Magnalia Dei Anglicana OR Englands Parliamentary-Chronicle Containing a full and faithfull Series and Exact Narration of all the most memorable Parliamentary-Mercies and mighty if not miraculous Deliverances great and glorious Victories and admirable Successes of the Counsels and Armies of this present Parliament both by Sea and by Land over the whole Kingdom of England in the most just defence and Vindication of her Religion Laws and Liberties from the yeer 1640. to this present yeer 1646. Compiled in 4 Parts The two first intituled God in the Mount The third Gods Ark overtopping the Worlds Waves The fourth The Burning-Bush not Consumed This last Part comming up to These Present Times and to our most renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfaxes late famous Actions in the West and the happy because unbloody rendition of Oxford in this present yeer 1646. Collected cheifly for the high Honour of our Wonder-working God And for the unexpressible Comfort of all Cordiall English PARLIAMENTARIANS By the most unworthy Admirer of Them JOHN VICARS Gen. 49. 22 23 24. Joseph is a fruitfull Bough even a fruitfull Bough by a Well whose Branches run over the Wall The Archers shot at him and hated him But his Bow abode in strength and the Armes of his hands were made strong by the Hand of the mighty God of Jacob from thence is the Shepherd the stone of Israel Imprinted at London for J. Rothwell at the Sun Fountain in Pauls Church-yard and Tho. Vnderhill at the Bible in Woodstreet 1646. THE Burning-Bush not Consumed OR The FOVRTH and Last PART OF THE PARLIAMENTARIE-CHRONICLE Containing a full and Faithfull Continuation and Exact Narration of all the most materiall and most Memorable Proceedings of this renowned Parliament The Armies and Forces which are or have been in the severall parts of the Kingdome The Description of all the brave Battailes Victories and famous Defeates given to the Enemies both by Sea and by Land Especially the winning of Newcastle the glorious Victory at Nazeby and that famous Victory at Langport won through fire and water Together with all the other admirable Successes of our most Renowned and Victorious Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax with his despised New-Modelled Army in the West even to admiration and the happy Rendition of Oxford and the rest of the strong Garrisons about it Beginning from August 1644. and comming up to this present Moneth of July 1646. Collected for Gods high Honour and all pious Parliamentarians COMFORT By the most unworthie Admirer of Them JOHN VICARS Isaiah 63. 7. I will mention the Loving kindnesse of the Lord and the high praises of our God according to all the rich Mercies which the Lord hath bestowed upon us And his great goodnesse toward us his English-Israel which hee hath conferred on us according to his great Mercies and according to the Multitudes of his loving kindnesses The Third and this Fourth Part being Printed at the sole and entire cost and charge of the Authour Himself Imprinted at London by R. C. and M. B. for M. Spark at the Bible in Green Arbor J. Rothwel at the Sun in P. Church yard T. Vnderhill at the Bible in Woodstr 1646 TO The Right Honourable Peeres and Pious Patriots of this Kingdom Algernon Earl of Northumberland Philip Earl of Pembrook Robert Earl of Essex Robert Earl of Warwick Oliver Earl of Bullingbrook Edward Earl of Manchester Fardinando Lord Fairfax His Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax Captain Generall of all the Parliaments Forces over the Kingdome Sir William Waller Sir Harbotle Grimstone Harbotle Grimstone Esquire Walter Young Esquire Sir John Young Francis Rouse Esquire Edmund Prideaux Esquire and Major Generall Massie And to the Rest of the most Noble and Right Worthily Renowned and Honourable Lords and Commons and Famous Souldiers and Senators Assembled in Parliament that are loyally affected and Constantly Addicted to the Great-work of a Glorious and Thorow Reformation of the Kingdomes Evills in Church and State John Vicars most humbly Dedicateth and Consecrateth Himself and These most Gratefull Memorialls of Gods Eternall Glory and Their high Honour And ever prayes as he is most justly bound for a most plentifull Repay of enlarged Gracious Honour heer and Glorious Immortality heerafter For all their pious Paines and indefatigable Labours Loyalty and Love for the Best-Good of Church and State to bee showred downe into the Bosomes of Them and their Posterity after them for ever TO The Right Honourable Thomas Adams Esq Lord Major of the most famous and renowned City of London And to the Right Worshipfull Sir John Wollastone Knight and Alderman of the said most Renowned City TO The Right Worshipfull his most highly Honoured singular good Friend Sir Matthew Brand Knight High Sheriffe of the County of Surrey And the Right Worshipfull Sir Richard Sprignall Knight TO The Right Worshipfull and truely Pious and Virtuous the Lady Francesse Brand The Lady Anne Sprignall The Lady Rebeccah Wâ—llastone And Mistris Mary Grimstone All of them my Pious and most precious Friends And Honourable and Worshipfull Patrons and Patronesses and principall Encouragers and Countenancers of all my poore and unworthy Labours and Endeavours to advance Gods Glory and Unspotted precious TRUTHES John Vicars their meanest and most unworthy Votary most humbly Dedicates and Consecrates Himself and all his poore but most bounden Services And ever prayes for their perpetuall and pious increase of all Honour and Happinesse heer and an immarcescible Crown of Glory heerafter A Colossus of Eternall bounden Gratitude OR A Panegyricall Pyramides of perpetuall Praise First erected by our Britaines ingenious and ingenuous MERCURIE And now Re-erected by the unworthy Authour of this Parliamentary-Chronicle with some plain and homely Inlaid-Work of his own insome convenient places 1 To God TO the Eternall-Ternall-Trin-Vn Glorious and ineffably illustricus Great and Gracious most Holy and most Wise Wonder-working JEHOVAH Great Britains onely Rock of Defence and most prudent Pilot steering and upholding her Weather-beaten Bark through the midst of the Ocean of all her turbulent and overflowing Floods and swelling Waves of bloody Woes and Wretchednesse The most Potent and Provident Shepherd of his English-Israel discovering and defeating all the malignant Machinations and Hell-hatcht deep Designes of Wrath and Ruine most maliciously intended and most desperately attempted by Papisticall Prelaticall and Atheisticall Wolves a degenerous Generation of her Vnnaturall-Nativeâ— Paricides To this Great God this Righteous Lord and King of Heaven and Earth who is thus glorious in Holinesse fearfull in Praises and hath in meer Mercy and free Grace done all these most memorable Wonders for us in Crowning us with so many most glorious Victories and treading our Enemies under our feet Let England and Scotland and with them all the Powers and Potentates of the World with the 24 Elders Revel 4. 10 11. fall before this great God and the Lambe that sits upon the Thrâ—ne and worship Him that liveth for ever and ever and cast their Crowns down at his feet before the Throne
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
hearing of some provisions which were going from some Malignants in those parts to Oxford hee sent out a party to intercept them who took 27 Horse load of Corn Cheese and other provisions of which they had then no little want at Oxford About the 16 instant wee were informed by Letters out of the North that about 150 of the Enemies Horse from Skipton fell upon the Parliaments quarters at Heightley where they suddenly surprizing our Guards they came into the Town and took neer an 100 prisoners and 60 Horse with their booty But as they were about to retreat Colonell Lamberts men being quartered neer hand took the alarum and came to releive Colonell 〈◊〉 men whose quarters had been thus beaten up the Colonell himself being then absent and performed their parts so â—allantly that they rescued all our own prisoners and most of the booty which the Enemy had taken killed 15 of them on the place took about 20 of them prisoners wounded and took the Commander in Cheif of the Enemies party Captain Hugher killed his Leivetenant also and pursued the rest to the very gates of Skiptâ—n On our side was lost in this service Captain Samon one of Colonell Lamberts Commanders and about 8 Souldiers About the 18 of this instant February noble and renowned Sir Thomas Fairfax being nominated and chosen to bee the Cheif Generall of all the Kingdomes forces and Armies came to London out of Yorkeshire in a private manner desiring to avoide all ostentation there were in company with him Colonell Sir William Constable Colonell Rigbey Colonell Sandiâ—s and Colonell Alured with some other Officers and for the more expeditious setting forth of this most noble Generall according to an Ordinance passed by both Houses of Parliament the Commons appointed a Committee to consider how monies cloathes and other necessary recruite for his Army might bee speedily and most conveniently procured and to enable him completely to march into the field with a fit train of Artillery c. to bee repaired and every way made fit for him as soon as money came in upon the Assessement by the Ordinance for the said Army And Sir Thomas being now come to Town within a day or 2 after the House of Commons sent for him by 4 of the Members of that House which was the respect given him and when hee came into the House as a farther addition of honour a Chaire was set for him to sit down upon but most modestly hee refused it Then Mr. Speaker told him what hee had in Command from the House to deliver unto him which was The great trust which the Kingdom reposed in him in the Command of this Army and the good opinion they had of him for his valour and fidelity giving him thanks in the name of the whole House for the many and great services hee had done for the publike in defence of Religion Laws and Liberties and encouraging him to goe on in the same as hee had begun wherin hee should much honour God and endeer his Country and Kingdom unto him which hee assured him would not bee unmindfull of him and his labour love and loyalty to it in due time But of this more hereafter About the 20 of this instant wee had certain information by Letters out of the Northern parts of the most welcome newes of the taking of the Town and Church of Scarborough which was strongly fortified together with the Haven and at least an 120 ships 32 peices of Ordnance and much other rich prize by that most active valiant and successefull Souldier and brave Commander Sir John Meldrum the manner of it being said to bee thus This noble Colonell Sir John Meldrum stormed the Town in 4 severall places with English and Scottish Souldiers who went on with such gallantry that they gained the Town and Church with the losse only of 11 of their men In the Church they took 80 prisoners and with them hee that had been Governour of Hemsley Castle But the most base and cowardly apostate Cholmley when hee perceived the Town like to bee lost sled into the Castle and was bravely pursued and one of the works thereof entred but the white Towre in the Castle commanding that work they beat our men out of it again with stones The Liver-hearted Cholmlâ—y now despairing together with the conscientiousnesse of his former guilt in his most trecherous defection from the Parliament endevoured to escape by Sea in his Pinnace or rather his running Horse as hee called it which then rode at Anchor at a little distance to help him at a strait or dead lift but such was the activity of Sir John Meldrum that with boats hee got between the Pinnace and the Land and so his cowardship was forced to confine himself into the Castle again This apostate Sir Hugh Cholmley had 5 Dunkirk Vessels with him at Scarborough who for a while gave interruption to our men in storming the Town but our Cannoneers sunck 2 of them with their Ordnance and the other 3 fled for it Before the storm Sir Hugh was summoned to yeeld the Town but like himself hee gave a base and scornfull answer and when the Townsmen would have yeelded the Town hee brought Souldiers out of the Castle and compelled them to fight in the defence of it as long as they were able But heerof more in its own proper place Only in the interim take this own Letter of Sir Hugh Cholmleyes which hee wrote to some Commander in the Kings Army but was intercepted by the way and which was as followeth SIR VVEE are now blockt up close in the Castle and divers of our Souldiers run away to the Enemy and it is to bee feared that the ill accommodation will daily decrease our number You know the consequâ—nce and beleeve mee it requires speedy supply for reasons which I may not expresse I pray you signifie where or from whence I may expect and hope for releif and whether any expectance from the Queen or Ireland or probability of a good issue from the Treaty of which particulars I desire to bee satisfied that I may not bee totally ignorant Not that the failing of any or of all these shall make mee quit this trust otherwise than becomes a Gentleman and good subject Your Colonell Wharton salutes you And I am Your humble Servant Hugh Cholmley Scar. Castle Feb. 24. Heer are 10 Colours of Scots as I imagine though not above 800 men of them but Meldrum who commands in Cheif and is the most active man here hath 6 or 700 more of the Lord Fairfaxes Foot About February the 22. wee had certain intelligence of a brave peice of service done by a party of Colonell John Heynes his Regiment which was certified to bee thus That the said Colonell receiving intelligence of a French Regiment of Horse and some other Troopes of Gorings Brigade quartered neer Newberry hee sent out a party of his Regiment from Okingham under
to him and they then also took order for monies to pay his well-deserving Souldiers as had been desired And they having formerly bestowed 200 pound per annum upon Owen Occonelly for his good Service in discovering the plot in Ireland who not receiving the same according to the said Order the House of Commons therefore Ordered the due and constant payment of the said 200 pound per annum out of the old customs of the Kingdom Thus Honos alit artes virtus compensata crescit And about the 23 instant wee had Letters out of Staffordshire which certified that when the Kings forces advanced for the releif of Chester then most hopefully besieged by ever to bee honoured Sir William Brereton by Stafford and Shropshire Captain Stone the valiant and active Governour of Stafford for the Parliament gave the Enemy severall successefull visits in their Rear at they past along and did good execution upon them therein And first how hee sent out a party of his Horse who fell upon a party of the Enemies quartered at Wâ—lverhampton killed 16 on the place took 26 Horse and most of their Riders and returned without any losse the Kings own quarters being then not above 2 miles off it That presently after this hee sent out another party even the next day who fell upon the Enemy quartered in the field neer Newport in Shrâ—pshire brought away 60 horse killed a Captain and about 20 others in the place And the next day following this that hee sent out another paity that fell upon their quarters at Pancridge killed 3. took 4 prisoners and 7 horses About the 28 of this instant May being that Moneths day of a publike Fast or humiliation and Reverend Mr. Henderson one of the Scottish Commissioners and reverend Mr. Whitaker Preaching before the House of Peers that day in the Abbey at Westminster and before the House of Commons Reverend Mr. Caryll and Mr. Ford as wee were that day labouring in prayers and other acts of humiliation to draw neer to our God wee found the Lord in mercy drawing neer to us for the Fast day being ended there came Letters from renowned Colonell Massie which gave us the happy intelligence of the taking of the strong Garrison of Evesham the manner wherof was breifly thus Colonell Massie with about 800 horse and 600 foot having lyen before Evesham a day or 2 stormed the Town and took it in an houres storming In which service wee received lesse losse than could have been expected in such a hot peice of service as for the time it proved not above 4 or 5 of our Souldiers slain and 2 Officers besides and about 30 common Souldiers wounded Wee slue of the Enemies 10 or 11. took divers Officers and common Souldiers to the number of about 548. and neer upon an 120 good horses a List of the prime prisoners was as followeth Colonell Robert Legge Governour of the Town Colonell Foster Leivtenant Colonell Bellingham Major Travillian 13 Captaines 16 Leivtenants 3 Reformadoes 20 inferiour Officers together with 20 barrels of Gun-powder 700 fire-armes and 2 Tuns of Match The taking of this brave Garrison was a very considerable peice of service in many respects and this not the least namely that by this means almost all Worcestershire will bee freed and mightily secured from Cavalierian Contributions which before were frequently gathered for the King And about the 30 of this instant wee were credibly informed by Letters out of Hampshire that a party of horse and foot belonging to Colonell Norton marched forth upon a design on Lanâ—ford-House The horse were commanded by Captain Betsworth Captain Smibark and Captain Gerson The foot were under the command of young Murford with part of these forces they placed an ambuscado neer the foresaid House undiscovered to the Enemy and Colonell Griffith seeing some of our forces facing the House sallyed forth to encounter them whereupon ours retreated to their ambuscado the Enemy hotly pursued them but were now as fiercely as unexpectedly assaulted and charged by ours on every side who took them all prisoners finding no way to escape There were surprized Colonell Griffith the Governour of Langford House his Captain Leivtenant a Cornet 8 other Officers 64 prisoners besides of common Souldiers and all their Armes and 10 of them slain upon the place And heer good Reader let mee again desire thee to make another very short stay for a most just and deserved gratefull Comtemplation on all the fair and famous mercies of this Moneth also and therein to see and admire the continued Miraculous wonder of our Parliamentary Burning-Bush still Vnconsumed notwithstanding the many singeing yea scorching assaults and hot attempts constantly and continually flashing against it both In the great danger and admirable deliverance of that ever to bee honoured Commander Colonell Massie from Prince Ruperts plot or design to have suddenly surprized him In the famous defeat given to the Enemy by Major Purefâ—yes forces in Warwickâ—shire In the as singularly seasonable as comfortable releif of the good Town of Taunton and the setting at liberty of so many precious Soules as that long siege had curbed and coopt in from necessary comforts And the excellent Orders set out by the Parliament for the well-regulating of Sir Thomas Fairfaxes New-Modelled Army In the happy harmony of our prime Commanders in the Army And the Parliaments most noble and renowned gratitude to those that have well deserved of the Kingdom by their industrious and loyall services In the brave services of Captain Stone Governour of Stafford against the enemy And the happy taking of Eveshams strong Garrison by renowned Colonell Massie and therein a most notable and evident return of Prayer And lastly In that brave defeat given to our Cavalierian adversaries by valiant and loyall Colonell Norton All which premises of this Moneth of May prudently piously and gratefully considered O say good Reader whether wee have not most just cause continually to praise our ever-living and all-good-giving God and with the holy Prophet to break forth into Soul-exulting and God-exalting raptures of joy and gratitude and to confesse and say O Lord thou art our God and wee will exalt thee and will everlastingly praise thy name for thou haste done wonderfull things for us and thy counsels of old and of later times too are nothing but faithfulnesse and truth unto us But now to proceed ANd heer now wee will begin the farther contemplation and just admiration of the rich and rare mercies I had almost said miracles of this Moneth of June also with the cordiall and comfortable mention of a most excellent Petition exhibited about the beginning of this Moneth on the 4 or 6 day thereof to the House of Commons in Parliament by the right Honourable Lord Major of London together with the Aldermen and Common-Councill of the said most famous and ever to bee renowned City touching their deep apprehension of divers disastrous sad
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
50 Horse and so returned safe with our said prize Much also about the same time wee had certain intelligence of some singular good service done immediately after the fore-mentioned furnishment of Oswestry with Ammunition by that most valiant and brave Commander Sir Tho. Middleton at or neer about Mountgomeâ—y-castle the substance of which intelligence by a Letter was this That by Gods gracious assistance that noble Commander was advanced and came into Mountgomery where he found the people all very willing and ready to receive him and that Sir Thomas had summoned the Castle and that his own Regiment fell in that interim upon New-Town and had there taken Sir Thomas Gardiner and his whole Troop of Horse 28 prisoners 36 barrels of powder some store of match two Horse Colours one Quarter master and since that even immediately after came certain information unto us that the said most noble and renowned Commander Sir Thomas Middleton having as was fore-mentioned summoned the Castle of 〈◊〉 where the black Lord Horbert was hee upon faire and honourable termes surrendred it without much contestation about it although it bee a Castle as strong as any Castle in the Kingdom whatsoever or in the Principality of Wâ—lâ—s and of very great concernment for the happy reduction of all North-wales to the Parliament of which more in its proper place About the 10 of this instant September wee had certain information by Letters from Wem that the vigilant and active Committee there resident having intelligence of the drawing out of the forces in Shrewsbury toward Ludlow as was then conceived but afterward they understood those forces marched toward Sir Thomas Middleton they sent out under the Command of Leivtenant Colonell Rinking a very good Souldier a party of foot and horse to surprise Morton-Corbet-Castle and sent unto the Lord Calven to meet them with a party from Stoke and upon a Saturday night about one or two of the clock they came before the Castle every man being assigâ—ed the place where hee should fall on Now they being come thither it being but about four miles from Wem and they finding the People in great security ordered the businesse thus First the Commander gave the Word which was Will and Tom with order that if any asked who they were to answer Will and if the other answered not Tom they should give fire this being done hee sent Drums at a fields distance from the house with order to beat a march as soon as ever the assault began which they did accordingly and therby made the Enemy think that there had been a great strength when as indeed it was no such matter Then presently the Leivtenant Colonell calling aloud to bring up such a Regiment to such a place and such a Regiment to another place this much daunted the hearts of the Enemy at the hearing thereof and then hee sent some to discover the Centery with an order to tell the Centery that they were friends and to hold him in discourse untill they had notice which service was so well performed on all parts that before the Centinell knew who wee were our Ladders were mounted and wee in possession of one of their works and then the Enemy took the alarum and our men plyed the work most stoutly The Leivtenant Colonell endevoured with but ten men to have forced a little door wherein not prevailing hee marched along over the tops of the works with but four men and with these fell upon them that were in another work and forced them with one volley to betake them to the House where out of the windows and holes they within shot fiercely at us till wee by throwing in among them some hand Granadoes they quitted those places which gave way to our men to break a stone pillar of a window where the Leivtenant Colonell entred and his four men entred and after them immediately after many more but before these were come in the Enemy being at least 80 foot and 30 horse and fearfully supposing by reason of the noise of the Drums afore-mentioned and the Leivtenant Colonels calling together of so many Regiments supposing therefore I say that a greater force of ours followed those five then entred into the Castle they all instantly cryed out for quarter which these five granted them and by that time the rest of our Forces were come up and had entred the Castle and so possessed themselves firmly of it and in it Major Bridgeman Captain Maurice one Leivtenant one Sergeant one Quartermaster one Ensigne two Horse Colours at least 80 Souldiers and 30 good Horses 6 barrells of powder with much other provisions The House was so strongly fortified that my Lord Calven and the Leivtenant Colonell who behaved themselves most bravely in this action said it might have been maintained against a great strength for had it been day-work they should not have attempted it In all this so resolute and even desperate service wee lost but one man and had only some few wounded Now much about this time there having come constant and most true intelligence of the sweet tranquillity and peaceable and free Trading of the people in all the Eastern and Southern Associated Counties of this Kingdom where the the Kings devouring Cormorants the bold and bloody Cavaliers had no power to pester them and pilfer from them which I may therefore heer most justly adde to the Catalogue of all the rest of our most rare and singular Parliamentary-mercies as namely in Cambridgeshire what a goodly and full Fair there was kept at Sturbridge neer the University with free Trade and comfortable commerce as was formerly accustomed in our former most peaceable times the like also at Berry in Suffolk at Lyn in Northfolk at Braintree in Essex at Maidstone in Kent at London both at Peters Fair in Westminster Jameses and Bartholomew Fair in Smiâ—â—field and divers other parts and places under the power of the Parliament and where I say the Cankerworms and Caterpillers of the kingdom the most accursed Cavaliers came not And again if wee look no farther than the most renowned and famous Cities of London and Westminster the intolerable terrours and tormentors under God of all the rotten Royalists where the Word of God is most powerfully and purely most freely and frequently Preached where peace and plenty are even to the highest admiration of Gods infinite and unexpressible praise and glory enjoyed and where they know not But by hear say ever magnified and omnified bee the free grace and great mercy of our good God the most wofull massacrings plundrings and pillagings spoylings and filthy deflouring of all sorts and sexes which in very many yea too too many parts and places of the kingdom are most sadly seen and suffered where the Atheisticall Royalists Romish and Malignant Atheists rule and tyrannize as in Worcestershire where the English Papists and Cavalierian Atheists have all the time of these most unhappy warres kept correspondency with
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
Gentlemen of this Committee with the horse entred and immediately became Masters of the Town and within 4 houres after the Castle was surrendred upon quarter for all but the Irish to march to Ludlow and then the Enemy delivered up a strong Out-work in Frankwell upon bare quarter for their lives By 12 of the clock at noon wee became absolute Masters of the Castle and Town wherein were taken many considerable prisoners good store of Ammunition and great store of Ordnance The Committee of Wem took as great care as possibly could bee that the well-affected in the Town might not in any measure suffer or bee plundered and therefore the Officers kept off the Souldiers from plundering the Town that so the Committee might see right down and none but Malignants only to suffer The Committee gave present notice hereof to Sir William Brereton certifying him what they had done who thereupon took care for forces to lye neer them to releive Colonell Mitton if occasion should bee The whole Country I mean especially the well-affected party were exceeding glad of this and desired that Colonell Mitton might bee Governour thereof being well known unto them all to bee a most honest cordiall and well-affected Gentleman and of singular and true integrity to the Parliaments Cause whereof by many reall experiments they had strong and indubitable ground and knowledge Our horse the day before had a long and weary march they having been sent to surprize Sir William and Sir Thomas Whitmore a Parliament man whereof more immediately Sir we shall not trouble you any further but to subscribe our selves Your most humble Servants A. Lloyd Sam. Moore Tho. Hunt Ro. Clives Rob. Cariton Leigh Owen Salop Feb. 24. 1644. A List of the prisoners taken in Salop as aforesaid Sir Michael Ernley Knight and his Brother Sir Rich. Lee Baronet Sir Thomas Harris Baronet Sir Henry Frederick-Thyn Baronet Sir William Owen Knight Sir John Wilde senior Knight Sir John Wilde junior Knight Sir Thomas Lister Knight Together with 11 Esquires 2 Leivtenant Colonels one Major 2 Doctors 8 Captains 15 Gentlemen 3 Ancients 4 Sargeants 9 or 10 other Officers and about 50 other prisoners wherof some were Irish One Captain and 5 others were slain Wee also took 15 peices of Ordnance many hundreds of Armes divers barrels of powder All Prince Maurice his Magazine The Town the Castle and all the Works divers Carriages bagge and baggage of the Princes Besides many other prisoners and purchases not discovered when this List was gathered Wee lost only 2 men And was not this a most rare and remarkable mercy and famous Victory indeed and never to bee obliterated out of the Tables of eternall memory and gratitude As accordingly and most worthily it was shortly after Ordered by the Parliament that a Solemn day of publike Thanksgiving to God should bee kept And 20 li. was given to the first messenger that brought this most welcome newes and 10 li. to the second And heer I must desire the Reader to take notice of the most wise and righteous disposall of this great mercy unto us by the great and glorious Moderatour of all things in Heaven and Earth Viz. That this so rare and famous defeat given to the impious Enemies of Gods Cause and Truth was upon the very same day that the Mock-Treaty or rather Plot-Treaty at Vxbridge was happily dissolved namely Saturday Feb. 22. 1645. A passage of singular divine providence and not slightly to be pretermitted of us But now to goe on Much also about the foresaid time it was most certainly informed that a party of Sir William Breretons forces as was forementioned under the command of Sir John Price a worthy Member of the House of Commons had taken Apsley House in Shropshire and therein Sir William Whitmore and Sir Thomas his Son Sir Fra. Oately Mr. Owen Mr. Fowler Mr. Griffith and divers other Gentlemen of quality and about 60 Common Souldiers as they were sitting upon a Commission of Array to raise forces for Prince Maurice and they pursued the said Prince also who still avoided Sir William and at last got over Severn toward Chester on the Welsh side And from Ailsbury wee had also about the same time certain intelligence that that brave Commander Colonell Craford had performed a brave peice of service about Roesham 3 or 4 miles from Oxford where hee fell upon a party of the Enemy and took 40 Horse with their Riders and Armes among whom was a Serjeant Major a Cornet and some other Officers And upon the 28 of this instant February Letters came to the Parliament from ever renowned Colonell Massey of a great Victory obtained by some of his forces under his brothers Command Who in the Forrest of Dean fell upon Sir John Winter routed him and made himself swim the River of Wye in which passage 60 of his men were drowned 70 slain on the place besides Colonell Gam and Leivtenant Colonell Winter and 120 taken prisoners and a 140 horse taken 2 Leivtenant Colonells one Major 4 Captains and other Commanders and Officers together with 300 Armes And upon this Relation a Letter of Thanks from the House of Commons was Ordered to bee sent to Colonell Massey for his good service and an Order also passed presently for providing money for so deserving a Commander And now good Reader let mee desire thee heer to stay a little and to take a summary and short survey of the rare and rich mercies of this Moneth also even of the Burning Bush still Vnconsumed nay rather in the midst of furious flames gallantly grown and much improved as hath been this moneth most evidently expressed both In that notable passage of Providence at Sir Erasmus de la Fountains House In the sound beating of Ashby Cavaliers at Cole-Orton and the brave defeat given to Welsh Gerrard at Cardigan Castle In that Mock-Treaty at Vxbridge and that brave peice of service performed by Major Bridges at Stoke-New-House in Gloucestershire Together with Major Jones his valiant taking of Partshall Garrison and Major Generall Brownes activity about Oxford In the brave defeat at Heightley in Yorkeshire And the happy arrivall at London of Sir Thomas Fairfax to the Parliament to receive his Commission to bee Generalissimo of all the Armies of the Kingdome In the most valiant taking of Scarborough Town Church and Haven The brave defeat given to the Enemies neer Dennington by valiant Major Temple Together with that renowned repulse given to Greenvill at Plymouth In the most happy and famous surprizall of the strong Town and Castle of Shrewsbury and all the rich prizes therein And finally In the taking of Apsley House in Shropshire The brave service of Colonell Craford at Roesham neer Oxford and the famous defeat given to the Enemies by renowned Colonell Massie in the Forrest of Dean In due and deep consideration and most gratefull contemplation of all which so rare and rich
virtuously and piously that they may prove 2 glorious and illustrious Starres not only in the firmameut of these 3 Kingdomes but even of all Christendome And about the 26 instant wee received Letters out of Gloucestershire which certified that a party of Colonell Massies horse had routed a party of the Cavaliers which were sent from Bristol by Sir Ralph Hopton toward Prince Maurice and in the skirmish had taken Colonell Roberts a great Malignant of Herefordshire besides 7 Officers and 40 common Souldiers prisoners And much about the latter end of this Moneth of March the House of Commons in Parliament took into their consideration some of their well-deserving Souldiers and their great arrears and among these cheifly that brave unspotted and ever to bee honored Commander in Armes Major Generall Skippon and thereupon ordered that his Arreares should by audit bee given in and in the mean time because hee had been long without pay they ordered that 500 pound should bee presently paid unto him in part of his Arreares And about the same time an Order past the House worthy to bee recorded to their praise and honour it being full of piety and Christian charity Viz. That out of the Monies given for Composition by some able Delinquents there should bee a 1000 pound paid to poore men that had lost their horses Waggons and Carts the Summer before in the service of the Parliament and that 500 pound more should bee paid to poore Widdows whose husbands had been slain in the service of the State And now good Reader stay heer a little and take a short revise and serious advice on this Moneths mercies and marveilous passages of divine providence and preservation of this his Parliamentary Burning Bush not Consumed although environed with most violent and vehement furious flames of Malignant wrath and rage against it as hath been most evident in all the particulars forementioned both In that most famous defeat given to the proud insulting Enemies Goring and Dives at Weymouth and Melcomb-Regis Together with the seasonable seizing on the 2 ships which by providence were put into the possession of the Parliaments friends there In the seizing upon a whole Troope of Horse being the Kings Life-guard And the brave defeat given to Prince Maurices forces at Holt-Bridge Together with a fine defeat given to Colonell Ogles forces at Winchester In that brave Victory obtained by Sir William Waller and Generall Cromwell over Colonell Long and his forces at the Devizes Together with the brave activity of our Abbington Garrison about Oxford In the most happy harmony and sweet concurrence of the House of Peers in Parliament with the House of Commons about the List of Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Colonels and Commanders and their pious care for the well-ordering of his New-Modelled Army as well with Spirituall as Martiall Discipline And finally In the Parliaments godly care for the royall and religious education of the Kings 2 young children at White-Hall Colonell Massies defeat given to the Enemy at or neer Bristol And the Parliaments most worthy respect and regard to the fidelity and good service of such as had been active and serviceable to the Common-wealth to comfort and incourage them therein Upon gracious and gratefull sight and serious consideration of all which precious premises who mee thinks can forbeare justly and ingenuously to confesse and acknowledge with holy David Thou O Lord hast made us rejoyce through thy works and wee will triumph in the operations of thy hands O Lord how great and gracious are all thy doings towards us and thy thoughts of Love and goodnesse exceeding deep But now to goe on ANd heer I shall begin this Moneth of Aprill with a most holy and happy Aprill-shewre likely by Gods blessing and gracious breathing on it to prove most frugiferous in the happy production of many fragrant flowers the ensuing Spring and succeeding Summer and to make way for a copious crop of blessings and happy Harvest to the glory of our ever-living and all-good-giving God and to the unspeakable comfort of his poore despised Church and Children and this it was About the 4 of this present Aprill a conference was held by the Lords with the House of Commons which was managed by the Lord Say at which was offered by the House of Peers to the House of Commons 1. That the Commissioners of the Great Seal might bee continued 2. They desired that a proportionable number of Lords being appointed to joyne with the Members of Both Houses of Parliament might bee equally employed in the great affairs of the Kingdome And as a farther demonstration of the earnest desire their Lordships had of the continuance of a happy union and correspondency of spirits and affections between Both Houses a Declaration of the Lords in Parliament was read wherein they declared That they would ever bee carefull to maintain the priviledges of the Commons as their own and should bee ready to concurre with them in all things for the good and safety of the Kingdom whatsoever some malicious and ill-affected persons endevouring thereby to divide between them might report to the contrary which 〈◊〉 they left with the House of Commons to remain upon Record 〈◊〉 testimony of their reall intentions to Posterity This passage together with a former of this kinde on the part of the House of Commons declaring their sincere resolutions to maintain the priviledges of the House of Peers and which their said Declaration being first read was also left with the Lords to bee Recorded by them also to all Posterity I thought fit to relate thus exactly because I considered and took notice of them both as soveraign healings of former jealousies betweene Both Houses and these their happy concurrencies as a speciall blessing from Heaven and as one of the greatest tokens of Gods love and favour to this Kingdome and most conducing to the peace thereof and to the salving and curing of the bloody oppressive distractions wherewith all things therein have been infested and almost broken in peices especially also considering that it has been all along the great and main plot of the Enemies of the Peace and Parliament of this Kingdome to breed and feed jealousies in the Houses Whereas now such happy correspondencies will bee their greatest discouragements and by this harmonious concord the expedition of our Southern Army now bravely set on foot and gone forth under renowned Sir Thomas Fairfax was most happily hastened on the sweet and blessed effects wherof you will now every day heare of more and more to the glory of God and comfort of the Kingdom as in their proper places I shall now by Gods assistance have occasion to make clear unto you About the 6 of this instant Aprill the House of Commons in Parliament received Letters from renowned active and loyall Generall Brown from Abbington concerning some late exploits performed by the forces under his Command the substance whereof was as followeth Viz. That
Worcestershire which Letter comming to my hands I have heer for the Readers better content and satisfaction inserted which was as followeth SIR I Sent you by an expresse which was carryed into Banbury the relation of a great Victory which God in mercy gave unto us against Prince Maurice his Horse And of my apprehension of a very happy opportunity for the reducing of that County to the obedience of the Parliament were some wants of ours supplyed All the Enemies horse in Worcestershire particularly Prince Maurice his Regiment Sir John Knotsfords Regiment with the County Troop commanded by Captain Wilde the Reformado Troop commanded by Captain Pitchard and the Hartlebury Troop commanded by Captain Gunter being all between 5 or 600 Horse drew up and faced Warwick upon a hill about a mile distant from the Town Warwickeshire horse being a day before drawn away towards Gloucester the remaining forces heer belonging to Warwick as also those of our Horses remaining in Warwick were immediately commanded forth Viz. 20 horse that appertained to Colonell Bridges 2 Captains of our Committee viz. Captain Milward with his Troop and Captain Halford with so many Horse as could immediately bee got ready Also 2 Troopes consisting of about 80 Horse which came before from Newport Pagnell marching towards Gloucester So that in all wee drew out a party of about 150 Horse which Major Hawksworth commanded and 200 Foot commanded by Major Bridges It pleased God that after some houres skirmishing with them ours twice charging them through and through with admirable courage the Enemy giving ground and retreating till they came to a Lane and place of advantage that our Horse charged them again Captain Pitchard was shot and taken prisoner by our Captain Halford who expressed much courage and singled out Major Pilkinton and after they had each of them discharged their Pistâ—ls fell to it with their swords Captain Halford struck off his head-peice and perriwigge with the first blow and with the next gave him a wound on his head Captain Halford seeing Major Hawksworth dangerously engaged amongst the Enemies Horse made up to his releif with his Cornet Parsons and releived him only his Cornet was shot through his neck but the wound not mortall The issue of all was this the whole body of the Enemy utterly routed about 60 prisoners taken amongst which the great Philistine Pitchard Captain of the Reformadoes being shot in foure places was taken prisoner Also Captain George Action Captain Souch Cartwright Son to Sir Philip Cartwright late Governoâ—r of Jersey with other Officers and Gentlemen of quality Amongst others that were slain besides Major Pilkinton who commanded in cheif one of the Barâ—sleyes a Gentleman of a good family in our County and divers others not yet known Wee brought off at least 140 Horse taken from the Enemy and the whole body of them scattered all to peices by 8 miles 〈◊〉 This great body of the Enemy being all their Horse appertaining to them in our County was thus broken by the gallantry of our men In this action I give not any eminent or particular mark of bravery on any one all doing so exceeding well But the valour of Major Hawksworth was so much taken notice of by the Enemy that they termed him The Devill in Buffe Were wee able to follow the blow and so keep down their now dejected spirits Our friends here of whom you have heard much would doubtlesse bee more bold and appear in our behalf and of how great consequence that may bee I forbeare to expresse Guy Mouldsworth Leivtenant Colonell to the Princes own Regiment was taken and engaged his honour to bee a true prisoner Wee understand by the Trumpeter this day that hee intends to come and resigne up himself to us This Captain Pitchard is a pernicious villain who the day before hee was taken pulled down the house of one Mr. Hunt a Member of our Committee I pray you bee a petitioner to the Parliament that hee may not bee exchanged without us hee being our prisoner as also that wee may bee permitted to secure our prisoners in Warwick castle which hitherto hath not been granted us which besides the hazzard hath occasioned great expence wee being necessitated to hire Keepers to look to them I have omitted one thing which is the wonder of the mercy that in all this service which lasted many houres wee lost not one man only our Cornet Parsons wounded The enemy had plundered the Country of 200 beasts and had robbed some Carriers of their Cloath all which wee rescued and restored Wee have had 2 Trumpeters from Worcester to know what prisoners wee have their Letters ask not after any particulars but wee know they misse many There are hitherto of all the Enemies Horse not above 50 returned to Worcester which dropt in by two or three at a time and being rid so exceeding hard it is beleived are made unserviceable Your affectionate Servant N. L. About the 22 of this instant Aprill wee received certain intelligence by Letters from about Oxford both from renowned Leivtenant Generall Cromwell from valiant and active Major Generall Brown and others of credit and repute in their Armies of divers memorable victories and brave defeats given to the Enemy at the then siege of Oxford by ever to bee honoured Sir Thomas Fairfax Generall of the Parliaments Armies over the whole Kingdom and now thus farre advanced into the field and set down before Oxford which victories being all exactly set forth in their Letters to the Parliament and to severall friends in London I shall heer for the Readers better content and satisfaction set down the most materiall things extracted and faithfully collected out of their severall Letters which were as followeth Upon the 23 of this instant Aprill there were quartered between 2 and 3000 horse about Oxford to stop the Kings Artillery and Carriages from passing out which were ready in Oxford with a Convoy to march as intelligence was given toward Rupert And Leivtenant Generall Cromwell having intelligence that they intended to passe through Shotover-Wood hee drew toward Woodstock and so thereabout toward Islip to bee ready to attend their motion in case they came that way At last hee had intelligence that about 100 horse and foot were marching toward him wherupon some of our men shewed themselves in a small party which drew the Enemy neer and Command was given by Leivtenant Generall Cromwell that all our Forces should bee in a readinesse and upon their watch all the night for fear of the Enemy which was carefully done the Leivtenant Generall himself being in his own person to encourage them all the while with them for there came intelligence that the Enemy intended to watch an opportunity to take our Forces at an advantage and so to set suddenly upon them of which our security they much presumed but found our men too vigilant for them For ere ours were looked for by the Enemy Leivtenant Generall
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 sorrowfull accidents lately falne out in the Kingdome to the great greit of the best Members thereof laying down also in their prudent and provident thoughts some most probable grounds and causes of all those sad and sorrowfull losses which had notwithstanding all our undeniable precious mercies fore-mentioned befalne the Parliamentary Cause a true representation therefore still of the Burning-Bush Vnconsumed and humbly therfore tendring the conceived remedies thereof and the likely prevention of more by Gods gracious assistance if seriously and seasonably seen unto Which Petition for the excellency thereof and for the Readers better content and satisfaction together with the Parliaments most fair and favourable answer thereunto I have thought fit heer to insert which was as followeth To the Right honourable the Knights Citizens and Burgesses of the Commons House of Parliament The humble Petition of the Lord Major Aldermen and Commons of the City of London in Common Councell Assembled Sheweth THat the Inhabitants of this City and parts adjacent are generally most deeply sensible of these pressing miseries under which they and the whole Kingdom now groan And that imminent ruine which is comming upon both through the releiving of Chester the unexpressible losse of Leicester the barbarous cruelty executed there the danger of the rest of our Garrisons and well-affected thereabouts and the increasing and prevailing of the Enemy by Sea and Land like a mighty Torrent That among other causes which have had a deep influence upon this most sad posture of our condition the said Inhabitants apprehend that the not compleating of Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Army according to an Ordinance of Parliament in that behalf the want of such a Committee in that Army as may give our Commanders in cheif power and encouragement to improve all present advantages without attending Commands and Directions from remote Councels The calling back of Leivtenant Generall Cromwell and Major Generall Brown when they were pursuing the Enemy The not advancing of our Brethren of Scotland into these Southern parts The great decay of Trade and discouragements of Merchants for want of a constant convey His Majesties publishing his sense of the proceedings at the late Treaty and the Parliament not publishing their sense thereof And their resolutions against free trade by Sea to such Ports as are or shall bee in the power of the Enemy have been the cheif That great numbers of those Inhabitants have lately expressed their earnest desires by Petition and otherwise to the representative body of the City in Common Councell Assembled That this their deep sense and apprehensions might bee forthwith made known to both Houses of Parliament Their humble suit that the remedies may bee speedily considered of and effectually executed and their resolutions according to all former expressions that they will not think their lives nor any thing they possesse too dear to hazzard for your encouragement and preservation Thereupon the Petitioners for prevention of further miseries inconveniencies and the utter ruine of the Parliament of this City and Kingdome make it their humble request to this Honourable House That care may bee taken for the speedy recruiting of Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army and for his encouragement That such a Committee may bee sent with that Army as may give our Commanders in cheif of whose faithfulnesse the Kingdom hath had so large testimony power and encouragement to improve all present advantages aforesaid That the said Army or such part thereof as in your wisdome shall seem meet may bee ordered forthwith to march towards our enemies in the field as well for the regaining of Leicester if it bee possible before it bee made impregnable by fortifications as also for prevention of the Enemies further surprizing of other places of strength and destroying the rest who have appeared in defence of the Parliament and for preservation of the Kingdom That our Brethren of Scotland may bee more earnestly prest to march Southward That Leivtenant Generall Cromwell may presently have power to raise and command the Association untill such other course bee taken as may tend to the safety of those Counties and of this City and Kingdome That the Navy may bee so ordered as may encourage Merchants and advance Trade by having constant convoyes That the proceedings of the late Treaty may bee forthwith published by the Parliament and their resolution against free Trade as aforesaid And the Petitioners as in duty shall pray c. Vera Copia H. Elsynge Cler. Parl. D. Com. Die Mercurii Junii 4. 1645. Resolved c. THat the Answer to the Petitioners shall bee That the House will take the particulars of the Petition into serious consideration And doe return them Thanks for their good affections And as to their desire of leave to present the like to the House of Peeres this House leaves it to themselves and to their own discretion H. Elsynge Cler. Parl. D. Com. About the 8 of this instant June wee had credible information by Letters out of Cheshire that a party of the Enemies forces about Chester were sent out by Byron the Governour of Chester some few miles a forraging into the Country thereabout and especially to Broxton hundred with imperious Warrants to fetch in Contribution-money where they plundered all they could finde worth carrying with them and took divers of our men prisoners Wherof Leivtenant Colonell Venables hearing hee made use of this opportunity and marched forth with a party from Tarvin and having got between the Enemies and the Town hee charged them with such courage and resolution that hee totally routed the whole party and took from them 180 prisoners whereof about 20 were Captains Leivtenants and other Officers in Armes and some of a degree above Captains hee also took in this service 50 horse and about 200 Armes besides divers slain in the conflict and having thus releived his captive and plundred friends and suppressed the Enemies hee returned with honour and triumph to his quarters And about the 10 instant wee received certain intelligence of a brave peice of service performed by valiant active and loyall Colonell Rossiter and Colonell Gray against a party of the Newarkâ—rs who marched under the Command of Colonell Willâ— his own Major who marched all night and at 6 of the clock in the morning appeared in a full body and came before Houghaâ—-House which the Enemy having thus now beset wondered to see not any of our men awake in the whole Garrison to make any resistance for a while they did forbeare to assault the place fearing ours might have prepared some stratagâ—m within but some new intelligence administring other counsels and putting by that fear they almost at once forced the bridge and entred the House where they found them all fast asleep not dreading or dreaming of the approach of any Enemy Being now entred they used them not whom they found within as our King Richard of old used a Souldier of his whom hee killed because hee found him
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
unto us And about the 31. instant came the most Excellent newes with which I shall conclude this most Memorable Moneth also of a most famous defeat and remarkable routing of the forces of the Lord Digby and Sir Marmaduke Langdale in their hoped and intended hot and furious march into Scotland to joyne with Montrosse his forces there for a farther great mischiefe to that poore kingdome and ours also had not the Lord graciously prevented it afterward upon their successe in this intended designe of theirs Which famous defeat was brought to the Parliament by Sir William Adison who came to London out of the North and brought the true intelligence thereof the particulars whereof were as followeth The Lord Digby and Sir Marmaduke Langdale having sent to Boulton and others of their party in Lancashire Cumberland and other places to come in unto them and joyn with them in their March toward Scotland where they intended to joyne with Montrosse as aforesaid They marched from Skippon Northward and endevoured to have passed by Kirby-Linsdale but Colonell Briggs having intelligence of this their designe made good a passe against them whereby he forced them to turne by the way of the Sands about Partmake to get into Cumberland their Cheife guide being Sir William Hudlestone a new made Oxford-Knight and desperate Malignant who also ingaged what party he could to their assistance and brought them to Millum-Castle which was his own House on the Sea-Coasts About which time there was some foure or five ships seene upon those coasts and thereupon conceived that they were laden with Irish to joyne with Digby about White-Haven but they proved some of our own Navy It seemes that Digbies designe was to have gone into Scotland to have joyned with Montrosse which designe he it seemes was much encouraged in by Sir Marmaduke Langdale and Sir VVilliam Huddlestone who is growne so great a man with Digby of late that he is confident to be added to the new moddell of Lords Thus by their activity they had gotten together about one thousand horse under the command of the Lord Digbie and Sir Marmaduke Langdale and with them were upon their march towards Montrosse Lieutenant Generall David Lesley with about two thousand was upon his advance towards them and lay betweene them and Mâ—â—trosse to hinder their conjunction with Digby in the meane while the well-affected Gentry of Cumberland were forced to flye for their security the enemy plundering and using great cruelty all the way as they passed insomuch that the country people made a great acclamation against them Generall Lesley sent out a Brigade of about 1100. horse under the command of Major Generall Van-drusk to pursue the enemy and a Regiment of English horse also were designed after them to gaine a passe in case the enemy came back to hinder their retreats Major Generall Van-drusk with the Scots Brigade pursued the enemy so close that they discovered them in their march and endeavoured to force them to engage which the enemy endeavoured to avoyd Major Generall Van-drusk divided his then and made good severall passes but by reason of the lownesse of the tide Digby and Langdale got away over the Fords over which Van-drusk followed them the enemy fled over another water and so over three or foure severall places one after another so long till the flowing of the Sea came in after they had passed the last Ford and before Van-drusk could with his body get over the waters were swelled too high to pursue further whereby Digby got an opportunity with his forces to escape them In the mean while the Lord Balmersnoth with what forces he could raise out of the Frontiers of Scotland prepared to oppose Digby who with his party Digby it seemes having intelligence thereof occasioned his retreat and so wheeling about escaped his forces and avoided ingagement at that time but all this while Digby increased and gathered forces and was 1000 at the least and committed many 〈…〉 and villanous plunderings with his men in all places where he came sparing neither friend nor foe yet all this while Digby and Langdale avoided all our forces and it seemes had guides that were perfect in the waies where he was to march so that he escaped every partes all this while but yet we met with him afterwards with a small party and it pleased God to make them so farre powerfull against them as to rout and spoile them Sir John Browne a very gallant active man undertooke with a small party of between 4. and 500. to seeke out Digby and his nimble brigade that had so many quiâ—â—es and turnings and if it were possible to force them to engage which he performed with great wisdome and valour Sir John Browne divided his smal party about 150. were sent to make good a passe whilst the rest being not above 300. marched out towards the enemy Sir John Browne having then Intelligence that the Lord Digby Sir Marmaduke Langdale and the rest in number about 1000. were about Carlile sands thether he hasted after them and Digby it seemes having Intelligence of forces coming against him but it is probable knew not the number for he fled from them neerer to the Sea whether Sir John Browne followed them and it pleased God to give him an opportunity to fall on the enemy the thing that Sir John much desired and the tide being up Sir John Browne gained a passe which is a kind of passe over a place which he got and made good and though he was so few and the enemy so many yet Sir John Brown was resolved to ingage and to runne that hazard trusting in Gods al-sufficiency and accordingly drew up But Sir John Browne though willing to hazard his own person yet he sent away his Coullers to Generall Lesly with some other things that could not do much helpe but hinder the fight and sent word to Generall Lasly what a resolution he had to force Digby to engage and what an opportunity he had to doe it which though so few yet with those he had he would runne the hazard his number being then not full 500. but well mounted and Armed Upon their approach the Lord Digby tooke an alarme in his quarters and understanding that the party were but small drew into a posture to fight with them divided his forces into two bodies one of which stayed with him and the other Commanded by Sir 〈◊〉 Langdale Digby stayed with his party and Langdales came up towards Sir John Browne and they faced each other a while the enemy being then surrounded by the waters Sir John Browne sent Captaine Lesly on the forlone hope who drew up and being met by the enemie charged them very gallantly the reserve charged up to him seasonably with Sir Iohn Browne and all of them in their severall places according to their degrees did all very much and in short time brake thorow their body and routed them Their reserve some of them came
who had suffered much and beene brought into great poverty and miserie by the enemies there And our most loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland kept the like solemn-day of Thanksgiving in their armie to blesse God with us for this great mercie unto us And see and admire as a farther ground of Thankefulnes and to raise up our Spirits to a higher pitch of bounden gratitude Even the very same morning that we were praising the Lord for that great mercy so graciously received there came yet more joyfull newes to the Parliament of a great overthrow given by his Excellency renowned Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Forces to the Enemy at Torrington in the West the particulars of which so memorable a victory cannot I conceive but be of most singular satisfaction to the Kingdome and people of God especially I shall therefore give the Reader a full and faithfull intimation thereof as it was sent in a Letter from a Gentleman of piety credit and eminency in his Excellencies Army and was read in the House of Commons Febr. the 20. which was as followeth SIR SAturday Febr. 14. our Army marched from Crediton and the quarters thereabout to Chimleigh Sunday they marched very early to a Rendezvouze some two miles in the way to Torrington with intention to have gone on but our Parties of horse bringing in some prisoners by whose examination we could not certainly learn which way the Enemy bent whereupon another party was sent out of Colonell Butlers Troope the forlorn of which party being twelve took twelve of the Lord Gorings Life-guard and 24 Horse and brought them to the Generall upon their examination it appeares the Enemy was ignorant of our motion The Lord Hopton was in Torrington And further that a party of the Enemies Horse was at Burrington the Generall sent a partie of Horse to meet with them under command of Captaine Barry who accordingly charged the Enemy put them to a rout shot Lieutenant Colonell Dundash a Renegado and of the Lord Cleevelands Brigade and tooke severall prisoners and brought Dundash three miles on the way but being mortally wounded was inforced to leave him at Ringdash a foot quarter of ours Also another party of Horse toward the East met with the Enemy taking some Prisoners and Horse and shot Major Bret by this time a Bridge was made up some two miles off Chimleigh so that our Army might with convenience march over but the day being so far spent it was not held fit to march with the whole Army so three Regiments of Horse and three of Foot marched some foure miles towards the Enemy that night the rest returned to Chimleigh with Orders to march Munday Feb. 16. the Generall with that part of the Army that was at Chimleigh marched up to the rest of the Army and within five miles of Torrington had a generall Rendezvouze both of Horse and Foot drew them up in Batalia and so marched up towards the Enemy When we came within two miles of Torringron our forlorne hope of Horse charged theirs put them to retreat whereupon they came on again with a very strong party and put ours to a stand the reserves of our forlorn being come up and some foot forced them to their Body againe our forlorn of horse pursued and alarmed them at Squire Rolls his house within a mile of Torrington where they began to fortifie but the Enemy perceiving our Foot came up quit the House and drew their Forces to Torrington and our forlorne of Horse advanced after them The Enemy drew their Foot out of the Town into the closes about a quarter of a mile our forlorn hope of Foot lined the hedges and so faced each other about two houres within halfe Musket shot eâ—changed many shot and there was then continuall skirmishing by the Forlornes and Reserves on both sides and some Prisoners taken by this time it began to be darke and a Councell of War was called whether to engage before day or not whereupon the Generall Lieutenant Generall with the rest of the Colonels deferred a Resolution a little time and rid to the forlorn hope to see in what posture they were while they were there the Tattoo was heard to beat in the Towne which assured us the Enemy continued in the Town not flying away as was reported but to be certaine six Dragoones were commanded to creep under a hedge neer the Barracadoes and to give fire to see whether they would answer by which we might know whether they stood to defend the Towne The Enemy received the charge and answered it with a very sharp volley of shot Our forlorn hope seeing the Dragoons engaged gave fire whereupon the Enemy gave fire all along the hedges and Works thereupon the Reserve to the forlorn came on to relieve them and so being engaged the whole Army advanced and about eight at night the battell began some six fields from the Town and we fought from hedge to hedge untill we beat them into their Barracadoes which they maintained for an houre after very resolutely our men being often repulsed yet at last got over the Barracadoes and forced the Enemy into the Town whereupon the Horse were let in who scouring the streets were received by the Enemy and a hot charge given by both parties yet it pleased God at the last we do 〈◊〉 them out of the Barracadoes at the furthest end of the Towne and by this time many prisoners were taken and put into the Church but farre more escaped being darke over the hedges and by-wayes which was not possible for us to prevent throwing downe their Arms and every man flying severall waies Our Forces were no sooner possest of the Towne but the Enemies Magazine which they left in the Church was fired whether on purpose by the Enemy or by accident we cannot yet learne but it proved a terrible blow not only blazing up the Church with all the wood and lead that was upon it deforming many houses in the Town but killed some of the Prisoners in the Church and some of our men that were in the Church-Yard two great Webs of Lead fell within twice a Horse length of the Generall but it pleased God he escaped though in eminent danger many others being hurt both with the Timber Stones and Lead most of the Towne was shaken by this blow being the terriblest that hath been seen in the memory of man there being about 80 Barrels of powder blown up together and one barell which was blowne out of the Church into the streete which took not fire The Enemy perceiving their Magazine to be 〈◊〉 fired gave one charge more with their horse up to our Barracadoes commanded by Sir Iohn Digby but our Musketeers gave fire whereupon they tooke their farewell our first instantly advanced through the Towne after them and began the pursue about 11 of the clock at night Thus it hath pleased God in an instant to scatter those Forces of the Lord Hoptons his infantry being
time which I rather believe because he invited a cessation untill some Irish doe land which is the thing rumoured abroad in their Army and expected to be there within eight and forty houres and indeed a duplicate of that Packet we intercepted at Padstow is since arrived with the enemy whereby its probable they hasten ships unto them for the bringing over those Irish that were intended for Chester into these parts What ever his intention is the Generall will not lose a minute of time All the Regiments this day advanced to and beyond Cullomb within three miles of Truro with a great part of the horse the headquarter is at Bodman with one Regiment there which we leave to secure the passe To morrow the Generall and Lievtenant Generall advance after the Army and I believe will quarter at Truro to morrow at night This advance as it is like to further a good effect upon the Propositions if God incline their hearts unto it so it will I hope dispatch the businesse before such time as any Irish can land If there be a Treaty it must not be such a one as shall take up above one dayes time therefore a few dayes will decide that businesse and I hope with Gods blessing much to your advantage and the peace and welfare of this Kingdome Major General Pert is run through the body and shot in the body yet not mortall There was found in his Pocket a Copy of a Letter to the Lords about the Prince either sent or to be sent by him advising them That now was a good time to Treat before our Forces advance further declaring That they feared else their Condition would be desperate The Countrey is very forward to assist in the Barrocadoing up of all Lanes and Passes where probably the Enemy if they intend to breake through may attempt to passe by This being all I have to trouble you with I rest Your most faithfull and Humble Servant J. R. Bodman March 8. 1645. Much also about this same time Sir Ralph Hopton looked very earnestly for new supplies out of Ireland and received Letters thence that he should have them and that they were ready for him if he would be pleased to send forth ships to transport them over unto him But Foy also was now taken by the Parliaments forces and in it 13. peeces of Ordnance and the newes hereof made Pendennis tremble hearing especially her enemies approaching neere her and now already thundring against her walls The inhabitants of Cornwall on all sides come in unto renowned Sir Thomas Fairfax being overcome as much by his mercy and clemency as by his might and courage who thus drove his Enemies still before him terrifying Hopton also by his power and prowesse and now at last inviting him by his Summons the effects whereof you now shall heare namely that about the 18 of this instant March we received the certaine intelligence of the Demands of Sir Ralph Hopton upon our most noble Generals Summons which were as followeth Sir Ralph Hoptons Demands SIR I Received yours bearing date the fifth of this Moneth wherein I must acknowledge much kindnesse from you and a very Christian consideration of sparing of blood But one thing there is I am confident you have too much honour to expect from me which is that to avoid any danger or to enjoy any worldly advantage I will renounce my Masters Service to whom I am both a sworne Subject and a sworne servant that I must professe I am resolved to undergoe all fortunes with him and if there shall be cause to suffer any thing rather than in the least point to taint my honour in that particular and I hope there is not a man of any consideration in this Army under my command that is not so resolved yet in all honest and honourable wayes to procure the peace of this Kingdome and the sparing of Christian blood I take God to witnesse I am and still have been mostdesirous And I heare from good hands our Gracious Soveraigne is at present so farre advised to a Treaty with the Parliament as that he hath promised to passe foure of the principall of their Bils proposed whereof the intrusting the Militia for seven yeares in hands agreed between them is one I desire you to deale freely with me in that particular for if that be so it will spare the labour of further Treaty being for my part ready to obey whatsoever his Majesty shall agree unto God indeed hath of late humbled us with many ill successes which I acknowledge as a very certaine evidence of his just judgement against us for our personall crimes Yet give me leave to say your present prosperity cannot be so certaine an evidence of his being altogether pleased with you It is true we are reduced to a lower condition than we have been yet have we a gallant body of Horse that being preserved to a generall all accord may be for good use against our common Enemies and being otherwise prest I may say it without vanity want not a resolution at least to sell our selves at a deare rate against any odds Your Propositions though they be not wholly to be consented unto yet if a generall accord much more desirable be not in a likely forwardnesse to prevent them I shall be willing that eight Commanders of ours with three Country Gentlemen give a meeting as soon as you please to an equall number of yours at any indifferent place to consult of this great businesse and to conclude of some Propositions that may be reasonable and honourable for both parts wherein I hope God will sâ— blesse our cleare intentions as may procure a probable inducement to a generall peace according to the unfaigned desire of Your Servant RALPH HOPTON March 8. 1645. A Party of yours falling upon a Guard of ours yesterday it is likely they have taken some prisoners I desire the favour from you to receive a List of them by this Trumpeter till I receive a positive Answer to the contents of this Letter I shall not permit any of mine to attempt any thing upon any of your Forces Your Servant RALPH HOPTON Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Answer My Lord I Should most freely and truly inform your Lordship the best I could in any thing that might lead you to a right understanding of things in order to the Peace of the Kingdome or the reall good of your selfe and those with you so far as may stand with my trust and duty to the Publiqve to what I conceive your more certaine knowledge of that your desire to be informed in concerning the Kings offers to the Parliament would not be prejudiciall But the truth is I can give you no other satisfaction or assurance therein than this That the King hath made some offers to the Parliament and amongst them one concerning the Militia something to the purpose as you say you have heard but the just certainty what his last overtures are or
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
together with Me from the bottome and root of their hearts and soules say unto it Amen and Amen A Convenient Corollarie pertinent to the Premisses OR Angliae Menses Mirabiles Englands Marveilous Moneths ANd now that the Reader may for his yet more cleare light and delight as it were Uno oculo et intuitu See and admire the resplendent lustre of our late most Marveilous Moneths and therein the admirable goings and doings of our Wonder-working God in the latter end of the last Summer and this last Winter 1645. I have here I say for Gods greater glory and the Reader more full content and Satisfaction collected and set downe together an on ocular-Summarie and breife Map as it were all the Townes Castles Garrisons or Strong Holds taken from the Enemie And all the field fights and famous Victories obtained since the happy setting forth of the greatly despised and vilipended New-Modell'd-Armie under the victorious Conduct and Command of ever to be renowned Sir Thomas Fairefax his Excellencie the most Successefull Captaine Generall of all the Parliaments forces over the whole kingdome All atcheived within the space of 8. or 9. Moneths or a very little more beginning from Midd-June 1645. Taken from the Enemie since Nasbies most famous Uictorie 1645. 1. LEicester Town and Castle p. 171. 2. Ilchester Garrison p. 175. 3. Stoksey-Castle p. 177. 4. Caus-Castle p. 177. 5. Heighworth-Garrison p. 180 6. Carleisle Towne and Castle p. 186 7. Sharwardâ—n-Castle p. 187 8. Langport-Garrisons p. 190 9. Burrough-Garrison p. 194 10. Bridgewater Towne and Castle p. 197 11. Cannon-Froom-Garrison p. 230. 12. Pontifract-Castle p. 201 13 Scarborough Castle p. 202 14 Rabbi Castle p. 203 15 Bath Towne and Castle p. 203 16 Chadwick Garrison p. 203 17 Sherburn Town and Castle p. 255 18 Port-shed strong Fort at Bristoll p. 260 19 Nunnie Castle p. 260 20 Bristoll Towne and Castle p. 265 21 Cardiffe Town and Castle p. 276 22 Devizes Towne and Castle p. 276 23 Lacock Garrison p. 277 24 Almost all Pembrook-shire reduced to the Parliament p. 277 25 Barkley Castle p. 283 26 Farleigh Castle p. 286 27 Sandall Castle p. 286 28 Winchester Town and Castle p. 287 29 Basing strong Garrison p. 287 30 Langford Garrison p. 296 31 Chepstow Towne and Castle p. 292 32 Dawley Castle 33 Moorton-Corbet House a strong Garrison p. 34 Rooton Castle 35 Linsill Mannour Garrison 36 Apley-house Garrison p. 115 37 Tiverton Town and Castle p. 300 38 Carmarthen Towne and Castle p. 302 39 Monmouth Towne and Castle p. 302 40 Shelford Garrison p. 313 41 Picton Castle 42 Abarashwait Garrison p. 315 43 Worton Garrison p. 316 44 Wiverton Garrison p. 316 45 Welbeck Garrison p. 316 46 Boulton Castle p. 318 47 Beiston Castle p. 48 Haverford West p. 255 49 Latham house a strong Garrison p. 329 50 Fulford Garrison p. 329 51 Hereford Town and Castle p. 330 52 Callantine Garrison p. 337 53 The happy releife of Taunton a third time equivalent to the taking of a Towne p. 187 54 Carew Castle p. 95 55 Skipton Castle p. 337 56 Embleden Castle p. 57 Cannon Tean a strong Fort p. 336 58 Canterbury Fort. p. 340 59 St Budeaux Church p. 341 60 Bovie-Tracie p. 341 61 Ilminster p. 341 62 Ashburton p. 341 63 Totnes p. 342 64 Okehampton p. 342 65 Plimouth totally releeved p. 348 66 Sir Francis Drakes house a strong Hold. p. 348 67 Dartmouth Towne and Castle p. 353 68 Pouldram Castle p. 358 69 Westchester Town and Castle p 361 70 Holt-Church Garrison 71 Belvoir Castle p. 361 72 Torrington Garrison p 366 73 Cardiff Town retaken and the Castle preserved 74 Corfe Castle p. 372 75 Lanceston Garrison p. 374 76 Abington againe admirably preserved p. 375 77 Ashbie De La Zouch p. 378 78 Bodman a strong Garrison p 379 79 Listithiel a Garrison p. 379 80 Ware Bridge a Garrison p 379 81 Mount Edgecombe a Garrison p. 383 82 Castle-Dennis a Garrison 83 Salt-Ash a Garrison p. 84 Saint Cullumb a Garrison p. 388 85 Truro a Garrison p. 400 86 Maus Castle p. 395 87 Penrin a Garrison p. 88 St. Ellens a Garrison p. 89 Flamouth p. 395 90 Foy a strong Garrison p. 391 91 Shruardon Castle p. 296 92 Gooderich Castle p. 397 93 Inch-house a Garrison p. 402 94 Hilford Castle p. 401 95 Pouldram strong Fort. p. 402 96 High-Archall a strong Garrison p. 403 97 Bridgenorth Town p. 403 98 Portland Castle p. 404 99 Exmouth Fort. p. 404 100 Dennington Castle p. 404 101 Ruthin Castle p. 408 102 The City of Exeter with all its strong Forts p 411 103 Barnstable Towne and Castle p. 412 104 St. Michaels Mount p. 412 105 Titbury Castle p. 413 106 Aburisthwait Castle p. 412 107 Dunster Castle p 412 108 Woodstock Garrison p 413 109 Bridgenortâ— Castle p. 413 110 Newark a strong Garrison p. 419 111 Banbury Castle p. 421 112 Hartlebury Castle p 422 113 Ludlow Town and Castle p. 422 114 Muschamp-bridge and Fort. p. 327 115 All Pembrook-shire reduced p. 277 116 Padstow in Cornwal p. 386 117 Bostol Garrison p. 443 118 Carnarvan Towne and Castle p. 443 119 Dudley Castle p 444 Beaumorris Towne and Castle p. 446 120 Oxford p 446 A Catalogue of all the famous Defeates or Field-fights and glorious Victories obtained by the Parliaments Forces since the midst of June 1645. 1 THe most famous set Battaile and glorious Victory by Gods great mercy obtained at Nasebie p. 159 2 A brave Defeat given to the Enemy at Kiddarminster in Worcestershire p. 3 A brave Defeat given to the enemies on the Welch side of the River Dee p. 4 The famous Victory obtained through fire and water over Gorings forces at Langport in the West p. 190 5 The Westerne Clubmen beaten out of the Field upon Hambleton hill by the Parliaments forces p. 253 6 A brave Defeat given to the enemy neare Stamford in Lincolnshire p. 251 7 The brave Victory obtained over our Welch enemies at Coleby-moore in Wales neare Haverford west p. 255 8 A brave Defeat given to the enemie neare Redding p. 261 9 The great and most famous Victory obtained by our deare Brethren of Scotland over Montrosse p. 270 10 A brave Defeat given to the enemy at Kiddarminster p. 276 11 The famous Victory obtained against the Kings Forces going to relieve Chester at Houten-Health p. 278 12 A brave Defeat given to the enemy neare Oxford p. 286 13 A brave Defeat given to the enemies at Farringdon by Abbington forces p. 294 14 A brave Defeat given to the enemies forces of Banbury conducting Rupert and Maurice to Newark p. 296 15 The famous Victory obtained over the Lord Digby and Sir Mar. Langdale at Sherburn in Yorkshire p. 297 16 A brave Defeat given to the enemy neare Denbigh Castle intending to releive Chester p. 304 17 A brave Defeat given to the enemy at Holt-bridge p. 305 18 Another famous Defeat given to Digby and Langdale marching into Scotland to Montrosse
p. 39 Prosperous Affaires in the North. p. 3â— Abbingtons prosperous Affaires against their adversaries p. â—8â— The Marquesse of Argyles Speech concerning Propositions for Peace p. 4â—â— B. BOulsover Castle taken p. â— Sir William Brereton beates the enemy at Tarvin p. 11 Sir William Brereton beates the enemy at Malpasse p. 16 The enemy bravely beaten at Beâ—sley Skonce p. 35 The blessing of him that dwelt in the Bush seene in the West p. 39 The enemy beaten at Beechley p. 42 Dr. Bastwick releeved in Prison and released out of Prison p. 45 Dr. Bastwicks just praise p. ibid The enemy bravely beaten at Bever Valo p. 61 Sir Thomas Fairfax comes before Bristoll p. 260 The enemy beaten at Bishops-Castle in Shropshire p. 262 The enemy beaten at Bridge-north p. 268 The enemy bravely beaten at Banbury p. 29â— Bloud of Germany p. 322 Brecknock in Wales submits to the Parliament p. 328 Sir William Breretons brave Victory neare Chester p. 97 Major Brownes brave services about Oxford p. 108 Bleching-house surrendred p. 141 Major Gen. Brownes brave defeat given to the enemy about Oxford p. 141 A brave Victory at Brampton-Bush p. 142 Major Generall Browne and Major Generall Cronwell compared to David and Jonathan p. 151 C. THe Kings cruell Counsell of Warre resolution against our Forces in Cornwall p. 19 Cornish-mens cruelty p. 20 Tender Consciences regarded in Parliament p. 29 A Committee to order our Army p. 36 Colonell Ceeleyes brave exploits p. 55 Earle of Cleveland taken Prisoner p. 59 Col. Cooke taken Prisoner p. 74 Câ—owland taken p. â—â— Conspiracies of the enemies discovered p. â—â— Cumhire-Abbey in Wales taken p. 83 Common Prayer-Booke abolished p. 86 Cardigan Town and Castle taken p. 8â— Kings Commissioners taken at Shaftsbury p. 252 Sir Alexander Carew beheaded p. 86 Canterburies Arch-Prelates Condemnation p. 86 â—â—men routed p. 353 Col. Cromwells valour p. 253 Chester Suburbs won p. 273 Col. Copleyes brave Victory at Sherburne in York-shire p. 297 Canterburies Arch-Prelate beheaded p. 92 Col. Crafords good service p. 98. p. 116 Compton-house bravely assaulted p. 99 The happy concurrence of both Houses of Parliament p. 127 Cambridge highly priviledged p. 135 The Clemency of the noble Generall p. Collections in Churches for Chester p. 364 Court of Wards Voted downe p. 369 The enemy beaten at Chester p. 157 Cornwalls danger p. 378 Cornwalls Gentry come in to the Parliament p. 383 The Kings Cabinet of Letters taken at Nasebie fight sent to the Parliament and read p. 175 Care taken for choosing good Officers in London p. 82 Mr. Case began the monethly Morning Prayers at London p. 207 Three Commissions presented to the Parliament from Bridge-water p. 201 Commissioners sent to Scotland p. 190 A Committee for the Scots Army p. 190 Clubmen in the Well p. 201 Clubmen come in to the Parliament p. 196 D. A Brave Defeat given to the enemy at Walch-poole p. 5 A brave defeat given to the enemy by Col. Middleton p. 9 Col. Doddington takes the Lord Oglesby prisoner p. 11 A brave defeat given to the enemy by Sir William Brereton p. 11 A deâ—eat given to P. Rupert p. 11 A brave defeat given to the enemy by Sir Jâ—hn Meldrum p. 12 A brave defeat given to the enemy by Col. Rudgely p. 22 A brave defeat given to the enemy by Sir Thomas Middleton p. â—â— A famous defeat given to the enemies at Mountgomery Castle p. 30. â—â— A brave defeat given to the enemy at Helmsley Castle p. 6â— A brave defeat given to the enemy in Lincolnshire p. 70 A brave defeat given to the enemy at Salisbury p. 74 A brave defeat given to the enemy at Sedbury p. 76 A brave defeat given to the enemy by Col. Holburne in the West p. 77 A brave defeat given to the enemy at Tong Castle p. 84 Directions for Worshipestablished p. 85 A famous defeat given to the enemy by Major Gen. Laughorne p. 255 Sir Lewis Dives brought prisoner to the Parliament p. 259 A brave defeat given to the enemy neare Reading p. 261 A brave defeat given to the Kings Horse at Kiddarminster p. 276 Lord Digbies Letters taken at Sherburne in York-shire read in Par. p. 303 The Demands of Sir Ralph Hopton p. 392 A Declaration of the Knights Gentry c. of Glamorgan-shire p. 317 A brave defeat given to Col. Gerrard before Cardigan in Wales p. 104 A brave defeat given to the enemy at Heightly-house p. â—08 A brave defeat given to the enemy neare Dennington p. 111 A brave defeat given to Skellum Greenvile at Plimouth p. 111 A brave defeat given to Prince Maurice at Holt-bridge p. 122 A brave defeat given to the enemy by Sir William Waller p. 123 The enemy beaten at the Devizes by Sir William Waller p. 125 The danger of Treaties with Malignants p. 344 The Kings Declaration to 〈◊〉 in Ireland p. 346 A brave defeat given to the enemy a 〈◊〉 p. 136 A Ship taken at Dartmouth p. 359 A brave defeat given to P. Maurice in Worcestershire p. 137 Divers brave defeats given to the enemy about Oxford p. 140 The danger and deliverance of noble Col. Massie p. 144 A brave defeat given to the enemy at Langford-house in Hampshire p. 153 A brave defeat given to the enemy at Hougham-house p. 157 A Dunkirk Frigot taken by our ships p. 401 The Discipline of Sir Thomas Fairfaxes army p. 150 Dudley Castle shrewdly put to it p. 186 A Declaration of the Scots Commissioners to our Parliament p. 439 E. THe enemy beaten at Ormskirk p. 12 Eye-salve for Malignants eyes p. 25 A brave exploit of Col. Massies p. 34 The just Enconium of Col. Massie p. 〈◊〉 Englands just cause to love Scotland p. â—â— A brave exploit of Col. Stones p. 66 A brave exploit of Col. Sydenhams p. 72 Divers exploits against the enemy p. 87 His Excellencies brave deportment with the Kings Commissioners in the West p. 253 The enemy beaten at Plimouth p. 96 Englands Blood p. 323 The noble Earle of Essex late Lord Generall his good Service rewarded p. 151 Evesham taken p. 153 A brave exploit against the enemy by Wareham Garrison p. 175 A brave exploit against 〈◊〉 p. 30 The godly education of the Kings Children considered p. 128 The blessed effects of the monethly Morning Prayers and Preaching in London p. 207 Hopefull effects of the Kings comming in to the Scots p. 422. F. OUr Forces prosperous successe against Prince Rupert in Lancashire p. 12 Colonell Foxes brave performances p. 13. 27 Our Foot-forces in danger in Cornwall in the West p. 19 Fidelity of the noble Lord Generall to the Parliament p. 37 The Fight at Newbery p. 57 Major Fenicks good Service p. 262 Free-holders of Glamorgan-shire their Declaration p. 317 Sir Erasmus De La Fountaines House p. 103 Sir Thomas Fairfax come to London to be Generalissimo of all the Armies in the Kingdome p. 109 Sir Thomas Fairfaxes new modell'd army resolved on p. 127 Sir Thomas Fairfaxes
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
this A brave prize taken at Sea by Plymouth Garrison A brave defeat given to the enemie in Gloucestershire where Major Duet that French Renegado was slain Major Duet slaiâ—e The prisoners and prizes taken A Notable testimonie of the Parliaments integrity touching Protections and Bribes The Burning-Bush unconsumed 1. 2. Psal 60. 12. Isaiah 41. 10. 11. Psal 116 December 1645. Newark besieged and Muschamp Bridge and Fort taken by our Brethren of Scotland General Lesley made Commander in chiefe of all the Forces both English and Scottish before Newark The County of Brecknock in Wales comes in to the Parliament Latham House taken Fulford House taken Hereford surprized and taken by a brave stratagem Col. Morgan and Col. Birch provide to promote the designe The Souldiers sore march the first setting forth The whole armie come neer unto Hereford A Copie of the warrant which helped to win Hereford The manner of managing the busines with the Constable and his warrant The draw-bridge is let down The Constable knocks down the Centinell The Fire-locks rush out and haste to the City The Towne fully entred and obtained Lords and Knights 21. in number Leivtenant Colonells and Majors 10. in number besides Judge Jenkins Many Gentl. of Quality At least 2000. Papists The great consequence of the obtainning this City The Messengers of this good newes to the Parliament rewarded Orders of Parliament voted and confirmed upon this great providence of God 1 2 3 4 5 Great gratitude expressed by the Parliamenâ— both to God and man for this great mercy Lieutenant Barrow the pretended Constable rewarded by the Parliament Canon-Tean a strong Fort taken at Exeter Callyntine House taken Skipton Castle surrendred to the Parliament The Freedome of almost all the Northerne parts The singular providence of the City of London and of the Parliament for the defence and safety of the said City The Burning-Bush not consumed Psal 62. 7 8. January 1646. Plymouths singular good successe against their besieging Enemies Canterbury Fort taken Saint Beudeaux taken The prisoners and prizes taken The slain on both sides A brave victorie obtained by our Forces at Bovy-Tracy in the West The prisoners and prizes taken Iminster taken Ashburton taken Totnes taken Okehampton taken The most brave victorie over the Rebels in Ireland at Sligo The slaine Gods good providence in the apprehension of certain Papers and Letters from the Archbishop of Tuain The danger of Treaties with our Malignant adversaries Yea of a Personal Treatie with the King himselfe Remarkable mischiefe and impiety discovered in the Kings party A Copy of the Kings Letter to the Parliament The summe of the Parliaments Answer to the Kings Letter for a treaty for a pretended peace Plymouth totally relieved and relinquished by the Enemies Plymouth made good advantage of the flight of their Enemies Sir Francis Drakes House taken Dartmouth summoned Captain Batten Vice-Admiral helps to besiege Dartmouth Sy Sea The City of London petitions the Parliament about Church-Government A brave defeat given to Wallingford Forces by Major Generall Brownes Forces Dartmouth Towne and Castle taken by storme The relation of the manner of taking Dartmouth signified by Sir Thomus Fairfaxes Letter to the Parliament Prisoners taken Prizes taken Major Pollard slaine on the Enemies side Deserved thanks and reward given to our renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax Certain observations on the Premisses A Solemne day of Thanksgiving ordered to be kept in London and over the Kingdome A brave defeat given to the Enemy at Cark neere Stafford Pouldram Castle taken The most noble and renowned Generals singular mercy and clemency toward his Enemies Sir Thomas Fairfax a second Caesar A Ship from France taken at Dartmouth with Letters of great consequence The Burning-Bush unconsumed 1 2 3 4 5 6 Jer. 10. 7. Zecha 25. February 1646. Belvoir-Castle surrendred to the Parliament The City of Westchester taken A most sweet and evident returne of Prayer Chester surrendred upon very conditions and the reason therof The prizes taken in the City of Chester A brave defeat given to the Enemie at Ashbie de-la Zouth The good and prosperous successe of our armie in the West The Assizes of Oyer and Terminer revived A Solemne Thanksgiving for Chester and a charitable Collection made A fresh spurre to quicken the spirit of praises Torrington Church fired by the Enemy Hoptons Army totally routed The valour of the Cornish men Prisoners prizes and spoil in and after this fight The slaine in this fight The Parliaments gratuity to the Messengers that brought this good newes A day of solemne thanksgiving set apart for this great Victory at Torrington The Court of Wards utterly put down A Copy of the Order or Vote in Parliament for puting downe the Court of Wards The brave victorie obtained over the Enemie at Cardiffe in Glamorganshire Colonell Kern the High-Sheriffe revolts and joynes with the Malig. Gentry against the Parâ—iament A second fight and brave victory The slain prisoners and prizes The great concernment of this victory The Parliaments gratitude to Maior Gen. Laughorn for this good service Corffe Castle delivered up to the Parliament The Burning Bush not Consumed 1. 2. 3. 4 5 6 Psal 116. 12 13 14. March 1646. Launceston in Cornwall taken by the Parliaments Forces Abington most â—ercely aâ—sauled and most bravely defended and preserved Our men most bravely charges the Enemy The Enemies beaten out of the Town The hurt on our side Some of ours most desperately fought in their shirts only The King vowed to have Abington and to fire it A passage of speciall providence in the preservation of Abington Abingtons bad and sad condition had it now been taken Ashbie de la-Zouch surrendred to the Parliament Our Armies singular good successe in Cornwall and the taking of Bodman Listithiel and VVare Bridge A brave defeat given to the Enemy by valiant Colonell Moore The Summons sent to Hopton A brave defeat given to the Enemy at Saint Culbumbe in Cornwall and that Garrison taken them Sir Ralph Hopton expects supplies out of Ireland Foy taken Pendennis besieged A List of the number of 〈◊〉 Gentry of Cornwall came in to the Parliament Maus Castle surrendred Sir William Vaughau well beaten by Captain Ashley The activity of the bravâ— Committee of Shrewsbury Shruardon Castle taken Goodrich Castle taken The famous fight and glorious victory obtained against Sir Jacob Ashley A description of the fight at Stow in the Ould Sir Jacob Ashleyes croâ—se and crafty marches put Sir William Brereton to tedious marches Both Armies are met The signall Word on both sides The fight begun The Enemy totally routed and pursued The Lord Ashley taken prisoner Sir Charles Lucas also taken prisoner Sir Jacob Ashleyes words to our Souldiers sitting on a Drum A List of the prisoners and prizes taken in the battle at Stow in the Ould All the enemie to depart from Truro The extraordinary faire carriage of the Souldiers The 9. Brigades that were disbanded Our Armie to march Eastward A Dunkerk
brought them in and planted sure Vpon thy holy Mountain to endure In thine Inheritance thy precious Place Which Thou O Lord hast made full fraught with Grace And heav'nly Glory where Thy Self doth dwel Thy Sanctuary where all joyes excell By thine own export Hand most rarely made To all Eternity establisht staide Where Thou O Lord most gloriously dost Reign And shalt for ever evermore remain For why proud Pharaoh's Horse and Chariots All His daring Horsemen Riders strong and tall Into the Sea audaciously did enter And durst into the Deep most proudly venter But sodainly the Lords great Blast did blow And all the Waves and Floods did backward flow And drench and drown them All in Israels eye Whilâ—â— This his People passed over dry Thus as said Jethro in the very Thing Wherein they proudly dealt heavens glorious King Was admirably farre above them All And into utter Ruine made them fall And thus may I say Englands glorious King To whom so justly wee these praises sing Hath wondrously declar'd unto us All That in the Things intended for our thrall By our Papistick Atheistick Foes The Lord Jehovah farre above them rose And tumbled them into the Pit which they Had digg'd as deep as Hell for our decay For this O Lord this great deliverance Our Soules our Songs Thy Praise doe thus advance For this so great so gracious Love O Lord Our Hearts and Tongues thy Praises doe record For this so mighty Mercy glorious King For evermore wee will thy Praises sing And tell our Childrens Children of the same That they when wee are dead may blaze thy Fame To their Posterity for evermore O sing aloud all Laud and Praise therefore Advance O England then thy cordiall-voyce To Heav'ns great King who makes us thus rejoyce Omnis Gloria solius est Domini FINIS Imprimatur Ja. Cranford Aprill 4. 1646. THE BVRNING-BVSH not Consumed OR The Fourth Part of the Parliamentarie-Chronicle ABOUT the later and of the Moneth of July 1644. the Reader may bee pleased to remember that wee lest the Affaires of the Kingdome in a prosperous posture and Victorious condition for the Parliament both in the Northern parts of the Land after the most memorable and renowned Victory at Mâ—â—stone-Moore neer York together with the surrendring up of that great City it self into the power and possession of the Parliament and the Earl of Manchesters most successefull advance Southward after his departure from York with his conquering Army As also in the Western-parts of the Kingdom where the Lord had marveilously blessed the proceedings four most noble Lord Generall his Excellency â—he Earle of Essex both in releeving and securing of Liâ—â— Plimouth and other straitned Towns in the West and in the reducing of Saltash Causam Sâ—ellum Greenvills house Mount-Stamford Plimpton Barnstable Dartmouth and Warâ—ham with many other strong Holds and Towns in those parts Now therefore having by the good providence of God opportuniâ—y 〈…〉 so happily 〈…〉 famous History of the Parliaments most 〈◊〉 and inevitably necessitated proceedings and managing of affaires over the whole Kingdome for the publick safety and subsistence thereof against the destructive designes of the pornicious and viperous Adversaries thereof Atheists Papists Prelates and besotted yea bewitched Malignants I shall now I say by Gods gracious assistance and the Readers constant candor and Christian patience proceed to a Fourth part of this our Parliamentarie-Chronicle which for Varieties sake which in all things and actions addes delight and content I have termed or Entituled The Burning Bush not Consumed To which admirable-wonder shewn by God himself to Moses Exod. 3. 2 3. c. I doubt not but wee shall make a most full and fit resemblance and allusion in the admirable providentiall passages of this ensuing History For as the Angel of the Lord or as some the Lord Christ himself appearing unto Moses in a flame of fire in the midst of a Bush which Burned and was not consumed called unto Moses who voluntarily turning toward it exprest his desire to see this strange sight how it came to passe that the Bush so burning was not consumed to draw neer unto it and to put off his shooes from his feet in regard of the place of Gods presence So I shall now earnestly desire the godly Reader in the sight and 〈◊〉 of this most admirable and renowned History of the Burning estate of our â—ottering State and Kingdome all on fire with intestine furious flames of threatned ruine and confusion yet to this day even miraculously preserved by the All-saving presence of the Lords mighty protection and preservation dwelling in the midst of it whereby it is not nor hath been long ere this as otherwise it had been utterly consumed and turned into ashes of desolation and dâ—struction I shall now therefore I say desire the godly Reader to put off the shooes of prejudicacy and sinister construction and so to draw neer and seriously to peruse and take speciall notice of these miracles of mercy and divine providence with the 〈◊〉 but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Christian candor and singlenesse of heart and affection and seeing them greatly and graciously to admire and adore the infinite riches of the free grace and goodnesse of Him that thus dwelt in the Bush for it s so rare and unspeakable preservation And thus now let us accordingly come neer to behold this Wonder And for the first part and apparition thereof which presents it self to our eyes and understanding and wherewith I shall begin this Moneth of mighty and even miraculous preservations in this Burning Bush of our present Parliaments great affaires and necessitated Armes and negotiations shall bee of that most famous faithfull active and successefull Commander Colonell Massie Who about the beginning of this Moneth of August 1644. by his own Letter to the Speaker of the House of Commons in Parliament certified us of a very brave defeat which he had given to the Kings fiery Furies and Cosmorant-like devourers the Cavaliers under the command of Colonell Mynne which for the Readers better satisfaction I shall heer insert verbatim as it was Printed and published by authority of Parliament August 6. 1644. To the Honourable William Lenthall Esquire Speaker to the Honourable House of Commons SIR KNowing the affaires of the Parliament so many and so weighty that their time is precious and therefore a tedious relation not so sutable to them having by this Post more fully related in my Letter unto the Lords and Gentlemen of the Committee of both Kingdomes it being their command I at all times should so doe I shall intreat you to excuse mee unto them at this time who shall suddenly God willing enform and render unto them a more perfect account of both the late following passages both of Gods displeasure yet afterward Mercy unto us That upon Friday last Colonell Generall Mynne being entred into our parts with a considerable strength both of Horse and Foot
the Lord Powis a grand Papist and most desperate and devillish blasphemer of Gods name was Governour and the Owner also did often oppose and interrupt the bringing in of provisions unto our forces at Mountgomery castle whereupon Sir Thomas Middleton summoned the whole County thereabout to come in unto him and presently upon it advanced from Mountgomery to Pool with 300 foot and a 100 Horse where they quartered on the Munday and Tuesday night following and on the Wednesday morning next at 2 of the clock even by Moon-light Mr. John Aâ—undell the Master-Gunner to Sir Thomas Middleton placed a Petarre against the outer-gate which burst the gate quite in peices and notwithstanding the many shewers of stones thrown from the Castle by the enemies Sir Thomas Middletons foot commanded by Captain Hugh Massey and Major Henry Kett rushed with undaunted resolution into the Enemies works got into the porch of the Castle and so stormed the Castle-gate entred it and possest themselves both of the old and new-castle and of all the plate provisions and goods therein which was great store which had been brought from all parts thereabout they also took prisoners therein the Lord Powis and his brother with his two Sons together with a Seminary-Priest 3 Captaines one Leivtenant and 80 Officers and Common Souldiers 40 horse and 200 armes The place is of great concernment for before the taking of it it did much mischeif to the Country and almost had blockt up the passages from Oswestry to Mountgomery-castle so that now the strongest forts in all Northwalâ—s are in the possession of the Parliament this Castle being conceived to bee of strength sufficient to hold out a years siege and to bee able to keep out at least 10000 men for a whole 12 moneth it having at that present sufficient provision in it of all sorts for such a continuance of time Besides by this means noble Sir Thomas Middleton hath now the command of all North-wales and can raise men there at his own pleasure About the 10 of this instant October the Ordinance for Ordination of pious and painfull Ministers pro tempore whereof I breifly made former mention that it was in preparation in the Parliament now fully had passed both the Houses and was Printed and published By which it was Ordained by the Lords and Commons in Parliaments upon advice had with the Learned and Reverend Assembly of Divines convened at Westminster that during the present exigencies of the Armies and of the Navy as also of many Congregations destitute of able and faithfull Ministers and untill a farther and fuller Church-government were compleated and the whole and constant course of Ordination of Ministers in an ordinary way were set up and setled for the three Kingdomes of England Scotland and Ireland That these persons in the City of London being Presbyters viz. Dr. Cornelius Burgeâ— one of the Assessors of the Assembly Dr. William Gouge Mr. John Ley Mr. George Walker Mr. Edmund Calamy Mr. Daniel Coudrey Mr. Stanley Gower Mr. John Conant and Mr. Humphrey Chambers all members of the Assembly Mr. Henry Roxborough Mr. John Downham Mr. Charles Offspring Mr. Richard Lee Mr. Timothie Dod Mr. James Cranford Mr. Thomas Horton Mr. Thomas Glendon Mr. Arthur Jackson Mr. Samuel Clark Mr. Emanuel Brown Mr. Fulk Bellers Mr. Francis Roberts Mr. Leonard Cook or any 7 of them the major part being present shall examine all those which are to bee admitted into the Ministery upon these particulars following viz. Touching his skill in the Originall tongues and that tryall bee made by reading the Hebrew and Greek Testaments and rendring some portion of them into Latine Whether hee hath skill in Logick and Philosophy What Authours hee hath read and what knowledge hee hath to defend the Orthodox Religion contained in them That hee shall frame a discourse in Latine upon some Common place or controversie in Divinity as shall bee assigned him and maintain a dispute thereon and shall preach before the people or Ministers appointed to Ordain or some of them Being thus approved hee is also to Preach three severall dayes in the Church where hee is to serve that they also may have tryall of his gifts and may know and bee satisfied concerning his life and conversation Which being thus completed and concluded the next thing in reference to that and the very first thing indeed the pious and prudent House of Commons took into consideration was how such godly and able Ministers might bee supported and comfortably subsist who formerly had very small and inconsiderable livings and yet that the Parishioners might not bee over-charged therein Whereupon a remedy was propounded to bee out of the revenues of Deanes and Chapters of Cathedralls which also was generally approved of and referred to the Committee of plundered Ministers to bring in an Ordinance to that purpose And a president thereof was made for a farther allowance to bee given to the Minister of Toâ—â—ham-High-â—rosâ—â— out of the revenues of the Dean and Chapter of Pauls in Londâ—n hee having at that time not above 30 pound a year in that Parish But of this more in its due place About the 14 of this instant wee had certain information by Letters out of Gloâ—estershire and from Colonell Massie himself who thereby confirmed the truth thereof to the Parliament of a very rare and famous exploit performed by this most renowned successefull and unconquerable Commander Colonell Massie the substance of which Letters was to this effect That God had in his rich mercy and goodnesse given him singular good successe against the Kings Forces commanded by Sir John Winter that active arch Papist at the passage at Beechley where hee had formerly well cudgelled him as I have before specified And now again Sir John Winter perceiving himself and those of his Popish and malignant humour that inhabited in those parts to bee in a desperate condition unlesse that passage at Beechley or Bestley could bee fortified by them against Colonell Massies constant excursions upon him whereupon hee I say adventured again to fortifie the same and which hee did with much admirable dexterity and expedition as was almost incredible to bee beleeved that in so few dayes such strong works could bee made but having pallisadoes ready made at Bristol and speedily conveyed to him of three severall sorts each higher than other and all of them well strengthened with iron-work they were therefore suddainly fastned into the ground and good deep ditches made But notwithstanding undaunted Colonell Massie hearing heerof presently marched out of Monmouth with a 100 Foot all commanded men and 8 troopes of Horse and therewith marched against the Enemy who having intelligence of his approach presently drew out a party of Musketteirs and lined the hedges in his way but about 4 of the clock in the morning the noble Colonell fell upon them beat them from the hedges and drave them to their holds and following them close
upon a party of the Enemies horse but then newly come from Oxford to doe some mischeif in those parts of whom divers were taken prisoners by the said valiant Captain Redman and the rest soundly beaten among those that were taken prisoners were Sir John Feunick Sir Thomas Strickland the Lord St. Paul a Frenchman and 15 more some were slain and many wounded the rest ran like brave Oxonians to save themselves but they left behinde them at least 30 horse and a rich Sumpter together with good quantity of Armes and Ammunition And at the same time wee were certainly informed that Knaresborough castle in Yorkeshire was surrendred to the thrice noble and renowned Lord Fairfax and in it good store of Armes powder and Ammunition with some Ordnance and other good booty viz. especially some hundred pounds in ready money and about 1500 pounds worth of Plate silver and guilt And about the 26 of this instant December wee were certainly informed by Letters from Radcastle that those 2 most loyall and renowned Commanders Sir Thomas Middleton and Colonell Mitton had taken a strong Garrison of the Enemies neer Mountgomery called Abby-cumhire This House had formerly been a Romish-Abby and was strongly built of stone upon their first comming before it they summoned it but upon the Enemies denyall to surrender Sir Thomas Middletons and Colonell Mittons old Souldiers assisted by Colonell Beal and Leivtenant Colonell Carters souldiers who were then lately come to them out of South-Wales and with brave resolution fell upon the Enemy and stormed and took the House in a short time where they took prisoners Colonell Barnard Governour of the Castle Hugh Floyd Esquire a Commissioner of Array in those parts and High-Sheriffe of that County and one of those that were excepted by the Proposition for Peace at Vxbridge to have no pardon 2 Captaines of Foot one Captain of Horse a Captain Leivtenant 3 Leivtenants a Foot Colours one Cornet of Horse 4 Sergeants 8 Corporalls 2 Trumpetters 4 Drums 60 common Souldiers 3 barrels of powder 60 firelocks 40 Horse 40 horse armes besides 200 Muskets and some other armes and ammunition By the taking of which said strong Garrison the Counties thereabouts are freed from much danger of their cruell Enemies who had before used many of the inhabitants with much severity About the 28 of this instant wee received credible information by Letters out of Staffordshire that Captain Stone the valiant Governour of Eccleshall castle having intelligence that some parties of the Enemies were abroad out of Tongue castle hee thereupon marched out of Eccleshall with a party of horse found them and fell upon them and in the fight slew divers of them took prisoners the Governour of Tongue castle divers Officers 200 common Souldiers and 50 horse with some other good booty And by Letters out of the West wee were farther informed about the same time that Major Dewet performed a brave exploit upon the Enemy at West Dean which was thus related Sir our brave-spirited Major but shortly after this a base apostate from us marched with his men from about Malmsbury toward our Garrison by West-Dean and by the way hee fell upon a quarter of the Enemies at Rushall neer Vphaven where there were quartered about 36 of Captain Paddons Troop who entituled themselves The Wiltshire Troope where after some hot and testy dispute he took prisoners Leivtenant Borrow Leivtenant of Horse commanding the Troop George Warner a Reformado Captain a Leivtenant of Foot 2 more Reformado Officers 6 Troopers 20 good horse and armes and other good prize for his Souldiers without the losse of any one man or horse on his side And about the same time wee had farther certain intelligence of another brave exploit performed against the Newarkers by valiant Colonell Thorney and the Nottingham Forces who took a considerable Garrison from the Enemies neer Newark viz. Sir Roger Coopers House and in it Sir Roger himself and his brother and 50 prisoners with their armes and ammunition And about the 30 of this instant December an Agent of the most illustrious Queen of Sweden was admitted with honourable reception into the Parliament the representative Body of the Kingdome of England with his Letters to the Parliament from the said most Royall Princesse which were then opened and after the translating of them out of the Latine-tongue in which they were writen they were read in Parliament The effect and substance of which was That the said thrice noble Queen of Swethland with her Nobles and whole State desired to associate themselves and to keep faire and loving correspondence with the Parliament and State of England and to enter into the Solemn League and Covenant with them for the mutuall defence of the true Reformed Protestant Religion A rare mercy indeed thus to see another Protestant Kingdome desire to joyn with us in this blessed work of setting the Lord Christ upon his Throne as our most loyall and loving brethren of Scotland have done to the high honour and glory of God and good of his Church And with this so sweet a mercy I shall heer most fitly close up this moneths most famous blessings on this Burning-Bush the Parliaments honest and upright Cause And heer now therefore good Reader let mee intreat thee to make a little stay and therein to stand amazed at this even senseastonishing Parliamentary-wonder to see and consider in this one Moneths contemplation thereof this Burning-Bush thus still Vnconsumed I mean the Parliaments just Cause and quarrell in the middest of so many devouring flames of bloody bickerings and perfidious plots and trecheries as have been fore-mentioned to stand upright still undestroyed yea contrariwise more and more flourishingly and fairly corroborated and fixed at the root the blessing of him that dwells in the Bush thus admirably still preserving and protecting it from constantly contrived and intended ruine and destruction Upon the serious sight and pious pondering whereof O what great cause have wee with holy David to break forth into a holy and hearty extasie of joy and admiration as wanting words to expresse sufficiently the many and mighty mercies of our God and to sing and say How excellent O Lord is thy loving kindenesse how powerfull is thy protection therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings They are abundantly satisfied with the fatnesse of thy house and thou dost make them drink of the rivers of thy pleasure And thou O Lord art hee alone that dost encompasse us still with songs of deliverance But now to proceed and set forward to the farther sight and contemplation of the succeeding wonders in and upon this our thus Burning Bush in this ensuing Moneth of January 1644. ANd first I shall begin heer to remember my Reader that as God had lately before begun to cut off in a Judiciary way one most pestilent plotter and dangerous Malignant Incendâ—ary who had not Gods
provisions and following the Enemy beat them all out of the Town and so wee are now Masters both of the Town and Castle Of the enemy were slain in the place 85 besides those that were slain before the Castle 100 prisoners were taken and their whole Forces routed and I beleive in their flight they never looked behinde them untill they came to Castle Emlyne which is six miles from Cardigan In the Town wee also took 250 Armes I have not heard since these unhappy differences began in this Kingdom that the hand of the Almighty hath more visibly appeared in giving so great victories to so small a handfull than hath been manifested in these parts and therfore to his own power wee attribute all the praise and glory But to proceed About the 10 of this instant January the proud and most pestilently pernicious Arch-Prelate of Canterbury William Laud that Arch Traytor to the Church and State to God and all good men yea that Arch Incendiary together with his brother Strafford of 3 Kingdomes after a long and most full and fair tryall as ever to bee honoured Mr. William Prynn hath in his famous History of this Arch Prelates Life and â—â—eath and Tryall most abundantly cleared to all the world being most justly and worthily condemned by the most honourable House of Peeres to bee hanged drawn and quartered as a Traytor indeed yet upon his Petition that kinde of death was altered and hee beheaded as the rest of his Trayterous companions upon the Towre-Hill Of whom all I will say at this time having said so much already of him and the rest of his wretched rabble of Traytors in my Second Part of The Looking-Glasse for Malignants shall bee onely this That his constant pride and impudence considered wherwith hee swelled in his whole life and wherewith hee jetted even to the Scaffold to his deaths Block manifested in his pert yea and malepert gesture spruce and neat apparell unparallelled bold countenance and confidence in his whole carriage even to his very minute of Death his most audacious and hypocriticall Preaching or most properly prating for almost an houre together before his death in most egregiously jugling and justifying his whole life and all his most accursed and abominable works of darknesse and that to the very death O nefanda inaudita audacia execrabilis durities all which I say most seriously and sadly considered O how justly and most properly applyable to this wretohed Arch Prelate is that most terrible and frightfull judgement of the Lord mentioned by the Prophet Make the heart of this man fat and make his eares heavy and shut his eyes lest hee see with his eyes and bear with his eares and understand with his heart and should convert and bee healed This unquestionably was this most miserable mans condition for a most proud and hypocriticall crafty Tyrant and persecutor of Gods Saints hee lived and a most obdurate and marble-hearted Atheist hee also impudently impenitently dyed Giving us all over the whole Kingdom yea all over the 3 whole Kingdoms great just cause heartily to blesse the Lord for his righteousnesse and justice heerin happily fulfilling that of wise King Solomon or rather of the Lord by him When the wicked perish there is shouting and joy among the people And truely so it justly was with us at this wicked mans death For truely as Queen Elizabeth once said when shee was freed from distresse by Queen Maries death and the persecuting Popish Bishops clapt up in prison O said shee it is merry with Lambs when Wolves are shut up so say I it was happy for us poore Lambs when this Wolf was thus taken from us For truely ever since this his just execution what ever the Court-Cabinet Prognosticators falsly affirmed God hath admirably blessed our Armies and the whole work of intended Reformation But now to goe on About the 14 of this instant wee were credibly assured by Letters to the Committee of both Kingdoms as also Major Generall Browns own Letter to his Excellency Robert Earl of Essex then Lord Generall of a most brave victory and famous defeat obtained over and given to our Enemies the Kings forces at Abbington by the said renowned and most active and loyall Major Generall the particulars whereof I have thought fit to give the Reader for his fuller satisfaction and content in a Letter writen by religious Colonell Harsnet to his worthy Friend Captain Jones in London which was as followeth Sir I have had a longing desire to requite your love in giving mee a relation of that famous fight at Alford but never till now could meet with an opportunity But something the Lord hath now I say vouchsafed worthy the relation to our worthy Friends at London I came on Friday night from Henly with our Company that came with us from London Some others of our Garrison whom wee found at Reading after midnight past with us very quietly by Walling ford and so about 3 of the clock came safe to Abbington seeing none in our way to trouble us but having been not above 3 houres there wee had an allarm from the same way wee came which was about half a mile from us in Oxfordshire called Cullumbridge which the Enemy possest themselves of before wee had time to draw forth any party to charge them There were parties from Oxon and from Wallingford Prince Rupert Commanding in cheif with whom was his brother Prince Maurice Sir Henry Gage Governour of Oxford and many other great Commanders Their forces were supposed to bee in all about 3000 Horse and foot with 2 peices of Ordnance Behinde the foresaid Bridge was a great hill with many hedges which they had lined with Musketteers to the great annoyance of our men But our noble Major Generall upon hearing of the allarm Commanded our men to Armes which was cheerfully obeyed and by parties were drawn along the Cawsie that led from the Town to the Bridge Medows overflowed with water being on both sides and comming to charge them at the Bridge the Enemy stoutly opposed us but to their losse whereupon wee had 2 Drakes commanded thither and our men cheerfully wading into the water on both sides did so pelt them while the Drakes plaid upon the Bridge that after 4 houres fight wee drove them from the Bridge and the Hedges and forced them to a retreat and wee having got the Bridge which being of Stone the Enemy had partly broken down yet our men got over Commanded by Major Bradberry Major to Colonell Sparrows Regiment of Essex at the entring over which Bridge hee was slain but in this hot bickering wee lost not above 8 or 10 men at the most and so the Enemy was forced to a shamefull retreat The fight began betimes in the morning at which instant there was a party of 70 or 80 horse from Farrington to set upon our horse quartered at a Village called
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
above 130 within the Castle We tooke in it seven Peeces of Ordnance 400 Muskets and Pikes ten or twelve barrels of Powder 25 Barrels of Brimstone and Salt-Peter together with good store of other Ammunition and Provision The truth of all this was consumed by Colonell Morgans owne Letter to the Parliament after the reading whereof the Commons ordered that thankes should be returned to Almighty God for all these great mercies in those parts the next Lords Day in all Churches and Chappels in and about London and Westminster And further Ordered That a Letter of thankes should be returned to the said valiant Colonell Morgan for this and all his other gallant and faithfull services for the State since his having command of Gloucester and that the said Colonell Morgan should have the command of all the Forces of the County of Gloucester And as for the Government of Monmouth it was conferred upon Sir Trevor Williams a worthy religious and gallant Gentleman A fit and faire-way indeed by gratifying the well-deserving to ingage their hearts and affections more and more to the State and Kingdome And much about the foresaid time the Letters taken in the Lord Digbies Coach at Sherburne conflict as hath been toucht before were read at a Conference of both Houses of Parliament In divers whereof to the Marquesse of Ormond in Ireland his Majesty much bewailes his low and decaying condition since Naseby Battell and advises him if he can to make a Peace with his Irish Catholique Subjects or at least a Cessation But however though he hazard the losse of that Kingdome that he should come away in person unto him withall the forces Armes and Ammunition that he could get and command from thence leaving the rest namely the Protestants on the Parliament-side and the Rebells to dispute the businesse together And to incourage the Marquesse therein he promised him that if he did prosper he should be preferred to all the dignity that possibly could be conferred upon a subject but if his Majesties undertakings succeeded ill as t was most like they would being altogether against God and his Truth hee and the rest of his followers would have the honour to die nobly in a good cause In another Letter upon occasion of Prince Ruperts advising him to a treaty with the Parliament his Majestie checks the said Prince for it wonders he was so much misled tels him that to condescend lower than his termes at Vxbridge would be as bad as a submission which he would never doe so long as he lived And in another Letter dated at Newarke October to the King declares the grounds of his comming to Newarke rather than any other Garrison it being most unlikely to be besieged Colonell Generall Poyntz being as the Letter said much broken with pursuing him That he had the greatest strength thence to break out upon occasion and to get to Montrosse who by an expresse gave him to understand that his Condition and late â—ent was not so bad and so great as was reported but that he was in a good condition and by an addition of forces from Kalcan who were coming to him he should be able to assist the King c. In all which premises we may all see with what poore and vaine hopes meere Egyptian-Reeds the King rests on and feeds himselfe and thereby thus more and more hardens his heart from hearing or yeilding any fit and faire accommodations with his people and Parliament About the 30. of this instant October we had certaine intelligence by a Letter under the hands of famous and faithfull Colonell Mitton Colonell Iones and Adjutant Louthian that the enemie being industrious to releive that Garrison of West-Chester and knowing that the losse of that would be the surrender of all the other They had therefore drawn a party out of their Garrisons of Worcester Ludlow Bridgenorth and other Garrisons thereabout 2400 viz. 1700. Horse and 700. foot and Commanded by Sir William Vaughan being all in one body neer Denbigh-Castle which was about 22. miles from Chester Whereupon our forces calling a Councell of War what was best to be done whether to suffer the Enemie to come neerer or to go out and right with them they concluded to goe out and so drew forth about 1400. horse and 100 foot leaving the Workes sufficiently man'd before Chester and on Saturday they came to the enemie neere Denbigh Castle sent a forelorne hope under the command of Captaine Otter the Body being commanded by gallant Colonell Generall Mitton the Horse led up by Colonell Jones the Foot by Adjeant Louthian who fell on the enemy with as much gallantrie as could be expected there being under their command some Lancashire horse some of Warwickeshire and Shropshire c. each Officer and Souldier deserving honour for their resolution and action among which Major Hanksworth of Warwick 〈◊〉 Major Sanders of Derby did very gallant service in short we wholly routed the enemie tooke betweene five and six hundred horse and above foure hundred foot slew above an hundred on the place and pursued them six miles doing great execution all the way so as in the evening there was not above one hundred left together of the enemie The particulars could not then be related this Messenger came on Tuesday night and had fiftie pounds given him for the intelligence And the Parliament also ordered that letters of thankes should be sent from that House to Colonell Mitton and the rest for this and all their other faithfull Service to the state And not long after the foresaid time we had yet farther information by Letters from those parts that renowned religious and victorious Sir William Brereton was now safely arived as had beene long and earnestly desired by the Countrie there at the Leaguer before West Chester and that valiant and vigilant Colonell Iones having certaine notice that Sir William 〈◊〉 the bloody Lord Byrons brother knowing well the wants and shalts of his said brother Governour of Chester had therefore got together what provisions hee possibly could make and scrape up together and all the forces he could raise to the number of about 400. neer Holt with an intent thus to releive the City of Chester on the Welch-side thereof But I say brave and active Colonell Jones knowing hereof chose rather to march out unto him by the way than to be more dangeously molested neere the City walls where he lay and so leaving a sufficient guard about the Towne in the Leaguer went forth and met him on the way bravely encountred him wherein the fight having soon routed him he tooke Sir William 〈◊〉 himselfe their Commander in Cheife Prisoner with about 50. other prisoners and horse slew divers on the place took divers hors-loades of their provision wherewith they intended to have relieved the City and thus by Gods goodnes hindred this designe also thus by Gods mercie hastning our hopes of the sooner surrender of the said Towne
to prevent intelligence between them also and the Enemy And immediately after it for the more fully enabling of the said renowned City to terrifie and over-awe their open and secret Enemies the House of Commons passed an Ordinance for the establishing of a Court-Martiall in the said City of London for the triall of Spies and other noxious Delinquents who shall come out of the Kings Quarters to lurke and watch for opportunities of doing mischiefe and named severall Commanders and Gentlemen who were to be Members of that Councell And here now good Reader be pleased againe to make a little pause seriously to ponder and consider in thy most thankfull heart the unexhaustible over-flowings in bounty and blessings and the unwearied out-goings of thy wonder-working God in this Moneths mighty mercies also and most memorable benedictions on this his blessed Burning-Bush still unconsumed still marvellously preserved and maintained in a most fair and flourishing state and condition maugre the many and mighty flames of the firy and restlesse rage of the Royalists continually menacing and molesting the same as hath been most copiously discovered both in our most loyall and loving Brethren of Scotlands faithfull and valiant assistance in the besieging of Newarle and their brave winning of Muschamp Bridge and Fort there And the voluntary submission of the County of Brecknock in Wales to the obedience of the Parliament In the obtaining of that pernicious den of robbers I mean that strong Garrison of Latham House in Lancashire and Fulford House in the West In the most remarkable and happy surprisall of the Towne and Castle of Hereford by a notable stratagem wherein the hand of God was most admirably evident In delivering that strong Fort of Canon-Tean and that strong Garrison of Callyntine-House at Exeter into the Parliaments possession and thereby strengthning ours and weakening the Enemies hands In the happy rendition of Skipton Castle also a strong hold of the Enemies into our hands whereby almost all the Northerne parts of the Kingdome were set at liberty And sixthly and lastly In putting into the hearts of our Worthies in Parliament and the loyall Citizens of London prudently and providently to foresee future probable contingent dangers and carefully to forecast to prevent and avoid them All which rare and remarkable Parliamentary Mercies gratefully and graciously put together give us great cause with holy David to sing and say In God the Lord alone is our salvation and our glory the rock of our strength and our sure refuge is in God O therefore let us trust in him at all times and poure out our hearts before him in all holy and humble acknowledgements that God alone is a refuge unto us But to go on And now I shall againe begin the serious survey of the rich and rare mercies of God to this his Burning-Bush the Parliaments Cause in this ensuing Moneth of January with a memorable passage of fidelity in the Governour of Plymouth Colonell Kerre who having been most vehemently tempted by Sir John Digby Brother to the traiterous George Lord Digby who then commanded in chief those Forces of the Kings which so long had besieged this brave and loyall Towne of Plymouth this young treacherous Royalist I say having by Letters Messages and mighty promises of a reward of 10000 l. in money and high preferment in the Kings Army endeavoured to intice the noble and loyall Governour to betray and give up this brave Towne into the Enemies hands He contrariwise most loyally disdaining such base and treacherous underhand-dealings returned that traiterous Knight this noble Answer which for the honour of this brave Gentlemans so faithfull resolution I have thought exceeding fit here to insert which was as followeth SIR YOur motion to treason I have seen and detest it it is below my spirit for a personall injury supposed onely by an Enemy to take a Nationall Revenge and for a punctilio of honour to take advice from Hell and to betray my trust I am sorry that one so ingenious as your self should 〈◊〉 your naturall parts onely to do mischiefe yet I have no reason to â—â—der much at your perswasion to treachery because I have had experience of the indeavour of your Family to corrupt others also I remember the Gunpowder-plot and withall the Letter which not long since your Brother wrote to my Lord Roberts tending to the same subject and his negotiation with Major Generall Browne at Abington Surely these principles came from Spaine but you should have told me also that Spanish Proverbe To love the Y reason and hate the Traytor Sir if my counsell may take with you then I beseech you to consider of the evill counsell which you and your party have given to his Majesty whereby the Kingdome especially those parts under your power are become almost a desolation And when you have thought upon the sad effects of these wars then let your heart tell you this truth that much of the blood and rapine in this Country must lye upon your account and guilt may inforce you to seeke for termes of Reconciliation first with God then with the Representative Body of the Kingdome whom you have se highly offended Let not this advice from him whom you call Enemy be despised as you hope for mercy and the respects of him who according to the Nationall Covenant resolves to be Assuredly your Servant JAMES KERRE How the young Gallant did blush if at least he had any shame in him at the perusall of this Letter I leave to all the ingenuous Readers to judge It was a brave letter indeed and most worthy to live in Cedar or to be engraven in indelible Marble and out live them both to this brave Gentlemans eternall honour which being speedily after made known to the Parliament was and that most justly most gratefully resented by both Houses and he rewarded with the present gift of 500. l. and most loving assurance of farther preferment on the first and sittest oportunity And presently after this the Lord to shew his detestation of all such disloyall traiterous enterprises as a punishment of this particular impious instigation to this treason crowned the loyall Governour of this Town of Plymouth with a fair occasion of just revenge and put a fit oportunity into his hands of singular good successe against this Treacherous Enemie which had there long besieged them which was intimated by Letters to a worthy Member of the House of Commons in Parliament in their taking of 2. Forts from the Enemie which had been a great annoyance to those our loyall friends and by which victorie they then got more elbow-roome and liberty to enlarge their quarters than before the particulars whereof were as followeth Our men after a small dispute tooke from the Enemie Canterburie-Fort and in it 17. Prisoners And afterward marched to Saint Bendeaux where after a hot skirmish of an houre and a halfe long our men tooke the Church-yeard which was strongly
the brave defeat at Abbington The Enemies gave Abbington an alarm and possest themselves of Cullum Bridge Rupert Maurice were present Their strength 3000 horse foot The charge on the Enemy begun Cullum Bridge recovered by ours Maâ—or Bradberry slain The Enemy put to a shamefull retreat Major Hatton Farmer slain 5 Irish men hanged A rare clear victory Sir Henry Gage Governour of Oxford slain in this fight A great mercy and preservation to us Prince Ruperts proud brag to be Master of Abbington 1 King 20. 1. 1. Rupert notably jeered for his brave Victory Another passage of divine providence The enemy most bravely beaten at Plymouth The Enemy had gotten the 4 outworks of Plymouth yet were beaten out of them all again Colon. Holborn his good service in the West The New Modell of an Army of 21000 horse and foot voted in Parliament An Ordinance for raising Many to maintain the new Army A brave victory obtained by ever to bee renowned Sir William Breretons forces neer unto Chester A brave peice of service performed by valiant Colo. Craford against Colon. Bleyer and his party The County of Kent petition the Parliament for their setting forward of the Self-denying Ordinance A suddain and most dangerous assault of about 1200 of the Enemy upon Compton House Ours bravely sally out upon the Enemy and beat them back 40 of ours most bravely beat the Enemy Sir William and Sir Charles CoÌ„pton beaten back and the Outworks recovered The great drawbridg recovered the Enemy coopt up A fierce fight on both sides Sir Charles and Sir Will Compton proffer to parley but rejected A fierce assault made on the enemy in the stable The Enemy enforced to retreat be gone The slain and the prizes and prisoners taken A most remarkable Victory Deliverance Another brave defeat given to a part of the foresaid Enemies horse in their hoped return home by Northampton Horse The Burning-Bush not consumed A breif gratefull recitall of all this last Moneths Parliamentary mercies Psal 76. 4 5. February 1644. A brave passage of Gods providence at Sir Erasmus de la Fountains house neer unto Melton Mowberry Ashby Cavaleiâ—s beaten soundly at Cole-Orton in Leicestershire A brave defeat given to Colo. Gerard before Cardigan in Wales Col. Laughorn bravely releives Colonell Jones at Cardigan The prisoners and prizes The Treaty for a pretended Peace at Vxbridge Buckingham Malignanâ—s petition the Parliament Commissioners in the midst of the Treaty A notorious plot by the Buckingham petition against the Parliament A Declaration prepared and printed at Oxford to be spread over the 3 Kingdoms into forain parts touching the cause of the breach of the Treaty The true cause of the dissolution of the Treaty at Vxbridge The wicked Cessation of arms in Ireland justified by the Kings Commission at Vxbridge Malum consilium consulioribus pessiâ—â—â— A brave peice of service performed by Major Bridges Governour of Warwick at Stok-New-house in Worcestershire The House taken by storm and all in it Partshall Garrison taken by brave Major Stones Governour of Eccleshall Castle Major Generall Brown active about Oxford A brave defeat given to the Enemy by Colo. Lamberts forces at Heightley in Yorkeshire Ever to be honoured Sir Tho. Fairfax come to London and sent for to the house of Commons in Parliament to receive from them the honour of Generall of all the Kingdomes forces Scarborough Town Church Haven taken by valiant Sir John Meldrum Cholmley fled into the Castle endevours an escape by Sea Cholmley had 5 Dunkirk Vessels with him at Scarborough A Letter of Sir Hugh Cholmleys intercepted A brave defeat given to the Enemy by Major Temple neer Dennington Another brave defeat given to that apostate Skellum Greenvil at Plymouth The brave resolution of Plimouth men in winning Mount Stamford and beating away the Enemy The brave and strong Town of Shrewsbury surprized and taken The Town of Shrewsbury entred by ours The Castle taken The prisoners and prizes The Parl. gratitude for this good news A remarkable nore singular passage of divine providence in this famous victory Apsley-House in Shropshire taken by Sir William Brereton Colo. Crafords good service at Roesham neer Oxford A most brave Victory obtained by Colon. Massies forces in the For rest of Dean The Burning-Bush not consumed 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Mat. 28. 20. Psal 46. 11. March 1644. Melcomb-Regis bravely maintained Weymouth most admirably regained by Colon Sydenham Colo. Sydenham necessitated to fire the ships in Weymouth Haven The Chappel-fort in Weymouth regained And a brave booty therein obtained 2 Letters from Sir Lewis Dives intercepted Goring is extremly vext at the losse of the Chappell for t Gorings resolution to fall upon Chappel for t the Town of Melcomb at once discovered and prepared for The treachery of the Townesmen of Melcomb The Enemy tho trecherously let in to Melcomb yet bravely beaten our again with a great losse The Enemy also basely fly out of Weymouth And leave much good prize behinde them Goring Dives marched away from Weymouth to Dorchester The visible most apparent hand of God in all this service Two ships came in unto the Parliaments possession at Weymouth A day of Solemn Thanksgiving at Christ Church in London 2000 li. ordered to be paid to Weymouth The Kings own Life guard Troop of horse taken by us neer unto Oxford A brave defeat given to Prince Maurice his forces at Holt-bridge by valiant Leivtenant Colonell Jones The slain A brave defeat given to the Enemy by Sir William Wallerâ— forces The slain A great victory obtained by Sir William Waller Leivtenant-Gen Cromwell against Colon. Long at the Devizes The activity of the brave Garrison of Abbington under valiant Major General Brown The Parliaments justly high respect to Abbington Garrison The happy concurrence of the House of Peeres with the Commons about the List of Sir Tho. Fairfaxes Commanders of his New Modell Army A malicious slander of the Malignants happily thwatted to their shame Order taken by the Parliament as well for the spirituall as the Martiall Discipline of the Army The Parliaments care for the godly education of the 2 young Princes at White-Hall by the Earl of Nortâ—umberland Colonell Massie gives the Enemy a defeat neeâ— unto Bristol Fidelity and good service rewarded encouraged by the Parliament The Burning-Bush not câ—nsumed Psal 92 4 5. Aprill 1645. A most singular sign of Gods love and good will to this poore Kingdome even the most happy harmony of Both Houses Divers brave exploits performed by renowned Generall Browns forcâ—s at Abbington Capt. English choakt in a Vault at Abbington Renowned Major Generall Skippon singular good service in reducing his Souldiers to the New-Mâ—delled-Army A brave victory obtained by Major Generall Vrrey against the Lord Montrosse in Scotland A Solemn day of Thanksgiving appointed kept in London c. for this great victory Cambridge is by the Parliament highly priviledged Learning like
Bird was one that came not short in bravery of any This party I say fought thus with the Enemy and came to push of Pike nay to the swords point and laid about them so bravely that they forced the Enemy to flie from chamber to chamber Whereupon I presently sent out my youngest brother the Ensign with my 3 Corporalls of horse and about 40 more men to releive the first party And I assure you Sir the young Boy fought well and led on his men most bravely and releived his brother by which means all the upper roomes were regained and now the Enemies kept onely the Stables and the Barnes which they held stoutly but my resolute Souldiers did then so thunder their horse and Reserves of foot that stood within Pistoll shot that Sir William and Sir Charles Compton who were there present began to give ground which my Souldiers easily perceiving some leapt out at the windowes and so into the Out-works by which meanes I recovered my Out-works again and made a sally-port by which the Enemy endevoured to retreat at but finding they were frustrated of their hopes and that my Musketteers did play so hot upon the great Draw-bridge that they could not bee releived and withall wee having beaten the Enemy out of that work which wee stormed when you took the House I had time therby to recover fully the great Draw-bridge and instantly got new Ropes and new Locks and drew it up again in-spight of them all Now by this means all those whose names are heer with inclosed to you were all in Cobs pound having no means in the world to retreat whereupon they fought desperately for the space of 3 houres and the valiant Comptons perceiving their extreme losse attempted 3 severall times to storme and regain my Out-works but all the 3 times were beaten off with as much resolution I praise the Lord and gallantry of my Souldiers as could bee expressed by men The Enemy within set firâ— on the hay straw and all combustible stuffe to smother my men out of the upper roomes which did indeed much annoy them and the Enemy without threw at least an 100 hand-granadoes upon the houses so as they set them on fire in 3 severall places Whereupon Sir Charles and Sir William thinking all their own sent a Trumpeter to parley but I commanded that none should parley nor would I permit the Trumpeter to speak at all unto mee and â—ain hee would have said something to the Souldiers but I commanded him upon his life to bee gone and not to return any more upon his perill and wee continued in fight still and the foresaid fire did so increase that I thought it fit to offer quarter to all those that were in the Stable for their lives only but they would not hear mee Upon which I drew all my men together and fell violently in upon them in which assault were slain and taken prisoners all whose names are in the ensuing List This did so dis-hearten the Comptons and all their forces that they presently drew off all their foot and onely faced mee with their horse and sent another Trumpeter to parley but I commanded to give fire upon him that hee returned with no other an answer but what a Musket could speak And thus by Gods providence and mercy wee were clearly rid of them Sir this is as true and short a narration as I could conveniently give you I am as wee are all Your obliged Servants and Kinsmen George William Purefoy Compton Jan. 30. 1644. Wee recovered all our own men again that the Enemy had taken A List of the Officers and Souldiers slain and taken Prisoners Captains 3. Leivtenants 2. one Ensigne one Quartermaster one Cornet â— Corporalls 3 Sergeants Troopers and foot Souldiers about 50. besides 6 Cartloades of wounded men carryed off and neer upon 40 Common Souldiers left dead behinde them in and about the House or Garrison Of mine own men both horse and foot onely one was desperately wounded and another slightly hurt but not one I say was slain a rare and even wonderfull providence indeed Wee took of the Enemies horse and foot arms an 100 Muskets 40 Pistolls and about 20 hand-granadoes This fight began about 2 of the clock in the morning and continued till about 9. in which time the Enemy stormed us 4 severall times and were still beaten off the number of them were both horse and foot between a 1000 and 1200 as their prisoners confessed With their hand-granadoes they desperately fired our stables barnes and brew-house in 3 severall places but did us no more considerable hurt and wee lost about 20 horse and some of our Muskets And was not heer good Reader a most remarkable evidence and undeniable testimony of Gods strong arm with us in putting such a resolute and courageous spirit into the heart of our Souldiers and so admirably delivering them from the rage of such a resolute and furious enemy And at the same time wee had also farther certain information that the very next night that this foresaid defeat was performed 6 Troopes of horse belonging to the Garrison of Northampton went forth thence to discover what parties of the Kings were haply to bee found about the Country not knowing at all of the foresaid brave defeat at Compton House and fell upon 3 Troopes of the same Enemies whch had been so beaten before at Compton House and were now quartered in their return that night in Kings-Sutton neer Banbury where Northampton forces took 57 horse and 6 prisoners the rest of their men getting into the Church there and into another great house close by it Northampton forces lost in this adventure but one man who was shot as hee went to fasten a Petarre unto the Church door and one more was wounded All the horse taken as aforesaid they sold at Northampton the next day of their return home And heer now again good Reader bee pleased to make a little stay and with a gracious and gratefull heart a little to muse and meditate on and that with wonder and amazement too the many and marvellous acts of Gods most precious providence in all the remarkable passages of this moneth also in preserving his blessed Bush still Burning but unconsumed still in the midst of so many fierce and furious devouring emflagrationâ— as namely In the death and downfall of those impious and Arch Traitors of their Country Carew and the Hothams The brave exploits of our forces about Winchester and Ailsbury Colonell Laughorns brave services in Wales related by renowned Captain Swanleyes Letter to the Parliament The brave defeat given to Prince Robber that Prince of Pilferers by renowned Major Generall Brown at Abbington together with the brave beating of the Enemies at Plymouth And Colonell Holborns good services in the West The New-Modell-Army constituted and the brave Victory of Sir William Brerâ—tons forces in Cheshire Together with Colonell Crafords
good service And the zeale of the Kentish Gentry for the good of the Kingdom And in the last not least most famous defeat given to the fierce and furious Royalists at Compton House And the good service of the Northampton forces now last related And now then tell mee good Reader whether England hath not just cause in admiration and adoration of our English Israels great and glorious Shepherd who neither slumbers nor sleeps in most happy though most unholy sinfull and ungratefull Englands constant conservation to sing and say with that Princely Prophet King David Thou art O Lord our God more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey The stout hearted are spoyled they have slept their sleep and none of the men of might have found their hands Surely therefore even the wrath of man shall praise thee and the remainder of his fury shalt thou restrain But now to goe on AND now in the entrance into the first observation of this Moneth of Februaries wonder of the Burning Bush not consumed I shall begin with the information of a very pretty peice of service performed by some of the Parliaments Forces neer Melton Mowberry which was thus A party of Horse from Beaver Castle came suddenly and secretly to assault some of our Leicestershire Forces who were making a Garrison at Sir Erasmus de la Fountains House neer Melton aforesaid with a full intent and hope to have surprised them but were happily frustrated of their expectation For the Parliaments forces having notice of the Enemies approach they valiantly repulsed them took and slew about 8 of them and during the time of the skirmish some of our nimble Souldiers running hastily to supply the want of powder unawares set one or 2 barrels of powder on fire which suddenly blew up one part of Sir Erasmus his House and did very little other hurt But see the wise and good providence of God who turned this little losse into a farre greater gain and benefit for by this means at the least 300 pounds worth of Plate and many good Armes were discovered which had before been hid in the ground and thus made good prize to bee employed for the Parliaments service and benefit And about the same time wee were also certainly informed by Letters out of Leicestershire that a party from Ashbey de la Zoneb came to Cole-Orton intending to have surprized our men there and to have plundered the Town but they mist of their aim and in the attempt lost above 70 or 80 of their horse Very good helps to carry on the businesse this Winter season And about the 6 of this instant February wee received credible intelligence out of Wales that Colonell Gerard with all the strength hee could raise at that time came against Cardigan Castle which hee understood was but meanly provided of necessaries and therefore besieged it whereof valiant Colonell Jones was then Governour Gerard by a stratagem having got into the Town brake down the Bridge between it and Pembrokeshire which was neer the Town and Castle of Cardigan that so no releife might come to them and heerupon hee presently by a Trumpeter sent a summons to the Castle But courageous Colonell Jones returned an answer to this effect That hee had in the Castle 300 raw hides and when all other necessaries failed they would eate them and when they were spent hee and his Souldiers would come forth and fight for their lives and neither give nor take quarter and in the interim would keep the Castle In which mean time the brave Colonell sent to renowned Colonell Laughorn to come to his releif which hee promised and did but when this valiant Colonell came to the Bridge hee found it broken down as aforesaid which was some impediment to his desire but yet like an invincible Caesar resolving Aut viam invenire aut facere with Fagots boards and such like helps hee made away to passe over the River and whiles hee was getting over hee caused an Arrow to bee shot into the Castle with a Letter in it to give them notice that hee was come and so presently hee fell upon the Enemy on one side and Colonell Jones issuing out of the Castle on the other side they soon gave Gerard enough to doe and put Gerard and all his forces to a totall rout took and slew 350 of them 200 being found dead on the place they took also 600 Armes 150 prisoners among whom were divers Officers and men of quality and 4 brasse peices of Ordinance Much about this foresaid time was that great bluster of a Parturiunt montes nascitur ridiculus mus as indeed at last it proved I mean the Treaty of Peace at Vxbridge In which interim a Petition was contrived by some mischeivous Malignants of the County of Buckingham wherin one Sir John Laurence of the same County was a great stickler and was afterwards for it sent for to London and committed to safe custody Which Petition was intended to bee presented to the Parliament Commissioners at Vxbridge in the very midst of the time of their Treaty the effect of this Petition was That Religion might bee established in this Kingdom as in the purest times which indeed were very impure especially in point of Discipline which was meer Popish of Queen Elizabeth That thus these malignant Petitioners might the more subtilly and slily incense the other Popish or Atheisticall Oxonian Commissioners and the whole Malignant party the apparent and known Enemies to the truely intended pure Reformation of Religion and so to make this plot to conduce much to the breaking off of this Treaty and that upon the dissolution thereof the King and his party might with the better colour declare and publish to the world though most falsly that the Parliament was the only cause of the annihilating of this Treaty and so consequently Enemies to Peace and thus bring an universall odium upon the Parliament and their party whose unsetled and unstable spirits wholely addicted to faction and novelties would not admit of any thing but their own pretended Reformation but rather chose the continuance and increase of Warre and bloodshed And for the more full and clear assurance forsooth of this their most foule and false accusation and indeed for the firmer corroborating of this their most dangerous and devillish plot and design they at Oxford had already before hand drawn up a Full Declaration and translated it into severall Languages that thus as soon as they had treated as farre as they had plotted and preintended they might speedily disperse those their foresaid Declarations both over all our 3 Kingdomes and also into all other Forrain parts to prepossesse them with those their most grosse and abominable untruths and so delude them and all ours by most falsly laying the cause of the breach of this on their side meer mock-Treaty upon the innocent Parliament Thus hoping I say by these
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
Chaplaine 2000 armes at least and all their Ammunition Bag and Baggage A brave famous and most seasonable victorie it was indeed and a most hopefull way and meanes of a speedy end by Gods mercy of all the intestine warres and bloody broyles in the Kingdom to God alone be all the honour and glory thereof About the 26. of this instant March we received advertisement of the full disbanding of all Sir Ralph Hoptons forces in the West and divers other occurrents of our Armie there by Letters received from Truro to the honourable speaker of the House of Commons One of which Letters for the Readers better content and satisfaction I have here inserted Verbatim as it was printed and published which was as followeth SIR IN my last I gave you an account of the beginning to disband the Lord Hoptons Army I can now satisfie you of the conclusion of that great worke this day having put a period thereunto except two troops of the Princes Regiment under the Command of Sir Francis Mackworth which by reason of the darknesse of the night could not be conveniently dispatched and so put off till to morrow at seven of the clock by nine it will be done and presently after Proclamation is to be made for the Enemy or any belonging unto them immediatly to depart from Truro and all those Ports to be with the convoy to morrow night or else to be taken as Spies and proceeded against accordingly I have bin present at the disbanding of these Forces from the first to the last except as aforesaid and never did see a thing done with so much civility on both sides and not the least appearance of insulting of ours as if we had never bin at variance each with other not a reproachfull word used nor the value of two pence taken from any man by the Souldiers of this Armie though the country people are apt enough if they have opportunity and the enemies Souldiers straggle to revenge former injuries but the convoy so long as the Souldiers keepe with them suffer not the least prejudice to befall them the number of Brigades in all that have bin disbanded are nine viz. the French Brigade consisting of three Regiments the Lord Wentworths Brigade consisting of three Regiments Sir James Smiths Brigade consisting of three Regiments the Lord Clevelands Brigade consisting of foure Regiments Major Generall Webbs of three Regiments the Lord Hoptons Brigade commanded by Colonell Rovil the Lord Gorings Brigade of five Regiments the Princes Lifeguard consisting of nine troops and 700. men armed Sir Richard Greenvils Reformadoes the men that are dismounted are proper and lusty men Orders are given out for the Army to face about and march Eastward part of it moves to morrow the residue on Saturday except two or three Regiments that are to stay behinde for the blocking up of Pendennis and the mount the Castle of Pendennis was summoned yesterday but those within gave a peremptory answer of refusall and Master Arundel beares the name of Governour but Sir John Digby sir Henry Kilegrew Colonell Slaughter Colonell Sir Abraham Chipman and some others of desperate Fortunes over-rule the Gentleman and make him governe and command to serve their owne ends though it be to ruine himselfe On Wednesday the Generall sent this Bearer in haste with a Letter to Saint Maws who imbarqued himselfe there and went three or foure Leagues to Sea to the Parliament ships and acquainted them with a Frigot of Dunkirk that lay in the Harbour at Falmouth and much annoyed our men at Penny-com-quick a place of good shelter for our men that lye against the Castle So this morning betweene one and two of the clocke a Frigot of ours put into the Harbour being Moon-light had the honour to be saluted with twenty peeces of Cannon from the Castle but got in without any prejudice and hauled the Dunkirk who instead of yeelding gave two broad sides but our Vessel presently made up and after a little dispute Boarded Her put the Irish to the sword preserved the rest and have them Prisoners a broad It is a fine Vessell belonging to Browne Bushel commanded by Captaine Lewis and will be of singular use to cleare the Harbour if any Vessel of the Kings happen to come in having the benefit of Saint Mawes on the one side and at the mouth of the Harbour the assistance of Hilford Fort which was this day surrendred to us wherein were twenty and six peeces of Ordnance so their strong Castle of Pendennis is of little use at Sea and by Land of no great prejudice considering the narrow necke of Land it stands upon and the Line that may be drawne from Sea to Sea and may be defended with as many men as are in the Castle Leiutenant Colonell Jngoldsby going to view the Castle received a shot from some Muskettiers of the Enemies that were behind the Mud-wals of which he died within three houres being a valiant and stout man Major Cobbet also was shot in the Arme but not dangorously This is all the accompt time would give me leave to present you with concerning the Army of these parts which I thought fit to send this Bearer purposely withall that you may be certainly informed of our condition adding this that about an hundred with their Armes came this day from the Mount to Truro the head quarters many took up Armes with us the rest went to their homes I am Sir your Servant J. R. Truro March 19. 1645. The Messenger staying till this morning I can now satisfie you that the two Troops that remained of the last night are this morning disbanded I have no other newes to write but to morrow the Generals Army marches towards Exeter Truro March 20 1645. at 4 in the afternoon And March 27 the House of Parliament in way of bounden gratitude to almighty God for this great mercy of the thus reducing of well-nigh all Cornwall to their obedience and that also of subduing and overthrowing of Sir Jacob Ashleyes Army and thereby obtaining a most happy and hopefull end of our troubles they having first invited the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Common-Councell of the most famous City of London to heare two Sermons that were to be preached before them at Christs Church in London In answer thereof the Lord Major Aldermen and Common-Councell aforesaid invited both Houses of Parliament to a Dinner on the same day of Thanksgiving At which invitation Alderman Foukes delivered himself as from the whole City to the House making a Speech unto them and Master Speaker answered the same by command of the House in a congratulatory way much affection and amity being expressed mutually on both sides About the 28 instant we also received certaine information by Letters out of the West of our most noble Generals advance toward the City of Exeter and concerning the taking of Pouldram-Fort neer Exeter and of Inch-House also by Colonell Welden the Governour of