Enemies since he is with us and that we should not be dismayed because he is our God and mightie defence who thus hath strengthned us holpen and upheld us with the right hand of his power and righteousnesse And now therefore behold and beholding O admire it all those that were incensed against us are ashamed and confounded they are even become as nothing and they that stubbornly strove with us are mightily destroyed and perish before us O then what shall we returne to the Lord for all these great and amazing mercies to us O what are we able to repay to our God for all these free and utterly undeserved favours thus copiously confered upon us O let us all faithfully and thank fully take the Cup of Salvation and praise the name of the Lord our God and readily and really pay our vowes to this wonder-working God of our Salvation But now to proceed to the yet farther progresse of the contemplation and admiration of the continued wonder of the Burning-Bush unconsumed nay rather more and more dressed and made to flourish in the midst of the flames of this Moneth also of December 1645. And here we shall first begin with some of our loyall and loving Brethren of Scotlands actions about Newarke whether they being now come in to our assistance with a very considerable Army of Horse and Foot to help to besiege this stubborne rebellious and very pernicious Towne to bring it under the Parliaments obedience About the beginning of this instant December the Scottish Commissioners received Letters from his Excellency Generall Lesley Earle of Leven fully informing the particulars of his taking of Muschamp Bridge by his Forces viz. That about the 6 of November last his Army being advanced within about a mile or two of Newark the Generall caused a Line to be drawne close to Muschamp-Bridge and there placed some Musketteers intending to crosse the River and storme the Fort upon the other side but the Enemy apprehending the designe resolved to cut off the Bridge and upon the 28 in the morning before breake of day they sallyed out upon the Scots and attempted the cutting off the Bridge but were most resolutely and bravely beaten from it by the Muketeers with little losse to our friends which the Enemy perceiving set fire to the Draw-Bridge but the Scots falling stoutly on them againe beat them back and very closely pursued them and made them forsake all their Works and so our valiant Brethren became masters both of the Bridge and strong Fort and now have very closely besieged that part of the Towne Upon the reading of which Letter in Parliament the thanks of the Houses were returned to the Scottish Commissioners and a vote passed That his Excellency Generall Lesley for the better and more orderly managing of the Siege against Newarke should command in chiefe all the Forces as well English as Scottish before Newarke Which Vote was fully and freely assented unto by both Houses of Lords and Commons where now we will leave them till another opportunity with our prayers for their prosperity in this great work and proceed About the fourth of this instant December a Letter Petition and Declaration of the County of Brecknock in Wales was presented to the House of Commons and there read declaring their firme resolutions to comply with and wholly to submit unto the commands of the Parliament which Declaration bearing date Novemb 23. 1645. for the fulnesse and excellency thereof and for the Readers better content and satisfaction I have here inserted verbatim as it was printed and published by authority which was as followeth WE the Gentry and Inhabitants of the County of Brecknock whose names are subscribed do declare and professe That we are fully satisfied in conscience that the two Houses of Parliament now sitting at Westminster are the true and undoubted lawfull Parliament of England and the supreme Court of Judicature of the Kingdome To whose judgement and determination we do and will in conscience of our Loyalty and not by terrour or constraint submit our selves our lives and fortunes We are also perswaded and confesse That the Armes taken up and continued by authority of Parliament in this defensive Warre are raised and continued in their owne just defence and for the just defence of the Protestant Religion the Person and Honour of the Kings Majesty the Priviledges of Parliament and the liberty of the Subject And that the Forces raised or to be raised within the Kingdome of England or Dominion of Wales without their consent are raised and imployed for destruction of Parliaments fomenting and establishing Popery Prelacy and an illegall Arbitrary Government In apprehension whereof we do unanimously resolve and firmly ingage and undertake that we with all persons under our power and command will from henceforward to the extreamest hazard of our lives and fortunes adhere to and assist the Forces raised or to be raised by authority of Parliament against all other Forces raised or to be raised against them or without their consent and we shall willingly and cheerfully joyn with Maior Generall Laughorne and those three associated Counties whereof he is Maior Generall and with the County of Glamorgan with whom we are already associated and contribute our utmost assistance and endeavours proportionably to the said respective Counties in such way as Maior Generall Laughorn shall thinke fit and meetest for the Service of the Parliament And from this resolution and engagement we shall not swerve or recead by adhering to the contrary party or imbraâ—ing a detestable neutrality either by perswasion dread or any other motive whatsoever After the reading and debate of this Declaration and the other Papeâ—s from the County of Brecknock it was referred to the Committee of Gloucester to draw a Letter in answer to the same and informe them how that the Houses of Parliament had granted their requests and do cheerfully accept of them and commend their submission and declarative resolutions as aforesaid c. And about the sixth of this instant there came Letters to the Speaker of the House of Commons certainly signifying the surrenner of Latham House in Lancashire a strong and pernicious Garrison which had much infested that County which having been the busie yet cowardly Earle of Darbies House had been held and maintained against the Parliaments Forces for the space of two yeares at least by the Countesse of Darby the said Earles Lady that stout Virago who proved the better Souldier of the two and had so long indeed bravely maintained the same against us and was now enforced to yeeld it up onely for want of bread and drinke for they had above sixe weekes drunke nothing but water but had store enough of other provisions and about 200. Common Souldiers The Governour alone was to depart with his Horse and Armes and ten pounds in money the Officers above the degree of a Lieutenant only with their Swords All the rest onely with staves
Garrison of Abington into their consideration and it was ordered that monies should speedly be sent downe for the payment of it as indeed it most worthily deserved whom the Lord did most admirably assist and preserve from most dangerous and desperate ruine by a most furious assault so daily made upon them by the Enemy from Oxford whereof as this day we were given to understand and as by this ensuing Letter to renowned Major Generall Browne is most apparent even unto full satisfaction which was as followeth Honourable Sir I Had not an opportunity to send my Letters formerly written but now God hath afforded an accasion to speed away his Messenger on purpose to let you know that the last night the Enemy drew out of Oxford with a strong party of 1000 Horse and all the strength they could make of 〈◊〉 and notwithstanding all our parties abroad and our Horse Guard they came between Thrupp and Norcot to Barton House and kept covert till day light and lay still after the Ravalue was beaten and our out-Centinels called in and then suddenly arising out of their Ambushment taking the advantage our Works being caved out at the Spurr and other places forced our Guards beat them all from the Works entred above 300 men possest themselves of Abby-Guard Spur-Guard Wayne-Guard and Barne pressed hard towards the Prison where three of their men were slaine betweene Master Dues House and the Prison by which time we had taken the Alarm and our men were got together and made good the passage and then fearing least they should possesse themselves of Bore-Bridge and so let in their Horse which they had in great numbers about our Works I commanded a party toward the Bridge and lodged them in the old Redoubt at Bore-Lane end which was of much good use for us for by keeping that we kept the Town I also sent another party which did very good service at Wainyard In the 〈◊〉 time our Horse did most gallantly charge their Foot routed their Musketeers and we had doubtlesse taken most of them that were over the Work but that they were preserved by a strong body of their Pikes Major Blundell and Colonell Washburn came in unto us in good time charged gallantly through the thickest of them which so terrified them that being on all sides beset they quit their ground tumbled over the Works faster than they came in and besides them they carried away we took 13 prisoners of them There were slaine on our party but two Common Souldiers Captain Taylor Captain Maddocks Quartermaster Cox were dangerously wounded Major Blundell slightly hurt with a Halbert on the thigh Captain Keeling shot in the hand Colonell Washburn had his great bay horse slaine under him Quartermaster Arnot and Major Blundels Cornet Horses were slaine and many of our men sorely wounded The dispute was very harsh for the time but God gave our men such spirits that scorning death they resolved rather to lose their lives than the Towne and some of them fought most desperately in their shirts onely as they started out of their beds and could but snatch up their weapons and flie to their Horses Our Horse Guard that lay without Ockbridge ranne all away whether for feare of the Enemy or for feare of being called to an account for their neglect I know not they were part of Sussex Troop I desire you will please to order the Officers of Colonell Rainsboroughs Regiment to come down to look to their charge there being here but foure of tenne Commanders I am informed that the King hath sworne he will have Abbington and will fire it and that this night againe we shall be assaulted with 2500 men I doubt not if he come but he shall finde us better â—â—aided than before Sir I beseech you be pleased to hasten down some 〈◊〉 for the relief of our poore men whose necessities are great and their need of encouragement as great Sir I shall desire to approve my self to the utmost of my power Your Honours most humble Servant George Pain Abington March 2. 1645. And here good Reader I shall desire thee to take notice of Gods extraordinary providence in the preservation of this Town iâ— one especiall passage which was omitted in the Letter whereof I was credibly informed viz. That the Enemy having got the Magazine in their power or so neer it that they might have fired it yet were so confident that the Town was certainly theirs that though they might yet they therefore did not whereas I say had they doubted the taking of it they would no doubt have done it and then had irrecoverably mastered the Town our Souldiers not having above three charges of powder left them at that time and so might easily have been all destroyed and taken Besides had they taken this Town they would have first plundred it to purpose and carried away whatever was portable and worth having and then unquestionably have set the whole Town on fire as not being tenable by them as their case then stood the King at this time necessitated to draw all the Souldiers into the Field for the forming of a Field Army and not able to keep or increase Garrisons especially this Garrison at this time Therefore I say see what an admirable mercy and speciall providence and protection of the Lord was here seene to this Town and therefore what great praise and Thanksgiving is due to the Lord for the same But to goe on Upon the 4. of this instant we received the certaine intelligence and confirmation of the surrender of the strong Garrison of Ashbie de la Zouch to Leicester forces The conditions of the surrender were that Hastings alias the Lord of Loughborough together with his brother the Earle of Huntington and Colonell Perkins should have their estates unsequestred protections for their persons passes to go beyond Sea the rest of the Officers to have liberty to compound for their sequestration and passes if desired to go beyond Sea also and the Garrison to be slighted Too good Conditions indeed for such a desperate and wicked Rob-Caryer as Hastings was but that the Kingdome may be glad to be rid of such wretches The surrender was made accordingly on Munday the second instant We tooke therein 5. Peeces of Ordnance about 300. Armes little ammunition and no great store of other provisions A great mercy and mightie preservation of the peace and tranquility of all those ad-jacent Parts about it for which let God have all the due praise and glory About the 6. of this instant March we had farther certaine information of the singular good successe of our armie in the West passing on most prosperously by God Almightie guard and guidance The summe of which dayes intelligence was contained in these 2. ensuing Letters from Master Rushworth which was as followeth To the Honourable W. Lenthall Speaker to the Honourable House of Commons SIR IN my last I acquainted
will give the Parliament some better means and opportunity for the relief of our bleeding Brethren in Ireland and the suppressing of those horrid Rebels and reducing of that Kingdome wherein besides the publike and common interest we are particularly concerned Lastly we should have much to say for this City if we could imagine that its fidelity and constant services and devotions to the Parliament could either be questioned or forgotten that little we shall expresse on the part of the City is not to repeat how zealous we have been in the Cause of God and this Parliament how we have spilt our blood and spent and laid out our selves and our Estates in maintenance thereof how many publike acknowledgements we have by us of the favourable acceptance of them and promises to leave Testimonies thereof to all future ages but only to beseech your Lordships to consider how much our hearts may justly be dejected now that God hath followed your endeavours and our prayers with so many successes and brought the Warre to a probable period as to the sense of man That the Enemies of our Peace should strive now to sow jealousies between the Parliament and this City as hath been too evident of late and particularly should so far prevaile as to be able to render the chiefe Magistrate of this City the Lord Mayor suspected unto whom we cannot but give this iust Testimony That he in his place hath faithfully behaved himself and carefully dischaged his Office We could adde much more of the daily invectives against us from the Pulpit and other places where the Boutefew's of these Sectaries are admitted the scurrilous and seditious Pamphlets daily broached in and against the City And the great contempt of and discouragement unto the Ministers of the Gospel who adhere to the Presbyteriall Government But we shall conclude with this briefe and humble representation of our Petition and desires to your Lordships in the name of the whole City I. That some strict and speedy course may be taken for the suppressing of all private and separate Congregations II. That all Anabaptists Brownists Hereticks Schismaticks Blasphemers and all such Sectaries as conforme not to the publike Discipline established or to be established by Parliament may be fully declared against and some effectuall course setled for proceeding against such persons III. That as we are all Subjects of one Kingdome so all may be equally required to yeeld obedience unto the Government set forth or to be set forth by the Parliament IV. That no person disaffected to the Presbyteriall Government set forth or to be set forth by the Parliament may be employed in any place of publike Trust V. That your Lordships will please to hasten Propositions to His Majesty for setling of a safe and well grounded Peace amongst us after so long and unnaturall a warre VI. That your Lordships according to the Covenant and Treaties will please to study all means to preserve the Union between the two Nations of England and Scotland and to remove all jealousies which may endanger our mutuall agreement VII That your Lordships will please to consider of some meanes whereby the priviledge which the Members of this Honourable House and their Assistants and the Servants of both and others enjoy by being protected and exempted from being proceeded against for their debts may be so qualified as that the Subject may be able to recover his own in some due time VIII That all publike Revenues and Receipts may be employed to publike uses that so the Taxes of the City may be abated IX That the Estates and Compositions of Delinquents may according to the engagements by Ordinances of Parliament be applyed to discharge the great summes owing to this City and Citizens X. That the Plymouth Duty may be taken off the Trade especially now that the West is reduced XI That the Committee at Haberdashers-Hall may be presently dissolved or at least so limited and regulated as that the City may have no cause of complaint XII That the reducing of the Kingdome of Ireland may be taken into consideration before the good party there be too farre wasted and discouraged XIII That the Lord Mayor of this City may be fully vindicated XIV And lastly and above all That your Lordships will please not to looke upon any expressions of this our Remonstrance and Petition as charging any thing upon your Lordships or as intended to intrench upon any priviledges of this Honourable House but favourably to accept thereof and so to interpret the same as from a single and humble heart it is sincerely and without any by-ends or to comply with any party whatsoever intended and breathed forth from the sad heart of the Petitioners who are overwhelmed with many feares on all sides And who call God the Searcher of all hearts to witnesse that according to their Covenant and duty their zeale devotion and obedience is as servant and prostrate as ever to serve the Parliament with their Lives and Estates against all the Enemies of our Peace and to conjoyn the City more and more to the Parliament and to maintain the Union of both Nations against all Opposers whatsoever All which we humbly submit unto the wisdome of this Honourable House 26. Maii. 1646. The Answer of the Lords in Parliament to the Remonstrance and Petition of the City of London THe Lords are very sensible of the great fidelity and constant services of the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Common-Councell of the City of London to this present Parliament which they shall never forget They acknowledge their zeale expressed upon all occasions in the Cause of God and this Parliament and how readily they have spilt their blood and spent and laid out themselves and their Estates in the maintenance thereof They are well satisfied with your Expressions and Care to settle the true Reformed Protestant Religion according to the Covenant and with your desires to have all Heresies Schismes and Blasphemies suppressed as also with your respect to preserve the Rights and Priviledges of Parliament the Liberties of the Kingdomes and to preserve and defend his Majesties Person and Authority in the preservation of the true Religion and the Liberties of the Kingdomes his Royall Posterity and the Peace of the Kingdomes As also with your desires for the continuance of that union between us and our Brethren of Scotland Of whose services and sufferings we shall not only hold a gratefull memory but upon all occasions give a Retaliation Vnto all which we hold our selves equally with you obliged by our Solemne League and Covenant As to the person of the Lord Mayor the Lords hold a high esteem of him according to his Merit and have commanded me to let you know that nothing hath passed this House at any time in prejudice of him And when the particulars wherein he findes himself agrieved shall be made knowne unto them they shall be ready in a Parliamentary way to do him right The Lords will take
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
saying Thou O Lord alone art most worthy to receive all Glory and Honour and Power For Thou hast created this great Salvation and Deliverance for us Yeâ— and All-Things were created and are for thy pleasure and Praise Even so Amen 2 To the Parliament TO the High and Honourable-Court of Parliament the renowned Lords and Commons as His Sublunary prime and principall Agents and Instruments in these our mighty and even miraculous Deliverances I must and doe most justly and ingenuously acknowledge your Loyalty and Zeal to and for God and your Country your constant out-darings of all Plots and Conspiracies witnesse that grand and unparallelled Affront and Abuse January the 4. 1641. Yea all Violence from abroad and at home The many thousand Mischeivous Machinations against us Your continuall and indefatigable tuggings through so many Counterplots and Oxford fine-Designes the like never heard of nor recorded in any age or history Have yee not most unanimously kept even to this day and long may yee that famous Act of Continuation even miraculously sealed unto you by the Royall Hand Who could have said 7 yeares agoe That a Parliament should have sate at all again in England Much lesse a Parliament to sit incessantly till now at Westminster especially considering that forementioned intended Acheldama or Field of Blood in the House of Commons by those armed ruffianly Royalists Yea and an Army whom yee payed when they were plotting and preparing to come against you and as it were rewarded them for intending your destruction a Bounty hardly heard of in other ages and yet for all these a Parliament They that saw whole Committees of Nobility and Gentry posting to York and doing what they could to carry the very Parliament-House had it been possible along with them And since that a pestilent and pernicious jugling-juncto or Mock-Parliament at Oxford and yet a Parliament at Westminster They that knew the intestine Temptings secret Sidings and perverting Partyings made within your own Walls and yet a Parliament at Westminster A Parliament indeed of Prayer summoned from Heaven and by Prayer continued in spight of Hell And what shall I say of you most Excellent Worthies far transcending ancient Romes so famoused grave and renowned Senators Yee have pulled down our tyrannicall Greivances and set up our hereditary Liberties Which the People will best see when the glistering of Swords is over the eye of popular judgement being now a while dazled with warre every Greivance now seeming to reside in that which so for the present pinches Yee have taken down by your Excellent Ordinances most of Idolatry from among us not suffering that Babylonish Harlot to have her name so much as in a peice of Glasse nor the shadow of a strange God in the Walls of our Church-Buildings Yee have Ordinanced away oppressing Prelacy and Popish-apish Innovations and Mimicall Ceremonies those Dark-Lanthornes of the Bishops by which they insensibly thought to have brought in the triple-Crown and none should have seen it till it had been among us Yee have Ordinanced standing-Remedies for standing-Troubles even a Monethly-Fast or Spirituall-Militia and are not wee a hard-hearted People that must bee compâ—lled to Repentance by a Law Yee have Ordinanced a precious and pious Solemn League or Covenant to tye 3 Kingdomes together to their God and One to another if it might bee A most heavenly Engine indeed considering there are so many Tuggers to pull them asunder both Papists Prelates atheisticall Malignants and unhappily if not unholily dissenting Separatists Yea you have Ordinanced a reverend religious and learned Assembly of Divines a divine auxiliarie indeed to promove and properate the blessed work of building and beautiâ—ying Gods House with powerfull and pure Ordinances and the Kingdome with a thorow Reformation These and many mo such like admirable Advancements of the Lords Glory have yee most happily and honourably establisht and effected for which Posterity shall have just cause everlastingly to praise and blesse the Lord for you Finally I may say of you both renowned Houses of Lords and Commons as Solomon of his praise-worthy Woman Prov. 31. 29. Many Parliaments have done excellently but This present Parliament hath excelled them all 3 To the Assembly of Divines TO the truely venerable Assembly of Divines whom I must most deservedly congratulate for your unwearied pains incessant disputes and learned toylings to build up as much as in you is the House of God to a glorious Evangelicall structure yea and for your holy and grave remindings of the Parliament continually to keep time with God in Victories and Losses by Praises and Humiliations And if any ask mee What yee are now a doing I answer Yee are doing yea doing the Work of the Lord in sending the Word abroad by your divine Agents and faithfull Factors for Reformation Yee are praying and disputing us out of our distempers and distractions And shall not Wee bee patient untill Yee by Gods gracious guidance and assistance have argued-out the Truth from Errour and illustrious Light from Glow-worm-Glistrings and too evident Darknesse God forbid However Reverend Gentlemen heer 's your Comfort your Work maugre all unbrotherly and uncharitable prejudice is with your God who will not leave it unrewarded 4. To the City of London TO thee most famous and faithfull Metropolis of the Kingdom the City of London who deservest not the least Congratulation in this our Panegyrick Pyramides of just Praises Of which I may most justly say with the sweet Singer of Israel Psal 87 3. Many and most glorious things are spoken of thee O City of God! Hast not Thou been under God a grand Bulwark and a constant Garrison to the Cause of God Have not yee most venerable Senators and renowned Commons thereof been a glorious and impregnable Reserve to 3 tottering Kingdomes Doe not Gloucester Newberry Redding Arundell c. look red with the glorious guerdion of your crimson-Conquests Have yee not exchanged your Shops for Tents Your soft and smooth advantages at home for rugged-difficulties and rough-dangers abroad Have you not been an admirable rich Armory and a munificent Magazine to the Lords just and most righteous Cause Hath it not been your Artillery for the most part and Ammunition which have given such and so many successefull Alarâ—â—s to the enemies of God Have not your happy Habitations been a Hyding-place and a safeguarding Sanctuary to Gods afflicted Out-casts and distressed Saints their Wives and Children from all parts almost of the whole Kingdom whom yee have with your Christian Charity and most helpfull Hospitality nourisht and cherisht with the Brest-milk of your Love and Bounty Have yee not been as it were an unexhaustible Exchequer to this great Cause Witnesse the wonderfull free and frequent disbursments of your money out of your Chests and purses and liberall Emptyings of your former rich and costly Cupâ—oards of Plate all to enrich the Gospel and advance the glorious Work of Reformation of Evils in Church and State And hath
the World And the Generations that are yet to come shall pay tributary-Honours to their Ashes And O that this present Generation would plant a Field of ever-flourishing Laurell and fragrant Bayes unto them and tell their Children These are for Garlands to deck the browes of all these our renowned Worthies who have not been afraid to look Death in the face for the preservation and maintenance of their more than Life precious Gospell and Liberties 6 To God ANd now again in the last place as in the first since the Lord JEHOVAH our Great and Glorious Wonder-working God is and ought to bee the Alpha and Omega of all things in Heaven and in Earth And is indeed the Authour and Finisher both of our Faith and of all our Felicity And hath so freely and so fully wrought and done All our Works in us and for us And so admirably raised up all these Saviours the Means and Instruments to bee thus happily and successefully assistant to us For all these so rich and rare for all these so many and marveilous Blessings Benedictions and Preservations thus graâ—ciously and gushingly flowing out and powred down upon Vs Therefore I say to This only Wise God of Peace and Power this unexhaustible overflowing Fountan of Free Grace and Goodnesse whose Wayes are unsearchable whose Power is unreâ—istible and whose unlimited Love and boundlesse Bounty is unexpressible Who hath thus done abundantly above All that wee were able to ask think or desire much lesse in the least measure to deserve according to the Power of his Spirit wherby hee is able indeed to doe All Things To Him Alone and Altogether bee all Honour and Glory Dominion and Praise with all holy Reverence and Universall Obedience in the Church of God by Jesus Christ throughout all Generations even worldwithout end Amen and Amen THE SONG of MOSES PARAPHRASTICALLY And Metrically applyed to our Present-Purpose AS A Preparative whereunto let mee beseech every Religious Reader of this Parliamentary Chronicle to rouse up his Soule and raise up his Spirit with this fervent and affectionate ejaculation of holy David that Sacred and Sugred Singer of Israel Psal 57. 7 8 9 10. My heart is fixed O God my heart is fixed I will sing and give Praise Awake up my Glory awake Psaltery and Harp Yea I my self will awake right early I will praise thee O Lord among the People I will sing unto thee among the Nations For thy Mercy is great unto the Heavens And thy Truth reacheth unto the Clouds THE Song of Moses paraphrastically applyed in Meeter to our present purpose IF ever Moses had just cause to sing The high-tun'd praises of heavens glorious King When God his Israel out of Egypt brought And with strong Arme and mighty Wonders wrought Them from tyrannicall Tax-masters freed And their Deliverance long before decreed Had now completely brought to passe with Fame And all his People gladly saw the same Themselves secure on Land their Foes all drown'd And they had thus Gods Promise faithfull found Then sure as justly it to us belongs With as enlarged-hearts to sing such Songs Even us I say Gods English-Israel It ev'ry-way befits becomes as well To magnifie and Omnifie Heavens name And with incessant sounds of Trumps of Fame With Voice and Verse with tongues and hands and hearts Triumphantly to put forth our best-Parts And with God-pleasing Moses thus to sing The endlesse praise of heavens eternall King The Song SIng praise sing praise unto Jehovah high For hee hath triumphed most gloriously O're all our foes The horse and Rider Hee Hath tumbled down to deepest misery Yea all the rotten-Routâ— of Romanists Papists and Prelates Atheists Royalists And mad-Malignants voyd of Grace or Sense To whom God now hath made just recompense The Lord is our sure-strength and pleasant-Song And unto him yea him alone belong The precious praise of our Salvation sweet Hee is our God let us as is most meet Prepare for him a holy Habitation Who is our God yea God of all our Nation Let us make holy-haste to edifie His glorious Church in worships purity For sure the Lord 's a Man of War most stout The Lord God is his Name the world throughout The proudest Princes that against him rose The strongest stoutest hosts of furious foes With all their boldest bravest Captains Hee Hath drown'd and drencht in Seas of misery And like a Stone made them sink deep and fall Death and destruction hath them swallowed all The Right hand of the Lord is most Victorious The Right hand of the Lord is strong and glorious And full of Power and Might and Majesty To dash in peices each proud Enemy And in the Greatnesse of thy glorious Might Thou hast o're thrown all that against Thee fight And mad'st their swelling Pride but as a Bubble And by thy Wrath consumedst them like stubble And with thy Nostrills easie Breath and Blast The swelling Waves were like great Banks up cast And made on heaps to stand up like a Wall And so congealed that they could not fall And when thine Enemies which saw this sight Stuft and stirr'd up with rancour rage and spight Said in themselves So so I 'le now pursue I 'le overtake and make them All to rue I will divide the spoile and satisfie My utmost Lust upon them till they dye I 'le draw my Sword and quickly them destroy My hand shall bring them all to dire annoy And thus O thus did ouâ— proud Enemies Resolve o're us to treaâ— and tyrannize All England Scotland Ireland quite to foil And ' mongst themselves soon to divide the Spoil But in the midst of their insulting Pride The Lord Jehovah blew brought back the tyde Turn'd all those Watery Walls to liquid Waves And made the Ocean the eternall-graves Of all his Israels foes who sank like Lead Into the Seas vaste depth till they were dead O therefore who Great God in like to Thee Who ' mongst all gods to Thee compar'd may bee In Holinesse most glorious and in Praise Most fearfull Working Wonders in our dayes When Thou thy powerfull Right hand stretchest out Thou mak'st the Earth devour thy Foes most stout But Thou in thy rich Grace dost lead along Thy Chosen Flock and them redeem'st from wrong And in thy strength dost them most safely guide And in thy holy Habitation hide The Heathens shall this hear and bee afraid With woe shall Palestina bee dismaid The Dukes of Edom shall astonisht bee And when as Moabs mighty Men shall see Gods mighty Wonders they shall tremble All The Canaanites shall moulder melt and fall Even France and Spain and Rome and Denmark bold Shall bee amaz'd when they the things behold Which God hath dâ—ne for England Scotland and Malignants all shall thus astonisht stand And fear and dread shall them soon overtake And Gods strong Arm as still as Stones them make Till all thy People Lord passe over free Till they passe over purchased by Thee Till Thou hast
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
I had appointed a Party both of Horse and Foot to March with mee to have met with the enemy who was within three or foure miles of our Garrison plundring and spoyling the Country Having therefore given order to Major Hammond my Major of Horse to draw out the Horse and Major Gray my Lord Stamfords Major to draw out the Foot both having been with me for orders therein they meeting in my lodging neer the door it so fell out that through some exceptions of Major Gray taken at Major Hammond at a Councell of Warre they entring into the street upon departure from mee upon a blow given by Major Gray to Major Hammâ—id they drew their swords upon each other where and at which time Major Gray received his deaths wound whereupon our Foot Souldiers fell into a high discontent and quarrell which notwithstanding it pleased the Lord so to appease that I presumed to goe forward with my Designe and to march on And the next day in the morning wee met with the enemy at Kidmarlâ—y entred fight with them when by Gods great hand of mercy to us wee slew their Generall Mynne with some other Officers and about an hundred Souldiers and took prisoners of them one Lieutenant Colonell Passey Major John Buller seven Captaines three Lieutenants five Ensignes and twelve Sergeants with other Officers and men of note and of common Souldiers about three hundred the rest of the enemy fled and escaped some to Lidbury whither our Horse pursued them But by reason of another body of strength come from Worcester of about two hundred Horse and five hundred Foot comming and advancing in our sight purposing to have joyned with Colonell Mynne wee thought it more safe to gather up our stragling pursuers and make our march back to Ridmarly with safety and to make good our obtained Victory and there to expect the advancing enemy rather than presumptuously to hazzard our selves and the rest in seeking the enemy with our tyred Horse and wearyed Foot and so they retreated to Lidbury and we to Glocester where we have much cause to magnifie the Almighties goodnesse to us and to sing incessant praises to him for the same Our losse was only that Colonell Harley was shot in his left arme but no danger to his life or health praised bee God and who like a most gallant and valiant Gentleman indeed behaved himself in this fight and the rest also did like very brave men Two or three of our Souldiers were slain but praised bee the Lord not one Officer and not passing foure or fire more wounded Thus much at present I thought it my duty to signifie from my self whose faithfulnesse shall ever bee manifest in the Parliaments Service and Cause being unto Your self Sir a most thankfull acknowledger of your many favours and Your most humble Servant Edward Massie ABout the eighth of this instant August also came credible information by Letters to London from Weâ— that that most valiant loyall and active Commander Colonell Mition Governour of Oswestre and valiant and faithfull Sir Thomas Middleton to lessen our danger of Prince Roberts going Westward against the Lord Generall joyning together with about three hundred Horse and foure hundred Foot marched from thence to Welch pool in Montgomery in Wales two long miles distant at which place that bold and bloody Prince of Plunderers his own Regiment of Horse were quartered and where they suddenly falling on his sleepy and secure Cavaliers early in the morning they killed Ruperts own Cornet who refused quarter which was proffered him took so many Horse that they mounted most of their Foot home again even above three hundred they also took about an hundred Prisoners besides three Captaines three Cornets three Quartermasters and divers other Officers with much Armes and Baggage But Sir Thomas Dallison brother to Popish Dallison the Lawyer who commanded those Horse had the unfortunate happinesse to scape away and for haste was faine to run away only in his shirt and left his breeches behinde him such a strait hee was put unto wherein was found a Letter to Prince Robber which hee intended that morning to have sent to his impious Highnesse Much also about the same time came certain information by Letters out of the West to London that Colonell Sydenham that valiant and loyall Commander in Armes assisted with that much honoured and worthy Gentleman Sir Anthony Ashley-Cooper Knight and Baronet having some time lyen before Wareham a strong Garrison Town of the Enemies about foure miles from Pool Now at length gave a fierce assault upon the Town had gained the outworks and that the Enemy sent a Drum for a Parly which being granted a respit for an answer was desired by the Town till next morning but this would not bee yeelded to nor for any longer time than one houre whereupon the Town of Wareham upon Articles of faire agreement was surrendred unto them and the one thousand two hundred Horse and Foot which lay before it was immediately designed to march further Westward to Colonell Middleton Now heer also I must farther inform the Reader that this strong Town was especially so soon surrendred by reason of a Letter sent from the Lord of Inchiquin out of Ireland to his brother Lievtenant Colonell O Brian then Governour of Wareham in his said brothers absence in which Letter the said Lord of Inchiquin had declared That his resolution waâ— to stand firm to the Parliament and to live and die in the defence of their Cause which â—ee now most clearly saw was in the right and that the Kings party bad meerly abused them all and sought the certain subversion of the true Brâ—testant Religion both in England and in Ireland and therefore desired him that hee would seriously consider of the same and speedily surrender the Town of Wareham to the use of the Parliament Which Letter being read to the Souldiers in the Town they were all for the most part willing to have the Town surrendred onely some few Irish Rebells were averse upon whose obstinate deniall they were presently dispatcht out of the way and cut off by the other Souldiers in part of requitall of the Protestant blood which they and their barbarous and bloody brethren had shed in Ireland And the said Lievtenant Colonell and the rest of his Souldiers presently declared themselves for the Parliament and hee also prevailed so far with his Souldiers that five hundred of them took the Covenant and were willing to bee shipt away for Munster in Ireland to assist his brother the foresaid Lord of Inchiquin and the other Parliament Forces in the said Province against the Irish Rebells And about the tenth of this instant Letters out of Staffordshire advertised that Bagot the Governour of Litchfield had caused twelve of his bravest Horses to bee breathed and rid abroad some few miles to take the fresh air forsooth which being so abroad they were all suddenly surprised
and snapt up by a party of about twenty Horse of the Garrison of Stafford who had been scouâ—ing abroad upon some discovery and were informed thereof and got between them and home and took them all and safely carried them away with them which said twelve Horses were of that value and estimation with the Governour that bee offered a thousand pound to have had them again but could not About the sixteenth of this instant August wee also received a perfect and faithfully satisfying relation of the certainty of the thrice noble and renowned Earle of Manchesters victorious proceedings and farther advance in those Northerâ— parts from Dorcaster after that most famous Victory at Marston-Moor 〈◊〉 York which the Lord of Hosts gave us testified under the hand and by the Letter of that Reverend and truely pious Gentleman Mr. Goods Chaplain to the said Noble Earl which 〈◊〉 sent to his reverend and religious brother-Minister and fellow 〈◊〉 in to the said Earl Mr. Simâ—on Ash then in London 〈◊〉 whereof I have been â—â—tracted which was briefly this That the most Noble and Victorious Earl of Manchester being upon his advance according to order and agreement between the three renowned Generals at 〈◊〉 from Doncaster and Blyth they câ—me to Worsâ—p about eight miles from Blyth At which time of his Lordships being there Welbeck the Earl of Newcastles own dwelling-house wherein was a strong Garrison and where most of the Gentry of those parts of that County had laid up their Plate and 〈◊〉 goods having been summoned and besieged some dayes before by his Lordships forces was now surrendred to them upon composition and Articles of Agreement And whereas all the Souldiers in it â—ad liberty to march away with their Armes and one price of Ordnance whither they pleased there were not aboue thirty men of two hundred who took away any Armes but rather desired that they might depart peaceably to their own homes only there was a broken Troop of Horse which went from thence with the foresaid thirty foot unto Bever-castle This place was taken without any great noise nothing appearing there but friendship and civility when the House was surrendred Heer wee took eight or nine great peices of Ordnance some bigget some lesser with good store of Mâ—â—ch Bullet and two hundred Muskets The keeping of this House was committed to the care of Colonell Tiberâ—ay a Commander of Nottingham Garrison because the House is in Nottinghamshire There were left therein the Marquesse of Newcastles three Daughters the Lord Widdringtons children with others into very peaceable manner without any great disturbance to themselves or their families there After this this noble and victorious Generall the virtuous and valourous Earl of Manchester advanced farther and sent out a party of his Army consisting of 〈◊〉 thousand two hundred Foot and a Regiment of Horse commanded by Major-Generall Grawford and Colonell Pickering with three of their biggest peices of Ordnance to take 〈…〉 a strong hold in Yorkshire wherein were a Troop of Horse and two hundred foot strongly fortifyed with abroad and deep Treâ—â— of eighteen foot deep and water in it a strong 〈◊〉 work 〈◊〉 will round of two yards thick eight 〈◊〉 of Iron Ordnance and two Morter-peices Our forces being come neeâ—â—â—his Castle sâ—nt them three 〈…〉 which did 〈…〉 after which they sent 〈…〉 to the Castle who shot 〈…〉 at the 〈◊〉 two of which shots came very neer and hardly mist him and they flourishing their Swords cryed out they would have no other parley Where upon ours advanced into the Town and there quartered that night in which night and next day they raised two batteries within threescore yards of the Enemies out-works whereon our Ordnance fell to play upon them and did as much execution on the walls as peices of their bignesse could doe the greatest being but a Demiculverin and after about foure and twenty houres playing and plying thus with their Ordnance and finding it would protract too much time to lie thus battering with their pieces they resolved to send to my Lord Fairfax for the Queens pocket-pistall and a whole Culverin which accordingly were soon brought thither and presently mounted and the next morning betimes after their comming those three began to play which did very great execution upon one side of the Castle and brought the strong walls thereof down into the trenches and made a perfect breach And the noble Major-Generall having prepared all things in a readinesse for storming the Castle both Faggots Ladders and other accommodations thereunto digested the form of storming by a Councell of Warre it was resolved to send another Summons to the Castle which produced a present Treaty between three Gentlemen sent out of the Castle and three like men of our party who speedily concluded the surrender of the Castle upon fair Articles Wee took in this Castle foure hundred Armes besides the great Gunnes afore-mentioned twelve barrels of Powder much Match twenty tuns of great Iron-shot about foure hundred pounds worth of Corn Beef Bacon Cheese and other provisions all which and many other things except an hundred Muskeâ—s and a Morter-peice which were brought away were left in the Castle for supply thereof the Country thereabout giving my Lords Souldiers five hundred pound among them for 〈◊〉 good service against this place Shortly after this the noble Major-Generall having left Colonell Bright a Commander of my Lord Fairfaxes and a party of Foot in the Castle by order from the most noble Earl of Manchestor advanced toward Bâ—wzar alias 〈…〉 about eight miles from Sheffeild it being another strong House of Marquesse Newcastles in Darby shire which was well manâ—â—d with Souldiers and strengthened with great Guns one whereof carryed eighteen pound bullet others nine pound and it had strong works about it yet this Castle also upon summons was soon surrendred up to my Lords Forces upon faire and moderate Articles granted to them It pleased God to give us in this Castle of Boulsover an hundred and twenty Muskets besides Pikes Halberts c. Also one Iron Drake some leaden bullets two Morter-peices some other Drakes nine barrels of powder with a proportion of Match some Victuals for our Souldiers and some plunder Immediately also after this they all marched to Staley-House which was strongly fortified but upon our Armies advance to it it was soon surrendred also upon Articles of agreement and in it wee had twelve peices of Ordnance two hundred and thirty Muskets an hundred and fifty Pikes And Mr. John Fretchwell who had long held the House fortified with strong Works for the service of the King being then convinced of the goodnesse of our cause did very freely and voluntarily render to the Major-Generall all the Armes aforesaid with much other Ammunition From hence shortly after they also advanced to Wingfeild-Mannour about eight miles distant which House had been long besieged by Darby Forces but was not at this time
to the fire of their fury and endevouring to heat the furnace of their frantick rage and madnesse yet seven times hotter and hotter And yet Gods Three yea 30 times three most faithfull and zealous Shadrachs Meshachs and Abednego's still preserved and kept safe in the midst of the fiercest and most furious conflagrations and all this made most clear and manifest both in all the fore-mentioned famous Victories obtained and perfidious plots and dangerous designes detected and prevented And have wee not then great cause with holy Moses both to put off the shooes of sin and transgression and also to approach unto and fix the feet of our affections on the â—oly ground of most gratefull contemplation of this great wonder and in sacred admiration thereof to break out into holy adoration of our great and good God and with holy Moses to sing and say Who is like unto thee O Lord among the gods Who is like unto thee glorious in holinesse fearfull in praises and doing wonders BUT now to goe on in our next Moneths sacred and serious observation of this foresaid wonder still continuing all this next ensuing September And herein I shall desire in the first place brâ—ifly to shew or rather to remember the Reader how that about the beginning of this moneth of September it pleased the Lord again to set his blessed Bush in the midst of a most dangerous devouring flame to see to and yet the Bush not Consumed Even to suffer our prime Parliamentary-Army of the whole Kingdome then under the Command of that most noble renowned loyall and most courageous Lord Generall the Earle of Essex to bee brought into a strange strait and most unhappy noose in a corner of Cornwall in the West one of the remotest parts of the Kingdome but by what mischeivous meanes or improvidence I know not rendring that at first most formidable Army most obnoxious to much danger and distresse of the numerously augmented forces of the most malicious and outrageous enemies thereof who by the daily additionall and increasing powers of the perfidious and atheisticall Cornish and Devonshire men had strangely and strongly coopt and hedged in that our most famous Army for divers weeks together in a nook or angle of that County of Cornwall and no Reserve or considerable Releif in so long time comming to their aide and assistance insomuch that the extraordinarily increasing wants in the Army and the extraordinary and inevitably necessitated duty of his Excellencies Souldiers being so incessantly continued and as I toucht before the powers of the Enemy so daily increasing and growing bigge with rage and pride against them they could not possibly any longer subsist without releif Whereupon a Councell of Warre being called it was resolved an absolute necessity lying on it that the Horse of the Army should break through the enemy and the Foot alas alas should stand upon their own guard and Defence till more ayd if by any means it could bee procured should bee sent unto them and thereupon 3000 Horse under the command of that renowned Souldier and brave Commander Sir William Belfore the rest of the Horse remaining still with the foot violently brake through the Enemy and most fiercely made good their retreat notwithstanding all the power of the Enemie and brought off with them severall of the Enemies Colours and slew many And Probdolor under correction of better judgement why might not our whole Army together both Horse and Foot as safely and certainly have come off fully had that Councell of Warre played Fair play above board So got to Salâ—ash and Plimouth with very little or no considerable losse in so desperate a Service Now thus our Foot forces being left behinde under the Command in châ—if of that most noble and ever to bee renowned virtuous and valourous Souldier and brave Commander Major Generall Skippon his Excellency the Lord Generall and the Lord Roberts being also gone to Plimouth by Sea and the Enemy choosing rather to bend their greatest power against the Foot than in pursuit of the Horse and having also resolved at a bloody Councell of Warre thinking the day their own and the birds to bee all caughâ— in the net in a most cruell and mercilesse manner to put them all to the Sword and not to give Quarter to any and likewise in pursuance hereof they having taken about 30 of our Foot Souldiers and put them all to the Sword save only two that by Gods good providence â—scaping ran from them and acquainted the rest of the Foot forces with the sâ—quell thereof Hereupon brave Majoâ— Generall Skiâ—pon like a true Souldiers indeed made a gallant and couragious speech to his said Foot forces to this effect That it would bee more â—onour for thâ—â— to die valiantly in the field than to 〈◊〉 themselves bâ—fely or â—owardly to the tyranny of so bloody and 〈◊〉 an 〈◊〉 professing himself most cheerfully there ready to live or diâ— with them 〈◊〉 first to sell their lives by Gods help at 〈…〉 a rate 〈◊〉 ever Souldiers did Whereupon they all most unanimously and cheerfully resolving the same fell upon the Enemy with such undaunted courage and resolution being led up in person by so brave and Lyon-like a Commander who to use his Excellencies own expression in his Letter to the Parliament of him fought like a Lyon and disdained that their brave Ordnance and Artillery should bee gained from them at a lesser value than the hearts blood of many hundreds of their Enemies which was so indeed ere they parted for they discharged their great peices divers times upon the Enemy which did great execution and slew very many of them whom they might see fall fast before them and the King himself being in fight thereof in the field and still received the rest so gallantly that the Enemy instead of being absolute Victors was at last enforced though much against their former intentions not only to give them Quarter but farther also to condescend to very honourable conditions and Articles on our Souldiers part though in the issue the Enemy proved most perfidious as their constant practice was in violating of them all and bespoiling and stripping them ere they left them of all they had save only their lives even taking fâ—om them their very cloathes off their backs boots stockings and shooes from their legges and feet and enforcing some of them to march stark naked and bare footed with only a base convoy of their perfidious Enemies Horse whom being quite disarmed they durst not resist And though renowned Major Generall Skippon rode back and boldly and bravely complained to the King himself thereof yet hee could finde no redresse therein But howsoever let the judicious Reader here judge and say whether heer was not a wonder indeed even no lesse than Gods Burning-bush not consumed considering what a furious devouring flame was round about it and whereinto it had been so strangely yea
and treacherously too as many feared entrapped and cooped up but thus as you have heard most admirably delivered and preserved from utter ruine and destruction as was threatned and resolved which therefore is with extraordinary thankfulnesse to God to bee beheld and lookt upon and most justly to bee enrolled in the number of our singular great mercies and deliverances of the Lord wrought for us as whereby notwithstanding the unhappy losse of so brave an Artillery and Armes of our Souldiers yet a wide doore was thus left open unto us in good measure to râ—crute our Army again considering that there is no competition or comparison to bee made between the raising of men and getting of Armes the former being known by experience to bee very difficult the other very easie to performe And which is also herein very considerable the mercy was so much the greater and the losse the lesse in regard that his Excellency had taken farre more Ordnances and Armes from the Enemy but a little before in this his Western Expedition than were now lost in this last disaster Now as touching the matter and cause of this great miscarriage though I doe not I dare not take upon mee to discusse it it having been I hope throughly examined by others to whom it more properly appertained yet give mee leave good Reader to suspect still that it was a plain peice of treachery to the State Parliament honest honorable Major Gen Skippon perceived it at last as it was reported though too late most evidently and therefore as it was credibly enformed smiting himself upon his brest hee said Wee are betraied wee are betraied But who the persons were was not then so clear yet some were known and one of them ran to the King to secure himself and Colonell Butler was sent up to London by his Excellency and committed to the Tower of London till hee was examined about it And it is the more easily to bee beleeved to have been a meer peice of trechery against the noble Lord Generall as being a thing plotted and contrived before hee went into the West and that upon this ground namely That divers of the most knowing and active Royalists then among us at London were heard with much confidence to say before his Excellency went forth in this Expedition that the Lord Generall would receive a blow in the West In particular a Gentleman then a prisoner in Warwick-castle by name Mr. E. Andrewes the Son of Sir Eusebie Andrewes who being among divers Gentlemen at a Tavern in Warwick said before them all with imperious speeches that hee would bee hanged if the Earl of Essex came safe back again out of the West And told them withall that they should see the Kings Army flourish with other words to this effect as I had it by credible information And this was presently after the Lord Generall was gone into the West when hee had a most gallant and stout Army indeed and such an one as the Kings Army durst not look in the face nor was it probable durst come so neer it as to behold their back-parts For his Excellencies Army was then known to be a terrour to the Enemy for some of the cheif of the Kings Army at the end of Newberry-battail when they were carrying the body of the Earl of Caâ—narvan into the Town said Damn mee Essex will never bee beaten and with fearfull oaths were heard to swear All the devils in hell could not beat him But now to proceed About the 4 of this instant September came certain information by Letters from Osâ—estry to London that Sir Thomas Middletons Ammunition was safely arrived from Wem to Oswestry to the great sorrow of the Enemy who some few dayes before as was certified by Letters from Wem issued out of Salop to Whittington with at least 1200 foot and 400 horse to have intercepted it But renowned Sir Thomas Middleton having intelligence thereof sent out a party from Oswestâ—â—y to guard the Ammunition which party discovering the Enemy wheeled into the Rear all the Horse being with the Ammunition in the Van and so fell upon them killed five upon the place took five prisoners wounded many and made the Enemy fly but being to guard the Ammunition they durst not leave their charge to follow them so the Enemy wheeled back again from Franck ford-Hope neer Elsmore and so to Salop and out Ammunition of exceeding great concernment for the succeeding Welch affaires was as I said safely thus conveyed into Oswestry ready there for the following work in Wales where of more in its due place About the 8 of this instant also came certain intelligence by Letters out of Staffordshire of a brave exploit performed by that most valiant and brave Commander Colonell Rudgely in a most notable defeat which hee gave unto the Enemy the substance wherof wee received from Letters thence to this effâ—ct Wee marched out of Stafford to Lynsell and thence took from under the Walls at least an 104 Oxen and Cowes and about 300 Horse Then wee marched to Litchfield whence wee brought away above an 160 Oxen and Cowes and 60 Horse and presently after newes being brought us that the Enemy was plundering at Chartley his Excellencies the Lord Generals own Lands with an intent to drive away his Cattell whereupon our valiant Colonell Colâ— Rudgelâ—y drew forth all those horses hee had and about an 180 foot and marched thither but they having broke open the stable door and taken a choice Colt of my Lord Generals which Colt was shot and killed by one of his Servants out of the house as they led him away they were gone thence before wee could get thither and got into Penâ—h-Park to drive that whereupon wee marched to Vssiter and at Lacksley wee heard that the Enemy was marched toward Bromble so with those few horse which wee had wee marched in haste after them if possible to ingage them till our foot came up unto us and neer unto Bagots-Bromâ—ey after 10 miles hard march wee fell upon their Reare and upon the first charge took about 40 horse and as many men and Armes and pursued them to their main-body which consisted of at least 500 good horse but our horse not being above an 100. wee were forced to retreat a little way but presently rallyed again which whilst wee were doing the Enemy planted an ambuscado which upon our second charge fired upon us but wee bravely beat the ambuscado up and killed and took every man of those so planted and all their armes and Horses and kept the rest in play till our foot came up and then they fell off from us and wee kept the field On our part wee had only one man slain and they took six prisoners but from them wee took a Serjeant Major one Captain one Leivtenant two Quarter masterâ— three Corporals and the rest Common Souldiers in all 18. and killed about 30. took many Armes and
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
in their calling of an Assembly of Divines to that purpose by their endevours since to remove all obstructions and misunderstandings among them that might hinder the work by their farther late proceedings for the setling of a godly and painfull Ministery in London and many other parts of the Kingdome within their power together with divers other wayes as might bee instanced which may bee as so many sufficient testimonies of their fervent and faithfull zeal therein And lastly to testifie their most earnest desire to remove all impediments that might hinder a speedy settlement in Religion the Commons taking into consideration the many stops and hinderances in the Assembly by reason of some differences among themselves they ordered that the Committee of Lords and Commons should treat with the Commissioners of Scotland and the Assembly about settling a union in point of Church-Government among those Divines which were of a contrary opinion and in case it could not bee then to finde out away how tender consciences might bee born withall so far forth as might stand with the peace and safety of the Kingdome and as was warranted by the Word of God that so the Service of the Assembly might not bee retarded And the Assembly of Divines having agreed on the names of such Ministers as they thought fit to bee entrusted with the matter of Ordination pro tempore within the City of London there being 23 of them whereof 13 of the City Ministers and the other 10 of the Assembly who presented the same to the Commons which they passed also with full approbation of them and the said Ordinance was by a message from the Commons sent up to the Lords desiring their concurrence therein to which also the Lords immediately assented and the Ordinance came forth in Print with the full and joynt authority of both Houses of Parliament and the thing it self divers times put into execution in divers Churches in London in such a holy reverend and religious manner as did exceedingly joy the hearts of all Gods people to see in the most pious and apostolicall performance of it About the 20 of this instant wee were most credibly informed by Letters out of Leicestershire of an excellent exploit performed by a party of Leicester Horse against that old and bold Rob-Carryer Hostrings forces which was thus certified viz. That a party of Horse about 80 in number going from Leicester as a convoy to certain Carriers of Nottingham the passage by reason of the Enemies Garrisons there about being full of danger so that no Carriers durst adventure to passe without a convoy Wherof Hastings having had intelligence and that there was a prize to bee preyed on hee presently sent out a party of about an 120 Horse at least against them but they comming too short of the Carriers who were before his comming safely lodged in Nottingham and the Convoy returning to Leicester Hastings Forces placed their ambuscadoes and lined the hedges on both sides of a Lane where Leicester Forces were to passe through neer unto a Town called Castâ—ck within 5 miles on this side Nottingham and accordingly gave the said Convoy an unexpected salute in their said return but they very gallantly forced their passage through the Lane which done they wheeled about again upon the Enemy beat them from the hedges miserably routed and disperst their whole party killed and took above 60 of them prisoners the rest that escaped leaving all their armes behinde them for haste and they took 90 good horses from them besides In which action Leicester forces lost not one man only Leivtenant Steevens who deserved much honour for his gallant undertaking in this Service was shot in the back but not mortally wounded After which exploit thus bravely performed by a party of but 86 against at least an 120. the Convoy returned saâ—e unto Leicester with all their prisoners and prizes and were entertained with much joy and triumph About September 23. wee received certain information by Letters both from the right noble and renowned Patriots and magnanimous Commanders Sir William Brereton Sir Thomas Middleton and as virtuous as valourous Sir John Meldrum to the Parliament bearing date the 18 19 of Septem 1644. of a most famous and renowned victory obtained by Gods great mercy and goodnesse by their forces against the Enemy at the raising of the sâ—ege before Mountgomery-Castle the substance of all which three noble Commanders Letters to the Parliament I have heer for the Readers better content and satisfaction faithfully extracted and Composed together in this relation following Immediately after renowned Sir Thomas Middleton had been possessed of the strong and advantageous Castle of Mountgomery it was suddenly and closely besieged again by a very strong power of the Enemies Forces before ours could bring in any competent provision for that Garrison and both the Lord Herbert of Cherbury Colonell Price and most of Sir Thomas Middletons brave Officers and neer 500 Souldiers were all thereby much distressed and in great danger which brave Sir Thomas Middleton perceiving and laying neer to heart himself also being necessitated to a retreat and hee having in his retreat safely recovered Oswestry hee presently hasted into Cheshire unto renowned Sir William Brereton his ever fast friend who indeed like a faithfull Achates never failed him and instantly also expedited messengers into Lâ—ncashire to valiant Sir John Mâ—ldrum and brave Sir William Fairfax in all whom hee found a great deal of forwardnesse and cheerfull readinesse both to help the said distressed Castle and to preserve what they had but lately before gotten from the Enemy viz. 37 barrels of powder 12 barrels of brimstone store of Match and other Ammunition which the Enemy exceedingly wanted all which ours I say had a little before taken as it was comming from Bristol and was intended for the releif of Shrewsbury Chester and Leverpool Now all these foresaid noble and renowned Commanders speedily assembled and marched together toward Mountgomery-castle with 30â—0 Horse and Foot and came thither on Septem 17. resolving to contribute their best endevours in this expedition in regard of the great importance of the Service They lay that night in a field most advantageous for them which the Enemy had possest themselves of before but deserted at our Forces comming thither placing themselves on the mountain above the Castle a place of great advantage for them our forces resolved not to goe to them but to endevour to victuall the Castle and sent out parties for the bringing in of provisions to the Castle even a third part of our Horse being thus employed abroad for victualls and forrage for the Castle which the Enemy perceiving they took the opportunity and thereupon marched down in a body toward us both Horse and Foot being in number full 5000 Horse and Foot whom that bloody Lord Byron commanded in Cheif and came up to our Forces to give them battail with great courage and resolution
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
hee dâ—ed in this Cause but that hee dyed so soon to doe no more for it A most noble speech indeed and most worthy a virtuous and Christian Lady But now to proceed About the 26 of this instant September came certain intelligence by Letters to London out of Gloucestershire of a very rare exploit performed by that most renowned and ever to bee honoured successefull Commander Colonell Massie at Monmouth in South-Wales which was this Colonell Kerl who had the Command of the said Town and Castle for the King went out in the night with a party of Horse and was met with by Colonell Massie who having laid an ambuscado surprised the Colonell and took all his men prisoners After which to requite some ill service which hee had formerly done to the Parliament in deserting it or whither that were done by compulsion or otherwise I will not determine but the said Colonell Kerl upon an agreement and resolution betwixt brave Colonell Massie and him marched in the head of Colonell Massies men to the Town of Monmouth and demanded entrance whereupon the draw-bridge being let down Colonell Massie soon became Master thereof and quickly got possession both of the Town and Castle together with the losse not of above 6 men on both sides This Colonell Kerles Father was then at Gloucester and for the Parliament and having an estate in the County of Monmouth the King gave it to his Son on his revolt to his side but by this means the Father happily regained both his Son and his inheritance together This Town being a place of great concernment was on this obtaining of it made a Garrison for the Parliament it being not only the inlet into South-Wales from Bristol but was also a Magazine to furnish that City and those parts with Butter Cheese and all sorts of Victualls And about the latter end of this instant September wee had farther certain information by Letters from Gloucâ—ster that Prince Robber having had a design to secure a passage between Bristol and Wales for which purpose â—ee had sent 200 of his Forces to Betsley in the Forrest of Dean joyning upon the Severn neer unto that grand Papists Sir John Winters in the Parish of Tidenton where they were a fortifying and making a mote and had raised a Sconce to secure that Garrison But valiant Colonell Massie having timely intelligence thereof drew out a considerable Party of his own and some of the Earl of Denbighs Horse and bravely fell upon them slew divers of them took their Governour and 10 Commanders more about an 162 prisoners 200 Armes 2 peices of Ordnance and all their Artillery bagge and baggage and thereby utterly frustrated that design and thus the noble and renowned Colonell victoriously returned to Gloucester with all his prisoners and prize aforesaid And now good Reader let mee heer desire thee to make a little pause and ponder a while with holy admiration and Christian contemplation on this moneths great wonder also even to see this blessed Burning-Bush the Cause of God his innocent Church or Children in the midst of so many combersome and combustuous and furiously flaming Conflagrations and yet this Bush so farre from being consumed as that contrariwise it growes more and more strong vigorous and victorious sprouting and spreading forth with more and more extraordinary boughes and branches and as it were in a fair and most flourishing condition Witnesse all this foresaid moneths particular passages of Gods providence and protection over his forely smitten assaulted and menaced Members of his Church both in their deep danger in Cornwall by an undoubted plot of trechery contrived by false friends as well as open enemies together I say with all the rest of the most memorable providentiall passages of this moneth in all which it was most evidently seen that the blessing and good will of him that dwelt in the Bush was plentifully poured out on his Churches Cause and may therefore most justly cause and encourage us still more and more to magnifie the mercy of our good God and with immoveable constancy and confidence relying on his experienced love and faithfulnesse to confesse with holy David to the incomparable praise of our wonder-working God O Lord God of Hosts who is a strong Lord like unto thee or to thy faithfulnesse round about thee for who in the heavens can bee compared to the Lord and who among the sons of the mighty can bee like unto our God But now to goe on AND now I say to goe on in a farther and more serious search for contemplation and admiration of these continued wonders of our great and glorious wonder-working God which were most obviously and conspicuously presented to our eyes and eares in the whole progresse of this next ensuing Moneth of October 1644. And heer wee will begin with the then present state and condition of the Parliaments main and standing-Army under the speciall Command of his Excellency the Lord Generall Robert Earl of Essex which Army what a most dangerous combustion and deep gulf of destruction it had lately escaped in the West by the unfaithfulnesse as was strongly conceived and groundedly beleeved also as I have already expressed in the last fore-going moneths passages of some of the prime Officers and Commanders of that Army In serious consideration whereof our most renowned and vigilant Parliamentary Statists did the very beginning of this Moneth Vote a Committee to goe down to the Army viz. the Lord Wareston and Mr. Crew whose advice was to bee taken by the Commander and Commanders in Cheif for the prevention of future disloyall attempts and treacherous designes and for the more serious and solid acts and motions of the Army for the good of the Kingdome by Gods blessing thereon the like course being said to bee taken in Holland namely that there are some of the States of those Vnited-Provinces that accompany the Prince of Orange whose concurrent advice hee takes upon the enterprising of any designe and yet the said Prince takes not this as any diminution of his Command And how needfull this course hath been in our main Army the Kingdom hath been or might have been most feelingly sensible especially considering the ill-instruments which about this time and formerly were and have been in the Army in the West which although I have already in some measure touched before yet because more clear demonstrations thereof are since come to light and to my hands I shall desire with the Readers patience and to his farther and fuller satisfaction therin a little heer to insist on Witnesse therefore those instructions dispersed by Colonell Butler as was most credibly informed which the King sent to tempt our said Army then in Cornwall which were the most desperate and dangerous things that ever were yet penned and may in time come to publick view One of which was this You shall also inform that wee have assurance of a Party in
both the Houses of Parliament at Westminster that doe only wait the conjunction of these two Armies meaning the Kings Army and the Lord Generalls then in Cornwall and then they will put things to the question being backed with such a strength which now they dare not propound Also you shall inforce the conjunction of these two Armies the sooner with this argument that otherwise the Scots will prevail and conquer the Kingdom and so the English must become subject to that Nation There were 20 or 30 more particulars as was credibly enformed and those very remarkable ones These instructions were sent by Mr. Harding Son to the Marquesse of Hartford to bee communicated to his Excellency if upon the receipt of a Letter sent from the King to our Lord Generall hee would entertain a Treaty Which his Excellency most loyally and prudently had formerly refused highly scorning to bee fastned on though by a Royall temptation to betray his trust yet how ever those private Instructions were afterward dispersed amongst some of the Commanders as wee then found by unhappy experience And yet in all the plot and designe praised and for ever blessed bee the Lord our God the issue proved more to bee a crackling-Squib than a considerable losse as hath been before more particularly and clearly manifested especially considering the danger and yet the Bush un-burnt in the midst of that great flame round about it In which premised Regall instructions wee may primarily take notice how falsly and fallaciously the Royalists fancy to themselves and that with no small malice too both a party in the Parliament for them and would also fain blinde the kingdom with such a belief But that which sticks most to their sides as there you may see and observe is our honest and loyall Brethren of Scotland against whom they would fain possesse the people with an opinion that their intention is to conquer the kingdom whereas never did a Nation so faithfully and in a manner so unanimously appear with more loyalty and cordiall integrity in the Cause of Religion than they have done and the crafty Cavaliers knew they will not depart from their principles nor leave assisting the Parliamentary proceedings till Religion and Liberty bee secured in both kingdomes and therefore I cannot much blame them considering their case and condition that they so scandalize the Nation of Scotland that in the conclusion is like by Gods gracious assistance and appointment to bee a main means of their ruine and destruction from among us And to all these premises adde that most memorable mercy of the Lord in those our straits in Cornwall forementioned namely what admirable courage and undaunted resolution the Lord put at that time into the hearts of those most valiant Commanders and Souldiers that were of the Plymouth Horse who in Cornwall by their impregnable courage and valiant actions deserved as much honour as could bee possibly conferred upon men of merit and valour For all those of the Kings Army that were of the three Regiments of the Kings Horse were utterly routed by Major Straghen a Scottish Commander with only 100 Plimouth Horse whom hee Commanded who all manifested so much unparallelled valour and magnanimity of spirit as occasioned such extreme terrour to the Enemy that the King himself was put into as great a fright at that time as when hee rode hard from Northallâ—rton to York when hee heard the Scots had beaten his Army at Newborn at their first comming in among us So stoutly they resolved and so faithfully performed and acted their resolution to live and die with our Foot forces at that time left in such a strait and to stand or fall with them though most barbarously and basely they were pâ—â—â—ged and plundered contrary to Conditions yea the King himself being in the field and to his shame and eternall infamy it will certainly remain to posterity that hee most unjustly permitted such a most ignoble disloyall and unsouldierly shamefull action to bee committed notwithstanding that noble and ever to bee honoured Major Generall Skippon went to his Majesty and complained of that perâ—idious breach of Articles but could finde no redresse therein And now good Reader put all these together viz. the Enemies abominable trechery to have utterly ruinated our so brave an Army forementioned in some passages of the Moneth before together with the devillish design to have wrought our Army perfidiously to have conjoyned and combined into one body against the Parliament And the admirable courage and magnanimity of spirit which God put into the hearts of our Foot forces and some few Horse especially those of renowned Plimouth to stand to it so invincibly and to come off so totally with their lives out of so deep and dangerous a snare and pitfall into which they were very neer entrapped And then say whether the Lord Jehovah appeared not mightily and most manifestly for their preservation and whither the blessing of him that dwelt in the Bush was not on them to save them from the devouring flames of that prepared and intended combustion and confusion Much also about the 4 of this instant October came Letters out of Scotland which certified for an undoubted truth that the Popish party and faction of the Royalists in Scotland had laid down their armes and were come in and had submitted themselves That the most noble Marquesse of Argile most renowned in Scotland for his known constant piety loyalty to his King and Country and his magnanimity of spirit in the then present distracted condition of Scotland that hee I say was in present pursuit of the Irish Rebels that had got in among them there and kept them closely in among the mountaines where hee often lit upon many of them and straitned them extremely Insomuch that the troubles of that honest neighbour kingdom being thus farre so happily appeased the noble Earl of Callender returned again to the Leaguer at Newcastle It was also then for certain enformed by Letters out of the North that the Array-men and other disaffected persons of quality in the Counties of Cumberland and Westmerland were met together to feast together and therein also to consult about raising more Forces in those parts against the Parliaments proceedings there which the Country-people having knowledge of and being very sensible of the miseries which those men had already been meanes to bring upon those Counties and places adjacent they all rose as one man and apprehended many of them to the number of about 40. whom they brought to Generall Lesley to the Leaguer but Musgrave and Fletcher narrowly escaped to Carlile About the 6 of this instant Letters from Welchpool were brought to London which certified that renowned Sir Thomas Middleton had taken Redâ—astle a place of very great consequence and one of the strongest of the Enemies holds in Northwales The manner of the taking of it was said to bee thus The Enemy in this Castle whereof
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
this Garrison his Major and 3 Captains and not 3 of his whole Regiment but were either killed or taken and the House was wholly burnt down to the ground and wee thereby freed of a pestilent and pernicious neighbour Colonell Bruen and Mr. Crompton behaved themselves very worthily in this action and Captain Starre incomparably bravely Yours C. A. November the 12 wee were for certain informed by Letters out of the North that a party of the Enemies horse advanced from Skipton and Knaresborough in Yorkeshire and fell upon the Parliaments guard before Helmesley Castle intending to have raised that siege Whereupon 240 of the most noble and renowned Lord Fairfaxes Horse under the Command of Major Sanderson were sent to releive them but our valiant Forces before Helmesley had quite routed the Enemy before their said help came unto them and pursued the Enemy over Black-Hambleton and took prisoners 1 Captain 5 or 6 Leivtenants one Cornet one Ensigne a Quartermaster and 44 Troopers there were about or 6 slain on the place and very many sore wounded ours also took 80 Horse together with a great quantity of Meal Salt and other provisions designed for the releif of Helmesley All which was performed without the losse of any save only Captain Leivtenant Frampton Leivtenant Shepperson and 3 common Souldiers About the 16 of this instant both the Houses of Parliament passed an Ordinance for the re-establishing of free Trade again at Newcastle which now lately had beer most happily reduced by Gods blessing on the valour and magnanimity of our loyall Brethren of Scotland to the obedience of the Parliament which said Ordinance for the Readers fuller satisfaction and content I have heer thought fit to insert verbatim as it was Printed and published by Authority of Parliament Die Jovis Novemb. 14. 1644. VVHere as the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament by an Ordinance of the 14 of January 1642. did for severall reasons in the said Ordinance mentioned prohibit all ships and other vessels to carry provision of victuals armes or money unto Newcastle Sunderland and Blyth or make return of any Coales or Salt from either the said places under pain of seizure of the said ships vessels and their lâ—ding And whereas by the good providence and blessing of Almighty God and the endevours of our brethren of Scotland the Town and Port of Newcastle upon Tyne and Castle of Tinmouth are lately rescued out of the hands of the Enemy and reduced to the obedience of the King and Parliament The Inhabitants of which places by reason of the rapine and spoile of the Enemy have been brought to extremity of want It is this day Ordered by the said Lords and Commons that the said Ordinance bee repealed and annulled And the said Lords and Commons doe hereby repeal and annull the same Joh. Brown Cler. Parliamentorum About the 20 of this instant came certain intelligence by Letters out of Yorkeshire to London that the Castle of Helmesley in that County which had been then besieged as was forementioned by the right honourable and thrice noble Lord Fairfaxes forces was now at length surrendred to his Lordship upon Articles of agreement Whereupon the said Castle with all the Ordnance Armes and Ammunition therein except what armes the Commanders and Officers marched out withall according to the agreement In this Castle were about 200 men 9 peices of Ordnance 300 Muskets and Pikes 6 barrells of powder and much money Plate and other good plunder and many of the common Souldiers turned to the Lord Fairfax whereof at least 40 went presently to assist at the siege of Scarborough And about the 24 of this instant November wee were informed by Letters out of Lincolnshire of the good successe against the Enemy there of that brave and most valiant active Commander Colonell Rossiters Regiment of horse and Colonell Fleetwoods Regiment of horse Commanded by valiant and virtuous Major Harrison who resolved to face the Town of Newark to try what strength of horse they had left since the last losse of neer about 800 horse upon a rout But in their way they also resolved to attempt the beating up of one of their quarters within a mile of Newark which accordingly they did and took there an 160 horse and 80 prisoners Major Heren Captain Cressey 3 Cornets 3 Leivtenants and divers Gentlemen and afterward faced the Town of Newark the enemy not daring to adventure out wherupon they victoriously returned and brought their prisoners and prize safely with them to Lincoln And about the 28 instant wee received certain intelligence by Letters out of the West that the valiant Souldiers of Lime marched out of that Garrison to meet the Enemy at Axminster who came thither to fortifie that Town thereby to have straitned the quarters of Lime But they being as vigilant as valiant and discovering the Enemies drift and unwilling to bee nosed by so bad a neighbour fell upon the said Enemy as they stood upon a posture of defence fitted and resolved as it seemed to entertain the charge of our forces but in the end were bravely routed by the Lime Souldiers who in the encounter killed Major Walker a desperate and wicked Cavalier 2 Captains and 2 Leivtenants and mortally wounded Sir Richard Cholmley Son in Law to the Lord Pawleâ— and brother to Sir Hugh Cholmley of Scarborough that disloyall apostate Run negado who commanded in Cheif this party and some Letters since have certified that the said Sir Richard is dead of his wounds In which incounter also the brave Lime forces took 4 peices of Ordnance great store of Armes many prisoners and drove the rest into a Church which was not then taken when this Letter came to our hands This most valiant Governour of Lyme deserves to bee had in high honour and remembrance for his former famous services also especially for his so manfully defending that poore Town against Prince Maurice and the Lord Pawlet and other mighty menacing powers as hath at large been forementioned And shortly after this brave defeat it pleased the Lord that a suddain storm arising at Sea a ship of Apsome was driven into the Haven at Lime and there seized on which was estimated to bee worth many thousand pounds a part whereof was ordered by the Parliament to bee imployed for the use and service of Lyme and the rest for the other Western parts the goods in the said ship being found to belong to divers rich Malignants of Exeter and Apsome and most of them consisting of speciall good Linnen cloath And besides that foresaid Victory at Axminster and rich prize so put into their hands in their haven wee had certain information that this most valiant and active garrison of Lime within 2 or 3 dayes after fell upon another party of the Enemies and did good execution on them and took prisoners 3 Leivtenants more with 50 other Officers and Souldiers took an 160 Muskets 10 Halberts 3 barrels of
to the gates and first brake open the Sand-gate the Enemy having made fast and baricadoed all the gates and then our horse also forced open the Closse-gate whereupon the Enemy dispersed themselves many of them betook themselves to the Angell at the Closse-gate others to another house at the Sand-gate but our men seeing them thus housed fired both of them and in the mean season most bravely skirmished with the Enemy without but the fire taking on the foresaid houses they within them were forced to surrender themselves prisoners to us Whereupon our men helped to quench the fire and so obtained a very considerable Victory for they there took prisoners Colonell Francis Cook Leivtenant Colonell Francis Hook 2 Captains Leivtenant Relsoll 2 Cornets 3 Quartermasters one Mr. Alexander a Gentleman of quality and 40 common Souldiers besides an 163 good horses 200 armes some Match and powder and other good purchase one Captain and divers others were slain on the ground one Sergeant Major sorely wounded and divers other Officers and Souldiers who by the opportunity of the night escaped our hands This service was most gallantly performed on our part for wee had but 2 of ours slain on the place some few wounded and Captain Feiler hurt and this was all the losse on our part blessed bee the Lord for it About the 6 of this instant December there was a great dispute in the House of Commons about the calling home of all the Members of Both Houses of Parliaments from their Offices and imployments both in the war otherwise that so the Houses being completed with their Members here might be a more suddain surer dispatch and transaction of businesses and for clearing the publicke prejudice concerning personall respects to themselves And heerin also they seriously took into consideration the slow proceedings of our Armies abroad and the not prosecuting of advantages when God in mercy gave them into our hands tending much to the prolongation of this most unhappy Warre and withall resenting that those differences which were then among our Commanders were commonly most where the command was greatest For these and such like weighty considerations I say the House of Commons put this great and most weighty businesse to the Vote in their House and the very same motion was also made by an honourable personage in the House of Peeres and many Votes and suffrages passed about it pro and con But at last it was agreed on and a Vote passed clearly with a most unanimous consent and as I take it Nemine contradicente by the House of Commons in Parliament Assembled to this effect That no Member of either House of Parliament shall during this warre enjoy or execute any Office or Command Military or Civill which hath been granted to or conferred on any Member of either House or by any authority derived from either House and that an Ordinance bee brought in accordingly This Ordinance or Vote was afterward accordingly Printed and published by authority and was very fitly called The Self-denying Ordinance whereof more hereafter in a more proper place And for the more serious and religious managing and establishing of this great Vote and the other weighty affaires of the Kingdome depending hereon and hence issuing our most renowned Worthies of the House of Commons Ordered that Wednesday the 10 of December then next ensuing should bee set apart for the keeping of a private Fast by both Houses of Parliament so to seek the Lord and implore a blessing from Almighty God upon their farther proceedings in the grand affaires of State to bee agitated and negotiated on this vote And reverend and religious Mr. Marshall Mr. Sedgewick and Mr. Hill were intreated to Preach and carry on the work of that day with them And was not heer a work hopefull indeed to end well which was so well begun A Jove owne principium Certainly if God hath made it known unto us That hee is found of those that seek him not much more unquestionably will hee bee found of those that seek and seriously enquire after him And so truely wee have blessedly found it as I shall make most clear to the godly Reader by many most remarkable and memorable testimonies and demonstrations thereof in their succeeding proper places But to goe on About the 10 of this instant wee were credibly assured by Letters out of Lincolnshire that a brave Party of the Parliaments forces in those parts led by valiant and virtuous Colonell Rainsborough under the Command of the Earl of Manchester having much battered Crowland with the Ordnance which they brought by Water in long Boats against it the Enemy at last was forced to a parley which was assented to upon the conclusion whereof it was agreed by both parties that the Enemies forces should march out of the Town the Commanders and Officers with their Swords and Pistols but the common Souldiers to leave all their Armes behinde them as also all the Ordnance and Ammunition therein to bee left for the Parliaments use which accordingly was performed And thus this place of so great concernment that at this time many hundred by Land and by Water were fain to bee imployed against only a few men within it and yet receiving many checks and affronts many times by sallies out of the Town was now thus at last surrendred again into the Parliaments possession This Town had been twice lost and recovered by us which had it not now might have proved a kinde of scurvey Dunkirk to the Parliament both by land and water too had the Enemy continued in it and thereby better manned and fortified it as they might and would have done had they not so soon been thus beaten out of it December the 12 wee were certainly informed out of the West of a singular good peice of service performed by that most valiant active and faithfull Commander Colonell Massie who heaâ—ing that a party of the Enemies Horse from Bristol had some designe about Chippingham in Wilts hee sent out his Scouts who discovered them to bee that night quartered at Sedbury in Gloucestershire some 9 miles from Bristol and the just middle way from Bristol to Chippingham Whereupon hee presently advanced with a considerable party from Malmesbury some 10 miles from Sedbury and with accustomed undaunted courage falling on the Enemies quarters hee there surprised and took an 160 of their horse 100 armes 50 prisoners together with 12 Captains Leivtenants and other Officers the rest of the Enemies leaving their design for lost fled back again with haste into Bristol And about the 14 instant came certain intelligence by Letters from Oswestre from Sir Thomas Middleton of some considerable action and good service performed by our forces thereabout the substance whereof was to this effect That now at length the long looked for Colonell Beal was blessed bee God come safely to Sir Thomas Middleton into Mountgomery-shire and that Colonell Carter with our Horse and
adjacent Garrisons opportunely rose and advanced from his quarters to the Town of Cardigan whither the Country formerly invited him and made a party to assist the Generall to complete the designe inagitation and the Town being faced at a distance willingly surrendred and complyed The Castle being a considerable place ably manned having the Ordnance of the convert Frigot there shipwrackt most obstinately stood out till a Demiculverin of brasse belonging to the Leopard was rounted and played 3 dayes upon them forcing a breach which was gallantly entred and made good by our party and the Castle stormed wherein were an 100 Commanders and Souldiers with their armes and good plunder not forgetting the Converts Ordnance thus returned by divine providence and works of mercy in a Commander adding honour to â—cts of Chivalry invited the Generall to give the Steward life who contemned quarter The Town and Castle reduced and the Country in the major part as conceived well affected our Army advanced toward Newcastle the Enemies next Garrison which as conceived will bee slighted or quitted by the Enemy and that County brought to a right understanding of their duty and Parliamentary just honour and proceedings To God bee rendred the due praises of his mercies Vessels of late have been designed to the well-affected Garrisons in Ireland but none in regard of contrary windes returned and shipping to ply up the Channell as high as Miniard have also been Commissionated to give intelligence and assistance to our Forces in those parts Sir Thomas Middletons Maâ—azine of Ammâ—nition since disposed of to Leverpool Nothing that by integrity and action may adde life to the publick good shall by Gods assistance bee wanting and my faithfull indevours shall comply with your Honours great trust whose happinesse shall ever consist my very good Lord to bee Your most humble and faithfull Servant Rich. Swanley Jan. 1. 1644. Postscript My Lord In the night of this date arrived Captain Coachman in the True-Love from Leverpool I have herewith presented Colonell Moores Letter from thence who brought in the Content-prize with the passengers as per list I have included a paper that from Dublin came to band to whom I can yeeld no complyance for want of Ammunition Pray take present order to supply mee with Ammunition and all stores otherwise I shall burthen the State and bee disabled to doe Service A List of Passengers Names taken in the Content-prize bound for Dublin by Captain Coachman in the True-Love The Lord Brabison Sir Henry Titchburn Sir James Ware Mr. Robert Price Mr. Tho. Williams Mr. John Smith Mr. Alex. Nugent Mr. Rich. Holland Mr. Patr. Pue With their Servants All which are to bee sent to the State being of considerable force with the first conveniency in the Honour by Captain Seaman An Extract out of a Letter writen by Captain William Smith to the Lord high Admirall from aboard the Ship called the Swallow in Milford Haven touching the taking of Cardigan Town and Castle AFter many great raines which have fallen in these parts which was no invitation for a Souldier to lye in the fields yet such was the gallantry of Major Generall Laughorne to promote the Cause in hand that the Almighty no sooner crowned his desires with a happy season but in a gratefull acknowledgement hee placed a Garrison in Laughorn castle and from thence marched towards Cardigan with about 500 Horse and 300 Foot and on the 21 of December 1644. hee sate down before Cardigan castle demanding a surrender thereof for the service of the King and Parliament But Major Slaughter who commanded in cheâ—f replyed hee held that Castle for the service of the King and so long as hee had life hee would keep it for his Majesty though therein hee was not a man of his word After three dayes siege the Major Generall perceiving all further attempts-would bee in vain unlesse a breach could bee forced and having no Artillery with him hee forthwith gave order the Demy-Culverin should bee brought from Laughorn which with much difficulty and industry came safe to Cardigan and being placed to the best advantage he fell to battery The Enemy within the Castle-yard cast up a half moon some distance from the place on which the Demi-Culverin played in which they placed their great Gunnes laden with Caâ—e-shot that in case a breach should â—ee made those Gunnes might disanimate our men in entring or perform suddain execution on them Our men plying the Demi-Culverin forced a breach and being full of resolution entred running in the mouth of their Guns recovered the half moon where the Enemy as men bereft of all sense having not the power to give fire to their Guns although the Linstocks were in their hands ready lighted cast down all their armes and cryed for quarter the which was granted â— from thence wee entred the Castle and took Prisoner Major Slaughter and his wife one Captain Vaughan with their Leivtenant and Ensigne one Doctor Taylor a Divine with about an 100 common Souldiers six great Guns a 150 Armes a quantity of powder ball and other provisions and this was done the 29 of December last On the 4 of January Generall Gerrard sat down before the Castle with about 1200 horse and 1300 foot Major Generall Laughorn recruted his forces to about 600 horse and 300 foot and advanced towards Cardigan to redeem his friends who were in the Castle out of the power of the Enemy Leivtenant Colonell Powell in the night sent a Souldier who swum through the river and informed Major Generall â—â—ughorn that unlesse hee could releive the Castle within eight dayes hee should bee enforced to surrender it for want of Victuals and Ammunition which hee beleeved might bee supplyed if some Seamen versed in managing a water sight and climing up rocks were employed So 120 Seamen were sent who after a veiw had of the place undertook it which was performed on this wise A boat laden with provisions was placed in the middle between foure boats on each side two of which were manned with Seamen who in flanks faced both ways plying their Muâ—kets on the Enemy who from the shore played on them with about 300 Musketters yet our Seamen gallantly proceeded put all the provisions into the Castle and returned without the losse of one man onely two slightly wounded After this Colonell Laughorn having drawn his foot into a body being with our Seamen in all about 350. hee encouraged them to give an assault on the Town which after some debate was attempted and on the 22 of January last our foot forced their passage over the Bridge in which wee lost but one man and having beaten the Euemy from their first guard they pressed on to the second which they also took and pursuing the victory beat them out of their main guard which was at the Market place and then out of the Church where our forces took two brasse Demi-Culverins which Gerrard brought from Bristoll with some Powder ball and all their
Brayton in Barkeshire on the other side of the Town about 2 miles off The Enemy was there commanded by Major Hatton Farmer Major of the Princes Regiment our Horse carryed themselves very courageously beat the Enemy out of their quarter and pursued them within a mile of Farrington and killed the Major with divers others and mortally wounded the Captain Leivtenant of the Princes Regiment took many of the men and horse among whom were 5 Irish men whom wee hanged the same day in the Market-place and not above 12 of these horse got into Farringdon the rest were all slain or taken without the losse of any one of our men or horse Their intent was as wee were informed by prisoners and a Trumpeter who that evening came from Oxford to desire the Majors body that the horse should give us an allarm on the one side whiles the foot stormed us on the other And another that then came from Oxford gave our Major Generall information and both of them affirmed that wee slew in this fight Sir Henry Gage Governour of Oxford and many other Gentlemen of great quality and in particular that Leivtenant Colonell Lower Deputy Governour of Wallingford was also slain I am confident the Enemy had a great advantage of us by the bridge and hills yet the Lord fought for us and hath graciously delivered us out of their hands for which wee desire Thanks may bee generally given to the Lord of Hoasts and God of Battles and in particular for preserving us also in our safe passage to Abbington the Enemy being upon their march so neer us and had they taken us it would have occasioned great triumph in the Enemy there being of us 4 Colonells besides other Captains and Commanders Our Major Generall Dr. Wilson and Quarter Master Generall Burrowes remember their loves to you and would have given you a touch heerof but that I undertook to save them that labour I pray you acquaint our Friends heerwith as having exprest nothing but what I know to bee truth One of the Messengers from Oxford informed us that Prince Rupert engaged himself to the King and Lords with many vowes and protestations yea and execrations too That hee would dine the next Sunday in Abbington and that hee would bee Master of it by 12 a clock that morning forgetting that of Aâ—ab to Benhadad Let not him that girdeth on his harnesse boast himself as hee that putteth it off But missing his hopes and the Governour of Oxford being also slain hee was ashamed to march triumphantly into Oxford with the forces that returned but came sneaking in privately another way where the Lords mocking him askt him where was Abbington which hee boasted hee would so suddainly have But wee I say gave them such a breakfast as that it was beleeved hee would have little stomach thereafter to come and visit our noble Major Generall Wee could not for want of horse pursue the victory Colonell Fynes having left us and I think God would not vouchsafe to do him so much honour as to bee present at so noble an exploit For the number of ours slain I have already given you an account The number of the slain of the Enemy was not certainly known when I wrote this the Country reported 3 or 4 Cart-loads of dead and wounded corps to bee taken with them besides many that were drowned and others that were thrown in after they were slain and some found dead upon the place Sam. Harsnet Abbington this 12. of Jan. 1644. And heer also I shall desire the Reader to take notice that this brave Victory was thus happily obtained the very next day after that judgement was given upon that egregious and abominable hypocrite and atheist and most pestilent Incendiary the Arch Prelate of Canterbury And that on the very same day also wee had the certain information of those brave Victories and rich prizes forementioned by renowned Captain Swanley specified in his Letter to the noble Earl of Warwick as aforesaid About the 16 instant wee were certainly informed by Letters out of the West especially by an Expresse from the Lord Roberts Governour of Plymouth to the Speaker of the House of Commons that that most impious and impudent rotten-hearted Apostate Skellum Greenvill having gathered all the forces hee could raise in Cornwall and other parts of the West did about the 10 of January 1644. about eleven of the clock at night alarm the works of the Town of Plymouth in 4 severall places at once with neer 6000 men whereby after a very hot dispute the Enemy became Masters of the 4 great works of the Town out of two of which they were quickly beaten but held the third called Little Penny-quick and began to scale or rather digge down another fort called Great Penny-quick But at last by the admirable courage of the Commanders and Garrison-Souldiers they were quite beaten out of that too with great losse unto the Enemy leaving 75 of their men dead on the place and at last 4 times as many more slain in this Service besides many hundreds wounded For as soon as they were beaten off from the 3 works the Plymouth men who behaved themselves with extraordinary gallantry invironed the fourth work whereinto our men had got partly by digging and undermining and partly by scaling and the Enemy within it who seeing themselves so suddainly beset and ensnared as it were in their so late and so sure seeming gotten prize instantly surrendered it upon quarter for their lives In this brave bickering there were also many prisoners taken and much armes the victory was very great and the Enemy by it much discouraged Let our God alone therefore have the greater praise and glory for it About the 18 instant wee received certain information again by Letters out of the West of valiant Colonell Holborns taking in of Sydenbam-House in which hee had neer an 100 prisoners among whom was one Captain one Leivtenant and other Officers in armes together with some other persons of quality And hee surprized also the High-Sheriffe of Somersetshire and ten Commissioners of Array with him And also that hee shortly after took 300 prisoners with many Horse and Armes as they were forraging abroad in those parts for plunder and spoyl And about the 21 instant the House of Commons in Parliament had a debate concerning the New Modell for the setling of the Armies And proceeded to the nomination of divers Officers for the new Army by which means tho for the time the Self-denying Ordinance seemed at this time to bee laid aside they might recall any of the Members of either House to the publike Service at home as well as if the said Ordinance had then been past Upon the conclusion of the debate it was now therefore Ordered and Voted that Sir Thomas Fairfax should bee Commander in cheif of the 21000 Horse and Foot to bee now raised according to the New Modell and
thought hee intends to joyn with Colonell Barkley the Governour of Excester and Sir William Waller is marching towards Colonell Holborn at Taunton and intends to draw out what strength hee can out of Sommersetshire to joyn with him and so to lose no time to pursue after So with my due respects and humble service I rest Your faithfull and affectionate Servant Southampton March 18. 1644. Here followeth a Copy of Sir William Wallers own Letter Sir COlonell Cook and Captain Butler have writen at large unto you and therefore I shall onely confirm it that with Gods gracious assistance wee have routed the best Regiment the King had in the West of 400 Horse there escaped not 30. the Colonell Sir James Long eight Captains and 7 Cornets were taken and most of the other Officers with about 300 prisoners This fell out in Wiltshire between Troughbridge and Stepstone Wee are now marching towards honest Holborn with whom by the grace of God wee will joyn or stick half way William Waller March 18. 1644. A List of what was taken Col. Sir James Long the high Sheriffe The Vnder-Sheriffe 8 Captains 7 Cornets 400 Horse 340 Armes 300 Prisoners Goring pursued by W. Waller About the 20 instant Letters from Abbington informed us that the brave Garrison there seemed to bee in a perpetuall motion against the nest of Oxonian humming Hornets and that as on other dayes so on the 14 of this instant March valiant and vigilant Major Generall Brown drew forth a party of about 300 Horse toward Chislington-Bridge part of which were brought to Wheatley-Bridge and Melton to hinder Oxford Market and about 10 of the clock they joyned and maâ—ched to Hedington where they took 4 or 5 Carts laden with provisions for Oxford They of Oxford also fell down another way and took 2 Carts going for Abbington but in the return of Colonell Browns party they were happily met withall and after a short but sharp and hot skirmish they of Abbington had the better slew 7 or 8 on the place took between 30 and 40 prisoners the chief Commander of the party Cornet Gardener was also taken and our friends Carts and all the Market folk whom they had taken prisoners rescued 3 of the prisoners then taken were Irish and therefore presently executed according to the Ordinance of Parliament and thus they returned without the losse of one man And the House of Commons in Parliament about this time taking into consideration the fidelity and valour of this brave Garrison of Abbington whose successefull actions have indeed crowned them with the Laurell-boughes of perpetuall fame and honourable memory under the command of their wise and most valiant Governour Major Generall Brown they Ordered that the Committee of Both Kingdomes should sign a Warrant presently for a 1000 pound to bee forthwith issued out and disposed of for the good and encouragement of that Garrison of Abbington And on this March the 22 a conference was had between both Houses of Parliament touching the ratification of the roll of Sir Thomas Fairfax his Officers or Colonells for the New-Modelled-Army at which Conference there was now at last a most happy concurrence of the Peeres with the Commons in approving the List a businesse which had hung in much suspence and had much retarded the setting forth of the Army and thereby much sadded the hearts of the best affected and onely gladded the hearts of the Malignants this List I say of Sir Thomas his Commanders was now most happily consented unto by the Peers without any alteration at all which was so acceptable to the House of Commons that upon the report thereof to their House they appointed a Committee to prepare a Message to the Lords to congratulate their happy concurrence and to assure them of the reall affection and endevours of the House of Commons to support their Lordships in their Honours and Priviledges And this being certainly so as indeed it was it did for the present and will for the future take off that reproach which the Malignants and incendiaries about the Town gave out That the Commons did endevour and use meanes to diminish the priviledges of the Peeres Whereat I say our pernicious Malignants much rejoyced and impiously hoped it was so indeed but were thus most happily frustrated of their wicked expectation therein Ever magnified bee our good God and gracious Father for it And now the List being thus past and perfected the New-Modelled Army was expedited shortly after into the field to Gods high honour and our unspeakable comfort as in due time and place shall bee abundantly manifested The said List of Commanders being a thing of so high concernment I have heer therefore thought fit to insert it for the Readers better content and for the honourable memory of the Persons and the Thing it self Sir Thomas Fairfax Commander in cheif Major Generall Skippon Officers of the Horse Colonell Middleton Colonell Sidney Colonell Graves Colonell Sheffield Colonell Vermudon Colonell Whaley Colonell Sir M. Levisay Colonell Fleetwood Colonell Rossiter Colonell Sir Robert Pye Officers of the Foot Colonell Crayford Colonell Berkley Colonell Aldridge Colonell Holborne Colonell Fortescue Colonell Inglesby Colonell Montague Colonell Pickering Colonell Welden Colonell Rainsborow And this also is very observable by us that for the more happy advance of this New-Army it pleased the Lord to put into the hearts of our Parliamentary-Worthies that among all the other necessary provisions both for the hastening and the happifying also of Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Army into the field they took speciall care of the Spirituall Discipline thereof by sufficient and able Preachers to goe along with them as well as of the Martiall Discipline by honest and valiant Commanders the House of Commons therefore Ordered that the Assembly of Divines should nominate and present to Sir Thomas Fairfax such pious and learned Preachers as they knew every way fit and able for that service And is not such an Army like to thrive think you where piety and probity as well as courage and magnanimity is so piously and prudently endevoured About the 24 of this instant the Lords in Parliament were pleased to bring the eare of the godly education of the Kings Children at Whitehall into their thoughts and serious consideration and thereupon to make the most Noble Earle of Northumberland Governour and his virtuous Lady Governesse of them and to Order an Annuall allowance for their encouragement therin of 3000 pound A worthy act indeed and may justly bring to our thoughtâ— the brave and blessed education given to young King Edward 〈◊〉 6. and to Queen Elizabeth of ever happy memory the recoverâ—â—â— under God of the Gospel out of Egâ—ptian dark Popery and who were the glory of our English nation for these many yeers And wee doubt not as wee pray but those 2 most noble and honourable personages will make it their study and care to have those 2 young Princes instructed and brought up so
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
place and took neer as many prisoners 4 great barrells of powder being all they had there took all their field peices their bagge and baggage and dispersed the Enemy and had at this time utterly spoyled and ruinated them had not the darknesse of the night hindered his pursuite of them The Honourable House of Commons taking into consideration this prosperous successe which it pleased the Lord to give our brethren in Scotland which was of much concernment not only for the hoped peace of that Kingdome but of this also they therfore Ordered that publick Thanksgiving should bee made for the same the then next ensuing Lords Day in the severall Parish Churches in London and Westminster and within the Line of Communication and a Committee of the Lords and Commons addressed themselves to the Scottish Commissioners to congratulate them in that happy and seasonable Victory About the 14 instant among divers other usefull Ordinances of Parliament there was one passed by the House of Commons for exempting the University of Cambridge from all Military Taxes and other Contributions to the publike Service That nothing contained in any Ordinance or Ordinances of Parliament for or concerning the imposing levying or paying of any assessements taxes or charges whatsoever as well already made and charged as hereafter to bee made and charged by any former Ordinances shall not bee extended to charge the said University or any the Colledges or Halls therein or any the Rents or Revenues belonging thereunto nor to charge any Master Fellow or Schollar of any the said Colledges or any Reader Officer or Minister of the said University or Colledges for or in regard of any Wages Stipend or Profit due to them or any of them in respect of their places and employments in the said University any thing in the said Ordinances to the contrary notwithstanding Provided that the Tenents who enjoy Leases from the said University and Colledges doe claime no freedome or exemption or advantage by this said Ordinance Heer therefore that old Prelaticall slander of the Malignant Enemies is already clearly confuted who maliciously and falsly give out as if the Parliament were or would bee haters and discountenancers of Learning and parts whereas they ever aâ—med at the advancement thereof by a most necessary Reformation and cleansing of the University from its old stale and stinking lees and corrupted and corrupting dregs of Popery Arminianism superstition profanenesse and even open atheisme as was too evident in so many Prelaticall Popish and Arminian creatures therin such superstitious idle-addle-headed Governours so many formalists and politicians in Divinity meer Atheists in conversation who constantly infected the better wits and ingenous Spirits inducing and drawing them by their most prevalent pernicious examples to their own wayes and wicked practises But now the Fountain being purifyed and cleansed the streams must needs run abroad more clear into Church and Common-wealth by Gods blessing on the means About the 16 of this instant Aprill wee had suddain and certain intelligence out of Kent that about 3 or 400 mad-headed and discontented Malignants part of the rascality of that County were gotten into a body and had put themselves into a second open Rebellion and had taken Sir Percivall Harts house neer Farningham and had got divers horse and Armes which might threaten some danger to that flourishing County but by the speedy provision and care of the Committee and Gentry of that County the Serpent was crusht in the Egge for they had instantly ordered and authorized noble Colonell Blunt who indeed merited much honour in this Service to raise forces in the County for the suppressing of them who used such industry wisdome courage and fidelity therein that hee had soon raised a body of about 2000 horse and foot in one afternoon and part of the next morning and with quick expedition marched after them with 4 field peices toward Lunnington House and having found them out resolutely set upon them and had soon utterly routed and dispersed them took 50 of their principall Ring-leaders who were clapt up in safe custody till they might bee proceeded against by Martiall-Law And thus praised bee the Lord this spark of rebellion not being neglected was as timely quenched as it was soon kindled Much about which said time wee were certainly informed by Letters out of Hampshire that a party of renowned Colonell Nortons horse from Southampton being upon a design to fortifie Rumsey and so to straiten the Enemies Garrison at Winchester which the better to effect a party of his horse I say under the Command of Major Stewart were drawn out to face Winchester and so to keep the Enemy in play whilst Rumsey was thus fortifying which was done accordingly and after some small skirmishing Major Stewart retreated with the losse of 4 or 5 of his men and as many of the Enemies upon his retreat the Enemy advanced but now Major Stewart being seconded by a fresh party from Rumsey set again upon them routed and pursued them killed Leivtenant Coard and 6 or 7 more on the place took Captain Heath Cornet Barnes and 4 or 5 other Officers and about 30 horse and their Riders prisoners and brought them safe to Rumsey and afterward sent them to Southampton In this service Major Stewart received a shot in the thigh but not mortall only a badge of honour unto him praised bee the Lord for it About the 18 instant wee had clear intimation and knowledge of divers of the Lords and Peers of the Kingdom who having formerly deserted the Parliament and shown themselves in open opposition or at best in slie and faithlesse tergiversation from the Cause of God maintained by this present Parliament yet now at the length the Lord as wee hope having opened their eyes of understanding to see their errour and perswaded their hearts as wee trust to cleave to his Truth in sincerity and cordiall loyalty and therefore now I say divers of them were come in unto the Parliament from Oxford and took their Oath and the Solemn Covenant to bee true and faithfull to the service of the Parliament to the uttermost of their abilities both with their lives and fortunes First there came in about the 10 of this instant 3 Earles and 3 Lords Viz. The Earl of Bedford the Earl of Clare and the Earl of Leicester the Lord Pawlet the Lord Conway and the Lord Rich. And since that 5 more came in and took the same Oath and Covenant Viz. the Earl of Westmerland the Earl of Tenet the Earl of Monmouth and the Lord Savill The rest wee pray and trust will also in the Lords due time see their foul errours and seeing bee ashamed and sin no more in that kinde And about the 20 of this instant Aprill wee received certain intelligence by a Letter from a Member of the Committee of Worcester then residing at Warwick concerning a great and brave defeat given to Prince Maurice his forces in
Cromwell fell upon them neer Islip where proved to bee a Brigade of above a 1000. under the command of the Earl of Northampton and were part of the Queens Regiment part of the Lord Wilmots and part of the Earles own Regiments and bravely beat them at their own game fighting with them most valiantly though the best horse the King had and at the second charge entred their whole body or squadron of the Enemy and greatly disordered them following this advantage with so much courage and gallantry that in a short time they totally routed them following them in hot pursuit above 3 miles killed and took above 200. enforcing at the least 60 of them to drown themselves by making too much speed to get over a water In which fight wee also took 400 horse 3 Colours whereof one was the Queens richly embroydered with a Crown in the midst and 18 Flower de Luces wrought in gold with a golden crosse on the top wee took also about 20 Officers and divers arms wounded many who fled into Oxford and some into Blechington-House Whereupon renowned Leivtenant Generall Cromwell sent away his prisoners and marched against the said Blechington beset it and summoned Colonell Windebank to surrender that Garrison unto him which after some dispute about it it being a strong Garrison and now as strongly surrounded was surrendred to Leivtenant Generall Cromwell upon condition for the Souldiers to march away with their lives The Leivtenant Generall took there 250 Muskets 70 Horse a 100 Pikes and other Armes 3 barrels of powder with Match and other Ammunition And upon the 26 of this instant Aprill Major Generall Brown having notice that Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Horse were so neer him hee drew a party out of Abbington to march that way to bee in a readinesse if occasion were who marching toward Longworth had notice of a party of the Enemy to bee about Buckland so they marched that way but the Enemy was gone toward Farringdon But Major Generall Brownes forces followed them so close that they overtook them and fell upon them took a Captain 3 other Officers and 10 prisoners with which they intended presently to have returned toward Abbington but having intelligence of another party of the Enemies that were comming from the Devizes intended as was supposed for Oxford Scouts were sent to finde them out and having discovered them Major Generall Brownes forces fell upon them and presently put them to the rout took a Colonell a Sergeant Major 3 Captains 3 Leivtenants and divers other prisoners besides horse and armes and carryed them all safe to Abbington And the very same day toward Evening Colonell Feines with his Regiment having intelligence of a party of the Enemies that were come neer Witney hee drew toward them and with much gallantry fell upon them and in the fight and flight of the Enemy took from them a 120 horse 3 Colours 40 prisoners and 50 Armes About the 28 instant Leivtenant Generall Cromwell had intelligence that a party of the Enemies Foot under the Command of Sir Henry Vaughan formerly a Member of the House of Commons but since one of the Oxford Juncto were also about Witney toward Farringdon wherefore hee drew that way intending to fall upon them the next morning if hee could reach them and sending forth Scouts to discover the motions of Colonell Vaughan and receiving advertisement that hee quartered neer Bampton-Bush hee marched on that way parting his Body into severall Squadrons and with valiant courage marched up close unto them the Enemy having little courage to fight so terrible was the very name of Cromwell to them instantly begged quarter for their lives which was granted them and so Leivtenant Generall Cromwell took their Colonell Sir Henry Vaughan who was their Commander in Cheif 2 Leivtenant Colonells 1 Sergeant Major 5 Captains 8 Leivtenants 8 Ensignes 1 Doctor who was Chaplain to them whose name was Dunse 20 Sergeants and other inferiour Officers 230 prisoners and about 200 Armes some powder match and Ammunition with such provisions as they had with them And the rest of the day was spent in publike worship of God and giving thanks to the Lord through-out those our Armies which were within the hearing and knowledge of these great Victories for the same Finally about the latter end of this Moneth of Aprill wee had certain intelligence of the singular good agreement and sweet harmony of affections in renowned Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Army and that the Souldiers expressed very much love affection and cheerfull obedience to their said noble Generall Sir Thomas and to one another in all their severall relations in the Army and that many of those that were thought to bee discontented men and had been Officers under the most noble Earl of Essex had now cheerfully listed themselves under Sir Thomas Fairfax as common Souldiers both Horse and foot And that the last muster of the Horse and Foot of his whole Army at that time was 4000 Horse and 13000 Foot and that some Regiments of horse and foot were then advanced toward distressed yet courageous Tauntons releif wherof more in its proper place And about this time our most prudent and provident State-Promethei of Both Houses of Parliament having so well Ordered their Land-affaires now also took into their serious consideration the businesse of the Admiralty and Sea-affaires how they might bee best ordered and managed for the best good and most considerable advantage and improvement every way of the welfare of our republick The most noble and renowned Earl of Warwick then before Lord Admirall being called from that publick imployment by the late Selfe-denying-Ordinance and they looking upon this businesse as a matter of no lesse weighty concernment than the safety under God of 3 Kingdomes Wherefore at last they came to this resolution that the businesse of the Admiralty should bee managed by Commissioners of Both Houses to continue for 6 moneths and so proceeded to nominate them who were to bee imployed in this great trust Viz. The Earl of Warwick for the House of Peeres and Mr. Bence and Mr. Peregrinâ— Pelham of the House of Commons the prosperous managing of which so weighty trust and employment by which foresaid Parliamentary Worthies wee shall have occasion to make farther mention in its proper place And now good Reader let mee heer again desire thee with godly and gratefull patience to make a little stay and to take a short survey and sweete review of all the rich and rare mercies of this Moneth also And therein to see and admire how graciously and gloriously the Lord hath dwelt in his Parliamentary Burning-Bush and hitherto kept it Vnconsumed both In the most sweet and singular harmony and good agreement between Both Houses of Parliament revived by the House of Peeres for the faster binding of the mutuall affections of Both Houses together And the good services of Major Generall Browns forces about Abbington
brought in for the setling 1000 pound per annuâ—â— on Colonell Massie during his life And likewise Ordered that hee should have 200 pound bestowed upon him for his extraordinary valour and gallantry in this fight and because these monies might bee speedily issued to him it was Ordered that the Committee for the Kings Revenue should make payment forthwith of this summe And a Letter of thanks was ordered likewise to bee sent to Colonell Massie desiring him to goe on in such honourable designes and that hee should never want the encouragement of the Houses of Parliament About the 8 of this instant May wee also received certain intelligence by Letters out of Warwickeshire of the good successe of the Parliaments forces in those parts under the Command of valiant Major Purefoy testified also by his own Letter to the Committee of Parliament at Coventry and by them to London the substance of which Letter was as followeth Noble Gentlemen I Cannot but give you notice of some skirmishes lately performed by my Troop As first that my said Troop scouting abroad to discover the Enemies actions wee encountred a party of them skirmished with them and in the fight took Colonell Francis Wortley Son and hâ—ire to Sir Francis Wortley that prime and pernicious Royalist Since that I marched out again with my Troop and faced Banbury within twice Musket shot for above an houres space and drew out a forlorn hope and sent then into Nelthrop where they met with a party of the Enemies foot pursued them to the very Turn-pike killed one of them and brought off 6 prisoners without any losse to our selves Immediately after I sent out a party of 30 good Horse who bravely fell into the Reare of the Kings Army within a mile of Stow and after a stout assault upon them ours took prisoners Prince Ruperts Gun-Smith 4 Reformadoes of his Life-guard Prince Mourice his Chirurgeon his cheif Cook his Farrier with some other common Troopers 12 good horses 7 case of pistolâ— 12 swords and all this taken without any losse at all on our part praised bee the Lord for it and and 100 peices of gold was taken â—one of their pockets Since this also I sent out another party to â—udgell them up in their Rear and my said party marched straight to Cambden and found the Garrison set on fire but the party entred the Town and found 200 foot in the streets and about an 100 horse in the stables there which unexpected sight increased my mens courage and resolution and they seeing themselves ingaged charged quite through them all and through the whole Town where they discovering the Kings forces within half a â—â—ile of the Town at their rendevour charged therefore through â—hem again killed 14 upon the ground besides many more wounded put them all to run and quit the Town and my men came off without any losse and brought 3 good horses with them And about the 12 of this instant wee received certain â—ntelligence by Letters out of the West of the long expected and much longed for assurance of the releif of the distressed and much straitned Town of Taunton by Colonell Welden and Colonell Graves and their valiant forces designed by renowned Sir Thomas Fairfax for that purpose In which Town there were very many precious soules and most faithfull Servants of the Lord who were all with admirable Christian courage resolved â—â—gether with their brave and most undaunted Governour Colonell Blake to hold out to the uttermost of their dearest hearts blood rather than to trust to the present perfidious Articles and thereby the future intollerable tyranny and basenesse of a most disloyall bloody and barbarous Enemy The manner of the releif whereof being succinctly certified by valiant Colonell Weldens own Letter to Sir Thomas Fairfax I have heer thought fit for my Readers better content and satisfaction to insert onely heer and there I have made bold to interlace a word or two very materiall and pertinent to the present businesse which was as followeth To the Right honourable Sir Thomas Fairfax Commander in cheif of the Army raised for the defence of the King and Parliament Right Honourable ACcording to your Command I shall now give an account of the good successe wherewith God hath graciously blessed this party hitherto After a long and weary march wherein wee lost no time and wherein was such wise and Christian-like Discipline exercised all along as was admired by the Country people Proclamation having been made That it should bee death for any man to plunder any thing from any person wee thus at length came upon the Lords day May 11 before Taunton and at our neer approach to it wee shot off 3 or 4 peices of Ordnance to give notice to the Town that wee were come to their releif at the hearing and hope whereof valiant and vigilant Colonell Blake from a high place by a prospective-glasse discovered our Brigade and thereby greatly encouraged his Souldiers and the honest Townesmen who had had fierce assaults the Friday and Saturday before And Hopton had sent a sharp Summons to the Town Threatning them if they would not surrender it hee would take it by force and put them all to the sword except 7 persons onely that were in the Town To which the Governour stoutly returned a negative answer as brave as Hoptons was cruell saying Hee would not deliver the Town but would keep it to the last man As for those 7 mâ—n whom hee promised to spare hee desired that Hopton would send their names and hee would send him their bodies presently But to come more fully to the work it self Being now before the Town I sent out 10 of my men who fell upon an 100 of theirs and killed and took some of them who could not beleive or bee perswaded but that wee were the Lord Gorings forces and wee were within 4 miles of the Town before they would beleive wee were come against them and then about 4 of the clock in the afternoon they being fully convinced who wee were they raised the siege and confusedly ran away by night in great disorder some toward Bridgewater and some toward Exeter blocking up the way with trees and other combersome matter whereby our forces could not pursue them And truely Gods goodnesse and speciall providence appeared mighâ—â—ly to this poore Town at this time in that wee should come to their releif in the very nick of time only and pinch of their utmost straights comming on them all their Ammunition being now quite spent very much of the Town being burnt even at least 200 houses by the rage of the Enemy and yet the Town extraordinarily defended all this while witly impregnable courage yea notwithstanding that the Enemy many times entred by storme at breaches they had made but were still most magnanimously beaten out again with the losse of at least a 1000 slain before the Town in this siege and about
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
of another and could not charge above twice but were at push of pike The Enemies foot gave a little back and so did some few of ours and in the beginning of the fight the day was very doubtfull but then the right wing of our Horse wherein the Generall was in person charged in the flanck of the blew Regiment of the Enemies foot who indeed stood to it to the last man abundance of them being slain and all the rest surrounded wounded and taken prisoners These who were the very hope of their Infantry being lost horse and foot gave back But heer also the fight continuing with equall might and courage for the space of lesse than half an houre they had somewhat shattered our left wing and made them give back and were almost masters of our Artillery And heer as wee have it from credible relation a party of the enemies brake through our left wing of Horse came quite behinde our Rear of our Train the Leader of them being a person somewhat in habite like our Generall in a red Montero as our Generall had Hee came as a friend and our Commander of the guard of the Train went with his hat in his hand and asked him how the day went thinking verily hee had been our Generall The Cavalier who wee since heard for certain was Rupert asked him and the rest if they would have quarter whereupon they cryed no gave fire instantly and most bravely beat him off making him flie for his life and his companions But as I toucht before our right wing had done more upon them and besides our left wing bravely recovered their strength and ground and within half an houre or a very little more wee had quite driven them out of the field and so broken all their foot that wee verily beleeve there went not off a hundred in any one party or body After this first hot shock so received they rallyed again and put their horse into a posture to charge us which party wee were assured the King himself led up and charged with but What will hee doe when hee shall goe about to charge against God and his Countries best friends For this body was also as the rest of them possest with such a fear that though the King in that foresaid rallying of this body cryed out unto them Face about once more and give one charge more and recover the day But heer also it most mercifully pleased the Lord that the fresh forces of valiant and active Colonell Rossiter most fortunately came in unto us before the battail was quite ended who being all I say fresh men and unexpectedly falling on did admirably help to complete the Victory and to pursue the Enemy with their fresh horse with great slaughter even within the sight of Leicester So they by Gods great mercy together with our horse and foot came on I say with such impregnable and invincible courage that wee made them all fly again and wee after the breech of them killing as fast as wee could all wee found in armes and heer happy was hee that was best mounted to flye fastest for the renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax and valiant Major Generall Skippon fell sorely upon them and magnanimous Leivtenant General Cromwell pursued their horse with a full carreir about 12 or 13 miles at least even within 2 or 3 miles of Leicester the longest pursuite that ever was since this unhappy Warrebegan Thus by Gods infinite mercy wee had a great and wonderfull victory yea as great as ever since the warre began if not greater Which Victory as it is in the first and prime place to bee most justly attributed to our good God alone as the chief Cause and giver of it unto us So also in the next place to his valiant instruments and whom God only made so valiant and victorious over their Cavalierian Enemies and of these in the first place renowned Sir Thomas Fairfax hath merited exceedingly shewing such courage and resolution as hath rarely been seen in any which truely did so animate the Souldiers by his undaunted example as is hardly to bee exprest for certainly had you seen him and how his spirit was raised it would have made an impression in you never to bee obliterated God knows it is not heer hyperbolized but a reall Truth And as for Major Generall Skippon hee also did as magnanimously and valiantly as man could doe and was a great terrour to the Enemy receiving a wound in his side by a Musket bullet in this fight but blessed bee God not mortall onely an indelible badge of Honour unto him Valiant Leivtenant Generall Cromwell also did admirable bravely in this fight hee and his right wing of horse having expressed incomparable gallantry in this fight even to the amazement of their adversaries Yea and to speak the truth all our Officers and Souldiers did as bravely and courageously as could bee Commissary Generall Ireton did valiantly also behave himself in this fight and was sorely wounded but not mortally and so was Colonell Butler both of undaunted courage and did singularly well in this great service But I would not willingly attribute more to one Commander than to another for indeed as I toucht before they did all as gallantly as ever men on earth could doe and so did the Enemies foot which before the battail wee least valued Rupert and Maurice having at least 2000 horse more than wee had that charged fiercely on us at first but were so well received by ours though at first our left wing gave back a little that their hearts were broken at the very first especially by the thicknesse of our reserves and their orderly and timely comming on And thus wee having taken 8 peices of Ordnance in the field whereof 2 were Demi-Cannons one whole Culverin wee also possest all the rest of their Ordnance and their Carriages bagge and baggage abundance of Coaches and rich plunder whereof more anon more particularly Carts and Boates and great store of Bisket and Cheese a seasonable refreshment for our honest Souldiers that had marched so hard the day and night before and had not had a bit of bread to a Regiment for their refreshment thus the Foot and all the Train marched that night to Harborough about 4 miles from Naseby where then the head-quarter lay It was credibly conceived by the testimony of those that saw it and purposely viewed Immediately after the fight that from the battle to Harborough there were not slain above about 700. together with those slain in the field running away but in the pursuite between Harborough and Leicester at least 3 or 400 more were slain abundance of them sorely wounded and divers persons of note or quality fell among them one with a Starre and a red-Crosse on his Coat conceived to have been the Duke of Lenox but it was not hee 4 Lords came mortally wounded as was credibly reported to
And base things in the worlds esteem and things which are despised yea and things which are not God hath chosen as heer wee see to bring to nought things which are And heer me thinks I cannot pretermit but most justly make honourable mention of what I have been credibly informed of touching our most noble and renowned Generall himself Viz. That hee was observed before this fight to have been exceeding merry and cheerfull in his carriage and countenance among his Commanders and Souldiers But after this victory was obtained hee continually day by day carryed himself with very much settleed gravity of countenance lowlinesse and meeknesse of face and heart as giving God all the honour and willing to take none to himself Two rare postures indeed of a pious and prudent Cornelius or Commander and fit for all Souldiers especially Saint-like Souldiers to practise and imitate For indeed both Hee I mean this our most renowned Generall and all of us with him might most justly as reverend Mr. Marshall in his excellent Thanksgiving Sermon at Christ-Church the Thursday following this famous Victory say concerning this glorious Victory as the most noble and renowned late Lord Generall nobly said at Keinton-Victory Never more of God and lesse of man And therefore as wee were most justly bound our most pious and prudent Parliamentary Worthies immediately upon their perfect knowledge and understanding of this so glorious a Victory as you have thus fully heard appointed a day of Solemn Thanksgiving to bee celebrated to the high honour and praise of our great and gracious Wonder-working God a Copy of which their Order I have heer inserted which was as followeth Die Lunae Junii 16. 1645. ORdered by the Lords and Commons in Parliament that Thursday next shall bee set apart for a day of Publique Thanksgiving to Almighty God in all the Churches and Chappels within the Cities of London and Westminster and Lines of Communication and weekly bils of Mortallity For the great and glorious Victory obtained by the Parliaments Army under the Command of Sir Thomas Fairfax against the Forces of the King And Mr. Marshall and Mr. Vines bee desired to Preach at Christ-Church before the Parliament And that the Lord Major Aldermen and Common-Councell doe meet the Parliament there And it is further Ordered That Friday being the 27 of this instant June bee set apart for a publick day of Thanksgiving for this Victory in all the Churches and Chappell 's in the severall Counties of the Kingdom under the power of the Parliament H. Elsynge Cler. Parl. D. Com. About the 15 of this instant there came Letters out of Shropshire which certified of severall good services performed by Colonell Mittons forces in those parts and for better satisfaction I have heer thought fit to insert the Copy of the Letter it self which was sent to renowned Colonell Mitton himself which was as followeth SIR I Being desired by Leivtenant Colonell Goldgay to certifie our late proceedings at Oswestree and the good successe wherewith it pleased God to blesse your Forces there I am humbly bold thus to trouble you On Tuesday the third of this present June your Troop with a considerable party of your Foot marched unto Clerk being commanded by Leivtenant Colonell Goldgay where wee took 27 horse from under their walls being the best horse I have seen together in Wales Wee drawing off in order the Enemy sallyed out came through the wood with firelocks thinking to redeem their losse charged our Rear-guard of horse whom Captain Simpkins caused to face about and fall on them lying in the manner of an ambuscado which they did and soon got through them and got betwixt them and home killed 2 of them took 24. the Governours Leivtenant being one and his Organist whose losse hath caused a generall Melancholly in the Castle and if hee bee not changed their mirth and devotion it is to bee feared will perish together On Thursday the 6 instant wee marched in the like posture to Shraden went close under their works took from them 24 good horse which was the greatest part of Dr. Charles Vaughan then Governour his Troop wee expected them also to sally out but the Dr. though hee hath forgotten his Preaching since hee turned Cavalier yet remembred his Grammar-rule Optimum est alienâ frui insaniâ For being warned by the folly and harm of Cherkmen hee was content to sleep within doores in a whole skin and to suffer us to march away with our prize without any of their lets or least disturbance This wee did without the losse or hurt of any one man of ours Wee ascribe the praise and memory of the work to that God who hath hitherto crowned your endevours with successe and I doubt not in despight of malice will doe so still under whose banner of love I leave you and humbly rest yours to Command And now upon the 19 of this instant June being the next ensuing Thursday after the happy tydings of the foresaid most famous Victory at Naseby according as our most pious and prudent Parliamentary Senators had formerly Ordered and as our most renowned Generall himself Sir Thomas Fairfax had earnestly desired by the Messenger by whom the relation of the victory was first brought a day of Solemn Thanksgiving was celebrated and wholly set apart to give all the glory of that great Victory and mighty mercy to the Lord alone as it was most due in all Churches and Chappels within the Cities of London and Westminster and the Lines of Communication which was as on this day most solemnly performed in a speciall manner at Christ-Church in London where reverend and religious Mr. Marshall and Mr. Vines preached that day before the whole Body of the Parliament both Lords and Commons whom the Lord Major the Aldermen and Common Councell of London met there and had invited the said most honourable Lords and Commons to dine with them that day in their City at Grocers hall And heer I hope it will not bee offensive or tedious to my Reader to give him a short sight or intimation of the manner of the gallant entertainment the City gave the Parliament at Grocers Hall that day not to mention the Messes of their dainty chear which in great plenty was provided answerable to so honourable an Assembly but onely to shew you the speciall guests and the order of their placing according to their state and Orders which was thus At the upper end of the Hall sate the Lord Major On the left hand The Prince Elector Earle of Northumberland Earle of Kent Earle of Essex Earle of Manchester Lord North Earl of Elgar Lord Brighton Two of the Scotch Commissioners On the right hand Earle of Pembroke Earle of Nottingham Earle of Salisbury Earle of Denbigh Earle of Bullingbrook One Scotch Lord The Lord Say There were three Tables more in the Hall On the right hand going up sate Mr. Speaker at the upper end entring to the doore toward
the Parlour Then all the other Members of the House of Commons in order So for the middle Table and the like for the left hand Table going up towards the Lord Majors Table In the Parlour All the Assembly of Divines in order In the upper Roome over that sate The Recorder of London at the upper end The Aldermen on the left hand The Common-councell and divers Gentlemen of quality on the right After these the Lord Majors Officers that attended and divers others sate down in the same roome where the Aldermen and the rest dined The Trumpets continued sounding all the time of the Feast After Dinner and Thanks given by Mr. Marshall both Houses of Parliament the Assembly of Divines the Aldermen of the City and all the rest being assembled in the Hall they sang the 46 Psalm and after that departed And Friday June the 27 then next ensuing was ordered by the Parliament to bee set apart for a publick day of Thanksgiving for this Victory in all the Churches and Chappels in the severall Counties of the Kingdom under the power of the Parliament The House also ordered that Letters of thanks should bee writen and expedited to the renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax his Field-Officers for their extraordinary valour fidelity and judgement in this famous service against the Enemy And they likewise ordered that 2 worthy Members of the House of Commons should bestow at least 500 pound upon a jewell to bee presented to Sir Thomas Fairfax as an earnest of their love and affection to him And as for the Gentleman that brought this happy news to the Parliament from Sir Thomas in farther testimony of their great affection to their foresaid renowned Generall the Parliament most prudently ordered that an 100 pound should bee bestowed upon the first messenger 40 pound upon the second and for the other messengers that came from Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Secretary they also were all well gratified for their paines The House also about that time fell into a particular debate of the gallant great and faithfull service of that heroick and most valiant Commander Leivtenant Generall Cromwell and of the former desires of the Officers of the Horse under the Command of the Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax to have him Command them as their Leivtenant Generall and considering the great necessity of continuing him in that imployment notwithstanding the Self-denying Ordinance after a long and serious debate of this businesse they ordered that Leivtenant Generall Cromwell should continue Leivtenant Generall of the Horse under the Command of Sir Thomas Fairfax during the pleasure of Both Houses and that hee should receive pay as Leivtenant Generall from the time of the establishment of Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army and they sent to the Lords for their concurrence which was assented unto by them And upon the foresaid 19 of this instant June Both the Houses of Parliament and the prime Body of the City of London keeping the day of Solemn Thanksgiving as hath been forementioned It pleased the Lord as a farther addition to our former great Cause of Thankefulnesse and as an exact completing of our present just joy that day that that very day in the morning before the Sermons began the most welcome newes of the happy regaining of the Town of Leicester by ever to bee renowned Sir Thomas Fairfax was brought to London the particulars whereof I have heer thought fit to insert for the Readers better content and clearer satisfaction as they were related in a Letter from an eminent person there in the Army which was as followeth Honoured Sir Upon the routing of the Kings Army at Naseby as aforesaid Sir John Gell gathered together all the forces of Darbishire Nottinghamshire and the adjacent parts that possibly hee could and on Munday the 16 instant they met with â—ome of the Kings horse and took 200 of them and another party met with some of the Newarkers and fell upon them routed them took 60 horse 42 prisoners and 80 Armes On the said Munday June the 16. Sir Thomas Fairfax lay before Leicester and sent in a Summons to the Town to require the Governour to surrender it to him for the use of the Parliament and putting it to them to consider how the King was routed and shewing them what use they might make of that Clemency with divers other very gallant expressions to the summons to advertise them how much better it was for them to surrender than to force him to take it by storming To this summons the Enemy sent a negative Answer positively this that they would not surrender it whereupon Sir Thomas Fairfax called a Councell of Warre to consult about the storming of it which was soon concluded on that they should prepare all things in readinesse to round it the next day which was done with all expedition not losing any time So they sell presently to raising of Batteries and doing all things that were necessary for the storming thereof according as they had appointed and continued providing every thing that was requisite for the dâ—ing thereof to bee in a readinesse to batter it the next day and sent into the Country thereabouts for such helps as were necessary for the work which went on with great speed both night and day so desirous wee are to have a speedy end of the work that there may bee an end of these Warres if possible On Tuesday the 17 of June wee drew down our Ordnance and played with our peices against the Town wee stormed it playing with our Ordnance very hot on the Newark side which wee conceived was their greatest strength And in short time wee made a breach in their works which struck such a terrour into the hearts of the Enemy that the Governour sent to us to desire a Parley and offered to surrender upon very faire termes as upon capitulation should bee agreed upon To this request Sir Thomas Fairfax being willing to save the spilling of innocent blood as much as may bee hee assented and promised speedily to send in Commissioners for the Treaty and called a Councell of Warre and it was agreed that Colonell Pickering and Colonell Rainsborough should go into Leicester to treat with the Governour about the surrendring the said Garrison to Sir Thomas Fairfax And accordingly a safe conduct was desired for them which being sent they went to Capitulate with the Governour about the surrender thereof In the mean time Sir Thomas Fairfax was not idle nor did hee lose any time but went on providing and furnishing himselfe with Pittars Carts Hay Granadoes Ladders and all other things necessary for storming resolving to fall on at their return in case that they should not agree not knowing how things might fall out during which time there was both great pains and care taken by all in their places for the going on in the said work In the mean time wee had intelligence that the King was on Munday the 16 of June at
Sheffield that hee came from Ashby de la zonch thither with about 2000 horse or more the day before viz. Sunday night and marched that morning viz. Munday morning to a Randevouz neer unto Dudley Castle wherewith the Litchfield and Dudley horse and others that came in to their Rendevouzes the King had then about 3000 horse as it was conjectured by the Country people which saw them But to leave him in this his most unhappy flying progresse occasioned by his own unholy miscarriages and unnaturall waged warre against God and his best Subjects and to come to our present businesse All the rest of that foresaid Munday June the 16. our Commissioners were in capitulation with the Enemy in Leicester and the Army went on preparing for a storm having received no answer all that night and looking for the return of our Commissioners the next morning and so very early resolving to fall on if they had not agreed with the Enemy But upon Wednesday June 18 about 2 of the clock the Commissioners viz. Colonell Rainsborough and Colonell Pickering returned with a full conclusion that the Town of Leicester was to be surrendred and delivered up to the King and Parliaments use upon fair and fitting Articles of agreement on both sides namely that Loughborough or Hastings that pestilent Rob-carryer should have quarter for his life and liberty to depart both hee and his Officers and Souldiers that would with a safe convoy for their persons c. But to leave all Armes Ammunition Ordnance great and small bagge and baggage behinde them in the Town save only what was agreed on for the Officers in the Articles With those Articles at large expressed our Commissioners being returned unto Sir Thomas Fairfax certifying farther how marveilous joyfull the poore Town of Leicester was at the hearing of the said agreement and that they should bee rid of the Cavalierian Roysters which accordingly was performed and on Wednesday morning about 10 of the clock Sir Thomas was permitted with all his forces to enter into Leicester and take possession thereof for the use of the King and Parliament Wherein was left 14 peices of Ordnance 30 Colours 2000 Armes 500 Horse 50 barrels of Gunpowder And all other their Armes and Ammunition and provisions in great plenty with all their bagge and baggage And thus you see the Lord doth wonderfully for us still yea above the reach of mans wisdom and truely wee cannot but much admire the goodnesse of Almighty God unto us in doing so great things for us we cannot ascribe it to any but to the hand of God alone who indeed is the Lord of Hosts the God of battails and the onely giver of all Victories to whom alone therefore bee all the honour and glory and praise Amen and Amen About the 20 of this instant June the prisoners which were taken by most renowned Sir Thomas Fairfax and famous and faithfull Major Generall Skippon at Naseby fight fore-mentioned being neer upon 5000 in number were conveyed from Northampton to London and being brought into London they all marched clean through the City with all the Colours Standards and Ensignes yea even the Kings and Queenes Royall Standards about 55 in number which were all carryed in triumph in the faces of the prisoners who were thus led along to Martins-Lane end in the Strand the cheif Officers and Commanders being separated from the Common Souldiers were conducted by severall guards to Peter-House in Aldersgatestreet the Common Souldiers were disposed of in the New Military Garden guarded by the Green and Yellow Regiments of the Trained Bands of the City of London where they had liberty to discourse and talk with their Malignant friends and where and when some of them most audaciously entered many dangerous speeches other some confest and complained they were prest men and enforced to take up Armes for the King The next day of their being there which was the Lords day for they came into London on the Saturday they had 2 eminently learned and pious Divines appointed to preach unto them and such was the piety and charity of our renowned Parliamentary Worthies that 200 pound was presently allotted to provide bread and beer for them which was distributed among them the same night of their comming to Town I appeal then to the very est and most malicious malignant that is whether the usage were not farre more Christian-like than that most base barbarous and inhumanely cruell usage of our forces in Atheisticall Cornwall though Articles and conditions to the contrary were consented to by the King himself who was there present where they poore soules were very many of them stript naked and enforced to march through water and mudde thick and thin yea and some to go in that naked condition without or bread or drink some 30. some 40. some almost 50 miles Besides this how many of ours have been imprisoned at Oxford Marleborough and other places who have been tyed and manacled their necks and heeles together and many of them starved to death yea even wilfully murthered in prison as I may justly say in not being allowed sustenance or Chirurgeons to heal their greivous wounds where is you see heer our Parliament piously and mercifully provided both sustenance and Chirurgeons for their prisoners bodies and soules too blessed bee the Lord for it Much also about the foresaid time wee had certain information that our loyall and loving brethren of Scotland were now advanced and arrived at Nottingham with 7000 foot and 4000 horse expecting command for their removall and promoving of some great design for the good of the Kingdome and for the carrying on of the hopefull re-establishment of a happy and holy peace among us and that in this their advance their horse in their march on the way met with some of the Kings stragling scattered and broken Troops fled from Naseby and took at least 60 horse and their Riders neer Skipton And much about the same time wee had certain intelligence by Letters out of Dorsetshire that Captain Butler having assured information that the Kings Garrison at Corff-Castle had store of Cattle and that they turned them out to grazing every day but fearing our forces they brought them into the Castle every night hee therefore drew forth out of Wareham a party of horse and foot in the night being assisted by Captain Jordon and Captain Lawrence and lay undiscovered all the night till morning and at break of day the Enemy in the Castle having turned out the Cattle and horse to grasse Captain Butler who commanded the horse drew neer the Castle and faced the Enemy whiles Captain Jordan and Captain Laurence drew up the foot entred the Town beat the Enemy to the Castle and bravely kept them play whiles the horse drove away their Cattle from under their very walls to the number of at least 140. and took about 20 good horse and brought them all off safely
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
to draw them from their place of refuge and to gaine more miles to follow the pursuite which by Gods mercy they resolutely intended Now the Enemy thinking all their own came on as farre as Wolverhampton after him where the brave Colonell facing about and giving them a violent charge brake quite through them and charging them again hee absolutely routed them and took many prisoners among whom were 2 Captains 3 Leivtenants and other Officers about 60 horse and much Armes all which hee brought safely into Stafford And much about the foresaid time wee had certain intelligence by Letters from that much honoured Patriot Sir William Armyne and Mr. Henry Darley and the rest of the Commissioners of the North that the Town of Carlile which had divers weeks been besieged by a party of the Scottish Army under the Command of the noble Earl of Callender was now surrendred to our said Brethren of Scotland upon Articles of agreement viz. in breif that Sir Thomas Glemham then Governour thereof and his Souldiers should march with their Armes to Newark c. But that they left behinde them in the Town great store of Armes and Ammunition 20 peices of Ordnance and much other good provision About the 8 instant wee were certainly informed that shortly after the good successe of our Shrewsbury forces in the taking of Caus-Castle forementioned valiant Colonell Mackworth marched to Shrawarden-Castle where after summons and some shot sent forth a parley was offered and accepted and the said Castle on conditions surrendred to him wherein they found some competent store of Armes one Drake and much other good provision and the Enemy therein being about 300 in number were sent away to Ludlow as they desired and our forces presently after this with valiant Colonell Mackworth marched to Higharchall Castle And about the 10 of this instant July wee had certain information by Letters out of the West that the Right honourable and most renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax and ever to bee honoured Major Generall Massey being happily conjoyned with their forces into one body at Branford they now marched forward to Taunton and understanding by their Scouts in what posture the Enemy was now a third time sate down about that notable eye-sore of theirs terribly maligned Taunton they advanced toward them But Goring hearing of Sir Thomas his approach drew off to Chard and not daring to fight drew off all his Army from before Taunton and marched quite away from them whereby that brave Town and the thousands of most precious Soules therein were now a third time blessed bee the Lord clearly set at Liberty from farther fear and danger of those their base and barbarous blood-thirsty Enemies who like devouring Locusts had lyen long lurking about their parts and quarters in greedy gaping hope every day to have eaten them up But who being thus happily driven away the Country round about came in unto them most joyfully with all kinde of provisions in abundance whereby they had presently a most plentifull Market kept among them The preservation of this Town was indeed of very great concernment and most worthily to bee accounted no lesse than a marveilous mercy from heaven and therefore to give the Lord our God all due honour and praise for the same And withall wee may not neglect his instruments therein but in the next place highly praise and prize their love and labours especially heer also to make particular mention of the ever to bee honoured Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax who after so much hardship in Marches Siege and Battail in so short a time trod so much ground as to come so seasonably to the releif of so many brave spirited and undaunted resolved Souldiers and honest-hearted inhabitants who with so much difficulty and in much want of necessaries had maintained themselves and defended the Town against a very potent and most pestilent and blood-thirsty Atheisticall adversary About the same time also came certain intelligence unto us by Letters out of Gloucestershire that a party of the Parliaments forces being before Barkley Castle at a distance to keep in the Enemy from ranging abroad there being about 15 or 16 horse that were as Sentinels attending the Castle the Enemy prepared a party from within of about 300 horse and foot and came forth thinking to surprize the said Sentinells but those few horse discovering the Enemies approach unto them took the best advantage they possibly could and bravely defended themselves till the alarm came to the rest of their horse who thereupon came in speedily to their rescue and fell upon the Enemy with much courage and routed them killed 16 in the place whereof 2 were forward Captains many were wounded and about 40 taken prisoners Sir Charles Lucas the Governour of the Castle was there in person in the fight and escaped with a wound as wee were informed wee took also at the same time 30 horse and upward and a 100 Armes and pursued the Enemy to the very Castle-gates and in this brave service wee lost not above 3 men And thus wee see the Lord does great things for us every day ever magnified bee his name therein And about the 12 instant divers Gentlemen and others of the City of Westminster came to the Parliament and presented a petition to the House of Commons in the name of the whole City of Westminster setting forth the great happinesse and priviledge they now enjoy by the care of the Parliament and unwearied paines of the Divines of the Assembly that preach the morning Lecture weekly at the Abbey in Westminster whereby many that lived in Darknesse and Ignorance for many yeares together doe now see the light of the Gospel more clearly and plainly than ever their humble suite to the House was that the said Ministers so preaching weekly viz. Dr. Stanton Mr. Marshall Mr. Nye Mr. Palmer Mr. Hill and Mr. Whittaker may have a competent maintenance allowed them out of the Revenues of the late Dean and Chapter of the said Abbey that so they may in some measure bee enabled to subsist and encouraged to goe on in this great work of converting and bringing Soules daily nearer to God After reading of this Petition and debate thereupon an Ordinance was read and Committed to a Committee for regulating the Colledge of Westminster after which the House gave Order the Petitioners should bee called in before the House where Mr. Speaker in the Name and by command of the whole House informed the Petitioners that the House had read and debated their Petition and had likewise read an Ordinance for regulating the Colledge of Westminster and had put them both in a way to their satisfaction and returned them the thanks of that House for their care and zeale for the publike Much also about the foresaid time wee received certain information by Letters from Abbington of the prosperous successe and brave exploits of our forces under the command of that
vast body of Horse against him and had also Musketteirs in a hedge which did flank him and somewhat front him also yet this brave Major managed the charge with such gallantry that hee routed 2 of their divisions of about 400. received the charge of the third division both in front and flank but at last being over-powered by reason of their numbers increasing upon him hee bravely retyred to the Generalls Regiment which was not farre behinde him and Colonell Desborough with the Generalls Troops sheltered him by his flank and charged up himself with about 200 horse and dispersed and scattered the Enemy and gave freedome thereby for all our horse and foot to draw into bodies whereupon the enemy fell to plain running not being able to endure the charge The Generall Leivtenant Generall and some other Officers being on the hill at this charge commended it for as brave and resolute a peice of service as any they had seen performed since the beginning of these warres Our men having thus put the Enemy to flight pursued them within 4 miles of Bridgewater And in the flight the Enemy passing through their own Garrison of Langport most mischeivously and desperately fired the Town at the Bridge end to hinder our men in the pursuite but renowned Leivt Gen. Cromwell himself and his resolute Souldiers undauntedly resolved to passe through fire as renowned Massie had before through water as was fore-mentioned after them and so through the midst of Lang-port they passed although the fire was flaming very hot on both sides of them there being about 20 houses in all burnt down And heer mee thinks I cannot but take speciall notice of the faithfullnesse of our good God in all his holy and righteous promises which to his children as they are alwayes in Christ yea and Amen so at this time in a speciall and most peculiar manner that faithfull promise of his by the Prophet Isaiah was most exactly heer fulfilled to these his Saints and Christian Souldiers When thou possest through the waters I will bee with thee and through the rivers they shall not overflow thee When thou also passest through the fire thou shalt not bee burnt neither shall the flame kindle upon thee for I am the Lord thy God the holy one of Israel and thy Saviour O the most particular and exact performance of this good word of God heer now I say to these his faithfull ones Even to wonder and admiration And thus it pleased the Lord to give us a glorious day of it by this so famous a defeat and apparent Victory Let the glory thereof bee ascribed primarily to our good God as to the Authour and giver of all Victories And in the next place to his pious prudent and valiant instruments our renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax Leivtenant Generall Massie and Leivtenant Generall Cromwell and the rest of those valiant Commanders and Souldiers who were deeply ingaged therein A true and perfect List of the slain prisoners and prizes taken from the Enemy in this famous defeat Slain Gorings Quartermaster Generall of Horse Gorings Quartermaster Generall of Foot 60 Officers that were buried about Weston whereof some very eminent men 200 that were left dead upon the place whereof many Officers 100. or very nigh drowned Wounded Goring himself had a cut with a Sword over the eare Sir Thomas Aston and 3 or 4 Knights more wounded Taken Prisoners Leivtenant General Blothridge alias Bertridge Leivtenant Generall of the Ordnance Colon. Slingsby of Horse Colon. Hunningham of Horse Leivten Col. Standish of Horse Leivten Col. Gamble of Horse 3 Majors of Horse 4 Captains of Horse 11 Leivtenants of Horse 20 Cornets of Horse Colonels Leivtenant Colonels Majors Captains and Officers of Foot have not yet sent in their Lists save onely 3 of the Captaines of Horse 60 Inferiour Officers at least 1900 Prisoners Taken besides 35 Colours of Horse 21 Colours of Foot 2 Field peices 4000 and odde Armes 3 Cart-load of Ammunition 3 Cart-load of other purchase 2000 Horse taken and above Diverse Armes both of Horse and Foot daily found in the ditches which the enemy threw away when they fled The Camp Whâ—res fled away thâ—row the hedges 700 of those that are taken petition to serve the Parliament The losse on our part 2 Reformado Captains slain Major Bethells thumbe and fore-fingers shattered Colon. Butlers Captain Leivtenant slain Colonell Cook shot on the mouth slightly on his upper lip 4 or 5 of Bethels Troop slain and about 16 of his Troop wounded and very few more killed on our side The House of Commons Ordered upon the happy intelligence of this famous Victory that 200 pound should bee given to valiant Major Bethell for his speciall service in this brave fight And two good horses to bee given to valiant and virtuous Major Harrison who brought the news thereof And especially as was most boundenly fit our most renowned Worthies in Parliament Ordered and appointed that a solemn day of Thanksgiving should bee celebrated for the Lords exceeding great mercy and goodnesse unto us the Copy of which their Order I have heer thought fit to insert as it was printed and published by their authority which was as followeth Die Lunae 14 Julii 1645. ORdered by the Lords and Commons in Parliament Assembled that Tuesday being the 22 of this instant July shall bee set apart for a publike day of Thanksgiving to Almighty God in all Churches and Chappels through the whole Kingdom under the power of the Parliament for the great and glorious Victory obtained by the Parliaments forces under the command of Sir Thomas Fairfax on the Enemies forces in the West And that on the same day the Ministers doe likewise take notice of the great mercy of God in preserving the City of London during the sitting of this Parliament from the infection of the Plague and that this order bee printed and published Ordered by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament That the Committee of the severall Counties doe take care that the Order for a publick day of Thanksgiving on Tuesday sevennight bee dispersed to the severall Parishes in the respective Counties And that the Counties doe keep the same day And that the Members of this House that serve for the severall Counties doe send these Orders to the respective Committees accordingly And now all that I shall adde for the farther illustration of the just praise and glory of God touching this famous fight and glorious Victory shall bee onely these few serious and materiall Observations upon the same First that had not God made our Souldiers forget all their wearinesse and many other former and present difficulties and so hasted this famous work the Enemy had certainly been re-inforced with at least 5000 Welsh foot whereof 1500 were already come over Severn at that time Secondly Greenvile that vile Apostate and perfidious fugitive had undoubtedly brought down as many out of Cornwall with all
whom wee must of necessity have buckled joyntly together and so have undergone farre greater difficulty Thirdly that now wee having thus happily dissipated and scattered this great Army of his Majesties then in beeing not an Army is left unto him in any parts of the Kingdom but such as may bee with an ordinary active power still scattered and discomfitted and soon by Gods blessing bee brought to nothing Fourthly that if the Clubmen then risen up in Armes in those Counties and whereof I shall speak more particularly anon joyn with us now after this admirable successe they also may all suddenly bee at quiet and quickly see good dayes and the West all ours Fifthly I heer also desire Gods people with mee to take speciall notice of our most renowned Generalls wisdome valour and unparallelled expedition in this whole service ever since hee first began it and that according to the rules of Warre the honour of all next under our most great and glorious Lord God is cheifly due to him and that it is most clear that his rare Discipline and sweet Harmony with his forces with Gods blessing thereon hath been his Crown Sixthly consider the place where this defeat was given viz. a poore opprest Country and that in the remote parts of the Kingdome that so from the one end of the Land to the other wee and all they may see and know that God is for us and with us and it was also neer the place where the remaining part of the Enemy lay and it is a mercy to bee neer the Enemy and that in a conquering way too and not to bee forced to goe and seek him up and down Seventhly consider the persons by whom God gave this victory namely as I touched before in our famous Naseby fight that despised Army which was the scorn and by-word of many both seeming friends and open foes of whom O said some They 'le never fight being fearfull young Souldiers O sayes another You will quickly see an end of this poore New-Modelled Army I warrant you Alas alas sayes a third There is no worth in any of them all onely they pretend Religion forsooth but there is not a good Souldier among them and therfore they shall never bee able to stand against the Kings brave Army of old able experienced Souldiers Thus they proudly presumptuously yea most foolishly despised the day of small things And forgate that of wise Solomon That the race was not to the swift nor the battle to the rider Eightly and lastly take notice to what persons God had given the benefit of this blessed Victory namely that though indeed it must needs bee granted and with comfort recorded it was and is the most religious and praying Army that ever this Kingdome beheld yet mixed with very many wicked concomitants and rude and irreligious coadjutors as instruments therein yet I say in generall for us in this Kingdome who are a people most unfit for most unworthy of such and so rare mercies who have not yet repented us of our former abominations Yea who as much as in us is refuse our own mercies had not God thus freely loved us And therefore O what infinite and ineffable praise and thanksgivings are due to our God who thus continually heales our backslidings and loves us thus freely But now to proceed And now to perform my promise concerning the Western Club-men a disorderly rable and rude company of Mongrell Malignants and rotten-hearted nauseous Newtrals now about this time and lately before risen up in the West Of whom I confesse I have hitherto made no mention nor of their basenesse obstinacy and insolency both those of Wilts Dorsetshire and Sommersetshire because I looked on them as on a rude and undigested body of tergiversatious Batts and impious Atheisticall heathens worshipping the Sunrising and frighted at the Setting of it Who now seeing the rising of this Sun of Victory in the Parliaments Horizon especially the Sommersetshire Clubmen who indeed at the very first seemed to bee somewhat active Clubbers against Hopton Stowell and the rest of those Royalists and Roysterly incendiaries of the Western parts They now all began to appear for victorious Fairfax and besides about 80 of Gorings forces whom they had seized upon and disarmed before this fight they brought along with them who willingly also offered their service to the Parliament And after this they brought in many others of Gorings men prisoners to our forces and did other good service and stiffe execution against the Enemy where-ever they fastned on them Upon the 22 of this instant the publike day of Thanksgiving for the good successe of the Parliaments Army at Lang-port was according to Order of Parliament fore-mentioned solemnly celebrated in all the Churches and Chappels in London and Westminster and within the Lines of Communication And the Collections and contributions gathered that day in all Churches and Chappels aforesaid were for the releif of our distressed brethren in the West to refresh in some present measure their afflicted loynes And in the evening of that day after the performance of the publike and private holy duties thereof to the Lord our God other externall expressions of joy and thankfulnesse were performed also all over the City ringing of Bells and making of Bonfires especially in Cheapside whither a great many of Popish pictures Crucifixes Images Popish Books and such like paultry Romish trumpery which not long before I told you were taken in Long-Acre were now brought and just in the place where the guilded gaudy Crosse formerly stood were in a mighty Bonfire built up with firpoles and faggots burnt to ashes in the presence of multitudes of people triumphing at the sight of it Upon the 26 of this instant July came another most happy and plentifull increase of our comfort by Letters out of the West to London of the certain taking of one part of the strong Town of Bridgewater by our most renowned and heroick-hearted Generall Sir Thomas Fairfaxes forces and immediately after of the totall taking thereof by storm The exact manner whereof I have heer thought fit for the Readers fuller content and satisfaction to insert and set down in a Letter sent by a worthy Gentleman of Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Army who was a speciall actor in the Service to the Speaker of the House of Commons which was as followeth To the Honourable William Lenthall Esquire Speaker to the House of Commons SIR I Writ to you formerly of the late Battaile with Goring and of the taking of Lang-port and Burrough two Garrisons of the Enemy since which time the Army hath blocked up Bridgewater in nature of a siege and yet have refreshed themselves being necessitated to lie still if no Enemy had been neer till our money came up which arrived here on Wednesday and the Army Horse and Foot being Mustered were paid on Friday and Saturday the rest this day But Action being most proper for this
into the House of Commons and had 30 pound given him as a reward The Enemy quitted 3 small Garrisons neer Bridgewater upon the taking thereof And that which yet more excellently and eminently sweetens this great mercy unto us was that it pleased the Lord who is the only true God that heares prayers that this great blessing was granted unto us upon Tuesday July the 22. which was a day set apart in London in a speciall manner to seek the Lord by prayer and humiliation for this very thing which I say the Lord gave in unto us on the same day wee sought it as a most certain and blessed return of Prayer O who then would not still and for ever trust such a gracious God and benigne and bountifull Lord and Master And heer also I have fit opportunity to give my Reader one note more touching this businesse of Bridgewater viz. That one Mr. Peters being sent from thence by Sir Tho. Fairfax our most renowned Generall with his own Letter to the Parliament for the confirmation of the truth of the premises touching the storming and winning of Bridgewater Hee also brought with him 3 Commissions out of the West which hee then also presented to the House of Commons The Contents of which were from the Prince to one Mr. Philips a Gentleman of that Country to raise a Regiment of horse a Regiment of foot and a Regiment of Dragoones The Commissions were dated in January last There were likewise other papers from the said Prince Charles by which the whole design of the Clubmen was made manifest and how they were drawn into a snare to fight against the Parliament and to gather themselves together in such a mutinous manner and into disorderly bodies without any heads till Commanders were sent and set over them But as in part yee have heard it pleased the Lord to frustrate their policies and to bring their mischeif upon their own heads apparently seen by the late comming in of the Sommersetshire Clubmen to the assistance of our noble Generall Sir Thomas and their late frequent galling of Gorings Army But now to proceed See still good Reader the admirable and unexhaustible bounty of our good God for the taking of Bridgewater was not all the good news which this 26 day of July produced unto us for on the very same day Sir Rowland Edgerton who came with a Letter out of the North intimating the surrender of the strong Castle of Pontefract was also called into the House of Commons to relate the manner of it which hee did and had thanks returned by the House for his speciall service and diligence in it When hee came away our Souldiers had entred the Castle wherein was exceeding great store of treasure and much Ammunition The particulars of the surrender of which said Castle was thus related in a Letter sent from the Committee at York to the Parliament To the Honourable William Lenthall Esquire Speaker of the House of Commons SIR VVEE thought fit the last week to summon Pontefract-Castle which caused the Enemy to desire a Treaty Whereupon Colonell Wastell Col. Copley Col. Overton Col. Bright or any three of them were authorized to treat and this day it was agreed that the Castle shall bee delivered up to the use of the Parliament to morrow at 8 of the clock in the morning with all the things therein save that the Officers were allowed to carry away what is properly their own so that it exceed not what a cloak-bagge will contain and the Souldiers to march to Newark with 200 Muskets and 200 Pikes Wee consented to so good conditions because the Plague was very hot in the Countrey and especially in that Town of which some of our Souldiers are dead Wee are also in Treaty with Scarborough which wee hope shortly will bee reduced Thus much wee thought fit to give you notice of desiring the House may bee acquainted therewith From Your very affectionate Friends and humble Servants Francis Pierrepont Wilfrid Lawson Henry Cholmley York the 20 of July 1645. And upon the 28 instant wee received most certain intelligence by Letters out of the North of the happy surrender also of the strong Castle of Scarborough to that most valiant and brave Commander and loyall Patriot Colonell Boynton who lay before it as Commander in cheif of those forces since the decease of that thrice noble and renowned Souldier and pious Cornelius Sir John Meldrum Which said strong Castle was surrendred on fair conditions Viz. That Sir Hugh Cholmley that wicked Apostate should march out with his forces to Newark if hee pleased or bee transported into Holland which indeed hee desired In the Castle hee left great store of Armes and Ammunition and 25 peices of Ordnance And about the 29 of this instant July came certain intelligence to the House of Commons in Parliament by Letters from the Scottish Army at Ludbury in Wales concerning the taking in of Cannon-Froom a strong and considerable Garrison of the Enemies which was taken by assault in which storm at least 70 of the Enemies were slain and but 8 of the Scots and some 20 hurt The Governour Colonell Barnold was therein taken prisoner and mortally wounded in the fight together with Captain Brisk Captain Houk and 30 other prisoners and all the Ordnance Armes and Ammunition therein seized on for the King and Parliament And the House of Commons had debate touching this and all the good service of our loyall Brethren of Scotland and Ordered that a Letter of Thanks should bee sent to the Earl of Leven signed by Mr. Speaker in acknowledgement of his faithfull Service for this Kingdom and farther therefore Ordered that a Jewell of 500 pound should bee with all covenient speed sent to the Earl of Leven and bee bestowed upon him as a badge of favour and respects from Both Houses of Parliament to his Excellency for the unwearyed and faithfull services since his comming over with the Scots Army into this Kingdom An excellent way by gratitude to spurre on the spirits and fasten the affections of our Souldiers to goe on in their fidelity and industry for the prosperous advance of the affaires of the Kingdom And about the same time wee received certain assurance by Letters out of the West that the forces of that gallant Garrison of Lyme had taken Chadwick-House belonging to Count Arundell a great Papist a place that did much mischeif and annoyance to those parts and lay within 6 miles of Lyme There were above an 100 prisoners and their Armes taken in it 30 horse 3 barrels of powder and good store of other provisions and Ammunition Much also about the same time wee were certainly informed of the rendition and delivering up of Rabby Castle in Durham upon faire and easie Articles or conditions viz. The Officers to march away with their Armes to Newark that cage of unclean birds and the common Souldiers with their lives only
gracious prevention of our Prayers the Lord heerin most exactly verifying his own faithfull promise by the Prophet I am found of them that sought mee not And according to that also in the same Chapter Before they call I will answer and whiles they are yet speaking I will hear And is not heer a gracious God indeed and is not our God a bountifull-handed and free-hearted Master indeed who payes us our wages before our work is done and that farre more than wee asked or ever did or could deserve yes most certainly And for the farther and clearer confirmation ratification and admirable yea almost incredible illustration of this truth give mee leave good Reader to put thee in minde how that much about the beginning of June last it pleased the Lord to hint in the heart of a godly Minister by name Mr. White Preaching occasionally at reverend and religious Mr. Cases Church in Milkestreet in London the impregnable and even invincible power of Prayer and of what precious consequence and concernment it might bee for the advancement of Gods glorious Cause if Gods people would bee pleased every morning constantly to set apart half an houre or an houre at most to seek the Lord by servent Prayer for a speciall blessing upon the present great affaires and negotiations of the Kingdom both by Counsell and Warre for the good of Church and State which hint or holy alarm as I may call it reverend and religious pious and painfull Mr. Case cheerfully laying hold on presently began this godly work and for the space of one whole Moneth upheld it in his own Church most sacredly and sweetly Whom reverend and religious Mr. Calamy as I take it immediately succeeded all the next ensuing Moneth and so this most blessed work hath continued and constantly been carryed on to the high honour and glory of our Prayer-hearing God the wonderfull good of the Kingdome and the unexpressible joy and comfort of Gods people especially who have been partakers and actours in it For as it hath been most justly observed O what sweet and singular successes have been given to all our Armies ever since this pious and precious work began not a Moneth nay a week nay scarsely 2 dayes have past without a blessing on our Armies if not a Victory in one part of the Kingdome or other Take good Reader but a succinct Summary of what God hath done heerin only since June and July now last past the rest I shall give thee afterward in their more proper places As namely First That most famous and glorious victory at Naseby The singular good successe of our forces in Shropshire The last releif of Taunton The admirable re-taking of Leicester Highwarth and Ilchester The late forementioned famous Victory obtained by Gods mighty assistance through fire and water at Lang-port and Burroughs which famous victory wee obtained that day moneth whereon wee obtained Naseby Victory rare mercies indeed two famous Field-victories obtained in the space of one Moneth The surrender of Carlile The reconcilement and comming in of the Western Clubmen to the Parliaments party The winning of strong Bridgewater and strange and speedy obtaining of Bath The gaining of the strong Castles of Pontefract Scarborough Cannon-Frâ—â— Chadwick-house and Rabby Castle In these Field-victories and 10 or 11 strong Garrisons and Castles above 10000 prisoners taken above 50 or 60 peices of Ordnance Much above 10000 Armes and great plenty of Ammunition bagge and baggage and all this done within the space of lesse than two Moneths Tell me now then good Reader and speak thy conscience freely doe not all these rare and almost incredible mercies clearely confirme the truth of what I have affirmed that ever since the Throne of grace hath been so constantly and daily prest with Prayer our faithfull Prayer-hearing God hath admirably crowned his own works in us and for us And say I pray thee may I not most justly stile these two Moneths of June and July Menses Mirabiles two most deservedly admired Moneths And hast thou not now again good Reader seen and that in a most abundant measure this our great Miracle and amazing-wonder even The Burning-Bush not only not Consumed but gloriously made to spread and flourish in the midst of all the most fierce and furious flames of Antichristian Atheisticall and Maligaant wrath and outrageous fury Yes certainly I know thou wilt easily and truely acknowledge it and that if ever heer was that faithfull word of the Lord confirmed and made good to his maligned Church and children Now weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgement thou shalt condemn This is the heritage of the Servants of the Lord and their righteousnesse and salvation is only of the Lord. Not unto us therefore Lord not unto us but unto thy name alone wee give all the honour and glory of all these great and gracious deliverances and many and mighty mercies Thou only hast thus encompast us with Songs of deliverance Thy mighty hand and thy strong and out-stretched arme alone hath gotten to thy self and given to us these great and glorious Victories to thee alone therefore â—ee all the honour and glory throughout all generations And now to go on in the continuation and happy contemplation of this next Moneths most memorable Wonder of our Burning-Bush the Parliaments Cause still un-consumed still eminently prospered And here I shall begin this Moneths observation herein with that brave defeat given to the Enemy by that valiant active and faithfull Commander Captain Allen neare Stamford in Lincolneshire which was as followeth About the beginning of this Moneth of August 1645. we received Letters of certain intelligence from Burleigh House in those parts that a party of Newarkers being joyned with Belvoyre Forces to the number of about 300 in all were gathering Taxes or Contribution Money about Stamford and the parts thereabout whereof valiant Captain Allen having notice he with Captain Collins drew forth all the Horse belonging to the Garrison being in number not above 130. or 140. at most whereof some were Dragoones which came after who found the Enemy neer Carlebie retreating homeward with their Prisoners and Plunder among whom they had taken an Alderman of Stamford Sir Robert Dallison being their Commander in Chiefe and they above two for one of ours where a hot encounter was begun between them for our men notwithstanding set upon them with admirable resolution and were as it must be confessed at first gallantly received but I say after a sharp and short dispute it pleased God to do much for ours and to make couragious Captain Allen a speciall instrument of a brave victory his brave Souldiers taking more than ordinary courage at his valiant and undaunted behaviour among them insomuch that they utterly routed the Enemy leaving dead and desperately wounded twelve or fourteen on the place and took Prisoners
upon God for our expectation is only from him He only is our rock and our salvation he is our defence whereby we are not moved In the Lord our God is our salvation and our onely glory yea he is the rock of our strength and our righteousnesse therefore will we trust in him still and at all times And thus now to proceed And here I shall begin the yet further sight and survey of this next ensuing Moneths marvell and most worthily to be admired wonder of this our still unconsumed Burning-Bush in representing to the Reader in the first place an excellent Declaration set forth and sent into Wales by the wisdome and providence of the most renowned Lords and Commons in Parliament about the beginning of this Moneth of September 1645. providently I say and prudently to undeceive that pittifully misled and abused people who had been over-perswaded and made to believe all along and all over that whole Dominion and Principality even as much as possibly might be by the lying and irreligious Royalists That the Parliament mainly endeavoured to make a Conquest of their Country and to gratifie our Brethren of Scotland with the totall donation of it unto them as a reward and requitall of their assistance in this present War thus most maliciously and falsly to slander the Parliaments proceedings and thus the more to exasperate the thoughts and stir and stimulate the spirits and splene of the naturally restie Welchmen against the Parliament which said Declaration for the Readers better content and satisfaction and for the excellency of the thing it self I have here thought fit to insert it as it was printed and published by Authority which was as followeth A Declaration of the Lords and Commons Assembled in Parliament Die Lunae 8. Septemb. 1645. WHereas the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled are informed that by the subtle and malicious practises of a Popish and Malignant party opposite to Gods Cause and the prosperity of this Kingdom it hath been insinuated and infused into sundry of the Inhabitants of his Majesties Doâ—â—inions of Wales to dis-affect and poyson them against the proceedings of the Parliament That it was their intention to gratifie our Brethren of Scotland for their assistance in these our extremities drawn upon us by the said Popish and Malignant party with the Estates and Lands of the said Inhabitants which is so absolutely false that it never entred into their thoughts and consequently needed no refutation Yet that the Subjects of this Kingdome inhabiting within the said Dominion of Wales may receive full and befiting satisfaction and We and our Brethren of Scotland Vindication against so foule and so barbarous an aspersion the said Lords and Commons do testifie and declare to all persons whatsoever to whom these shall come That they do much abhor and detest an Act of such Injustice and Inhumanity and that they are so farre from doing any such thing that if any of the said Inhabitants upon due sense and sorrow for any of their Crimes and Misdemeanours committed against the present Parliament shall submit and apply themselves by humble Petition to the Parliament and desire the favour of and reconciliation to the same the said Lords and Commons will be thereupon ready to receive any and all such upon such reasonable terms as the wisdome of the Parliament shall thinke in some measure proportionable to the qualities and degrees of their severall offences and thereupon yeeld them all such aid and assistance as they shall reasonably desire and the Parliament be able to 〈◊〉 Provided alwaies that this shall not extend to any that are excepted from pardon within the Propositions lately presented to his Majesty for a safe and well grounded Peace Jo. Brown Cler. Parliamentorum And here now the Reader may be pleased to remember That about the latter end of the last Moneths Relations I intimated our renowned Generâ—â—s bâ—leaguering and besieging of the strong Town or City of Bristoll and what a good beginning he had made there in taking from the Enemy that strong Fort of theirs called Portshead-Point And now about the ninth of this instant September as we were credibly informed our noble and pious Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax resolving to set effectually upon the work of winning and subduing the City to the Parliaments just obedience for the better and more happy and hopefull effecting whereof he most rightly and religiously resolved first to seek the Lords assistance therein and therefore appointed a day of holy humiliation to be solemnly kept throughout the whole Army which was accordingly performed and then they all prepared to storme the City suddenly the Somerset Clubmen having at a meeting at a place called Dunderry declared themselves with great alacrity and readinesse to give Sir Thomas their best assistance for the regaining of this said City of Bristoll But before the storming thereof you must take notice that our most noble and renowned Generall had sent his Summons to Prince Rupert the then Governour thereof to have it surrendred unto him on fair and â—itting Articles or Propositions which Rupert put off with tricks and delayes and desires to send first to his Unkle the King ere he would or could resolve ought therein Thus shewing himselfe in his old proper Colours preâ—ending one thing and intending another onely to gaine time till his Counter-Scarffs and inner-Lines were fully finished about which at that time they were very active and nimble as indeed it beloved them day and night But to be brief all relations to a true Treaty being broken off and in this the Prince and his Confederates within being left inexcusable for refusing the fair and honourable Conditions which noble Sir Thomas like himself had tendred unto him very faire I say and honourable and therefore the blood that was to be shed and inevitably spilt to be challenged at their hands and laid on their heads It was now therefore I say peremptorily resolved on Tuesday night being the 9 of Septemb to storm the City the manner of the storm was before thus agreed on â—â—lon Welden was to have one Brigade consisting of foure Tâ—unton Regiments viz. Colonell Welden Col. Twooldsâ—y Colonell Fortâ—soues and Colonell Herberts Regiments who were to make good Somersetshire side and to storme in three places Col. Mountague to command the Generals Brigade consisting of the Generals Col. Mountagues Col. Pickerings and Sir Hardresse Wâ—llers Regiments to storm on both sides of Lawford Gate Col. Rainsborough had another Brigade consisting of his own Major Generall Skippons Colonell Hammonds Col. Birches and Col. Barkleys Regiments to storm on this side the River Froom beginning on the right hand of the Sally-Port up to Priors-Fort and 200. of this Brigade to go in Boats with the Seamen to storm Water-Port One regiment of Foot and another of Horse to be moving up and down in the Closes before the Royall-Fort to alarm them and one Regiment of Dragoones with two of
Horse to attempt the Line and Works by Clifton and Washingtons breach The manner of the storm being thus agreed on Tuesday at night all the Army Horse and Foot round the City were set in a posture to fall on the signes to give notice when the storm should begin were by kindling a fire of straw and shooting of foure great Gunnes Our Word during the Storm was David and after the Line was entred the Word was The Lord of Hosts About two of the Clock in the morning the storm began the Souldiers shouted for joy the service was very hot for a time especially with Colonell Rainsboroughs Brigade who with a party of his Forces spent 3 houres in the storming of Pryers-Fort a place of great advantage which piece of Service was as bravely performed as ever thing was done by man in regard they were put to the utmost by scaling-Ladders to win the Fort. They cut in pieces most of the Forces within this Fort and made the rest unserviceable and gave no Quarter to Major Price in the Fort. This Brigade took foure great Pieces in this Fort and two more in a Redoubt and Colonell Mountagues Brigade took sixteen Pieces in the severall Works and Half-Moons which they gained by storming The other Brigade under Colonell Welden fell on Somersetshire side with a great deal of resolution but when the Ladders were set to the Works they were too short the moat being very deep so that they only alarm'd the Enemy The Clubmen who fell on at Bedminster much terrified the Enemy Our losse of men was inconsiderable yea almost not credible considering their fierce brunts And truly in Colonell Rainsborough and Colonell Mountagues Brigade not forty men were lost and our Horse entred with our Foot the Pioneers having thrown down the Line and beaten off the Enemies Horse and took Colonell Taylor formerly a Member of Parliament being mortally wounded We had on our part Captaine Ireton sore wounded who was a Captain of Horse an honest and stout man Major Bethel was slightly wounded Major Saintleger and two Majors more of the Enemies part and divers others were taken Prisoners Now ours by this time being thus made masters of the most part of the Town and all their Works but onely the Main Fort Rupert fled into the Castle and ours being about to plant Ordnance against it on Wednesday morning about eight of the clock Rupert sent to desire a Parley but the Souldiers were generally unwilling to hearken to any tearms of Treaty since now they were in so faire a way of taking all by force but the thrice noble Generall out of his generous and noble disposition and resolution to mercy rather than to see so brave a Towne burnt to ashes and destroyed Rupert having already fired it in three places and vowed to burne all ere he would yeeld without Articles of agreement satisfied his Souldiers and condiscended to a Treaty which by six of the clock on that Wednesday night produced too honourable termes for such a mischievous and bloody Prince Colonell Murrey and another Knight being sent to the Generall as Hostages for the performance of those Articles which were about ten in number which here for brevities sake I omit particularly to mention and Sir Robert Pye and Sir Hardresse Waller were sent as Hostages to the Prince And things on both sides yeelded to and promised being exactly performed accordingly the Prince and his traine issued out of Bristoll accompanied some part of his way by our renowned Generall and ours immediately possessed of the City and Castle with all therein save what Rupert was permitted on the Agreement to have with him all which premises were confirmed by the testimony and intelligence of three severall Messengers sent to London immediately to the Parliament with Letters from Bristoll to the House of Commons which Messengers had by Order of the House 60 l. to be divided among them for their reward in bringing this most welcome newes to the Parliament And it was ordered That on the next ensuing Lords Day deserved and bounden thanks should be given to Almighty God in all Parish Churches and Chappels within the Line of Communication and Bills of Mortality in London and Westminster for the great and good successe which God had given to our Forces under the Command of Sir Thomas Fairfax in taking the City of Bristoll with the Castle and Forts thereof And on the Lords Day fortnight following Octob. 5. like bounden thanks to be given also in all the Parish Churches within the power of the Parliament thorow all England and Wales Our most renowned Generall upon his return from Rupert viewed the Royall Fort in Bristol which he esteemed one of the bravest citadels in all England in it were 24 Peeces mounted upon five bastions powder in quantity answerable victuall in abundance of all sorts 80 or 100 tunne of Beer Bread sufficient to serve almost 100000 men a day Upon the Line Castle and Forts might be in all about 200 Peeces of Ordnance then mounted and 300 Barrels of Powder Match and Powder proportionable a great Magazine of Arms some reported and that by the last and best intelligence 7000. ten small Ships in the Harbour ten Commanders slaine one Colonell mortally wounded sixty Officers and Souldiers slaine in the storme 37 desperately wounded In the said storm we also tooke prisoners 20 Officers in Arms 200 Common Souldiers and about 1000 after the taking of the City of Bristoll forsook the Enemy and chose rather to fight with Sir Thomas Fairfax than to side any longer with the Kings Cormorants we also took in speciall Basalisk the Warning-Peece which was lost in Cornwall the yeare before with some other Peeces of ours then also lost so that at Naseby Bridgewater and here in Bristoll we have re-taken all the brave Peeces of Ordnance we had lost before in the West All this rare and admirable successe was the Lords doing and is and ought to be most marvellous in our eyes to him alone therefore be all the praise and glory most worthily ascribed for ever and ever Divers Gentlemen of the West did petition to the House of Commons that renowned and religious Major Generall Skippon that famous Commander in Arms should be made Governour of the City of Bristoll which was accordingly and that most worthily condescended unto by the Parliament And now to proceed About the 12 instant we received certaine intelligence by Letters from Shrewsbury that the valiant and victorious forces of that brave and most active Garrison having intelligence in what posture the Enemy lay at Bridge-North they suddenly and silently marched thither and undiscovered fell upon the Centinels soone surprized them entred the Town it self and there fell upon the Enemy drove them into the Castle slew some of them and tooke some prisoners that the Enemy had of theirs tooke about 180. Horse and some good pillage all which they safely
brought away and returned triumphantly to Shrewsbury againe And about the 14 instant we were for certaine informed by â—â—tters from Coventry that Lieutenant Colonell Phips a brave and â—ut Gentleman of that famous City being requested as a Phisiâ—â—an to visit the Lady Lucie at Churlcot about three miles from â—arwick it being within the Parliaments Garrisons and therefore he might have thought himself secure enough but it seemed the Enemy had some private intelligence hereof and from Banbury a party of their Horse secretly attended his coming back and about two miles from Warwick or little more at their best advantage they discovered themselves upon him and ere discovered had surrounded him and riding up close unto him to have laid hold on him he stoutly with his Sword kept them off his man assisting him whereupon they shot severall Pistols at him killed his man in the place but the brave Lieutenant Colonell himselfe with his Sword only valiantly defended himselfe and violently brake through six or seven of the Enemy who stood to stop him in a strait passage and thus outriding them got to Warwick without any hurt at all This was that valiant and faithfull Phips who was the chiefe instrument under God of preserving Coventry when the King was at the first beginning of this War before it And this though a particular passage yet having so much of Gods providence and preservation in it and that to one of the Parliaments first and so fast friends I thought it worthy to be here inserted for Gods glory and the honour of his cause and the faithfull upholders of it And whereas it had pleased the Lord in his most wise disposall and righteous ordering of all things as about this time and somtime not long before to permit Montrosse that most desperate and Atheisticall Rebell in Scotland sorely and very suddenly to over-runne and spoile that Kingdome of Scotland by the cursed help of some additionall Irish Rebels then come unto him and thereby to worke such a mighty and sudden overture of things there as made us all and that most justly stand amazed to see that Kingdome so soone and so universally reduced into such a deep deluge of danger and distraction and whereby Montrosse was lifted up to such a height of pride and insolent arrogancy as to go about to summon a Parliament as Lord Paramount and already King of Scotland and to force divers rebellious and trayterous Lords of that Kingdome then in durance in Edenborough out of prison and to be set at liberty and sent to him as his beloved brethren in iniquity with him as upon his command they were And yet notwithstanding all this how admirably and graciously againe it pleased the Lord on a sudden to revive this seeming dying Kingdome and in the midst of all Montrosses ruffe and puffe of pride to disappoint and dissipate his high-built hopes and vapourous villanies of insufferable pride and oppression exercised by him on the poore helplesse Inhabitants where he came The manner whereof I shall desire the Reader to receive in this ensuing relation extracted for brevities sake out of an authentick narration thereof sent from Barwick immediately after the great and glorious victory which God gave those our loving Brethren in Scotland which was as followeth About the 12 of this instant September 1645. being Friday a day of fasting and humiliation in Scotland and valiant and victorious Lieutenant Generall David Lesley being then come into Scotland advanced with his Forces within three miles of the place where Montrosses Army lay quartered in Philip-Haugh not far from Selkirk and the morrow being Saturday Sept. 13. he marched close up within view of the Enemy who about 10 of the clock that morning according to his usuall manner had made choise of a most advantagious ground wherein they had intrenched themselves having upon the one hand an unpassable ditch and on the other dikes and hedges and where these were not strong enough they had fortified them by casting up ditches and lyning their hedges strongly with Musketeers After viewing one another and some slight skirmishes parties in this kinde growing greater on both sides at last our Van advanced close upon the Enemy and for almost an houre being between 11 and 12 of the clock it was hotly disputed our Horse endeavouring to break thorow and the Enemy with great resolution maintaining their ground but at length Lieutenant Generall Lesley charging very desperately upon the head of his own Regiment broke the body of the Enemies Foot after which they went all in a confusion and disorder and the Horse wanting their Foot were not able to make great opposition the Foot were hereupon cut off and taken whereof 100 were Irish who were all since shot to death at a post many of the Horse were killed on the place and many taken but more in the pursuit for they rallied againe which by Gods providence occasioned their greater overthrow and gave opportunity to our Horse to encounter them Here the Earle of Crawford the Generall of their Horse was slaine the Lord Ogleby and Nathaniel Gordon one of their most active Commanders were taken of the Foot and Horse it was then conceived there were between 2000 and 3000 killed And this is remarkable in this great businesse that God should be pleased to cast into our hands againe those prisoners that had been delivered up basely by the Malignants in Edenborough to Montrosse We lost on our side Captaine Barclay and Captaine Dundasse and a very few of our other Souldiers but had divâ—rs wounded yet killed and wounded there were not in all above 100. The Lord of Hosts put a spirit of courage into our Officers and Souldiers for all of them behaved themselves most resolutely and bravely and after the battell we understood for certaine that divers of the Enemies were killed and taken by the Country people Montrosse himself escaped with a few Horse leaving behind him all his baggage among which we found his own Commission from the King and divers other Commissions for Lieutenants in the severall Counties together with a Roll of all such as had received protections from him which did serve us as a good Vidimus for the payment of our Souldiers And that the greatnesse of Gods goodnesse may shine forth in this Victory the more illustriously I shall here give the Reader a List of the Prisoners and slaine in this remarkable Fight and famous Victory Prisoners of note taken besides those were killed at the Battell fought at Philip-Haugh within three miles of Selkirk in Tividale upon the 13. Septemb. 1645. and since in the pursuit Prisoners of note taken THe Earl of Traquaire Lord Seaton Lord Drummond Lord Ogleby Lord Gray Lord Linton The Lord Napers eldest Son The Baron of Drum younger The Baron of Reasyth The Lord of Derceys eldest Sonne Granchild to the late pretended Archbishop of S. Andrews The Laird of Pury Ogleby
of the State in those parts the House ordered that 2000. l. should be charged in course upon the receipt of the Excize with consideration also for forbearance thereof for the speedy supply of the Forces under the command of the said Col. Generall And for the encouragement and at a gratuity to the said Noble 〈◊〉 and Faithfull Colonell Genrall Laughorne the House ordered That the Estate of John â—arlow of 〈◊〉 Gentleman who had been long in actuall Armes against the Parliament shall be setled by Ordinance of Parliament upon the said Col. Generall and his Heires The House also Ordered That the Ministers of the severall Churches and Chappels in London Westminster and 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 should the next Lords day give thanks to Almighty God for the happy successe of our Forces in clearing the whole County of Pembroke for the surrender of the 〈◊〉 and of Lacock-House also in Wiltshire and it was ordered That the Lord Major of the City of London should give timely notice thereof accordingly About the 28. instant came certain intelligence by Letters out of Cheshire to the Parliament of a very great and notable Victory which our good God was graciously pleased to give to their Forces under the Command of valiant active and loyall Major Generall Pointz against the Forces of the King within three or foure miles at the 〈…〉 of the City of Chester the manner whereof was in briefe thus The King resenting the great danger he was in of the utter losse of Westâ—hester which in all probability was like suddenly to come to passe if speedy reliefe came not unto them Our Forces which besieged them since the taking of the Suburbs thereof having by their batterâ—es made a breach in the Wall and purposing 〈…〉 The King I say having knowledge of this their danger resolved with what strength he possibly could make presently to advance thither and with between â— and 5000 Horse and Dragoones part whereof he had drayned out of many of his Garrisons made all the speed he could to come timely to their help In which interim Major Generall Poyntz who indeed hath deserved much honour for his constant activity in the whole Service and resolution as I told you before most diligently to attend the Kings Motions having intelligence hereof and renowned Colonell Rossiter with his Horse being come up to Generall Poyntz and the Scottish and Cheshire Horse being joyned with them they all thus conjoyned together marched away with extraordinary expedition for Westhester and went on without any possible intermission day and night to get before the King and withall in his way took in a strong House with a Draw-Bridge moated which stood in the way of his march in lesse than an houres space And after a very hard march as I said day and night on the 24 of Septemb. in the morning his van curriers discovered the Enemy upon a Moore or Heath within three or foure miles at most of Chester called Rowton-Moore Whereupon notwithstanding his former tedious and even overtyring marches of neere upon 300 miles not resting above a day in a place together with divers difficulties which he was forced to passe through and all this to prevent or at least overtake the King yet I say notwithstanding all these he immediately drew into order and advanced upon them though all his forces were not then come up together for he supposed and hoped to take the Enemy at unawares it being probable they could have no intelligence of his being so neare though it proved otherwise for his Letters written that night to the Commander within the out-Lines of Chester giving notice of his advance were intercepted and the Enemy being possessed of the advantage of ground and in order confronted our Van led by Colonell Hugh Bethell in the middest of a Lane betwixt two Moores covered with the armed men of both Baâ—taliaes where was given a very sharp and gallant charge by both parties for after Pistols were discharged at half Pikes distance they disputed the matter with their Swords a full quarter of an houre neither yeelding ground to other till at length the Enemy was forced to retreat whom our men pursuing were re-encountred by a fresh reserve at the Lanes mouth and they were likewise discomfited and a third but being over powred were in the end forced to retreat through the Laneâ— uncapable of receiving a Reserve to second them here we had some losse the Enemy pursuing to the Lanes end but were beaten back for there was space for our Reserves to advance Colonell Bethell and Colonell Graves were then sore wounded after this the Generall perceiving the Enemy lay upon his advantage onely skirâ—â—â—ed him with some flying parties while he held correspondency with his friends in Chester Suburbs whose signe was the discharge of two peeces of Ordnance when they would issue out with Horse and Foot to joinâ— with him upon whose appearing the Enemy quitted their station and the Generall with a party advanced to take the most convenient ground giving command in Colonell Parsons Quartermaster generall of the Army Colonell Sandies who performed the duty of Commissary Generall of the Horse during the aforesaid march being then imployed to the Committee of both Kingdoms to order up the rest which was opportunely done for they joyned with the Auxiliary forces of Horse and Foot in the enemies ground and were drawn into many small Divisions and Reserves being much overnumbred by the Enemy who accompted themselves 5000 Horse and Generall Poyntz not above 2500 Horse besides two small bodies of Foot who were disposed in the two outmost intervals of Horse upon the very instant of this juncture the Enemy advanced with their whole Body and the Generall leaving the charge of the reserves to Colonell Parsons tooke care of and led up the Van Divisions with which after a round volly of shot from the Foot he joyned battell charging the Enemy in Front and Flanck where his horse was deeply wounded on the head being continually seconded with reserves as often as there was occasion the rest being kept intire followed at a due distance The prevailing Generall put the Enemy to a totall rout and although the pursuit was as hot as could be expected from such wearied Horse thorow narrow durty lanes and over ditches the Enemy rallied in a great moore wide of Chester in two vast bodies a great distance assunder the first not without some dispute were again routed and the other likewise who retreated upon the Warwick Regiment with such violence as bore them away confusedly intermixed with the flying Enemy up to the out-Works of the Suburbs the Musketeers within were never the lesse liberall of their Gunshot but the Divine providence appeared much in the distribution of the impartiall Bullets few or none lighting upon our men though many of the Enemy were found there expiring A Body of horse all the while of these last
disputes appeared fixed on the top of a hill a little distant on that side Chester wherein the King was very confidently reputed to be for confronting whereof a party of Foot winged with Colonell Lidcot and Colonell Bethels Regiments were drawn into a convenient Close in the bottom as a grand Reserve but the night by this time falling the body on the hill appeared not and those in the bottome returned to their comrades sasiated with slaughter prisoners and booty of the vanquished Enemy While these things were thus agitated in the field the remainder of Foot left with Colonell Lowthian in the Suburbs were not idle for the Enemy made a strong sally upon them out of the City and were more strenuously repulsed the number of the slaine of the prisoners and horse taken is not yet knowne but is generally conjectured 800 slain 1500 men and 2000. horses taken there was brought in that night the underwritten list of the considerablest men taken and slaine in the fight which was as followeth Sir Thomas Dâ—bridgecourt Sir Thomas Gore Colonell Thomas Weston sonne to the Earle of Portland and 6 more Colonells 7. Leivtenant Colonells 5. Majors 19. Captaines to one whereof the Queene had given a Scarffe to weare for her sake 14. Leivtenants 7. Cornets 19. Gent. of his Majesties Life-guard 20. other Gent. 5. Trumpeters 4. Quartermasters There were slaine in this fight as we were credibly informed 2. Lords whereof the one for certaine was the Lord Bernhard Stuart the Kings kinsman Earle of Litchfieild Sir Bryan Stapleton a new made Knight the Kings Agent for the bringing over of 10000. men out of Ireland one Colonell one Leivtenant Colonell with about 400. more Officers and Common Souldiers Between 800 and 1000. others taken prisoners Great store of armes much good pillage and many more horse and men taken in the pursuit whose exact number and conditions could not so suddenly be certified After the reading of Colonell Parsons Letter in Parliament whose relation as aforesaid I have principally followed the House of Commons entred into serious Debate of the prosecutions of this great victorie And ordered that certaine Members of that House should be forthwith sent down to Sir Tho. Fairefax then at 〈◊〉 to informe him and the Armie of this good successe which it had pleased the Lord to give our forces under the command of Major Gen. Poyntz and of the condition of the North and to desire a supply of forces to be sent thither upon a designe not then fit to be revealed in publike They also ordered that the Thursday then next ensuing should be appointed a day of Thanksgiven for this great victorie in the City of London Westminster and Lines of 〈◊〉 and the Thursday 7 night following for all the Counties within the power of the Parliament And 〈◊〉 an encouragement to that worthy and Gallant Souldier 〈◊〉 Gen. Poynez they ordered that 500. l should be bestowed 〈◊〉 him as a testimonie of the affection of the Houses toward 〈◊〉 And that which made this excellent victorie the more sweet and remarkable to us was that it was given us Even as a return of prayers or as a blessed prevention of prayer to set an edge of Spirituall zeale on our hearts in prayer it being obtained and given in unto us by the wise and gracious power and providence of our good God and bountifull and ever blessed Father upon the 24. of this instant Septem which was that Moneths publike solemne fast-day Otheâ— who would not faithfully wait rest and rely on such and so liberall a God who is readier to give than we to aske And this September the 29. according to the Ancient annuâ—ll custome of the renowned City of London there was an election of their New Lord Major of the said City for the yeare ensuing at the Guild-Hall in London where and at which time the Citizens whom it concerned advisedly and most unanimously chose Alderman Adams a pious prudent Gentleman and grave Citizen to be their Lord Major In whose most happie choice this renowned City is most like by the mercy of God to be as happie and honourable every way after this yeare of his Major 〈◊〉 as ever it was by any of his former famous and faithfull Prâ—decessours And about this foresaid time the Commons assembled in Parliament received an Ordinance from the House of 〈◊〉 for making of a new Baron of the Exchequer which was read and past there and returned backe immediately to the Lords and fully past there also in the blanck whereof the House of Commons nominated and inserted for that place Richard Tomlins Esquir a Councellour of the Inner-Temple a faithfull worthy and pious Patriot as in a speciall manner his fidelity was formerly manifested to injurious persecuted pious Master Priâ—â—e for whom in those dangerous dayes he was of Counsell and stood close unto 〈◊〉 did most aboundantly declare And about this time also 〈◊〉 Parliamentary States prudently and providently tooke into their serious Consideration not only the choice of some new and truly well deserving Serjants of Law to be now necessarily made Judges viz. Serjeant Rolles to be a Judge in the Kings-Bench Serjeant 〈◊〉 a Judge in the Common-Plea's and Serjeant 〈◊〉 another of the Barons of the Exchequer But also for the future avoyding and prevention of those ungodly corruptions which have been formerly in those places it was most piously and prudently ordered that 1000. l. Per annum should be allowed to each Judge out of the Reveâ—â—â— to be paid 〈…〉 of Fees Livâ—ries and such like former allowances A happie and holy Common-wealth 〈…〉 most like to be established when both worthie learned pious and prudent Governours Judges and Magistrates fearing God and hating Covetousnesse are thus chosen to fit at the Helme of Authority and Judicature and also such courses taken as may in all likelihood and equity by Gods Grace especially restraine wonted corruption and briberie and fairly induce them to doe Iustice to all without partiality and avarice which the Lord in mercy grant unto us that Iustice now at length may run about like Rivers in our streets as the Prophet speakes Amen and Amen About the end of this September we received certaine intelligence that Barclay Castle in Gloucestershire was surrendred to valiant and active Colonell Morgan and Colonell Rainsborough the taking whereof being a place of such strength and the manner of taking of it worthy an exact relation I have therefore thought 〈◊〉 for the Readers better content and satisfaction therein to insert the Letter of a speciall actor and Commander in that service and siege which was as followeth SIR Vnderstanding that you desire to be acquainted with the true manner of our taking in of Barclay Castle which it seems you have not yet had a full Relation of I have therefore here satisfied your desire and given you a full and faithfull account thereof which was thus The 〈◊〉 was
difficult the Castle strong and the Enemy within especially 〈◊〉 Goveenour Sir Charles Lucas 〈◊〉 obstinate at an Enemy could be yet 〈…〉 our Forces were joyned with those of Sir Tho. Fairfaxes whereof valiant Colonell Rainsborough had the Command we made 〈◊〉 long stay but â—ell presently upon their out Workes then our men most gallantly marched up unto their Guard in the Town which was a strong Work indeed out of which we beat them and presently tooke it In which 〈◊〉 many of our men were drowned and some few slaine but having thus gotten into that Work we planted our great Guns against the Tower and battered it much and they returned the like roaring resolutions to us with cuse shot of bullets 〈◊〉 and such like matter and kild some of 〈◊〉 men amongst whom John Freeman Lieutenant to Major Dobson 〈◊〉 me he had three 〈◊〉 given him at one time in the brest flanke and 〈◊〉 Our men notwithstanding this went on 〈◊〉 sealing 〈◊〉 with much resolution which occasioned Sir Charles to desire a 〈◊〉 and offer 〈◊〉 to depart There were three of our great Guns 〈…〉 which were planted against the Tower of the Church The 〈◊〉 had planted a 〈◊〉 upon the top of the Tower but our men made such batteries that they were glad to take it downe Vpon the top of the Tower the Enemy placed a Flag ofâ— defiance as they 〈◊〉 it which 〈◊〉 of our Regiments boldly and bravely got up the walls and tooke 〈◊〉 but whilst he was vapouring 〈…〉 the top of the Tower a part of the Tower he stood on being much broken and battered by our Gun 〈…〉 him so that he fell downe and was killed with the stones that fell upon him and two more that came after him to help him were killed likewise The businesse was the more difficult and dangerous by reason that what our men did was open and at mid-day Vpon the Enemies 〈◊〉 order was taken to divide the plunder of the Castle and it was concluded that if our Captaines would deposite 500 l. in money which should be divided among the Souldiers to each five shillings they should 〈◊〉 the plunder of the Castle the which five of our Captaines did namely Major White Captaine Stevenson Captaine Piagot Captaine 〈◊〉 and one more and so paid the Souldiers and tooke the 〈…〉 was very much Beefe Bacon Butter Cheese Meale Wheate 〈…〉 and a great quantity of other things 300 flitches of 〈…〉 roome many Cattell insomuch that it is thought that there was victuals for 300 men for five months This illustrates the 〈◊〉 of God in 〈◊〉 it was so soone taken the stormes were so hard and sharp and the â—â—dders weighty to reare for scaling During the siege many of the Enemy thought to have got out of the Church into the Castle at the 〈…〉 our men although there were many crosse Brest-Workes in the Church-yard made such hast and came in with such courage and resolution that 〈◊〉 got between the Enemy and the Castle and did much execution upon them The Enemy in the Castle all the time much annoyed our men but the Lord in the end blessed be his holy name for it gave us the victory and the Country is much sâ—eed from that most intestiâ—â— oppressor Sir Charles Lucas Thus you have the manner of subduing the great Enemy according to my best knowledge and intelligence And so let all thine Enemies O God perish and be put to shame and dishonour And now good Reader I shall here desire thee with my self to make a little stand and stay againe deservedly to looke upon and contemplate with thy most serious thoughts and gratefull heart the most rich and rare Parliamentary mercies and the various Victories and triumphaut trophies of honour even the most reall demonstrations of the truth of this moneths remarkable Wonder of The Burning-Bush still unconsumed yea mightily and even miraculously prospered and preserved maugre the mischiefe of all the fierce and most furious flames of Antichristian and Atheisticall wrath and rage round about it as is most evidently and eminently apparent both in our renowned Parliamentary Worthies prudent and provident care to undeceive the mis-led people in Wales by an excellent Declaration against the Royalists foule and false slanders In the happy recovery of the City of Bristoll from Rupert and his ravenous Royalists In renowned and religious Major Generall Skippons being made Governour of Bristoll Shrewsburies defeat given to the Enemy at Bridge-North and the remarkable preservation of Lieutenant Colonell Phips out of the Enemies hands In Gods admirable mercy to our distressed Brethren of Scotland almost overrunne and ruined by Montrosse but returning his intended mischiefe upon his own head In giving such a memorable accesse unto and hopefull entrance into the City of Chester by our possessing of the Suburbs thereof In that brave defeat given to the Enemy at Kiddarminster by valiant Generall Poyntz In delivering up unto us the Towne and Castle of Cardiffe in Wales and hopefull reduction of the hearts and affection of the Welch to the Parliament In the rendition of the Devizes and Lacock-House Garrison in Wiltshire and the reduction of all Pembrokeshire to the obedience of the Parliament In the famous defeat given by our forces to the Enemy at Rowton-Moore And in the establishing of pious and prudent Magistrates and Judges Together with the surrender of Barkley-Castle into the power of the Parliament At the serious sight and deep and due consideration and contemplation of all these rich and rare Parliamentary Mercies O who can choose but stand amazed and wondring at the unfathomed free favour and unbottomed bounty of our good God unto us O wonderfull what never a moneth never a week nay I may almost say never a day for so many months together but a Victory or a rich and rare Mercy granted unto us and conferred upon us O then let there never be a moneth never be a lip a heart or a tongue empty of but contrariwise may they ever be most full of the high and most honourable praises of our great and good God even the God of our salvation who thus dayly loads us with his loving kindnesse and thus constantly encompasses us with songs of deliverances But now to go on And here now I shall begin the serious and sacred observation and contemplation of the marvellous mercies of our wonder-working God in the progresse of this moneth also with that brave defeat given to our Enemies Forces by that valiant and vigilant Commander Colonell Moore Governour of Gaunt-House a Parliamentary Garrison which lies within about eight miles from Oxford from whom we had credible information that about the beginning of this instant October this valiant Colonell being gone forth with a party of about 200 Horse met with a party of about 500 Horse of the Enemies at Kidlington and that he notwithstanding the great dis-proportion and unequality of their number to his skirmished most couragiously with
hands and handle not And that word of God was made good in the enemy who upon the Storme had not strength to handle their weapons to defend themselves but were delivered to the mercy of our souldiers A great part of the Pillage was sold to the Country people who likewise had a good part of the prey and carried many Cartloades away The House burnt downe and demolished After the reading the Letters of Bazing the House began to debate of some further timely service of the gallant valiant and religious Souldiers which might be done in those parts for the better cleering the passage into the West and the result of all was that Letters should be written to severall Committees to joyne forces with those that stormed Bazing for the taking of the Castle of Dennington c. The House likewise ordered that the Ministers in the severall Churches and Chappell 's in London and Lines of Communication should on the next Lords day in their severall Churches and Chappels give thankes to God for his great mercy in delivering up Winchester and Bazing House into our hands And about the 12. of this instant October we had certaine intelligence by letters from Gloucester that the valiant Active and faithfull Governour therof Colonell Morgan the most worthy Successour therein of even to be honoured Major Generall Mâ—ssiâ— with about 300. horse and 400. foot part whereof was sent unto him by the then deputie Governour of Bristol Colonell Fleet-wood assisted also by the Monmouthshire men having taken the towne of Chepstow besieged and summoned the Castle but the Governour thereof Colonell Fitz-Morris returned a peremptorie negative answer whereupon valiant Colonell Morgan planted 2 great peeces of Ordnance and a morter-peece for batterie and made a breach into the Castle whereupon the Governour sent presently to desire a parley but Colonell Morgan as presently returned answer That now it was too late whereupon all the Souldiers issuing forth fell downe upon their knees crying Quarter quarter for Gods sake and wholly referred themselves to the Generalls mercy and the Castle was instantly surrendred to him There were in the Castle Colonell Fitz-Morris the Governour Major Bridgeman and an 106. Common Souldiers who were all carryed prisoners to Gloucester They took besides in the castle 30 horse and their furniture 18. peeces of Ordnance great and small 16. barrells of Gunpouder 2 Harque bushes 6. tun of lead great store of fire-workes 30. beefs in powder 30. barrells of salt 4000. waight of bisket a butt of Sack 3. Hogsheads of Methegline 4. Hogsheads of beere and Ale 70. bushels of Oat-meale 10. bushells of Pease and Beanes and 30. bushels of Wheat many firkins of butter 400. waight of cheese with store of other provisions and ammunition And we were about the same time for certaine informed that Sir Trevor Williams and very many Gentlemen of Glamorganshire and Monmouthshire had freely and faithfully declared themselves for the Parliament and as a testimonie thereof had raised 1500. Souldiers out of both those Counties for the Parliaments service and resolved suddenly to besiege Monâ—â—th the effects whereof you shall see fully related in its proper place And thus we see how triumphantly the Lord now rides on in glorie for the blessed advancement of his Great Cause ever magnified and praised be his great and most glorious name therein The Messenger that brought this welcome Newes to the Parliament was rewarded by them with the gift of 10 l. for his paines in the journey And the House also most piously and gratefully ordered that thankes should be given to Almightie God on the Lords-day then next ensuing for the happy surrender of Chepstow Towne and Castle as also of Winchester and 〈◊〉 And they farther ordered that thankes and a reward should be sent to that faithfull and valiant Commander Colonell Morgan A right way indeed to thrive and proceed victoriously and successfully where God is in his mercies exalted and vertue and valour is not left without honour and reward About the 14. of this instant October the Vote in Parliament for sending forth writâ— for the election of new Members of the House of Commons for filling up the vacancie of those that were Deceased or had perfidiously deserted the House was put in execution and a Letter being read in the House of Commons sent from the Major of Sandwitch by a Member of the House of Peeres to procure the election of a Member to sit and serve in Parliament of his nominating according to the writ sent downe thither for that purpose Whereupon the Commons on serious debate on this businesse referred the same to the Committee of Priviledges the result wherof was That it was ordered that for the future a Copie of the Order of the House of Commons made in Anno 1641. should be sent downe with all writs for new elections A Copie of which Order for the Readers better satisfaction and for the clearing of our most renowned Parliaments integrity in this as in all other their faithfull managing of the States-affaires I have here inserted which was as followeth WHereas the House of Commons hath received Information that Letters from Peers are directed to Boroughs that now are to 〈◊〉 Elections of Members to serve in this Parliament They conceived that all Letters of that nature from any Peeres of this 〈◊〉 doe necessarily tend to the violation of the Priviledges of Parliament and the freedome of Elections of the Members that ought to serve in the House of Commons and doe declare That notwithstanding such Letters all Persons to whom Elections of Knights and Burgesses do belong ought to proceed to their Elections with that freedome which by the Lawes of the Realme and of Right they ought to doe and do expect that if any such Letters from any Peeres of the Realme shall hereafter be sent unto them That the parties receiving the same shall certifie the contents thereof or bring the Letters themselves to the Speaker of the House of Commons Octob. 10. There came a Letter from Abington to renowned Major Generall Brown the most worthy Governour thereof being then in London of a gallant peece of Service performed by that brave Garrison against the Enemy at Farringdon the particular whereof take in the said Letter sent from valiant and active Colonell Paine the said Major Generals Deputy Governour which was as followeth SIR The last night viz. Tuesday 14 instant I marched forth with a party of Foot and all our Horse to Farringdon where we came so neere the taking of that Garrison that I my self heard the Enemy earnestly call to draw up the Bridge our Foot being then within a stones cast of them before they could draw it up yet we lost not our labour for we bickering and skirmishing with them there tooke about 100 Horse of theirs foure Captaines one Lieutenant foure Quartermasters one Serjeant 17 Troopers eight Foot Souldiers and one Drum in all about 37 Prisoners and slew two upon
the next morning and thence to Sherburne where they met with a Countryman who told them that our men were prepared for their coming as so indeed a party of ours were of about 800 Foot and some Horse upon whom the Enemy fiercely falling being but a handfull to them they soone routed the Horse beat Colonell Wrens Regiment at the North side of Sherburne and tooke all the Foot Prisoners disarmed them all presently and laid their Armes in a great heap in Sherburme street till they could get Carriages to take or send them away for their further use But we having certain intelligence hereof marched thither with all speed and being now come to Sherburne we drew up our Horse and ordered them into bodies for Charges and Reserves But here first we fell into a great strait for we durst not march thorow Milford fearing the Enemies with their Dragoones for we heard they had such but they had none might have put us into disorder but above the Towne through the hedges which also was some inconvenience we were forced whom we came neare Sherburne and the Enemy drawing out against us to draw over a narrow way through an impossable Brooke which we knew not of having much adoe thereby to bring our bodies againe into order which truly might have occasioned the losse of the day unto us had not the Enemy been somwhat too late being busie with their Armes and Prisoners taken in the Towne as God had wisely disposed of it for us in drawing out of the Towne So thus then by Gods assistance I brought up against every of the Enemies bodies as neer as I could a body of ours and resolutely faced them in the Field both parties striving who should be soonest in Battalia But here let me give thee good Reader a sight of Sir Marmaduke Langdales Speech made to his Souldiers in the Field before the Fight began which came to my hand and was unquestionably a true Copy of the substance thereof and this it was Gentlemen YOu are all gallant men and have done bravely but there are some that seeke to scandalize your gallantry for the losse of Naseby Field but I hope you will redeem your reputation and still maintaine that gallant report which you ever had I am sure you have done such businesses as never have been done in any war with such a number your march from Oxford first beating of Rossiter and the reliefe of Pomfret the like I believe was never done And I hope you are Gentlemen and that you will still maintaine it and redeeme that which you have lost For mine owne part I will not have you upon any designe but where I will lead you my self And thus now I say he led them on into the Field Now the Enemy being also much flusht and incouraged with their late good successe against us charged valiantly upon us and ours answered them with as brave gallantry as could be at first the left wings on both sides were routed but in the conclusion our Reserves coming on so seasonably and couragiously the Enemy was forced to flie and we by Gods blessing got the day though I must confesse divers of our Horse as I toucht before were routed at first and the mischiefe fell most upon my Regiment who charged the onely gallant men the Reformadoes that the Enemy had One of their chiefe Commanders the Lord Digby by name was wounded as we were credibly informed and Sir Marmaduke Langdale himself also had foure Pistols fired upon him but whether he was wounded or not was then uncertaine unto us But the Victory was clearly ours ever magnified and praised be our great and gracious God and we solely kept the Field and pursued the Enemy at least three miles together Many prisoners were taken we believe 400 at least Sir Richard Hutton was slaine upon the place whose Corps his kinred having protection thereunto buried in the place he formerly had desired to be laid in I have here sent the List of their slaine and prime prisoners taken by us which you shall receive by Colonell Lilburne Many of our men were wounded but hardly ten slaine This was certainly a great businesse and a rare mercy unto us for the Enemy made themselves absolutely sure to have been in the City of Yorke that night or the next day at farthest but now they are scattered blessed be the Lord for it And that which was not the least part of our Victory we recovered againe all our men and Arms which they had before taken from us in Sherburne as also the prevention of the Enemies intended march to Montrose in Scotland which with the taking of Yorke in the way was the maine designe which the Enemy eagerly aimed at in this their thus undertaken march Not unto us Lord not unto us but to thy name alone we give as most due all the honour and glory hereof Honourable Gentlemen your desire of a full relation hath made me thus tedious for which I crave your pardon I shall present your Order to the Officers and Souldiers in the expression of your good acceptance of this our Service and your farther intended care for us And for the present I rest Your most humble Servant Chr. Copley Octob. 16. 1645. A List of the prime Prisoners and of the Prizes taken at this Battell at Sherburne on Wednesday Octob. 15. 1645. about foure of the Clock in the afternoone COl Sir Francis Anderson Col. Bulmer Col. Chayton Col. Carnaby Lieut. Col Matthew Wentworth Lieut. Col. Gordon Major Graythorn Captaine Leneon Master of the Ordnance Capt. James Cholmley wounded Capt. Marshall wounded Capt. Pudsey wounded And foure Captains more Capt. Lieut. Salter Lieut John Turner and divers other Reformadoes Master Duke Tunstall a great Papist Mr. Clavering Mr. Lowither Col. Sir Francis Carnaby slaine Col. Sir Richard Hutton slaine and 40 more Mr. Slingsby sore wounded Col. Clavering and Carnabyes Colours taken with divers other Colours Lord Digbyes Coach and the Kings Surgeon in it but eespecially his Cabinet wherin were divers Letters some wherof of great cōsequence written in a new Character the Character also found which could open all Much gallant Pillage We lost not ten men but many wounded The Enemie were about 1600 intended for Montrosse ours about 2250. About sixe hundred of the Enemy gone towards Skipton 300 or 400 Troopers taken about six hundred Horses 40 slaine and many wounded The Countesse of Nidsdale taken and some other Ladies About October 24 we received certaine intelligence by Letters from the most renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax his Excellency to the Parliament as also by other unquestionable informations out of the West of the taking of the Towne Church and Castle of Tiverton by his Excellencies Forces in those parts the manner whereof in briefe was thus faithfully related Upon Thursday Octob. 16. Major Generall Massie was ordered by the Generall to advance to Tiverton
and so to quarter beyond the River with his Brigade which accordingly he did and soone possest himselfe of the Towne of Tiverton forcing the Enemy out of it only those that had got into the Church and Castle to keep those places as long as they could It was then conceived hard for us nay almost impossible for us to hinder the Enemies Horse from marching Eastward if they would have attempted it with their whole strength except Lieutenant Generall Cromwell with his whole Brigade did come up timely to us On Friday the 17 instant the Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax himselfe sate downe before Tiverton Castle and Church to take them in and summoned the Enemy to deliver them up of which being denyed we planted our battering-Peeces against them which worke went forward that day and the next On Saturday Octob. 18. our batteries being finished by the afternoon Upon the Lords Day Octob. 19. the Generall caused severall great Peeces to be planted on the Batteries against the Castle very early in the morning so that they were ready to play by break of day and all our Canon began to play about seven of the Clock that morning against the Castles and the Enemy from thence answered us with their Peeces but blessed be God did no execution upon any of us But see the admirable and all-directing power and providence of our wonder-working God for us namely that after some shot which we had made against them one of our Canoneers by one shot from his Peece of Ordnance most gallantly and admirably if not almost miraculously in a moment performed this most difficult businesse for us for at that one shot it pleased the Lord so to direct the Bullet just like him 2 Chron. 18. 33. which drew a bowe at a venture and shot his arrow at King Ahab so that he dyed as the Lord had said by the Prophet so I say the Lord did so direct this bullet shot at a venture that it brake the Chaine of the Draw-Bridge quite in Peeces whereupon the Draw-Bridge presently fell downe and thereby made the passage open for our entrance into the Castle which most happy opportunity our Souldiers seeing instantly laid hold thereon and without any Order from the Generall chose rather couragiously to fight than to stand still and look on when God gave them so fit and faire an occasion which their resolution tooke so good effect that they soone possessed themselves of all presently entred the Castle and Church in which on flat we had only foure men slaine And though we entred thus yet such was the milde moderate and gentle carriage of the Generall and such his desire to spare the effusion of blood that I say notwithstanding they tooke it by storme yet he himself gave command that Quarter should be given to all that were alive which was accordingly performed We tooke in the Castle Sir Gilbert Talâ—â—â— Governour of the place above 20 other Officers and Gentlemen of note and quality and among them one Master Kemp a grand Malignant Priest above 200 Common Souldiers foure Peeces of Ordnance thirty Barrels of Powder 500 Armes and store of other Ammunition Provision and Treasure good prey for the Souldiers paines who so well deserved it The Workes of this Castle as the Generall himself testified were as strong and regular as ever he saw and this Garrison of singular good use both in order to the straitning of Exeter as also for securing of any thing for his Army whiles it stayes in the West O how are we therefore bound to our so great and glorious wonder-working 〈◊〉 who thus felicitates and facilitates our great and most dangerous endeavours for the effecting and finishing of his gracious Worke of Reformation among us ever magnified and blessed be his holy name which exceeds all praises for ever and ever About the 26 instant we had also certaine intelligence out of Wales of the excellent and most hopefull condition of things in that Principality viz. That the whole County of Pembrokeshire was totally reduced to the obedience of the Parliament and the greatest part of Glamorganshire where generally the Inhabitants shewed themselves very forward and active for the Parliament so as five or 6000 had taken up Arms against the Common Enemy of their true peace and welfare and many of them had joyned themselves to valiant Colonell Morgan and had done great good Service already in those parts and had taken Sir John Strangewayes a great stickler for the Royall Party And that the Towne and Castle of Carmarthen were surrendred to valiant victorious and faithfull Major Generall Laughorne for the use and service of the King and Parliament And that the Inhabitants all there about had unanimously and publikely made Declaration of their resolved fidelity to the Parliament and had to that purpose subscribed many hands and names in the behalf of the rest according to their spontaneous consent and agreement in a Declaration to the said Major Generall in these words WE whose names are subscribed in the name of our selves and all the Inhabitants of this County do absolutely declare for King and Parliament and will with our lives and fortunes assist the Forces raised by the Parliament against any other whatsoever that shall seeke to invade these Countries and do desire to be received into the King and Parliaments protection according to the Declaration of Major Generall Laughhorne And as for Contribution we also willingly submit thereunto proportionably to our neighbour Counties Octob. 11. 1645. About the 28 instant we were further certainly informed by Letters out of Wales that the Towne and Castle of Monmouth were taken by valiant Colonell Morgan with the assistance of the Clubmen of those parts under the conduct of Sir Trevor Williams being 1500 Foot and 200 Horse the manner of the taking of them in briefe was thus Upon Colonell Morgans advance that way with all those and his owne Forces and his neare approach to the Towne the Enemy voluntarily but out of just strong feare of him quickly quiâ—â—ted the Towne and drew all their Souldiers into the Castle for the Kings recruits since his sore losse at Naseby had drained his Garrisons halfe drie whether they betooke themselves for their present best refuge And as soon as Colonell Morgan came to make demand of the Towne the Townsmen and Inhabitants presently gave him all he could desire of them and faire admittance to 〈◊〉 As soone as he was entred the Towne he sent Summons to the Castle but received a flat deniall whereupon he summoned in the Country to bring in Spades Shovels Mattocks Baskets c. which was expeditiously and in short time performed by them The next day he began to mine and to salute the Enemy with some shot and this presently produced a Parley and the Parley soone brought forth Conditions upon which the Castle was delivered up to the valiant Colonell There were not in all
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
up but most fled And in this action Sir John Browne himselfe deported himselfe with as much gallantry as any man in the world could do the whole body being not discouraged though in number so much overmatched For the particulars of those that were killed and taken I refer you to the list where all the particulars are certified according to Sir John Brownes own letter The Lord Digby had a cleare rout as ever was given to any The Lord Digby himselfe with Sir Marmaduke Langdale and others of his chiefe Officers that escaped fled over to the Isle of man in a Cock-Boat The Isle of man is a malignant Island between Cumberland and Ireland the Earle of Derby is the Governour thereof for the King and of others that escaped there are divers taken straglers and their Horse and Armes but in a body there are none heard of save onely about 200. that are fled towards Bâ—â—m and a party are sent to stop them from getting in thereto if they can but of them that are fled that way of the Enemies many of them are fore wounded A List of what was slain and what was taken by Sir John Brown at the routing of the Lord Digby and Sir Marmaduke Langdale at Carlile Sands On the Enemies part ONe hundred slaine upon the place Many wounded Taken Prisoners DIgby his Quartermaster Generall 1 Colonell of Langdales Brigade 2 Lieutenant Colonels 3 Captains of Horse Divers other Officers Many Prisoners Taken besides TWo Hundred Horse and Armes The Lord Digbyes owne Standard Sir Marmaduke Langdales Standard 3 Colours of Horse On our part SIr John Browne shot thorow his side but not mortally for he is able to fit upon his Horse back Captaine Lesley wounded 30 and odde slaine amongst whom some Officers but none of note that I hear of 50 or there abouts wounded on our side in all Digby and Langdale with 1000 Horse were totally routed by Sir John Browne with a party of about 500. and Digby and Langdale fled to the Isle of Man in a Cock-boat And upon the intelligence hereof an Order passed both Houses of Parliament to this effect It is this day Ordered by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled That the Ministers in the severall Congregations in the Cities of London and Westminster and Lines of Communication do upon Wednesday next being the 5 of November take notice of the great mercy of Almighty God in preserving and continuing this present Parliament now full five yeares compleat notwithstanding all the designes and machinations of the Enemy against them And likewise to make most thankfull mention of Gods great mercy in the defeating of the Lord Digby and Sir Marmaduke Langdales Forces in Scotland by Sir John Browne of Fardell Knight And that the Lord Mayor be desired to give the severall Ministers timely notice of this Order And now good Reader let me intreat thee as there is very great reason here to make a little stay and even to stand amazed in the serious and most gratefull re-view and re-cogitation of the still continued and multiplied mercies of our most good and gracious wonder-working God in this Moneth also to his blessed Burning-Bush still I say both unconsumed and also made most prosperously to stand and flourish in the midst of all the rough and outragious conflagrations and combustions of Malignants power and policie might and mischievous machinations to have utterly 〈◊〉 destroyed it root branch had not God I say the great and gracious the most wise and vigilant Watchman over his poore maligned English-Israel stood for them as hath been mightily manifested in its glorious preservation and propagation both in the brave defeat given to the Enemy by Col. Moore Governour of Gâ—â—nt-House the taking of Farâ—igh Castle in Somersetshire and of Sandall Castle in Yorkeshire In the happy surrender of the Town and Castle of Winchester into the Parliaments power and the pious resolutions of our Parliament to deale mercifully with Malignants and Delinquents notwithstanding their intended mercilesse cruelty towards us and yet herein also the Parliaments prudence and providence for the safety and welfare of the Kingdome In the most happy taking of Bazing-House that pernicious denne of theeves and thus cleansing that foule and filthie Augean-stall together with the taking of Chepstow Towne and Castle by Colonell Margan In the cleared integrity of the Parliament touching 〈◊〉 of new Members unto them the brave defeat given to the Enemy by our Abington Forces together with that other brave defeat given by valiant Colonell Rossiter to Banbury Forces neare Newarke In the taking of Langford-House neer Salisbury and the soundly beating of Sir William Vaughans Forces by Tamworth Garrison In the famous defeat given to the Enemy at Sherburne his York-shire by valiant Colonell Copley and the admirable and almost miraculous taking of Tiverton Town and Castle In the happy overture of things in Wales for the reducing of that Principality to the Parliaments obedience and the taking in of 〈◊〉 and Monmouth Towns and Castles to the Parliaments party And lastly In the discovery of Digbies Letters the brave defeat given to the Enemy neer Denbigh Castle coming to relieve Chester And that other brave defeat given to Sir William Byron on the like intention to relieve Westchester where he was taken Prisoner Together with that last not least famous defeat given againe to the Lord Digby and Langdale in their mischievously intended march into Scotland to Montrose Upon the most weighty and worthy gratefull consideration of all which most memorable and admirable Parliamentary mercies and mighty blessings O what infinite cause have we O in what innumerable and indissoluble bonds of obliged gratitude are we everlastingly bound to blesse the Lord our thus great and gracious wonder-working God And with the pious Prophet to be inlarged in our hearts and tongues with abundant expressions of joyfull confessions and exultations in our God and to sing and say in this our day Lo this is our God we have waited for him and he hath saved us This is the Lord we have trusted in him and now he hath made us to be glad and rejoyce in his mighty salvations for he hath trodden downe Moab our most proud and politick adversaries under his feet even as straw is trodden downe for the dunghill This also cometh all forth from the Lord of Hosts who is wonderfull in counsell and most excellent in working Go on O Lord we pray thee still to make thy great name more and more glorious and let not men prevaile Let still these irreligiâ—us Royalists be judged in thy sight Put them still in feare O Lord that they may know they 〈…〉 men So shall we thy people and the sheep of thy pasture give thanks 〈◊〉 to thee and blesse thy name as we do this day for ever and ever 〈◊〉 now to go on And here now we will begin the yet further most gratefull contemplation and admiration of the most
memorable Parliamentary Mercies of this next ensuing Moneth also of Novem. 1645. with a most notable evidence and testimony of the most prudent and provident care and vigilancy of our Parliamentary Senators for the good and welfare of the Kingdome every way in two memorable Ordinances of Parliament ratified by the Lords and 〈◊〉 The one giving power to the Committee of Goldsmiths-Hall in London to tender the Solemne League or Covenant to all persons comming unto them out of the Kings Quarters to compound for their Delinquency And the other for the enabling of the Commissioners of the Great Seal and the other Committees in their severall Counties to tender an Oath to all such persons of what degree or quality soever that shall come into the Parliaments protection Both which Ordinances together with the foresaid Oath I have thought fit for the Readers better content and satisfaction here to insert as they were printed and published by authority of Parliament which were as followeth Die Sabbathi 1 Novemb. 1645. An Order of the Lords and Commons in Parliament Assembled giving Power to the Committee of Gold-Smiths-Hall to tender the solemne League and Covenant to all such Persons that come out of the Kings Quarters to compound for their Delinquency ORdered by the Lords and Commons in Parliament Assembled That the Committee of Goldsmiths-Hall shall have Power to tender the solemne League and Covenant to all persons that come out of the Kings Quarters to that Committee to compound either upon Master Speakers Passe or otherwise and to secure such as shall refuse to take the Covenant untill they shall conforme thereunto Joh. Brown Cler Parliamentorum Die Sabbathi 5. April 1645. BE it Ordained by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled That all and every person of what degree or quality soever that hath lived or shall live within the Kings quarters or beene syding assisting or adhering unto the Forces raised against the Parliment and hath or shall come to inhabit or reside under the power and protection of the Parliament shall sweare upon the holy Evangelist in manner following I A. B. doe sweare from my heart That I will not directly nor indirectly adhere unto or willingly assist the King in this War or in this Cause against the Parliament nor any Forces raised without the consent of the two Houses of Parliament in this Cause or Warre And I doe likewise sweare that my comming and submitting my selfe under the power and protection of the Parliament is without any manner of designe whatsoever to the prejudice of the proceedings of the two Houses of this present Parliament and without the direction privity or advice of the King or any of his Councell or Officers other than what I have now made known So help me God and the Contents of this Booke About the 2 of this instant November wee received certaine intelligence by Letters from the Northern parts about Newark that the King being then in Newark and extreame stricktly eyed and watched by faithfull active Major Generall Poyntz and that he could not stir any whither but still the Major Generall was on his back molesting his designes and especially he at this time lying about Shelford House his Majestie fearing the Major General intended at last to lock him up within Newark walls and so at length to block him up for a siege The King therefore would very faine have beene nibling with him watching opportunity to dislodge him if it might be from so neere an offensive neighbourhood had therefore a purpose at least made a shew thereof to set upon the Major Generall in his quarters But the sedulous and watchfull Major Generall being too circumspect to be so caught asleepe upon his Couch of Security and having timely notice of a party of the kings out of Newark approaching toward him had his forces in a fit and defensive posture which also the enemy by their Scouts understanding immediately they turned their course back againe to Newark and durst doe nothing upon them Whereupon the noble and most active Genâ—rall resolved that now he would doe something on the Enemie and that to purpose too and thereupon fell close upon Shelford-House a strong Garison of the Enemies sent a Summons to the Governour which was flatly denyed by reason that they expected and made no doubt of speedy reliefe by Newark horse which as was briefly toucht before failed them they onely making a shew as if they would have helped them but presently faced about and very peaceably departed to Newark And now also the Major Generall having received an additionall strength from valiant and active Colonell Rossiter he presently on the foresaid deniall stormed the House and very resolutly got over the works which was indeed gallantly defended by the enemy and disputed most hotly on both sides for about halfe an howres space at the swords point the Enemie standing upon their honour fortunes and strength of their works chose rather to die in their obstinacie than to aske for quarter upon which their desperat pertinacy there being about 180 of them in the house most of them suffered by the edge of the sword for we slew above 140. and gave quarter not to above 30. or 40. at most among whom was the Governour Sonne to the Earle of Chesterfield who had received many dangerous wounds and some t was believed mortall Now this strong Garrison being thus subdued we had thereby much fairer oportunity and accommodation for the besieging of Newark but yet for the present Major Generall Poyntz his designe was next for Worton whereof more in its more proper place Much about the same time we had credible information by Letters out of the North that since the routing of that brave upstart Commander the Lord Digbies forces upon Câ—rlile-Sands forementioned His scattered forces which remained after that rout being afterward rallyed together againe into a body they marched toward Dumfreez in Scotland but were happily met with all againe some of them by Sir Iohn Browne of Fordell who fought with them put them to flight and took 100. more of them Another party of them that fled toward Beeston-Castle were incounâ—â—ed by Colonell Brigges and the Lancashire forces and 200 more were taken by 〈◊〉 also Likewise above 〈…〉 of them flying through 〈…〉 withall by Major Generall Van 〈◊〉 So that the 〈◊〉 party of 1600. of the Kings prime horse under the Conduct of Digby that 〈…〉 now turned 〈◊〉 Generall 〈◊〉 man was thus 〈◊〉 spoiled taken only Digby himself and Laâ—gdale the Lord 〈◊〉 Sir William 〈◊〉 and not to more as was credibly informed had the unhappy happines to prolong their shame and-miserie by escaping in a small Frigot or Cock-boat or some such like small vessell to the Isle of Man there to condole their distresse with their as unworthy and ignoble unsuccessefull Copesmate the Earle of Darby Governour of the said Isle And about the 3. Instant we were credibly informed
by Letters out of Wales that valiant and Victorious Major Generall 〈◊〉 had taken in Abarashwait a strong Garrison of the Enemies in Cardiganshire and therein a Peeces of Ordnance 200. Armes and all their Ammunition Bag and Baggage So that now not only all 〈…〉 but the rest also of Major Generall Laughâ—â—â—s association i◠〈◊〉 of all the Enemies forces and Garrisons November the 5. being the 〈…〉 day of solemn thanksgiving or the annuall 〈◊〉 of Englands former wonderfull deliverance from that unparalleld next to this present Epidemicall 〈◊〉 of the 〈…〉 and Atheisticall Malignants against this Parliament and indeed I may say all Christendome where the 〈…〉 Religion was professed the Popish-Powder-Plot I say was with great and accustomed Solemnity observed and kept throughout London and Westminster And among other things Commâ—â—rated on this dayes Solemn Celebration the Ministers were desired by Order from the Parliament to returne humble and hearty thanks to God as for the speciall deliverance as upon that day from the Popish intended Powder-Plot a full and exact History whereof I my self have written and is extant in print So likewise for Gods wonderfull preservation over and 〈◊〉 of this present Parliament now 〈◊〉 5. yeares together complete notwithstanding the many most mischeivous Plots Diabolicall Practises and most Malignant Machinations of the Enemies to have 〈◊〉 and dissolved it Also 〈◊〉 like humble and hearty thanks and 〈◊〉 should be tended and aâ—cribed to the Lord for his most gracious and mercifull continuing this great and most populous City of London in so much health and welfare especially from the noysome Infection of the Plague of Pestilence especially also in such a time when very many parts of the Countries round about it were sorely visited and afflicted with it And the like solemn thanksgiving was ordered throughout all the Parliaments quarters a most pious and Commendable act in our most renowned Parliament arie-worthies and unquestionably well-pleasing to the Lord in Christ Jesus About the 6. of this instant we received certaine intelligence by Letters out of the Northern parts of the Kingdome concerning the farther active proceedings of that valiant and experienced Commander Major Generall Poyntz whose forces were now neere unto Wâ—rton a House belonging to the Lord Caworth before which they being approached and all things prepared for a storme they first summoned the Garrison and the Enemie thereupon soone condescended to Articles of Agreement for the surrender thereof viz to march out the next morning by 10. of the clock with Armes and Baggage and the workes to be slighted This House was indeed very strong but Shelford-Quarter frighted them sorely There were taken in this Worton-House 150. Armes 40. Pikes 3. Barrels of Powder a proportionable quantity of Match and Bullet 2. vessells of strong-beer and store of other provisions After this they clapt down before Wiverton-garrison which they finding to be a very strong place also the Generall upon treatâ—â— agreed that the Enemie should march away with bag and baggage to Banbury the Governour thereof Sir Robert Terrill was a knowne Papist And thus also this strong hould was surrendred into the Parliaments possession Lastly our forces came before Welbeck the Marquesse of Newcastles House another strong hold of the Enemies where after some agitation and articles agreed upon one whereof was that Tickbill Castle should be slighted and we in lieu thereof to have this strong-House slighted also it was at last surrendred and quitted by the Enemie who marched thence to Newarke leaving us to slight the House as was agreed on and the the Country thereby was brought into much safety and security from former continuall danger About the 8. of this instant November we had unquestionable information out of Wales of the remarkable Overture and change of things almost over that whole Dominion especially in the County of Glamorganshire how the active Gentry and inhabitants therof did most unanimously unit themselves into a firme confederation for the expulsion of their plundring Enemies the â—renous Royalists out of their Countrie and for putting themselves under the protection and power of the Parliament that so they might enjoy their houses and estates free from plunder and mine And that the Reader may see upon what firme and solid grounds these their undertakings were most discreetly and advisâ—dly layd I shall give you an ample fight and satisfaction in this their owne ensuing Declaration A Declaration of the Knights Gentlemen and Freeholders of the County of Glamorgan 25. Octob. 1645. WHereas it hath pleased Almighty God of his infinite goodnesse to blesse the weake endeavours of the wel-affected Gentry and Commons of this County to free themselves from those over-mastering powers and arbitrary pressures they grâ—â—â—d under whereof they have been desirous of a long time to be freed and now by the providence of God are in some measure restored to the Law and undoubted liberties belonging to the free-borne subjects of this Kingdome We have therefore thought our selves bound to testifie before all the world our most hearty and unfeined thankefulnesse unto Almighty God for so great a mercy extended toward us And also our most humble and hearty thankes unto that supreame wise councell of this Kingdome the Parliament for their unparalleld and unwearied care of the publique and their particular favours to this our Country in sending Captaine Robert Moulton Admirall of the Seas and other Gentlemen since to assist and countenance our endeavours against the violence of the enemie of the peace and quietnesse of the Kingdome And we doe all hereby declare that albeit being formerly over mastered by forces so farre that we were not able to appeare so readily as the duty we owed to his Majesty and the great Councel required of us Yet our affections ever sided and adheared to them our firm resolution is from hence forward to hazzard our lives for their preservation who have so long adventured theirs for the good and welfare of the Kingdom and no longer to be lookers on but joynt labourers by the direction protection of the Parliament in the happy stablishing this kingdome in a happy peace as far as our exhausted abilities will extend for the preservation of the true reformed protestant Religion His Majesties royall person prosperity and dignity the â—ooâ—ing and preserving the 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 Kingdomes of England Scotland 〈…〉 the rights and priviledges of the Parliament the Laws of the Land which 〈…〉 and property of the Subject All which we will endeavour to maintaine with the 〈◊〉 of our lives And this unfeined Declaration we 〈◊〉 from our hearts and â—â—â—â—fie under our hands About the tenth of this Instant we had certaine intelligence by various Letters out of the North of the surrender of Bolton Castle to the Parliament Forces and that the defendants therein the Colonell Scroop and the rest of his Officers and Commanders had liberty to march away thence to Newark with their Horse and
Arms and the other inferiour Officers and Souldiers onely with their Swords There were taken in this Castle about 100 Muskets 50 Pikes two Barrels of Powder and good store of other Provisions And much about the same time we had certaine information by Letters from Gloucester that that valiant and most active Governour of Gloucester had intelligence of a designe against Canon-Froom by the Enemy in Hereford for the storming and surprizing of it with a strange Engine which they had provided for that purpose and brought along with them marching thus forth out of Hereford with about 400 men with their Governour they only faced the House and after that whâ—â—led about toward Malvern Hils to meet with additionall Forces from Worcester fâ—lly to besiege it whereof the Governour of Canon-Froom having knowledge and considering his present dis-furnishment of things necessary to defend the Garison against a siege or assault he sent to valiant Colonell Morgan to Gloucester praying his assistance who presently came forth to help him with 500 Horse and 200 Foot and marched to Ridley where he joyned with 300 of Corstane men but the Enemy having notice thereof lying then about Ledbury posted thence quite away but had left behinde them the strange Engine which sorely frighted our men at Froom guarded with two or three Troops of Horse from Hereford till they returned In the intrim those that had faced Canon-Froom as was toucht before falling in at Ledbury in their way to Malvern to refresh themselves there a Quartermaster of Canon-Froom with about twelve onely of their Horse accidentally being forth to view the Coasts and coming through the Towne not knowing of the Roysters being there fell upon them all and seeing themselves suddenly engaged cryed out Fall one Fall ane slew two on the place and brought away five prisoners past by the Engine without much ado the Enemy It seems being amazed at the sudden onset and unprovided some drinking and others carelesse of any such attempt cried Horse Horse and went away in a distracted manner where they surprized the Engine within a mile and half of the place drove away the Troops that were with it seized on it with the two Captains and many prisoners and brought all with their Ladders and other Instruments provided for the storme to the Garrison of Canon-Froom upon the coming in whereof such a shout was made that all the Country rang of it The Engine was such a one as the like hath not been known since these wars The Roysters called it a Sow It was carried upon great wheeles and to be drawne with Oxen it was made with rooms or lofts one over another musquet proof and very strong out of which were holes to play and shoot out It was so high that it was above all the Works at Canon-Froom so that they could discharge over the Works besides which a doore opened to bring them into the Works out of which went a Bridge for their entrance The Garison was then in such a condition that had they not been thus disappointed in all probability this Engine had effected their intended designe but God be praised it was prevented On the Lords day following Novemb 9. Master Jackson a Minister in Gloucester having information thereof in the morning before Sermon gave publique thanks in the Pulpit for so great a deliverance and unexpected and unlikely preservation About the twelfth of this instant a Messenger from the Right Reverend Assembly of Divines at Westminster was tendred to both 〈◊〉 of Parliament therein acquainting them that according to an Order sent unto them from the Parliament Novemb. 20. 164â— they had now fully perused the Psalmes translated into English out of the Originall Hebrew Tongue by learned and much honoured Master Rouse conceiving them very fit to be publikely made use of thorow the Kingdome and that they had likewise perused the Psalmes translated by Master Barton a reverend and learned Minister of the City of London who they acknowledged deserved much commendation for his great paines and abilities therein also but conceived the other most fit for publike use which were accordingly authorized by the Parliament whereof more in its due place And about the 14 of this instant Novemb. we were certainly informed that Colonell Sir Thomas Aston lately before made Lord Ashton forsooth who in the beginning of this Parliament was a mighty stickler for the Prelates and a chiefe Agent to get hands to Petitions for supporting of the Bishops Hierarchie and was one of their grand Champions of a Laick as they term'd them to write in defence of them That this Ashton I say came with a party to seeke some additionall reliefe for the King his Master about Dudley Castle and those parts of whose designe valiant active and loyall Colonell Stone Governour of Stafford having intelligence sent out a party and encountred him in the way who soone routed all his party which was in number about 100 Horse or more tooke at least 80 of them slew some on the ground sorely wounded the said Lord Ashton who within a seven night after as was for certaine informed dyed of his wounds yet he lived to see his darling Episcopacy and many base apostatizing Bishops to die and fall before him a just increment and addition to his other wretchednesse the remainder of his Horse which was about twelve or sixteene at most fled for their lives to Worcester to carry newes of their Leaders good successe and faire recruit in that designe And much about the same time we were also credibly informed that Major Blundell of Reading with a party of Horse met with a party of the Kings the most of them being Gentlemen of his Life Guard neer unto their Garrison at Wallingford where they were most jovially revelling in their Nectar-Cups all whom he there suddenly surprized being about 40 of them and carried away with him prisoners to Reading without any resistance Upon the 17 of this instant November the anniversary commemeration of the happy and blessed inauguration or coronation of that most peerlesse and precious Princesse of ever blessed memory eternally to be renowned pious magnanimous and Heroick Queen Elizabeth was still even to this day most solemnly celebrated in the famous and faithfull City of London and in some places Sermons preached on her most happie memoriall and thus incessantly hath continued notwithstanding her so long decease above 40 yeares In which regard this me thinks is a most remarkable note and worthy most Christian serious observation with all true English Protestants and sincere Christians and which I desire the godly Reader to take speciall notice of as most pertinent to these times that notwithstanding I say her so long decease she should still so constantly and cheerfully be so highly honoured and so zealously remembred being as it were most deeply ingraven with indelible Characters of gratitude and joy in the hearts of the heartiest surviving Subjects of
at Sea driven into a creek neer Plymouth from whence a Boat was sent to demand and know whom they were for the Marriners thinking themselves to be in his Majesties Quarters answered They were for the King Hereupon our boat left them and acquainting the Governour of Plymouth therewith he sent forth severall Boats with Musketeers to take the Barke which they did after some resistance and some few slain on both side and so brought it safely into Plymouth to be made use of for the King and Parliament And about November the 24. we also received certaine information by Letters out of Gloucestershire of a brave defeat given to the Enemie in those parts which also was confirmed by another Letter especially from Malmsbury the substance whereof was as followeth That upon occasion of planting and fortifying a Garrison for the Parliaments partie by renowned and active Colonell Morgan the valiant and faithfull Governour of Gloucester at Sir Henry Fred. Thynnes House at Kempsford in that Countie the Enemy belonging to Rad-Court and Farringdon being enraged at it and much offended that they should have a troublesome neighbour so neere them to straighten and curb their former accustomed excursions into the Countrie for contribution-money and plunder They therefore came forth with a party of about 30. horse to impede and disturbe their workes begun Whereupon Captaine Moore who had the Command of Malmsbury foot left at Letch-lad by Colonell Morgan drew out 60. Musketeers with which he bravely flankt the Enemie slew 2. of them shot their Captaine in the thigh and so made retreat but this their Commander swore in a rage that they would ere long be avenged upon our forces and thereupon they presently fetched in unto them Major Duet that French-Renegado and base apostate from the Parliaments service who since his defection had beene a Scourge and vexation to those parts though most Commonly with losse to himselfe who came that very evening with 100. foot and 120. horse purposing to have surprised ours in their workes and now to be revenged on them for his friends former repulse but valiant and vigilant Captaine Moore timely discovered them sent out another partie of Musketters and the Gloucester-horse thereabout having taken the Alarm drew forth also to the Encounter set fiercely upon the Enemy put them to the rout pursued the chace mortally wounded Major Duet himselfe unhorst him threw him into the dire where within 4 or 5 houres after he was found dead a just hand of God now at last upon such a disloyall and faithlesse apostate from the honest Cause which he first undertooke they also slew another Captain and 20. more Common Souldiers upon the place tooke 30. prisoners whereof one was a Corner and 5. of the Kings Life-guard 40. horse and 60 fire-armes And thuâ— having by Gods great mercy to whom alone be all the praise and glory thereof chaced them close to Rad-cot-Bridge even almost to their very workes they returned victoriously safe to their Garrison without the lose of any one man of theirs slaine only 2. or 3. wounded but not mortally Finally about the latter end of this November it pleased the Lord to put into the hearts of our most prudent and provident Parliamentarie-Statists for the more luculent and cleare manifestation of their hearts integrity to manage all matters for the greater honour of that great and supreame Court of Parliament and the fairer evidence of their own personall sincerity in and about the same to take into their serious debate the great prejudice which many have received by protection of Members of Parliament and their servants or attendants and therefore how the same might be remedied for the future The result whereof came at last to this issue that they appointed a Committee of New elected Members who were to meet certaine dayes weekly with power to heare and examine complaints of such as have suffered in that nature And also to receive such complaints as shall upon just ground be brought against any Member of Parliament for taking of Bribes or for any other act of injustice whatsoever Certainely such acts of justice as these especially being faithfully and effectually carryed on will make this already most famous Parliament much more famous and illustrious to all posterity and cannot but most justly stop the mouths of all malicious-hearted Malignants and others who have or shall endevour injuriously to scandalize their honourable proceedings And here now againe good Reader let me desire thee to stay a while to make a most gratefull review there in to admire the rare and remarkable Parliamentarie-mercies of this moneth also in the cleare and most demonstrative ratification of this admirable wonder of the Burning-Bush still unconsumed and rarely kept and recovered from the many menaced distractions of it by the incessant assailant furious flames and conflagrations flashing continually round about it as hath beene most apparently seen and set forth both in the Parliaments provident care and Circumspection for the safety and welfare of the Kingdome and City of London in those two excellent Orders against Delinquents In the taking in of Shelford-House And miserably taring in peeces of the Lord Digbies late scattered forces againe rallyed into a body In the surrender of Abarashwait a strong Garrison of the Enemie in Cardiganshire into the Parliaments power And the gratefull recordation of the Parliaments happie preservation from the malicious machinations of the plotting Enemies therof since the beginning of it to this present In the taking in of Worton-Garrison Wiverton and Welbeck-house And the spontaneous falling off of all Glamorganshire from the Kings pernicious party In the surrender of Bolton-Castle in the North to the Parliaments forces And the brave defeat given to the Enemy at Cannon-Froom and surprisall then of a notable Engine for batterie called a Sowe In the notable defeate given to the Lord Ashton and his forces where himselfe was slaine And the brave prize taken at Sea from the Enemie by Plymouth Garrison In the brave defeat given to Major Duet that French renegado and base Apostate where he himselfe was slaine And lastly In the remarkable testimonie of the Parliaments integrity shining forth in that excellent order of theirs against Parliaments protections and taking of bribes All which graciously and gratefully considered can amount to no lesse than a most cordiall and comfortable acknowledgement and confession of the Lords unchangeable free grace and unexhaustible bounty to us his most unworthy people of England even to admiration and astonishment to all our neighbour Nations round about us And that therefore they may and must most justly cause yea compellus with thankfull thoughts hearts and tongues to confesse and say with holy David Through the Lord alone we have done thus valiantly and he it is that â—ath thus graciously and gloriously trod downe our Enemies Yea He it is that hath bidden us not to be afraid of our most potent or politick
Colonell Birches Leiutenant Colonell Hammond who indeed carryed the businesse bravely and behaved himselfe most gallantly therein and the maine body of foot Colonell Birch himselfe led and Colonell Morgan the horse but the forlorn hope of horse which were first to enter was Commanded by brave Captaine Temple These things being thus designed in the morning after that the trevalley was beaten and upon the first letting-downe of the draw-bridge 3. men came out of the City not discerning any body the Firelocks lay so close and now the Constable with a hedgebill on his shoulder and the other 6. Souldiers like homely Countrie Labourers with spades and Mattocks came forth to their worke and the 3. foresaid men went along on their way seeing none else till they came beyond the hill and then perceiving our men they spake pretty loud to themselves What doe all these men here Whereupon they were instantly surprized and snapt-up and so could not stir back to give any notice of ought they saw And now the Constable and 〈◊〉 Labourers were come to the Draw-bridge where the guard began to examine them The Constable told the Centinell that he was come to doe his worke with those workmen according to his warrant from the Governour which they presently desired to see the Constable shewed it him and so he and the rest looking on it to read it the 6. men came close to them and were now on the top of the bridge and as they were reading the warrant the Constable with his hedge-â—ill knockt down the Centinell who instantly fell down dead at his feet the other Labourers killed 2. more of them and so all these 7. kept the others in play busâ—ing at the Bridge to over master them all which Leiutenant Colonell Hammond seeing who stood on the top of the hill to watch the Event and so gave the signe to all the Firelocks by houlding up and shaking his Hat unto them even all the 150. that lay coucht in the house whereupon out they all rushed and came speedily but yet orderly to the Bridge where they found the Constable and his Labourers close at their work indeed and so the Fire-locks making way for the horse and the horse close following them over the Bridge they got and into the Town they entred Captainâ— Temple and Sir John Bridges marched on in the forlorn hope of horse Leivtenant Colonell Hammond with the forlorn hope of Firelocks and Captaine Aldern with the reserve of foot and thus I say they entred bravely Captaine Temple with his horse-troope doing speciall good service making his way to the mainguard where his horse was shot under him and he fought so stoutly that his sword also was broken in his hand to the very hilt and three of his Troopers onely being slaine which was all the losse that we sustained of our men in this whole worke and some wounded The Commanders both of horse and foot I meane especially both Colonell Morgan and Colonell Birch did most excellent service from the first to the last of this brave service and so did the rest of the Commanders and Officers and went on so gallantly and undauntedly notwithstanding that they and their Souldiers had layen out all that cold night that they quickly seized on all the guards insomuch that at last many of the Enemie had got through the market place up to their chambers and thence discharged their Muskets and Pistolls upon our men and many of the Malignant Townesmen did the like out of their windowes which so enraged our men that they slew 8. in the streets but when the Enemie saw our men come in so fast and in great numbers they cryed out for quarter By this meanes the Souldiers fell toâ—â—â—â—ndering and rifling and tooke what they could catch from which the Governour of Gloucester Colonell Morgan could by no meanes restraine them for they accounted all their own in regard they entred the City by an ouslat and had so much opposition And thus by 12. of the clocke that night they had fully got the whole City and taken most of their prisoners This mercie was wonderfull unto us let the Lord have all the honour and praise thereof who made in so succesfull unto us in all the particulars of it from the first to the last A List of the prisoners and prizes thus taken in Hereford by Collell Morgan Governour of Gloucester and Colonell Birch now made Governour of Hereford THe Lord Brudenell the Bishop of Hereford by name Doctor Cooke Sir Fra. Howard Sir Marmaduke Floyd Sir Henry Beding-field Sir Walter Blunt and 2. more of the Blunts both Knights also and Papists Sir Rich. Kennish Sir Richard Weston Sir Thomas Lunsford Sir George Vaugham Sir Gyles Mumpessons Sir John Stepney Sir Fra. Lloyd Sir Philip Jones Sir Edw. Morgan Sir Nicholas Throgmorton Sir Richard Basset Sir Henry Spiller Sir Roger Bodingham Lievtenant Colonell Price Leivtenant Col. Jones Lieutenant Colonell Lewes Lieutenant Colonell Tooley and Lievtenant Colonell Jefferies Major Mathewes and Major Sayer Major Lewis Major Roberts Major Price and also Judge Jenkins Captaines 9. Secretarie Barnes 4. Leivtenants 3. Cornets one Ensigne one Quarter-master one Commissarie 2. Gentelmen of worth and quality besides Mounseiur Peter Morlet French Gent. 3. Chirurgeons together with many other Officers and Troopers of worth and quality and by the relation of the Townesmen there were at least 2000. Papists of all conditions then in the Town who had fled hither for their security since the taking of Chepstow and other places there abouts We tooke there also 12. peeces of Ordnance but as for the rest of the Magazine and Ammunition there was not then a full account given thereof it being then so scattered and disperst in the Towne Of what consequence this Towne is unto us may appeare in that the whole Countie of Hereford is by thus obtaining of this City brought into the obedience of the â—arliament and not onely so but all South-Wales and a good Omen for the reducing of Ragland Castle all provisions and intercourse being stopped out of Wales also to Worcester and Ludlow and the Enemies of other Garrisons thereabout being by this meanes in a faire way of reduction to the Parliament this next Spring by the gracious assistance of our good God Colonell Morgans Secretary who first brought the intelligence of this so gallant peece of service to the Parliament had 50 l. given him for his paines therein and Colonell Birches Messenger had 20 l. given to him also by Order from both Houses of Parliament And the Parliament taking into serious consideration the extraordinary providence and unexpected much more immerited mercy of God in thus gaining this strong City and that with so little losse of blood made thereupon these severall Orders following First That on the next Lords Day bounden thanks should be rendred to Almighty God for this great mercy by the Ministers in their severall
fortified and the Church also and in it 140. Prisoners among whom was Major Stukeley a Major of horse Major Salt Capt. â—rice Captaine Edmonds Capt. Lap Capt. Baker 3. Leivtenants 3. Ensignes 8. Serjeants 55. Horse 2. Barrels of Powder and 100. mens Armes besides the Armes taken in Canterbury-Foot with Match and Bullet proportionable there were 10. of the Enemies slaine and 7. of ours whereof Major Heynes was one and about 20. more of our men wounded And thus the Lord was graciously pleased to shew favour unto us that we might justly raise up our hearts with thankfulnesse unto him About the 6. of this instant Januarie we had again Letters from our noble Generalls Armie in the West certifying that his Excellencie Sir Thomas Fairfax and Leivtenant Generall Cromwell made a generall Rendevouz and afterward advanced into the Enemies quarters resolving either to enforce them to fight or at least to remove more remotely toward Corn-wall into the quarters from whence they came And thereupon a party was drawn up farther West which fell upon them in their quarters at Tracie and beat them out of them and out of the field also and in the pursuit of them we took 4. Colonels 3. Leiutenant Colonels 5. Majors 11. Capt. and other Officers 7. Colours whereof one having the Crown and C. R. upon it 400. horse at least 300 Arms 140 Prisoners 150. head of Cattell and store of other provisions designed for the releife of Exeter which thus now blessed be the Lord came short of it After this our renowned Generall pursuing his victory came to Ilminster which he also took with all the ammunition in it where some Commanders of the Enemie had much a doe to save themselves but by throwing good store of money out of windowes into the streets among our Souldiers which whiles they gathered up the said Commanders and Officers in a darke night as it was then escaped by a back way saved their lives whiles our men were tardy to pursue them After this also our forces advanced to Ashburton but the enemy having received a hot alarm by those that escaped as before mentioned they speedily quitted that place also being then their head quarter in great Confusion and amazement sending their foot one way and their horse another but our forlorne hope pursued them so fast through the Towne of Ashburton that we took above 20 horse and 9 or 10 prisoners there and tooke the Towne with all the Armes and Ammunition in it Then the Generall advanced to Totnes where the Enemy had a Foot Quarter as having been the Princes Head Quarter where his Life Guard lay and where indeed we thought the Enemy would have disputed our passe but our Forces following on close upon them soon frighted them thence also tooke that strong Garrison with all the Armes and Ammunition in it yea and immediately after this also our Army marching and advancing on still reduced Okehampton a strong Garrison of the Enemiâ—s to the obedience of the Parliament where we also tooke as was credibly related to me two Colonels five Captaines 20 Horse and many prisoners And it was credibly informed and assured that since that overthrow given to the Enemy at Bovie-Tracy aforementioned we have taken from them at least 1000 of the Enemies Prisoners many of whom were Commanders and Gentlemen of no small repute in the Princes Army And hath not the Lord here admirably appeared for the comfort and hopefull flourishing condition of this his Burning-Bush his just and upright Cause yes certainly even to the amazement of our Enemies and to the stopping of the black and foule mouths of Malignant envy it selfe for ever glorified and omnified be our wonder-working God for it But to proceed About the tenth of this instant two Letters were read in the House of Commons from the Commissioners for the Parliament residing in Ireland the one dated the 19 of Novemb. 1645. from Belfast the other the 22 of Decemb. last from the same place relating the great and singular good successe which it pleased God to give to our handfull of Forces under the conduct and command of Sir William Cole Sir Charles Coot and Sir Francisâ—Hamilton against the Rebels in Ireland in the Province of Cannaught and Vlster and particularly and especially of that most memorable and remarkable deliverance and great victory over them at Sligo And upon reading of the said Letters the House ordered that the next Lords Day the Ministers in their severall Churches within London and Westminster should returne humble and hearty thankes to Almighty God for this great Victory And that the Reader may the better see what cause we have in an extraordinary manner to congratulate and give thanks with our Brethren for the same and for the Readers better content and satisfaction as also because this Victory hath no small influence upon and reference unto the great and present affaires of our own Kingdome as in the sequell you will clearly see I have therefore here thought it very fit and pertinent to our present history to insert the particulars of that brave and famous Victory which was as followeth On Sunday the 17 of October last the Irish Rebels having surrounded Sligo with 1000 Foot and 300 Horse the Garrison seeing little hope of the advance of the Vlster Forces who were then neer them at Bandron though unknowne to them conceived it absolutely necessary to hazard the fighting with the Rebels with their owne strength and Sir William Coles Troops rather than to starve themselves and lose their out Garrisons which were blocked up the Enemy lying between them Captaine Richard Coot and Captaine Richard Cole commanded our Horse being two hundred who charged the Rebels Horse very resolutely and fell in to the sword pell mell and beat them among the divisions of their owne Foot and routed them which Lieutenant Colonell Saunderson seconded with the Foot and Sir Francis Hamilton came also with his Troops in the nick of time and had the execution of the Rebels for five miles their Foot taking flight upon giving ground of their Horse In the pursuit their Commander and President of that Province was slaine the titular Archbishop of Tuain Our men tooke one hundred and fifty of their Horse with Pistols all their Baggage Tents and Ammunition there were two Wagons with rich Spoile and many in them they tooke severall of their Standards and Colours 24 Drums and Officers of note in number 48 who are now prisoners in Sligo about two hundred of their men lay killed in the place and many more had been if plunder had not been preferred before execution by our Foot we had but one killed of Sir William Coles Troop and some Horsemen hurt and some Horse There were of the Irish Rebels taken Prisoners at Sligo as followeth Great Morogh ve Divo O Flabeety Lieutenant Colonell to Richard Bourk Cousen German to the Earle of Clanrickard and his next Haire John
Garye Lieutenant Colonell to Sir Tibbot Bourk eldest Sonne to the Lord of Maye Richard Bourk Major to Richard Bourk the Earle of Clanrickards Heire and Sonne to Sir William Bourk Brother to the late Earle of Clanrickard Captaine William O Shaghuise brother to Sir Roger O Shaghuise Captaine Garret Dillon Sonne to Sir Lucas Dillon who saith that his Father was shot in the thigh Captaine Ro. Castallogh Killed Edward Brown Captaine of 100 Musketeers out of Galloway brother to Jeffery Brown the Lawyer Three Lieutenants of Foot Two Cornets Three Engines Killed also the Titular Archbishop of Tuain the Rebels president of Cannaught a principall incendiary in that Kingdome in whose pockets were found Letters and other papers of great importance and for his own particular an Order from the Councell of Kilkenny for leavying the arreares of his Bishoprick together with severall other prisoners of inferiour quality both of Horse and Foot and 22 or 23 were drowned And here now I shall desire the Reader by way of introduction to what I have further to say touching this Irish Victory and especially some of the Papers taken from this foresaid Archbishop of Tuain to take speciall notice of the admirable wisdome and providentiall mercy of the Lord unto us therein viz. That in regard of the wonderfull great and good successe which the Lord hath lately given to our Forces in the West of our owne Kingdome and the King finding what bad successe he hath of late had as well as all along indeed for the most part in all the parts of the Kingdome both West and North now therefore sent Letter after Letter to the Parliament for the procuring of a pretended well grounded Peace and the way nay forsooth the only way in the opinion of the subtill Oxonians that must lead thereto he propounded to be by a Treaty nay when that could not serve by a Personall Treaty in himself proffering himself to come in person to our Parliament But our prudent Parliament who by much experience knew very well of what danger and disadvantage such Treaties have been and this also of the Kings personall coming in this juncture of time would be both to foment pernicious delayes and abusive designes for raising desperate parties to spoile us all resolved therefore most peremptorily to go a neerer way to worke to wit by drawing up Bils and to present them to the King to have them immediately signed and made Acts. But now that the Reader I say may see how fairely the King meant both in sending Letters thus for a Treaty of Peace yea and proffering himself in person to treat of Peace I have here thought fit to set downe the substance of one of his Letters sent to the Parliament for this purpose verbatim and most faithfully as it was printed and published and therewith also a Declaration of his compacting with the Rebels in Ireland against God our Religion and his English Protestant Subjects yea the whole Kingdome and Parliament And then I say the impartiall Reader may see how crossely and craftily yet most accursedly things were carried underhand even with extream Atheisme and impiety and now I say for the full clearing hereof take here first a true Copy of the Kings Letter to our Parliament expressing his even greedy seeming desire of Peace with his Parliament and his Protestant People and then you shall have the other Letter or Declaration sent into Ireland and then be amazed and confounded in thy thoughts at such hideous and horrid yea even hellish dissimulation Upon Friday Jan. 16. another Trumpet for you must know by the way as I touched before divers former Trumpets and Messages had been sent came from the King with a Letter directed to the Speaker of the House of Peers pro tempore the substance of which Letter was C. R. HIs Majesty doth expresse his great wonder that whereas he had sent a gracious Message on the 26 of December last the subject whereof was for a Treaty for peace that the Parliament should returne no Answer to that Message ever since He much admired what should become of his Trumpeter whom he sent unto them in December last having heard 〈◊〉 newes of him since his departure from Oxford unto London He seemes to be very carefull of the Government of the Church and desireth that it may continue as in the dayes of Queen Elizabeth and King James of blessed and perpetuall memory yet he expresseth that because the Act it abolished for the use of the Booke of Common Prayer he is not altogether averse that the Directory shall passe as it is now used in some Churches of London and this He is content to condescend unto for the ease of tender consciences He maketh no question but that He shall give both his Houses of Parliament a full content for the choyce of the Lord Admirall and other Officers of State if He finds his Houses of Parliament inclinable to a Treaty for peace in which he intendeth to assist in Person He expresseth a speciall care to satisfie the Scots in their arreares and to discharge the expences of the City and for the businesse of Ireland He doubteth not but He shall give His Subjects of England perfect satisfaction Subscribed Given at our Court at Oxford Jan. 15. 1645. This is the substance of his Majesties Letter which though communicated by former pens was read in the House this day and it is the rather here inserted because you may see how crosse it is to His Majesties Letter sent to Ireland and sealed with his highnesse Signature and Royall Signet which Letter together with other papers of great concernment were found in the pocket of the Archbishop of Tuain slaine at Sligo in Ireland the tenour of which Letter was as followeth C. R. CHARLES by the grace of God King of England Scotland France and Ireland Defender of the Faith To our trusty and right well beloved cousin Edward Earle of Glamorgan greeting VVE reposing great and speciall trust and confidence in your approved wisdome and fidelity do by these as firmly as under our great Seale to all intents and purposes authorize and give you power to treat and conclude with the Roman Catholicks in our Kingdome of Ireland if upon necessity any thing be condescended to wherein our Lieutenant cannot so well be seen as not fit for us at the present publikely to owne We therefore charge you to proceed according to this our Warrant with all possible secrecy and for whatsoever you shall engage your self upon such valuable considerations as you in your judgement shall thinke fit we promise in the word of a King and a Christian to ratifie and performe the same that shall be granted by you and under your Hand and Seale the said Confederate Catholicks having by their supplies testified their zeale to our service and this shall be in each particular a sufficient Warrant to you Given at our Court at Oxford under our
House That Church-Government might be setled and are most humbly thank full for your favourable interpretation thereof proceeding from the good intentions of the Common-Councell who are resolved according to their duty to have a tender respect to the Priviledges of Parliament whereby the Liberties of the City and Kingdome are preserved That in December last at the choise of new Common-Councell men for the yeare ensuing the Inhabitants of most of the Wards in this City petitioned their respective Aldermen in their Wardmote to move your Petitioners to make their further addresse to the Honourable Houses of Parliament for the speedy setling of Church-Government within this City and against Toleration as by a Copy of one of the said Petitions annexed appeared That private Meetings especially on the Lords Day of which there are at least eleven in one Parish are multiplyed whereby the publique Congregations Ordinances and godly 〈…〉 are very much neglected and contemned as if they were Antichristian and our present times were like the Primitive persecutions or as if we were still under the Tyranny of the Prelaticall Government and by reason of such 〈◊〉 and the preaching of women and other ignorant persons superstition Heresie Schisme and Profaness are much increased 〈◊〉 divided and such Blasphemies as the Petitioners tremble to thinke on uttered to the high dishonour of Almighty God That the Petitioners are informed that divers persons have an inteâ—â—tion to Petition this Honourable House for a Toleration of such Doctrines at are against our Covenants under the Notion of Liberty of Conselâ—â— The Petitioners therefore having no power of themselves to suppresse or overcome these growing evils Doe according to their Covenant reveale and make the same knowne to this Honourable House and for timely prevention and removall thereof do 〈…〉 the Preâ—â—â—sses may be taken into your most serious consideration And that Church Government 〈◊〉 speedily 〈…〉 to our most Solemne Covenant with the most high God in such manner and forme as to your Wisdomes shall seeme most agreeable thereunto before me be destroyed one by another through 〈◊〉 and divisions And that no Toleration be granted either of Popery Prelacy Superstition Heresie Schisme Prophannesse or of any thing contrary to sound Doctrine and the power of godlinesse And that all private Meetings contrary to the said Covenant the rather in regard of the sad effects thereof may be restrained And the Petitioners shall pray c. MICHELL To the Right Worshipfull the Alderman and Common-Councell men of the Ward of Farrington within at their Ward-moot A representation of the Humble desires of the Inhabitants of the said Ward I THat Church Government may speedily be setled within the City before we be utterly ruined with rents and divisions II That this Government may be that which is agreeable to the Word of God and example of the best Reformed Churches according 〈◊〉 solemne League and Covenant with the most high God III That no Toleration either the Popery Prelacy Schisme Heresie Superstition Prophamenesse or any thing contrary to sound Doctrine or the power of godlinesse may at all be yeelded unto as being against the Word of God and contrary to the very Letter of our Covenant And these our most humble and earnest desires which we are obliged and encouraged also to make by reason of our said Covenant we intreat the Right Worshipfull the Alderman and Common-Councell men of this Ward to represent to the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor and the Honourable Court of Common-Councell at their first sitting that they would make their further addresse to the Honourable Houses of Parliament for the obâ—aining of these our just and necessary desires The Answer to the said Petition pronounced by the Speaker of the House of Peers THe Lords have alwaies had great experience of the care and good affections of the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Common-Councell of the City of London for which they are glad of any opportunity to expresse their great sense and to returne their hearty thanks and 〈◊〉 especially upon this occasion wherein the Common-Councell have maâ—â—â— so great zeale and faithfulnesse to the true Worship of Almighty 〈◊〉 and care for the Peace and well ordering of the City of London 〈…〉 the whole Kingdome is so neerly concerned The Lords therefore 〈…〉 of the Petition now presented unto them and the expressions of that worthy Alderman made unto their Lordships have commanded me in their names to give ye further and larger acknowledgements for your great care and endeavours to prevent so growing a mischief giving ye this assurance That as they have been very forward formerly to do what in them lay for a settlement of Church-Government so they shall still continue to advance and perfect a Worke so much tending to the glory of God and to the â—erâ—ing of the Peace of the Kingdome holding themselves thereunto obliged by their solemne League and Covenant and they do seriously recommend it to the care of the Lord Mayor and such at 〈◊〉 in Office in the City to suppresse and prevent such great Offences by you mentioned which are so much to the dishonour of God and the disturbance of the present and future good Government of the City of London And wherein ye shall finde your selves wanting in pâ—wer the Lords will be ready to contribute their authority for your incouragement and assistance And about the 20 of this instant January we were credibly informed by Letters from Abington of an excellent exploit performed by the Forces of most active loyall and renowned Major Generall Brown against Wallingford Horse in which he had taken Lieutenant Colonell Lour the Deputy-Governour of Wallingford some other Officers and Prisoners of note 50 of the Enemies Horse their Riders and Armes and also rescued 30 Horse which the Enemy had before taken of ours by which defeat Wallingford Garrison was much weakened On the 23 of this instant we received happy and most welcome newes out of the West of the taking of Dartmouth with the Castle Ordnance c. by storme on Sunday night Jan. 19. and there was also a Letter read in Parliament from his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax of all the particulars of the storming and taking of the said strong Towne and Castle with a List of the Prisoners therein taken which being a full and authentick narrative of the whole businesse I have here for the Readers better content and satisfaction inserted a true Copy of the said Letter which was as followeth My Lords and Gentlemen AFter my coming to Totnes the Enemy rising in great disorder from the siege at Plymouth and leaving their Guns and some Ammunition behind them I considered with those about me of attempting upon Dartmouth and it being concluded affirmatively I caused two Regiments of Foot to march to Ditsam and two to Sucheflemming being on the West of Dart River I having summoned the place before resolved upon Sunday night to attempt it by storme which was agreed to
l. per annum formerly voted to be conferred on his Excellency and his Heynes for ever might be presently setled possessed and enjoyed by him They likewise ordered That a Letter should be written to his Excellency to returne the thanks of both Houses of Parliament for his noble valour and unwearied paines in the service of the State and particularly in the storming of Dartmouth and to informe him what a great mercy the Parliament esteems this businesse of Dartmouth and how highly they respect and esteem of his Excellency and his designes and undertakings And here now I shall desire the Reader for Gods greater glory and high honour to consider seriously and most graciously and gratefully how admirable wisely powerfully and advantagiously for us the Lord carried on all these late great works in these few ensuing observations worthy our cordiall consideration As first That God all along cast such a pannick feare upon our Enemies such a Magor-Misabib into their hearts and spirits that they were a continuall terrour to themselves and that since our taking of Boviâ—-Tracy God hath given into our hands neer 1000 of the Enemies Horse and that upon the advance of a party of ours from Crediâ—â—on the Enemies fled and onely â—ix of Colonell Okeyes Dragoones put 500 of their Horse from their post at which time they fled from Plymouth leaving their Guns Arms and Ammunition behind them Secondly That Captaine Batten Vice-Admirall of the Parliaments Ships coming to block up Dartmouth by Sea as our noble Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax had ordered him liâ— upon a Ship of the Enemies bound for France wherein were many Gentlemen of quality and money and jewels to a good quantity together with many other rich 〈…〉 Thirdly which is indeed very remarkable That till our Forces came before Dartmouth in at least seven weeks space there had been little or no 〈◊〉 upon that 〈◊〉 but now our Army being there ther was such a mighty shole of Muâ—â—its taken as comfortably fed our Army and which so continued among them to the great admiration of all the Inhabitants Fourthly That in the storming of the Towne though all things answered not the appointments of the Councell of War yet there was no confusion or miscarriage in the whole worke and withall that we had very faire weather all the time of the siege and storme even to a minute till the Town was taken and then only it rained much Fifthly That notwithstanding the great strength of the Fortifications of the Town and in men and Ordnance also yet it was taken without much bloodshed we having lost but two men in all the whole worke that we could possibly heare of which was even a miraculous mercy to us considering I say that there were 〈◊〉 strong Works and Forts in it and about 100 Peeces ready mounted and manned which might have been thought sufficient to have maintained the Town and Harbour against a very potent Army Sixthly and lastly That Master Peters one of the Ministers of the Army at this time presented to the Parliament divers Colours taken in the Towne and Country and among the rest the Kings owne first Colours which he first advanced at Yorke against the Parliament with the Kings owne picture on it and a Sword in 〈◊〉 hand and a booke in the other together with a bundle of brave Letters found in the Governours House in Dartmouth some of the Princes some of Ruperts some of Gorings some of Culpeppers and their Commissions by Sea and Land besides a Popish Masse-Book and an Altar taken from the Engineer of Dartmouth who was a Dutch Masse Priest For all which so rare and remarkable free favours and mighty meer mercies so graciously conferred upon us our most renowned Parliamentary Worthies most rightly and religiously ordered a solemn day of Thanksgiving to be kept a Copy of which their Order I have here thought fit to insert which was as followeth Die Jovis Jan. 26. 1645. THe Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled do order and appoint this day fortnight being Thursday for a day of Thanksgiving for the taking in of Dartmouth and Hereford to be kept within the Cities of London and Westminster the Lines of Communication and ten miles about And this day three weeks for all other places over the Kingdome in the Parliaments power About the 26 of this instant January we received also certaine intelligence by Letters out of Stafford-shire that Captaine Stone that valiant and active Commander had sent out a party of about 100 and odde Horse to beate up the Lord Molinaux his Quarters who fell upon the Enemy at a place called Cark within seven miles of Stafford and managed their charge with such martiall resolution and dexterity that they routed 300 of the Enemies and tooke prisoners three Captaines two Cornets eight Reformadoes ten inferiour Officers about 100 Horse and divers prisoners above 100 Pistols In which conflict many of the Enemies were wounded and some slaine And thus they returned victoriously to Stafford againe with their Prisoners and Prizes And about the 28 of this instant we were certainly informed from our Army in the West that Pouldram Castle which was Sir William Courteens House a strong Garrison of the Enemies neer Exeter was surrendred to brave Colonell Hamond who commanded in chiefe upon these Conditions The Officers and Souldiers to depart to their own dwellings leaving all their Arms behind them There were about 120 in the Castle 4 Peeces of Ordnance unmounted 5 Barrels of powder with Bullet and Match proportionable but little other Provisions His Excellencies most courteous carriage and mercifull useage of those at Dartmouth notwithstanding that he wonne it by storme had a great influence and operation upon the spirits of the Enemies elsewhere and was not only a prevalent motive to these of Pouldram Castle to yeeld so soone unto his famoused mercy but made many others also shortly after to desert the Enemy for there being at least 120 Cornish men prisoners in Dartmouth notwithstanding their former even most barbarous cruelty to ours yet I say renowned and mercifull Sir Thomas Fairfax as I was credibly informed set them all at liberty and gave them two shillings a man to beare their charges And was not here a heaping of Coales of fire on their heads as our Saviour commands and commends in his Disciples and a rare way of winning of hearts even of those formerly heathenish cruell Cornish Enemies Those of them that would stay and take up Armes for the Parliament as divers did he gave them â—â—ree shillings a peece to all the Seamen in prison he freely gave their liberty and to all their Common Souldiers unwilling to take up Armes he gave Passes to go to their owne habitations nay to severall Officers of whom any of the faire conditioned Townesmen could give any good Character he also gave Passes to go to their owne homes also on promise of future faire and peaceable demeanour toward the
Parliament and their friends This indulgent and most noble favour thus shewed by his Excellency was not altogether fruitlesse unto us immediately after for some of those Officers proved very serviceable to our Army in some of their succeeding designes nor could lesse good effects be expected from many others where his Excellency occasionally made his Martiall progresse and advances whereby he hath most certainly and more and more most worthily been crowned with ancient Caesars more than Golden Diadems of perpetuall same and honour viz. Caesar noster Anglicus dando sublevando ignoscendo Gloriam adeptus est But now to proceed About the latter end of this Moneth of January we had further certaine intelligence by Letters from Dartmouth in the West that a Barke which came from France putting in at Dartmouth not knowing it was in the Parliaments hands and being come within command before they discovered it was there instantly seized on But speciall order and directions having been given to the Master of the Ship that in case he saw himself in danger to be taken by any of the Parliaments Forces he should throw his packets of Letters overboard into the Sea which now he had accordingly done but it being upon examination confessed Colonell Lambert presently commanded out boats to search for them and to see if they could espie any such Packets floating on the waters toward the shore which by Gods good providence at last they found so indeed and tooke them up and brought them to the noble Colonell even Letters of great concernment from the Queen Jermine and Goring which were all speedily posted up to the Parliament And thus besides the prize of the Ship and the fraught therein the Lord was most graciously pleased even by our Enemies themselves and especially by admirable interception of their Letters from time to time even all along to lay open and discover unto us the most hidden I had almost said the most hideous secrets of their hellish hearts against us and thereby giving us fair and seasonable opportunities by his blessed assistance to prevent and avoid their intended malice and mischiefe toward us blessed O ever blessed be the pure and precious grace and meere mercy of our good God unto us And here now againe good Reader I shall desire thee in thy wonted patience and piety together with me to make another short stay and take a summarie and briefe survey and gratefull revise of all the sweet and salubrious mercies of this moneth also so much conducing to the health and happinesse of this long languishing Church and State to the dressing pruning and prospering of this our Burning-Bush still as you see unconsumed the Parliaments just Cause thus still sustained in the midst of all the fiery machinations and flaming molestations burning and blazing round about it as hath been most comfortably and conspicuously seen to us all both in the great mercy of our God in so upholding the heart of the renowned Governour of Plymouth with such impregnable loyalty and fidelity to the Parliament and its most just Cause as not to betray that great trust committed to him by the Parliament in safe-guarding the said famous Town from the pawes and possession of the Enemie and also in the singular good successe which immediately after the Lord gave to those his loyall befieged servants against their besieging Enemies as a just reward of their late base batterie of treachery shot against it In that famous defeat given also to the Enemy at Bâ—vie-Tracy and our winning of Ilminster Ashburton Totnes and Okebampton together with the famous victory obtained against the Rebels of Ireland at Sligo and the excellent effects ensuing thereon In the most happy totall relief of Plymouth from a long and dangerous siege by base and blood-thirsty Enemies and recovery of Sir Francis Drakes House a strong Garrison also out of their hands In Gods great goodnesse unto us in still stirring up the hearts and raising up the spirits of the most renowned Citizens of London to stand close to his truth and to be very zealous for the building up of Gods House as was most eminently evident in their most excellent Petitions to the Lords and Commons in Parliament for the speeding thereof In the most happy surprizall of the Town and Castle of Dartmouth a mighty mercy unto us indeed it being a place of great consequence to the whole Kingdome and a faire and famous Haven and inlet from other forraigne parts And sixthly and lastly In that brave defeat given to the Enemy at Câ—rk neer Stafford the taking in of Pâ—â—ldram Castle by Sir Thomas Fairfâ—â—s forces in the West and his most Excellent and amiable demeanour among the people of those parts even like a second Julius Caesar Together with the most seasonable surprisall of that Ship from France in Dartmouth harbour by which that 〈◊〉 of Letters of so great Concernment was also by Gods gâ—â—d providence apprehended and found floating on the waves of the Sea All which most gratefully put together and seriously and sanctimoniously considered can amount to no lesse than a most large acknowledgement of our most deere and Deepe enâ—â—gement to the Lord our God in all the bonds of most bonden gratitude and therefore to breake out into holy and hearty zeale 〈◊〉 Cordiall thankfulnes and with the good Prophet to conâ—â—â—â— and say Who would not feare and love thee O King of Nations 〈◊〉 to thee alone indeed it doth appertaine for as much as among all 〈◊〉 and strong man of the Nations and all their kingdomes their 〈…〉 like unto the Lord our God Who hath most mercifully and 〈◊〉 been a wall of fire to us this unworthy Jerusalem round 〈◊〉 as and the onely glorie in the midst among us But now to proceed And here now I shall begin the farther prosperous per 〈…〉 in the comfortable contemplation of the continued wonder of the Burning-Bush unconsumed in this Moneth also of Februarie 1646. with the certaine intelligence by letters out of the North 〈◊〉 parts of the Kingdome about the beginning of the 〈◊〉 of February 1646. That the strong and almost impregnaâ—â— Garrison called 〈◊〉 Castle being one of the strongest and 〈◊〉 buildings in the Kingdome and therefore called Belvoir 〈◊〉 word signifying a Fair-Prospect which had 66 steps or 〈◊〉 unto it and therefore might well over-look the Country which for the most part being vallies round about it seemed 〈◊〉 yeild obeyâ—â—â—ce to this Castle which now I say is reduced 〈…〉 obedience of the Parliament Sir lartis Lucas the Governour thereof withall the Commanders Officers and Souldiers therin 〈◊〉 permission to march away to Litch-field upon more honourable termes indeed than they deserved And 〈◊〉 Thursday Februarie they came letters out of Cheshire from that 〈◊〉 faithfull and religious Commander Sir Williâ—◠〈◊〉 of the most happie surrender of the strong and long 〈◊〉 Castle of West-Chester into the noble
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
taken slaine and totally routed his horse many taken and dispersed and the rest gone in great disorder toward Cornwall where shortly I hope we shall meet with the remnant left of that crew and put an end to the Field Enemy in the West of England They confest they had 8 Regiments of Horse consisting of 2500 men some other of their Officers that are prisoners say 3000. Indeed they are very resolute men sought valiantly and after they were chased from hedge to hedge defended their Barracadoes and Works at push of Pike and with the butt end of their Muskets till our Foot got over a hedge and flankd them so that they were forced to quit it They were old Cornish Foot and all Greenâ—iles and Gorings old Souldiers both English and Irish who were ingaged in this service but now are scattered We have abundance of men wounded both Officers and Souldiers more than have been at any storme since the Army came forth for indeed every hedge was as it were a Bulwark to the Enemy so strong are their hedges in those parts but few of ours killed many of the Enemies both Horse and Foot Let the glory of the victory be all given to God Our first Word in this fight was Emanuell God with us and a Farre Push in our hats Their Word was We are with you and a handkercheif tyed about their right Armes but by taking some of ours prisoners the Enemy had gained the Word and Signâ—â— and therefore we changed our Word which was Truth and a handkercheif or white marke in our hats A true List of the Prisoners and of the number slaine and wounded on both sides in this fierce fight and brave victory at Torrington PRisoners taken of the Enemies 600. among whom were many of quality even 80 of the Princes Life-Guard 30 of Hoptons Life-Guard one Lieutenant Colonell 9 or 10 Captaines 6 Lieutenants one Cornet 3 Ensignes together with other Officers 200 Horse 3000 Armes Hopton himself shot in the thigh neer the belly one Letter said shot dangerously in the belly Sir John Digby wounded in the head and some others of note sorely wounded and Major Threave and Captaine Frie and other Officers slaine Of the Enemies slaine in the City by firing the Magazine 200. full 80 barrels of powder blown up in the Church which as was most credibly and for certaine informed was done on purpose by Hoptons instigation who gave 20 l. to one of their owne party to fire the same a most cruell act 20 of ours slaine in the fight and by blowing up the Magazine and no more and about 100 wounded The Lord Hoptons Commission to be Generall under the Prince Sir John Digbies Commission to be Governour of the Forces before Plymouth and other Papers of consequence taken Of the Lord Hoptons about 400 or 500 li. in money left behind at his Quarters with much plunder left in Portmantles and in other places behind them All the Enemies bagge and baggage taken and great store of provisions taken in the Town the Enemy totally routed and fled in great disorder into Cornwall and ours still in the pursuit of them The two Messengers that brought the Letters intimating this great victory were called into the House of Commons and had 40 l. given them as a gratuity for their pains in the journey And the Messenger that brought this foresaid List and other Letters in confirmation of this great victory had 20 l. given to him also And upon the 23 of this instant Febr. the House of Commons ordered that Thursday come fortnight being the 11 of March a day of solemne Thanksgiving should be kept in London and Westminster and within ten miles about for this great mercy and brave victorie at Torrington And for the Countrie it was ordered that in respect Thursday 7. night was by a former order appointed a day of Thankesgiving for the surrender of Chester in the severall Counties under the Parliaments power that on the same day hearty thankes should likewise be rendred by the Ministers of the severall Counties for this other great mercy at Torrington Upon the 24. instant the House of Parliament taking occasion by an ordinance for the discharging of the Ward-ship of the Heyres-male of Sir Christopher Wray late a most worthie Member of the House of Commons They fell upon a serious debate touching the Legality or Illegality of Wardships in generall and after some time spent therein they ordered that the Court of Wardships it selfe and all Wardships Austres les Mains Primer Seisins and all other charges incident to the said Office should be from that present day taken away And all Tenures of homage and all fines licences pardons of Alienation c. should be likewise taken away This Vote being presently sent up to the Lords House for their Concurrence their Lordships concurred accordingly therein And for the better satisfaction of the Reader I have thought fit to set downe the Copy of the order or Vote it selfe verbatim which was as followeth IT is this day Ordered by the Lords and Commons Assembled in Parliament that the Court of Wards and Liveries and all Wardship Lilerie Primer Seisins and Austres les Maines and all other charges insident or rising for or by reason of Wardship Livery Primer Seisin or Austres les Maines be from this day taken away and that all Tenures by Homage and all Fynes Lycences Seisures and Pardons for alienation and all other charges insident thereunto he likewise taken away and that all Tenures by Knights service either of his Majesty or others or by Knights service or Soccage in Capite of his Majesty be turned into free and Common Soccage This act of grace and happines to the Kingdome I conceive not to be inferiour to any of the former Acts or Votes passed by the Parliament and must needs be extraordinary acceptable especially to the Gentrie of England who by meanes of that Court were kept under in a mighty deale of homage and vassalrie in their Children and estates and they therefore now so much the more bound to doe God the more good spirituall service by how much he hath thus set them and theirs at such an enlarged libertie and freedome from this temporall service About the 26. of this instant Februarie we had certaine and full confirmation by Letters both from active and courageous Colonell Birch of the famous victorie obtained over the Enemie at Cardiffe by the Parliaments forces under the Command of valiant and faithfull Major Generall Laughorn Sir Trevor Williams and Colonell Morgan the substance whereof was as followeth Ragland-Castle in Wales having long time beene fortified by the Earle of Worcester a Papist did of late much increase in strength and committed many cruelties upon the Countie of Monmouth plundring firing and destroying Townes and Houses having the whole Countrie under their power except some few Garrisons of the Parliaments no way able to resist them Now at
to shew themselves and the enemy bestowed some shot on them but without doing any harme At last the Garrison seeing themselves betrayed and that it was bootlesse for them to stand it out any longer demanded a parley which was granted and agreement made that all their lives should be spared and those that were of the Town should returne quietly to their houses whereupon two by a ladder came over the walls The rest seeing it began againe to shoot and so brake quarter so as in conclusion they all became prisoners at discretion their lives excepted being sevenscore in number or thereabout The Souldiers got store of plunder besides which there were found 17. barrels of powder with match c. good store of victuall besides 30. prisoners or thereabout set at liberty In this Action there was but one man lost on the Parliaments side though the Enemy shot often and threw downe great stones from the wall And thus the Lord every way mightily shewed himselfe for us to the glory of his own great name the good of us his unworthy servants and the great dread and amazement of all our implacable and incorrigible enemies to him therefore alone be all the honour and glorie of all these our most memorable mercies and mighty deliverances And here I shall againe desire the godly Reader to make a short stay and to take a briefe and gratefull review of all the rare and rich mercies of this Moneth also in the Lords admirable preservation and advancement of the prosperity of this his Burning-Bush thus still not Consumed nay contrariwise still freshly flourishing and preserved both in the reducing of Belvoir castle the faire City of Chester Town and Castle to the obedience of the Parliament In the brave defeat given to the Enemie at Ashbie de la Zouch and the prosperous proceedings of our forces in the West In the establishment of the judges to ride their Circuites againe and keeping quarterly Assizes in all Countries 〈◊〉 the power of the Parliament In the famous defeat given to the Enemy at Torrington in the West and totally routing Hoptons Army there In putting down the Court of Wards the famous preservation of Cardiffe Towne and Castle and mighty victory obtained therein And the stratagemicall possession of the strong Garrison of Corff-Castle All which remarkable mercies seriously considered and gratefully preponderated O how great cause have we all with holy David frequently and frevently to enter into that his sweet Soul-Soliloquie and pious expostulation with our owne hearts What shall we re-pay and render to the Lord for all his benefits thus heaped and multiplyed upon us But take the Cup of salvation and pay our Vowes unto the Lord which we have made in the depth of our dâ—lorous daies unto him But now proceed And now we shall againe begin the most amiable and delectable progresse in the comfortable contemplation of the Parliamentary Mercies of this Moneth of March 1646. with the farther most famous successefull proceedings of our victorious Army in the West since the coming thereof into Cornwall and therein particularly their taking of Launceston a strong Garrison of the Enemies in that Countrie which being fully and truly related in a Letter by that worthy Gentlemen Master Rushworth our most noble Generall Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Secretary sent to the Speaker to the honourable House of Commons I have here given the Reader an exact and true Copy thereof which was as followeth SIR UPon Tuesday the 24 of Febr. the Generall began his march with the Army from Bedford and part from Torrington and quartered that night at Holsworth being 12 miles from one place and 15 miles from the other an extraordinary rainy day and wayes extraordinary deep Wednesday the 25 we advanced from Holsworth to Launceston being ten long miles that the Enemy might be the more amazed at the Armies entring of Cornwall Colonell Butler was sent from Holsworth with a party of 1000 Horse and 400 Dragoons on Tuesday night as farre as Stratton in Cornwall to beat up the Enemies Quarters and accordingly that night he passed the River where the Enemy had raised up a Brest-Worke at Tamarton Bridge and broke down the Bridge to hinder our passage over but presently quit the passage whereupon he forced the Horse as well as Foot that kept Guard to retreat to their other Guards and 〈…〉 to the place appointed for their drawing together upon an 〈◊〉 when he charged their Horse severall times at last it pleased God to put the Enemy to the flight He tooke about 300 Horse and 80 prisoners he had more prisoners and some of quality but the Souldiers minding their â—â—ry and booty in Horses many of the prisoners escaped this party of Horse of the Enemies being about 800 that lay to keepe Guard upon the River Tamar was commanded by Major Generall Webbe who with the rest of the Commanders were put to a disorderly Retreat with the rest of their Horses which gave them such an alarm towards the North parts of Cornwall that it forced them to draw their Horse back the rest of the Army marching to Launceston which amazed them likewise on the left hand that if their intentions were for breaking through we could not tell what resolution to take When we came within two miles of Launceston we met with their Scouts having taken severall of them we understood that Colonell Basset with Horse and Foot was resolved to keep Launceston and not to permit our entrance into the same whereupon the forlorn hope of Horse and Foot were sent to force entrance into the Towne the Enemy shut the Gates made some opposition but at last quit the Town and that disorderly we took some prisoners and killed some 〈◊〉 of them night being come on the rest escaped in the darke the Arms and Magazine in the Towne we seized upon we find the Country and particularly the place to expresse much joy at our coming though they were made believe by the Enemy that the Army would give no quarter to any Cornish man or woman which they did for the most part believe and was the cause of a great terrour upon them but our Souldiers notwithstanding the opposition they had at their entring of Launceston did not so much as plunder any one house nor did any other prejudice to the Town that we can heare of but I hope will so demean themselves in pursuance of the Generals Proclamation as we shall conquer the Cornish sooner by our civility than by the Sword Thus far into Cornwall it pleased God to prosper things with us and I hope when we come more into the heart of the County we shall not finde so many Enemies as friends Very speedily you shall receive a fuller account from Your humble Servant J. R. Launceston 26. of Febr. 1645. about nine a clock in the morning And upon the 2 of this instant March the honourable Houses of Parliament took the
were some of the Runawayes from Torrington and some Welchmen that were left at Launceston and fled hither and some others of the Countrey in all to the number of four hundred at the most which is the onely body of Infantry they have left that we can yet heare of the same Intelligencer confirmed That the Lord Mahone is either restrained or wounded by the Lord Hopton yet the certainty thereof more than the publique report of the Countrey we cannot yet heare I doubt it falls out ill we have not a Squadron of Ships towards Fulmouth where no doubt they may have rich booty and intercept persons of great quality Severall Letters have beene sent unto Plymouth to the Commander in chiefe upon these Coasts we hope that they will yet come seasonable The Prince is at Pendennis and I believe within two dayes will be in France if the wind hold The head Quarter was this night at Bodman three Regiments marched to Listithiel to secure the passage that way the Forlorn hope of Horse that went thither made the Enemy quit their Guard at Listithiel and receiving Information that foure Wain-load of Ammunition was in the way to goe from Listithiel to Foy six of the Troopers rode after it and made the Convoy defert their charge and brought backe the foure load of Ammunition this night to Bodman there being 〈…〉 to every draught Likewise a party being sent out another way overtooke forty two Musketiers who had their Matches lighted and Muskets loaden foure Troopers 〈◊〉 up unto them and made them all lay downe their Arme and brought them backe Prisoners to the head Quarters Another party was sent towards Truro to discover whether the Enemies Horse remained in a body and at Castle-Denâ— is discovered a body of about a thousand horse an houre before night which we conceive only â—â—aid till the darknesse of the night to draw off after the rest further West they are so Alarm'd by our parties that they are forced to keepe in bodies and can hardly goeâ— to Quarter which will quickly make them weary and over-watchâ— and altogether unfit to breake through if they had any such intention which I believe now they have not That we keepe strong Guards at Listithiel Ware-Bridge and the Fords upon both Rivers Sir John Greenville Lieutenant Colonell and divers others are taken Prisoners Bodman March 2. ten at night About the 8 of this instant March we received most certaine information That the valiant and most faithfull Commander Colonell Moore Governour of Mountgoâ—â—ie Castle marched forth in much privaciâ— with a party of about 26. horse and 70. foot having got intelligence that Sir Iohn Watts late Governour of Chirk-Castle scituated within 4. miles of Osmestrie quartered that night within 3. miles of 〈◊〉 Castle which with security he conceived he might the beaten doâ— in regard the Governours troop of horse was at the siege before High-Archall and the forces of Red-castle were with Colonell Mitton before 〈◊〉 But this brave and as valiant aâ— vigilant Commander Colonell Moore with his foresaid small parâ—ie fell suddenly and Courageously in to Sir Iohn Watts his quâ—â—ters but the Enemiâ— much good the Church about 2 houres untill the doores were 〈◊〉 upon them Whereupon ourâ— entred and Sir Iohn himselfe was there taken prisoner together with 5. Captaines 2. Lieutenants 6. Gentlemen of worth and quality one Priest 100. foot 50. gallant horse besides troâ—pe horses and all his baggage These forces were appointed to have met Sir Jacob Ashley at his Rendezvous but were thus happily 〈◊〉 by the gallantry of this noble Colonell Moore whereby that designe was thus much lessened blessed be the Lord for it And the 12 of this instant March we received yet more excellent newes of our most noble and victorious Generals still prosperous advances into Cornwall by Letters from the foresaid worthy Gentleman Master Rushworth the Generals Secretary to the Honourable Speaker of the House of Commons which for the Readers better content and full satisfaction I have here inserted verbatim as they were printed and published by authority which were as followeth To the Honourable William Lenthall Esquire Speaker to the Honourable House of Commons SIR IN my last I gave you an account of the Armies being at Bodman Listithiel and parts thereabouts since that time we have not advanced it being held fit to spend two or three daies in securing as far as we are gone and leaving all safe behind us the businesse of Mount-Edgecomb hath somwhat taken up our time I hope to good purpose for this day came Master Coriton Master Lower Master Glanvile all formerly Members of the House of Commons and Master Trevisa to the Generall from Master Edgecomb concerning the surrender of his Fort and disbanding of his Regiment and the Forces thereabouts which is agreed unto I hope upon such Conditions as will not be unacceptable to the Parliament What influence this and the coming in of other Gentlemen of this County may have upon the rest of the Country you may easily perceive especially if you consider the quality of the persons of those that are already come in and desire to live under the protection of the Parliament viz. The Lord Malâ—â—â—â— Sir John Trelawny Colonell Trelawney Sir Nicholas 〈◊〉 Thomas Lomax Esq Pierce Edgeworth Esq William Seâ—â—â—â—â— Esq Mr. Corriton William Bond Esq Richard Edgeworth Esq Mr. Glanvile Esq Major Nicholas Saul Capt. William Bond of Earth Capt. Bourn Capt William Saul Alexander Lower Esq Mr. Francis Saul Nathaniel Trevanion of Tregerthen Esq Major William Trevisa of Crokedon Esq John Battersby Esq Richard Spurre Esq Jo. Roe of Trewarnan Esq John Horndon Col. Champernoon Mr. Rashly Mr. John Trevery Governour of Foy. Mr. Bageley Mr. Walter Hele. Lieut. Col. Fortescue Major Warren Sir Richard Prideaux High Sheriffe of the County and divers others Also Mr. Arrundel the Papist a man of power desires to be under the Protection of the Parliament And as a further Testimony of the reality of some others of the Inhabitants of this County neer Saint Columb and yet in a manner now in the power of the Enemy this ensuing Petition delivered by the hands of Master Vivian with the consent of the Inhabitants of those parts where he lives will in some measure shew their affection to the Parliament To the Right Honourable Sir Thomas Fairfax Knight Captain Generall of the Forces raised by the High Court of Parliament under his Command and other the renowned Worthies of that Army Right Honourable WE though not an acceptable number of a more unacceptable County having by Gods blessing so faire an advantage of giving our due respects to your Honour do with them present our persons also which we most unfainedly protest have been hitherto by us most unvoluntarily separated as our former readinesse and frequent indeavours to advance this service besides Imprisonments Fines and other most miserable sufferings can evidently testifie And therefore we first blâ—sse the great Lord of
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
Plymouth the particulars whereof were in substance as followeth That about March 21. 1645. the said Colonell Welden having summoned Inch-House where the Enemy kept a strong Garrison they returned a scornfull Answer Whereupon the Colonell sent 60 Muketeers to keep them from coming out and appointed 60 more to follow with a Demy-Culverin But upon the landing of the first they within begged Quarter for their lives and so surrendred all unto the Colonell There was taken in that Garrison 90 Muskets 4 Minions and 6 Barrels of Powder And by the same Letter we were likewise certified of the surrender of Pouldram strong Fort with 18 Peeces of Ordnance in it and much Ammunition with other Provisions good store which was thus yeelded up to valiant Sir Hardâ—esse Waller those in the Garrison having had in both of them fair Conditions to depart to their owne homes upon engagement not to take up Armes any more against the Parliament And about the 30 of this instant March we received intelligence by Letters from that brave and active Committee of Shrewsbury of their great and good successe in the taking of that very strong and considerable Garrison of High-Archall after a short siege and having by Granadoes and other great shot battered them for the space of nine houres together without intermission it being I say a place of great strength and well fortified and having a large deep moat about it and in regard of the scituation of it not thought feazable to be carried by storm but by the blessing of God and our continuall plying of our great shot and Granadoes which had done great execution among them in short space we caused them to come to a Parley whereat it was concluded that the Horse all but 40 should march away without Arms that the Foot should all leave their Arms behind them and that they should leave all their Ammunition and Provision of which there was great plenty behind them and they were to have a Convoy to Worcester the place they had made choice of to go unto There marched out 212 Souldiers and Officers out of this Garrison And thus Shropshire by Gods great mercy and the indefatigable industrie care and valour of their Committee is now well cleared from all their open Enemies And much about the foresaid time we were certainly informed that this most gallant and active Committee of Shrewsbury not yet resting immediately after they had thus taken in High Archall as aforesaid sent out a party of Horse and Foot upon a designe against Bridge-North but the length of the march and the wearinesse of the Souldier hindred them so as the Town took the alarm before they could refresh themselves a little and go on in the designe as was intended yet notwithstanding the next day they summoned it Colonell Billingsley who commanded in chief in the Town would give no Answer to the Summons and Colonell Howard who commanded the Castle gave a flat denyall whereupon in the afternoon having set out three Posts the brave Salopians resolved to storm One Post was assigned to Colonell Goulden another to Major Braine and the third to Captain Hickson who at the warning given fell all three on with such a courage and undaunted resolution that they stormed the Towne killed Colonell Billingsley in the heat of the storm together with some others and took divers prisoners the rest of the Gentry fled into the Castle the North Gate Fort also stood some hot dispute but was likewise gained and so the Town taken wholly into their possession and in its proper place we shall certifie the taking in of the Castle also which yet a while stood out very obstinately against them And much about the foresaid time we heard for certaine out of the West that Portland Castle was surrendred the Enemy within it having had liberty granted them to go to their own homes leaving all their Armes and the Castles Ammunition behinde them And upon the 31 of this instant March we were certainly informed by a Letter out of the West of the taking of Exmouth Fort the particulars whereof were as followeth in this ensuing Letter to Colonell Ceeley Noble Colonell I Beseech you to excuse my not giving you an account of the businesse of Exmouth Fort till now which hath been occasioned by reason of the sudden commands of Sir Hardresse Waller laid upon me to advance neer the City of Exeter And although I know you are well acquainted with our proceedings yet I conceive it my duty to advertise you of our condition The 14 instant I summoned the Fort and took possession of it the next day I have sent you inclosed what provision was left in it The Governour thereof Lieutenant Colonell Arundell desires to serve you for Ireland Sir we are now within Musket shot of Mount-Hadford and exchanging shot every minute and God hath pleased to honour yours with the Frontier Quarters As yet nothing hath happened that will not speak us Colonell Ceeleys The forementioned note of what was left in Exmouth Fort was 13 great iron Peeces 2 small Drakes 1 of brasse 3 Murtherers unmounted 72 Muskets 29 Collers of Bandaleers 10 Pikes 10 Halberts and Partizans 12 Barrels of Powder 2 bundles of Match 1 barrell of Pease 5 Hogsheads of Bread 1 Hogshead of Beef 5 Hogsheads of Salt 1 Butt of Beer c. About the beginning of the Moneth of Aprill 1646. we received certaine and most welcome intelligence of the surrender of Dennington Castle about which valiant Colonell Dalbeir having continued playing with his Granadoes into the Castle with much furie it at last procured this good successe That Sir John Boys the Governour thereof finding no hope of help or reliefe and perceiving what great danger the Castle was in at last he agreed to surrender it up to the said noble Colonell for the use of the King and Parliament And so the Enemy immediately came forth of the Castle having liberty according to their Articles to depart to Oxford and our Forces took present possession of it And thus this pernicious nest and den of Royall Robbers and abusers of those parts of the Country was now at last happily emptied and cleared and the Castle restored to its right owner againe that most worthy and truly religious Gentleman Master John Packer whose formerly it had been And Aprill 2. the Lords and Commons in Parliament Assembled prudently taking notice of the great confluence and resort of Papists Malignant Officers and Souldiers of fortune and such as have borne Arms against the Parliament of England from the Enemies Garrisons and Quarters unto the Cities of London and Westminster and other parts within the Lines of Communication Do for the prevention of such inconveniences as may therby arise think fit to order and it is hereby ordered by the said Lords and Commons That all Papists whatsoever and all Officers and Souldiers of fortune and other persons that have borne Arms
April being the solemne Fast-day of this Moneth after both the Sermons before the Lords in the Abby at Westminster and the Commons Sermons in Margrets-Church were ended The House of Commons sitting a while in Parliament received certaine intelligence of the Kings escaping out of Oxford in a disguised manner betweene Sunday-night and Munday-morning with 2. others in his Companie whereof Master Aâ—bhurnhâ—un was one who was pretended to be the Kings Master and the King and the other partie must be Ashburnhams Servants and the King himselfe as it was credibly and Constantly related must goe along under the name of Harry Master Ashburnhams man and thus I say these 3. went forth of Oxford together the King also carrying a cloak-bag or portmantle behind him on his horse like a Servingman indeede but whether or which way he went was not then knowne for as it was reported the better to conceale the way of his departure there went out 3. at every part of the City at the same instant time that so none should be able to discover in which of the Companies the King was It seemed as since we heard his Lords in Oxford were desirous of his departure hoping thereby to have the beter conditions for themselves looking more it seem'd at their owne safetie than at the Kings preservation who hereby may plainly see whose interests they have all this while driven on Ah good Reader see here and seriously consider in thy soul with feare and trembling and amazement how truely how justly God most wise most righteous hath made good that word of his Those that honour me I will honour and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed O that we would faithfully and fruitfully lay these remarkable examples thereof to our hearts and walke answerably for the time to come Now upon the 4 of May 1646. so soone as ever our most noble Generall had received certaine intelligence of his Majesties departure ouâ— of Oxford as abovesaid he immediately by his Letters and Messengers informed the Parliament thereof giving them farther to understand the great confidence though mightily mistaken as aâ—on you shall plainly understand of those that came out of Oxford to his Excellency and their constant affirmations as those that saw but the shallow superficies of the businesse only that the King was certainly come into or neer unto London upon which information the Commons in Parliament had much debate and the House of Peers also the like and considering the danger that might ensue by concealing and hiding the Kings person they appointed a Committee forthwith to prepare and draw up something to be published touching all such as should harbour or conceale the harbouring of the King and accordingly an Order was drawn up by this Committee reported to the House and assented unto by the House of Peers and likewise passed by them and â—y Order of both Houses to be published throughout London and Westminster by beat of Drum or sound of Trumpet which was accordingly performed the said Order being to this effect ORdered that it be declared and it is hereby declared by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled That what person soever shall harbour or conceale or know of the harbouring or concealing of the Kings person and shall not reveale it immediately to the Speakers of both Houses shall be proceeded against as a Traytor to the Common Wealth forfeit his whole Estate and die without mercy The Parliament also about this foresaid time seriously considering that a former Ordinance for putting out of the Lines of Communication all Papists Officers and Souldiers of fortune that have come out of the Kings Quarters was now expired and the danger that might happen by permitting such to abide within the City of London no whit slacking but rather increasing An Ordinance was therefore read the first and second time and committed to a Committee for the continuance of the said former Ordinance for a Moneth longer and that all such Papists and Souldiers should remove themselves â—wenty miles distant from the City An Ordinance was likewise read and assented to giving power to the Militia of London to search within twenty miles of London for all Papists Malignants and other suspected persons and to secure and disarm them and likewise to search for Arms and this power to continue for twenty daies longer And now upon the sixth of this instant May the much expected newes of the Kings discovery and place of aboad was by a most excellent Letter sent to the Commissioners of both Kingdomes and so to the Parliament brought to London which Letter for the eminency and excellency thereof and for the just honour of our ever most worthily deserving loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland I have here thought fit in the first place to set forth and shew to the honest and godly Reader for his just joy comfort and content which was as followeth The Letter from the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland to the Commissioners of both Houses concerning his Majesties coming to the Scottish Army Dated at Southwell May the 5. Right Honourable THe discharging of our selves of the duty we owe to the Kingdome of England to you as Commissioners from the same moves us to acquaint you with the Kings coming into our Army this morning which having overtaken us unexpectedly hath filled us with amazement and made us like men that dream We cannot thinke that He could have been so unadvised in his Resolutions is to have cast himself upon us without a reall intention to give full satisfaction to both Kingdomes in all their just and reasonable Demands in all those things that concern Religion and Righteousnesse whatsoever be His disposition or resolution you may be assured That we shall never entertaine any thought nor correspond with any purpose nor countenance mee any endeavours that may in any circumstance incroach upon our League and Covenant or weaken the union or confidence between the Nations That Vnion unto our Kingdom was the matter of many prayers and as nothing was more joyfull to us than to have it set on foot so hitherto have we thought nothing too dear to maintain it and we trust to walk with such faithfulnesse and truth in this particular that as we have the testimony of a good conscience within our selves so you and all the world shall see that we minde your interest with as much integrity and care as our owne being confident you will entertaine no other thoughts of us Signed by the Warrant and Command of the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland LOTHIAN Southwel May 5. 1646. For the Right Honourable the Commissioners of the Parliament of England In the next place I shall give the Reader a summary narrative of the manner of the discovery of His Majesty to most noble and renowned Generall Lesley Earl of Leven as it was related to the Commissioners of Scotland by the Secretary of the Scots Army and
Peeces Divers Drakes and small Peeces 4000 Armes gathered divers Armes not taken in 40 Barrels of Gunpowder Many thousand weight of Bullets and Lead Match and other Ammunition proportionable and plentifull Little fresh meat onely Poultry and that very scarce Salt meat some plenty but much of it tainted and not fit to be eaten Butter and Cheese some store Beere and Wine many Barrels Corne good store Fewell for fire very little A List of the Lords Knights Colonels and chief of the Gentry that marched out of Newark to their own homes to submit to the Ordinances of Parliament Lords LOrd Bellasis Governour Lord Davencourt Lord Laxington Knights Sir John Burrell Sir Guy Palmes Sir Charles Dalison Sir Robert Dalison Sir Robert Tredway Sir George Hennings Sir Jarvis Skroop Sir Philip Constable Sir Thomas Ingram Sir Bryan Balmes Sir Jarvis Nevill Sir Simon Fanshaw And others Great Clergy-men DOctor Farmer Chancellor of Lincoln Doctor March Dean of Yroke Doctor Hurst and others Chiefe Officers MAjor Generall Eyre Colonell Gilby Colonell Trollop Colonell Herne Colonell Darsey Colonell Atkins And others The most malignant Aldermen of the Towne were The Major of Newark Alderman Atkinson Alderman Standish And others And upon the same ninth of May aforesaid being Saturday we received the certaine intelligence of the surrendering of the Castle of Banbury such another most pestilent pernicious and vexatious den of Theeves and Royall Robbers as was Bazing House in Hampshire and especially most vexatious and pernicious to the Inhabitants of Northamptonshire its next neighbour but now at last I say by Gods great mercy and the valour and vertue of our brave Commanders and Souldiers brought upon its knees of submission being given up to that brave and couragious Commander Colonell Whaley by Sir William Compton then Governovr thereof upon faire and honourable Articles of agreement which was done on Friday May the 8. the substance of those articles also being to this effect That all the Officers were to march away with Horses and Swords but the Common Souldiers without Armes their wearing apparell and half their moneys by just accompt and both Officers and Souldiers to have Passes to any place in England or Wales not beleaguered the City of London excepted and those that desire it Passes to go beyond Sea and that upon these Conditions the Castle of Banbury to be delivered up as aforesaid to Colonell Whaley with all the Ordnance Armes Ammunition and Colours without imbezlement for the use of the Parliament which was accordingly performed on the said Friday in the forenoone And now the Houses taking into their just and serious consideration the great and many mercies of God to us in our Forces and by them also to the whole Kingdome both in thus surrendring Newark and Banbury now in our power and possession and that Tuesday May the 12 having been formerly appointed a day of solemn thankesgiving to Almighty God throughout London and Westminster and 20. miles adjacent round about it for the happie surrender of Exeter and other great mercies not long before conferr'd upon us together with this none of the least of now at last the Lords giving our King into the hands and harbour and custodie of our most Loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland It was therefore Ordered that on this said day of Solemn thanksgiving the severall Churches and Chappell 's in the City of London and Westminster and 20. miles about it should likewise give most heartie thankes to the Lord our God for all these subsequent and additionall rich and rare mercies and that Tewsday seven night following being May 19. should be kept as a Solemn day of Thankesgiving by all the Ministers in the Country over the whole Kingdome and Dominion of Wales within the power of Parliament About the 16. of this instant May came Letters from valiant and active Colonell Morgan giving us certaine intelligence of the taking of Hartlebury-castle lying between Dudley and Worcester and was the Bishop of Worcesters seat a hopefull omen for the taking of Worcester it selfe also indue time Which Castle being now surrendred to brave Colonell Morgan the Officers marched forth with Horse and Armes Troopers and Common Souldiers with out Armes and all the rest of the Articles being according to agreement fairely performed on both sides the brave Colonell tooke possession of the Castle wherein also were taken 6. peices of Ordnance 200. Armes 15. barrells of powder match and bullet proportionable and a full proportion of all manner of prosions for 200. men for 6. moneths at least And about the 20. instant we received certaine information by Letters from valiant and active Colonell Birch also of the agreement for the surrender of that strong Castle and Garrison of Ludlow which was delivered on the like conditions to those of Hartleburie And here I must acquaint the Reader that the Lord having by his most wise and admirable providence in some hopefull measure given a blessed returne to all the prayers of Gods faithfull ones over the whole kingdome in bringing in the Person of the King unto us and committing him unto the care and custodie of our Loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland some sweets of this remarkable overture of these things began now to break forth to the comfort of our hearts for the present and hopefull perswasion if not assurance of more good to follow in the Lords good time as was now manifested both by a Letter sent by his Majestie to the Lords and Commons in the Parliament of England at Westminster Assembled which his Majestie desired might be Communicated with Both Houses which accordingly was done at a conference where and when the said Letter was reade and another letter to the Commissionres of the Parliament of Scotland And those being passages of speciall Eminencie and wherein the whole Kingdome may no doubt desire to be in some measure at least satisfied I shall therefore for the Readers content herein be somewhat more larger than Ordinarie though there by I increase both mine owne paines and charges at the presse in giving the Reader the substance of some of them which was as followeth That his Majestie is not come into the Scots Army out of any intent to divide the Kingdomes in affection or prolong the War but that he might secure his person and labour the composing the difference between him and his Kingdoms and settle all well and in regard Religion is the chiefe point he desires that may be first insisted upon and settled according to the advise of the Assembly of Divines of both Kingdoms assembled at Westminster And for the Militia he is willing to concur with that propounded at Vxbridge that it be in such hands as shall be agreed for 7. yeeres And for Ireland he will doe what he can to satisfie desires of that kind And for the disbanding of his Armies and sleighting Garrisons and so avoyding the effusion of more bloud he is willing likewise to
scandalized by a rable of rotten hearted impious and impudent Sectaries of the City and for the super-eminent Excellencie of the Thing it selfe speaking indeede much merited honour for it selfe I have here thought fit to insert it which was as followeth And here first good Reader thou shalt see the honour which the most Honorable House of Lords in Parliament put upon it in giving speciall Order for the speedie printing and publishing of it to all the world and then after it thou shalt have their most noble and ever to be renowned resent and singular approbation and Commendation of it immediately after it Die Martis 26 Maii. 1646. IT is this day Ordered by the Lords in Parliament Assembled That the Remonstrance and Petition of the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Common-Councell of the City of London this day exhibited to the House of Peeres and their Lordships Answer thereunto shall be forthwith printed and published And the care for the true printing thereof is hereby specially recommended unto Colonell John Bellamie who is by this Order authorized and required to print and publish the same accordingly And none else are to presume to print and publish the same as they will answer the contrary at their perils Jo. Browne Cleric Parliamentorum To the Right Honourable the LORDS Assembled in High Court of Parliament The humble Remonstrance and Petition of the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Commons of the City of London in Common-Councell assembled OUR duty in the first place doth lead us to begin all our Addresses as we most heartily and humbly do these with all due and humble acknowledgement of the great Labours and endeavours which Your Lordships have these many yeers employed in Reformation both of the Church and Common-Wealth and in preservation of both with the humble tender of our constant devotion to serve the Parliament according to our Covenant made before Almighty God In the next place we most humbly crave pardon although we do presume to returne againe unto your Lordships and humbly yet plainly lay open the sorrowes and feares of our hearts even in this season when as God hath blessed your Armies with the greatest successes and that man might perswade himselfe that the War is almost at an end For first when we remember that it hath been long since declared to be farre from any purpose or desire to let loose the golden Reins of Discipline and Government in the Church or to leave private persons or particular Congregations to take up what form of Divine Service they please when we looke upon what both Houses have resolved against Brownisme and Anabaptisme properly so called when we meditate on our Protestation and Covenant And lastly when we peruse the Directory and other Ordinances for Presbyteriall Government and yet finde private and separate Congregations daily erected in divers parts of the City and elsewhere and commonly frequented and Anabaptisme Brownisme and almost all manner of Heresies Schismes and Blasphemies boldly vented and maintained by such as to the point of Church-Government professe themselves Independent we cannot but be astonished at the swarmes of Sectaries which discover themselves every where who if by their indeavours they should get into places of profit and trust in Martiall and Civill affaires it may tend much to the disturbance of the Publike Peace both of the Church and Common-wealth We also cannot but call to minde what Vowes we have made to God in the same Covenant as well as our former Protestations to preserve the Rights and Priviledges of the Parliament and the Liberties of the Kingdomes and to preserve and defend the Kings Majesties person and Authority in the preservation and defence of the true Religion and Liberties of the Kingdomes that the world may beare witnesse with our Consciences of our Loyalty and that we have no thoughts or intentions to diminish his Majesties just Power and Greatnesse and do humbly rest in the assurance we have received in the many former Declarations of both Houses concerning their intentions towards his Majesty his Royall Posterity and the Peace of this Kingdome which we doubt not but your Lordships will pursue with all speedy dispatch of Propositions to his Majesty now whilst God doth so mercifully and miracuously go along with your Armies in all the parts of the Kingdome We may not in the next place forget our Brethren of Scotland how first they were invited to engage with this Kingdome in Gods Cause when yet they were at peace at home in what Covenant this Nation is mutually linked with them at what time in relation both to the weak condition of our Forces then and the season of the yeare they adventured upon an Enemy warmly lodged and well armed and prepared what they have since suffered for this Cause in their own Kingdome how successefull ever since God hath made our Forces in suppressing the Common Enemies of both Nations and what present hopes we have of a well-setled Peace while we continue in this mutuall amity And then cannot but lament the many jealousies which the Enemies of our Peace Union and good Government do now strive to beget between both Nations and tremble at the sad effects thereof if not timely prevented by the wisdome of the Parliaments of both Kingdomes We cannot also omit humbly to represent unto your Lordships consideration how many Citizens have already suffered and how many more will be undone if your Lordships shall still make use of that ancient Priviledge to protect your selves the Assistants of this Honourable House and the Servants of both and others from being proceeded against in any course of Law for Debt which now because this Parliament hath already sate so long and is likely by reason of the unsettlednesse of affaires to sit much longer would especially require some expedient for relief of so many as otherwise must daily suffer under this Priviledge And now that the Kingdom is almost reduced by which means the Revenues of the Kingdome will be unburthened and the Customes and Excise increase and the publike charge of the Kingdome decrease now that Delinquents do daily come in and compound and now that the Enemy hath but few Holds left we hope that the great and extraordinary Taxes and burthens on this City and their Trade shall be in the future abated that the Debts owing to the City and Citizens of London either by particular Assurances of the Parliament or upon the Publike Faith of the Kingdome be taken care for and discharged as well as those assigned upon the Excise and may not be diverted from the uses appointed by former Acts and Ordinances And we humbly crave have to present to the consideration of this Honourable House the Committee of Haberdashâ—rs-hall as being one of the greatest grievances of this City and which so long as it is continued doth hinder the concoursie of people thereunto and tendeth much to the destruction of the Trade and Inhabitants thereof And now also we doubt not but God
the other particulars of 〈◊〉 Petition into serious and speedy consideration And have commanded me to give you hearty thanks for the Reall Testimonies of duty and good affections which not onely by your words but by your Actions you have constantly manifested unto them Jo. Browne Cleric Parliamentorum And the very same day and time the said noble Citizens exhibited the like Remonstrance and Petition to the honourable House of Commons of which I say no more but leave it to the Lords most gracious and righteous wisdome and mercy for a happy returne in his own due time But that which is yet farther very memorable and remarkable in this businesse which I only toucht before and as you saw it most evidently true before was That the very day before the Remonstrance was exhibited in Parliament the Kings Majestie himselfe as it were to honour and encourage them in that their famous and faithfull resolution sent a particular Letter to the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Common-Councell 〈…〉 which they being all at that time assembled in their Guild-Hall was publikely read in the audience of them all And which is yet more memorably remarkable and worthy serious and sacred observation That a day or two at the farthest after they had exhibited their Remonstrance as aforesaid the truly religious and sincerely affected Ministers of two Counties Suffolk and Essex as it were to back the Cities brave Remonstrance exhibited a most excellent Petition to the Lords and Commons in Parliament attested by at least 300 Ministers hands subscribed to it which also for the piety and excellency of it I have thought fit for the Readers better delight and satisfaction here to insert which was as followeth To the Right Honourable the House of Lords now Assembled in PARLIAMENT The Humble Petition of the Ministers of the Counties of Suffolk and Essex concerning the Church-Government presented to the Right Honourable Houses of Parliament Sheweth THat your solemne League and Covenant great and glorious Victories the expectation of the Reformed Churches beyond the Seas the longing desires of our Brethren of Scotland the humble Petitions of the Reverend Assembly and the great City of this Kingdome the pressing miseries of the Orthodox and well-affected Ministers and People in the Country cry aloud to your Honours for a settling of Church-Government according to the Word From the want of this it is Right Honourable that the name of the most High God is blasphemed his precious truths corrupted his Word despised his Ministers discouraged his Ordinances vilified Hence it is that Schisme Heresie Ignorance Prophanenesse and Atheisme flow in upon us Seducers multiply grow daring and insolent pernicious Bookes poyson many souls â—â—ety and learning decay apace very many Congregations ly waste without Pastours the Sacrament of Baptisme by many neglected and by many re-iterated the Lords Supper generally dis-used or exceedingly prophaned confusion and ruine threatning us in all our Quarters In all humility therefore acknowledging your unwearied labours for the publique good your successefull endeavours for saving this Kingdome your hopefull beginnings of a blessed Reformation we out of conscience and in tender regard to the glory of God and the salvation of our people beseech your Honours That a forme of Church-Government according to the Word of God and the example of the best Reformed Churches may with all possible speede be perfected and confirmed by your civill sanction that Schismaticks Hereticks seducing Teachers and soul-subverting Books be effectually suppressed That further care may be had of Ordination for a supply of able and Orthodox Ministers and all good meanes used to make up the sad breaches in this our Sion So shall the Church of God be setled your hands strengthened the sacred Covenant performed our feares prevented the Judgements of God diverted And your Petitioners shall ever pray c. The Lords Answer to the said Petition THe Lords are glad to finde this zeale and care in the Ministery of the Counties of Suffolk and Essex for the preventing the further increase of Heresie and Profanenesse and for the promoting a growth in the power of godlinesse The Lords desire you to continue still in your endeavours therein and they will not be wanting to give you all encouragement They have commanded me to give you thanks for your expressions of your good affections to the Parliament and this Cause and do assure you that they will improve their power for the suppressing of Errour Heresie seducing Teachers and soul-subverting Booke and likewise for the setling of Church Government according to the Word of God and the example of the best reformed Churches to which they hold themselves obliged by their solemne League and Covenant and that their Lordships have appointed that their Petition with this answer shall be printed and published John Brown Cler. Parliamentorum The Answer of the House of Commons to the Minister Petition Die Mercurii 27. Maii. 1646. THe House being informed that divers Ministers of the Counties of folke and Essex were at the doore they were called in and presented to the House a Petition intituled The humble Petition of the Ministers of Suffolke and Essex the which was read The Ministers were againe called in and Master Speaker by command of the House acquainted them That most of the particular desires of their Petition are now under consideration and they hope will be brought to a settlement speedily That the House is very sensible that through some intervening obstructions the Church-Government hath not beene so fully settled as they desire and that they give them thankes for their good affections and desire them to put all Ordinances in execution concerning Church-Government as lye within their power H. Elsynge Cler. Parl. D. Com. This speciall act also of Divine providence so oportunely bringing in these Ministers Petition much to the very same effect as the Cities Remonstrance was and full of much piety and zeale for God and his Great Cause the present miserably distracted and distorted Church by abhominable Errours and Scismes I could not but most gratefully and gladly record in these our Parliamentarie-Annals as no small mercie of the Lord unto us and worthy to be taken notice of to the glory of God and honour of those two most worthily to be honoured Counties And about the third of June,1646 We were certainely informed of the taking of Salcomb-Regis which was surrendred to Colonell Welden and also that Bostol-house a most pestilent and pernicious Garrison of the Enemies was also yeeled up unto the power and possession of the Parliament And upon the 4. of June it pleased the Lord to put into the hearts of our most worthy Parliamentarie worthies to set forth an Ordinance of Parliament for the settlement of that great scruple and Question among Gods people as touching the point of worthy or unworthy Communicants at the Sacrament of the Lords Supper and for the more full and certaine establishment of the Presbyterian Church Government a mercie long
us Nay and hath not the Lord againe on the other side made good his faithfull promise to us his people excellently set forth by holy Jeremy that all they that thirsted to devoure us are themselves devoured and all our adversaries even every one of them have tasted misery and they that spoiled us are spoiled and all for the most part that preyed upon us the Lord hath given as a prey unto us but hath mercifully as the Prophet there excellently and most pertinently to our purpose and case condition goes on restored health unto us and graciously healed us of our formerly felt and feared wounds the enemy having called and counted us out-casts even Traitors and Rebels saying in scorne and derision of us This is Sion these are the fasting and Praying Round-heads whom no man seeketh after but to deride and ruinate them Againe hath not the Lord according to his yet further most faithfull promise by his holy Prophet Ezekiel purged out from among us the Rebels indeed both English Irish French and Germane Rebels who sorely transgressed against our God and hath forced them forth out of our Country and Kingdome where they sojourned witnesse Windebanke Finch Newcastle Goring both Father and Sonne Jermine Digby Langdale and the rest and God would not let them enter into nor abide in our now most hopefull Land of rest and peace yea hath not the Lord as he further said of them by pious Isaiah accordingly made it good unto us Your Brethren the Royalists that hated you and strugled and strove to cast you out and pretending but most falsly that it was for my names sake deceitfully said Let the Lord be glorified but this our wise our righteous and good God hath contrariwise appeared unto our joy and they themselves are confounded and asham'd All this I say the Lord hath done for us all these ample and admirable testimonies we have seene and found to assure us that God is with us and therefore we ought wonderfully to be confirmed and encouraged against whatsoever men or Devils can doe against us wherefore from all these pâ—evalent premises on our enemies and precious promises made good to us we may justly say with holy Job Lo thus we have searched and seene so it is heare it O England and know thou it for thy good The Lord is wise in heart and mighty in strength who ever hardned himselfe against him and hath prospered None certainly for as the Prophet Isaiah excellently to this purpose surely the Princes and Grandees of the world even carnall and Atheisticall machivillian Statists are very fooles and the counsell of such wifest Counsellours is but base and brutish for as he goes on admirably how say yee of Pharaah so I of Bristoll Cottington and Digby I am the Sonne of the wise the Sonne of ancient Princes and Peeres But where are they now Where are those wise men What 's become of their craftiest cursed Counsell hence therefore we may clearly conclude with Jethro Moses Father in Law and with him say most certainly Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods than all the most potent and politicke Peeres and Potentates of the world for in those very things wherein they dealt most proudly and lifted up themselves most superciliously he hath admirably all along been still above them Give me leave now therefore in a word or two for conclusion to speake plainely to any to all of what ranke order or condition soever they be Who art thou O cowardly carnall man so leaning on the arme of Flesh and consulting with meere carnall reason that thou shouldest still notwithstanding all that hath been done and said and seene be afraid of man that shall dye yea thus dye as thou hast heard and seene with shame and obloquie or that thou shouldâ—t dread any Sonne of Man which shall be made as Grasse And forgettest the Lord thy God and Maker and hast manifested too evidently that thou fearest continually every day with strange pusilanimity unchristianly cowardice fond and false feares and imaginary conceited Chimera's and all this forsooth because of the furie of the oppressour as if he were ready to devoure and destroy and yet saith the Lord unto thee where is the furie of the oppressour what 's become of all his braggs and boastings even to this day O let us then put on Princely Davids Christian courage and resolution and feare and confide in the Lord alone and with his invincible magnanimity of soule and spirit say and say most justly Thou even thou alone O Lord art to be feared for who may stand in thy sight when thou art angry For thou hast made the wrath of man as it is at this day to praise thee and the remainder of his wrath thou hast wonderfully restrained as is most evident to all 〈◊〉 eyes and understanding O therefore I say againe and againe to our Honourable Parliament and reverend Assembly to the noble City of London and our famous Army since we have seene with our eyes as well as by the hearing of our eares what the Lord our God hath done to our unreasonable and incorrigible enemies on the one side and how he hath most graciously borne us as it were on Eagles wings and brought us in his infinite meere mercy thus neare unto himselfe on the other side O therefore I say to my selfe to all O that we would now at length obey his voice indeed O that we would now break off from our provoking sinnes and most seriously break our hearts for our sinnes with that godly sorrow which is unto Repentance never to be repented of And that we would cordially and conscientiously remember and keepe our solemne 〈…〉 Covenant made with our God and with one another and with a speedy and pious resolution would pay our vowes especially that to build up Gods House to set up a Church-Government most substantially that is as neare as may be in a Scripturall Modell and therein lovingly to joyne with our most loving Brethren of Scotland most worthy perpetually to be embraced by us with all due expressions of most cordiall love and endlesse amity as having been under God the maine meanes if not onely instruments of purchasing and procuring for us this present precious Parliament and so consequently of all our had and hoped happinesse and let us for shame oh for foule shame let us leave off our unchristian our ungratefull our ungracious biting of them and snarling at one another thankfully and religiously labouring to keepe the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace and pure Love for then oh then and not till then the Lord will certainly make us a peculiar Treasure to himselfe above all the people of the world To this say Amen O Lord I pray thee by the worke of thy Spirit of Grace in Christ Jesus and let All that read and heare it
Countries Liberties in collecting as truly and faithfully as I was able a Catalogue of the most eminent Persons and Commonders on the Parliaments Party also as I have done on the Kings who in this the Kingdomes Common calamity have been taken away out of this world of wretchednesse and valley of teares by the Sword of the enemy and so have as it were passed over by that sharp bridge to their long looked for and heartily hoped for heavenly Canaâ—n The most eminent Persons slaine on the Parliaments Party since the beginning of these unhappy Civill Warres 1 THe Lord St. Iohn Part 2 Page 198 2 The Lord Brooke p. 2 p. 272 3 Sir William Fairfax brother to the most noble and renowned Lord Fairfax p. 4. p. 33 4 Sir Iohn Meldrum p. 4. p 5 Major Generall Charles Fairfax Sonne to the aforesaid noble Lord Fairfax and brother to our present most renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax slaine at Marston-moore fight 6 Colonell Essex p. 2. p. 198 7 Col. Hampden p. 2. p 8 Col. Tucker p. 2. p. 418 9 Lieut. Col. Ramsey p. 2 10 Serjeant Major Quarles p. 2. p. 216 11 Major Stawham a brave Scottish Gent. p. 2. p. 380 12 Major Fitz-Simons p. 4. p 13 Major Bradbury p. 4 p 14 Major Iackson p. 4. p. 123 15 Captain Lacis p. 2. p. 216 16 Cap. Lister p. 2. p. 230 17 Cap. Nuttie p. 2. p. 309 18 Cap. Massie p. 2. p. 410 19 Cap. Hunt p. 2. p. ibid 20 Cap. Oglesby p. 2. p. 221 21 Cap. Williams p. 2. p. 267 22 Cap. Pue p. 3. p. 278 23 Master Hugh Popham p. 3 p. 303 24 Major Haynes p. 4. p. 341 25 Cap. Dove p. 4. p. 257 26 Lieut Col. Ingoldsby p. 4 p. 401 27 Cap. Allen. p. 295 28 Major Francis Sydenham p. 119 29 Col. Iohn Gunter Some few more 't is probable there might be but I professe ingeniously and most sincerely not one more as yet come to my knowledge or spontaneously pretermitted by me in my most sedulous search over the whole Foure Parts of this our Parliamentary Chronologie which I have diligently done as well for satisfaction to the honest-hearted Readers touching the slaine I say on our side as those on the enemies side in which two so vastly discrepant and largely unequall Catalogues both for number and quality though ours I confesse especially considering some of them as most pious Saints and precious Patriots farre transcended the very best of the enemies for spirituall waight and worth the udicious and impartiall religious Reader may see by comparing them both together how the Lord our most righteous and gracious God hath put a difference between the precious and the vile and yet manifesting in some measure for just Causes best knowne to his owne unsearchable wisedome and I am sure for the best good of his beloved-ones every way that as touching the outward stroke of death I say in a Common calamity it hapneth to the good as to the bad and how dyeth the wise man but even as the foole as wise King Solomon witnesseth Ecclesiastes 2. 15 16. Note also yet once againe good Reader for the yet more remarkable manifestation of Gods righteousnesse and mercy in putting another most notable difference between the Army of his enemies and the Army of his Saints and Servants fighting his battailes that as was toucht before and shewne in the Catalogue of the slaine on the Kings fide in the very first set battaile and field fight that was fought by the enemy against the Parliament which was at Keinton or Edge-hill the Kings first great Lord Generall of all his Forces the Earle of Lindsey who should have been the great Atlas and Hercule in-upholder of the Kings so oft pretended and protested just Cause was one of the first that was slaine in that first famous Fight whereas both in that renowned Victory and in all the progresse of these bloody Broyles and most uncivill Civill Warres over the whole Kingdome even I say from that first Fight to this day both our most renowned Generalls I meane his Excellency the Right Honourable Lord Generall Robert Earle of Essex and the renowned Generall his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax that now is have both of them come off hitherto with abundance of honour and renowne not onely free from death but also ever blessed be the Lords wonderfull mercy in it not so much as toucht with the least wound or hurt on their bodies for ought that ever I yet heard to this present day The like also we may most happily and faithfully say of his Excellency renowned Generall Lesley Earle of Leven Lord Generall of the Forces of our loving and loyall Brethren of Scâ—tland the vertuous and Victorious Generall of the forces of the Associated Counties North-easterly I meane the most noble Earle of Manchester and the thrice noble and renowned Generall of our Northerne forces in Yorkeshire the valiant and victorious Lord Fairfax in which remarkable mercy and me thinks most excellent and eminent observation and for all which so rich so rare and singularly sweet free mercies and most admirable dispensations of Gods wonder-working wisedome mercy and justice power and protection over us and thus manifested to and for us a wicked and worthlesse Nation a sinfull and provoking people Blessing Honour Glory and Power be unto Him that sitteth upon the Throne and unto the Lambe for ever and ever Revel 5. 13. Amen and Amen A Table of all the most materiall Passages mentioned in this Fourth Part of The Parliamentary Chronicle And here I desire the Reader to take notice that all the Forts Townes Castles and Garrisons taken since Nasebie Fight are to be found in the particular Catalogue of them before A. ADvance of the Earle of Manâ—hester from York p. 6 Our formidable Army coopâ— up in the West p. 18 â—ur Army plotted against in Cornwall p. 21 Ammunition safely conveyed to Oâ—westree p. 22 A Commitiee for the Army appointed p. 36 An ignoble Act of the Kings in Cornwall p. 38 Array-men in the North surprized p. 39 Augmentation of Ministers meanes p. 41 Sir ' Antheny Ashley-Cooper stormes Sir John Strange-waies house p. 67 Captaine Allen beates the enemy p. 251 Suddaine alteration of things in Scotland p. 270 Alderman Adams chosen Lord Mayor of London p. 282 Abbington Forces beat the enemy p. 93 Assembly of Divines at Westminster p. 319 The Lord Ashton beaten and slaine p. 320 The Army new Modell'd p. 97 Ashbie Cavaliers soundly beaten at Cole-orton p. 104 Apsley-house taken p. 115 Activity of Abbington p. 126 352 132. Our Armies prosperous proceedings in the West p. Assizes of Oyer and Terminer revived p. 364 Admiralty of the Sea taken into consideration p. 143 A brave defeat given to the enemy at Axminster p. 70 Our Armies good successe in Cornwall p. 378 The answer of Sir Thomas Fairfax to Hoptons demands p. 393 Our Armies march Eastâ—â—rd out of Cornwall p. 400 Prosperous Affaires in Scotland
by storming it by our brethren of Scotland The Scots pious prudent carriage before the storming of Newcastle Marley the Major of Newcastle his proud dissembling carriage toward the Scâ—ts What great most just cause England hath for ever to love most entirely their faithfull brethren of Scotland Malignants most slanderous mouths justly stopped A brave exploit performed by renowned Col. Seelâ—y Governour in Lyme The most just reasons of an Ordinance of Parliament against Irish Rebels taken prisoners by Sea or Land who are to have no quarter granted them Certain intelligence brought to London that ours and the Kings forces were within 2 or 3 miles of Newberry and like to be engaged The Copy of a Letter sent to the honourable Speaker of the House of Commons relating the whole fight at Newberry 28 Octob. 1644. The King in Newberry The Enemies strength at Newberry was 8000 foot and 5000 horse God heer took more care for his servants than the King did of his best Subjects Our Army was necessitated to quarter al night in the open field Ours took 2 or 3 cart loads of the Kings provision and 100 horse and foot of the enemies The fight begun The fight maintained for at least 3 houres space with admitable courage fiercenes on both sides The Earl of Cleveland others taken prisoners 9 of our brave peices of Ordnance which had been lost in Cornwall heer now recovered our men fought like devils as the Cornish Souldiers cryed our running away The King â—â—ed out of Newberry with only one Troop of horse General Gorings brother shot dead in the fight Prisoners tâ—ken at Newberry fight The King flying out of Newberry reviles the Major Prizes-taken at about Newb. An Order of Parliament for a day of publik Thankâ—giving to God 〈◊〉 brave defâ—at happy Victory A just check to our improvidence in not improving this braveadvantage as we might have done The Castle in the Town of Newcastle taken by our brethren of Scotland The names of the prisoners taken in the Castle A most famous defeat given to the Enemies at Bever Vale by Sir Jo. Gells Sir Tho. Fairfax his forces 800 horse and 400 prisoners taken at Bever-Vale Colonell Sydenâ—ams good service in the West Leverpool in Lancashire surrendred up to Sir Jo. Meldrum The manner how Leverpool was taken Prisoners taken the goods of the Town recovered by Sea Tinmouth-castle surrendred unto Generall Leven with 38 peices of Ordnance in it and great store of oâ—her Armes Ammunition The most wise providentiall degrees of Gods completing his mercies to us This Moneths day of humiliation was also most justly turned as much into a day of exultation Reverend Mr. Cases baptizing of the surrender of Newcastle with the name of Gâ—d a Multitude The Burning-Bush not consumed 1. A brief most grateful â—ecapâ—tulation of all the memorable mercies of this moneth of October 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. The Burning-Bush not consumed Isa 54. 16 17. Ibid. ver 15. Psal 18. 31. 46 Novemb. 1644. A brave exploit performed by Captain Stones one of valiant Col. Ridgele yes Officers in armes against the Enemy about Eccleshall This 5 of November a day of publik thanksgiving for divers great and famous victories The great triumph in the City of London on this solemn day of thanksgiving The Enemies Garrison at Sir Jo. Strangeways House in Dorsetstire stormed taken by Sir Anthony Ashley-Cooper The storming of this Garrison continued 6 hours together Between 30 40 of our men blown up with powder in the taking of this house A brave defeat given to the Enemy at Helmsley castle Free Trading with Newcastle re-established by the Parlia Helmsley castle in Yorkeshire taken by the thrice noble Lord Fairfax A brave defeat given to the Enemy in Lincolnshire by Major Harrison A brave defeat given to the Enemy at Axminster by Lime forces A rich ship driven into Lime Haven by a storm Another brave defeat given to the Enemy by Lime Garrison Laughorn castle in South-wales taken by Colonell Beal A brave exploit performed by Col. Sydenham against the Enemy at Dorchester The admirable courage valour of Colon. Sydenham and his Souldiers A grateful summary review of the various ways of the Burning Bush not consumed Psal 46. 11. Decemb. 1644. A brave defeat given to the Enemies at Salisbury by Sergeant Major Dewet Colonell Cooke Leivtenant-Col Hook with others taken prisoners The self-denying Ordinance for calling home al the Members of both Houses of Parliament The substance of the Ordinance or Vote it self A day of Humiliation ordered to bee set apart for both Houses in private to seek the Lord touching this great Vote Isaiah 65. 1. Crowland taken by Col. Rainesborough A brave defeat given to the Enemy at â—edâ—ury by renowned Col. Massie Good service done by Sir Tho. Middletons forces about Mountgomery-shire A brave defeat given to the Enemy in the West by Col. Holborn Plots conspiracies of the Enemies discovered and prevented Stafford Town and Castle in danger Doverâ—castle Abbington Ailâ—bury Reading Plymouth Lyn-Regis in great danger to have been betrayed An exact relation of the crafty contrivement dâ—scovery of the plot to betray Lyn-Regis The Kings esteem of Lyn-Regis Captain Lemon seems to consent to the plot The Governour of Lyn made acquainted with the businesse The brave carriage of the businesse Leivtenant Sâ—ubbin 5 or 6 more with him sent from Lyn by the Governour came in a disguise to perfect the work Mr. Strange findes himself betrayed Mr. Strange his CommissioÌ„ taken and sent up to the Parliament The Copy of the Commission Iounton-Dean in the West releived Colon Holborns activity brave service in the West Care taken by the Parliament for the choosing of good Officers in the City of London Captain Redmans brave service neer Northampton Knaresborough-castle in Yorkshire taken Cumhire Abbey a strong Garrison of the enemies in Mountgomery shire taken by Sir Tho. Middleton Captain Stones brave defeat given to the Enemy at Tongue-castle Another by Major Dewet And another by Col. Thorney The most noble Queen of Sweden desires Association with the Parliament of England The Burning-Bush not consumed Psal 367 8. 32. 7. January 1644. Sir Alexander Carew beheaded for treason Sir John Hotham beheaded for treason Captain Hotham also Son of Sir John Hotham beheaded on Towre-Hill A remarkable passage of Divine providence The Directory for pure worship Voted in Parliament the Common-Prayer Book abolished The Arch Prelate of Canterb. to be now effectually brought to his Condemnation A remarkable note Divers brave exploits performed by the Parliaments forces against the Enemies Cardigan Town Castle taken by Col. Laughorn in Wales and a brave prize at Sea The Arch Prelate of Canterbury executed for treason on Towre-Hill Isaiah 6. 10. Prov. 11. 10. A brave defeat given to the Kings forces at Abbington by renowned Major Generall Brown A Copy of Col. Harsnets Letter to Capt. Jones touching
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
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
Frigot taken by our ships Hilford Castle taken Livetenant Colonell Ingoldsby slain by Musket shot A day of solemn Thanksgiving for the forementioned great mercies to the King Our noble Generals advance to Exeter Inch-House surrendred Pouldram Fort taken High-Archall surrendred to the Parliament Bridge-North Towne taken by Shrewsbury forces Colonell Billingsley slaine in the Storme Portland castle surrendred Exmouth-Fort neere Exeter taken Aprill 1646. Dennington Castle taken An Order of both Houses of Parliament for restraint of Papists and other Delinquents from coming to the Cities of London and Westminster An Order also concerning the Kings private coming to London A brave defeat given to the Kings Horse neare Farringdon Treaty about the surrender of the City of Exeter to the Parliament Three strong Forts already delivered up to the Generall Justification of the large Articles of conditions agreed unto upon the surrender of Exeter Ruthin-Castle surrendred to the Parliament A brave defeat given to Denbigh forces by Colonell Mitton Captaine Cottingham slaine Prisoners and prizes taken at Denbigh and Ruthin The Raglanders soundly beaten by Sir Trevor Williams Many Gentlemen of Wales came out of Ragland castle to Sir Trevor and submitted to the Parliament Master Fog a Minister rewarded for his Loyalty to the Parliament The strong Garrison of the City of Exeter surrendred to the Parliament The first letter The second Letter The manner of their marching out of the City of Exeter Branstable Towne and Câ—stle surrendred Sir Michaels-Mount surrendred Titbury-Castle surrendred Aburisthwait Castle in Wales surrendred Dunstar-Castle surrendred Our WesternArmie advanced toward Oxford Woodstock-Garrison surrendred Bridge North Castle surrendred The just praise of the most faithfull and active Committee of Shrewsbury The Duke of Lenox and others come in unto the Parliament The King escaped out of Oxford in a disguised manner 1 Sam. 2. 30. May. 1646. The Parliament informed of the Kings departure out of Oxford toward London Both Houses of Parliaments Order published throughout London and Westminster touching concealing the King The Parliaments providence for the welfare of the City of London A Copy of the â—etter from the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland to the Commissioners of both Houses concerning His Majesties coming to the Scotch Army The manner of the Kings coming into the Scots Army and discovering himself unto them Newark surrendred to the King and Parliament The summe of the Articles of Agreement Our Brethren of Scotland drew off from Newarke Banbury Castle surreâ—dred to the Parliament A day of Solemn thanksgiving to the Lord for late great mercies to us Hartlebury Castle taken The prizes taken therein Ludlow surrendred to the Parliament Some hopefull sweet effects of the kings being in the custodie of our loyall Brethren of Scotland The summe of the kings Letto the Parliament of England The famous Citie Remonstrance exhibited to Both Houses of Parliament Remonstrance of the State of the Kingdome pag. 19. The Parliaments Declaration upon his Majesties Declaration after the Battell at Edge-hill pag. 659. * This desire of the City of London is no more nor other in effect than the House of Commons in Parliament it self voted as most justly at the taking of the Protestation May 5. 1641. Salcoomb Regis Surrendred Bostol-House also yeilded up to the Parliament Ordinance of Parliament for the better settlement of Presbyterian Church Government Bostoll Garrison surrendred Carnarvan Towne and Castle surrendred The Propositions for a wel grounded Peace resolved and in speciall 〈…〉 of the Kingdom The Ministers of London and Westminsters pious meeting and religion resolution in Zion Colledge Letters from Sir Thomas Fairefax Articles for the Surrender of Oxford and the Messengers rewarded by the Parliament The Duke of Yorke to come from Oxford to S. James-House Beaumorris Town and Castle surrendred The manner of the surrender of Oxford His Majesties Letter to the Marquesse of Ormond The Propositions for Peace sent to the King Psal 30 11 12 Ehen-Ezer The summary use of all Caution and Exhortation 1 Caution Zechar. 10. 5. Ezra 9. 6. Deut 32. 6. Ier. 37. 10. Iohn 5. 14. Mat. 12. 45. 2 Exhortation Reformation both Nationall and personall Building of Gods house Schisme and Errour petitioned against The danger of it briefly described The building of Gods house petitioned Hest 6. 3. The great fault and â—ayling of these times Scripture Eye-salve 2 Chron. 16. 9 Gods eye of providence over us Zeche 8. 1â— Our Fasts turned into Feasts Num. 23. 13. No enchanment or Divination against Gods Israell Isa 54. 17. No weapon formed against us hath proâ—pered Jer. 30. 16 17. Our devourers are devoured and our spoylerâ— are spoyled Ezekiel 20. 38 The regaâ—â— Rebels purged out of the Kingdome Isay 66. 5. The Royalists impious hypocrisie unmasked Great encouragements for Gods Children Iob 5. 27. Marke this O England Isa 19. 11 12 13 14. A true description of the Kings Counsellours Exod. 18. 11. Isa 51. 12 13. A just objurgation and too tâ—ue taxation on all Psal â—6 7 10 An exhortation to Christian courage and godly resolution Exod. 19. 4 5. Breake off from sinne Remember our Covenant Bâ—â—ld Gods House Love our Brethren of Scotland Our Brethren of Scotland were the main meane of procuring this present Parliament Exod. 19. 5. One hundred and forty Cart-loads of dead and wounded at Newbery fight some at Brainford at Dorchester and Causham at Marston-moore A Looking-glasse for Malignants
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
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
Hosts by whose providence you are made such victorious Ministers of our deliverance from such intollerable bondage and next to our great and wise Councell by whose publique care and commission we have the happinesse this day to see you Conquerors for the preservation of our Religion so long violated and restitution of our liberty so long inthralled Neither may we omit a gratefull acknowledgement of the unexampled valour and vigilance which have been so magnanimously exercised for the reducing of this unhappy Kingdome from the wofull condition of a bloody war to so fair hopes of an assured and most happy peace And now since it hath pleased God thus to blesse us we presume not to motion through difference your future care of his Glory and the Common-Wealths good having so many rare examples of your readinesse to defend both However give us leave as a people that to our great grief and misery have so long a time wanted the happie influence and equity of the Law to relieve us to mention our desires of their reparation whereby also to distinguish our selves from those which have with an high hand indeavoured to subvert them and as hitherto you have not wanted our Prayers to God for a blessing upon your Counsels and Actions So now your Honour shall not want the ready though weak assistance so far as the lives and fortunes shall extend of your servants and faithfull votaries The taking into consideration this Petition and the coming in of the persons afore mentioned as also the rising of the Inhabitants at Camelford Ginny-Hill and other parts in the East and North of Cornwall for our assistance it was held fit to summon a Posse of five or six of the hundreds to appear at Bodman-Down to morrow being Friday where some will be fitted with Instructions to impart the Generals minde unto them For to morrow part of the Army advances to Saint Columbe and other parts the Enemy is retreated from Castle Dennis and last night had his Head Quarter about Truro some part of their Forces at S. Allens and kept Guard neer S. Columb as our staying here three daies will prove to our advantage in setling these Eastern parts of the Country So we are confident it will do so for the Western for Gorings Horse will sufficiently incline the people to wish the coming of this Army for their ease and preservation The Enemy gave out they would plunder Truro because the people there already appear for us but it was answered Whether should they go with their plunder when they had it Severall of the Princes servants have sent unto the Generall for Passes to come in and to repair to their homes which I conceive they now solicite for in regard the Prince is gone to Sea but where he is landed we yet hear not Last night a Vessell out of Ireland came into Padstow the Townsmen seized upon her and three other Vessels going out with plundred Goods and sent to our Forces at Ware-Bridge for assistance which was this morning accordingly sent unto thme A Spie is just now come from the Enemies Quarters most of their forces are North of Truro We shall be very neer Truro to morrow night I beleeve the Generall after one daies advance will send a Summons to the Lord Hopton I take my leave and rest Your most faithfull and humble Servant Jo. Rushworth Bodman March 5. 1645. two in the afternoon SInce the writing of my Letter here is Captaine Farre come from Padstow who with Captaine Wogan boarded the Irish Vessel and with the assistance of the Townsmen and Townswomen put them all to the Sword but two about thirty in all wicked naturall Irish God hath most seasonably brought that Vessell thither It enrages the Country against the Kings party for bringing in of forraigners These are but the fore-runners of many thousands speedily to come over as by their Packets of great concernment appears Indeed of so great concernment considering from whom they come that it is not fit to be lightly mentioned they were thrown into the Sea yet recovered an expresse is to come up with them We have cause to blesse God for such a mercy Severall of those Letters subscribed by Glamorgan Ormond and Digby were this day read to Master Corriton Mr. Lower Mr. Glanvile Mr. Trevisa c. And one of the two Irish that had not his throat cut was brought before them which hath so satisfied them of the Kings intentions and ready preparations to bring in bloody Irish Rebels into this Kingdom that they offer to the hazard of Life and Estate in person to oppose them I will say no more till the Letters come Pardon my haste Bodman March 5. 1645. six at night A Summons is gone to Hopton Which Summons coming in here most fitly by that mention therof and of most singular excellencie and worthy to be recorded to posterity I have thought convenient and very necessarie here to insert it the Copy whereof was as followeth Sir through the goodnes of God to his people and his just hand against their enemies your forces being redâ—ced to such condition as to my sense the same good hand of God continuing with us wherin alone we trust they are not like either to have subsistance or shelter long where they are or to escape thence nor if they could have they whither to go for better I have thought good for prevention of more bloodshed or of further hardship or extremity to any but such whose hearts God shall harden to their owne destruction to send you this Summons for your selfe and them to lay downe Armes and withall a tender of such conditions upon a present surrender and ingagement never more to beare Arms against the Parliament as may be better than any thing they can rationally expect by further standing out First therefore to the Souldery in Generall English and Forrainers I shall grant liberty either to go beyond Sea or to their homes in England as they please and to such English as shall chuse to live at home my Protection for the liberty of their persons and for the immunity of their estates from all plunder or violence of Souldiers and all to goe their wayes with what they have saving Horse and Armes But of Officers in Commission and Gentlemen of quality I shall allow them to go with horse for themselves and one servant or more sutable to their quality and with Armes befitting Gentlemen in a condition of Peace And such Officers as would goâ— beyond Sea for other service to take with them their Armes and full number of horses answerable to their Offices To all Troopers and the inferiour sort of Horse Officers bringing in and delivering up their horses and armes twenty shillings a man in lieu of their horses to carry them home To English Gentlemen of considerable Estates my Passe and Recommendation to the Parliament for their moderate composition Lastly for your Selfe besides what is before implyed to you in