parts of Asia the less perceived â—heir natural Lords under the Tartars Banâ—er and in the heat of the fight gone over â—o them the Victory had gone with the Turks However in this fight which lasted â—om seven in the Morning till four in the Evening 80000 Tartars and 120000 Turks â—re computed to be slain and amongst the â—ormer of note only the Prince of Ciracan who was slain at the beginning of the fight and amongst the latter Mustapha Bajazets eldest Son with divers Bassa's and the Agâ— of the Janizaries And it is further confirmed that when Bajazet being a Prisoner was brought before Tamerlane that he askeâ— him the reason that moved him to War againâ— so noble a Prince as the Greek Emperour without any cause given to which he replyed Even the same Cause that moved you to invaâ— me viz. The desire of Glory and Sovereigmâ— And why said the Tartar Prince do you 〈◊〉 such Tyranny over those you Conquer withâ— respect of Sex or Age That did I said hâ— to give the greater Terror to my Enemies Aâ— Ah continued Tamerlane What would yâ— have done with me if it had been your Fortâ—â— to have had me in your Power I would saâ— Bajazet boldly replying as not conqueâ—â— though overcome Have put you in an Iâ—â— Cage and as a Trophy of my victory hâ—â— carried you throughout my Dominions Thâ— said Tamerlane It is but just that I serve 〈◊〉 in the like kind and thereupon commaâ—â—ing him out of his Presence a cage by 〈◊〉 Order was made for him in which he continued till in a desperate Mood he beat 〈◊〉 Brains out against the Bars of it And 〈◊〉 though Tamerlain pursuing this Victorâ—â— won all that which the Turks held in 〈◊〉 rope and most of that in Asia yet he dyâ—â— Mahomet Bajazets Son recovered it in few years by Policy and Force Thus we behold how fickle Fortunes Wheel Plays Tricks with mighty Ones and lets them feel How soon from th' top of Empire she can thrust Monarchs and lay their Glory in the Dust A Description of the Battel of Azin-Court sought in France between Henry the Fifth King of England c. and the Dolphin of France c. on the Plains near Azin-Court c. KING Henry the Fifth coming to the Crown after the Death of Henry the Fourth his Father and being of a Martial Spirit began to consider how by some great Exploit he might leave a Name and thereupon considering that Normandy Guien Aquitain and Anjou were the rightful Inheritances of the Kings of England and had without any just Cause been wrested from his Predecessors during the Intestine Troubles of this Kingdom he sent Ambassadors to Charles the French King to demand them but not only being denied it
when drain'd near dry Thus our Pharsalia England's Tragedy Was Acted in a bloody Scene till Death With slaughter tir'd was almost out of breath What Lands what Kingdoms might our men have â—ane With that Bloods loss which Civil hands have drawn Such Pow'rs united as our Fields distain'd By Conquering on vast Empires might have gain'd Have overset bold Ott'mans Rising Throne And seen his Conquests far beneath their own A Description of the Battel of Bosworth-field fought between Richard the Third King of England and Henry Earl of Richmond known afterward by the Title of King Henry the Seventh c. AFter the Death of Edward the Fourth Richard Plantagenet Duke of Glocester having caused his two Nephews to be murthered usurped the Throne endeavouring to establish himself therein as he had first acquired it viz. by blood so that greatly oppressing his Subjects and especially the Nobility as also causing Queen Ann his Wife secretly to be made away that he might marry Elizabeth his Neece Daughter to his Brother King Edward the Fourth divers conspired against him and amongst the rest the Duke of Buckingham who had been the main Instrument in helping him into the Throne but raising Forces and being unsuccessful in his attempt his men flying and leaving him to shift for himself he resorted to the House of one Banister who had been his Steward and had got a good Estate under him where for a time he secured himself in disguise to attend his better fortune though it proved otherwise for King Richard seting 1000 l. upon his head the same Banister in whom he confided discovered him to the Sherif of the County who seizing upon him in the Disguise or Habit of a Gardiner carried him to Salisbury where by the Command of the King without Arraignment or Tryal he was beheaded And now by a secret Contract the Earl of Richmond being betroth'd to the Lady Elizabeth Eldest Daughter to Edward the Fourth after having escaped many Dangers beyond the Scas and his Faction being strong in England prepares with such an Army as he could well gather by the favour of the Duke of Brittany and increased by such English as fled to him for fear of the Usurper for England and landed at Milford-Haven his Retinue not exceeding 2000 but was soon increased to a far greater number by those that daily came to joyn him which made King Richard advance with his Army to oppose him and pitched his Tents at Radmore near Bosworth in Leicestershire and both Armies being drawn up in Battalia the Lord Stanly with a great Detachment kept aloof on the Hills and the King suspecting he intended to revolt from him to his Enemy sent to him to advance but he refused saying he would do it when he saw his time whereupon King Richard in a great Rage commanded his Son whom he had in Hostage for the Fathers Fidelity instantly to be beheaded but was by some of his Favorites perswaded to defer it till the Battel was over by which means the young man escaped for both Armies joyning with great fury a bloody and doubtful fight ensued so that for a long time the Scale of Victory hung in an equal poise King Richard commanding and fighting courageously in all parts but the Lord Stanly when both Armies had tried their Strengths and were weary with fighting coming in with his fresh men bore down all before him so that King Richard perceiving the Fortune of the War to go against him like a man in despair resolving not to survive it charged with great fury amongst the thickest Squadrons and having killed and beaten down many was at length over-pow'red and himself slain falling upon heaps of his Enemies his Crown was afterward found in a Hawthorn-bush and himself stripped naked was carried all bloody upon a Horse to Leicester and there buried in the Grey-Friars with much Solemnity after its being exposed two days to the People In this Battel called the Battel of Bosworth-field 6000 men on either side were slain and amongst them divers of Note And now the Earl of Richmond being Crowned in the Field marched to London and soon after solemnly married the Lady Elizabeth joyning the Houses of Lancaster and York he being the Heir of the one and she the Heiress of the other And so the Discord to soft Concord yields That with the Bones o' th' slain made white the Fields Dividing Friends in an unfriendly Jar Rending the tor'ring State with Impious War Whilst Father against Son Brothers with Brothers fight Not caring who was wrong or who was right But smeer'd with Blood in Cruelty delight Being emulous who most cou'd vent his Rage Such is the fate when Civil Arms ingage A description of the Battel of Seminara fought in the Kingdom of Naples between King Ferdinand then intituled to that Kingdom and the Great Gonsalves Caâ—tain of the Spaniards on the one part and the Lords Obignny and Persive for Charles the French King on the other part Anno 1495. CHarles the French King victorious in Italy having won many strong Places and Countries and amongst the rest the Rich and Fertile Kingdom of Naples Ferdinand in whose right it was raising an Army of Spaniards Sicilians Italians c. and entred the Provinces the French had a little before brought to their Subjection in order to recover them advancing as far as the Country of Seminara to oppose whom the Lord Obignny Governour of Calabria for the French King and the Lord Persive Governour of Bosilicula marched with their united Forces from their appointed Rendezvous at Terranova to Seminara to fight the King or besiege him in the Town who knowing nothing of their Conjunction and ignorant of their number issued out of the Town upon news of their approach to give them Battel not staying for the Troops he expected from Puglia Campagnia and Arbuzzo though Gonsalves counted the expertest Captain of his Age laboured to disswade him from fight for being in the flower of Youth and height of his Spirit he rather strove to expose his Valour than hearken to good Counsel and so having made an excellent Speech or Oration to animate the Captains and Souldiers to do their utmost he marched towards Terranova three miles along the Hills and coming to the River lodged his Foot on the left Bank and his Horse-men he stretched on the right to serve for a Wing and so continued to expect the Enemy By this time the French and Switzers came in sight and Obignny cast the latter into a firm Battalion placing the Foot raised in Calabria behind them as a Battel of Succour dividing the Squadron of Horse between them being Men at Arms and in the same order the light Horse-men and so in a square Battel they pass d the River whereupon the Spanish Horse advanced to oppose them but being hotly charged by the thick Battalion of the French in the Advaunt-guard after many of them were beaten down and slain the rest were obliged to retire by
the Duke finding the Day lost used what Industry he could to make an orderly retreat into the Neighbouring Wood but by reason his Array was broken the Imperialists entered with him making great slaughter of his men and pressed so furiously upon him that although he stoutly defended himself yet at length he was taken Prisoner by Hippalito a Venetian and disarmed as likewise were a great number of his men and some prime Commanders In this Battel 2000 foot were slain as likewise 800 Horsemen and 700 wounded on the part of the Saxons but of the Germans the slain exceeded not 500 there were likewise taken 42 Ensigns with all the Plate Jewels Baggage and Furniture of the Camp though the Saxons made a kind of a marching or running fight for the space of fifteen miles in all continuing about eight hours and after this Victory all the Country of Saxony submitted to the Emperours Pleasure as soon after did most of the other Estates and Principalities that combined to withstand and oppose him Thus Saxony in her own Confines prest Through one great loss is many years distrest Labâ—ring with War till Peace at last gave rest A Description of the Memorable battel of Muscle-borough-field fought in Scotland between Edward Seimour Duke of Somerset and James Hamilton Earl of Arran Regents of England and Scotland Anno 1547. A Great difference arising between the two Nations upon the Scots refusing as it had been agreed upon in the days of Henry the Eighth to give their young Queen Mary sole Heiress to the Crown of Scotland to Edward the Sixth King of England c. The English under the leading of the Duke of Somerset and other Nobles entered that Kingdom resolving by War to prosecute them for their Obstinacy and oblige them if possible to the performance of what they without any Colour or Reason had refused whereupon on the third of September Anno 1547 the Lord Regent passed the Tweed with an Army consisting of 10000 foot of which 600 were Harquibuses 4000 men at Arms and Demilances with 2000 light Horse-men of whom 200 were Harquibusiers mounted and 1300 Pioneers the Train of Artillery consisting of fifteen great pieces besides a Fleet of sixty five Vessels whereof a great Gally and thirty four Ships were well appointed for War the rest being Victuallers and Tenders and on the ninth of September incamped within two Miles of the Scotish Army under the command of the Earl of Arran who the next Morning dislodged as likewise did the English and advanced towards each other though the former had but a bad welcome for some of the English Ships riding at Anchor in the River let flye so soon as they came within reach of their shot and killed a Captain together with twenty five Souldiers which made the Battalion of Archers commanded by the Earl of Argyle retreat nor could they be perswaded to advance which made the whole Army change the intended course by marching more Southwardly nor stayed they till they had possessed themselves of the Hill called Fauxside-Bray which made the duke of Somerset the English General send some Troops thither to secure the Hill it being of great advantage to those that possessed it and so successful was he therein that he procured in a short time several pieces of Cannon to be mounted thereon which afterward proved very serviceable in battering the Enemies Ranks and in the Emergency the Council debated on Horse-back what was to be done as not having liesure otherways to do it and came to result this viz. that the Lord Grey of Wilton Marshal of the Army and Captain General of all the Horse-men should with his band of Bulloiners and other Troops to the number of 1800 Horse-men advance to charge the Enemy in the Front whilst Sir Ralph Vane and Sir Thomas Darcy Captains of the Pentioners and Men at Arms together with the Lord Fitz-Walter and his band of Demilances to the number of 1600 should be ready to support him that so by a furious charge they might break or disorder the thick front of the Enemies Pikes and although this was a hazardous undertaking yet the Captains disputed not the Order only the Lord Grey desired the General that if he should miscarry in the Enterprize he would be good to his Wife and Children and so taking leave he advanced to meet the Scots who with no less speed came on in so thick a Wedge that it appeared very difficult if not impossible to pierce their Array for the Earl of Angues who commanded the Vaunt-guard had in his Battel 8000 Men and four or five pieces of Cannon which served as a flank on his Right and on his Left he had 400 Horse men and was supported with 10000 Highlanders and in the Rear-ward was the Earl of Huntly with 8000 Scots and 4000 Irish Archers who served as a Wing unto them both being furnished likewise with Ordnance as in the other battel nor was this all for the English had the difficulty of a great Slough or miry Ditch to struggle with in their Passage which not only obliged them to break their Ranks but mited divers of them that were not skilled in leaping yet surmounting these they came to a furious charge insomuch that although at the first onset the battel was not broken yet it swaied and gave back to Admiration so that the English gained Ground apace but the Lord Marshal finding he was not at that time capable of forcing their Ranks he made a softly retreat towards the Hill that they might disrank to follow him and he thereby have an opportunity to give a second charge before they could fall into order in which retreat he lost twenty five of his men and had divers wounded many of them Persons of Quality as the Lord Generals Son and Sir Thomas Darcy c. Nor did they fail to lay hold on the Kings Standard borne by Sir Andrew Flammock but it was so well defended that they only broke the Staff and carried away the nether end but the English Commanders having rallied their Troops and by moving Orations dissipated the fear the late slaughter occasioned and being re-inforced Peter Meucasa Captain of a Company of Harquibusiers on foot drew up in the front of the Enemies battel and was seconded by Peter Gamboa a Spanish Captain who commanded 200 Harquibusiers on Horseback who with their shot made such slaughter that the Scots durst not advance and by that means the English Archers had time to march on the Right-hand of our foot-men and feather them with their flights of Arrows and the great Ordnance playing transverse within Musquet-shot and the foot-men who had been obscured by the Horse advancing in good array the Scots began to shrink together though they were far superior to the English in number and quickly losing all Courage betook themselves to open flight their General the Earl of Arran flying foremost nor did Angues stand to it but followed with great Celerity so that the
Companion c. The Relation of the Great and Memorable Battel fought in Battel Field in Sussex between Harrold King of England and William Duke of Normandy on Octob. 14. 1066. KING Harrold having no sooner defeated the Army of Norvigians and Danes in the North with exceeding slaughter in which of note fell Harfagar King of Denmark Tosto his Brother and Olave his Son but News was brought him that the Normans under the leading of their Duke were landed in the South whereupon he made such speed with his Army that before they could pass through the County of Sussex he was drawing out of London and so with the like celerity marched to give them battel after having sent back the Messenger who came from the Duke of Normandy to demand possession of the Kingdom by vertue of a promise he had made him when being a private man he was taken Prisoner upon his Coast so that both Armies pitching their Tents upon a great Plain now known by the name of Battel-field the King sent divers Spies to view the Norman Camp who being taken and presented to the Duke he generously feasted them causing them to be carried from Tent to Tent and then they were dismissed without any damage or detriment And now Duke William a second time sending to demand the Kingdom or a single Combat with King Harrold and both of them being refus'd as also another proffer which was to hold the Kingdom as a Feudetary of Normandy the Armies drew out on the 14th of October 1066 to try the Fortune of a King and Kingdom by more Swords than one when being set in array of Battel and incouraged on either side with moving Orations the bloody Blast was sounded and the Kentish Men who claimed the Avaunt-guard or From of the Battel as their Right moved and charged the Enemy in the Front with great fury the Battalions and Wings of Horse on the other parts doing the like yet keeping firm in their thick and closed Ranks so that what with the shot of Arrows and those that came to the Sword and push of Pike a bloody and doubtful Fight ensued nor could the Normans with the continual wheeling of their Horse and shot of Archers of which they mostly consisted dismay or disorder the English Battel thoâ— in their motions they shot a slaunt in the Air that the Arrows in their fall might disable the inmost Ranks and gaul the Horse which the Duke perceiving and finding that unless he could loosen the Battel it was in vain for him to expect the Victory nor had he any hope of return his Fleet being before fired at his command he ordered the Retreat to be sounded but â—n such a manner that the whole Army consisting of 50000 Horse and Foot might suddenly face about and charge at the Signal appointed to be given which Stratagem answered his Expectation for the English supposing the Normans fled suddenâ—y disranked to pursue them so that their Orders being open and the Duke rallying 〈◊〉 is Men broke in with a furious Charge â—nd made such slaughter that the ground was covered with heaps of the slain nor â—ould the King though he laboured to cast â—â—em into a thick Body restore the Battel â—ut as he was intent upon it he received the â—ot of an Arrow which entred his Brain â—nd of which Wound he fell down dead â—ter which a miserable slaughter ensued â—ough a party of the English cast themselves into a Ring and manfully resisted however being in the end routed on all parts there fell 97974 by the Sword and shot of Arrows amongst which were the King and his two Brothers Leosin and Grith together with the flower of the English Nobility and of the Normans not above 9000 and although their Duke escaped he had three Horses slain under him yet by this Battel so gained he won a Kingdom for the Land being thus deprived of her King and Nobles no farther resistance was made but all things were left to the disposal of the Conqueror who soon after caused himself to be Crowned King and is known in our Cronologies by the style oâ— King William the First or William the Conqueror Thus Normans fierce possess'd our fruitful Soile And stain'd with blood the famous British Isle Speed de vitae W. C. The Battels of Jerusalem or Jerusalem noâ— by the Armies of the Western Princes December 25. 1099. JErusalem being in the hands of the Infidels their unheard of Cruelties loudened the crys of the oppressed Christians anâ— obliged them to importune their Patriarch to implore the Christian Princes to send their Armies by Battel to rescue them from their Oppressors who accordingly sending his Letters full of lamentations by one Peter a Hermit with other proofs and attestations of the miseries they suffered in the Holy Land such credit was given to them that in a short time an Army of 300000 men were raised wearing on their Breasts red Crosses in token of their holy Warfare and were chiefly under the leading of Godfry of Bulloin Duke of Lorrain and his two Brothers Eustace and Baldwin Hugh brother to the French King Raymond and Robert Earls of Flanders Robert Duke of Normandy Son to William the Conqueror Stephen de Valois Earl of Chartires Adimer Bishop of Podolia c. and with this Army they passed the Hellespont covering the shores of Asia and brought a great Terror upon the Infidels who gathered what Forces they could to oppose the progress of such a War and were not altogether unsuccessful for Peter the Hermit advancing before the rest of the Army with 40000 men raised in the Territories of the Church being furiously charged by the Enemy lost the greatest part of his Forces and was obliged to retire with the rest to Civite a Town a little before abandoned by the Turks not daring to depart thence till the arrival of Duke Godfry when with their united Forces the Christians marched to the City of Nicea which they besieged and made themselves Masters of it in fifty days finding therein great Riches and many Persons of note amongst whom were the Turkish King Solyman's Wife and two Children and the King who came to the Relief of it with the whole power of the lesser Asia consisting of 60000 Horse and Foot was overthrown with such slaughter as covered the Fields with the dead Bodies and filled the Ditches with blood nothing being to be heard but crys and dying groans for the Christians following the Execution 40000 of the Infidels fell by the Sword which brought such a Terror upon those Parts that Cities and Towns were abandoned without so much as being disputed Antioch only of all in that large Tract held out yet made but a weak resistance for after a furious Assault it was taken which being known to the Garrisons of Iconium and Haraclea they surrendred upon the first summons still flying before the Victors and daily sending to his Cozen Axan the Persian Sultan for Aid but he not being able to
York and the Earl of Worcester Thus Haughty France drunk with her Blood did reel And fell before a Conquering Monarchs Steel Thus in old Days kind Heav'n for England fought And Mighty Realms to her Subjection brought A Description of the Glorious Battel and chievements of the Mighty Scanderbeg King of Epirus being an Account of his many Victories over the Turks under the leading of Amurath the Second King of that Name c. AMurath the Second Turkish King of that Name by the many Conquests he had made growing dreadful to the lesser Princes divers of them conditioned to become his Tributaries and amongst others John Castriot Prince of Epirus for the due Observance of which he gave his four Sons as Hostages viz. George after named by the Turks Scanderbeg Stamsius Reposius and Constantine Amurath promising well and honourably to intreat them yet he had no sooner gotten them into his Possession but he caused them to be circumcised and to be instructed in the Mahometan Superstition poisoning upon a Jealosie of their intending to escape all but the first and after the Fathers Death seized contrary to his Promise upon the Kingdom of Epirus which not a little grieving George Castriot or Scanderbeg whose Right it was he sought 〈◊〉 ways to escape but the crafty Turk 〈◊〉 watchful Eye over him intending at 〈◊〉 times to put him to death but by 〈◊〉 â—eans or other was as often prevented 〈…〉 being at length made a Commander in the Turkish Army against the Hungarians and that Army with a fearful slaughter overthrown by the Great Huniades on the Plains of Moravia he then thought it the best time to escape and fly the Turkish Servitude whereupon taking with him Amurath's Secretary with divers of his trusty Friends he led him into a large Wood and there compelled him to write in his Masters Name to the Governour of Croija the chief City of Epirus as also to sign it with his Signet to the intent that he might deliver him up his Charge which accordingly he did and then having secured him from making any Relation thereof he posted thither and had it upon the sight of those Letters surrendred at what time sending for Prince Amasa his Kinsman Moses an expert Captain and divers others he acquainted them with the purpose he had to deliver his Country from the Turkish Tyranny who approving his undertaking his Subjects frequently resorted to him so that he became very powerful and divers Cities revolting from the Turks put themselves under his Protection as Stelusia Petra Alba Petrolla so that with a great Power he entred Macedonia and laid those Countries that were under the Turkish Sovereignty waste at which unexpected News Amurath being greatly alarmed sent 40000 of his best Souldiers under the leading of Alis Bassa to surprize him but Scanderbeg retiring into Epirus gave him battel with no more than 6000 Men and after a sharp dispute overthrew him with the slaughter of 22000 of his Men not losing above 300 of his own carrying in a manner the battel with his Prowess for charging the Turkish squadrons he broke through beating down all with an irresistible force that stood before him so that his men following him had little to do but to slaughter the routed and amazed Turks After which Amurath sent Mustapha Bassa with a great Army to waste Epirus who was by Scanderbeg overthrown and himself taken Prisoner These overthrows so enraged Amurath that raising a mighty Power he came in Person promising great Rewards to those that could bring Scanderbeg's Head and so besieged Sfetigrade but although he batter'd it incessantly with his Cannon and made frequent Assaults with the loss of 20000 of his best men it was so resolutely defended by the Governour who would not be corrupted by any offers of Gold that he despaired with his huge Army to win it and fearing by the Sallies of the besieged and the frequent Assaults Scanderbeg made with his flying Army by breaking into one quarter or other of his Camp that his multitude being consumed he should be obliged to return with disgrace he in the end indented for a Sum of Money in hand and a larger quantity when it should be effected with an inconsiderable Fellow by Occupation a Smith to cause the City to be surrendered which he brought to pass in the following manner The City of Sfetigrade by most held impregnable being scituate upon a Rock and for that Reason affording but one Well or main Spring which in abundance furnished the Citizens and Souldiers into this Well in the Night-time the Traitor cast the stinking putrefied Carcass of a Dog that had lain a long time in the Streets which being found and drawn thence the next Morning as likewise noised throughout the City as well the Citizens as Souldiers refused any more to drink of it nor could the Governour with all his Perswasions and Intreaties oblige them to it though himself to convince them of the wholsomness of the Water drank often in their sight but they rather chose to undergo the worst Extremities of Thirst by which means many of them died so that the Governour through this Nicety of his Souldiers not finding the City tenable was obliged to capitulate and marching out with Bag and Baggage was conducted to Scanderbegs Army and he by whose Treachery the City fell into the Hands of the Turks being for a while seemingly carress'd was in the end secretly made away yet upon Amurath's return Scanderbeg fell upon the Rear of his Army and cut off 3000 of his Men. The year following Amurath returned with a greater Army and besieged Croija the chief City of Epirus but losing under its Walls without success 30000 men and despairing notwithstanding to win it he died in his Tent Anno 1450. leaving his Son Mahomet to succeed him in his Empire charging him to be revenged of Scanderbeg with whom his Armies under the leading of divers Bassa's fought many bloody Battels but were always worsted by the invincible Prince even with a handful of men his Force and Courage being such that he often with his own hand turned the Scale of Victory when it was inclining to his Enemies nor could the Corruption of his great Captains with vast Sums of Turkish Gold alter his Fortune so that having stood twenty four years the Champion and Bulwork of Christendom he at last died in Peace at Lyssa which Town nine years after his Death being taken by the Turks they opened his Sepulchre and took thence his bones for which they had such a Veneration that happy was he that could get the smallest piece of them which being got they counted of great Value and wore it about them as an inestimable Jewel fancying that ever after Scanderbeg's Fortune would attend them Thus di'd the Hero far Renown'd in Arms Whose very Name the Globe with Wonder charms No Pow'r from him could take the Laureat Prize Till All-subduing Death seal'd up his Eye And lay'd him up till he
more Glorious Rise Englands Pharsalia or the bloody Civil War between King Henry the Sixth of the House of Lancaster Richard Duke of York and Edward the Fourth of the House of York describing the several Fights and pitch'd Battels wherein 100000 Men on both sides are accounted to be slain c. RIchard Duke of York taking distaste at the Release of the Duke of Somerset by King Henry the Sixth he with the Earl of Warwick and divers others his Accomplices fell to open Force and levied an Army about the Marches of Wales with which they marched towards London under pretence of redressing Grievances and removing evil Counsellors to oppose whom King Henry drew out and both Armies meeting at St. Albans in the County of Hertford the Duke sent to the King to demand divers Lords that were about him and such as he should name or prescribe but being rejected with disdain the charge was sounded and both Armies joyned Battel furiously and maintained a doubtful fight till at length Victory began to declare for the King but the Scale was soon turned for Warwick breaking through the Gardens with about 2000 men and his approach not being there suspected the Kings Army many of the chief Nobility being slain was broken yet would he not fly but stood the shot of the Archers till wounded in the Neck he was taken Prisoner and being carried to London and a Reconciliation made on both parts the Duke being shortly constituted Governour of Ireland In this fatal Batal of St. Albans between the Houses of York and Lancaster fell forty eight Noble-men Knights and Esquires and amongst them the Earls of Somerset Northumberland and Stafford together with 5000 of the meaner sort and many were wounded amongst whom was the King. Long did not the seeming Reconciliation last but the Duke of York raising new Troubles was together with the Earls of March Rutland Warwick and Salisbury with others of less Note attainted of High Treason in Parliament but it so little discouraged them that drawing out from the several places where they were retired with their Army consisting of 25000 men they took the Field against whom the Kings Army advanced with great speed so that meeting at Northampton a cruel and bloody fight ensued but in the end the King being unfortunate in War his Army was worsted and himself a second time made Prisoner there being on both sides not less than ten thousand men slain and of Note Humphry Duke of Buckingham the Earl of Shrewsbury and the Lord Egremont and a Parliament being called the Duke laid claim to the Crown deriving his Pedigree from Leonel the Third Son of Edward the Third elder Brother to John of Gaunt the Father of Henry the Fourth Grandfather to the King so that after a great debate at length it was concluded on all parts that King Henry during his natural Life should quietly possess and enjoy the Crowns and Kingdoms and afterwards they to remain in general Tail to the Duke of York and his Heirs But the Queen a Woman of a Masculine Spirit not approving that her Son Prince Edward a Youth of great hope should be so excluded withdrew her self into the North and there without the consent of the King raised Forces to secure his Right against whom the Duke advanced with an Army but unadvisedly giving her Battel near Sands Castle before his whole Forces were come up and falling into several Ambushes laid for the purpose he himself after a bloody and doubtful fight being slain together with the Earl of Rutland his Son and the Earl of Salisbury with three thousand more of lesser Note and his Head being cut off was crowned with a Paper Crown and in derision carried through the Queens Victorious Army The Duke slain many hoped that this Calamitous War would have an end but failed in their Expectations for Edward Earl of March having raised an Army of 23000 men in the Marches of Wales and hearing of his Fathers Death advanced with great speed overthrowing in a great Battel the Earls of Pembrook and Ormond who endeavoured near Ludlow to oppose his passage in which Battel were slain 3800 men and several Prisoners of Note taken and amongst them Owen Tuder Father-in-Law to the King whose Head by the Command of the Earl was cut off and so he continued his March to fight the Army that yet remained with the Queen who was advanced as far as St. Albans and had overthrown the Londoners who came to oppose her entering their City with the slaughter of 2000 of them and took the King whom they had brought along with them to countenance their undertaking But Edward Earl of March approaching her with his Army which was much increased by the way she thought it not convenient to give battel but suffering him to enter London retired into Scotland Whilst he taking upon him the Title of King was Crowned at Westminster but was not setled in his Throne before News was brought that King Henry with divers Lords were in the North with a great Army whereupon he drew out his Forces to give them battel marching directly to Pomfract in York-shire sending the Lord Fitz-Walter before to take the Charge of the Passage of Ferry Bridge where that Lord with many others were slain and King Henry's Forces gaining the Pass the Armies came in sight of each other and drew up in Battalia being the greatest that had been seen in England since the Conquest Edwards consisting of 48660 and Henry's of 60000 fighting Men when after some pause the Trumpets sounded the Charge and the Army moved furiously when Warwick who lead the Vaunt-guard to incourage his men put from his Horse by whose Example many did the like resolving to win the Field or dye in the Battel so that after It had continued with great slaughter for the space of ten hours and most of theCommanders on King Henry's part slain his Battel swerved nor could the Courage and Skill of those that survived restore it but a fearful flight ensued while the Victors following the Execution covered all the Field with dead Bodies whilst the Blood streamed in Channels for in this Battel fought between the Towns of Towton and Saxton on the twenty ninth of March fell Persons of Quality to the number of 375 amongst which were Henry Piercy Earl of Northumberland and John Lord Nevel Brother to the Earl of Warwick John Lord Clifford and John Lord Wells and of the meaner sort 35091 whereupon King Henry with his Son and Queen fled into Scotland and Edward returned to London This fatal blow though it put a damp to their Spirits did not altogether discourage the Lancastrians for Queen Margaret going into France raised new Supplies in that Kingdom but making towards England her Fleet was scattered by a Tempest and she driven upon the Coast of Scotland with the smaller part of it yet finding her Husband in the Scotish Court highly entertained by James their King she took heart and soon after the
Scots entered England as far as Durham when King Edward preparing to meet them marched to York and there making a halt sent the Lord Montacute to oppose and hinder their further Progress but being encountered on Hedgly Moor by the Lords Hungerford and Ross together with Sir Ralph Peircey he after a sharp dispute took Sir Ralph Prisoner which success incouraged him to pass on and give battel to King Henry who lay encamped at Hexam where both Armies striving to do their utmost devoir a bloody conflict ensued but many being slain and much blood spilt divers of the Commanders wounded and disabled and taken Prisoners Victory declared against King Henry who finding himself unfortunate in War fled into Scotland in this battel 5600 were slain and the Duke of Somerset with three other Lords and one Knight taken Prisoners who were all beheaded And now King Henry returning privately into England in disguise was taken Prisoner and carried to the Tower so that Edward seem'd established in his Throne yet Fate not satisfied with English Blood though the wounded Nation had bled such Streams as made her faint and languish another cruel War arose and the Factions began again to bandy as fierce as ever for Warwick who was called afterwards the make King of those Times being sent to solicite a Marriage between King Edward and the Lady Bona Daughter to Lewis Duke of Savoy and having finished his Negotiation to the liking of the Lady and her Father found upon his return thaâ— the King was married to Elizabeth the Widdow of Sir John Gray slain in upholding the Cause of King Henry at which the Eatâ— supposing his Honour that had been ingaged in the Savoiards Court greatly to suffer grew much inraged and finding mean to withdraw himself joyned with diver Nobles raised a Power and proclaimeâ— King Henry declaring for him and epousing his Interest growing on a suddeâ— so strong that King Edward was forced tâ— draw out his Army and march against him pitching his Camp at Wolney four Milâ— from the Plain on which Warwick was encamped but his Guards being negligent and the Earl having notice thereof entereâ— the Kings Camp and took him Prisoner yeâ— used him very courteously allowing him for his Keeper his Brother George Nevilâ— Arch-Bishop of York who suffering him tâ— ride abroad a hunting and to follow otheâ— Recreations till one day being with a slender Guard far from the Castle and meeting a great Troop of his own Men those thaâ— were with him durst not speak to him 〈◊〉 returning to his Confinement but were glaâ— to leave him behind them and escape for their Lives so that being again at Liberty he was received by his Army with great Joy and passed to London to the great discontent and dislike of the Earl of Warwick Things being at this pass Sir Robert Wells Son to the Lord Wells raised an Army of 30000 consisting mostly of the Commons of Lincolnshire on the behalf of King Henry in revenge of which King Edward caused the Lord Wells and Sir Thomas Dimmock his Kinsman to be beheaded and so marched to fight Sir Robert when charging furiously upon the unexperienced Plebeans they scarcely sustained the second shock but throwing away their Coats and Weapons fled for their Lives from whence it was called the Battel of Loose-Coat-Field and the Execution â—eing hotly pursued by the inraged Soulâ—iers 10000 of them are accounted to be â—ain As for Sir Robert Wells and Sir Thomas Deland who commanded under him â—hey were taken Prisoners Upon the News of this Defeat the Earl of Warwick and the Duke of Clarence Brother to King Edward â—ed to Callais but being denied entrance â—hey departed thence to the Court of France where they found Queen Margaret where gathering great Forces they returned to England every where proclaiming King Henry so that the People from all parts hasted to their Standart as well the Nobles as the Commons viz. the Earl of Pembrook the Lord Faulconberg and others so that marching towards London and King Edward finding his Mandates in many places disobey'd thought it not convenient in that juncture to attend the Sequel but with divers of his trusty Friends leâ—â— England and fled to his Brother-in-Law the Duke of Burgundy who had a little before married his Sister so that King Henry waâ— Re-in-throned but continued not long iâ— that Estate before King Edward returned landing in the North with a small Army proclaiming King Henry as he passed and pretending he came only as a private maâ— to possess himself of his Inheritance bâ— which means deceiving the People hâ— surprized the City of York and having garrisoned it pulled off the Vizor and marched towards London reconciling himself by the way thro' the means of a Maiâ— who had been brought up by the old Dutches of York to his Brother the Duke of Clâ—rence whereupon the Citizens opening their Gates and every where proclaiming him King Henry was again taken Prisoner anâ— send to the Tower and now the whole weight of the War lying upon Warwicks shoulders he desperately resolved to carry the day or fighting courageously dye in the Bed of Honour and thereupon directed his March towards London out of which King Edward drew his Forces to meet him and on Easter Day joyned Battel near Barnet since known by the Battel of Barnet-field where either of the Generals impatient of so tedious a War drew on their Forces with great force and fury Warwick charging upon the Kings Squadron broke in with his Sword and made such Distruction that they fled on that part and the Battel had gone on his side had there not been a mistake in part of his Men who by mistaking their Cognizances charged upon their fellows which making them suspect some Treason or sudden Revolt they threw down their Weapons and fled which Warwick perceiving and not finding it in his power to retain them or restore the Battel though he laboured by Example and Perswasion to do it resolving not to out-live the day â—he rushed furiously amongst the Squadrons of the Enemy and there fighting valiantly fell upon the heaps of the slain and with him died his Brother the Lord Montacute and three other Lords were slain on the part of King Edward and of the meaner sort on both sides 20000. The News of this defeat made known to Queen Margaret and Prince Edward her Son by such as fled the field she took Sanctuary in the Abby of Ceerne but the Lords that escaped the Battel of Barnet rallying their scattered Forces gave King Edward another Battel at Tewxbury in which they were overthrown with the loss of 3000 men and of Note the Earl of Devonshire and the Duke of Somerset's Brother there likewise Prince Edward was taken and soon after stabbed by Crook-back'd Richard Duke of Glocester in the Presence of King Edward and soon after King Henry was murthered and his Queen taken from Sanctuary and put to a great Ransom Thus stop'd the Stream of Blood
fetching a compass in wheeling off to their main strength which much discouraged the Arragonian Footmen who at first supposed they were discomfited fled the Field leaving them to the fury of the French c. The Horse-men thus forced to retreat Obignny advanced with great speed and charged the Foot-men on the right whilst Persive did the like on the lest disordering their Horse before the Switzers came to the fight who no sooner came on but gave a furious Charge with their Pikes so that the main Batte◠of King Ferdinand being broken and disordered his Men were slain on all parts nor did the Spanish Horse come timely to their Succour nor could the King though he laboured all eh could restore the battel notwithstanding with a Troop of select Horse being his Guard he charged desperately amongst the thickest Ranks and after having broken his Launce drew his Sword and fought till he saw all manner of hopes to prevail were vain and finding in his Army nothing but flight and fearful Confusion he at the perswasion of his Favorites got clear of the Battel and fled upon a swift Horse yet by the way fell into a deep Pit with his Horse upon him but was soon relieved by John Attavillia who mounting the King upon his own Horse he thereupon escaped and himself on foot not capable of escaping was slain by the Pursuers so that he pay'd his Life to the safety of his Prince Obignny having thus with much slaughter defeated the Kings Forces and some being slain in the pursuit called back his Souldiers and encamped not far from 〈◊〉 Place of Battel upon which he was 〈…〉 by many as a Captain who 〈…〉 how to get a Victory than to 〈…〉 obtained for if the pursuit 〈…〉 few of the Kings Forces 〈…〉 had the Towns upon the Terror of this defeat failed to have surrendred upon summons but staying here the King with many of his Nobles got safe to their Ships and Gonsalves with his rallied Troops found means ot retreat to Rezo Thus by Neglect a Battel when 't was gain'd Not being unprov'd the Gen'rals Honour stain'd A Description of the Battel of Vaila or Giardda fought in Lumbardy between Lewis the Eleventh of France and the Seignory of Venice Anno 1509. UPon the Venetians making their Incroachments in Italy and other Places to impower and enrich themselves upon what appertained to others Lewis the French King aided by divers Princes marched from Millan with an Army to hinder their Proceedings and oblige them 〈◊〉 Restitution who likewise prepared to 〈…〉 him with a great Army encamp◠〈…〉 the River Adda under the 〈…〉 the Earl of Petillia their Gene◠〈…〉 D Alvina Master of the 〈…〉 were joyned George Cor◠〈…〉 Grittie Providitors who 〈…〉 the French kept in a strong Lodgment till they might find an advantageous Opportunity to draw out or decamp which made the King seize upon Vaila and Pandino that by the help of those Garrisons he might cut off their Provision and by that means the sooner to oblige them to fight nor did that Stratagem fail of its desired end for the Venetian General knowing that by that means he must come to a Battel drew out his Army on the right Bank of the River consisting of 2000 men at Arms and 20000 Foot-men besides about 4000 Light-Horsemen mostly Italians and Greeks whilst over-against them on the other Bank marched the French Army consisting of 2000 men at Arms 6000 Switzers 12000 Gascones and Italian Foot men with a considerable number of Pioneers and many Field-pieces and the Venetians being incumbred with the Bushes and Shrubs that grew on their side were forced to march slowly so that the French out-marched them placing in their Avaunt-guard 500 men at Arms and a Regiment of Switzers under the leading of Charles de' Ambroise and John James de Trivulzi which Vaunt-guard finding means to pass the River before the Venetians expected it attack'd the Rear of the Venetian Army commanded by Alvia consisting of 8000 men at Arms and almost all the best foot-men which made him to send to the Earl of Petillia who led the Vaunt-guard to inform him of the Necessity there was to fight but he returned answer that he ought to march on and shun the Enemy as much as in him lay for such was the order of the Senate yet Alvian carried away with the desire of Glory resolved with such Forces as he had to bear the brunt of the Battel rather than to be out-braved or so meanly suffer his Honour to be eclipsed whereupon placing his Foot-men with six pieces of Cannon on a little Bay made by a certain winding of a Brook which was then dry he with his great shot having disordered the French Foot furiously broke in upon them and put them into great Confusion their Horse by reason of the Vines that grew in that Place not being well able to support them so that the King seeing his men put to the worst and ready to fly hasted to their Succour with fresh Troops and by degrees drew Alvian into the Plain so that the Avaunt-guard and middle Battel had Opportunity to charge him though he wanted not Courage to make great resistance exciting them in all parts with his Hands Voice and Actions to fight courageously nor did the French when they saw their King in the Battel charge with less fury so that a bloody and doubtful fight continued though the Earl was not come up with the rest of the Forces but the Venetians having fought with singular Valour for the space of three hours and not being succoured were in the end over-powered by the number of the French Horse-men who breaking in amongst the ranks of the Foot wearied already by a stout resistance having done all that could be expected from true Valour and lost rather Strength than Courage they yet for the most part never turned their backs but either died or were taken Prisoners fighting in the Place so that had the other part of the Army succoured them they had been victorious In this Battel 8000 are reputed to be slain and 2000 taken Prisoners amongst which was Alvian and soon after most of the Places the Venetians had won surrendered the Generals Excuse was that he had Command from the Senate not to fight Thus by Neglect or a bad tim'd Command Battels are gone that ne'r can be regain'd And that which Years with Blood and Labour cost In one Ill-faughten Field few hour's hast lost A Description of the Battel of Ginghat fought in Picardy between Henry the Eighth King of England and Monsieur de Piennes General for Lewis the French King Anno 1513. KIng Henry the Eighth lying at the Siege of Turwin which he beleagured with three Camps the first commanded by himself the second by the Earl of Shrewsbury and the third by the Lord Herbert upon notice that the French Army was coming to its relief he passed over the River with a considerable part of his Army detached for
Mantua Vasey Courtain and Roche du Maine the Rhinegrave the Count Rochfocault the Lords Obigney the two Birons Montbrun and Merne and about 4000 taken Prisoners with all the Bagage and Ammunition whilst on the part of the Spaniards not above 1000 were slain the chief being the Sieur Binecourt Master de Camp and two Noblemen of Germany Count Mansfield was wounded in the thigh and Count Monbrey in the knee After this Battel the strong Town of St. Quintines fell into the hands of the Spaniard as likewise did Haron and Chastellet they ranging freely in those parts for that Summer without any interruption Out of Notalis Comes c. Thus VVars sad Chance we see in blood is writ And Vict'ry flies to whom she thinks most fit VVhilst mighty Realms contend for Soveraignty By the devouring Sword brave Heroes dy Mix't with Plebean deaths the Nobles ly A Relation of the great Sea-fight fought off the Coast of England between the English and Spaniards in the year 1588. vulgarly called the fight of the Spanish Invasion KIng Philip of Spain fretting in his mind at the prosperous success of Elizabeth Queen of England both abroad and at home and more especially resenting her assisting the Flemings in their Wars held against him in the Low-Countries as also the depredations made by Sir Francis Drake and others in the West-Indias he at the Instigation of Pope Sixtus V. and some English Fugitives prepared a great Navy to Invade England for whose vastness and seeming strength it was named by the Spaniards the Invincible Armado though in the sequel it proved otherwise This great Fleet at its setting out consisted of 130 Galleoons Gallies-men of War and Tenders containing 57808 Tuns where in were 8405 Marriners 19295 Souldiers or Landmen and 2088 Gally-slaves furnished with 220000 great shot 4200 Kintaâ—s of Powder 1000 Kintals of Lead for small bullets 1200 Kintals of Match 7000 Musquets and 10000 Halberts with Partisam Field-Pieces and other Provisions requisite for such an undertaking of which the Duke of Medina Sidona was Admiral and was to be joyned by the Prince of Parma Governour of Flanders and to be supplied with further necessaries which accordingly he provided and prepared in all parts of those Provinces upon notice of which and the other preparations the Queen whom they thought by reason of the close carrying on of their design to surprize unprovided for so important a defence caused her Navy Royal immediately to be fitted out under the command of Charles Lord Howard of Effingham whom she constituted Lord Admiral and Sir Francis Drake Vice-Admiral with a Squadron was dispatched to the West of England there to cruze and observe the motion of the Enemies Fleet whilst Henry Lord Seymour second Son to the Duke of Somerset stood with Forty Sail to the Coast of Flanders to prevent Parma's joyning with Medina and thereupon mustered an Army of Land-Forces consisting of 10000 Horse and 32000 Foot with part of which she not only Encamped at Tilbury in Essex but with the rest secured the Places that seemed to Render the Enemy the easiest Access of Landing though through many distresses and disappointments the Spaniards had met withall it was confidently reported and believed by some that they could not in any convenient time make their intended attempt or enterprize yet contrary to the expectation of the English they on the 11. of July cast Anchor in the Chanel and from thence sent a Dispatch to Parma in the King's name to joyn his Forces with them and send such necessaries as were convenient to further the Expedition but on the 20th following about noon being discried by the English they hasted out of the Harbours and on the 21. of the same instant viz. the Lord Admiral Howard Drake Hawkins and Forbisher the most expert in Maritime Affairs that Europe then afforded played furiously in the Rear of the Enemy who were drawn up in the form of a half Moon and so battered Rechalde who commanded a Gally of great force that he his Squadron being put to the worst was so disabled that he had fell into their hands had he not been Received shatter'd as he was into the middle of the Armado as likewise was the Catharine of Spain a Ship of great burthen although the Spanish Admiral declined fighting as much as was possible bulwarking the smaller Vessels with those of greater force bearing from the Coast of England towards Calais so that a great Ship of Biscay commanded by Don Oquendo being fired on the 22. of June a great Gally commanded by Pedro Valdez fell into the hands of Sir Francis Drake in which beside the Commander Don Pedro de Valdez were Vasques de Sylvas and Alanzo de Saijs and other Noblemen the whole number of Men on Board according to their own computation being 430 which were made Prisoners and disposed of in divers places till they were afterward Ransomed nor fared the Vice Admiral De Oquendo better for his Ship having received great damage by fire she was taken with much treasure and carried into Plymouth and although hitherto it had been a kind of a moving Fight the Spaniards shewing an unwillingness to Ingage before they Received their Succours and supply from the Prince of Parma who was indeed blocked up at the same time by the Hollanders who stood upon their guard on the Coast yet now the English Admiral pressed their towring Castles with his shot so furiously that many of them were miserably rent and torn with small damage to the English for that the Spaniards being high built could not well bear their Canon upon the English Ships whose hulls were much lower and when at any time they did the Commanders with their nimble Ships shifted and tacked to a better and more commodious station of anoying the Enemy and so incessantly the Batteries were made that nothing was heard but the thundring of the Canons and the cries of Men whilst ascending smoke made dark the Skies But the Lord Admiral not thinking it convenient to graple with such strength who had a strong Army on board After he had taken and sunk Twelve of their Ships and Gallies and killed them above 5000 men whilst they lay at Anchor before Calais in vain expecting the Prince of Parma A stratagem was found out to break and disperse them which took more effectually than what had before been put in practice viz. into Eight of the oldest and least serviceable English Vessels were put Pitch Tarr Rosin Hemp Flax and other combustible matter their Guns charged and rammed higher than usual with stones crossbar-shot pieces of Iron and the like when in the Night time the wind standing fair they were sent amongst the thick Squadrons of the Spaniards under the Conduct of two expert Sea-Captains viz. Mr. Young and Mr. Prowess with a command to fire them so soon as they were within Musquet-shot of the Enemy and let them drive which by Trains lay'd for that purpose they accordingly did with
the King charged being put to the retreat an Officer of the Cuirasiers knowing the King broke desperately thro' the Ranks that sheltered him and coming behind him as he was Retreating shâ—◠〈◊〉 through the Body with his Pistol 〈◊〉 at the same time this is the right bird yet enjoyed it not for scarce had he done it before himself was shot dead on the place by Luchan the Master of the Dukes horse and so lost his expected Reward yet so hotly the Cuirasiers charged that the Swedes were not capable of bringing off the dying King but were obliged to let him fall where he was barbarously mangled by the Enemy who stripped him every one getting something that could conveniently come at him as a Trophy of honour all that he was heard to say as those report who were about him when thâ—as demanded who he was for at first those that stripped him did not certainly know him was viz. I am the King of Sweden who do Seal the Religion and Liberty of the German Nation with my bloud and then after some hesitation subjoyning Alas my poor Queen and so recommending his Soul to God gave up the Ghost yet was his Body after ward Rescued and honourably buried his death being lamented even by his Enemies and although the King was thus slain yet he was a Conquerour even in death for the Swedes instead of being discouraged grew more inraged and breathing nothing but revenge for the death of their King charged so furiously on all parts that although â—resh Supplies came hourly to the assistance of the Imperialists yet after nine hours obstinate fight not only their right Wing but their main battel was broken and disordered which obliged the Generalissimo under the favour of the Night to draw off yet in such confusion that most part of his Souldiers fearing the pursuit of the Swedish horse disranked and fled leaving their Cannon and a great part of their Baggage behind them together with their wounded men and 6000 dead upon the place many of them of great Note when on the Swedes part there died not above 2000. the chief of Note on the part of the Imperialists were the Abot of Fulden by his place a Prince of the Empire the Counts Puppenheim and Bartholdus Walenstine's Serjeant Major General Bruner Lodovicus Westrum Lancius Comargo Witzeb and Fines all Collonels of the respective Regiments together with Borda Taxheim Lampart and Cammarhoff Lieutenant Collonels besides divers Serjeant Majors Captains and Lieutenants and on the Kings side of Note was himself Nicholas Count of Wesenburg Grave Nelees Serjeant General Isler and Collonel Gersdorf with some Lieutenant Collonels and divers Captains Thus great Gustavus fell yet conquering dy'd Fortune ne'er gave the battel from his side VVhere'er he fought be was victorious still His body only Fate had powr to kill A Brief Description of the memorable Battels and Skirmishes c. that happened during the unhappy civil Wars in England c. in the Reign of King Charles the First as they are taken and drawn from warrantable history c. AFter many Indignities had been put upon King Charles the First of blessed Memory by an inexorable Parliament whom no favours nor concessions could oblige he thought it highly convenient to oppose their force with force and thereupon in August 1642. he set up his Standard at Nottingham so that the Hostilities being begun after the loss of about twenty men by a Sally out of Hull and the routing of Collonel Fines and Sands by Prince Rupert at Worcester with coÌ„nsiderable slaughter of their men c. The King resolved to march towards London but finding the Earl of Essex who by this time was made General for the Parliament marched after him and hung in a manner upon his Rear he faced about to give him battel or oblige him to retire so that the Armies facing each other and the King having discovered the number of the Rebels from a convenient stand with a Prospective and desiring God and all good men to assist his cause on the 13 of October 1642. he drew into a large Field or Plain between Edghill and Keinton in the County of Warwick where Essex was putting his Army in order so that both Armies being drawn up in battel array the Charge was sounded and thereupon a dreadful fight began continuing bloudy and doubtful Prince Rupert who there commanded the King's horse making a great slaughter and pursuing the Enemies horse even beyond their Baggage so that they forsook the field but fresh Troops coming in the fight-was maintained with doubtful success till Night put an end to the fury yet the King soon after had many Places surrendred to him and marched triumphantly into Oxford with 150 Colours there taken and in this battel are computed to be slain between 5 and 6000 men on both sides And now the King's Army being Recruited and increased by the coming in of many Troops and the Revolt of two Regiments and a Troop of Horse from the Parliament upon his taking of Banbury he marched towards London whither Essex was retired upon which Essex with an Army composed mostly of Prentices and the City Trained Bands drew out to oppose his passage which made the King advance to gain the Bridge to prevent his being hemm'd in by reason the Parliaments forces possessed most of the Towns in those parts but part of Hollis's Regiment made head against him being seconded by two other Regiments the Passage was hotly disputed which lasted till Night at what time the Parlimentarians retreated and left the Town to the Ksng together with 200 of their men dead upon the place eleven Colours and fifteen Pieces of Ordnance but he slighting that place returned to Oxford with his Army nor was the King's success in other Parts less for in February following Prince Rupert with a select Party of 4000 horse and foot making shew to Regain Hadly Castle a little before taken by Collonel Massey marched immediately to Cirencester and charging the Guard forced his way into the Town with considerable slaughter possessing it in two hours dispute with all the Magazine of the County and 2000 Arms making at the same time 1100 persons Prisoners yet this Joy was somewhat lessened by the Defeat of 1500 Welch-men raised by the Earl of Worcester and his Son for the service of the King at Hingham house by the Forces under the command of Collonel Massey and Sir William Waller as for the rest of the Year 1642. it was passed over in sundry light Skirmishes sometimes successful to one Party and sometimes to the other the most material of which was that in Hoptón-Field near Hautly in Staffordshire where the Earl of Northampton was slain and that of Bramham Moor wherein Sir Thomas Fairfax was routed In April 1643 young Hautham the Son of Sir John Hautham whose Father had denied the King entrance into Hull was routed by Collonel Cavendish near Ancasâ—er in Lincolnshire and most of his party slain or taken
Prisoners and a hot skirmish hapned between the Kings party and Essex's men near Causum Bridge wherein the former was worsted and obliged to retâ—â—â—t with some loss and in May divers sâ—â—â—mishes with various success hapned in the West between Sir Ralph Hopton who commanded there for the King and Sir Geo. Chudleige for the Parliament though the former for the most part had the advantage nor did Hostilities cease in other parts for in June divers skirmishes hapned between Prince Rupert and Essex the most material of which was in Chalgrave-field in Oxford-shire where the Prince furiously charging a body of the Parliament Horse routed it killing and wounding a great part of the Enemy and amongst the latter John Hambden who soon after dyed of his Wound as did some others and on the fifth of July Sir Ralph Hopton with a few Forces of the Kings under his Command engaged Sir William Waller who had double his number maintaining the fight from two in the Afternoon till about one the next Morning whereupon Waller perceiving him resolved to obtain the Victory or dye in the place left the field yet soon after being ashamed of the retreat he followed Sir Ralph to the Devises in Wilt-shire whither he was marched with a Resolution to set upon him of which the King having notice sent 1500 Horse from Oxford where he lay encamped to his assistance but upon the Comjunction Waller not thinking it convenient to try the event in that place drew off to Roundway-down but being hotly charged he was in a short time broken and disordered whereupon with his Horse he fled in great Confusion leaving his foot to the mercy of the Royallists who were most of them slain in the fight or taken Prisoners together with four pieces of Cannon all the Amunition and Baggage nine Cornets and 28 foot Colours so that by this fatal blow given on the 13th of July Waller having lost his Army most of the Horse deserting him in his flight he hasted to London with the lamentable story of his defeat Essex by this time with a powerful Army having relieved Glocester and surprized a Convoy of the Kings which fell into his hands through mistake marched to Newberry where the King remained as yet with his Army and had prepared to receive him in the best order the short time of notice would give leave or opportunity so that on the 20th of September 1643 both Armies confronting each other the charge was immediately sounded and seconded by the thundring of the Cannon and Vollies of small shot on either side whilst Prince Rupert with his Squadron forced the main battel and put it into great disorder but whilst he pursued his good fortune he found himself charged by two squadrons of Horse that descended from the Hill where till now they had been posted so that the fight was doubtful and bloody on all parts it being in many places brought to the Sword so that the Lord Jermin who commanded there a Regiment of horse for the King being over charged by number was obliged to force his way not without great hazard through the Battalions of foot yet was the fight maintained with considerable slaughter on either part till Night put an end to the fury both Armies keeping the field till the next day and then retired from each other as by consent The Persons of Note slain were the Earls of Carnarvan and Sunderland the Lord Viscount Faulkland and in all on both sides near six thousand In March Sir Thomas Fairfax and Mitton were set upon by Prince Rupert at Drayton in Shropshire and routed as likewise was Sir John Meldrum who had entred England with his Scotch Forces in favour of the Parliament forced to leave Newark which they had besieged with the loss of their Canon Ammunition and all their Baggage which was Relieved by Prince Rupert and only permitted to depart with their Lives But now Sir William Waller having gotten another Army Anno 1644 fell upon the Lord Hopton's Forces near Winchester at unawares and over-pow'ring him in number cut off divers of his men and obliged him to leave the field whereupon Winchester surrendred but Waller was soon after overthrown by the King's forces at Crop-ready Bridg and Essex with the gross of the Parliament Army blocked up in Cornwall and now the Earl of Newcastle being besieged in York Prince Rupert advanced with an Army of Horse and Foot to Relieve the City upon whose approach the Besiegers drew off and were upon their retreat hotly pressed and charged by a Sally from the Town when the Garrison under the command of the Earl joyning with the Prince they with conjunct Forces followed the Parliament forces to a place called Marston-Moor where both Armies drew up and with great sury joyned battel which continuing with much effusion of bloud for the space of four hours victory in the end declared against the Royalists and in this fight called by many the bloudy fight of Marston-Moor 9000 men on both sides are computed to be slain after which battel York surrendred and almost all the Towns in the North so that for a while nothing but Skirmishes happened But on the 27 of October both Armies meeting a second time near Newbury an obstinate fight ensued but the Royalists having done all that could be expected from true valour and still oppressed with fresh numbers of the Enemy were forced in the end to give way to necessity and leave the field in some disorder nor is it guessed that on both sides less than 4500 were slain after which nothing more happened in England this year but the skirmishing of Parties and taking of Towns and Castles but in Scotland the Marquess of Montross with inconsiderable forces raised by virtue of a Commission from the King routed divers Armies of the Covenanters putting all Scotland in fear of being Reduced to its obedience by his Prowess Anno 1645 Essex having laid down his Commission it was taken up by Sir Thomas Fairfax and Cromwel was made Lieutenant General most of the prime Officers of the Army being changed yet the King's party strugled strongly for the Royal cause though many finding things in a manner desperate had retired from the Army and passed the Seas for besides divers skirmishes Collonel Massey in April was routed by Prince Rupert at Lidbury with considerable loss But in June following the King's forces were defeated at Langport where about 200 were slain and 1400 taken Prisoners which occasioned soon after the surrender of Pomfret Scarborough Bath and Bridgwater yet in August the Parliaments Quarters with some slaughter on both parts were beaten up about Tame and the Scots defeated at Kielsieth in Scotland by Montross and in September Montross was defeated at Phillipphaugh in the said Kingdom and the King's forces in England were Routed on Routon heath near Chester and in October the Lord Digby was likewise defeated at Sherborn in the County of York and in March following the Lord Ashley was