gracious providence prevented intended to have sorely and mischeivously increast the fâ—ames and utterly to have burnt down this onely-God-protected Parliament Bush I mean Sir Alexander Carew who was executed on Tower-Hill in the preceding moneth of December for his intended treasonable plot against Plymouth So now also on the second of this instant January being Thursday Sir John Hotham though much means was used to save his life yet such was the admirable and commendable integrity and inflexible impartiality of the House of Commons in Parliament to doe justice where sentence was once past that even hee was that foresaid day brought by the then Leivtenant of the Towre Alderman Pennington to the place of execution where hee justly suffered deserved death for his most trecherous intentions and endevours against the Parliament to have betrayed Hull into the hands of the Enemy Where also his Son Captain Hotham another complotter with his foresaid Father in the same design was also beheaded as a just reward to such pernicious Parracides and conspiring Catilines who thus would have rejoyced in the ruthlesse ripping up of the bowels of their dearest Mother their native Country And heer also I may most fitly hint and suggest to the Reader another remarkable passage of like divine providence to the effect aforesaid namely that on the 4 of this instant it pleased our most wise God to put it into the hearts of our most noble Peeres in Parliament that they should not only most sweetly concurre with the Honourable House of Commons in the amendments of the Directory for Gods pure Worship and passe the same and therewith to subjoyn an Ordinance of Parliament for utterly taking away and quite abolishing of the Book of Common-Prayers But that also the said most noble and pious Peeres unwilling to part the Refiner from his Mettle I mean the Arch-Prelate of Canterbury from his purged Common-Prayer-Book that therefore I say the Lords in Parliament should presently send 2 of the reverend Judges to the House of Commons with the message of their concurrence and resolution to proceed now effectually to the sentencing and condemnation of the Arch-Prelate of Canterbury one of the prime and Metropolitane heads and complotters against Church and State which indeed after this was followed to the full untill they had brought that base and bloody Bishop yea that most abominable and unparallelled hypocrite to his just execution in the cutting off of his most traiterous head also at the Towre-Hill whereof more anon in its more proper place But heer by the way I shall desire the Reader religiously to take notice of one remarkable note and observation heerin namely of the day on which it pleased the most wise providence of our God to order and appoint this seasonable concurrence of Both the Houses of Parliament together for confirmation of those 2 great works of Piety and Justice viz. That it was just on the 4 of January That very day 3 yeares on which unhappy King Charles came in person into the Parliament with a multitude of armed Ruffians to effect such a bloody and desperate design as had it taken effect had made as bloody a peice of work as ever this Kingdom beheld and as had thereby established that pestilent Prelate with his Common-Prayer-Book and therewith especially the Popish faction only masked under those poore Vizards to a long and lustfull tyrannizing over the bodies and soules too of Gods dear Servants the Lord knows how long and lewdly And now say â—ood Reader dost thou not already see in this remarkable passage 〈◊〉 providence a most beautifull and bountifull blessing of him that dwelt in the Bush upon this his Vnconsumed Burning Bush the Parliament But to proceed About the 6 of this instant January wee were certainly informed that the Garrison of Winchester being much straitned of provisions by the Parliaments forces quartered neer them the Enemy there went out to drain the Country of Cattle and to plunder the people and had got much plunder and Cattle from them but before they could get into Winchester with their prey Colonell Morleyes Troop met with them gave them a martiall salute routed them and rescued all the Cattle and plunder which they had got and took divers of the Enemies prisoners Wee had also intelligence from Ailsbury about the same time that they in that brave Garrison having notice of a party of the Kings Horse that were in the Country taking up plunder they made out to finde them and at last discovering them fell valiantly upon the Enemy surprized 30 or 40 of them stript them of their plunder and brought the prisoners to Ailsbury And that shortly after this Colonell Martin the valiant and vigilant Governour of Ailsbury went forth and happily lit upon a whole Troop of Horse which was said to bee the Princes and singular good Horse they were indeed and well armed All which I say hee totally surprized and brought safely into Ailsbury Also that courageous Colonell Holborn had had some brave skirmishes in the Western parts with Gorings Horse and notwithstanding that the addition of strength came not unto him as was promised and which hee expected yet hee most valiantly attempted to fall upon the Enemy in their quarters bravely beat them and took divers of the Enemies prisoners and about 200 Horse and had not a crosse accident falne out and prevented him hee had certainly taken the Town of Bridgewater And about the 8 of this instant January wee had unquestionable information and assurance of a brave prize of Bristol ships taken at Sea by Captain Coachman a valiant and faithfull Sea-Captain testified in renowned Captain Swanleys Letter to the Earle of Warwick as a post-script of the said Letter wherein especially Captain Swanley certifies the foresaid renowned Earl of Warwick of a brave Victory obtained by Major Generall Laughorn viz. his taking of the Town and Castle of Cardigan in Wales with above an 100 Commanders and common Souldiers in it and all the armes and ammunition therein and of the surprizing of â—ivers eminent persons the Kings Irish-Commissioners together with the Kings broad-Seal to treat with the barbarous and bloody Rebells of Ireland King Charles his best Popish Subjects about concluding a peace with them of all which for the Readers better satisfaction I have heer inserted the foresaid Letter it self under Captain Swanleyes own hand The Copy of a Letter sent to the Right Honourable the Earl of Warwick from Captain Richard Swanley Right Honourable SInce my last of the 20 of November by Captain Green in the Dogger Beat Major Generall Laughorn keeping the field with such Forces as the indigency of the County gave a possibility of subsistence pretending for Carmarthen and lying still working by double policy to draw the hearts of the Inhabitants of Cardiganshire to the State and the force of Carmarthen with their adherents into the said Town for their dâ—fence and the indempnity of their
the command of Major Temple to beat up their quarters which party after a very hard march comming neer the Enemies quarters they understood that the said party were all drawn off But they had also farther intelligence of another party of the Enemies quartered at Ham 8 miles from Dennington Castle whither they instantly advanced and fell upon them in their quarters took there 40 good Horse and all their Armes together with about an 100 li. of Contribution money which the Enemy had gathered thereabout took prisoners Major William Maxwell Agitant Generall to Prince Maurice Captain Robert Paddon Captain of a Troop of Horse John Cox his Leivtenant and 24 common Souldiers and so returned safe with their prisoners and prizes unto Ockingbam And about the 24 of this instant wee were certainly informed by a Letter writen from Captain Peirce to Sir John Young a worthy member of the House of Commons of a brave defeat given to that base apostate Skellum Greenvill before Plimouth which said Letter containing a full relation thereof I have heer for the Readers better content and satisfaction inserted which was as followeth Sir The good successe which it hath pleased God to give our Forces lately makes mee set pen to paper thereby desiring to inform you that upon the 18 of February the Enemy having the night before made a work upon the old work at Mount Stamford with a very large line on both sides from the work The Seamen in the morning fell on them and took one half-moon which was made at the South-end of the line but the Enemies horse comming upon them forced them to retreat but with no losse on our side blessed bee God Upon which wee were all commanded to Armes Severall companies were drawn out to goe over and a Troops of Horse One being still quartered on that side to joyn with some Sea men taken on shore for that purpose all I think consisting of about 500. and all the rest of the Garrison were commanded to march out to face the Enemy on the North side and were drawn without our Line within Musket shot of their work under the hill the said hill much befreinding us so as they could not play much upon us All wee did was only sending out small parties to shoot as if wee intended to fall on that so they might draw off some of their forces from the other side of the water where our purpose was to fall on and accordingly they did draw off some of their Horse and so wee crossing their expectation fell on where wee were least looked for and about 2 of the clock in the afternoon our foot who were most of them Sea men marched up most resolutely to Mount Stamford the forlorn hope of our Horse going before and the Reserve with them in the bottome who had the advantage of some hedges which they well-lined with our Musketteers who fired upon the Enemy and they on us where and when were poured out as mighty Vollies of shot as I have ever seen or heard and whiles our foot were getting up the hill our horse and the Enemies met who most resolutely and bravely disputed the businesse not long even about half an houre and made the Enemy rather trust to their horse legs than to their own swords our horse following them amain and our foot seâ—ing what good successe the horse had went nay rather ran up to the Enemies work with their Colours in their hands and instantly made the Enemy flye for it and thus routing totally all their horse and foot bravely took possession of the whole work and pursued the Enemy in their flight above a mile hewing and cutting them amain as they basely fled Now the names of those wee took prisoners were Leivtenant Colonell Mohun a Leivtenant Colonell of Horse Major Richard Heal Baronet Heales brother Captain Maynard who had formerly taken up Armes on our side Captain Hill Captain Aston and Captain Hatchins Leivtenant Waring Leivtenant Inglet Leivtenant Ashford Leivtenant Manwaring Ensigne Halsie Ensign Battishill and of private men about an 108. Wee also took 300 Armes in the work of Mount Stamford some barrells of pouder good store of Mattocks Shovels and Faggots and some Horses on our part wee had but one man slain and that by an accident some few hurt and but one man taken by the Enemy After this brave bickering wee had a day set apart for a speciall Thanksgiving to God for this great Victory and very shortly after called a Councell of Warre to try such of them as had heretofore taken up arms on our side but were now revolted and proceeded against 3 of them viz. Captain Maynard Leivtenant Ashford and Ensign Battishill who were executed the next day and some others afterward followed And about the latter end of this Moneth of February wee received the most welcome news of the most memorable and suddain surprisall of the strong Town of Shrewsbury by Colonell Mitton that most active and loyall Commander and Colonell Bowyer assisted by Sir William Breretons and Colonell Mittons forces together with the eminent prisoners and prizes taken by those Parliament forces which was certified and ratified by severall Letters out of Shropshire sent to London with the exact and true relation of the manner of the taking of it it being a place of great concernment and one of the most considerable Vpland Garrisons which the King then held in the whole Kingdome I shall therefore give the Reader a most true though breif narration thereof extracted out of the Letters writen from the Committees of Shrewsbury to the Speaker of the House of Commons with the List of the prisoners and prizes taken therein which was as followeth Right honourable Sir IT hath pleased God miraculously to deliver the strong Town of Shrewsbury into our hands with all the Commanders Officers and Souldiers therein a List of the cheif of whom wee have sent inclosed to you The manner of taking of it was breifly thus Upon the 22 of this Moneth of February wee drew out of our Garrisons of Wem Moreton and Stoke 250 horse and the like number of foot Sir William Brereton having sent us 250 foot and 350 horse which party by our Order was commanded by Leivtenant Colonell Rincking who in the Marshalling and managing of this designe deserves much honour and Captain Willyâ—r together with Mr. Huson a Minister who also most valiantly and bravely led on the firelockes with 50 Troopers dismounted under the Command of Leivtenant Bendebne who led on their men with great courage and undaunted resolutions after whom also followed 350 foot more which by Severn side stormed the Town neer unto the Castle-wall and marched unto the Market-house and there surprized the Main-guard and then sent a party to secure the Castle-forehead-Gate which was effected without much difficulty and after a quarter of an houre the draw-bridge was let down and the gate opened where valiant Colonell Mitton Colonell Bowyer and all the
a 1000 Armes left behinde them for haste and divers barrells of powder with other Ammunition and provision and the Enemy taking along with them 12 or 14 Cart loads of their dead men besides many wounded Wee found about 200 wounded men of ours in the Town and not above an 100 slain in all this siege praised bee the Lord for it Since I came heer in 6 weeks time I saw a wonderfull change scarce a man to bee seen in a whole Village so barbarously had the Enemy unpeopled the Country I shall in all humility acquaint you with what I hear My Regiment is designed for the West I humbly intreat if it bee possible I may wait on your honour in your Army which if your Excellency shall please to grant it will much oblige Your most humble Servant Ralph Welden Palmister May 11. 1645. After the reading of this Letter in the House of Commons they began to consider of this great mercy and therefore Ordered in the first place That there should bee a publique Thanksgiving in all the Churches and Chappels in London and Lines of Communication on the next Lords day for the relieving of this distressed Town that so God may have the honour due unto him for it In the next place the House Ordered that a Letter should bee writ to Sir Thomas Fairfax giving him the Thanks of the House for his great care and faithfull service in omitting of no time for the releif of Taunton and that Sir Thomas Fairfax should bee desired to take particular notice of this gallant service of Colonell Welden A Letter was likewise Ordered to bee sent from the House to the Town of Taunton and to the Governour and Souldiers therein to give them the hearty Thanks of the Parliament for this extraordinary gallant service in maintaining the Town against the Enemy so long But the speciall regard that the Parliament had of this Garrison rested not there for An Order was made likewise by the House for the bestowing of 2000 pound upon the Souldiers of that Garrison for their valour and courage in this service And as an earnest of a further reward to the undaunted and ever honoured Governour Colonell Blake It was likewise Ordered that 500 pound should bee paid to him forthwith for his own use The House likewise taking into consideration that by reason of the late tedious and unwearyed marches of Sir Thomas Fairfaxes foot they had worn out their shooes and were in great need of supply it was further Ordered That it should bee referred to the Committee for the Army to provide and forthwith send down shooes for Sir Thomas Fairfaxes foot The House of Commons further made an Order of reference to the Committee of Both Kingdomes to take care that no advantage bee lost by the releif of Taunton but to use their endevour to improve it to the best advantage of the West and the whole Kingdome and wee have great cause to hope that care will bee taken thereof accordingly About the 15 of this instant May our most provident Parliamentary Statists for the more prudent regulating of the Generall Sir Thomas Fairfaxes New-Modelled Army Ordered certain very excellent Orders to bee observed by all Officers and Souldiers from the Commissioners of the Army to the meanest Souldier both to take care of false Musters of plundering of buying Horses for the State taken by the Souldiers that they should bee marked by the Mark-Master of the Army c. To forbid any Officers to quarter in any house but by Ticket from the Quarter-Master and to pay ready money for mans meat and horse meat according to the rates set down and in case any money should bee wanting to any man hee must receive a Ticket for it c. That Teames or any horses in Plough or Cart are not to bee taken except in case of necessity and then also by Warrant from the Commander in Cheif Divers other good Orders were then also ordained and appointed which are like by Gods mercy to produce good effects and a happy conclusion of this present unhappy Warre especially since wee know it is Gods way when wee manage our affaires without violence and wrong and wee see the Country us the Army passes along is extraordinarily taken with love and affection toward them at the sight of their fair and honest demeanour And heer I cannot omit to make mention of another singular mercy of God unto us in our Armies Viz. The most excellent love and good agreement of Major Generall Cromwell and of Major Generall Brown though both oâ— brave and high Spirits all the time of their being together at and about Oxford and elsewhere in all Orders and Commands even beyond compare yea even striving who should prefer the Service and honour of other more than of himself as if Davids and Jonathans 2 soules were transmigrated and mutually united in one body O if such sweetnesse and onenesse of hearts and affections had been found among our Commanders formerly wee had certainly now been in a farre better condition than as yet wee are like to bee in About the 20 of this instant our most noble pious and gratefull Parliamentary Worthies took into their serious thoughts the payment of the arrears of the most noble late Lord Generall the Earl of Essex whose faithfull and noble services for the State will make his name most honourable to posterity and Ordered the payment thereof partly out of the Kings Revenues and partly out of Haberdashers Hall in London And as a farther pledge of the Kingdoms love and gratitude to the said most noble Earl and as a requitall of his great losses sustained by the Enemy for his constant and loyall adherence to the Parliament and the Kingdomes just Cause an Ordinance of Parliament was passed by the House of Commons for the settling of 10000 pound per annum upon the said noble Earl out of the sale of Papists and Delinquents Estates The House also took into consideration the good service of the party that lately releived Taunton under the Command of Colonell Welden and Colonell Graves and agreed upon a certain pay for them during their service in the West and Ordered that 3000 pound should bee charged Monethly upon the Excise for 4 Moneths for the payment of those Forces The House likewise considered the most gallant service and high deserts of that noble and brave Commander Sir John Meldrum slain not long afterward to our great losse and sorrow at the siege of Scarborough-Castle and in particular his last brave Service in winning the Town Haven and shipping of Scarborough as also the brave assault hee last made upon the said Castle of Scarborough when hee received his most unhappy deaths-wound They Ordered that a Letter of Thanks should bee wrote unto him and that 500 li. should bee added to the 1000 pound formerly given him by both Houses of Parliament to bee bestowed upon him as an earnest of their affections
And base things in the worlds esteem and things which are despised yea and things which are not God hath chosen as heer wee see to bring to nought things which are And heer me thinks I cannot pretermit but most justly make honourable mention of what I have been credibly informed of touching our most noble and renowned Generall himself Viz. That hee was observed before this fight to have been exceeding merry and cheerfull in his carriage and countenance among his Commanders and Souldiers But after this victory was obtained hee continually day by day carryed himself with very much settleed gravity of countenance lowlinesse and meeknesse of face and heart as giving God all the honour and willing to take none to himself Two rare postures indeed of a pious and prudent Cornelius or Commander and fit for all Souldiers especially Saint-like Souldiers to practise and imitate For indeed both Hee I mean this our most renowned Generall and all of us with him might most justly as reverend Mr. Marshall in his excellent Thanksgiving Sermon at Christ-Church the Thursday following this famous Victory say concerning this glorious Victory as the most noble and renowned late Lord Generall nobly said at Keinton-Victory Never more of God and lesse of man And therefore as wee were most justly bound our most pious and prudent Parliamentary Worthies immediately upon their perfect knowledge and understanding of this so glorious a Victory as you have thus fully heard appointed a day of Solemn Thanksgiving to bee celebrated to the high honour and praise of our great and gracious Wonder-working God a Copy of which their Order I have heer inserted which was as followeth Die Lunae Junii 16. 1645. ORdered by the Lords and Commons in Parliament that Thursday next shall bee set apart for a day of Publique Thanksgiving to Almighty God in all the Churches and Chappels within the Cities of London and Westminster and Lines of Communication and weekly bils of Mortallity For the great and glorious Victory obtained by the Parliaments Army under the Command of Sir Thomas Fairfax against the Forces of the King And Mr. Marshall and Mr. Vines bee desired to Preach at Christ-Church before the Parliament And that the Lord Major Aldermen and Common-Councell doe meet the Parliament there And it is further Ordered That Friday being the 27 of this instant June bee set apart for a publick day of Thanksgiving for this Victory in all the Churches and Chappell 's in the severall Counties of the Kingdom under the power of the Parliament H. Elsynge Cler. Parl. D. Com. About the 15 of this instant there came Letters out of Shropshire which certified of severall good services performed by Colonell Mittons forces in those parts and for better satisfaction I have heer thought fit to insert the Copy of the Letter it self which was sent to renowned Colonell Mitton himself which was as followeth SIR I Being desired by Leivtenant Colonell Goldgay to certifie our late proceedings at Oswestree and the good successe wherewith it pleased God to blesse your Forces there I am humbly bold thus to trouble you On Tuesday the third of this present June your Troop with a considerable party of your Foot marched unto Clerk being commanded by Leivtenant Colonell Goldgay where wee took 27 horse from under their walls being the best horse I have seen together in Wales Wee drawing off in order the Enemy sallyed out came through the wood with firelocks thinking to redeem their losse charged our Rear-guard of horse whom Captain Simpkins caused to face about and fall on them lying in the manner of an ambuscado which they did and soon got through them and got betwixt them and home killed 2 of them took 24. the Governours Leivtenant being one and his Organist whose losse hath caused a generall Melancholly in the Castle and if hee bee not changed their mirth and devotion it is to bee feared will perish together On Thursday the 6 instant wee marched in the like posture to Shraden went close under their works took from them 24 good horse which was the greatest part of Dr. Charles Vaughan then Governour his Troop wee expected them also to sally out but the Dr. though hee hath forgotten his Preaching since hee turned Cavalier yet remembred his Grammar-rule Optimum est alienâ frui insaniâ For being warned by the folly and harm of Cherkmen hee was content to sleep within doores in a whole skin and to suffer us to march away with our prize without any of their lets or least disturbance This wee did without the losse or hurt of any one man of ours Wee ascribe the praise and memory of the work to that God who hath hitherto crowned your endevours with successe and I doubt not in despight of malice will doe so still under whose banner of love I leave you and humbly rest yours to Command And now upon the 19 of this instant June being the next ensuing Thursday after the happy tydings of the foresaid most famous Victory at Naseby according as our most pious and prudent Parliamentary Senators had formerly Ordered and as our most renowned Generall himself Sir Thomas Fairfax had earnestly desired by the Messenger by whom the relation of the victory was first brought a day of Solemn Thanksgiving was celebrated and wholly set apart to give all the glory of that great Victory and mighty mercy to the Lord alone as it was most due in all Churches and Chappels within the Cities of London and Westminster and the Lines of Communication which was as on this day most solemnly performed in a speciall manner at Christ-Church in London where reverend and religious Mr. Marshall and Mr. Vines preached that day before the whole Body of the Parliament both Lords and Commons whom the Lord Major the Aldermen and Common Councell of London met there and had invited the said most honourable Lords and Commons to dine with them that day in their City at Grocers hall And heer I hope it will not bee offensive or tedious to my Reader to give him a short sight or intimation of the manner of the gallant entertainment the City gave the Parliament at Grocers Hall that day not to mention the Messes of their dainty chear which in great plenty was provided answerable to so honourable an Assembly but onely to shew you the speciall guests and the order of their placing according to their state and Orders which was thus At the upper end of the Hall sate the Lord Major On the left hand The Prince Elector Earle of Northumberland Earle of Kent Earle of Essex Earle of Manchester Lord North Earl of Elgar Lord Brighton Two of the Scotch Commissioners On the right hand Earle of Pembroke Earle of Nottingham Earle of Salisbury Earle of Denbigh Earle of Bullingbrook One Scotch Lord The Lord Say There were three Tables more in the Hall On the right hand going up sate Mr. Speaker at the upper end entring to the doore toward
to Wareham in great triumph and joy without the losse of one man And about the 22 of June wee had credible information by Letters out of Cheshire that Colonell Jones a Gentleman of approved valour and fidelity to the Parliaments Cause having command of about 1300 horse and foot the horse were Sir William Breretons who himself was gone up to London by virtue of the Self-denying Ordinance and hee having assured intelligence of a party of the Kings consisting of about 1700. neer Kidderminster in Worcestershire about 12 miles from Worcester hee most courageously fell upon them killed above 40 on the place took 300 horse and a 100 prisoners among whom was a Leivtenant Colonell a Captain and some other Officers the remainder of them escaping fled to Beudly and Worcester which was indeed their head Quarter About the 26 of this instant June our most renowned and ever to bee most highly honoured Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax sent a Letter to the high and honourable Court and House of Commans in Parliament wherein hee certified his sending up to the said House that most precious present and memorable mercy of the Lord unto us I mean The Kings Cabinet full of His and the Queens Letters taken in the late famous fight and most glorious Victory at Naseby which Sir Thomas most prudently and humbly desired in his Letter might bee read in a full House and publick audience of all the Commons in Parliament which accordingly was performed and therein were most happily discovered admirable matters of as great importance as ever were discovered since the beginning of these most unhappy and unnaturall Warres which in breif were to this effect First there was found a Declaration of his Majesties intentions for the setling of Peace and Religion in this Kingdom certified by a Letter to the Queen wherein hee does assure her that no agreement shall bee made but what shall bee approved by her and that all Laws made against Popery shall bee repealed and yet when Letters came from Oxford to the Parliament touching a Treaty and in the Propositions for Peace there were verball expressions that Laws should bee made against Popery Secondly hee acquainted the Queen that hee intended to make a firm peace with his good Subjects the Irish Rebels and that severall Acts called Paynings-Law made in behalf of the Protestants of that Kingdom should bee repealed But in lieu thereof 40000 Irish were expected to help on the Warres in England for hee must wage Warre hee said till this Perpetuall Parliament as hee termed it were dissolved for otherwise he could never Order things to His or Her content Thirdly in another Letter the Queen chid the King in that hee did in the Treaty at Vxbridge acknowledge the Lords and Commons assembled at Westminster to bee a Parliament which is answered in other Letters then taken that hee did not positively acknowledge it a Parliament it being otherwise to bee construed though they were so simple not to finde it out And that it was entred upon Record among the Acts of the Kings Councell that it was not done out of any intent to have Posterity to think that hee did truely acknowledge it a Parliament In other Letters hee also writes That His long Parliament would in a short time hee dissolved In others That if forces could bee sent to the King out of forain Kingdomes hee would cause all the Acts of Parliament against Papists to bee repealed Fourthly the King found fault in other Letters that hee could not prevail with his Juncto at Oxford which hee called his Mongrell Parliament to passe a Vote against the Lords and Commons at Westminster which hee called his perpetuall Parliament that they are not a lawfull Parliament saying Some of them were so over-witty some stark fooles and others so phantasticall that hee cannot make them due any things to his content The Queen also in one Letter desired the King to give Jermin thanks for his care of her and for his good service there And the King promised not to goe a jot from the little paper shee sent him Many other such like notable passages were in those Letters but I leave the Reader for fuller satisfaction therein to the Parliaments Declaration and the Letters themselves which shortly after were printed and published by Order of Parliament with excellent annotations upon them after they had first been publickly read in a Common Hall in the Guild-Hall in London by a Committee of both Houses of Parliament met there for that very purpose the Lord Major Aldermen and Common Councell of the City of London together with a mighty confluence of Citizens of all sorts and ranks being assembled thither at the reading of the Letters and Annotations upon then who by their shouts and exhibilations declared their marveilous dislike and disapprobations of the Kings and Queens evill expressions in them and on the contrary their high approbation of the Parliaments proceedings by their unanimous acclamations upon the observations made on the said Letters by the Members of the House of Commons to the amazement of the then present hearers and the future wonder and astonishment of Posterity either Malignants or others But to goe on About the 28 of this instant June wee had certain intelligence by particular Letters out of Shropshire of divers brave services performed by the valiant and active forces of Shrewsbury Garrison commanded by the Committee there namely of the taking in of Stoksey and Caus-Castles places of great strength and importance in those parts The substance of which Letters and true relation of which said Victories I have heer for brevities sake faithfully set down for the Readers full content and satisfaction which were as followeth SIR THere was drawn out of this Garrison by order from the Committee 500 foot and 300 horse viz. part of Colonell Mackworths Regiment and part of Colonell Lloyds Regiment both of them marchâ—d along in the service our forces marched within five miles of Ludlow the design being to reduce that part of this County and to secure it by placing some Garrisons there to block up Ludlow with a party of horse they viewed Howgate and Braincroft Castles both of which the Enemy had much demolished notwithstanding they placed the Lord Calvine in Braincroft Castle and fell to repaire and fortifie it in the interim they sent Leivtenant Colonell Riveling to view Stokesey Castle a Garrison of the Enemies the place was conceived considerable therefore the next morning wee drew up to it and summoned it but the Governour Captain Dauret refused thereupon wee prepared for a storm being ready to fall on gave a second summons which was hearkned unto a parley admitted and the Castle delivered up and is now Garrisoned by us One of these Castles commands all Cordale a rich and fertill part of the County the other secures all Stretonsdale so that Ludlow is blockt up on this side and hath only Hereford to range
most valiant and vigilant Commander Major Generall Brown the substance of one of which Letters was to this effect viz. SIR I Presume you have already heard of the taking of 65 Wallingford Horses by our noble Major Generalls forces Likewise how at Farrington wee took 40 more many prisoners and some of note Since which the Enemy fell upon our New Garrison at Gaunt House with 500 horse and 300 foot and one peice of Ordnance they being forces drawn from Oxford Woodstock and Farrington Commanded by Legge then Governour of Oxford they fell upon our horse quarters and began to drive away our Horse but a small party of our foot forces out of Gaunt Garrison beat them out of the grounds whiles our men had time to recover some of our horses again with which they pursued the Enemy above 3 miles recovered all their horse which the Enemy had gotten save a matter of 3 or 4. killed 10 of them took 14 prisoners and 30 horse of theirs and this service they performed with lesse than 20 horse Since which our horse joyned with them of Gaunt House fell into the quarters of a Regiment of the Kings which came to recruite the Kings Garrison at Radcot-Bridge where ours took 70 of the Enemies Horse the Colonells own Colours himself escaping by wading over the water together with some prisoners And immediately upon this good successe they marched to Woodstock into the Enemies quarters there and took a Captain prisoner with 5 or 6 others and about 30 horse And thus it pleased the Lord to prosper our forces in all their attempts and to enable them to come off still with little or no losse And about the same time our most prudent and provident Parliamentary Statists having lately before deligated and chosen some of the Members of Both Houses to goe as their Commissioners to the Parliament then begun in Scotland with instructions given them by our Parliament for managing of affaires there in a reciprocall form for the firmer combining of mutuall love and the fairlyer carrying on of the affaires of Both Kingdomes with full content on both sides as our loving brethren the Scots have their Commissioners residing heer constantly with our Parliament in England the names of which Commissioners nominated and appointed to go thither were the Lord Wharton for the House of Peers Sir Henry Vane Senior Sir William Armyne Mr. Darley and Mr. Goodwin for the House of Commons And reverend Mr. Marshall and Mr. Strong Members of the Assembly of Divines were ordered to goe along with them So also there was a Committee of Lords and Commons ordered to bee resident with the Army of our Brethren the Scots then in Worcestershire to farther their advances for the benefit and safety of the Kingdome and if the Lords will bee so to shorten the lingering plague of the Sword among us The names of this Committee thus nominated to bee with the Scots Army were the Earle of and the Lord Mountague for the House of Peers and Sir John Cabell Mr. Purefoy Mr. Salway and Mr. Baynton for the House of Commons And now about the 14 of this instant wee had certain and comfortable intelligence that about the 9 of this instant July being Wednesday active honest and most valiant Major Generall Massie being sent forth by our most noble Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax with a party of Horse and Dragoones about 5000. besides foot had the honour of giving the first blow of a most famous and victorious skirmish and brave defeat given to the Enemy at or about Lang-port which very blow made the Soule and Spirit of the advers Army to tremble and faint and flye away For hee instantly fell upon about 2000 of Gorings horse in Ilmore who as soon as our men came in sight of them ran away in great fear and confusion and Major Generall Massies forces followed and pursued them almost to their very Garrison of Lang-port wher their foot were all quartered and their horse at Abersoil and the parts adjacent In which first blow of this famous defeat this noble Major Generall took at least 5 or 600 horse about 300 prisoners whereof were 2 Majors 6 Captains 9 Colours and slew above 20 in the place The Enemy in this their hasty retreat or rather plain flight from our men still cut up the Bridges as they past which our men notwithstanding made up as fast as they brake them down for politick Major Generall Massie had 2 Regiments of Dragoones which rode with Spades and Pickaxes and a third also with pallisadoes for these very purposes On Thursday July the 10. our renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax by 3 of the clock in the morning drew out that part of the Army which hee had with him into Sutton fields the rest continuing with Major Generall Massie on the other side of the River the Generall had with him 7 Regiments of Horse Viz. his own Leivtenant Generall Cromwells Colonell Whaleyes Colonell Vermudens Colon. Graves Colon. Riches Colon. Fleetwoods and Colonell Butlers which scarse made 2800 horse hee had all his foot with him save the Musketteers of 3 Regiments Our Signall word was God with us The Enemies word was Bristoll Early also the same morning the Enemy drew into the field and about 7 of the clock had made themselves Masters of a passe which lay in the midst between our body and theirs being the onely way for our men to make way to fall upon them where there could not march above 4 a brest and up to the belly in water and their horses ready to swim in no little danger as they past on and in which place the Enemy did both front and flank them on both sides and therfore you may easily judge what a hard task they were put unto and in this posture they stood till about 11 of the clock they having in the mean time sent away most of their Ammunition bagge and baggage led horses and other Lumber to Bridgewater fearing it seemed to stand to the Battle having been so much discouraged by the defeat given them by valiant Massie as aforesaid on the day before Now when as Generall Fairfaxes forlornes marched nigh the Enemy they having divided themselves on the hill on which they stood into severall divisions and squadrons of horse and foot our foot fired upon them in Vollies and our Ordnance played so quick and sure that the Enemy were soon routed and seemed as in a maze not knowing which way to fly to avoid the execution of our Cannon yet all this while they maintained the passage which was in hot dispute between them and us yet at last within an houre or thereabout wee though with difficulty gained it and sent horse to second our foot Major Bethel with his troop only went on in the first place being to go up a steep hill to charge by that time that hee came neer the Enemy drew on in a
into the House of Commons and had 30 pound given him as a reward The Enemy quitted 3 small Garrisons neer Bridgewater upon the taking thereof And that which yet more excellently and eminently sweetens this great mercy unto us was that it pleased the Lord who is the only true God that heares prayers that this great blessing was granted unto us upon Tuesday July the 22. which was a day set apart in London in a speciall manner to seek the Lord by prayer and humiliation for this very thing which I say the Lord gave in unto us on the same day wee sought it as a most certain and blessed return of Prayer O who then would not still and for ever trust such a gracious God and benigne and bountifull Lord and Master And heer also I have fit opportunity to give my Reader one note more touching this businesse of Bridgewater viz. That one Mr. Peters being sent from thence by Sir Tho. Fairfax our most renowned Generall with his own Letter to the Parliament for the confirmation of the truth of the premises touching the storming and winning of Bridgewater Hee also brought with him 3 Commissions out of the West which hee then also presented to the House of Commons The Contents of which were from the Prince to one Mr. Philips a Gentleman of that Country to raise a Regiment of horse a Regiment of foot and a Regiment of Dragoones The Commissions were dated in January last There were likewise other papers from the said Prince Charles by which the whole design of the Clubmen was made manifest and how they were drawn into a snare to fight against the Parliament and to gather themselves together in such a mutinous manner and into disorderly bodies without any heads till Commanders were sent and set over them But as in part yee have heard it pleased the Lord to frustrate their policies and to bring their mischeif upon their own heads apparently seen by the late comming in of the Sommersetshire Clubmen to the assistance of our noble Generall Sir Thomas and their late frequent galling of Gorings Army But now to proceed See still good Reader the admirable and unexhaustible bounty of our good God for the taking of Bridgewater was not all the good news which this 26 day of July produced unto us for on the very same day Sir Rowland Edgerton who came with a Letter out of the North intimating the surrender of the strong Castle of Pontefract was also called into the House of Commons to relate the manner of it which hee did and had thanks returned by the House for his speciall service and diligence in it When hee came away our Souldiers had entred the Castle wherein was exceeding great store of treasure and much Ammunition The particulars of the surrender of which said Castle was thus related in a Letter sent from the Committee at York to the Parliament To the Honourable William Lenthall Esquire Speaker of the House of Commons SIR VVEE thought fit the last week to summon Pontefract-Castle which caused the Enemy to desire a Treaty Whereupon Colonell Wastell Col. Copley Col. Overton Col. Bright or any three of them were authorized to treat and this day it was agreed that the Castle shall bee delivered up to the use of the Parliament to morrow at 8 of the clock in the morning with all the things therein save that the Officers were allowed to carry away what is properly their own so that it exceed not what a cloak-bagge will contain and the Souldiers to march to Newark with 200 Muskets and 200 Pikes Wee consented to so good conditions because the Plague was very hot in the Countrey and especially in that Town of which some of our Souldiers are dead Wee are also in Treaty with Scarborough which wee hope shortly will bee reduced Thus much wee thought fit to give you notice of desiring the House may bee acquainted therewith From Your very affectionate Friends and humble Servants Francis Pierrepont Wilfrid Lawson Henry Cholmley York the 20 of July 1645. And upon the 28 instant wee received most certain intelligence by Letters out of the North of the happy surrender also of the strong Castle of Scarborough to that most valiant and brave Commander and loyall Patriot Colonell Boynton who lay before it as Commander in cheif of those forces since the decease of that thrice noble and renowned Souldier and pious Cornelius Sir John Meldrum Which said strong Castle was surrendred on fair conditions Viz. That Sir Hugh Cholmley that wicked Apostate should march out with his forces to Newark if hee pleased or bee transported into Holland which indeed hee desired In the Castle hee left great store of Armes and Ammunition and 25 peices of Ordnance And about the 29 of this instant July came certain intelligence to the House of Commons in Parliament by Letters from the Scottish Army at Ludbury in Wales concerning the taking in of Cannon-Froom a strong and considerable Garrison of the Enemies which was taken by assault in which storm at least 70 of the Enemies were slain and but 8 of the Scots and some 20 hurt The Governour Colonell Barnold was therein taken prisoner and mortally wounded in the fight together with Captain Brisk Captain Houk and 30 other prisoners and all the Ordnance Armes and Ammunition therein seized on for the King and Parliament And the House of Commons had debate touching this and all the good service of our loyall Brethren of Scotland and Ordered that a Letter of Thanks should bee sent to the Earl of Leven signed by Mr. Speaker in acknowledgement of his faithfull Service for this Kingdom and farther therefore Ordered that a Jewell of 500 pound should bee with all covenient speed sent to the Earl of Leven and bee bestowed upon him as a badge of favour and respects from Both Houses of Parliament to his Excellency for the unwearyed and faithfull services since his comming over with the Scots Army into this Kingdom An excellent way by gratitude to spurre on the spirits and fasten the affections of our Souldiers to goe on in their fidelity and industry for the prosperous advance of the affaires of the Kingdom And about the same time wee received certain assurance by Letters out of the West that the forces of that gallant Garrison of Lyme had taken Chadwick-House belonging to Count Arundell a great Papist a place that did much mischeif and annoyance to those parts and lay within 6 miles of Lyme There were above an 100 prisoners and their Armes taken in it 30 horse 3 barrels of powder and good store of other provisions and Ammunition Much also about the same time wee were certainly informed of the rendition and delivering up of Rabby Castle in Durham upon faire and easie Articles or conditions viz. The Officers to march away with their Armes to Newark that cage of unclean birds and the common Souldiers with their lives only
brought away and returned triumphantly to Shrewsbury againe And about the 14 instant we were for certaine informed by â—â—tters from Coventry that Lieutenant Colonell Phips a brave and â—ut Gentleman of that famous City being requested as a Phisiâ—â—an to visit the Lady Lucie at Churlcot about three miles from â—arwick it being within the Parliaments Garrisons and therefore he might have thought himself secure enough but it seemed the Enemy had some private intelligence hereof and from Banbury a party of their Horse secretly attended his coming back and about two miles from Warwick or little more at their best advantage they discovered themselves upon him and ere discovered had surrounded him and riding up close unto him to have laid hold on him he stoutly with his Sword kept them off his man assisting him whereupon they shot severall Pistols at him killed his man in the place but the brave Lieutenant Colonell himselfe with his Sword only valiantly defended himselfe and violently brake through six or seven of the Enemy who stood to stop him in a strait passage and thus outriding them got to Warwick without any hurt at all This was that valiant and faithfull Phips who was the chiefe instrument under God of preserving Coventry when the King was at the first beginning of this War before it And this though a particular passage yet having so much of Gods providence and preservation in it and that to one of the Parliaments first and so fast friends I thought it worthy to be here inserted for Gods glory and the honour of his cause and the faithfull upholders of it And whereas it had pleased the Lord in his most wise disposall and righteous ordering of all things as about this time and somtime not long before to permit Montrosse that most desperate and Atheisticall Rebell in Scotland sorely and very suddenly to over-runne and spoile that Kingdome of Scotland by the cursed help of some additionall Irish Rebels then come unto him and thereby to worke such a mighty and sudden overture of things there as made us all and that most justly stand amazed to see that Kingdome so soone and so universally reduced into such a deep deluge of danger and distraction and whereby Montrosse was lifted up to such a height of pride and insolent arrogancy as to go about to summon a Parliament as Lord Paramount and already King of Scotland and to force divers rebellious and trayterous Lords of that Kingdome then in durance in Edenborough out of prison and to be set at liberty and sent to him as his beloved brethren in iniquity with him as upon his command they were And yet notwithstanding all this how admirably and graciously againe it pleased the Lord on a sudden to revive this seeming dying Kingdome and in the midst of all Montrosses ruffe and puffe of pride to disappoint and dissipate his high-built hopes and vapourous villanies of insufferable pride and oppression exercised by him on the poore helplesse Inhabitants where he came The manner whereof I shall desire the Reader to receive in this ensuing relation extracted for brevities sake out of an authentick narration thereof sent from Barwick immediately after the great and glorious victory which God gave those our loving Brethren in Scotland which was as followeth About the 12 of this instant September 1645. being Friday a day of fasting and humiliation in Scotland and valiant and victorious Lieutenant Generall David Lesley being then come into Scotland advanced with his Forces within three miles of the place where Montrosses Army lay quartered in Philip-Haugh not far from Selkirk and the morrow being Saturday Sept. 13. he marched close up within view of the Enemy who about 10 of the clock that morning according to his usuall manner had made choise of a most advantagious ground wherein they had intrenched themselves having upon the one hand an unpassable ditch and on the other dikes and hedges and where these were not strong enough they had fortified them by casting up ditches and lyning their hedges strongly with Musketeers After viewing one another and some slight skirmishes parties in this kinde growing greater on both sides at last our Van advanced close upon the Enemy and for almost an houre being between 11 and 12 of the clock it was hotly disputed our Horse endeavouring to break thorow and the Enemy with great resolution maintaining their ground but at length Lieutenant Generall Lesley charging very desperately upon the head of his own Regiment broke the body of the Enemies Foot after which they went all in a confusion and disorder and the Horse wanting their Foot were not able to make great opposition the Foot were hereupon cut off and taken whereof 100 were Irish who were all since shot to death at a post many of the Horse were killed on the place and many taken but more in the pursuit for they rallied againe which by Gods providence occasioned their greater overthrow and gave opportunity to our Horse to encounter them Here the Earle of Crawford the Generall of their Horse was slaine the Lord Ogleby and Nathaniel Gordon one of their most active Commanders were taken of the Foot and Horse it was then conceived there were between 2000 and 3000 killed And this is remarkable in this great businesse that God should be pleased to cast into our hands againe those prisoners that had been delivered up basely by the Malignants in Edenborough to Montrosse We lost on our side Captaine Barclay and Captaine Dundasse and a very few of our other Souldiers but had divâ—rs wounded yet killed and wounded there were not in all above 100. The Lord of Hosts put a spirit of courage into our Officers and Souldiers for all of them behaved themselves most resolutely and bravely and after the battell we understood for certaine that divers of the Enemies were killed and taken by the Country people Montrosse himself escaped with a few Horse leaving behind him all his baggage among which we found his own Commission from the King and divers other Commissions for Lieutenants in the severall Counties together with a Roll of all such as had received protections from him which did serve us as a good Vidimus for the payment of our Souldiers And that the greatnesse of Gods goodnesse may shine forth in this Victory the more illustriously I shall here give the Reader a List of the Prisoners and slaine in this remarkable Fight and famous Victory Prisoners of note taken besides those were killed at the Battell fought at Philip-Haugh within three miles of Selkirk in Tividale upon the 13. Septemb. 1645. and since in the pursuit Prisoners of note taken THe Earl of Traquaire Lord Seaton Lord Drummond Lord Ogleby Lord Gray Lord Linton The Lord Napers eldest Son The Baron of Drum younger The Baron of Reasyth The Lord of Derceys eldest Sonne Granchild to the late pretended Archbishop of S. Andrews The Laird of Pury Ogleby
Enemies since he is with us and that we should not be dismayed because he is our God and mightie defence who thus hath strengthned us holpen and upheld us with the right hand of his power and righteousnesse And now therefore behold and beholding O admire it all those that were incensed against us are ashamed and confounded they are even become as nothing and they that stubbornly strove with us are mightily destroyed and perish before us O then what shall we returne to the Lord for all these great and amazing mercies to us O what are we able to repay to our God for all these free and utterly undeserved favours thus copiously confered upon us O let us all faithfully and thank fully take the Cup of Salvation and praise the name of the Lord our God and readily and really pay our vowes to this wonder-working God of our Salvation But now to proceed to the yet farther progresse of the contemplation and admiration of the continued wonder of the Burning-Bush unconsumed nay rather more and more dressed and made to flourish in the midst of the flames of this Moneth also of December 1645. And here we shall first begin with some of our loyall and loving Brethren of Scotlands actions about Newarke whether they being now come in to our assistance with a very considerable Army of Horse and Foot to help to besiege this stubborne rebellious and very pernicious Towne to bring it under the Parliaments obedience About the beginning of this instant December the Scottish Commissioners received Letters from his Excellency Generall Lesley Earle of Leven fully informing the particulars of his taking of Muschamp Bridge by his Forces viz. That about the 6 of November last his Army being advanced within about a mile or two of Newark the Generall caused a Line to be drawne close to Muschamp-Bridge and there placed some Musketteers intending to crosse the River and storme the Fort upon the other side but the Enemy apprehending the designe resolved to cut off the Bridge and upon the 28 in the morning before breake of day they sallyed out upon the Scots and attempted the cutting off the Bridge but were most resolutely and bravely beaten from it by the Muketeers with little losse to our friends which the Enemy perceiving set fire to the Draw-Bridge but the Scots falling stoutly on them againe beat them back and very closely pursued them and made them forsake all their Works and so our valiant Brethren became masters both of the Bridge and strong Fort and now have very closely besieged that part of the Towne Upon the reading of which Letter in Parliament the thanks of the Houses were returned to the Scottish Commissioners and a vote passed That his Excellency Generall Lesley for the better and more orderly managing of the Siege against Newarke should command in chiefe all the Forces as well English as Scottish before Newarke Which Vote was fully and freely assented unto by both Houses of Lords and Commons where now we will leave them till another opportunity with our prayers for their prosperity in this great work and proceed About the fourth of this instant December a Letter Petition and Declaration of the County of Brecknock in Wales was presented to the House of Commons and there read declaring their firme resolutions to comply with and wholly to submit unto the commands of the Parliament which Declaration bearing date Novemb 23. 1645. for the fulnesse and excellency thereof and for the Readers better content and satisfaction I have here inserted verbatim as it was printed and published by authority which was as followeth WE the Gentry and Inhabitants of the County of Brecknock whose names are subscribed do declare and professe That we are fully satisfied in conscience that the two Houses of Parliament now sitting at Westminster are the true and undoubted lawfull Parliament of England and the supreme Court of Judicature of the Kingdome To whose judgement and determination we do and will in conscience of our Loyalty and not by terrour or constraint submit our selves our lives and fortunes We are also perswaded and confesse That the Armes taken up and continued by authority of Parliament in this defensive Warre are raised and continued in their owne just defence and for the just defence of the Protestant Religion the Person and Honour of the Kings Majesty the Priviledges of Parliament and the liberty of the Subject And that the Forces raised or to be raised within the Kingdome of England or Dominion of Wales without their consent are raised and imployed for destruction of Parliaments fomenting and establishing Popery Prelacy and an illegall Arbitrary Government In apprehension whereof we do unanimously resolve and firmly ingage and undertake that we with all persons under our power and command will from henceforward to the extreamest hazard of our lives and fortunes adhere to and assist the Forces raised or to be raised by authority of Parliament against all other Forces raised or to be raised against them or without their consent and we shall willingly and cheerfully joyn with Maior Generall Laughorne and those three associated Counties whereof he is Maior Generall and with the County of Glamorgan with whom we are already associated and contribute our utmost assistance and endeavours proportionably to the said respective Counties in such way as Maior Generall Laughorn shall thinke fit and meetest for the Service of the Parliament And from this resolution and engagement we shall not swerve or recead by adhering to the contrary party or imbraâ—ing a detestable neutrality either by perswasion dread or any other motive whatsoever After the reading and debate of this Declaration and the other Papeâ—s from the County of Brecknock it was referred to the Committee of Gloucester to draw a Letter in answer to the same and informe them how that the Houses of Parliament had granted their requests and do cheerfully accept of them and commend their submission and declarative resolutions as aforesaid c. And about the sixth of this instant there came Letters to the Speaker of the House of Commons certainly signifying the surrenner of Latham House in Lancashire a strong and pernicious Garrison which had much infested that County which having been the busie yet cowardly Earle of Darbies House had been held and maintained against the Parliaments Forces for the space of two yeares at least by the Countesse of Darby the said Earles Lady that stout Virago who proved the better Souldier of the two and had so long indeed bravely maintained the same against us and was now enforced to yeeld it up onely for want of bread and drinke for they had above sixe weekes drunke nothing but water but had store enough of other provisions and about 200. Common Souldiers The Governour alone was to depart with his Horse and Armes and ten pounds in money the Officers above the degree of a Lieutenant only with their Swords All the rest onely with staves
Garye Lieutenant Colonell to Sir Tibbot Bourk eldest Sonne to the Lord of Maye Richard Bourk Major to Richard Bourk the Earle of Clanrickards Heire and Sonne to Sir William Bourk Brother to the late Earle of Clanrickard Captaine William O Shaghuise brother to Sir Roger O Shaghuise Captaine Garret Dillon Sonne to Sir Lucas Dillon who saith that his Father was shot in the thigh Captaine Ro. Castallogh Killed Edward Brown Captaine of 100 Musketeers out of Galloway brother to Jeffery Brown the Lawyer Three Lieutenants of Foot Two Cornets Three Engines Killed also the Titular Archbishop of Tuain the Rebels president of Cannaught a principall incendiary in that Kingdome in whose pockets were found Letters and other papers of great importance and for his own particular an Order from the Councell of Kilkenny for leavying the arreares of his Bishoprick together with severall other prisoners of inferiour quality both of Horse and Foot and 22 or 23 were drowned And here now I shall desire the Reader by way of introduction to what I have further to say touching this Irish Victory and especially some of the Papers taken from this foresaid Archbishop of Tuain to take speciall notice of the admirable wisdome and providentiall mercy of the Lord unto us therein viz. That in regard of the wonderfull great and good successe which the Lord hath lately given to our Forces in the West of our owne Kingdome and the King finding what bad successe he hath of late had as well as all along indeed for the most part in all the parts of the Kingdome both West and North now therefore sent Letter after Letter to the Parliament for the procuring of a pretended well grounded Peace and the way nay forsooth the only way in the opinion of the subtill Oxonians that must lead thereto he propounded to be by a Treaty nay when that could not serve by a Personall Treaty in himself proffering himself to come in person to our Parliament But our prudent Parliament who by much experience knew very well of what danger and disadvantage such Treaties have been and this also of the Kings personall coming in this juncture of time would be both to foment pernicious delayes and abusive designes for raising desperate parties to spoile us all resolved therefore most peremptorily to go a neerer way to worke to wit by drawing up Bils and to present them to the King to have them immediately signed and made Acts. But now that the Reader I say may see how fairely the King meant both in sending Letters thus for a Treaty of Peace yea and proffering himself in person to treat of Peace I have here thought fit to set downe the substance of one of his Letters sent to the Parliament for this purpose verbatim and most faithfully as it was printed and published and therewith also a Declaration of his compacting with the Rebels in Ireland against God our Religion and his English Protestant Subjects yea the whole Kingdome and Parliament And then I say the impartiall Reader may see how crossely and craftily yet most accursedly things were carried underhand even with extream Atheisme and impiety and now I say for the full clearing hereof take here first a true Copy of the Kings Letter to our Parliament expressing his even greedy seeming desire of Peace with his Parliament and his Protestant People and then you shall have the other Letter or Declaration sent into Ireland and then be amazed and confounded in thy thoughts at such hideous and horrid yea even hellish dissimulation Upon Friday Jan. 16. another Trumpet for you must know by the way as I touched before divers former Trumpets and Messages had been sent came from the King with a Letter directed to the Speaker of the House of Peers pro tempore the substance of which Letter was C. R. HIs Majesty doth expresse his great wonder that whereas he had sent a gracious Message on the 26 of December last the subject whereof was for a Treaty for peace that the Parliament should returne no Answer to that Message ever since He much admired what should become of his Trumpeter whom he sent unto them in December last having heard 〈◊〉 newes of him since his departure from Oxford unto London He seemes to be very carefull of the Government of the Church and desireth that it may continue as in the dayes of Queen Elizabeth and King James of blessed and perpetuall memory yet he expresseth that because the Act it abolished for the use of the Booke of Common Prayer he is not altogether averse that the Directory shall passe as it is now used in some Churches of London and this He is content to condescend unto for the ease of tender consciences He maketh no question but that He shall give both his Houses of Parliament a full content for the choyce of the Lord Admirall and other Officers of State if He finds his Houses of Parliament inclinable to a Treaty for peace in which he intendeth to assist in Person He expresseth a speciall care to satisfie the Scots in their arreares and to discharge the expences of the City and for the businesse of Ireland He doubteth not but He shall give His Subjects of England perfect satisfaction Subscribed Given at our Court at Oxford Jan. 15. 1645. This is the substance of his Majesties Letter which though communicated by former pens was read in the House this day and it is the rather here inserted because you may see how crosse it is to His Majesties Letter sent to Ireland and sealed with his highnesse Signature and Royall Signet which Letter together with other papers of great concernment were found in the pocket of the Archbishop of Tuain slaine at Sligo in Ireland the tenour of which Letter was as followeth C. R. CHARLES by the grace of God King of England Scotland France and Ireland Defender of the Faith To our trusty and right well beloved cousin Edward Earle of Glamorgan greeting VVE reposing great and speciall trust and confidence in your approved wisdome and fidelity do by these as firmly as under our great Seale to all intents and purposes authorize and give you power to treat and conclude with the Roman Catholicks in our Kingdome of Ireland if upon necessity any thing be condescended to wherein our Lieutenant cannot so well be seen as not fit for us at the present publikely to owne We therefore charge you to proceed according to this our Warrant with all possible secrecy and for whatsoever you shall engage your self upon such valuable considerations as you in your judgement shall thinke fit we promise in the word of a King and a Christian to ratifie and performe the same that shall be granted by you and under your Hand and Seale the said Confederate Catholicks having by their supplies testified their zeale to our service and this shall be in each particular a sufficient Warrant to you Given at our Court at Oxford under our
Signet and Royall Segnature in the twenty yeere of our reigne c. It was therefore ordered by the said Earle in the Kings behalf 1 That all the professors of the Roman Religion in Ireland of whatsoever degree or quality shall enjoy the free and publique use of the Roman Catholike Religion 2 That the professors of the said Roman Religion shall enjoy all the Churches within the Kingdome of Ireland other than such as are now actually enjoyed by his Majesties Protestant Subiects 3 That all the Roman Catholick Subiects of Ireland should be exempted from the iurisdiction of the Protestant Clergy 4 〈◊〉 whereas there was an Act made 〈◊〉 Parliament holden in Dublin in the second yeare of Queen Elizabeth entituled An act restoring to the Crowne the ancient Right and Jurisdiction over the State Ecclesiasticall and for the abolishing of all forraigne and Popish power repugnant to the same And whereas there was another Act for the Vniformity of Common Prayer and Service in the Church and Administration of the Sacraments and sundry mâ—cts laid upon the professions of the Roman Religion it is accorded and granted that a Parliament shall be called in Ireland and that an Act shall passe for the reliefe of his Maiesties subiects and that neither of the said Statutes nor only branch Article clause or sentence in them neither in any other Statute made either by his Majiesty or any of his Predecessors touching the free and publique use of the Catholique Religion shall extend or be of my force to prejudice the professors of the Roman Church for any matter or cause whatsoever And these things and some other of the like nature being granted by the King according to his promise made in the word of a Christian and a King the Confederate Catholicks did oblige themselves to bring in the number of 10000 men who are to be armed there one half with Muskeâ—s the other with Pikes to be shipped to serve his Majesty in England Wales Scotland at his Majesty shall appoint Thus have I set forth the Kings Letter to the Parliament on the one side and his Letter or Declaration to the most bloody and barbarous Rebels of Ireland on the other side And now how the King is able to reconcile these two vast contrarities and to give the Kingdome and Parliament full satisfaction as in that Letter to them he saies he will concerning the affaires in Ireland let the world judge and God and his owne soul be witnesse Therefore the Parliament as by Gods mercy to us they have done all things hitherto for the most part with much moderation and 〈◊〉 did very 〈◊〉 I think present to his Majesty in theâ—â— Letter or Declaration sent unto him on their knowledge of these things that the war in Ireland being fomented and prolonged by his Majesty to the utter ruine almost of the Kingdome of England and Scotland that untill satisfaction and security be 〈◊〉 given to 〈◊〉 Kingdomes for the same his Majesties coming to London could not be convenient nor assented unto Thus I say the Parliaments providence next under the infinite wisdom and mercy of our good God hath still wonderfully discovered and disappointed all the pestilent plots and dangerous designes of our adversaries and maugre all their malicious machinations and craftiest combinations made all our Parliamentary great grave and godly affaires go on with wonderfull safety and security ever magnified and praised be the Lords most glorious mercies for it But now to proceed About the 14 of this instant January we received certain intelligence by Letters out of the West that the Enemy in those parts continued in a most distracted condition flying still before us and our men loosing no advantage and opportunity to pursue them And that they no sooner had heard of our Forces approach toward Plymouth but as they were in their Garrisons and Holds before Plymouth about Plympton they immediately forsook them to provide for themselves by a shamefull flight and were no sooner fled but our men became masters of their Works There were found in Plympton upon this the Enemies hasty flight seven peeces of Ordnance which in that confused haste they were not able to draw off there were also taken divers barrels of powder and great store of Armes and Ammunition and it much joyed the Garrison of Plymouth to see a full deliverance come so soone and so unexpectedly and that in the depth of snow and dead of Winter whereas according to ordinary reason there could in such a time no reliefe be expected But the Garrison of Plymouth to be sure made good use of the flying condition of their Enemies for immediately they sallyed forth after them and tooke about 60 of them one whereof was said to be a Commander of note and one of the most active against the Parliament in those parts And as the Garrison of Plymouth was active so our renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax with his most loyall and active Forces would loose no time or opportunity but tooke all occasions of the Enemies feares and flights and following them close made them quit Sir Francis Drakes House which they had made a strong Garrison and our men took possession of it And then Sir Thomas commanded a considerable party to march to Dartmouth who with much willingnesse undertooke the march and the Town being summoned the Enemy not onely refused to submit but sent out a party to fire some out houses supposing that they might be beneficiall to us during the siege but our Forces routed the party took 40 Horse and divers prisoners and slew the Lieutenant Colonell that commanded the said party And in the meane time Sir Thomas Fairfax sent to Captaine Batten Vice Admirall of the Parliaments Ships in the Westerne stode to come up to Dartmouth 〈◊〉 because he would storme it both by Sea and by Land whereof more in its more proper place January the 16 a Petition was 〈◊〉 to the House of Peers in the name of the Lord Mayor Alde â—men and Common-Councell of the City of London for the speedy setling of Church Government in the City and over the whole Kingdome as the day before they had presented one of the same to the House of Commons and upon the presenting of the Petition Alderman Gibbs made a Speech to their Lordships and after some consideration of the Petition the Lords returned them a most acceptable answer which Petition together with the Answer thereunto from the Lords for the Readers better content and satisfaction and the honour of that most famous and renowned City in such a pious Act and Petition I have thought fit here to insert them which were as followeth To the Right Honourable the LORDS now Assembled in the High Court of PARLIAMENT The humble Petition of the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Commons of the City of London in Common-Councell Assembled Sheweth THat in Novemb. last the Petitioners made it their humble request to this honourable
scandalized by a rable of rotten hearted impious and impudent Sectaries of the City and for the super-eminent Excellencie of the Thing it selfe speaking indeede much merited honour for it selfe I have here thought fit to insert it which was as followeth And here first good Reader thou shalt see the honour which the most Honorable House of Lords in Parliament put upon it in giving speciall Order for the speedie printing and publishing of it to all the world and then after it thou shalt have their most noble and ever to be renowned resent and singular approbation and Commendation of it immediately after it Die Martis 26 Maii. 1646. IT is this day Ordered by the Lords in Parliament Assembled That the Remonstrance and Petition of the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Common-Councell of the City of London this day exhibited to the House of Peeres and their Lordships Answer thereunto shall be forthwith printed and published And the care for the true printing thereof is hereby specially recommended unto Colonell John Bellamie who is by this Order authorized and required to print and publish the same accordingly And none else are to presume to print and publish the same as they will answer the contrary at their perils Jo. Browne Cleric Parliamentorum To the Right Honourable the LORDS Assembled in High Court of Parliament The humble Remonstrance and Petition of the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Commons of the City of London in Common-Councell assembled OUR duty in the first place doth lead us to begin all our Addresses as we most heartily and humbly do these with all due and humble acknowledgement of the great Labours and endeavours which Your Lordships have these many yeers employed in Reformation both of the Church and Common-Wealth and in preservation of both with the humble tender of our constant devotion to serve the Parliament according to our Covenant made before Almighty God In the next place we most humbly crave pardon although we do presume to returne againe unto your Lordships and humbly yet plainly lay open the sorrowes and feares of our hearts even in this season when as God hath blessed your Armies with the greatest successes and that man might perswade himselfe that the War is almost at an end For first when we remember that it hath been long since declared to be farre from any purpose or desire to let loose the golden Reins of Discipline and Government in the Church or to leave private persons or particular Congregations to take up what form of Divine Service they please when we looke upon what both Houses have resolved against Brownisme and Anabaptisme properly so called when we meditate on our Protestation and Covenant And lastly when we peruse the Directory and other Ordinances for Presbyteriall Government and yet finde private and separate Congregations daily erected in divers parts of the City and elsewhere and commonly frequented and Anabaptisme Brownisme and almost all manner of Heresies Schismes and Blasphemies boldly vented and maintained by such as to the point of Church-Government professe themselves Independent we cannot but be astonished at the swarmes of Sectaries which discover themselves every where who if by their indeavours they should get into places of profit and trust in Martiall and Civill affaires it may tend much to the disturbance of the Publike Peace both of the Church and Common-wealth We also cannot but call to minde what Vowes we have made to God in the same Covenant as well as our former Protestations to preserve the Rights and Priviledges of the Parliament and the Liberties of the Kingdomes and to preserve and defend the Kings Majesties person and Authority in the preservation and defence of the true Religion and Liberties of the Kingdomes that the world may beare witnesse with our Consciences of our Loyalty and that we have no thoughts or intentions to diminish his Majesties just Power and Greatnesse and do humbly rest in the assurance we have received in the many former Declarations of both Houses concerning their intentions towards his Majesty his Royall Posterity and the Peace of this Kingdome which we doubt not but your Lordships will pursue with all speedy dispatch of Propositions to his Majesty now whilst God doth so mercifully and miracuously go along with your Armies in all the parts of the Kingdome We may not in the next place forget our Brethren of Scotland how first they were invited to engage with this Kingdome in Gods Cause when yet they were at peace at home in what Covenant this Nation is mutually linked with them at what time in relation both to the weak condition of our Forces then and the season of the yeare they adventured upon an Enemy warmly lodged and well armed and prepared what they have since suffered for this Cause in their own Kingdome how successefull ever since God hath made our Forces in suppressing the Common Enemies of both Nations and what present hopes we have of a well-setled Peace while we continue in this mutuall amity And then cannot but lament the many jealousies which the Enemies of our Peace Union and good Government do now strive to beget between both Nations and tremble at the sad effects thereof if not timely prevented by the wisdome of the Parliaments of both Kingdomes We cannot also omit humbly to represent unto your Lordships consideration how many Citizens have already suffered and how many more will be undone if your Lordships shall still make use of that ancient Priviledge to protect your selves the Assistants of this Honourable House and the Servants of both and others from being proceeded against in any course of Law for Debt which now because this Parliament hath already sate so long and is likely by reason of the unsettlednesse of affaires to sit much longer would especially require some expedient for relief of so many as otherwise must daily suffer under this Priviledge And now that the Kingdom is almost reduced by which means the Revenues of the Kingdome will be unburthened and the Customes and Excise increase and the publike charge of the Kingdome decrease now that Delinquents do daily come in and compound and now that the Enemy hath but few Holds left we hope that the great and extraordinary Taxes and burthens on this City and their Trade shall be in the future abated that the Debts owing to the City and Citizens of London either by particular Assurances of the Parliament or upon the Publike Faith of the Kingdome be taken care for and discharged as well as those assigned upon the Excise and may not be diverted from the uses appointed by former Acts and Ordinances And we humbly crave have to present to the consideration of this Honourable House the Committee of Haberdashâ—rs-hall as being one of the greatest grievances of this City and which so long as it is continued doth hinder the concoursie of people thereunto and tendeth much to the destruction of the Trade and Inhabitants thereof And now also we doubt not but God
capitulation for joyning of Forces or for combining against the Houses of Parliament or any other private or publike agreement whatsoever between the King upon the one part and the Kingdom of Scotland their Army or any in their name and having power from them upon the other part is a most damnable untruth We shall not need to expresse how improbable it is if there had been any such agreement that the King about the same time should have sent a Message to both Houses offering to come to London and to follow their advice in all things without offering any satisfaction to the Kingdome of Scotland and that before he received the answer of the Houses he should write such a Letter to Ireland and give order to make it knowne not onely to his Privie Councell but to his other Subjects of that Kingdome Nor will we insist how improbable it is that the King should make this knowne to the Marquesse of Ormond and neglect to acquaint the late Earle of Montrosse who had been much more concerned and who would no doubt if he had knowne any such thing have communicated the same to Generall Major Middleton and prevented the defeating of himself his associates and forces about the middle of May after the King was with the Scottish Armie Nor how unlikely it is that he who is for the time Commander in chiefe for the Scottish forces in Ireland should be for the space of seven or eight weeks totally ignorant of any such agreement or if he had known any such thing that he would have communicated it to the Commissioners of the Parliament and immediately marched himself to the fields against the Enemy Nor shall we need to call to minde the expressions in the Lord Digbies intercepted Letters which gave our Nation the character of such as could not be gained to that side no not after all applications used There are other more sure and more publike Testimonies since the date of that lying Paper which make the falsehood of it more than palpable as if divine providence had purposely ordered all the late actions of the Kingdome of Scotland and of their Forces both before and since the third of April to be so many reall confutations of that groundlesse invention Wee meane severall late fights with the Rebels under the late Earle of Montrosse and Allaster Mac Donald the delivery of Newark the restraining and debarring of Delinquents and Malignants from the Kings Person and from our Army the late publike Declarations of the Church and State of Scotland in the beginning of April as likewise of the Generall and Committee with the Army agreed upon about the end of Aprill and published the 15 of May in Scotland against a Band of the Earle of Seaforth and his Associates As for other reasons so especially for this that the said Band did tend to the weakning of the confidence and Union between the two Kingdomes firmly joyned and mutually engaged for assistance to each other in this Cause as may appear more fully by the Declarations herewith presented Nor can we passe the Paper delivered to the King by the Committee of Estates upon the 15 of May last that if His Majestie should delay to go about the readiest waies and meanes to satisfie both his Kingdomes they would be necessitated for their own exoneration to acquaint the Committee of both Kingdoms at London that a course might be taken by joynt advice of both Kingdoms for attaining the just ends expressed in the Solemne League and Covenant We shall say no more of this particular God hath his owne time to make manifest who have dealt sincerely and who falsely and as our Nation did refuse to joyne with the Enemies Forces when they were strongest and did joyn with our Brethren of England in their weakest and most necessitous condition so we shall never look for a blessing from God upon either Nation longer than they continue faithfull to God and to each other according to the Covenant and Treaty And we do confidently expect from the wisdome and Justice of the Honourable Houses that this and such like Papers shall finde no more credit here than Papers and Declarations against themselves did formerly finde in Scotland and that Declarations and publique Papers from the Kingdome of Scotland or their Committees or Commissioners shall have such acceptation with both Houses as they desire Declarations from themselves or Papers from any in their Name may have with their Brethren of Scotland Nor do we doubt but God will dissipate all these clouds of calumnies and mis-understandings endeavoured thereby and will give such a frame of spirit to both Nations as may continue them in a brotherly accord and mutuall confidence for the good both of this and of the succeeding Generations which hath been is and shall be most earnestly wished and faithfully endeavoured by Your very affectionate friends and humble servants Lauderdaill Johnston Charles Erskine Henry Kennedie Robert Barnlay Worcester House the 8. of June 1646. Die Lunae 8 Junii 1646. Ordered by the Lords assembled in Parliament That the Letter of the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland Dated the 8 of this instant June 1646. shall be forthwith printed and published Jo. Browne Cleric Parliamentorum And because there were many suspicions and jealousies loved and fomented in the hearts and uttered too frequently by the tongues of many ill affected ones to our faire loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland That they would not easily be got out of the Kingddome of England no not when our warres were quite ended and we had no more need of them among us as some yea many of them maliciously took upon them to conceive and spatter abroad with their base and busie tongues I have therefore also here thought fit to insert another Letter or Declaration inclosed in the foresaid Letter or Declaration to the Lords in Parliament by the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland as was forementioned which I conceive may and will give faire and full satisfaction touching that suspition also to those that are not too much byassed with prejudice and partiallity which was as followeth IT is not light but grievous to us to heare of any disorders at all committed by any person in that Army how great soever the necessities be unto which they are redacted or that our Army should be any longer burthensome to this Kingdome And we do in the Name of that Kingdome and Army declare and assure That as they came into this Kingdome upon an earnest invitation from both Houses of Parliament and for the ends expressed in the Covenant and Treaty and Declaration of both Kingdoms the close whereof doth expresse the resolution of both to have Truth and Peace setled upon a firme Foundation before their laying down of Arms so their continuance neither is nor shall be made use of to the least encroachment upon the Government of this Kingdome nor to any other ends besides those expressed in the Covenant and
Treaty And how soon soever Religion and Peace shall be setled accordingly our Army and Garrisons shall forthwith remove out of this Kingdome And these things we shall wish may be speedily done and that the Propositions for a safe and well grounded Peace which did for a very short time remaine in our â—ands may now after so long expectation be sent to the King that upon his Royall consent to the desires of his People for setling and securing of Religion and Peace his Majesty may returne to his Parliament here all Armies may be disbanded the heavie pressures of the Subjects ended and the Kingdoms may remaine in a firme Peace and Vnion to all Posterity according to the Solemne League and Covenant 3 June 1646. These most honest and as I conceive most abundantly satisfactory expressions and demonstrations of our honest and loyall Brethren besides all their former faithfull performances of all things promised and protested by them and exacted from them ever since the beginning of comming among us may me thinks give full content and assurance too to us all of their integrity and faithfull intentions to deal most honestly and uprightly with us in all things in the maine I meane especially notwithstanding the most shamelesse and gracelesse calumniating tongues and selfe-seeking ungodly intentions and Satanicall desire of seditious Spirits to make a most sad and scelerous fraction and Division betweene two such Brother-Nations as we are or ought to be But let them take heed who evâ—r they be least the severe and bitter curse of God fall not heavily on their heads and hearts too who thus dare play fast and loose with sacreed Covenants and endevour to separate and that to a most bloody Division those whom God hath so graciously conjoyned for for my part I never reade or heard but that the Lord the righteous judge to whom vengeance belongs did first or last soone or late revenge most sadly and severely perfidious Covenant-breakers But to proceed About the 8. of this instant June a Letter was read in the House of Commons from his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairefax and therein Articles inclosed for the surrender of Bostol Garrison thereof I made briefe mâ—ntion onely before but now is most fully confirmed The Articles were to this effect That the Governour Sir William Campion and all Officers in Commission should march away with their horse and armes and those that desired to goe beyond Sea should have passes and they that desired to make their compositions should be effectually recommended by the Generall to the Parliament that their fines should not exceede two yeares revenue the Common Souldiers to march away without armes to their owne homes Hostages were given for performance of these conditions and the Garrison to be surrendred immediatly to our forces for the use of the King and Parliament And upon the 11. of June a Letter was brought to the House of Commons with Articles of the surrender of Carnarvan Towne and Castle by Byron the Governour thereof to renowned Colonell Mitton and the House after the reading thereof considered of a Governour for the said Garrison and having experience of the integrity valour and fidelity of Colonell Thomas Glyn they nominated and appointed him Governour of the said Towne and Castle Upon intelligence whereof the House of Commons ordered that thankes should be given in all Churches throughout London the next Lords day and likewise for Ludlow Dudley-Castle and Carnarvan About the 14. of this instant June we received certaine knowledge from New Castle of the Kings resolution to give speedie order for the surrendring of all the rest of his Garrisons which yet held out against the Parliament a Copie whereof I have here thought fit to insert which was as followeth CHARLES REX HAving resolved to comply with the designes of the Parliament in every thing that may be for the good of the Subjects and leave no meanes unassayed for removing of differences betwixt us Therefore we have thought fit the more to evidence the reality of our intentions of settling a happie and firme peace to require you upon honourable conditions to quit those Townes Castles and Forts intrusted by you to us and to disband all the forces under your severall commands New-Castle the 10. June 1646. TO our trusty and welbeloved Sir Thomas Glemham Sir Thomas Tidsley Colonell Henry Washington Colonell Thomas Blague Governours of our Townes and Castles of Oxford Worcester Litchfield and Wallingford and all other Commanders of any other Townes Castles or Forts within the Kingdome of England or Dominion of Wales About the 19. of this instant June the Parliament having had much and long debate about the Propositions to be sent to be signed by the King and especially about the settlement of the Militia of the Kingdome at last there was a happy Compliance of Both Houses about it And it was resolved upon the question That the Militia shall be in the power of Both Houses of Parliament for 20. yeares and in case after 20. yeares there be occasion to use Armes by any insurrection at home or forraigne invasion and the Lordâ— and Commons agree thereunto if the King will not concurre yet it shall be Lawfull for the Lords and Commons to proceede in that warre and exercise of that Militia for the safety and peace of the Kingdome And immediately after this the Proposions were by Both Houses of Parliament sent to the Commissioners of Scotland for their assent and concurrence in them And much about the same time there was aspeciall mâ—eâ—ing of the Divines of London and Wâ—stminster and within the Lines of Communication at Zion-Colledge where three of them for all the rest spent 5 howers or there about in prayer to beg direction from God about the acting and putting in execution the Presbyterian Church-Government according to the late Ordinance of Parliament enabling and authorizing them thereunto And some that were present there and Members of that Assembly assured me that they never saw or heard of a more zealous and earnest seeking of the Lord and their prayers were uttered with such fervencie and burning zeale that very many there present were so extraordinarily ravisht in spirit as caused very many teares to be shed and deep and heartily sighs and groanes to be sent up to Heaven And this holy worke being ended they began to debate of the worke to be acted by them and though at first they excepted against some things in the Ordinance of Parliament yet at length by Gods speciall providence it was resolved with an unanimous consent yea Nemine Contradicente to put on the worke and rest upon God and the Parliament for the Composing of what was found wanting by practicall experience onely for the better satisfaction of their owne consciences therein and to shew forth to the whole Church of God as well abroad as at home their advised care therin they immediatly upon it resolved on certaine Considerable Causions on which
at that Fight where and when the Earle of Northampton was slaine p. 2. p. 288 82 Sir John Smith brother to the Lord Carington p. ibib 83 Dr. Weston a Phisitian p. 2. p. 263 84 An Earl or such like eminent Personage found slaine in the field at Nasebie fight with a Star and a red Crosse upon his Coat but his name or title not known p. 4. p. 163 164 85 Major Threave p. 4. p 86 Captaine Fry p. 4. p 87 Col. Billingsly p. 4 p. 403 88 Capt. Cottingham p. 4 p. 409 89 Major Caft p. 291 90 Six Priests slain in Bazing House p. 291 91 Lieut. Col. Gardiner p. 4 p. 123 Besides many yea very many more found slaâ—ne on the places and ground where they fought but not named or knowne who they were very many buried by the enemies themselves in the places where they were slaine and very many thrown into rivers and secretly conveyed away out of the Feilds where they fought before their flight and totall routs at least 140. Cart-loads as was credibly related of slaine and sorely wounded carried to Oxford from Newburies first fight many Cart-loads carried away and many buried in Ditches at Brainford fight many also at Dorchester and Causham fights neare Oxford many at Marstonmoores famous fight and very many in many other places too tedious here to recite yea impossible almost to be recited besides such as being left behind in the sields where they fought who being stript appeared plainly to be Gentlemen and men of extraordinary worth and quality both by their pure white skins fine shirts and very rich cloaths but could not otherwise be knowne unto us And let the intelligent and judicious Reader take this observation from this short Catalogue of the thus slaine on the Kings party even of those partly ignorant and partly malignant enemies and opposers of God and his most righteous Cause defended by the Parliament viz. To see and take notice of especially the just revenging hand of God upon our Kingdoms Nobility and Gentry who having been the maine malignant and even Atheisticall enemies of Religion of the power of godlinesse and of a pure and thorough Reformation all along even ever since the first Infant Reformation in Queene Elizabeths dayes of ever blessed memory I say over the whole Kingdome even to these present deplorable times God hath therefore now at length mightily met with them thus by the Sword of Warre whom 'tis more than probable the Sword of Justice in a Legall way would hardly have reached or but sprincklingly and partially for feare or affection or such like 〈◊〉 respects as 't is much to be feared and brought to severe yet most just death and condigne punishment Of which most righteous and remarkable hand of God more yea most immediately and almost miraculously cutting off many of these most impious and audacious malignant and Atheisticall enemies of the Parliamentary Cause even in the very act of their desperate and devillish malignity against the same whosoever would see more they may be most abudantly satisfied even to admiration and astonishment in my First and Second part of A Looking-glasse for Malignants so entituled printed by Mr. John Rothwell Stationer at the Signe of the Sun in Pauls Church-yard in London Anno 1643. and 1645. The like examples whereunto both for manner number and time no Age or History I am confident is able to produce in any part of the world from Adam to this day And here also I conceive it cannot be improper to our present History or impertinent to the yet further manifestation of Gods due glory in his worke of Justice upon the enemies of his Truth and the Kingdomes welfare to give the Reader a briefe Catalogue of all or the most of those Court-Grandees and rotten-hearted Royalists who like so many Rats and Mice fearing the old house of their Traiterous Designes was now ready to fall upon their owne heads to their owne ruine even that the hand of Justice would now lay hold on them and pay them home for all their formerly purposed and practised mischeifes for the ruinating of the true Protestant Religion and their Mother-Kingdomes precious proprieties being now I say by Gods Justice on them made Magor-Missabib Ier. 20. 3. a terrour to themselves and their accursed Copesmares and being stung with selfe-guilt of Conscience and principally to avoid the avengeing stroke of Justice and partly also to practice and perpetrate more mischiefe if possible it might be against the Kingdome abroad as they had done at home Now therefore I say like so many viperous Vermine or naughty Nauseous obstructions upon the stomack of their Native Nation as most trayterous Fugitives they fled away being as it were disgorged and spewed out of the Kingdome as banefull and burthensome thereunto and forced to fly into forraigne parts to prolong a base and most shamefull life and without Repentance to dye a most ignoble and desperate death the names of whom as neare as I could I have here I say collected together and were as followeth Jeremy 46. 15. Why are thy valiant men swept away they stood not because the Lord did drive them away A Catalogue of the names of our Court Fugitives and most pernicious Catalines who fled and were forceably frighted out of the Kingdome for feare of the stroke of Justice 1 QVene Mary her selfe the fautresse and fomenter of all the miseries of the three Kingdomes next to our sinnes 2 The Lord Goring Senior 3 Sir Iohn Finch then Lord chiefe Justice of the Common Pleas. 4 Sir Francis Windebanke principall Secretary to the State 5 The Lord George Digby who afterward ventred to come backe againe but since that flew into Ireland 6 The Earle of Yarmouth Henry Iermine 7 The Lord Percie 8 The Marquesse of New-castle 9 The Lord Widdrington 10 Sir Hugh Cholmley 11 The Lord Goring junior Generall of the Kings Forces in the West 12 Generall Hinderson then lately before Governour of Newarke 13 Master Wat. Mountagâ—e afterward venturing home disguisedly apprehended and imprisoned in the Tower 14 Prince Charles 15 Sir Iohn alias Lord Culpepper 16 The Earl of Huntington 17 The Lord of Loughborough 18 The Earl of Northampton 19 Sir Richard alias Skellum Greenvile 20 Sir Nicholas Crispe 21 Sir Ralph alias Lord Hopton 22 The Lord Wentworth 23 The Lord Capell 24 Sir Endymion Porter 25 Major Generall Taplane or Laplane and very many Officers and Gentry of quality that went away with him 26 Sir William Neave of the Heralds of Arms Officers 27 Master Ashburnham And now also that the Reader yea even Malignant Momus himselfe may see my faithfull impartiality in this works and most renowned History I have here thought fit by way of Antithests or Opposition to set downe and shew forth to open view a most cleare demonstration of Gods most gracious and favourable dealing with the pious Propugnators of his most just Cause even the precious Patriots of their Religion and
Countries Liberties in collecting as truly and faithfully as I was able a Catalogue of the most eminent Persons and Commonders on the Parliaments Party also as I have done on the Kings who in this the Kingdomes Common calamity have been taken away out of this world of wretchednesse and valley of teares by the Sword of the enemy and so have as it were passed over by that sharp bridge to their long looked for and heartily hoped for heavenly Canaâ—n The most eminent Persons slaine on the Parliaments Party since the beginning of these unhappy Civill Warres 1 THe Lord St. Iohn Part 2 Page 198 2 The Lord Brooke p. 2 p. 272 3 Sir William Fairfax brother to the most noble and renowned Lord Fairfax p. 4. p. 33 4 Sir Iohn Meldrum p. 4. p 5 Major Generall Charles Fairfax Sonne to the aforesaid noble Lord Fairfax and brother to our present most renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax slaine at Marston-moore fight 6 Colonell Essex p. 2. p. 198 7 Col. Hampden p. 2. p 8 Col. Tucker p. 2. p. 418 9 Lieut. Col. Ramsey p. 2 10 Serjeant Major Quarles p. 2. p. 216 11 Major Stawham a brave Scottish Gent. p. 2. p. 380 12 Major Fitz-Simons p. 4. p 13 Major Bradbury p. 4 p 14 Major Iackson p. 4. p. 123 15 Captain Lacis p. 2. p. 216 16 Cap. Lister p. 2. p. 230 17 Cap. Nuttie p. 2. p. 309 18 Cap. Massie p. 2. p. 410 19 Cap. Hunt p. 2. p. ibid 20 Cap. Oglesby p. 2. p. 221 21 Cap. Williams p. 2. p. 267 22 Cap. Pue p. 3. p. 278 23 Master Hugh Popham p. 3 p. 303 24 Major Haynes p. 4. p. 341 25 Cap. Dove p. 4. p. 257 26 Lieut Col. Ingoldsby p. 4 p. 401 27 Cap. Allen. p. 295 28 Major Francis Sydenham p. 119 29 Col. Iohn Gunter Some few more 't is probable there might be but I professe ingeniously and most sincerely not one more as yet come to my knowledge or spontaneously pretermitted by me in my most sedulous search over the whole Foure Parts of this our Parliamentary Chronologie which I have diligently done as well for satisfaction to the honest-hearted Readers touching the slaine I say on our side as those on the enemies side in which two so vastly discrepant and largely unequall Catalogues both for number and quality though ours I confesse especially considering some of them as most pious Saints and precious Patriots farre transcended the very best of the enemies for spirituall waight and worth the udicious and impartiall religious Reader may see by comparing them both together how the Lord our most righteous and gracious God hath put a difference between the precious and the vile and yet manifesting in some measure for just Causes best knowne to his owne unsearchable wisedome and I am sure for the best good of his beloved-ones every way that as touching the outward stroke of death I say in a Common calamity it hapneth to the good as to the bad and how dyeth the wise man but even as the foole as wise King Solomon witnesseth Ecclesiastes 2. 15 16. Note also yet once againe good Reader for the yet more remarkable manifestation of Gods righteousnesse and mercy in putting another most notable difference between the Army of his enemies and the Army of his Saints and Servants fighting his battailes that as was toucht before and shewne in the Catalogue of the slaine on the Kings fide in the very first set battaile and field fight that was fought by the enemy against the Parliament which was at Keinton or Edge-hill the Kings first great Lord Generall of all his Forces the Earle of Lindsey who should have been the great Atlas and Hercule in-upholder of the Kings so oft pretended and protested just Cause was one of the first that was slaine in that first famous Fight whereas both in that renowned Victory and in all the progresse of these bloody Broyles and most uncivill Civill Warres over the whole Kingdome even I say from that first Fight to this day both our most renowned Generalls I meane his Excellency the Right Honourable Lord Generall Robert Earle of Essex and the renowned Generall his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax that now is have both of them come off hitherto with abundance of honour and renowne not onely free from death but also ever blessed be the Lords wonderfull mercy in it not so much as toucht with the least wound or hurt on their bodies for ought that ever I yet heard to this present day The like also we may most happily and faithfully say of his Excellency renowned Generall Lesley Earle of Leven Lord Generall of the Forces of our loving and loyall Brethren of Scâ—tland the vertuous and Victorious Generall of the forces of the Associated Counties North-easterly I meane the most noble Earle of Manchester and the thrice noble and renowned Generall of our Northerne forces in Yorkeshire the valiant and victorious Lord Fairfax in which remarkable mercy and me thinks most excellent and eminent observation and for all which so rich so rare and singularly sweet free mercies and most admirable dispensations of Gods wonder-working wisedome mercy and justice power and protection over us and thus manifested to and for us a wicked and worthlesse Nation a sinfull and provoking people Blessing Honour Glory and Power be unto Him that sitteth upon the Throne and unto the Lambe for ever and ever Revel 5. 13. Amen and Amen A Table of all the most materiall Passages mentioned in this Fourth Part of The Parliamentary Chronicle And here I desire the Reader to take notice that all the Forts Townes Castles and Garrisons taken since Nasebie Fight are to be found in the particular Catalogue of them before A. ADvance of the Earle of Manâ—hester from York p. 6 Our formidable Army coopâ— up in the West p. 18 â—ur Army plotted against in Cornwall p. 21 Ammunition safely conveyed to Oâ—westree p. 22 A Commitiee for the Army appointed p. 36 An ignoble Act of the Kings in Cornwall p. 38 Array-men in the North surprized p. 39 Augmentation of Ministers meanes p. 41 Sir ' Antheny Ashley-Cooper stormes Sir John Strange-waies house p. 67 Captaine Allen beates the enemy p. 251 Suddaine alteration of things in Scotland p. 270 Alderman Adams chosen Lord Mayor of London p. 282 Abbington Forces beat the enemy p. 93 Assembly of Divines at Westminster p. 319 The Lord Ashton beaten and slaine p. 320 The Army new Modell'd p. 97 Ashbie Cavaliers soundly beaten at Cole-orton p. 104 Apsley-house taken p. 115 Activity of Abbington p. 126 352 132. Our Armies prosperous proceedings in the West p. Assizes of Oyer and Terminer revived p. 364 Admiralty of the Sea taken into consideration p. 143 A brave defeat given to the enemy at Axminster p. 70 Our Armies good successe in Cornwall p. 378 The answer of Sir Thomas Fairfax to Hoptons demands p. 393 Our Armies march Eastâ—â—rd out of Cornwall p. 400 Prosperous Affaires in Scotland
mercy to the enemy p. 358 Sir Thomas Fairfax advanced to Oxford p. 140 Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Forces or strength before Oxford p. 142 The King flyes from Leicester p. 172 G. SIr John Gell takes Winkfield Mannour p. 14 The Lord Generalls fidelity p. 37 Generall 〈◊〉 brother shot dead p. 59 God a multitude of Parliamentary mercies p. 63 Gratitude of the Parliament to well deservers p. 2â—â— Glamorgan-shire turned to the Parliament p. 317 Germanies Bloud p. 322 Gentry of Cornwall submit to the Parliament p. 383 The Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax honoured by the Parliament with a Jewell p. 170 Goods of Papists apprehended in Long Acre p. 183 H. TWelve brave Horses surprised from the enemy p. 6 Helmesley Castle taken p. 70 Col. Holbornâ—s good-service in the West p. 77. 82. 8. 96 Col. Harsnets Letter touching Abbington p. 93 The happy Harmony of both Houses of Parliament p. 127. 131 Hoptons Army totally routed in the West p. 367 A Day of Humiliation kept for our Forces in the West p. 182 Hopton summoned to come in p. 387 Hopton expects supplyes out of Ireland p. 391 Col. Hooke taken prisoner p. 74 I. LOrd Inchiquins Letter p. 5 An Irish Ship taken p. 44 Irish Rebells to have no quarter p. 36 Integrity of the Parliament p. 293 325 King James his sad and bad mention p. 321 Isle of Rees Bloud p. 323 Irelands Bloud p. 223 Irish Rebels bravely beaten at Sligo p. 342 An Irish Ship taken p. 386 Thirty Irish Rebels put to the sword p. 386 A Jewell of Five hundred pound sent to the noble Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax p. 170 A Jewell of Five hundred pound presented to Gen. Leven p. 203 K. THe King come to Newbery p. 56 Knares borough Castle taken p. 83 The Kings Plot in the North frustrated p. 259 The Kings Horse beaten at Kiddarminster p. 276 Kent Petitions the Parliament about the selfe-denying Ordinance p. 98 The Kings owne Life-guard troope of Horse taken p. 121 Kent rises againe in Rebellion p. 136 The King flyes from Leicester p. 172 The Kings Cabinet of Letters taken at Nasebie p. 175 The King escapes disguisedly out of Oxford p. 414 The Kings comming into the Scots Army p. 417 L. A Letter from the Lord of Inchiquin p. 5 Our Army in danger by a Plot at Leistithiel in the West p. 17 London Ministers Petition against Schismes p. 28 Col. Lambert takes a brave prize p. 44 Levon poole in Lancashire surrendred p. 62 Line apprehends a rich Ship driven into it p. 71 Laughorne Castle in Wales taken p. 71 Lin-Kegis in danger p. 79 The Parliaments gratitude to Major Generall Laughorne p. 278 Loyalty of Gen. Poyntz rewarded p. 281 A Letter touching Abbington p. 93 Letters of the Lord Digbies p. 303 About forty of the King Life-Guard surprised p. 320 Generall Lesley made Commander in chiefe at Newark p. 327 Londons providence and the Parliaments care for the Cities safety p. 337 The Kings Letter to the Parliament p. 345 The Kings Letter for a Treaty of Peace answered p. 347 London Petitions for Church-Government p. 349 Cabinet of Letters taken at Nasebie p. 175 Learning encouraged at Cambridge by the Parliament p. 135 Divers Lords come from Oxford to the Parliament p. 137 Londons Petition touching the Kingdomes sad condition p. 155 A List of Cornish Gentry come in to the Parliament p. 395 The Duke of Lenox and others come in to the Parliament p. 414 A Letter of the Commissioners of Scotland to the Parliament p. 416 Londons preservation from the plague of pestilence a great mercy p. 315 A Letter from the King to the Marquesse of Ormond in Ireland p. 437 Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax touching Oxford p. 445 The Kings Letters for yeelding up all his Garrisons p. 444 M. COlonell Massies Letter to the Parliament p. 3 Earle of Manchesters advance from Yorke p. 6 Col. Middleton beates the enemy p. 9 Sir Iohn Meldrum beates the enemy in Lancashire p. 10. p. 12. Our Magazine in the West in danger p. 17 Sir Thomas Middleton beates the enemy p. 23 Mountgomery Castle taken p. 23 Mourton-Corbet Castle taken p. 25 Macquire and Macmahone two Irish Rebels apprehended p. 27 Ministers Ordained at London p. 41 Sir Iohn Meldrums noble act touching Sir William Fairfax p. 34 The enemy bravely beaten at Mountgomery Castle p. 30 Col. Massies brave exploit against the enemy p. 34 Monmouth Towne and Castle taken p. 35 Col. Massies just praise p. 44 Sir Thomas Middletons performances in Wales p. 46 Malignants mouthes stopt p. 55. 135. Sir Thomas Middletons brave exploit in Mountgomeryshire p. 77 Montrosse prevailes in Scotland p. 269 Montrosse soundly beaten in Scotland p. 270 Not a moneth weeke or day hardly without a mercy p. 285 Mercy to Malignants intended by the Parliament p. 288 Election of Members of Parliament looked unto p. 293 Maintenance for the New-Modell'd Army p. 97 A passage of providence at Melton-moubury p. 103 Col. Massies brave Victory at the Forrest of Deane p. 116 Col. Massie beates the enemy neare Bristoll p. 129 Col. Massies danger and deliverance p. 144 Sir Iohn Meldrums good service requited p. 152 Col. Mittons Forces good service p. 167 Monethly continued Morning Prayers at London p. 207 The Ministers of two Counties Petition the Parliament for a Church Government to be establisht p. 434 Our mercies Baptized Gad a Multitude p. 63 Ministers of Londons and Westminsters most pious meeting at Sion-Colledge p. 445 N. NEw-Castle taken by the Scots p. 46 Newbery Fight p. 57 Newcastle Castle taken p. 61 Newcastle in free Trading againe p. 69 Our Northerne Forces in good condition p. 259 The fifth of Novembers Commemoration a Thankes-giving Day for the Parliaments continuation p. 315 Novembers seventeenth Queene Elizabeths just Commemoration noted on a speciall occasion p. 323 Newarke besieged by the Scots and their brave beginnings there to tame that enemy p. 327 The prisoners taken at Nasebie-fight brought to London p. 173 Newarke left by our Brethren of Scotland p. 419 O. LOrd Ogleby taken prisoner p. 11 The enemy beaten at Orinskirk p. 11 Ordination of Ministers at London p. 46 Ordinance against Irish Rebels p. 57 Ordinance of self-deniall p. 5 Care for chosing good Officers in London p. 82 Two excellent Ordinances of Parliament p. 312 An Ordinance for the maintenance of the New-modell'd Army p. 97 Oxford Lords come in to the Parliament p. 137 Oxford besieged by the Gen. Sir Thomas Fairfax p. 140 Master Occonnelly rewarded for his discovery of the desperate plot in Ireland p. 152 Oxford surrendred the manner how p. 446 P. A Plot upon our Magazine in the West p. 17 The Parliaments promptitude to the worke of Reformation p. 29 A Plot against the Parliaments Army in the West p. 37 Plottings of the Royalists to cousen the Kingdome p. 37 Plimouth mens admirable courage p. 38 A brave prize taken at Poole p. 44 More Plots of the enemy discovered p. 78
to bee highly honored and advanced Malignant slanderers mouthes against the Parliament stopped A second rebellion in Keâ—t but soon suppressed by valiant Colonell Blunt A brave â—ef at given to the Enemy at Rumsey by valiant Colon. No tens forces Divers of the Lords at Oxford come in unto the Parliament The Earles Lords names that are returned from Oxford to the Parliament A brave defeat given to Prince Maurice his forces in Worcestershire Major Pilkinton slain Divers brave victories defeats given to the Enemy about Oxford Sir Tho Fairfax advanced into the field set down before Oxford An extract out of Letters of Leivtenant Gen. Cromwels victory at Oxford A brave victory obtained by Leivten Gen. Cromwell neer Islip by Oxford The Enemy is totally routed Blechington-house summoned surrendred Major Generall Browns brave defeat given to the Enemy about Oxford Colonell Feins gives the Enemy a brave defeat Another brave victory obtained by Leivtenant Generall Cromwell at Bampton-Bush over Sir Henry Vaughan and his forces A brave prize taken The singular good estate of our Army at Oxford under the noble Generall Sir Tho. Fairfax Our Army at this time was 4000 horse 13000 foot The businesse of the Admiralty Sea-affairs is taken into consideration Commissioners for the Admiralty nominated The Burning-Bush not consumed Psal 30 11 12. May. 1645. The Copy of Colon. Massies own Letter setting forth his great danger as great deliverance The good successe valiant services of the the Parliaments forces at Warwick under Major Purefoy A brave prize taken The happy releif of the precious Town of Taunton by renowned Sir Tho Fairfaxes forces under the command of Col. Welden Col. Graves The brave Discipline of our Army in the West our releif come to Taunton Hopton 〈◊〉 to Tauntâ— to surrender Colonel Blakes reply The siege raised the Enemies fled The seasonablenesse of Taunton â—â—leif at this time The Enemies losse before Taunton Excellent Orders appointed by the Parliament for the well-regulating of Sir Thomas Fairfaxes new Army The hopefull effects of a well regulated army Major General Cromwell and Major Generall Brown compared to David Jonathan The Parliaments most singular gratitude for the good services done to the kingdom by the Right honourable the Earl of Essex others The Souldiers that releived Taunton gratefully remembred by the Parliament Renowned Sir John Meldâ—uâ—s gallant service required Mr. Owen Occoâ—elly taken into farther consideration for his loyall discovery of the Irish plot The brave services of valiant Captain Stone Governour of Staâ—â—â—d castle against the Enemy A blessed return of Prayer Evesham taken by renowned Colon. Massie The prisoners prizes taken A brave defeat given to the Enemy by Col. Norton at Langford house in Hampshire The Burning-Bush not consumed Isai 25. 1. June 1645. The most famous City of Londons most excellent Petition to the Parliament touching the then present sad condition of the Kingdom A Copy of the Petition of the Citizens of London to the Parliament A brave defeat given to the Enemies neer Chester by valiant Leivâ—en Col Venables A most brave defeat given to the Newarkers at Houghâ—â— house by valiant and active Colon. Rossitâ—r A iust reward of a sleeping souldier according to the rules of Martiall Discipline â—olon Rossiter bravely recovers Hougâ—m house The prisoners prizes taken at Nougham houses recovery The most famous fight and glorious victory obtained at Naseby in Northampton-shire over the Kings forces exactly described The Kings Army at Daventry The Kings Army not willing to fight marcheth toward Southaâ—â— The Royall army advanced to Harborough And froÌ„ thence to Nâ—sâ—by The manner of Marshalling our Army for the battail The Kings Army advanceth toward us The fight begins 2 Châ—â—oâ— 32. 7 8 Heer the fight was very hot furious on both sides The Kings blue Regiment of Foot â—uinated and destroyed Our left Wing is some what shatter'd The Enemy is beaten by our right Wing The King himself rallyed his Horse again The Kings words to his Souldiers The Enemy is beaten again The Enemy is pursued 12 or 13 miles within 3 miles of Leicester The high and prime praise of this victory given to God in the first place The Renowned Generall next as most worthy praise Courageous Major General Skippon Valiant Leivtenant General Cormwell Commissary Generall Ireton and Colonell Butler The Enemies Foot fought also very stoutly Good store of Bisket and Cheese takes to refresh our Souldiers at the end of the Fight Our Souldiers marched to Harborough that night The slaine in the Field of the Enemies The Ensignes of the Enemies taken in the field One great encouragement to our Souldiers to fight bravely was the rich plunder of the Enemies Very many Irish Queanes in the field how they were used The slaine on out side in the Fight A most slanderous and abominable lie of Secretary Nicholas put upon the Parliament The Victory pursued by our Horse toward Leicester A List of what losse the King did sustaine in this famous fight The slain and wounded Prisoners Prizes 〈…〉 〈◊〉 on the Victory â—1 The 〈◊〉 and condition of the Kingdome 1. The Kingdome fourfold sad condition at this time 2. 3. 4. 2. Considering the Army it self The new Model'd Army despised and scorned 1 Cor. 1. 27 28. An Excellent note touching the Generall himself about this fight and Victory Two rare postures in a victorious Generall or Commander Reverend Mr. Marshall in his Thanksgiving Sermon at Christ-Church in London The good Service of valiant Colonell Mittâ—â—â— Forces in Shropshire A day of solemn Thanksgiving set apart to praise the Lord for the late great Victory at Naseby which was especially celebrated at Christ-Church in London The thanks of the Parliament sent to the noble Generall his field officers A jewel of 500 li. to be sent as a present to Sir Tho Fairfax from the Parliament The messengers of this victory rewarded Leicester regained the news therof brought to London on the Thanksgiving day in the morning the more to sweeteÌ„ that dayes joy The manner of the regaining of Leicester The Kings flying from Leicester Preparation to storm Leicester Leicester surrendred to Sir Thomas Fairfax upon composition The prize taken in Leicester The Prisoners taken at Naseby fight being neer 5000 with 55 Colours c. brought up to London The prisoners disposed of into several holds The usage of the Cavalierian prisoners by our Parliament The usage of our Parliaments prisoners by the King his Cavaliers Our Brethren of Scotlands advance to Nottingham A brave exploit performed by the Garrison of Wareham in the West A brave defeat given to the Enemy by valiant Colo. Jones in Cheshire The Kings Cabinet of Letters taken at Naseby sent to the Parliament the Letters opened and read 4 Main heads of the Letters 1. 2. 3. 4. The Cabinet of Letters publikely read in Guild Hall in London afterward printed published with Annotations Stckesey Castle
Frigot taken by our ships Hilford Castle taken Livetenant Colonell Ingoldsby slain by Musket shot A day of solemn Thanksgiving for the forementioned great mercies to the King Our noble Generals advance to Exeter Inch-House surrendred Pouldram Fort taken High-Archall surrendred to the Parliament Bridge-North Towne taken by Shrewsbury forces Colonell Billingsley slaine in the Storme Portland castle surrendred Exmouth-Fort neere Exeter taken Aprill 1646. Dennington Castle taken An Order of both Houses of Parliament for restraint of Papists and other Delinquents from coming to the Cities of London and Westminster An Order also concerning the Kings private coming to London A brave defeat given to the Kings Horse neare Farringdon Treaty about the surrender of the City of Exeter to the Parliament Three strong Forts already delivered up to the Generall Justification of the large Articles of conditions agreed unto upon the surrender of Exeter Ruthin-Castle surrendred to the Parliament A brave defeat given to Denbigh forces by Colonell Mitton Captaine Cottingham slaine Prisoners and prizes taken at Denbigh and Ruthin The Raglanders soundly beaten by Sir Trevor Williams Many Gentlemen of Wales came out of Ragland castle to Sir Trevor and submitted to the Parliament Master Fog a Minister rewarded for his Loyalty to the Parliament The strong Garrison of the City of Exeter surrendred to the Parliament The first letter The second Letter The manner of their marching out of the City of Exeter Branstable Towne and Câ—stle surrendred Sir Michaels-Mount surrendred Titbury-Castle surrendred Aburisthwait Castle in Wales surrendred Dunstar-Castle surrendred Our WesternArmie advanced toward Oxford Woodstock-Garrison surrendred Bridge North Castle surrendred The just praise of the most faithfull and active Committee of Shrewsbury The Duke of Lenox and others come in unto the Parliament The King escaped out of Oxford in a disguised manner 1 Sam. 2. 30. May. 1646. The Parliament informed of the Kings departure out of Oxford toward London Both Houses of Parliaments Order published throughout London and Westminster touching concealing the King The Parliaments providence for the welfare of the City of London A Copy of the â—etter from the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland to the Commissioners of both Houses concerning His Majesties coming to the Scotch Army The manner of the Kings coming into the Scots Army and discovering himself unto them Newark surrendred to the King and Parliament The summe of the Articles of Agreement Our Brethren of Scotland drew off from Newarke Banbury Castle surreâ—dred to the Parliament A day of Solemn thanksgiving to the Lord for late great mercies to us Hartlebury Castle taken The prizes taken therein Ludlow surrendred to the Parliament Some hopefull sweet effects of the kings being in the custodie of our loyall Brethren of Scotland The summe of the kings Letto the Parliament of England The famous Citie Remonstrance exhibited to Both Houses of Parliament Remonstrance of the State of the Kingdome pag. 19. The Parliaments Declaration upon his Majesties Declaration after the Battell at Edge-hill pag. 659. * This desire of the City of London is no more nor other in effect than the House of Commons in Parliament it self voted as most justly at the taking of the Protestation May 5. 1641. Salcoomb Regis Surrendred Bostol-House also yeilded up to the Parliament Ordinance of Parliament for the better settlement of Presbyterian Church Government Bostoll Garrison surrendred Carnarvan Towne and Castle surrendred The Propositions for a wel grounded Peace resolved and in speciall 〈…〉 of the Kingdom The Ministers of London and Westminsters pious meeting and religion resolution in Zion Colledge Letters from Sir Thomas Fairefax Articles for the Surrender of Oxford and the Messengers rewarded by the Parliament The Duke of Yorke to come from Oxford to S. James-House Beaumorris Town and Castle surrendred The manner of the surrender of Oxford His Majesties Letter to the Marquesse of Ormond The Propositions for Peace sent to the King Psal 30 11 12 Ehen-Ezer The summary use of all Caution and Exhortation 1 Caution Zechar. 10. 5. Ezra 9. 6. Deut 32. 6. Ier. 37. 10. Iohn 5. 14. Mat. 12. 45. 2 Exhortation Reformation both Nationall and personall Building of Gods house Schisme and Errour petitioned against The danger of it briefly described The building of Gods house petitioned Hest 6. 3. The great fault and â—ayling of these times Scripture Eye-salve 2 Chron. 16. 9 Gods eye of providence over us Zeche 8. 1â— Our Fasts turned into Feasts Num. 23. 13. No enchanment or Divination against Gods Israell Isa 54. 17. No weapon formed against us hath proâ—pered Jer. 30. 16 17. Our devourers are devoured and our spoylerâ— are spoyled Ezekiel 20. 38 The regaâ—â— Rebels purged out of the Kingdome Isay 66. 5. The Royalists impious hypocrisie unmasked Great encouragements for Gods Children Iob 5. 27. Marke this O England Isa 19. 11 12 13 14. A true description of the Kings Counsellours Exod. 18. 11. Isa 51. 12 13. A just objurgation and too tâ—ue taxation on all Psal â—6 7 10 An exhortation to Christian courage and godly resolution Exod. 19. 4 5. Breake off from sinne Remember our Covenant Bâ—â—ld Gods House Love our Brethren of Scotland Our Brethren of Scotland were the main meane of procuring this present Parliament Exod. 19. 5. One hundred and forty Cart-loads of dead and wounded at Newbery fight some at Brainford at Dorchester and Causham at Marston-moore A Looking-glasse for Malignants
not this your zeal for God his Truth most illustriously flamed forth of late also in that most famous and faithfull that pious and prudent Remonstrance or Petition of yours exhibited to Both Houses of Parliament May 26. 1646. for the beating down of Heresies Errours and Schismes and the most religious advancement of the blessed work of pure Reformation and a holy and happy settled Government of the Church of God Such a pattern and monument of your Piety and godly zeal I say as shall remain to your Praise and indelible renown to Posterity throughout all Generations And hath not Heaven sweetly resented In Christ these your precious Expenses and fervent zeal for Religion as so many holy Holâ—causts and hath as it were even already sent down thanks and recompence of your Love and bounty in much measure into your Houses and Habitations Witnesse even to the just and joyfull admiration of your Friends and the envious astonishment of your Foes the constant and copious incomes of Peace and Plenty Health and Liberty but most especially and which indeed Crowns all the rest of the radiant and resplendent Gospel-Beams of pure and powerfull Word and Ordinances No leading into Captivity in your streets no slaughter or schrecvings out of your Wives Virgins and little Children nor Pestilentiall Mortality in your Houses And yee are and that most worthily for all these so rich and rare so many and marveilous Mercies the present Wonder of the whole World and ever O for ever so may yee bee the Praise of all succeding Posterity 5 TO our War-like VVorthies To all the famous and renowned Worthies of Great-Britaine and first To our meritoriously deare and entirely beloved loyall and faithfull Brother-Kingdome of Scotland to which wee are everlastingly bound in all mutuall and reciprocall bonds of Love and Vnity Whose hearts the Lord did so affect and envlame with Sympathizing Love and Zeal to his glorious Cause and to our then most low and calamitous Condition that with most brotherly â—ervour and fellow-feeling affection they entred into a holy League and Solemn Covenant with us of mutuall defence one of another Cheerfully left their own Country and Kingdom their dearest Friends Wives and Children and through many difficulties and distresses in a bitter and sore pinching Winter-march even to deep admiration carrying their lives in their hands came in unto us to help the Lord and us against his mighty and our most malicious Enemies And whom as the Lord made the main and principall instruments of the beginning of our happinesse both in saving our throats from the death-threatning knives of destruction and procuring us a most unhoped and unexpectible Parliament as the case was with us then which under God hath been the fountain of our felicity to this day So now at last also the Lord hath made choyce of them to bee the Consummators and as it were the main finâ—shers of our felicity in putting the Person of the King into their hands as counting them faithfull to improve such a Prize to the best advantage of his Glory and our Good if wee had but honest hearts so to consider it And heerin more especially and peculiarly to his Excellency Magnanimous and Victorious Generall Lesley Earl of Leven most worthily famous among us for ever both for this famous Prize the Kings Person put into his hands And for his most renowned Courage and Valour at Newcastle and Marston-Moore Next To his Excellency the most noble and renowned Lord Generall Robert Earl of Essex most famous faithfull and courageous at Keynton and Newberry To the most valiant and magnanimous present Captain-Generall his Excellencie Sir Thomas Fairfax as famous and faithfull at Naseby Bristol c. of which two most noble and loyall Generalls I may say as Plutarch in his Lives did of those two renowned ancient Romane-Commanders Fabius and Marcellus They have been under God The Sword and Buckler of the Kingdome To the right noble loyall and religious Robert Earl of Warwick the famous and faithfull Lord High-Admirall whose Chivalry at Sea and whose Seasonable Charity to Lime ought never to bee forgotten by us To the renowned Peers and Patriots of their Country the noble Earl of Manchester and famous and faithfull noble Lord Fairfax the Parliaments two most valiant and successefull Generals both in the North and Associated Counties To undaunted and never Enough honoured Sir William Waller who hath been a strong Wall and brave Bulwark indeed to this Kingdome as Portsmouth Aulton Alsford and his many other famous Victories can Witnesse To magn animous Sir William Fairfax and Sir John Meldrum those two most Courageous Commanders who most nobly spent their best blood for the best Cause that ever this Kingdom undertook To as valiant as virtuous Sir William Brereton famous for his valour and activity in Cheshire Namptwich and now lately at West chester To religious and magnanimous Major Generall Skippon that most pious Cornelius and Expert brave Souldier and Commander as was admirably evident in Cornwall and at Naseby of whom it was said Hee liv'd like an Angel pray'd like a Saint and fought like a Lyon To never sufficiently praised and prized Major Generall Massie farre more worth than his weight in Massie-Gold as the famous Siege of the City of Gloucester and all that County and the adjacent parts thereof can most copiously witnesse To Renowned and right valiant and Victorious Leiâ—tenant Generall Cromwel Those valiant victorious and active Patriots Sir John Gell and Sir Thomas Middleton Renowned Major Generall Brown Major Generall Laughorne and Major Generall Poyntz Valiant and victorious Colonell Mitton Colonell Sydenham Colonell Morgan and brave Captain Swanley Together with very many other most active loyall and most Courageous Commanders and brave Brittish-Spirited Souldiers Who all most like unto Davids Worthies honourably Commemorized 2 Sam. 23. have made themselves most meritoriously famous in this Present Age and to Future Posterity for their so faithfully and valiantly serving theiâ— GenRration Together also with the renowned Corporations and invincible Garrisons of Hull Gloucester Manchester Coventry Warwick Northampton Stafford Namptiwich famous and faithfull Plymouth Lyme and all the famous and faithfull Governours Holders and Vpholders of them With the most worthy and well-deserving Counties of Lancashire and Kent And the other most famous and faithfull Parliamentary-Patriots Cities and Counties most loyally and lovingly appearing in this great and good Cause and most freely and forwardly jeoparding Themselves and their All in the High-places of the Kingdome yea and whose gallantry of Spirits indelible Merits undaunted Resolutions Memorable adventures and great Engagements even to Life Estates and all that was most neer and dear unto them have most justly called for yea Commanded a resounding Acknowledgement of their so honourable and heroick Actions as an incessant Eccho of perpetuated Applause to all succeeding Generations Who have not onely made us to bee their deep-debtours but even the Gospel too together with all the Protestant-Churches of
thinking at the first to have broke through our Forces and to have made themselves Masters of the Bridge which ours had gained the night before which indeed would have cut off the passage of our retreat But valiant Sir John Meldrum who had the command and ordering of our Forces performed the charge with admirable judgement dexterity and resolution and therefore as noble Sir William Brereton testified of him deserved a large share in the honour of that dayes successe but indeed the whole honour and glory of it all was to be given and ascribed to God only the giver of all Victories Ours by the foresaid fierce assault of Byrons Forces so desperately on us were so hardly tasked by their multitude that the Commanders and Souldiers were constrained deeply and most undauntedly to engage their utmost valour and courage and behaved themselves as indeed by Gods providence it was manifested most extraordinary gallantly for it was a while very dubious and uncertain which way the Lord would incline the Victory yea and at last it came to push of Pike wherein they were much too hard for ours they having many more Pikes than wee insomuch that our Horse was worsted at the beginning of the battail and forced a while to retreat but it so pleased the Lord at last to put such an unanimous Spirit and undaunted courage and resolution both in our Horse and Foot animated on by the admirable examples of their so renowned Leaders and Commanders Sir John Meldrum Sir William Brereton Sir Thomas Middleton Sir William Fairfax who had the Command of the Horse who did most valiantly set upon the Enemies Horse and engaged himself so farre that hee was taken prisoner but was presently fetched off by the valour of his own men but yet mortally wounded but as I said before God had put such a spirit of undaunted resolution and courage into the hearts both of Sir William Fairfax his men and indeed of all the rest that they resolved to fight it out to the last man insomuch that when the battail was now in a most anxious and uncertain condition our extremity was Gods opportunity to magnifie his power and on a suddain with one fresh and valiant charge our Souldiers routed the Enemy and put their whole Army to a most shamefull retreat or rather indeed a plain flight pursuing them divers miles together even in the Mountaines and performed great execution on them And as I should have told you our men when the battail was in the hottest issued out of the Castle and fell upon the enemies that were in their trenches and took divers of their Officers and Souldiers whom they had left to keep their workes In which foresaid fight and flight of the Enemies wee slew at least 500 of their common Souldiers besides many Officers and men of quality wounded many more and took neer upon 1500 prisoners among whom were these Officers and Commanders viz. Colonell Sir Thomas Tilsley their Major Generall Colonell Broughton Leivtenant Colonell Bladwell Major Williams 9 Captains 17 Leivtenants 1 Quartermaster 3 Cornets 22 Ensignes 52 Sergeants 57 Corporalls and 11 Drums Our Souldiers also took at this time neer 2000 armes most for foot all their Carriages and neer 20 barrels of powder wherewith they had been furnished the night before Sir William Brereton with his brave Cheshire foot and among them Major Lowtham especially who Commanded as Major Generall did most admirably in this fight and fought more like Lions than men as noble Sir John Meldrum himself testified of them and did beat the best Foot in England as the very Enemies themselves confest being all Prince Robbers foot and indeed the choycest foot out of all their Garrisons But noble and renowned Sir William Fairfax as I toucht before was mortally wounded by at least 15 wounds upon his body as also Major Fitz-Simons a brave Souldier who both behaved themselves most admirably and with invincible courage in this terrible battail and with great and most just lamentation for their losse dyed of their wounds immediately after the fight together with some few others of our Captaines and Officers of horse but it was verily beleeved wee lost not 40 men slain in this fight nor had above 60 of our Souldiers wounded Thus by Gods blessing the Castle was every way most valiantly releived brave Sir Thomas Middletons Souldiers who before were as prisoners were now set free from danger together with the Lord Herbert of Cherbury and all of them put into a comfortable posture and by this so terrible a blow the best of the Enemies foot ruinated and taken from them as also Shrewsbury Chester and Leverpool unfurnished of their hoped Ammunition and our selves plentifully furnished and heerby Northwales which formerly had been the nursery for the Kings Armies most probable in good time to shake off that yoke of Servitude which formerly lay so heavily upon their necks by the example of Mountgomery-castles safety which is indeed one of the goodliest and strongest places that is in the Kingdom And now say good Reader did not heer the Lord our God let us conspicuously see that great wonder of the Bush his Church or Children in the midst of a furious flame indeed and yet not consumed therewith but rather contrariwise flourishing in the flames and destroying the destroyers and quenching the crackling thorns of the ungodly under the boyling pot of their implacable wrath and fiercest fury Not unto us therefore Lord not unto us but unto thy name alone Wee give all the honour and glory But heer give me leave good Reader to acquaint thee I holding it very pertinent to this present businesse with one more most noble and renowned action which much honoured that brave Commander Sir John Meldrum who immediately after this famous Victory was yet so sensible of the losse of that noble Gentleman and most brave Commander Sir William Fairfax that apprehending and that most rightly and religiously the affliction would bee great to his deer surviving virtuous Lady as indeed it was sad to her and to the whole kingdom hee procured from among the Souldiers or Chirurgeons not without some difficulty the Diamond-Ring that was on Sir Williams finger and the bracelet of gold that was about his arm when hee was slain in the fight and sent them up to his Lady together with a Letter so full of noble and most pious expressions as it hath justly added much to his other actions of honour And when these things were denyed him by some Chirurgeons and by some others also claiming them to bee their due hee drew up some of his horse and said hee would deal with them as with enemies if they did not deliver the same to bee sent to his Lady Sir Thomas Middleton likewise wrote a Letter of much respect and consolation to the Lady Fairfax Who like a most heroick and pious Lady told her friends about her That shee greived not that
specious pretences having pre-occupated the hearts and beleif of the people that they could not easily bee undeceived at the second hand But see now the admirable wisdome and justice of our God against them and his great mercy toward us who so ordered the issue and the upshot of that Treaty that by the refusall of 3 Articles mainly and primarily to bee insisted on and by the Kings Commissioners to bee condescended unto to the Parliaments Commissioners namely 1. The Settlement of the true Reformed Religion 2. The Establishment of the Militia for a season in the power of the Parliament 3. The prosecution of the Warre against the Rebels of Ireland and disclaiming that accursed Cessation of Armes with them that by their most unjust refusall I say of these 3 Articles whereof not one would bee fairly granted and especially by those Oxford Commissioners so irreligious and even Atheisticall justifying and that in the Kings name that most horrid and hideous Rebellion in Ireland sealed with the most inhumane massacre and bloody slaughter and murthering of almost 200000 innocent English Protestants the Kings said Commissioners most irreligiously and audaciously daring openly to professe that his Majesty their Master could not in point of Honour Justice and Conscience yeeld to the Parliaments desire therein whereby I say even this unreasonable and irreligious refusall of the Parliaments most just and righteous demands notwithstanding the foresaid Declaration framed and forged on the impious anvill of Don Digbies vicious invention at Oxford whereby they thought to have gained much credit reputation and advantage to their party yet I say by this refusall they became great losers in the affections of the people over the whole Kingdom who also saw that in the space of full 20 dayes sitting they would not as I toucht before agree to any one Proposition of the Parliaments which so grosse miscarriage of things especially in that abominable justification of the Irish Rebellion must needs lye upon them as a most odiously black indelible stain of intolerable ignominy and disgrace to all succeeding pâ—sterity And indeed to speak the truth plainly what good could bee expected from a Treaty which was to bee held with a seduced and misled King a degenerated and ignoble Nobility a proud and superstitious Clergie an ambitious and atheisticall Gentry and an irreligious and most malignant Common people But now to proceed About the 8 of this instant February there came Letters to the Committee of both Kingdomes of an excellent peice of service performed by Major Bridges Governour of Warwick Castle the particulars whereof for the Readers better satisfaction I will set downe in the words of the Majors own Letter which was as followeth Sir I doubt not but you will bee glad to hear of the good successe which God hath given unto mee in delivering into my hands a Garrison of the Enemies called Stoke House in Glocestershire but borders on Warwickeshire where together with the House I also took a Troop of Horse And it will bee the more remarkable in respect of the goodnesse of God when wee consider the small power I had to doe it and the place it stood in being between 2 of the Enemies Garrisons the one was Cambden but 2 miles distant the other Evisham 7 miles distant But I being affected with the sad complaints of the Country and considering the danger of delayes and having notice that the Enemy wrought hard to perfect the Fortifications resolved to take the present opportunity and that my design might bee carryed on with the more privacy wherein much of my safety consisted the Regiment of our County being absent or not in readinesse I sent 2 of the 3 Companies of mine own Garrison by small parties into the Country as to gather Contribution but commanded the Officers not to return till I gave them orders to these 2 Companies I got an addition of 60 Foot commanded by one of my Captains of the Town-Company with some part of mine own Troop and about 70 Horse belonging to the Committee of Worcestershire and thus I marched all that night and being come to the House I began to storm it and the next day fell upon the House and stables by break of day both at once The House was of stone very strong they within it had made up the windowes and doores with brick and stone and defended the House very stoutly for about an houre and a half but at length wee entred by force and took the House and all therein without the losse of one man blessed bee the Lord notwithstanding that in all that time wee were without shelter and the bullets and stones flew thick about our eares Since this I heard that the Enemy drew out of Evisham and Cambden to releive their Friends but could not come up time enough by which means God so appointing I returned with my prisoners and spoile unmolested a List wherof you have herewith immediately following And to conclude the said House being a Papists and the whole Garrison of that Religion to prevent the building of any more such Rookes nests I fired the House and desire you would with us praise God for this Victory Sir Your Servant John Bridges Warwick Castle Feb. 8. 1644. A List of the Prisoners taken by Major Bridges Governour of Warwick Castle at Stoke House in Gloucestershire Captain Edward Brent Captain George Brent Captain Richard Canning Captain Smith Captain Thomas Canning together with about 30 more Officers and Gentlemen of quality all Papists and many other common Souldiers About the 10 of this instant wee were also credibly informed by Letters out of Cheshire that Captain Stones a brave active and loyall Commander under Sir William Brereton and now Governour of Eccleshall Castle in the County of Stafford with a small party marched against Partshall House another Popish Garison of the Enemies which was strongly fortified and Moated about Hee taking the opportunity of the Draw-bridge being let down suddenly forced his passage surprized the Centinells and so fell in among the whole Garrison fought bravely with them for a good season killed many of them in the fight and took prisoners Colonell Ashbey the Governour with divers Gentlemen of quality a Jesuite which was their Priest and Son and Heire to a Popish Knight and about 60 Souldiers and thus wee were possessed of the whole House with all the Armes and Ammunition and other good prize which was within it Wee also were credibly assured by Letters from Abbington about the 14 of this instant February that Major Generall Brown that most renowned valiant and active Commander sent forth a party of Horse toward Harrington who having intelligence where the Enemy kept a Court of Guard about half a mile from Harrington our said Forces got between them and the Town by which means they surprized the whole Guard being 19 men and brought them all prisoners into Abbington And that the said Noble Major Generall
nights together during all which time our valia Souldiers put off neither armes nor cloathes as I was credibly informed they by Gods infinite mercy obtained a most happy and comfortable enlargement and freedome from their cruell and murtherous-minded Enemies And thus Goring and Dives who were both present in this service marched away to Dorchester with their horse and foot which were above 4000. whereas ours that were invironed by them were not above 900. being also discouraged or at least wee justly might have been for want of releif and our little or no hope of relief besides the former successe of the Enemies and yet that ours should so gallantly quit themselves and so impregnably oppose and fall upon their Enemies when they were at their strongest and themselves in the lowest and most desperate condition and besides the Townesmen within being trecherous unto them of whom above 40 had conspired to seize on the Fort which Colonell Sydenham possessed and by procuring false keyes to the prison doores to let out all the prisoners and also as I toucht before to let in the enemies at their back-doores but the plot of the false keyes was timely discovered and prevented many of the Malignant Conspirators apprehended and imprisoned some in this fight were slain and some wounded and those imprisoned in a fit posture to bee hanged as afterward they were Wee lost but 10 men on our side in all this hot and furious service All which premises considered it must needs bee granted that the hand of God was indeed most visibly seen in the whole carriage of this admirable action and famous defeat wherein I say was an apparent vision of our present Parliamentary mighty wonder Viz. The Burning Bush in the midst of such furious flames not consumed To God alone therefore bee all the honour and glory of it And March the 8 wee had certain intelligence that a ship carrying 28 peices of Ordnance laden with store of armes and Ammunition was come into Weymouth from Rhoan in France supposing Weymouth had still been in the Enemies possession and so was seized on for the Parliaments use Yea and about the same time even 3 or 4 houres after the Enemy had quitted the Outworks of Weymouth whereof you have at large heard before a lusty serviceable ship of Weymouth called the Endevour carrying in her 12 peices of Ordnance and laden with Salt and other commodities belonging to some Malignants of those parts which ship then lay close under Portland Castle but having as it seemed many honest Sea-men in her suddenly they cut her Cables swiftly and of its own accord came off to Captain Batten then at Weymouth and Melcomb although the Castle of Portland had made at least 7 or 8 shots at her And thus wee see how God most graciously blessed the affaires of that Town at that time both by Sea and by Land to him alone bee all the praise and glory of it Shortly after to wit on Wednesday March the 12. Both Houses of Parliament most piously concurred for the keeping of a Solemn day of Thanksgiving to Almighty God at Christ-Church in London for all these so many and marveilous rich mercies of the Lord unto us Since the happy dissolution of that foresaid Treaty at Vxbridge as namely for the winning of Scarborough Town Haven Shrewsbury so unexpectedly and admirably put into the Parliaments hands The extraordinary recovering of Weymouth and even miraculous preservation of Melcomb Regis c. Where and at which foresaid time Reverend Learned and Religious Mr. â—rrowsmith and Mr. Vines Preached before the Lords and Commons of Parliament the Lord Major and Aldermen of the City of London accompanying them there at that holy service And both Houses of Parliament immediately after passed an Ordinance for the payment of 2000 pound to the brave Garrison of Weymouth for the encouragement and reward of the good service done there and for a supply of some necessaries in that Town And besides all these remarkable mâ—â—cies of our good God to the Parliament whereof you have most fully been informed since and even at the dissolution of that Mock-Treaty at Vxbridge We were yet farther credibly assured by Letters from Ailsbury about March the 16. That the King lost the Troop of Horse belonging to his own Life-guard the manner of the taking of which prize was thus related Ailsbury Garrison having intelligence of divers of the Kings horse quartered out of Oxford for want of necessaries about this time within the Town they that have spoiled a most fruitfull Kingdome will shortly I hope want bread and Pease for themselves Heerupon valiant Captain Abricomie a Scottish Commander in Ailsbury and Major Ennis of Newport-pagnell marched from their Garrisons toward Oxford with a party of horse to Killington where accordingly they met with the Kings own Troop as they had been informed Our party went over at Islip Mill and there they found the Enemy entrenched on the other side of the River but our party of horse had carryed Fagots and so filled-up the Trench with them and with earth and so handled it that they blew up the Bridge forced the Turn-pike and Chain surprized the Guard marched into the Town took 40 gallant horse worth some said 50 li. and Captain Cheyworth Commissary Generall to the King also the Kings Chirurgeons own mate with other prisoners and in their return home they took 4 more Cavalierian Troopers driving Cattle to the Kings quarters All which praised bee the Lord they brought home safely without any wound or losse of a man About March the 14. the House of Commons received Letters from Sir William Brereton that brave Commander and pious Patriot of his Country informing them of the singular good condition of Shrewshury and also of a notable defeat given to the Forces of Prince Maurice by a party of Sir William Breretons at Holt-Bridge in Cheshire under the Command of valiant Leivtenant Colonell Jones the manner whereof was thus Prince Maurice being still greatly vext in his minde at the sad losse of Shrewsbury and as vigilantly as possibly hee could watching to catch and lay hold on all opportunities to bee revenged on the Parliaments party at last resolved upon one and therefore sent a party of foot over the River of Dee which parts Cheshire and Wales and about 13 Companies got over the said River by laying over it a Bridge of Canvas dipt in Pitch over which 3 men might march abrest These all being thus past over intended in a dark night to have surprized Sir Williams said Garrison at Holt-bridge and to have forced their passage that way to some other farther design which Garrison the Prince understood was maintained by only 2 Companies of Firelocks under the Command of Leivtenant Colonell Jones who being thus now suddenly assaulted by the said numerous enemy yet had his men in order and readinesse to receive them and entertained them with such a
us to Harborough but durst not stay there Wee took all the Foot Colours in the field the Kings own Colours with the Lion and Crown with this Motto Dieu et Mon Droit The Queens Colours and the Princes Colours and the Duke of Yorkes Standard Wee got the plunder of the Kings Coach and his precious Cabinet that famous tell-tale of the Kings and Queens works of darknesse c. But of all these things more particularly by and by One great encouragement to our Common Souldiers to fall on the more courageously was the rich plunder the Enemy had their purses and pockets too being full of money and the plunder of poore Leicestershire which God now made a means of their ruine and destruction in this fight for indeed our Souldiers got very great plenty of gold and silver out of most of their pockets that were slain Prince Rupert also or rather Prince Robber had brought into the field many Irish women inhumane Whores with Skeans or long Irish knivâ—â— about them to cut the throats of our wounded men and of such prisoners as they pleased the wives of the bloody Rebels in Ireland his Majesties dearly beloved Subjects to whom our Souldiers would grant no quarter about a 100 of them were slain on the ground and most of the rest of the whores and Camp-sluts that attended that wicked Army were marked in their faces or noses with slashes and cuts and some cut off just rewards for such wicked strumpets The slain on our part in this most memorable fight was not in all full 200. and not one above a Captain Sir Jacob Ashleyes Coach was taken with great store of plunder in it and himself was very neer taking for wee got the cap off his head and in Sir Jacobs Coach Letters of Nicholas the Court-lyer wherein was among others this expression in one of them That the Parliament had given particular direction to the Generall to give the King no quarter but to kill him if taken A most abominably false and impudent lye like unto all the rest of their irreligious practises The Army after this marched toward Leicester following the pursuit not willing to give the Enemy any rest or liberty to rally our horse especially being close in their Rear and Colonell Rossiter who came seasonably to the ingagement and bravely charged where our Noble Generall was following apace in the pursulte of the Enemy as aforesaid where now for a while wee will leave them And heer now I shall in its most proper place for the high honour and glory of our wonder-working God and the admiration and astonishment of my present Readers and their succeeding Posterity give you the most exact List of the slain prisoners and prizes taken in this most famous and glorious Victory which was as followeth Slain in the fight and slight about 3000. and between 3 and 400 Whores and Irish Queans One Lord or eminent personage slain and found dead with a Star and a red-Crosse upon his coat 4 Lords mortally wounded Prince Rupert bruised and Sir Jacob Ashley hurt on the head his head-peice beaten off and himself neer taken Prisoners Colonell Sir William Vaughan Colonell Sir William Bridges Col. Sir Bridge Col. Sir Richard Page Colonell Bandes Col. Bunkley Col. Theoph. Gilbie Col. Nevill Leivtenant Colonells 7. Sergeant Majors 12. Captains 55. Leivtenants 55. Ensignes 45. besides of inferiour Officers above 200. 2000 horse with their riders many Ladies and Gentlewomen of the Kings Officers and Servants 11 or 12. besides 4 of his footmen and one of Prince Maurices In all above 4000 prisoners Armes at least 9000. 6 rich Coaches and other Coaches besides The Kings own Coach and therein that Cabinet of Secret Letters of the Kings and Queenes since this fight Printed and published to the amazement of the world Ruperts Coach also and both the Kings and Ruperts Sumpters with much wealth and riches The Kings Standard the Queens Standard Prince Charles his Standard the Duke of Yorkes Standard and Ruperts Standard 6 Colours of Horse and 40 Colours of Foot one whereof represented a pair of hornes with this Motto Come Cuckold Which being one of the first Colours that were taken the word was on the pursuite returned to the Enemy with much mirth and scorn among Souldiers Taken also 12 peices of Ordnance 40 〈…〉 Gunpowder 200 Carriages 12 Carriages of Boats with their Anchors and Cables In summe all their bagge and baggage 〈◊〉 King himself fled toward and so clean through Leicester Thus now in this most famous and renowned Victory did the Lordâ— indeed shew himself as Moses sweetly sets him out Glorious 〈◊〉 holinesse fearfull in Praises and doing wonders Triumphing gloriously and overthrowing both the horse and his rider And truely so much the more glorious may this Victory appear unto us and the hand of God most evidently bee seen in it as to Gideon against those Enemies of God though it is true the number of men in the Army was not much different yet t is most true that the King had full 2000 horse more than wee yet I say this Victory will most notably appear to bee Gods Victory graciously given to us if wee consider both the time and condition of the kingdome as then it was And also the very Army it self First This Victory was bestowed upon us at such a time when as our spirits were and that most justly very low and exceedingly dejected both by onr losse of Leicester but a little before and thereby also the Kings releiving of West-Chester wee having at that time a marveilous great possibility of taking it but now were utterly frustrated of it Also the great sadnesse wee then were in for the danger of Taunton at this season a second time besieged strictly by outrageous Goring and Hopton Besides the great murmurings at this time of most men about our brethren of Scotlands not advancing Southward as was expected and then greatly desired And Secondly if wee consider the Army it selfe O the wonderfull base and despicable esteem that was thereof not onely in the Kings Army and Malignants but even among very many seeming friends among us and those no mean ones too O how did they disparage undervalue and contemne as it were this New-Modelled Army calling it a New Nodelled Army jeering them as a company of young Tyroes or fresh-water-Souldiers heerby as much as in them was to discountenance and dis-hearten the most noble Generall himself Sir Thomas Fairfax and to weaken the hands and despond the spirits of his Souldiers if God himself had not mightily upheld them and put as it were an extraordinary spirit and courage into them most remarkably making good that most excellent passage of the Apostle That God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise and the seeming weak thing of the world to confound the things which are mighty
costliest Capitall-Letters of Gold I mean that most memorable Victory at Naseby in Northamptonshire given by our good God to his vaâ—iant and virtuous his gallant and godly servant Sir Thomas Fairfax the Parliaments most renowned Generall In the excellent successes of the Parliaments forces against their Enemies in Shropshire And the sacred and solemn celebration of a Day of Thanksgiving to our all-good-giving God for that foresaid great Victory in speciall And the Parliaments honourable gratitude to Gods Instruments therein A rare and right way to beget more blessings In the most happy regaining of Leicester out of the Harpeian-hands of Enemies And the triumphant conduction of the Naseby Prisoners to London there to bee kept in custody yet used there with Christian mercy and clemency In our loyall and loving Brethren of Scotlands neerer advance unto us to help the Lord against the Mighty Together with that brave defeat given to our Enemies by the Garrison of Wareham in the Wâ—st And valiant Colonell Joneses also against our adversaries in Cheshire In the Lords admirable good providence in bringing to light and publike knowledge the Kings and Queenes most ungodly designes for the ruinating of all their 3 late most flourishing Kingdomes by the happy apprehension of the Kings Cabinet of Letters Together with the continued good successe of our forces in Sâ—ropshire in the taking of Stokesey Castle Caus-Castle and Heighworth in Wiltshire In the most serious and sanctmonious rumination and recogitation of all which most rich and rare Parliamentary Mercies and Victories most sweet and singular passages and fair footsteps of divine providence and preservation O how should our hearts bâ—e râ—nzed and raised up to an exceeding high pitch of praise and incessant and redundant gratitude to our so good so great so gracious God who hath so gloriously and so graciously wrought all these great things for us especially that most famous and glorious and never sufficiently to bee admired mercy in Nasebies admirable and most advantageous Victory Concerning which O how can England greatly beloved England though most ungratefull and sinfull England but in infinitely bound and unbounded-exultation and admiration confesse and say with the Holy Prophet that The Lord went forth in this famous fight as a mighty man stirring up jealousie and wrath as a man of Warre and mightily prevailing against his enemies By whom the terrible one is brought to nought the scorners are consumed and all that maliciously watched for iniquity and blood are righteously cut off And therefore I say O how justly may wee heer take up that of the pious Prophet David and with him most cordially sing and say If it had not been the Lord who was on our side now may England say if it had not been the Lord who was on our side when men rose up against us They had swallowed us up quick when their rage and wrath was kindled against us Then the waters had overwhelmed us Yea the proud waves had gone over our Soules But blessed O for ever blessed bee the Lord who hath not given us as justly for our sins hee might a prey to their mouthes For our Soule is escaped as a bird out of the snare and all our help stands in the name of the Lord Hallelujah therefore Hallelujah praised and ever blessed and glorified bee the name of the Lord. ANd now to proceed in our farther progresse to the continued contemplation of this admirable still continued wonder of the Burning-Bush Vnconsumed and therein of the rich and rare mercies of our ever blessed and bountifull God the unexhaustible fountain of all goodnesse to us his English Israel And first I shall acquaint the Reader that whiles our most miserably seduced King was fleeting from place to place between Bristoll and the Forrest of Dean c. and taking fierce and furious illegall courses to recruite his mangled Army even almost quite broken in peices at Nasebies famous fight among the poore and perplexed inhabitants of Herefordshire Worcester and such parts of Gloucestershire as hee had any power in to strengthen and revive his now gasping and neer expiring desperate designes in the West with Goring and Greenvill devillish Dives and the rest In this interim I say our most pious and prudent Parliament had Ordered by a speciall Ordinance from the House of Commons that the Assembly of Divines at Westminster should upon Tuesday the first of this instant July seek the Lord our God for his continued ayd and assistance in blessing the proceedings of our forces then also gathering into the West in a set day of Humiliation in the City of London which was accordingly performed by divers of the most eminent Members of the said Assembly who all that day did Preach and Pray in these following places Viz. In the Abbey at Westminster in Christ-Church in London Black-Fryers Dunstans West Dunstans East Michael Cornhill Olaves Southwark Algate and Aldermanbury A Jove oâ—ne principium And are not those works like to prosper indeed which are begun in the Lord Yes certainly as now wee shall yet farther illustrate and set forth in their subsequent and most proper places And much about the very same time there being a strong suspition of dangerous persons to lurk and lye hid and harboured in a house in Long-Acres neer Covent Garden which had been the House of one Mr. Catesby where once the Popes Nuncio lay and was entertained this House I say being suspected was suddenly searched by authority thereunto given and there they found and apprehended at least 29 or 30 Carts load of Papists and pernicious Malignants goods to a great value being very much thereof rich goods indeed which was all taken away and carryed to Haberdashers-Hall or to Cambden-House There was among them also very much Popish apish trumpery as Crucifixes Images and many Popish Books which were laid up and kept till a due time to bee reduced into ashes by the fire the best use that could bee made of such Romane Babylonish babyish fooleries and the rest of the goods to bee sold to the best advantage and the money to bee disposed of by Order of Parliament for the use and supply of the Parliaments Garrisons and forces in the West About the 4 of this instant our most loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland published a most pious and modest Remonstrance which they had lately before sent and for certain had presented to the King himself wherein they shewed themselves full of godly zeale and fidelity to God the King and Parliament of England which being singularly worthy of speciall notice but too large to bee heer inserted at full as it was delivered I shall heer only for brevities sake give the godly Reader some of the most memorable passages or heads thereof which were to this effect First that his Majesty would bee pleased to call to minde their oft neglected addresses to him heretofore and after their prayers to
God for him and his Posterity they certified how unfaithfull they should bee to God and his Majesty if they should conceal the present danger wherein hee is a danger infinitely greater than the displeasure of his people They therefore in the humility and greif of their Soules did prostrate themselves before his Throne and in the name of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ 〈◊〉 bold to warne him that the guilt which cleaveth so fast to his Throne and his Soule is such as if not timely repented will involve him and his Posterity under the wrath of the ever-living God Next they freely proceeded to acquaint his Majesty what were the occasions of his great and growing danger in which if they should bee silent their conscience would condemn them and the stones themselves would finde expressions As first for his being guilty of the shedding of the blood of many thousands of his best Subjects Secondly for permitting the Masse and other Idolatry both in his Family and Dominions Thirdly for his authorizing the book of Sports and by consequence the profanation of the Lords Day Fourthly for his not punishing of publike scandalls in and about his â—ourt Fifthly for the shutting of his ears from the humble and just desires of his faithfull Subjects Sixtly for his complying too much with the Popish party many wayes and namely by concluding the Cessation of Armes in Ireland and imbracing the Counsells of those who have not set God nor his good before their eyes Seventhly for resisting and by Armes opposing this Cause which so much concernes the glory of God his own honour and happinesse and the peace and safety of his Kingdomes Eightly for some other private causes of which his Majesty is conscious to himself It being not the desire of these grave and reverend men to have mentioned any particulars if that they had not already been publike and known For all these and for every one of them they implore his Majesty to fall down at the footstoole of the King of Glory to acknowledge his offences to make haste to repentance and to labor for peace with God through Jesus Christ that the Son of God may reign over him and his Kingdomes in his pure Ordinances and the Government of the Church Moreover they desire his Majesty to take notice that they are not staggering or faint hearted through diffidence of the successe of their Cause and the Covenant of the three Kingdomes unto which as God hath already given many testimonies of his favour and blessing so it shall bee their unshaken confidence that this is the work and Cause of God which shall gloriously prevaile against all opposition and from which with the assistance of the Grace of God they shall never suffer themselves to bee divided or withdrawn but shall zealously and constantly in their severall Vocations endevour with their Estates and Lives to pursue and advance the same This Remonstrance being so full of piety to God and allegiance to the King is able some would think to beget a better opinion in the stubbornest Malignants concerning the proceedings of our Brethren the Scots and either to perswade or convince them to a better understanding of them The Lord Digby hath returned answer that his Majesty will take it into consideration who knows but that God may so move his Royall heart that the Letters of this paper may bee more effectuall than an Army of men in the field and bee a happy means to reduce the King to his Parliament But notwithstanding all this hee still goes on in a most hardned condition like a most miserable Prince For as wee well knew in the mean while hee was making what possible speed hee could to recover new strength His Warrants are issued forth for supplies of men whiles the miserable and desolate Countrey that a long time hath suffered under the calamity of warre can lend him but little assistance either for men or money Wee heard that a great part of his Horsemen were wounded in Naseby fight and that hee lately made a halt and stayed the longer in Wales to understand the inclinations of the people Indeed his Army might well halt when that so many of his men were wounded and our swords have not so deeply wounded his men as hee hath wounded his own honour by calling over the Irish to assist him They say that there are a Legion or Brigade of Irish consisting of about 4000. who are newly landed to assist him I suspect the truth thereof and have reason to bee doubtfull of it because I finde that our greatest Intelligencers cannot agree amongst themselves and doe much vary in what place they are landed It is very likely that many are come over but not so many as are commonly reported And are the barbarous and prodigious Acts of the Irish in their own Kingdom such pleasing cruelties that they must bee sent for into England to act them over again heer Must the West which suffered the last yeer under the horrid lust and fury of the French bee now the Stage where the Irish shall act their Tragedies Rouze up thy self thou desolate and much afflicted West thou hast now the meanes to shake off the yoak of thy Subjection if thou art so happy as to apprehend the meanes of thy deliverance But to goe on About the 6 of this instant July whiles the poore King was thus fruitlesly strugling Per fas nefas to recruite his foresaid broken Army our most noble and renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax was now in the West endevouring with all fidelity and magnanimity of spirit to purchase by Gods assistance Liberty to those long distressed parts of the Kingdom and just honour to himself and as credible information affirmed had sent a choyce body of horse to Gloucester to observe the motion of the Kings Army and to attend the landing of his forces on this side the River Severn which hee could not doe without apparent danger In which interim wee had certain intelligence that the Kings Garrison of Dudley Castle was shrewdly put to it For as they were abroad plundering the Country therabout Captain Hunt sell upon a party of them and having slain some hee took many horse from them and divers prisoners whom hee carried with him to Warwick Since which also as wee were credibly informed our Brethren of Scotland lighted on another party of them and after a brave conflict with them wherein divers of the Enemies were slain on the place they made them lesse in number by at least 80 horse than they were before And shortly after this wee were for certain certified that the Governour of Stafford came up with a party of horse and gave an alarm to the Castle it self Whereupon the Enemy not enduring the affront drew forth into the field thinking indeed our party not to bee so strong as afterward they found it and to increase this their apprehension and conceit therein Colonell Ashburst politickly retreated on purpose
their Workes All this being done with the losse of one man onely on our side and we safely returned home the next day by 12 of the Clock Praised be God for it Your Honours humble Servant George Pain Abington Octob. 15. 1645. About the 18 of this instant came certaine intelligence by Letters to the Parliament of a notable defeat given by renowned active and faithfull Col. Rossiter to the Forces of Banbury conducting those two pernicious Princes Rupert and Maurice to Newarke to the King their Uncle being there the manner whereof was to this effect The two Princes aforesaid perfidiously pretending as afterward it most evidently appeared resolutions forsooth to depart the kingdome and desirous first to see and speak with their Uncle the King had a Convoy of Banbury Horse to guard them thither in all about sixe Troops and thus they marched toward the King to take their leave forsooth of him before they would crosse the Sea and be gone And thus I say they marched on all that first night but intelligence hereof came to valiant Colonell Rossiter being then at Grantham whereupon all in that Garrison being 300. and 400 more which lay at Stamford were drawn to Melton by the said renowned Colonell to meet with them by the way but upon intelligence againe from Burleigh that the report of the Princes coming was false our Horse were ordered to march back to Grantham in which interim the Princes passed on even almost to Eelvoyre without any opposition all the way But suddenly againe Colonell Rossiter now having most certaine information that the Princes were come a little beyond Belvoyre toward Newarke the Princes then determining and deeming themselves past danger they were sending back the Banbury Horse but as they passed by Burleigh Garrison they were set upon in their reare by valiant Captaine Allen with his Troop of Horse who then tooke some of them prisoners but himselfe in person being too farre ingaged was unfortunately shot and since dyed of the wound a great losse unto us he having been a most faithfull active and couragious Commander But Colonell Rossiter being then at Melton and now I say understanding for certaine that the Princes were got to Belvoyre being very unwilling their Forces should passe so freely from him without a martiall salutation made haste after them and ordered his march with such secrecy and celerity that he was wholly undiscovered untill he fell upon them in their passage from Belvoyre to Newarke where I say he overtooke them and set upon them who thereupon faced us twice or thrice as though they would have charged us but upon our so sudden on-set they ran for it but ours following close upon them had soone routed them where we paid them to purpose tooke at least 60 Gentlemen prisoners one Major three Captains 140 Horse Prince Maurice his Trumpeter with his Banner and Trumpet in which bickering we wounded and killed divers of them some of whom men of quality the Princes themselves were forced to ride a pace for it and so escaped our hands with about 100 Horse and got to Newarke but with what a pannick feare we may easily guesse About the 20 instant we had also certaine information by a Letter out of the West from renowned Lieutenant Generall Cromwell in the Parliament of the surrendring of Langford-House a strong Garrison of the Enemies neere Salisbury unto him for the King and Parliament which was no sooner summoned than the Summons condescended to by Sir Bartholomew Pell then Governour thereof and upon Articles of Agreement between Colonell Hewson and Major Kelsey in the name of Lieutenant Generall Cromwell and the said Sir Bartholomew Pell and Major Edmond Wedale Commanders in Chiefe in the said House it was surrendred This Garrison was the 21 Garrison or strong Hold that had been taken from the Enemy this Summer and Autumn-season a sore fall of the leaf to the Royalists enough to make them starve and die the ensuing Winter and all this done by the so contemned New-Modell-Armie under the Command of the most Noble and Renowned Generall precious Sir Thomas Fairfax besides those taken in other parts by other Commanders as Pâ—â—â—efract Scâ—â—rough and others in the North. Now let any yea all the old Souldiers in England nay I may dare to say in Christendome shew us the like done so many strong Castles Forts and Garrisons taken in any part of Europe in sixe yeares as have been thus taken in this Kingdome by our young despised Souldiers in lesse than five or sixe moneths O that we could and would therefore have evermore in our tongueâ— and hearts holy Davids Quid retribuâ—â—mus What shall we repay to the Lord for them O that we would especially faithfully pay our Vowe our most Solemne Covenant in reforming our lives and building the House of this our so glorious Wonder-working God the God and onely giver of all these so many so mighty yea so marvellous if not miraculous mercies Much also about the aforesaid time we were certified by Letters from Coventry that Sir William Vaughans Regiment coming from Newark to Litchfield and thence intending for Bridge-North was opportunely met with by a party from Tamworth who falling bravely upon them soone routed them slew divers of them on the place and tooke from them at least 100 Horse and Armes the rest escaped by flight And about the 22 of this instant October came certaine intelligence by Letters out of the Northern parts of the Kingdome of a most memorable and famous defeat given to the Enemy at Sâ—erburne in the North by the Parliaments forces in those parts which for the Readers better content and satisfaction and for the more full and faithfull Narration of the thing it selfe I have thought fit to give you that valiant and active Commander Colonell Copleyes owne Letter sent to the Honourable Commissioners for the Warre in Yorkshire this brave Colonell himselfe being under God a principall and most valiant actor and instrument of the Victory which was as followeth Honourable Gentlmen MY haste last night made my Relation then sent both short and unsatisfactory This I now present is for your further and full satisfaction touching our late fight with the Enemy at Sherburne Vpon intelligence of the Kings advance to Blythe with part of his Horse we appointed a Rendezvouze on Tuesday morning purposely to have slapt his advance by Doncaster but hearing that he had a Rendezvouze that morning at Worksope and thereby fearing his advance into Cheshire we kept our Quarters and the Guard at Doncaster as usually only that we might be in readinesse I also appointed a Rendezvouze of all our Horse at two of the Clock on Tuesday evening In which interim the Enemy had advanced beyond our expectation from Worksope thorow Doncaster by day light and beat up our Guard at Cusworth about sixe or seven of the clock and in Scawsby-Keyes they quartered and so marched strait to Ferribridge
this Kingdome yea and their posterity after them and that for so many yeares together after her death verifying that faithfull word of the Lord Them that honour me I will honour And that of the holy Prophet David The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance Whereas her immediate Successour King James which makes the wonder indeed remarkable a Prince I confesse learned and wise after the worlds esteeme yea and bred and brought up in the Protestant Religion all his daies and in his raigne in Scotland held a precise Puritane but managing his whole Reigne in the Kingdome of England in such an unresolved way to say no more for God and true piety and in such a doubling condition twixt Protestantisme and Popery as extreamly encouraging Popish Jesuites and tyrannicall Prelates in both their impious and Antichristian waies and wiles even to the then brewing and now and of late times before broaching of all these most bloody and pernicious moderne mischiefes now most justly fallen upon us even now I say in his most unhappy Sons daies and all for our so jugling dealings with our God in then turning true piety into meere policie and machivilianisme and in our now of late more evident base backslidings from our first Love the Lord Jesus See therefore I say good Reader how our most wise and just God hath contrariwise verified that righteous saying of his They that despise me shall be lightly esteemed And that of the wise King Solomon The name of the wicked shall rot For ever since King James his decease his memory hath perished among his people who â—â—ver since the time of his death to this very day hath had one yeares annuall commemoration of his name and memory but is extinct and dead in the hearts of his people as his Corps lies dead and putrifying in the Urn of his Sepulchre Whereas had King James and King Charles his Son been sincere and cordiall indeed to their but meerly pretended Principles of true piety and the Protestant Christian Religion O how happy had England been O how glorious and illustrious had the name and memory of these two Princes been to the present age and its posterity Had I say these two immediate Successours of that pious Princesse lovely Elizabeth been as truly zealous for God in the suppression of Popery and Papists as she was who considering she was but a woman and began the Work of Reformation first of all and had therefore a hard pull of it the light of true Religion then breaking forth with much difficulty and in a glimmering light and weak twinkling condition yet was carried on by her and through Divine assistance brake forth through the clouds of many and mighty oppositions especially I meane in Doctrine to a most faire and hopefull condition O I say had they closely and faithfully followed this worke how had it long ere this time flourished by Gods gracious assistance who loves truth in the inner parts and growne up to tall growth in Discipline also as well as Doctrine and in all probability been brought to a great perfection But alas see in briefe the unhappy difference She was still guided by her most wise grave and faithfull Counsellors who were all for the most part brave Statists and solid Common-Wealths men and by her Parliaments by which meanes and by whose wisdome and providence not onely the Protestant Religion was strongly established but the Trade of the Kingdome abroad and at home mightily increased and her happy Subjects marvellously inriched Whereas both King James and his Sonne King Charles by their strange jugling and dallying with Religion and now at last palpably and down-right fighting against God though still as covertly as they can led therein by loose lewd and upstart Lords and Counsellours Priests and Prelates who strove strenuously to have made their lust our Lawes rejecting to be ruled by their Parliaments but making these onely their Staulking-Horses to get money for the someting of their illegall designes and their dissolving them without any redresse of grievances thus introducing all kindes of oppression upon the Subjects Estates bodies and soules by meer and monstruous Arbitrary Tyranny Thus I say making not onely themselves but also their formerly famous and flourishing Kingdomes as much as in them lay most unhappy every way being most miserably impoverished and almost totally and most ruthfully ruinated and all this I say by jugling with Religion in the prime place and dalâ—ying and dissembling with the Lord who though we our selves may be herein easily deceived cannot be mocked and all this to beat downe the power of godlinesse and to set up Popery or Atheisme and Prophanasse for confirmation of all which witnesse O witnesse the Oceans of Christian blood shed all over desolate Germany and in speciall the ruruine of the Palatinate and King James his Off-spring all which let England judge if England might not have timely saved in King James his time if King James had pleased witnesse the blood of most wofully ruinated Rochell and all the brave English blood spilt in the Isle of Ree in King Charles his daies witnesse O witnesse the late most lamentable Irish Massacree of almost 200000 English innocent soules there farre worse than so many doggs destroyed Yea witnesse all the still fresh gashes and bleedings or rather gushing streams nay floods of blood of Scotland and England to this day To say no more of other secret streames of blood which Heaven the most righteous revenger thereof will certainly reveal and vindicate in his due time and all this for the impious enjoyment of a cursed Spanish Match and the satisfying of the lust of a Popish Lady a proud Prelaticall and Atheisticall inconsiderable party of consciencelesse Cabinet-Counsellors and jugling Junctoe's of whom the Law takes no notice whose onely aimes interests and ingagements herein have been to ruinate Religion in the power and purity of it and to open a wide gushing sluce to Popery and Atheisme and base slavery of bodies and soules upon the poore miserable abused and seduced Subject and all under the specious but most fallacious vales and vizards of Protestantisme unity and universall conformity Pardon good Reader I pray thee this somwhat large digression if so I may call it yet certainly a very necessary one and whereunto I have been thus farre transported by my ardent zeale and fervour for God and my distressed Country especially being thereunto fairly led by occasion of this 17 of Novembers happy commemoration of that precious Paragon of her age and sex eternally to be renowned Queen Elizabeth But now to proceed About the 20 of this instant November we had certaine intelligence by Letters out of the West that a Barke going from Falmouth toward Foy laden with Kerseyes to the valew of 1500 l. was by some neglect of the Marriners and a great mist which happened
Parliament and their friends This indulgent and most noble favour thus shewed by his Excellency was not altogether fruitlesse unto us immediately after for some of those Officers proved very serviceable to our Army in some of their succeeding designes nor could lesse good effects be expected from many others where his Excellency occasionally made his Martiall progresse and advances whereby he hath most certainly and more and more most worthily been crowned with ancient Caesars more than Golden Diadems of perpetuall same and honour viz. Caesar noster Anglicus dando sublevando ignoscendo Gloriam adeptus est But now to proceed About the latter end of this Moneth of January we had further certaine intelligence by Letters from Dartmouth in the West that a Barke which came from France putting in at Dartmouth not knowing it was in the Parliaments hands and being come within command before they discovered it was there instantly seized on But speciall order and directions having been given to the Master of the Ship that in case he saw himself in danger to be taken by any of the Parliaments Forces he should throw his packets of Letters overboard into the Sea which now he had accordingly done but it being upon examination confessed Colonell Lambert presently commanded out boats to search for them and to see if they could espie any such Packets floating on the waters toward the shore which by Gods good providence at last they found so indeed and tooke them up and brought them to the noble Colonell even Letters of great concernment from the Queen Jermine and Goring which were all speedily posted up to the Parliament And thus besides the prize of the Ship and the fraught therein the Lord was most graciously pleased even by our Enemies themselves and especially by admirable interception of their Letters from time to time even all along to lay open and discover unto us the most hidden I had almost said the most hideous secrets of their hellish hearts against us and thereby giving us fair and seasonable opportunities by his blessed assistance to prevent and avoid their intended malice and mischiefe toward us blessed O ever blessed be the pure and precious grace and meere mercy of our good God unto us And here now againe good Reader I shall desire thee in thy wonted patience and piety together with me to make another short stay and take a summarie and briefe survey and gratefull revise of all the sweet and salubrious mercies of this moneth also so much conducing to the health and happinesse of this long languishing Church and State to the dressing pruning and prospering of this our Burning-Bush still as you see unconsumed the Parliaments just Cause thus still sustained in the midst of all the fiery machinations and flaming molestations burning and blazing round about it as hath been most comfortably and conspicuously seen to us all both in the great mercy of our God in so upholding the heart of the renowned Governour of Plymouth with such impregnable loyalty and fidelity to the Parliament and its most just Cause as not to betray that great trust committed to him by the Parliament in safe-guarding the said famous Town from the pawes and possession of the Enemie and also in the singular good successe which immediately after the Lord gave to those his loyall befieged servants against their besieging Enemies as a just reward of their late base batterie of treachery shot against it In that famous defeat given also to the Enemy at Bâ—vie-Tracy and our winning of Ilminster Ashburton Totnes and Okebampton together with the famous victory obtained against the Rebels of Ireland at Sligo and the excellent effects ensuing thereon In the most happy totall relief of Plymouth from a long and dangerous siege by base and blood-thirsty Enemies and recovery of Sir Francis Drakes House a strong Garrison also out of their hands In Gods great goodnesse unto us in still stirring up the hearts and raising up the spirits of the most renowned Citizens of London to stand close to his truth and to be very zealous for the building up of Gods House as was most eminently evident in their most excellent Petitions to the Lords and Commons in Parliament for the speeding thereof In the most happy surprizall of the Town and Castle of Dartmouth a mighty mercy unto us indeed it being a place of great consequence to the whole Kingdome and a faire and famous Haven and inlet from other forraigne parts And sixthly and lastly In that brave defeat given to the Enemy at Câ—rk neer Stafford the taking in of Pâ—â—ldram Castle by Sir Thomas Fairfâ—â—s forces in the West and his most Excellent and amiable demeanour among the people of those parts even like a second Julius Caesar Together with the most seasonable surprisall of that Ship from France in Dartmouth harbour by which that 〈◊〉 of Letters of so great Concernment was also by Gods gâ—â—d providence apprehended and found floating on the waves of the Sea All which most gratefully put together and seriously and sanctimoniously considered can amount to no lesse than a most large acknowledgement of our most deere and Deepe enâ—â—gement to the Lord our God in all the bonds of most bonden gratitude and therefore to breake out into holy and hearty zeale 〈◊〉 Cordiall thankfulnes and with the good Prophet to conâ—â—â—â— and say Who would not feare and love thee O King of Nations 〈◊〉 to thee alone indeed it doth appertaine for as much as among all 〈◊〉 and strong man of the Nations and all their kingdomes their 〈…〉 like unto the Lord our God Who hath most mercifully and 〈◊〉 been a wall of fire to us this unworthy Jerusalem round 〈◊〉 as and the onely glorie in the midst among us But now to proceed And here now I shall begin the farther prosperous per 〈…〉 in the comfortable contemplation of the continued wonder of the Burning-Bush unconsumed in this Moneth also of Februarie 1646. with the certaine intelligence by letters out of the North 〈◊〉 parts of the Kingdome about the beginning of the 〈◊〉 of February 1646. That the strong and almost impregnaâ—â— Garrison called 〈◊〉 Castle being one of the strongest and 〈◊〉 buildings in the Kingdome and therefore called Belvoir 〈◊〉 word signifying a Fair-Prospect which had 66 steps or 〈◊〉 unto it and therefore might well over-look the Country which for the most part being vallies round about it seemed 〈◊〉 yeild obeyâ—â—â—ce to this Castle which now I say is reduced 〈…〉 obedience of the Parliament Sir lartis Lucas the Governour thereof withall the Commanders Officers and Souldiers therin 〈◊〉 permission to march away to Litch-field upon more honourable termes indeed than they deserved And 〈◊〉 Thursday Februarie they came letters out of Cheshire from that 〈◊〉 faithfull and religious Commander Sir Williâ—◠〈◊〉 of the most happie surrender of the strong and long 〈◊〉 Castle of West-Chester into the noble
Hosts by whose providence you are made such victorious Ministers of our deliverance from such intollerable bondage and next to our great and wise Councell by whose publique care and commission we have the happinesse this day to see you Conquerors for the preservation of our Religion so long violated and restitution of our liberty so long inthralled Neither may we omit a gratefull acknowledgement of the unexampled valour and vigilance which have been so magnanimously exercised for the reducing of this unhappy Kingdome from the wofull condition of a bloody war to so fair hopes of an assured and most happy peace And now since it hath pleased God thus to blesse us we presume not to motion through difference your future care of his Glory and the Common-Wealths good having so many rare examples of your readinesse to defend both However give us leave as a people that to our great grief and misery have so long a time wanted the happie influence and equity of the Law to relieve us to mention our desires of their reparation whereby also to distinguish our selves from those which have with an high hand indeavoured to subvert them and as hitherto you have not wanted our Prayers to God for a blessing upon your Counsels and Actions So now your Honour shall not want the ready though weak assistance so far as the lives and fortunes shall extend of your servants and faithfull votaries The taking into consideration this Petition and the coming in of the persons afore mentioned as also the rising of the Inhabitants at Camelford Ginny-Hill and other parts in the East and North of Cornwall for our assistance it was held fit to summon a Posse of five or six of the hundreds to appear at Bodman-Down to morrow being Friday where some will be fitted with Instructions to impart the Generals minde unto them For to morrow part of the Army advances to Saint Columbe and other parts the Enemy is retreated from Castle Dennis and last night had his Head Quarter about Truro some part of their Forces at S. Allens and kept Guard neer S. Columb as our staying here three daies will prove to our advantage in setling these Eastern parts of the Country So we are confident it will do so for the Western for Gorings Horse will sufficiently incline the people to wish the coming of this Army for their ease and preservation The Enemy gave out they would plunder Truro because the people there already appear for us but it was answered Whether should they go with their plunder when they had it Severall of the Princes servants have sent unto the Generall for Passes to come in and to repair to their homes which I conceive they now solicite for in regard the Prince is gone to Sea but where he is landed we yet hear not Last night a Vessell out of Ireland came into Padstow the Townsmen seized upon her and three other Vessels going out with plundred Goods and sent to our Forces at Ware-Bridge for assistance which was this morning accordingly sent unto thme A Spie is just now come from the Enemies Quarters most of their forces are North of Truro We shall be very neer Truro to morrow night I beleeve the Generall after one daies advance will send a Summons to the Lord Hopton I take my leave and rest Your most faithfull and humble Servant Jo. Rushworth Bodman March 5. 1645. two in the afternoon SInce the writing of my Letter here is Captaine Farre come from Padstow who with Captaine Wogan boarded the Irish Vessel and with the assistance of the Townsmen and Townswomen put them all to the Sword but two about thirty in all wicked naturall Irish God hath most seasonably brought that Vessell thither It enrages the Country against the Kings party for bringing in of forraigners These are but the fore-runners of many thousands speedily to come over as by their Packets of great concernment appears Indeed of so great concernment considering from whom they come that it is not fit to be lightly mentioned they were thrown into the Sea yet recovered an expresse is to come up with them We have cause to blesse God for such a mercy Severall of those Letters subscribed by Glamorgan Ormond and Digby were this day read to Master Corriton Mr. Lower Mr. Glanvile Mr. Trevisa c. And one of the two Irish that had not his throat cut was brought before them which hath so satisfied them of the Kings intentions and ready preparations to bring in bloody Irish Rebels into this Kingdom that they offer to the hazard of Life and Estate in person to oppose them I will say no more till the Letters come Pardon my haste Bodman March 5. 1645. six at night A Summons is gone to Hopton Which Summons coming in here most fitly by that mention therof and of most singular excellencie and worthy to be recorded to posterity I have thought convenient and very necessarie here to insert it the Copy whereof was as followeth Sir through the goodnes of God to his people and his just hand against their enemies your forces being redâ—ced to such condition as to my sense the same good hand of God continuing with us wherin alone we trust they are not like either to have subsistance or shelter long where they are or to escape thence nor if they could have they whither to go for better I have thought good for prevention of more bloodshed or of further hardship or extremity to any but such whose hearts God shall harden to their owne destruction to send you this Summons for your selfe and them to lay downe Armes and withall a tender of such conditions upon a present surrender and ingagement never more to beare Arms against the Parliament as may be better than any thing they can rationally expect by further standing out First therefore to the Souldery in Generall English and Forrainers I shall grant liberty either to go beyond Sea or to their homes in England as they please and to such English as shall chuse to live at home my Protection for the liberty of their persons and for the immunity of their estates from all plunder or violence of Souldiers and all to goe their wayes with what they have saving Horse and Armes But of Officers in Commission and Gentlemen of quality I shall allow them to go with horse for themselves and one servant or more sutable to their quality and with Armes befitting Gentlemen in a condition of Peace And such Officers as would goâ— beyond Sea for other service to take with them their Armes and full number of horses answerable to their Offices To all Troopers and the inferiour sort of Horse Officers bringing in and delivering up their horses and armes twenty shillings a man in lieu of their horses to carry them home To English Gentlemen of considerable Estates my Passe and Recommendation to the Parliament for their moderate composition Lastly for your Selfe besides what is before implyed to you in
their Castle Wall than to suffer those former inconveniences which was done thus I marched out of Hereford munday night last with 500 Horse and Foot undiscovered untill I came within Pistoll shot of Goodrich a little before day then fell on with 100 firelocks for the Forlorn and entred over the Wall neare the end of their stable the wall was very high yet got over before they had a full alarm and found in the stable about fourescore Horse and five men which Horse I took all digging thorow the wall and turning them out the men were slaine and taken the stable with hay and other provision burnt In the mean time I fell on their out-Guard in a place called the Boat-House which was within Pistoll shot of the Castle which held out two houres untill it was digged thorow then they desired quarter for their lives wherein was Major Pateson Commander of the Horse and Major Benskin and 15 Gentlemen more and Troopers whom I brought to Hereford This successe it pleased the Lord to give me with little losse which is very advantagious and especially enabling me to perform those commands laid upon me by the right honourable the Committee for both Kingdoms And this day in the way as I was comming to Gloucester to that purpose some Horse belonging to Goodrich Castle way laid me which were out on a party when I tooke the rest munday night there being with me Colonell Kirle and about 12 more but not so many ready The Enemy stood in the way which we perceiving gave them a charge their number being 14. tooke and slew 12. and the other two escaping through the River to the Castle For the Forces under the command of Sir Jacob Ashley they are now neer Worcester I question not but a speedy course will be taken with them which shall be the constant endeavour of your most thankfull Servant John Birch About the 23 of this instant March we received certaine intelligence of the famous and most happy victory obtained by the Forces of ever to be honoured Sir William Brereton valiant Colonell Morgan and Colonell Birch over the Forces of Sir Jacob Ashley which was a very hot and furious fight our Forces being twice worsted but at last by Gods mighty power and assistance the victory was given to ours at least 200 being slaine on the place 3000 totally routed and at least 2000 Arms taken The particular description of which most famous fight and glorious victory being delivered in a Letter to some Honourable Members of the Parliament by a Gentleman of quality and credit under Sir William Brereton and by their order and authority printed and published I have thought fit for the Readers better content and satisfaction here to insert which was as followeth Honourable Sir ACcording to my engagements I shall give you an account of the proceedings of our Forces in reference to our great Victory at Stow Sir William Brereton having intelligence of Sir Jacob Ashleyes march and being invited by valiant and active Colonell Morgan to follow and set upon him he forthwith marched from Litchfield with about 1000 Horse to Colshell and from thence thorow Warwick Town toward Stratford upon Avon where Sir William had intelligence that Colonell Morgan was returned back as far as Cambden by reason of his intelligence of the crossings and Counter-marches of Sir Jacob Ashley insomuch that Sir William Brereton was forced out of his earnest desire to meet and joyn with Colonell Morgan as was mainly intended to march up and down backward and forward at least 30 miles to overtake him and at last did so and then being joyned we all marched about a mile by which time the Scouts had brought us word that the Enemy was drawne up into a body neer Stow in the Old at which all our Souldiers greatly rejoyced being very desirous to engage Then we marched the whole Army in Battalia and after we had discovered them also standing in Battalia we faced them an houre before we fought both sides waiting and longing for day light Then Sir Will. Brereton and Colonell Morgan agreed without any difference in the drawing up of the Army which was ordered as followes Sir William Brereton led the right Wing of Horse which were those that came with him from Litchfield and the Gloucestershire men were placed in the left Wing Colonell Morgan himself most gallantly led the Van our Word was God be our Guide the Enemies Word was Patrick and George Upon the first charge the Enemy forced our left Wing to a disorderly retreat by over powring them so that the victory at first seemed somwhat doubtfull but Sir William Brereton most bravely going on with his right Wing of Horse and at least 200 Firelocks fiercely charged their left both of Horse and Foot and totally routed them In which brave peece of service undauâ—ted and valiant Major Hauksworth had a principall hand and was a main help utterly torout and put to flight all the left Wing of the Enemy and Colonell Morgan by this time performed his charge so bravely also and with so much courage and good successe that having rallied his men up gallantly againe against the Enemy he put them also to an absolute rout and so they pursued them into Stow killing and wounding many in the Towne both Gentlemen and Officers of quality and in this pursute Major Hawksworth his man as I was credibly enformed took the Lord Ashly prisoner and all his foot Officers were then also taken prisoners and Sir Charles Lucas as was credibly reported was then also taken in the fight but immediatly after rescued by a party of Firelocks of the Enemie and on his rescue fled into the Wood hard by for hoped safety but after the fight our forces searching the wood for straglers found there the said Sir Charles Lucas even he who formerly had done the King great service in the North and was Governour of Berkley Castle but now I say was taken prisoner againe and put into safe custody This most remarkable piece of service being thus successefully performed and Sir Jacob Ashley being taken Captive and wearyed in this fight and being ancient for old-ages silver haires had quite covered over his head and beard the Souldiers brought him a drum to sit and rest himselfe upon who being sate he said as was most credibly enformed unto our Souldiers Gentlemen yee may now sit downe and play for you have done all your worke if you â—all not our among your selves Meaning indeed that now he being thus beaten the King had never another armie in the field in the whole kingdome There were taken in this famous fight and glorious Victorie Sir Jacob Ashley alias Lord Ashley the Generall Sir Charles Lucas Col. Corbet Col. Gerrard Col. Mouldsworth Leivtenant-Colonell Broughton 3. Majors 17. Captaines 16. Leiutenants their Marshall Generall 5. Cornets 11. Ensignes 3. Quartermasters the Chirurgeon and Sir William Vaughans
against the Parliament of England not being under restraint do before the sixth day of April 1646. depart out of the Cities of London and Westminster and Lines of Communication And if any such person shall continue within the said Lines after that time such person is hereby declared a Spy and shall be apprehended imprisoned and proceeded against as a Spy according to the Rules of War And the said Lords and Commons do further orden That all such persons do forbeare upon the penalty aforesaid to come within the said Lines without Licence under the hands of the Committee appointed for Compositions at Goldsmiths-Hall And the Committee of the Militia of London and the Sub-Committees in their severall limits respectively are hereby required to keep strict Guards and Watches and cause frequently searches to be made and to take care for the due execution of this Order Provided that this Order nor any thing therein contained shall extend to any person or persons who shall obtain license under the hands of the Committee of Goldsmiths-Hall to continue within the limits aforesaid Provided that this Ordinance or any thing therein contained shall not extend to any person or persons who came in to the Parliament before the first of June last 1645. and are cleared by both Houses of Parliament from their Delinquency Provided also that no Peere of this Realm shall resort unto the Committee for license to continue within the limits aforesaid but shall repaire only to the House of Peers for their said License This Order to continue for one Moneth after the sixth of April and no longer And it was also further ordered and resolved on by the Lords and Commons in Parliament That in case the King should contrary to the advice of the Parliament then already given unto him come or attempt to come within the Lines of Communication That then the Committee of the Militia of London shall have power and are hereby enjoyned upon advice had with the Committee of Lords and Commons for the Army to raise such forces as they shall think necessary to prevent any tumults that may arise by his coming and to suppresse any that shall happen and to apprehend and secure all such as shall come with him and to prevent resort unto him and to secure his own Person from danger About the sixth of April we received certaine good newes by a Letter written to renowned Major Generall Brown of a brave defeat given to the Kings Horse about Farringdon not far from Oxford which Letter was read in the Honourable House of Commons and a Copy whereof for the Readers better content and satisfaction therein I have here inserted as it was printed and published which was as followeth Honourable Sir THe last night I had intelligence the Enemy was drawn out of Oxford and gave out that they did intend to plunder Newnham wherefore I sent to Colonell Betsworth to desire him to draw his Horse towards Abingdon which he did but early this morning we had intelligence that six hundred Horse marched out of Oxon through Conmer and Fisield whereupon I commanded forth our Horse and Dragoons and marched with Colonell Betsworth after the Enemy and it pleased God to direct us that we found them at Farringdon and quartered at the Towns thereabouts We had gallant hunting them from place to place over the hils and pursued them into Farringdon Town and afterwards we discovered a good party of about two hundred between the two Coxwels who ran down into a Meadow and would have parlyed to â—urrender their Horse and Arms but our â—â—n fell on them and took them all save very few that escaped Afterwards we gleaned up divers more in severall places so that I am confident that party is so broken that the King will scarce be able to get such a body of Horse againe in the Kingdome We took above 300 Horse and almost as many Prisoners there was brought in this evening about 250 unto Abingdon the Major and most of the Officers of Sir William Comptons Regiment belonging to Banbury are prisoners it was esteemed the best Regiment the King had and the newes of their ingagement being reported at Oxford this day that they would come off with honour or be lost they sadly replyed if that Regiment were lost they were all undone There was but one man slain on our part and not many of the Enemies Sir your most humble and faithfull servant Geo. Payne Abington April 3. 1646. About the 10 of this instant Aprill Letters came from his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Quarters from severall Gentlemen of credit to the Committee of both Kingdomes and by other informations from thence that the Articles for the surrender of the City and Garrison of Exeter were now fully agreed on and foure Hostages given for performance of the same to be surrendred into the hands of the Parliament on Munday Aprill 13. 1646. and as a farther firm pledge and assurance hereof they immediately upon the mutuall giving of Hostages surrendred three of their strong Forts into the renowned Generals hands viz. Saint Downes Fort on the North side Mount-Rat-Ford on the South side and a very strong House in Saint Tho. Pâ—rish on the West side all these were surrendred on Thursday April the 9. the maine substance of the Articles was That all within the Garrison that would were to march away on April 13. being Munday both Horse and Foot with Arms and to have a Convoy either to Pendennis or Saint Michaels-Mount or to Oxford and to nominate which of these three places they would go unto when they marched out And those that would to have Passes to go beyond Sea or laying down their Arms to go to their own homes upon an ingagement not to take up Arms againe against the Parliament All the nobility as some of these were there Gentry and Clergy in the City to have liberty to march out with the Garrison Souldiers with their Horses Arms and their own proper goods One Article was mainly insisted on concerning the Cathedrall in Exeter that forfooth it might not be defaced which was also so farre agreede on Now if any should imagine these and the other conditions to be too large for such enemies Let them but waigh the considerablenesse of the place and how long it might have held out withall its advantages and it may easily balance all the rest Besides that now it is gained with the losse of so little bloodshed and in so short a time since the Armie returned out of Cornwall That now also upon the matter all the West is cleared and setled in a peaceable posture and how considerable this is that now the army may immediately advance and take the oportunity to cleare up these Eastern-parts which in all probability will by Gods blessing be effected suddainly and we hope an end put to these miserable and most unhappie warres The noble Generall presently upon this with part of his Armie advanced
April being the solemne Fast-day of this Moneth after both the Sermons before the Lords in the Abby at Westminster and the Commons Sermons in Margrets-Church were ended The House of Commons sitting a while in Parliament received certaine intelligence of the Kings escaping out of Oxford in a disguised manner betweene Sunday-night and Munday-morning with 2. others in his Companie whereof Master Aâ—bhurnhâ—un was one who was pretended to be the Kings Master and the King and the other partie must be Ashburnhams Servants and the King himselfe as it was credibly and Constantly related must goe along under the name of Harry Master Ashburnhams man and thus I say these 3. went forth of Oxford together the King also carrying a cloak-bag or portmantle behind him on his horse like a Servingman indeede but whether or which way he went was not then knowne for as it was reported the better to conceale the way of his departure there went out 3. at every part of the City at the same instant time that so none should be able to discover in which of the Companies the King was It seemed as since we heard his Lords in Oxford were desirous of his departure hoping thereby to have the beter conditions for themselves looking more it seem'd at their owne safetie than at the Kings preservation who hereby may plainly see whose interests they have all this while driven on Ah good Reader see here and seriously consider in thy soul with feare and trembling and amazement how truely how justly God most wise most righteous hath made good that word of his Those that honour me I will honour and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed O that we would faithfully and fruitfully lay these remarkable examples thereof to our hearts and walke answerably for the time to come Now upon the 4 of May 1646. so soone as ever our most noble Generall had received certaine intelligence of his Majesties departure ouâ— of Oxford as abovesaid he immediately by his Letters and Messengers informed the Parliament thereof giving them farther to understand the great confidence though mightily mistaken as aâ—on you shall plainly understand of those that came out of Oxford to his Excellency and their constant affirmations as those that saw but the shallow superficies of the businesse only that the King was certainly come into or neer unto London upon which information the Commons in Parliament had much debate and the House of Peers also the like and considering the danger that might ensue by concealing and hiding the Kings person they appointed a Committee forthwith to prepare and draw up something to be published touching all such as should harbour or conceale the harbouring of the King and accordingly an Order was drawn up by this Committee reported to the House and assented unto by the House of Peers and likewise passed by them and â—y Order of both Houses to be published throughout London and Westminster by beat of Drum or sound of Trumpet which was accordingly performed the said Order being to this effect ORdered that it be declared and it is hereby declared by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled That what person soever shall harbour or conceale or know of the harbouring or concealing of the Kings person and shall not reveale it immediately to the Speakers of both Houses shall be proceeded against as a Traytor to the Common Wealth forfeit his whole Estate and die without mercy The Parliament also about this foresaid time seriously considering that a former Ordinance for putting out of the Lines of Communication all Papists Officers and Souldiers of fortune that have come out of the Kings Quarters was now expired and the danger that might happen by permitting such to abide within the City of London no whit slacking but rather increasing An Ordinance was therefore read the first and second time and committed to a Committee for the continuance of the said former Ordinance for a Moneth longer and that all such Papists and Souldiers should remove themselves â—wenty miles distant from the City An Ordinance was likewise read and assented to giving power to the Militia of London to search within twenty miles of London for all Papists Malignants and other suspected persons and to secure and disarm them and likewise to search for Arms and this power to continue for twenty daies longer And now upon the sixth of this instant May the much expected newes of the Kings discovery and place of aboad was by a most excellent Letter sent to the Commissioners of both Kingdomes and so to the Parliament brought to London which Letter for the eminency and excellency thereof and for the just honour of our ever most worthily deserving loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland I have here thought fit in the first place to set forth and shew to the honest and godly Reader for his just joy comfort and content which was as followeth The Letter from the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland to the Commissioners of both Houses concerning his Majesties coming to the Scottish Army Dated at Southwell May the 5. Right Honourable THe discharging of our selves of the duty we owe to the Kingdome of England to you as Commissioners from the same moves us to acquaint you with the Kings coming into our Army this morning which having overtaken us unexpectedly hath filled us with amazement and made us like men that dream We cannot thinke that He could have been so unadvised in his Resolutions is to have cast himself upon us without a reall intention to give full satisfaction to both Kingdomes in all their just and reasonable Demands in all those things that concern Religion and Righteousnesse whatsoever be His disposition or resolution you may be assured That we shall never entertaine any thought nor correspond with any purpose nor countenance mee any endeavours that may in any circumstance incroach upon our League and Covenant or weaken the union or confidence between the Nations That Vnion unto our Kingdom was the matter of many prayers and as nothing was more joyfull to us than to have it set on foot so hitherto have we thought nothing too dear to maintain it and we trust to walk with such faithfulnesse and truth in this particular that as we have the testimony of a good conscience within our selves so you and all the world shall see that we minde your interest with as much integrity and care as our owne being confident you will entertaine no other thoughts of us Signed by the Warrant and Command of the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland LOTHIAN Southwel May 5. 1646. For the Right Honourable the Commissioners of the Parliament of England In the next place I shall give the Reader a summary narrative of the manner of the discovery of His Majesty to most noble and renowned Generall Lesley Earl of Leven as it was related to the Commissioners of Scotland by the Secretary of the Scots Army and
printed and published by authority which was as followeth A Messenger being come from the foresaid noble Generall of the Scots Army being one of the Secretaries there came to the Scots Commissioners at Westminster and thus related the â—ings coming in unto them The first time that we could heare where his Majesty was after he came out of Oxford was on Saturday the second of May instant and then he was within some two miles of London as is told the Army and on Munday night May the fourth His Majesty lay in Stamford upon a bed with his Cloathes on all night and that morning passed two of the Parliaments Guards but could not be known because His Beard was shaved and His Lock cut or neatly put up On Tuesday morning His Majesty came to Southwell to the Scots Army and Generall Leven having intelligence that His Majesty was come into their Garrison for some Officers that were upon the Guard that saw Him had some suspition of Him that it was the King who making it knowne a search was made three houres before they could heare where he was and about noone His Majesty sent to Generall Leven letting him know he was there and that he was then with the French Agent and that he would cast Himselfe upon them whereupon there was advertisement given to the Scots Commissioners of His Majesties being there who with Generall Leven went to His Majesty and caused him to remove his Qâ—arters to Kellam Lieutenant Generall David Lesleys Quarters where there was much amazement to see into how low a condition His Majesty was brought Generall Leven had some Treaty with His Majesty about the surrender of Newarke desiring Him to give Order to Bellassis the Governour for the delivery thereof and His Majesty offered to surrender it to them but Generall Leven answered that to remove all jealousies they must yeeld to have it to be surrendred to the Parliament of England and his Majesty was prevailed with to send to the Governour to give Order for the surrender thereof to the Parliament of England accordingly which was agreed wednesday the 6 instant by the Commissioners as may appeare by the following Articles After which agreement the Scots Forces being willing to ease the Country thereabouts who have been so long charged with so great an Army with all cheerfulnesse and willingnesse removed their Quarters more North ward the King still remaining with Lieut. Generall David Lesley and care being taken for fresh Clothes and other refreshments for His Majesty and the Generall taking care to remove to some more convenient and fresh Quarters and being resolved to take care and charge of His Majesty untill both Kingdomes be agreed to which to submit for the disposing of His Majesties Person There are few Armies without some disorder by some that cannot be prevented yet the chiefe of those that manage the businesse amongst our Brethren of Scotland and our Commissioners carry on all things with great wisdome and it is hoped will prevent all differences as may appeare by this insuing Letter from the Commissioners Quarters Gentlemen YOu are all now satisfied where the King is though perhaps you will not know whilst this come to your hands that he is this afternoon marched away Northwards with all the Scots Army both Horse and Foot we believe it is onely into fresh Quarters till the desires of the Parliament may be signified unto them how they would have the Army disposed of we have found a very exceeding faire correspondency with the old Scots Generall and all the Commissioners who have been ready to comply with us in all reasonable demands as we on the other â—ide have not been wanting to expresse to them the like respects in my thing within our power and for the Kings being in their Quarters they do assure us that as His Majesty was unexpected so they will use all care that His abode with them shall not be in the least manner prejudiciall to the iâ—terest of the two Kingdomes The Governour of Newark hath come out to us and is wondrous faire conditioned and promiseth to submit to whatsoever we shall advise and will be carefull to preserve all things in the Garrison for the publique use till the time of Surrender BALDERTON May the 7. Upon the ninth of this instant May a Colonell from Newarke brought Letters to the House of Commons from the Commissioners of the Parliament of England before Newark of the certaine surrender thereof to the Commissioners for the Parliament for the use of King and Parliament together with the Articles of agreement for the surrender thereof which in summe and substance were thus much That the Garrison with all the Ordnance Arms and Ammunition be surrendred to the said Commissioners The Governour Officers Gentlemen Clergy-men and Souldiers of the Garrison to march away All Officers and Gentlemen with their Horses and Swords and their own proper goods the Common Souldiers with staves in their hands and their own goods and thus I say to march to any Garrison of the Kings not besieged if they found any or to their own homes and to have three months time to endeavour to make their peace with the Parliament or that failing to be allowed Passes to go beyond Sea Upon which agreement our Brethren of Scotlands Army drew off from Newark and retreated about foure miles and the King with them in the Army as you have heard in briefe before After the reading of the said Letters the House ordered that 100. l. should be bestowed upon the said Colonell that brought these Letters for this and many other his forâ—er good services performed by him during the siege of Newarke The House likewise ordered that 30 l. should be bestowed upon the first Messenger that brought the newes of the agreement on the said Articles for the surrender of Newarke The House was also informed that Master Row Secretary to the Commissioners before Newarke was at the Doore who was presently called in and he also informed the House of the manner of His Majesties comming in to the Scotch Army and the House ordered that 50 l. should be bestowed on him as a gratuity for this and other former services to the State Thus Newarke is now open and free againe and the Tradesmen are preparing to furnish their Shops our Souldiers have already bought divers things of them and the Country have a free market but it cannot be expected to be much whilst the sicknesse is in the Towne but to God be the praise who hath done this great work for us to deliver this strong hold of the Enemies into our hands I pray God that others so oppressed may have the like mercy and peace and truth be seded amongst us which is the prayers of Your humble Servant S. R. Balderton May 9. 1646. A List of what was taken in Newarke on Friday the eight of May 1646. ONe great Peece of Ordnance called Sweet-lips 11 Great Peeces of Ordnance more 2 Morter
and most earnestly desired by all except our most pernicious and disorderly Seâ—â—aries and Libertines And the Ordinance to continue thus for the space of three yeares And whereas I gave a hint or touch before of our Cause of jealousie that the Kings putting himselfe into the hands of our loving and loyall brethren of Scotland and his writting of faire and smoth Letters was not so Cordiall as we did and could have desired how ever we trust and pray the Lord who hath the hearts of Kings in his hands and can turne them as the Rivers of water May and will in his good time heare the prayers of his people therein also I shall here give the Reader a notable Demonstration that our said jelousie was not groundlesse as may too evidently appeare by this ensuing Letter of his Majesties if it were his Majesties owne act whereof there is some uncertaiâ—â—ty it being assured that his Majestie disclaimed it and so t is hoped it was not his but that most wicked Agents Secretarie Nicholases sent to the Marq Marquis of Ormond in Ireland a little before he departed from Oxford which shewed his still hollow and unholy heart to plot and foment new inlargements of our bloody broyles and Civill warres which Letter being sent by Ormond to that loyall and brave Commander in Armes Major Generall Monroe in Ireland and by him to the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland by Sir Robert King I have here thought fit to insert it verbatim as it was printed and published by order of Parliament which was as followeth CHARLES REX RIght trust and entirely beloved Cousins and Concellors We greet you well having used all possible and honorable meanes by sending many gracious Messages to the two Houses of Parliament wherein wee have offered them all they have heretofore desired few or none will believe this that have had any knowledge of the Parliaments just desires and what the answers have beene to them and desire from them nothing but what they themselves since these unhappy wars have offered to procure Our Personall Treaty with them for a safe and well grounded Peace and having in stead of a dutifull and peaceable returne to Our said Messages received in stead thereof either no answer at all or such as argues nothing will satisfie them but the ruine not only of Vs Our Posterity and Friends but even of Monarchy it selfe and having lately received very good security that We and all that doe or shall adhere to Vs shall be safe in Our Honors Persons and Conferences in the Scottish Army and that they shall really and effectually joyne with Vs and with such as will come in unto Vs and joyne with them for Our preservation and shall imploy their Armes and Forces to assist Vs to the procuring of a happy and well grounded Peace for the good of Vs and our Kingdomes in the recovery of Our just Right We have resolved to put our selves to the hazard of passing into the Scots Armie now lying before Newarke and if it shall please God that We come safe thither We are resolved to use our best endeavors with their assistance and with the conjunction of the Forces under the Marquesse of Montrosse and such of Our well affected Subjects of England as shall rise for Vs to procure if it may be an honorable and speedy Peace and those who hitherto refused to give eare to any means tending therunto of which Our resolution We held it necessary to give you this advertisement as well to satisfie you and all Our Counsell and Loyall Subjects with you to whom We will that you communicate these Our Letters that failling in Our earnest and sincere endeavors by Treaty to put an end to the miseries of these Kingdomes We esteemed Our selfe obliged to leave no probable expedition unattempted to preserve Our Crowne and Friends from the usurpation and tyranny of those whose actions declare so manifestly their Designe to overthrow the Lawes and happy established Government of this Kingdome And now We have made knowne to you Our Resolvtion We recommend to your speciall care the disposing and managing of Our affaires on that side as you shall conceive most for Our Honor and service being confident the course We have taken though with some hazard to Our Person will have a good influence on that Our Kingdom and defer if not altogether prevent the Rebels meaning the Parliament transporting of Forces from them into that Kingdome And We desire you to satisfie all Our well affected Subjects on that side of Our Princely care of them whereof they shall receive the effect as soone as God shall enable Vs We desire you to use some meanes to let Vs and Our Councell at Oxon here frequently from you and of your actions and conditions there and so God prosper your Loyall Endeavors SATURDAY June 6. Thus have you seene the Kings Letter full indeede of much evill and Demonstration of no change of heart from his former bloody cruell and unkingly practises of the ruine of himselfe and his Kingdomes as much in as him lay if indeede it were his owne act as it was too strongly presumed to be upon which many jelousies being raised and founded against our Loyall brethren of Scotland they therefore in vindication of their owne integritie presented a Declaration to the Houses of Parliament in the name of the Commissioners of Scotland which was read accordingly and which I have here thought fit to insert for the Readers better content and satisfaction which was as followeth For the Right Honourable the Speaker of the House of Peers pro tempore Right Honourable THis inclosed paper having very lately come to our hands which although it hath not so much as colour enough to deceive yet neverthelesse as Generall Major Monro in testimony of his integrity did communicate the thing to the Commissioners of Parliament in Vlster so we for preventing mistakes many Copies of the same thing being spred among the people have thought good to communicate the same to the Honourable Houses with our sense upon it that by their wisdome and reciprocall care a right understanding in all things may still be preserved between the Kingdomes Whether any such Letter was signed by the King at Oxford or whether it was invented of purpose to support a declining party we do not know what may concerne the King in it we leave to himself who as he hath since the date of that paper expressed contrary intentions and resolutions in his Messages to both Kingdomes so he can best tell what he wrote at that time we are onely to speake to the matter of the paper which cometh from the hand of Secretary Nicholas unto whose informations what credit ought to be given the Houses very well know It doth consist in our perfect knowledge and we declare it with as much confidence as ever we did or can do any thing that the matter of the paper so farre as concerneth any assurance or
concerning Propositions of Peace to be sent to his MAIESTY My Lords and Gentlemen THough I have had the honour to be named by the Kingdome of Scotland in all the Commissions which had relation to this Kingdome since the beginning of this Warre yet I had never the happinesse to be with your Lordships till now wherein I reverence Gods providence that he hath brought me hither at such an opportunity when I may boldly say it is in the power of the two Kingdomes yea I may say in your Lordships power to make us both happy if you make good use of this occasion by setling Religion and the Peace and Union of these Kingdomes The worke of Reformation in these Kingdomes is so great a worke as no Age nor History can parallel since Christs daies for no one Nation had ever such a Reformation set forth unto them much lesse three Kingdomes so that this Generation may truly thinke themselves happy if they can be instrumentall in it And as the worke is very great so it cannot be expected but it must have great and powerfull Enemies not onely flesh and bloud which hate to be reformed but likewise Principalities and Powers the Rulers of the darknesse of this world and spirituall wickednesses in high places As the dangers are great we must looke the better to our duties and the best way to performe these is to keep us by the Rules which are to be found in our Nationall Covenant principally the Word of God and in its owne place the example of the best Reformed Churches and in our way we must beware of some Rocks which are temptations both upon the right and upon the left hand so that we must hold the middle path Upon the one part we should take heed not to settle lawlesse liberty in Religion whereby in stead of Uniformity we should set up a thousand Heresies and Schismes which is directly contrary and destructive to one Covenant Upon the other part we are to looke that we persecute not piety and peaceable men who cannot through scruple of Conscience come up in all things to the Common Rule but that they may have such a forbearance as may be according to the VVord of God may consist with the Covenant and not be destructive to the Rule it selfe nor to the Peace of the Church and Kingdome wherein I will insist no further either to wrong your Lordships patience or judgements who I doubt not will be very carefull to doe every thing according to our Covenant As to the other point concerning the Peace and Union of the Kingdomes I know it is that which all professe they desire I hope it is that all doe 〈◊〉 at sure I am it is that which all men ought to study and endeavour And I thinke it not amisse to remember your Lordships of some former experiences as an argument to move us to be wife for the future If the Kingdome of England in the 1640. yeare of God then sitting in Parliament had concurred as they were desired against the Kingdome of Scotland no question we had been brought to many difficulties which blessed be God was by the wisdome of the Honourable Houses prevented So likewise when this Kingdome was in difficulties if the Kingdome of Scotland had not willingly yea cheerfully sacrificed their peace to concâ—â—â—e with this Kingdome your Lordships all know what might have been the danger Therefore let us hold fast that Union which is so happily established betwixt us and let nothing make us againe two who are so many waiâ—s one all of one Language in one â—and all under one King one in Religion yea one in Covenant so that in effect we differ in nothing but in Name as Brethren doe which I wish were also removed that we might be altogether one if the two Kingdomes should 〈◊〉 for I dare say not the greatest Kingdome in the Earth can prejudice both so much as one of them may doe the other I will forbeare at this time to speake of the many jealousies I heare are suggested for as I doe not love them so I delight not to mention them onely one I cannot forbeare to speake of as if the Kingdome of Scotland were too much affected with the Kings interest I will not deny but the Kingdome of Scotland by reason of the Raigne of many Kings his Progenitors over them hath a naturall affection to his Majesty whereby they wish he may be rather reformed then ruined yet experience may tell their personall regard to him has never made them forget that common Rule The safety of the People is the Supreame Law So likewise their love to Monarchy makes them very desirous that it may be ratheâ— regulated than destroyed which I hope I need not to mention further to your Lordships who I trust are of the same minde I know likewise there are many jealousies and unjust aspersions cast upon our Armies in England and Ireland I can if it were needfull presently produce heads of a Declaration intended by the Army in England for vindicating themselves from such injuries and shewing the clearnesse of their resolutions and integrity both in the Cause and towards this Kingdome wherein their undertakings and comming in at such a season of the yeare their hard sufferings and constant endeavours since may be sufficient testimonies Therefore I am the more bold to desire your Lordships that so long as they stay in England which I wish may be for a short time they may be supplyed with some monies and their Quarters enlarged least their lying in too narrow Quarters make the burthen insupportable to that exhausted corner of the Country where they now remaine and so beget outcries against them when they are not able to discharge their Quarters as other Armies within the Kingdome As for the Army in Ireland I have been an eye witnesse to their sufferings and so may speake of it likewise upon certaine knowledge That never men have suffered greater hardships who might have been provided for they have lived many times upon a few Beanes measured out to them by number and never had any other drinke but Water And when they were in some better condition they had but an Irish peck of rough Oates for a whole weeke And now at their best condition when they are quartered upon the Country which is able to entertaine them only for a very short time they have only an Irish peck of Oatmeale or a shilling in the ten daies both for meat and drink Therefore according to the many desires given in to the Honourable Houses for that end I humbly entreat that your Lordships will take care to provide for them so long as it is thought fit they remaine in that Kingdome For a renewed testimony of our earnest desires to comply with the Honourable Houses for setling the peace of these Kingdoms so much longed for we doe returne unto your Lordships the Propositions of Peace which we received on Tuesday last with our consent
thereunto wishing they may be hasted to his Majesty who hath so often called for them And I likewise offer to your Lordships the Copy of his Majesties Letter to my Lord of Ormond discharging him from any further medling in any Treaty with the Rebels in Ireland I hope in order to his Majesties further condescending to the setling of that Proposition concerning Ireland and the rest of the Propositions now to be sent unto him Another Paper there is which concernes the supplying of the Scottish Armies in England and Ireland and the perfecting of the Accompts between the Kingdoms together with a Letter from Generall Monro to the Committee of Estates of the Kingdome of Scotland concerning the state of affaires in Ireland All which when your Lordships have considered I trust you will take such course therein as may satisfie our just desires may put an end to our present troubles and settle these Kingdomes in a happy peace A Paper delivered in from the Commissioners of Scotland concerning the PROPOSITIONS IT is a twelve moneth since we did earnestly presse the sending of Propositions to the King for a safe and well-grounded Peace In answer whereunto the Honourable Houses were pleased to acquaint us That they had resolved Propositions should be sent to his Majesty but did intend to make some alterations in the former Propositions and after eight or nine moneths deliberation we received from the Honourable Houses some of those Propositions and though we did finde therein very materiall additions alterations and omissions which for their great importance and the interest of the Kingdome of Scotland therein might very well have required the delay of an Answer untill the Estates of that Kingdome had been consullted yet so unwilling were we to retard the meanes of Peace that in a fortnights time we returned an Answer upon the whole Propositions and the Houses of Parliament not resting satisfied therewith in lesse than ten daies we prepared a further Answer wherein we did very much comply with the desires of the Honourable Houses especially in the matter of setling the Militia of England and Ireland and in other things did shew our readinesse to heare or propose such expedients as might determine any differencer so that in a whole yeares time the Propositions have not remained in our hands the space of foure weekes which we onely mention to cleare our proceedings from mistakes and aspersions and the Houses having now after two moneths farther deliberation delivered unto us upon the 23. of this instant June all the Propositions they intend to send to the King at this time We doe without any delay returne such an Answer and resolution thereupon as will be unto the present and future Generations one undeniable testimony besides many others of the integrity and faithfulnesse of the Kingdome of Scotland in their solemn League and Covenant of their love to Peace and earnest desire to satisfie their Brethren of England in those things which concerne the good and Government of this Kingdome being further resolved touching the Kingdome of Scotland That as nothing of single or sole concernment to that Nation did engage them in this Warre so nothing of that nature shall continue the same Although these Propositions now to be sent doe much differ from the Propositons formerly agreed upon by the Parliament of both Kingdomes and the most materiall additions omissions and alterations are in such particulars as concerne the joynt interest and mutuall considered and 〈◊〉 of both Kingdomes which were as we conceive much better provided for and strengthned by the former Propositions him by these Although the particular Propositions presented by Vs concerning the Kingdome of Scotland are not yet agreed unto by the Houses of Parliament as was offered in their Papers of the tenth of Aprill Although divers Propositions of joynt concernment be now superâ—â—ded and the sending of them delayed to a more covenient time as is â—â—pressed in the Votes of both Houses of the twenty sixth of March and â—â—though which is to us more than all the rest those Ordinances of Parliament unto which the fifth and sixth Propositions doe relate and were therefore communicated unto Vs upon our desire to see what the Houses had already agreed upon concerning Religion doe not containe the establishment of such a Reformation of Religion and uniformity as was expected and was the chiefe end of our engagement in this Warre and as all these Ordinances put together come short of what we wished so there are some particulars which we conceive to be inconsistent with the Word of God and the example of the best reformed Churches and therefore cannot in our consciences consent unto them which particulars were expressed to both Houses in the Remonstrance of the Commissioners of the Church of Scotland of the date March 26. 1646. Yet neverthelesse we doe so earnestly desire and so highly value the easing of the heavy Pressures under which both Kingdomes groane and the bringing of this bloudy lasting warre to a speedy and happy â—nd considering with-all that not onely the Booke of Common Prayer and the Prelaticall Government are abolished and a Common Directory of Worship established in both Kingdomes but that likewise the Ordinances afore mentioned doe containe divers Parts of a Positive Reformation and uniformity in Church-Government unto which we formerly gave our consent in our answer upon the whole Propositions of Peace of the 20. of April and for so happy beginning and so good a foundation laid for the future we heartily thanke God and doe acknowledge the Zeale Piety and Wisedome of the Honourable Houses therein remembring also that those Ordinances doe not containe the whole moddell of Church-Government and that the Houses had been pleased to expresse that it cannot be expected that a perfect Rule in every particular should be setled all at once but that there will be need of suppliments and additions and happily of alterations in some things as experience shall bring to light the necessity thereof upon these Considerations as we doe cheerfully consent to many materiall Parts of these Propositions so we Resolve to make no let but to give way to the sending of such other particulars therein contained with which we are unsatisfied in the matters for the Reasons formerly Represented to both Houses of which some still stand in force though others of them be taken away by the new expedients it being alwaies understood that our not Dissenting from nor our opposing of the sending of the Propositions as they now stand shall be no prejudice nor impediment to all or any one of the Articles of the Solemne League and Covenant especially to the first Article concerning the preservation of the Reformed Religion in the Church of Scotland in Doctrine Worship Discipline and Government against our common enemies the Reformation of Religion in the Kingdomes of England and Ireland in Doctrine Worship Discipline and Government according to the Word of God and example of the best Reformed Churches and
p. 306 19 A third shattering and spoyling of Digbies scattered Forces till they were quite brought to nothing p. 314 20 A brave Defeat given to the enemy neare unto Cannon Froom p. 318 21 A very brave Defeat given to the Lord Ashton wherein himselfe was slaine p. 320 22 A brave Defeat given to the enemy in Gloucestershire wherein that French Renegado Major Deut was slaine p. 324 23 A brave Field-Victory obtained over the enemy besides the taking of the Garrison at Bovie-Tracie p. 341 24 A brave Defeat given to the enemy at Wallingford Garrison by Abbington forces p. 352 25 A brave Defeat given to the enemy at Cark neare unto Stafford p. 358 26 Plimouth releeved and totally unbesieged and set at liberty with a brave Victory p. 348 27 A brave Defeat given to the enemy at Ashby De la Zouch p. 104 363 28 A brave Victory obtained by our renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax at Torrington in the West p. 365 29 A brave Victory obtained by Major Generall Laughorne at Cardiffe p. 370 Abbington most fiercely assaulted and bravely defended and preserved p. 375 A brave Defeat given to the enemy at Wareham p. 175 A brave Defeat given to the enemy in Cheshire p. 175 A brave Defeat given to the enemy by Colon. Venables in Cheshire p. 180 A brave Defeat given to the enemy neare Farrindon p. 406 30 A brave Defeat given to the enemy by Colonell Moore p. 382 31 A brave Defeat given to the enemy at St. Cullumb in the West p. 388 32 Sir William Vaughan well beaten by Captaine Ashley and the Committee of Shrewsburies brave activity p. 396 33 The famous Fight and glorious Victorie obtained against Sir Jacob Ashley p. 397 34 A brave Defeat given to the Kings Horse neare Farringdon p. 294 35 A brave Defeat given to Denbigh Forces by Colonell Miâ—on p. 409 36 A brave Defeat given to the Raglanders by Sir Trevor Williams p. 410 And yet to make the worke of the Lord more excellent and admirable unto our eyes and hearts I have here also thouâ—h it very pertinent to the close of this our most famous History and Parliamentary Chronicle to give the Reader another Ocular Map and summary sight of all as neare as possible I could the Earles Lords Knights Colonells Lieutenant Colonells Serjeant-Majors Majors Captaines and Gentlemen of worth and quality to goe no lower lest we should run Ad infinitam slaine by the hand of Gods wrath in fight and cut off by the hand of Justice for Treason against the State on the Kings Party since this most unhappy and unnaturall Civill Warre began among us in this our sinfull and therefore thus distressed Kingdome besides very many such others as could not nominatim be yet made knowne unto us Psalme 58. 10 11. The Righteous shall rejoyce when he seeth Gods vengeance on the wicked and shall wash his feet in their blood so that a man shall say verily there is a God that Judgeth the earth The Slaine on the Kings side 1 THe Earle of Lindsey the Lord Generall of the Kings Army that appeared in the Field at first against the Parliament Part 2. Page 197 2 The Lord George Stuart being Lord of Aubigniè in France p. 2 p. ibidem 3 The Lord John Stuart p. 3 p. 190 4 The Lord Bernhard Stuart Earle of Litchfield p. 4. p. 281 All these three brave young Lords being of the bloud Royall and all three brothers to the Duke of Lenox 5 The Earle of Northampton p. 2. p. 287 6 The Earle of Denbigh p. 2. p. 296 7 The Earle of Carnarvan p. 2. p. 420 8 The Earle of Sunderland p. 2. p. ibid 9 The Earle of Kingstone p. 3 p. 7. 10 The Earle of Strafford beheaded for Treason on the Tower-hill p. 1. p. 31 11. The Lord Grandison p. 2 p. 420 12 The Lord Faukland p. 2 p. ibid 13 The Lord Carey Son to the Earle of Monmouth p. 3. p. 277 14 The Lord Ashton p. 4 p. 320 15 The Marquesse of Viville a French Lord. p. 2. p. 415 16 The Arch-Prelate of Canterbury beheaded for Treason on Tower-hill p. 4. p. 86 17 Generall Cavendish p. 3 p. 9 18 Generall Mynne p. 4. p. 4 19 Sir Edward Varney p. 2 p. 195 20 Sir John Harper p. 2. p. 243 21 Sir Bevill Greenvill Son to the Marquesse of Hartfort p. 2 p. 381 22 Sir George Bowles p. 3. p. 47 23 Sir William Wentworth brother to the Earl of Strafford p. 3. p. 144 24 Sir Francis Daâ—res neare kinsman to the Lord Dacres p. 3 p. ibid 25 Sir William Lambton p. ib 26 Sir Marmaduke Loudson p. ibid 27 Sir Thomas Metton p. ibid 28 Mounsieur Saint Paul a French Gentleman p. ibid 29 Sir Richard Goodhill ib. 30 Sir Alexander Carew beheaded for Treason on the Tower-hill p. 4. p. 86 31 Sir John Hotham beheaded also for Treason on Tower hill p. 4. p. 86 32 Sir Henry Gage p. 4. p 33 Sir William Crosts p. 4 p. 178 34 Sir Thomas Nott. p. 4. p. 180 35 Sir Owen p. 4 p. 122 36 Sir Brian Stapleton p. 4. p 37 Sir Francis Carnabie p. 4 p. 38 Sir Richard Hutton p. 4 p. 39 Colonell Monroe p. 2. p. 19â— 40 Col. Wane p. 3. p. 144 41 Col. Ewers Nephew to the Lord Ewers p. ibid 42 Col. Roper brother to the Lord Balting-glasse p. ibid 43 Col. Slingsby Son to Sir William Slingsby p. ibid 44 Col. Fenwick eldest Son to Sir John Fenwick p. ibid 45. Col. Prideaux p. ibid 46 Col. Atkins p. ibid 47 Col. Marrow p. 4. p. 11 48 Col. Baynes p. 4. p. 16 49 Col. Conyers p. 4. p. 16 50 Generall Gorings brother p. 4. p. 59 51. Col. Houghton Son to Sir Gilb. Houghton p. 3. p. 144 52 Generall Gorings Quarter-master Gen. of horse p. 4. p 53 Gen. Gorings Quarter-master of foot p. 4. p 54 Col. Phillips p. 4. p. 123 55 Lieutenant Col. Ward p. 2 p. 381 56 Lieut. Col. Howard p. 2 p. ibid 57 Lieut. Col. Bowles p. 3 p. 97 58 Lieut. Col. Lisle p. 3 p. 144 59 Lieut. Col. Stonywood p. 3 p. 16 60 Seajeant Major Beaumont p. 2. p. 263 61 Ser. Major Purvey p. 2 p. 269 62 Ser. Major Smith p. 2 p. 3. 10 63 Ser. Maj. Lower p. 2. p. 381 64 Ser. Maj. Wells p. 2. p. 405 65 The Major of Preston Mr. Adams p. 2. p. 269 Major Heskith p. 4. p. 16 67 Major Trevillian p. 4. p 68 Major Hatton Farmar p. 4. p 94 69 Major Pilkington p. 4 p. 138 70 Major Duet p. 4. p. 324 71 Major Heynes p. 4. p 72 Major Pollard p. 4. p. 356 73 Captaine Wrey p. 2. p 74 Captaine Bins p. 2. p 1 75 Captaine Houghton p. 2 p. 69 76 Captaine Heâ—ham beheaded on the Tower-hill p. 4. p 77 Captaine Baggot p. 4. p 78 Captaine James p. 2 p. 381 79 Capt. Cornisham p. 2 p. 110 80 Capt. Plunket p. 3. p. 110 81 The Kings Standard-bearer
his enemies about him Winck field Mannour taken by Sir Joh. Gell An Ordinance of Parliament for the Association of the Western Counties A brave most Heroick exploit of Serjeant Major Stranghan against the Enemy in the West A most brave defeat given to the Enemy at Malpasse by Sir William Breretons Forces The Enemy was about 2000 strong we but 800. The Enemy is routed The prize and prisoners taken Commanders slain Common souldiers slain A most perâ—idious plot and dangerous Design to have blown up our Magazine and destroyed our Army at Lestithiell in Cornwall Two wilde-fire Engines conveyed into our close waggons where were 60 barrels of powder The manner of the preservation described The two Engines sent up to the Parliamenâ— wher they were publikely shewn seen The Burning-Bush noâ— consumed Dan. 3. Exod. 15. 11. September 1644. Our formidable Parliamentary Army coopt up in Cornwall in the West and in great danger but most mightily preserved and delivered Heer was indeed the Bâ—â—ning Bush not Consumed The Kings cruell Councell of Warre resolved to give no quarter but to put all to the Sword Major Generall Skippons 〈◊〉 but brave speech â—esolution to live â—â— die with his Souldiers The fight begun Not only quarter but also fair conditions granted to our Souldiers The most perfidious disloyalty of the Enemy in violating al the conditions agreed on Heer again the Burning-Bush not Consumed This deliverance of our Souldiers was a singular merâ—y of the Lord. That this miscarriage of our Army was a plain plot of trechery Renowned Major Generall Skippon perceived this plot but too late A notable and most pregnant proof or ground of the knowledge of this disaster in the West to be a plot Sir Thomas Middletons ammunition safely conveyed unto Oswestâ—y from Wem for the Welsh Affaires A brave defeat given to the Enemy by valiant Colonell Rudgeley A brave defeat given to the Enemy by Sir Tho. Middleton Mountgomery Castle taken by Sir Thomas Middleton The manner of taking Morton-Corbet-Castle by Wem Garrison Morton-Corbet-Castle taken by five men only who first entered the Castle Some Collyrâ—nâ— or eye-salve to heal if it were possible Malignants sore eyes Faires freetrading in all the Associated Counties The admirable mercy of God to London and Westminster in the pure and powerfull preaching of the Word The sad bad condition of the Counties places under the Royalists power and tyranny Contraria juxta se posita magis illucescunt Colonell Foxes constant activity and good Services The worthy Leivtenant of the Towre of London Alderman Pennington apprehended the two Irish-Rebels Macquire Mac-mahoon who had made an escape The manner of taking the Rebels The City Ministers petition to the Parliam against novel upstart Schismes for a settlement of Church Government Clear demonstrations of the Parliaments pious integrity to expedite and compleat the work of Reformation Tender consciences taken into consideration by the Parliament Ordination of Ministers taken also into consideration established A brave exploit performed by Leicestershire forces against Rob-Carryer Hastings A most famous and renowned Victory obtained by Sir William Breretâ—n Sir Tho. Middleton Sir John Meldrum at the raising of the sâ—ege before Mountgomery-Castle Mountgomery-Castle besieged by the Enemy as soon as wee had taken it Sir Tho. Middleton speedily inviâ—es Sir Wil. Brereton Sir John Meldrum to his assistance A brave prize lately before taken from the Enemy Our Army consisting of 3000 horse and foot come neer the Enemy to the Castle The Enemies Army consisting of 5000 horse and foot commanded by the Lord Byron Sir Iohn Meldrum had the ordering and managing of this whole action The fight was very desperate dubious on both sides The admirable courage of our brave Commanders and Leaders Sir Wil. Fairfax mortally wounded in this fight Our extremity was Gods opportunity The Enemies whole Army routed and put to flight The slain and prisoners taken in this notable fight Sir Will. Brereton his Cheshire forces did most remarkably in this fight Our losse and slain Our benefits by this famous Victory The Burning-Bush not consumed again A most memorable worthy act of renowned Sir Joh. Meldrum toward slain Sir Will. Fairfax his surviving sorrowfull Lady The most pious and precious speech of the virtuous Lady Fairfax A brave exploit of renowned Colonell Massies in the taking of the Town Castle of Monmouth The Town and Castle of Monmouth taken by Col. Massie by a stratagem A brave 〈◊〉 given to the Enemy by Col. 〈◊〉 Massie at Betsley Sconce in the Forrest of Dean The Burning-Bush 〈…〉 Deut. 33. 16. Psal 89. 6. 8. October 1644. A Committee of both Houses of Parliament appointed to be joyned with the Army for joynt consultation in the actions motions thereof A more clear demonstration of the plot against our Army in the West Dangerous Instructions to tempt our Army to revolt from the Parl. to the King One of the Instructions The Lord Generals noble â—delity to the State The false â—alâ—â—cious and malicious pâ—ottings of the Royalists to couzen the Kingdom The cheif reason why our Brethren of Scotland are so sâ—andered and maligned by Cavaliers and Malignants The admirable courage of the Commanders Souldiers of the Plimouth horse The Plimouth horse put the King himself into a terrible and frighâ—ing fear A most ignoble disloyall act of King Charles in Cornwall The blessing of him that dwelt in the Bush was on our Army in the West Most successful proceedings of affaires in Scotland and in the Northern parts of our kingdom Many Array-men in the Northern parts surprised by the Country people The taking of Rad-castle in North-wales by Sir Thomas Middleton The prisoners prizes taken in the Castle The Ordinance for Ordination of Ministers in about London The names of the Presbyters appointed for Ordination of Ministers The manner of examining those that are to bee Ordained Ministers Care taken for an augmentation of Ministers small Livings and for future competent maintainance for them A most brave famous exploit performed by that most renowned CoÌ„mander Colâ—n Massie upon the Kings Forces at Beechley The extraordinary danger of death that noble Col. Massie was in at this 〈◊〉 Sir John Winter that grand Papist being in a great danger of death tumbled himself down a hill to save his life The prisoners prizes taken The loss which wee sustained in this exploit A breif Encomium to renowned Col. Massie An Irish ship taken at White-Haven in Cumberland A brave prize taken by the Governour of Pool And Another by Colonell Lambert Much to bee honoured Dr. John Bastwick reâ—â—ived in prison and released out of prison by the Parliament Dr. Bastwick exchanged for Col. Hudlestone returned from Knaresborâ—ugh Castle to LondoÌ„ Dr. Bastwick like an impregnable Rock â—â—turned true to his pious principles More excellent performances by noble renowned Sir Too Middleton in North Waleâ— The relation of the taking of Newcastle