Awake up our glorie awake Psalterie and Harp and let us all awake right early thus to blesse and magnifie the Lord. For through our God wee shall doe valiantly and it is he that shall tread down our enemies under our feet But now to goe on About the beginning of this November our most prudent Parliamentarie Statists wisely considering and most circumspectly advising on the inveterate malice and mischievous designes of the Oxonian Atheists against the Parliament and Cities of London and Westminster as hath been foreshewn they therefore past an Ordinance of Parliament wherein they declared that they held it most fit and necessary for the better setling and securing of the state of this distracted and much dilacerated Kingdome that all such Committees as were then nominated in the said Ordinance all Colonells Captaines and other Officers and well-affected persons inhabitants of the Counties of Hampshire the Town and Countie of Southampton Surrey Sussex and Kent shall and may associate themselves and mutually ayd succour support and assist one another in the mutuall defence and preservation of themselves from the inroades and outrages of the Kings Cormâ—rants and have power thereby given them to raise forces of horse and foot to suppress and expell all such forces as are or shall be raised in the said severall Counties to levie war against the Parliament or that shall make any insurrections or shall plunder or destroy any of his Majesties good subjects in those Counties And the Lord Generall the Earl of Eâ—â—ex was thereby desired to grant a Commission to that most valiant and renowned Commander Sir William Waller to command in chief as Serjeant Major Generall of all such forces raised in the said Counties the happie and successfull issues of which said association you shall now shortly have in their succeeding proper places And that the world might see and all Malignants mouthes be stopt if it were possible to doe it the godly and Christian care of this most renowned and pious Parliament not onely at home but abroad also providing for the welfare of forein English Plantations our most prudent and provident Parliamentarie Senators set forth an Ordinance of Parliament whereby that most noble renowned loyall and pious patriot Robert Earl of Warwick was made Governour in chief and Lord high Admirall of all those Islands and Plantations inhabited planted or belonging to any of his Majesties the King of Englands Subjects within the bounds and upon the coasts of America which said Ordinance for the Readers better satisfaction and full content therein I have thought fit heer to insert and interlace An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons assembled in PARLIAMENT Die Jovis Novemb. 2. 1643. VVHereas many thousands of the natives and good Subjects of this Kingdome of England through the oppression of the Prelates and other ill affected Ministers and Officers of State have of late yeeres to their great griefe and miserable hardship been inforced to transplant themselves and their families into severall Islands and other remote and desolate parts of the West-Indies and having there through exceeding great labour and industry with the blessing of God obtained for themselves and their families some competent and convenient meanes of maintenance and subsistance so that they are now in a reasonable well setled and peaceable condition But fearing lest the outragious malice of Papists and other ill-affected persons should reach unto them in their poor and low but as yet peaceable condition and having been informed that there hath been lately procured from His Majesty severall grants under the great Seale for erecting some new Governours and Commanders amongst the said Planters in their aforementioned Plantations Whereupon the said Planters Adventurers Owners of Land in the said forein Plantations have preferred their Petition unto this present Parliament that for the better securing of them and their present Estates there obtained through so much extreame labour and difficulty they might have some such Governours and government as should be approved of and confirmed by the authoritie of both Houses of Parliament Which Petition of theirs the Lords and Commons having taken into consideration and finding it of great importance both to the safety and preservation of the aforesaid Natives and Subjects of this Kingdome as well from all forain invasions and oppressions as from their own intestine distractions and disturbances as also much tending to the honour and advantage of His Majesties Dominions have though fit and doe heerby constitute and ordaine Robert Earle of Warwick Governour in chiefe and Lord high Admirall of all those Islands and other Plantations inhabited planted or belonging to any His Majesties the King of Englands Subjects or which hereafter may be inhabited planted or belonging to them within the bounds and upon the coasts of America And for the more effectuall speedier and easier transaction of this so weighty and important a businesse which concernes the well-being and preservation of so many of the distressed Natives of this and other His Majesties Dominions The Lords and Commons have thought fit that Philip Earle of Pembrook Edward Earl of Manchester William Viscount Say and Seale Philip Lord Wharton John Lord Roberts Members of the House of Peeres Sir Gilbert Gerard Knight and Baronet Sir Arthur Haselrigg Baronet Sir Henry Vane junior Knight Sir Benjamin Rudyer Knight John Pym Oliver Cromwell Dennis Bond Myles Corbet Cornelius Holland Samuel Vassall John Rolls and William Spurstow Esquires Members of the House of Commons shall be Commissioners to joyn in ayd and assistance with the said Earl of Warwick chief Governour and Admirall of the said Plantations which chief Governour together with the said Commissioners or any four of them shall heerby â—avâ— power and authority to provide for order and dispose all things which they shall from time to time finde most fit and advantageous to the well-governing securing strengthning and preserving of the said Plantations and chiefly to the preservation and advancement of the true Protestant Religion amongst the said planters inhabitants and the further enlargement and spreading of the Gospel of Christ amongst those that yet remain there in great and miserable blindnesse and ignorance And for the better advancement of this so great a work It is heerby further ordained by the said Lords and Commons That the aforesaid Governour and Commissioners shall heerby have power and authority upon all weighty important occasions which may concern the good and safety of the aforesaid Planters to call unto their advice and assistance therein any other of the aforesaid Planters Owners of Land or Inhabitants of the said Islands and Plantations which shall then be within twenty miles of the place where the said Commissioners shall then be and shall have power and authority to send for view and make use of all such Records Books and Papers which doe or may concern any of the said Plantations And because the well-setling and establishing of such Officers and Governours as
shall be laborious and faithfull in the right governing of all such persons as be resident in or upon the said Plantations and due ordering and disposing all such Affaires as concerne the safety and welfare of the same is of very great advantage to the publique good of all such remote and new Plantations It is hereby further ordained and decreed That the said Robert Earl of Warwick Governour in chief and Admirall of the said Plantations together with the aforesaid Commissioners Philip Earl of Pembrook Edward Earl of Manchester William Viscount Say and Seale Philip Lord Wharton John Lord Roberts Sir Gilbert Gerard Knight and Baronet Sir Arthur Haselrig Baronet Sir Henry Vane junior Knight Sir Benjamin Rudyer Knight John Pym Oliver Cromwell Dennis Bond Miles Corbet Cornelius Holland Samuel Vassall John Rolls and William Spurstowe Esquires or the greater number of them shall have power and authoritie from time to time to nominate appoint and constitute all such subordinate Governours Counsellors Commanders Officers and Agents as they shall judge to be best affected and most fit and serviceable for the said Islands and Plantations And shall heerby have power and authoritie upon the death or other avoydance of the aforesaid chief Governour and Admirall or any the other Commissioners before named from time to time to nominate and appoint such other chiefe Governour and Admirall or Commissioners in the place and roome of such as shall so become voyd And shall also heerby have power and authority to remove any of the said subordinate Governours Counsellors Commanders Officers or Agents which are or shall be appointed to Governe Counsell or Negotiate the publike Affaires of the said Plantation and in their place and roome to appoint such other Officers as they shall judge fit And it is heerby ordained That no subordinate Governours Counsellors Commanders Officers Agents Planters or Inhabitants whatsoever that are now resident in or upon the said Islands or Plantations shall admit or receive any other new Governours Counsellors Commanders Officers or Agents whatsoever but such as shall be allowed and approved of under the hands and Seales of the aforesaid chief Governour and high Admirall of the said Plantation together with the hands and Seales of the aforementioned Commissioners or any six of them or under the hands and Seales of such as they shall authorize thereunto And whereas for the better government and security of the said Plantations and Islands and the Owners and Inhabitants thereof there may be just and fit occasion to assigne over some part of the power and authoritie granted in this Ordination to the chief Governour Commissioners afore-named unto the said Owners Inhabitants or others It is heerby ordained That the said chiefe Governour and Commissioners before-mentioned or the greater number of them shall heerby be authorized to assigne ratifie and confirme so much of their afore-mentioned authoritie and power and in such manner and to such persons as they shall judge to be fit for the better governing and preserving of the said Plantations and Islands from open violence and private disturbance and distractions And lastly That whosoever shall doe execute or yeeld obedience to any thing contained in this Ordinance shall by vertue heerof be saved harmlesse and indempnified Ordered by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament that this Ordinance shall be forthwith printed and published John Brown Cler. Par. About the 8th of November 1643. came certain intelligence to London by Letters out of the Western parts of the Kingdome and also by the testimony of divers credible persons that a certain considerable number of English-Irish Protestant Souldiers being transported out of Ireland to Bristoll under the command of Sir Charles Vavasor on pretence to fight in England for the King and Parliament where being arrived and thinking that Bristoll had been still in the Parliaments possession but finding it otherwise on their arrivall and that their commanders would have enforced them to have taken an oath or Covenant to fight against the Parliament they utterly refused it declaring that they did not come from fighting against the bloudy Papists in Ireland with an intent to take part with the same and the other Papists in England and thereupon there being a great mutinie between the Souldiers and their Commanders the Souldiers slue some of their Commanders in the place enforced the rest of their Commanders to flie to Oxford for shelter After which they unanimously departed out of Bristoll toward Bathe and from thence also putting themselves under the Command of one Apleton a brave spirited man and valiant Souldier they marched to Gloucester to the most renowned Colonell Massey to be disposed of by him in the Parliaments service and before their departure from Bathe divers of the genâ—rie and well-affected inhabitants of that Countie as was also credibly informed being weary of the Kings Cormorants tyranny laid hold on the opportunitie and joyned themselves with those Souldiers and put themselves into the same service with them And was not heer a most remarkable hand of Gods providence thus at the very first of these the enemies bloudy and base attempts in that most atrocious and scelerous Cessation of armes in Ireland manifesting thus I say in the very front of their devillish designe the Lords high indignation against them and undoubted purpose to blast and bring to nought the rest of this their most nefarious villanie in his own due time to their greater shame sorrow smart and infamie But to proceed About the 10th of the foresaid November came certain information by Letters and other very credible testimonies out of Shropshire of a very notable and brave Defeat given to that irreligious if not atheisticall and pragmaticall but yet blessed be the Lord that unfortunate and unsuccessfull upstart Lord Capell and his vulturous and ravenous Harpies by the most valiant forces of Cheshire and Shropshire under the happie conduct of that most virtuous and victorious Commander Sir William Brereton and his unanimous and magnanimous associates therein Sir Thomas Midleton and most courageous Colonell Mitton which was as followeth Sir Thomas Midleton having authoritie to raise forces for the defence of the King Parliament and Kingdome in Nâ—rth Wales as Colonell Mitton had in Shropshire desired and deserved indeed by the good service they had done in Staffordshire as they went the assistance of Sir William Brereton who commanded in chiefe in Cheshire and is a Colonell in and hath a tender care of and interest in the affections of Staffordshire Souldiers This noble Colonell willing to accommodate those Worthies drew part of his forces from Namptwich to safeguard them into and make provision for their safety in Shropshire and thus marching together to Wem a little Town about six miles from Shrewsbery the place of their torment as Capell had made it unto honest men At Wem I say they began to fortifie and this lusty Lord Capell perceiving by the help of his Councell
of Newcastle and Generall King brought down their whole Armie upon us from their head quarter Whereupon wee turned the two last pieces now taken by us upon this bodie of their armie and thereupon they were all instantly forced to a most wretched retreat and to stand at a distance untill wee had sleighted their whole line of approach and then wee brought off nine pieces of Ordnance the Demy-Cannon aforementioned called by some one of the Queenes gods and by others the Queenes Pocket-pistoll which at first we made shift to draw out of danger of the enemies recovery till wee had more leasure toward night to fetch within the walls as afterward wee did and brought them safely within our quarters Now after the enemie perceived they had lost the two brass-pieces which they did imagine wee were not able to draw off their whole bodie of foot with fortie Colours drew themselves as a fresh reserve both horse and foot within Pistoll-shot to our Ragged-Jettie resolving it seemed to fall upon it that night which they did with great fury and violence But it pleased the Lord infinitely to manifest great strength in the weakness of our weary men and as it were to put new spirits into their tyred bodies and after a hot skiâ—mish of about two houres at least wee also having ordered as they perceived two hundred Musqueteers to keep without the Jetty which could not possibly have been done if the enemie had had Ordnance and having put so many resolved men within the said Jetty thus I say at length it pleased the Lord so to order and dispose of things that they all betook themselves to their heeles about midnight and weâ—e driven quite out of the field and forced to retyre quite away to their head-quarter The Marquess of Newcastle himself and Lievtenant King were beholders of the second part of this act and as it was reported King himself was wounded in two severall places Our Ordnance did them a great deal of mischief and if wee had had but a fresh bodie of foot they had been put to a great strait indeed In their retyring their other great-god helpless gods stuck fast in the myre untill all the Country-people were called together to draw her off Among the Captains that deserved well in this service Captain Micklethwait Parsons Bethel and Hardstaff for the horse Captain Clayton the bearer heerof who hath a generall love of all the Souldiers did us singular good service Captain â—almond Captain Sibbalds and Captain Crooker did all of them carry themselves very valiantly I my self had a blow on my side by a slug of cutted-iron shot from the great piece but thanks be to the Lord was not the worse for it but I beleeve had her Majestie known where the shot should have lighted shee would have checkt the Gunner for not charging full home Whilest wee were in this service to increase our comfort we heard the noyse of the great incounter in Lincolnshire whereunto also God hath pleased to give a happie issue whereby wee may perceive that God is certainly upon the stage and that Dagon must down Since the beginning of this my Letter wee understand that Colonell Rainesborow is safe Sir I desire that you will continue your accustomed favour toward Your affectionate friend and servant JOHN MEâ—DRUM From Hull Octob. 14. 1643. And although this virtuous and valourous Commander Sir John Meldrum in his wisedome and humility forbeares to write ought of his own best deservings in that foresaid Service yet I cannot forbear to give the Reader at least one touch thereof attested by the most noble and renowned Lord Generall himself the Lord Fairfax in his Letter to the Speaker of the Parliament which in brief was this That itpleased God to give you my Lords own words by the gallant courage and activitie of Sir John Meldrum and the spirit and valour of the other Commanders and Officers that all which the Souldiers had got and lost at the first assault forementioned by their sodain fear and retreat was totally recovered again and that with advantage too and the whole victory in the Conclusion And now having formerly toucht upon the mention of that famous fight and most glorious victory which our good God graciously conferred upon that as virtuous as valiant Generall the noble Earl of Manchester against the Popish and atheisticall forces of Newcastle in Lincolnshire under their Papisticall Commander the Lord Widrington and Generall Henderson at Horn-Castle I shall now in the next place give the. Reader a most exact and full and fair account thereof also in all the materiall and substantiall passages of it especially for the just advancement of the honour of the Lord our God and the great comfort of all that wish the welfare and prosperitie of our Jerusalem About the 10th of October 1643. my Lord of Manchester having had notice when he was at Linne of a great force of horse and Dragooneers come into Lincolnshire under the command of Generall Henderson and that upon the retreat of Sir Thomas Fairfax and Colonell Cromwell from about Lowth they were much heightned with confidence of success when ever they could draw-out forces to an engâ—gement The want of foot and Dragooneers made Sir Thomas Fairfax and Colonell Cromwell very unwilling to fight with them till they had acquainted my Lord and tryed what supplies he could afford them and withall his Lordship was assured if he could draw any forces toward Balenbrook-Castle the enemy was so confident of his own strength that he would bring down all his force to fight with him Upon these grounds my Lord drew all his forces both horse and foot from Linne save onely one troop of horse and six companies of foot which he left for the guard of that Town with Colonell Walton whom he made Lievtenant-Governour Thus upon the Munday my Lord drew out all his foot out of Boston ten Companies he laid in Bolenbrook-Town under the command of Major Knight Serjeant Major to Sir Miles Hobart Colonell Russells Regiment was quartered at Strickford within a mile of them and my Lords own being but three Companies the rest being sent to Hull and left at Linne at Stickney and the horse were all quartered in the Townes round about at eight and ten miles distance Upon this Munday at night Major Knight summoned the Castle of Bolenbrook in my Lord of Mâ—nchesters name but was answered That his bug-bear words must not winne Castles nor should make them quit the place that night our men took in a little house on the right hand between the Castle and the Church and resolved the next night to endeavour to break-open the Church-doores and there to mount a Morter-piece and thence fire the Castle The enemie had notice on the fryday following that my Lord was coming or come into those parts and thereupon drew out all their horse and Dragooners from their severall Garrisons at Lincoln Newark and Gainsborow with a
have ascribed the glory of the victory unto man and therefore it pleased the Lord in reference to his owne praise to lessen our strength that so his owne arme might justly be exalted But I say to go on The Enemies being all beaten out of the Field the most noble Earle of Manchester about 11 of the Clock that night did ride about to the Souldiers both Horse and Foot giving them many thankes for the exceeding good service which they had done for the Kingdome And he often earnestly intreated them to give the honour of their Victory unto God alone He also further told them that although he could not possibly that night make provisions for them according to their deserts and necessities yet that he would without faile endeavour their full satisfaction in that kind in the morning betimes The Souldiers unanimously as my Lord had desired and most cheerefully gave God the glory of their deliverance and this great Victory and told his Lordship with much alacrity that though they long fasted and were faint yet they would willingly want three dayes longer rather than give off the Service or leave his Lordship That might we kept the Feild when the Bodies of the dead were stripped and in the morning there was a mortifying object to behold when the naked bodies of thousands lay upon the ground and many were not altogether dead but lay groaning and gasping their last We judged that the number of the slaine was at the least 3000 of the Enemys but the Countrey men who were commanded to bury the dead Corps told us they for certaine buried 4150 bodies and we beleeve as it s most probable they were best able to know the truth by the burying of them Of which 4150 two thirds were assured to be Gentlemen and persons of quality that is almost 2000 which as reverend Master Ash said was the more easily believed by reason of the very white and smoth skinnes of the many dead bodies in the field apparently seene when they were stript And that those of quality slain in this fight might be taken away and have a more honourable buriall than the rest if their friends pleased Sir Charles Lucas was desired as was credibly enformed to goe along to view the corps as they lay spred on the ground and to choose whom he would which he did but would not say whom he knew of them But one gentleman at least that had a bracelet of haire about his wrist he said he knew and desired the bracelet might be taken off saying that an honourable Lady should give thankes for it As he passed along he said in the presence and hearing of many Alas for King CHARLES Vnhappy King CHARLES And we may all most justly say Alas poore ENGLAND Vnhappy ENGLAND to be so miserably rent and torn for the satisfying of impiety folly and wilfullnesse in Papists Prelates and atheisticall Malignants And among the dead men and horses which lay on the Ground we found Prince Ruperts Dog killed which is onely here mentioned by the way because the Princes Dog hath been so much spoken of along time and was more prized by his Master than creatures of much more worth Divers men of good quality were found and knowne to be slaine in the foresaid number as namely The Lord Carey eldest Son to the Earle of Monmouth Colonell Ewers Nephew to the Lord Ewers Colonell Roper brother to the Lord Baltinglasse Sir Wil. Wentworth brother to the Earl of Strafford late Vice-roy of the kingdome of Ireland Sir Francis Dacres neer kinsman to the Lord Dacres Sir William Lambton of an ancient family to the Bishopprick of Durham Colonell Slingsby Son to Sir William Slingâ—by Sir Marmaduke Louddon Sir Thomas Mettom Monnsieur Saint Paula a French Gentleman Sir Richard Gloedhill made knight by the Earl of Newcastle Lieutenant Col. Lisle who heretofore had done good service in Holland Colonell Houghton Son to sir Gilbert Houghton Col. Fenwicke eldest Son to Sir Iohn Fenwicke Col. Prideaux son to BPP Prideaux Lieut. Col. Atkins Lieutenant Colonell to the Marquesse Lieutenant Col. Stonywood a Commander in the late warrs of Ireland Davenant the Poet also a loose liv'd Gentleman and divers others not yet so particularly known but these thus named I had from credible testimony Wee also tooke at least 1500 prisoners of which also many were men of quality and great esteem with the Enemy viz. Sir Charles Lucas Lieutenant Gen. to the Horse Porter Major Gen. to their Foot forces Major Generall Tilliard a very stout and able souldier who came out of Ireland the Lord Gorings Son with divers other Field-Officers Wee tooke all the Enemyes Cannon Ammunition Waggons and Baggage The Earl of Manchester had for his part ten pieces of Ordnance one case of Drakes about 1500 Muskets 40 barrels of powder three tun of great and small bullet 800 Pikes besides Swords Bandileers c. Now it is very admirable to consider and we cannot but admire Cods rare mercy in it how few were slain in the Battell on our side In the Earl of Manchesters Army Captain Walton had his leg shot off with a Cannon bullet and onely Captain Pue a foot Captain was slain and not above six more of our foot that we could find slain and about twenty wounded in the Moore The totall number that we could reckon and find to be slain in all our Armies was at most but between 2 and 300 of which our greatest number was among them who ran away and the carriage-keepers Many of our Souldiers the horsemen especially met with much gold and silver and other Commodities of good worth and indeed they very well deserved such encouragements by their excellent service and brave adventures and therefore as our proverbe is Win gold and wear gold Thus did the Lord put on righteousnesse as a brest-plate and an helmet of Salvation upon his head and he put on the garments of vengeance for cloathing and was clad with zeal as with a cloake And according to their deeds accordingly he did repay fury to his adversaries and recompence to his Enemies Yea surely in this famous battell the Lord seemed to say and sound courage into the hearts of our Souldiers as Nehemiah to his people at the reedifying of Ierusalem when they were molested by wicked Tobiah Sanballet and their accursed complices Be not affraid of them but remember the Lord your God who is great and terrible and fight for your brethren your sons and your daughters your wives and your houses And thus far we have principally made worthy use of reverend and religious Master Ash his unquestionable authentick relation of this most famous fight and most memorable victory with some interlacing I say of some materiall passages which I borrowed from most credible testimony And now although that our foresaid very venerable author and precious pattern by whom I have thus chosen to write hath in
some intention to walk in his accustomed way of plundring robbing and spoyling the Country about him Whereupon the truely noble and valiant Lord Gray of 〈◊〉 hearing of this partee of the Enemy drew out of Leicester with all expedition thirsting to give his old Antagonist battell supposing this gallant partee which Hastings had gathered together would have put some valour into him But as soon as the Lord Grâ—y drew neer unto him he presently retreated to Asâ—â—by de la Zouch his old den and kennell of refuge to be there an onely spectator of the Lord Grey and Sir John Gells meeting who no sooner were joyned together but they fell upon Wilne-Ferry and Fort which had been Hastings chief trap to take the Carriers in their passage between Dâ—rby and Leicester with such resolution and courage that after 3 dayes siege giving the Enemy continuall Alarms with notable thunder-claps of Cannon both their Forces drew up close to the Ferry and Fort and immediately with admirable brave gallantry they stormed it kill'd 8 or 9 men took the Governour prisoner with 2 Captains 3 Lieutenants 3 Ensignes with their 〈◊〉 and Colours 2 Drakes 80 Souldiers neer an 100 Gentlemen and others which came in to their assistance with all their Armes and brought them all into Leicester In all which businesse the Lord Grey lost but one man and some few hurt but thanks be to God not mortally As soon as this businesse was thus successefully finished my Lord presently slighted the Works pull'd down the Fort and burn'd the House in its own rubbish 〈…〉 to Lâ—icester the Enemy never so much as attempting to 〈…〉 Charge Now during this time the prudent Lord Grey ever desirous to preserve his assoâ—iation hearing that a party of Newarke and Belvoir Horse was come up as farre as Melton Mowbray to plunder the Country in his absence he immediately sent Colonell Waâ—t with a party of Horse to drive the Enemy out of the Country or fight with them which was accordingly done and the Country thereby in the interim safely protected And here now I cannot I may not passe over without a great 〈…〉 of impious ingratitude the happy remembrance of that most sweet and Solemn-day of Thankesgiving to the Lord our all-good-giving and forgiving God which was rarely and religiously celebrated on Thursday the 18th of this instant July 1644. for that late and most admirable yea even miraculous Victory which the Lord our God gave unto our forces under the command of those three most renowned Generalls in the North neer the City of York And yet which happy day our impious and heaven-out-daring Adversaries the wretched Royalists had laboured as was before mentioned at the end of the description of that famous victory to cloud and to take off the Edge of our thankfulnes by spreading abroad false rumours and presuming I say most audaciously to mock God by outward appearances of their pretended and false joy whereas they had no salvation wrought for them in the thing wherein they seemed to rejoyce and one main argument which our Malignant-Enemies used to discourage and discountenance us and if it could have been to have infused into us to believe that there was some truth in their outward flourishes that so I say they might have cast ashes upon our heads in the day of our triumph was because the City of Yorke was not yeilded to us which said they would not nay could not hold out if Prince Ro. had beene routed But our most wise and mercifull God would not suffer them hereby to rob him of his honour and therefore it is most worthy our observation that the newes of Yorkes being certainly surrendred unto the Parliaments forces arived at London the very Thankesgiving-day before the time set a part for the duties of our Solemn-Thankesgiving Which now I say comes here next to be spoken of namely That on Thursday July the 18th 1644. The Lords and Commons of Parliament joyned together at Westminster in the cheerful solemnization of this day and every parish in and about London Assembling together both forenoone and afternoone to hear Sermons preached in their Churches and prayers and praises proclaimed to our so great and good God the Wonder-working God of this our Israel and in a speciall manner this was performed by the Right Honourable prudent and pious Lord Mayor of the City of London Sir John Wolaston together with the most worthy Aldermen and Sheriffs his Brethren as also all the Companies of the City of London in their Gownes and Liveries at Pauls-Church where after the morning Sermon was ended a volley of small shot was triumphantly discharged and two Ensignes or Colours were flourished and displayed on the toppe of Pauls-steeple which gave notice to the severall Forts in the fields and thereupon the Ordnance went off round about the City and after the afternoones Sermon great outward joy and thankesgiving was expressed both first in liberall summes of money collected in the Churches to refresh the loynes of the poore and afterward in ringing of Bells and making Bonefires in the streets that night yea and the neighbours and parishoners of divers parishes in London both Husbands and Wives supped altogether in extraordinary solemn-manner especially in the parish of Christs-Church in London where I my selfe was an unworthy part and present eye-witnesse of the same All or the greatest part of the said whole parish both men and women especially of the best sort and quality Knights Ladies Gentlemen and Gentlewomen yea all well-affected persons of fashion and ability assembled together in the great Hall of Christs-Hospitall to the number of about 200 men and their wives who being all very gravely and cheerfully met together and supper made ready their reverend pious and painfull Pastor Mr. Jenkins who indeed was the first mover of this so solemn meeting an act worthy a godly Divine indeed he I say began A Psalme of David as sweet heavenly musicke which all the Company sang together whiles the dishes of meat were brought in and set on the tables Then a blessing on the creatures craved and supper ended the said reverend Pastor as hee piously began so hee religiously concluded with thankesgiving and another Psalme sung by them all at their tables ere they rose all done in a most grave and reverend manner And here also I desire the godly Reader to take notice of one remarkable passage of Gods providence about this worke which happily preâ—eded this solemn-meeting in the foresaid place viz That upon the Wednesday the very immediate day before this meeting it pleased the Lord so to order and dispose it That that most worthy and most deservedly ever to be honoured religious and zealous Nehemiah of our dayes Sir Robert Harlow Knight of the Bathe came himselfe to the said Hospitall and caused by the power and authority of Parliament most happily invested on him a mighty great and most
To the Right Honourable Alderman ADAMS Lord Mayor of the most famous and Renowned City of London The Right Worshipfull Sir Iohn Wollaston and Sir Richard Sprignall Together with the Right Worshipfull the Lady Rebecca Wollaston and the Lady Anne Sprignall their most virtuous and truely pious Consorts All my ever most highly honoured good Friends J. V. most Cordially prayeth the Fulnesse of the Kingdome of Grace here and of the Kingdome of Gloâ—y hereâ—fter Right Honoâ—rable Right Worshipfull THe much Christian Courtesie and very many and most constant immerited favours whereof from time to time I and mine have most sweetly tasted from your Honour and Worships But especially the serious observation of the pious and painfull yea even indefatigable Labours of Love for God and his great Cause which not onely I but even the whole Kingdome in generall and this renowned City in speciall have cleerly taken notice of and been most happily sensible of to proceed from your Honour and Worships Et O terque quaterque felicia saecula quae Vos tales Patriae genuere Parentes This double and indissoluble Ligament I say of ever bounden Gratitude hath most deeply engaged me to dedicate and consecrate This third Part of my Parliamentary-Chronicle to your good Honour and Worships as a most true Tessera and Sincere Symbole of that ever obliged observance which together with my poor All I most justly and ingenuously acknowledge to be most due unto you All my ever most highly honoured good Friends in generall and hereby also in a more speciall and peculiar manner to take oportune occasion to give-in my most cordiall congratulation and just and joyful Acclamation for your good Honours happy inauguration unto the most honourable Majorallity of this celebrious and most Renouned City of London which though it may seem to come somewhat too tardily yet I assure your Honour it comes now most cordially and though it cannot speak so loudly as others yet I assure you my good Lord it speaks as lovingly as the best of your good Lordships most devoted Votaries Which therefore together with my best Services hoping your good Honour Worships wil in your accustomed Candor and even connative ingenuity receive with the Heart Hand of courteous and candid Acceptation I shall hereby be still more and more deeply endeered in all my best endeavours especially in my poor Prayers to presse the Thron of Grace that your good Honour and Worships may long flourish as most famous tall-grown Cedars on the tops of the Mountains of this our English-Lebanon inferiour to None of your former famous Predecessours and shall hereby also most obligedly rest Your good Honours and Worships in what he is to be ever Commanded JOHN VICARS To the Courteous and Christian Reader THe continued Encouragements and most aimable approbation Christian and candid Readers which you All especially the truely religious and reverend Divines both of City and Country have given unto me in the former two Parts of this our Parliamentary-Chronicle have set a sharpe edge upon my serious Affections and beene as a Spirit-quickening Spur to stimulate and stir forward my most zealous Resolutions and Endevours to the Continuation of this our Parliamentary-Chronicle and most famous and renowned History to a third Part thereof Wherein as formerly so now I have laboured with all the Discretion care and consciencious Sedulity wherewith I was possibly able to communicate nothing therein but true and innocent Intelligence of all our most famous and important Parliamentary Proceedings in way of rare and reall mercies to this Kingdome in speciall for the space of one entyre 12 Month past Yet herein I must ingenuously confesse I may possibly have missed in some particular circumstantialls either of Manner Time Persons or Numbers considering that they are all for the most part received from severall remote Hands and remote Habitations yet for thy better assurance herein I have according to the wise counsell of a most learned and religious Divine my much honoured good Friend Reverend Master Arrowsmith still taken mine Intelligence as neer as I could from the Lame-post Wherefore I heartily desire thee good Reader with christian candor and ingenuity to connive at and pardon what ever small slips or failings thou mayest peradventure meet with from me herein who faithfully assure thee that I have with my best ability striven in all equitable Sincerity to wrong None but to right All as neer as I could Whereunto if thou vouchsafest courteously to condescend together with the grant of a portion in thy holy prayers for the poor and unworthy Authour I shall justly account all my great paines herein plentifully repayed and for the same most gratefully rest Thine in the Lord John Vicars GODS ARK OVER-TOPPING THE VVORLDS WAVES MOst truly sayes the princely Prophet David They that goe down into the Sea in Ships and that are busied in great Waters These see the works of the Lord and his wonders in the Deep And as truly may I say They that goe forth and lanch into our English-Ocean to use the said holy Prophets Metaphor and keep a little to his Sea-Allegories in the Ship of serious Contemplation and pious Exploration may as easily and admirably see and discover the strange workings of the Lord and the rare wonders which he does in the deep deportments and various vicissitudes of State-affaires in this I say our English-Ocean Upon one side they may see the huge swelling waves the mightie and big billowes of furious floods and raging and roaring waters I mean wicked and ungodly men Atheists Papists Prelates and rotten-hearted Malignants in Citie and Countrey puffing snuffing blowing and beating their braines and vexing their hearts to overtop and overturn to swoop away and swallow-up in the deeply ingurgitating whirpool of their irreconciliable rage and malice the Ark of the Lord his Church and Children principally personated and represented in Both Houses of Parliament and in the happie Assembly of Divines sweetly subservient unto them in the long longed for pure and thorough Reformation of all things amiss in Church and State On the other side they may see the most admirable and indeed unexpressible power and providence the most infinite wisedome and unfathomable mercie of our good God the as prudent as potent Pilot and Moderator of all that his English-Ark bearing it up most safely and securely sustaining and maintaining it maugre all the beatings and billowings the sitly surges and swellings of all those raging and roaring waves and waters and making it still fairly to float and over-top their highest rising and most furious flashing and desperatest dashing waves craggiest penetrating rockes swallowing sands and shelves and mightiest and most malicious puffes and blasts of malignity and mischief all of them conspiring and aspiring with malice pride and impious ambition either to swallow-up or per fas aut nefas to tear in pieces this most honest holy and harmless Ark of God but all
left also foure pieces of Ordnance behinde them which Canterburie men seized on and went to Sir Edward Hales house within half a mile of Sittingborn who notwithstanding that he was a Parliament-man and one of the Deputie Lievtenants of this Countie and so neer them yet used no meanes to appease any of these tumults but rather administred secret helps and encouragements to them and his Grand-childe and heire being chosen Captain of these rebells whom therefore with his Grand-father Sir Edward Hales they took into their custodie together with Mr Farnabie a School-Master a great stickler also in this insurrection and a man of a very insolent and malignant spirit and shortly after they were all namely Sir Edward Hales Sir George Sands the Major of Feversham Mr Farnabie and the rest of note were brought to London to the Parliament and after examination there were all committed to prison Sir Edward and Sir George to the Tower of London Mr Farnabie to Newgate and the rest to the Fleet. And thus by Gods great mercy and good providence this so dangerous an insurrection was most happily and timely appeased and this Countie afterward reduced into a most quiet and peaceable condition As by an Ordinance of Parliament which not long after came forth whereby authoritie was given to the Deputie Lievtenants and well-affected prime patriots of that Countie for the better securing of the peace thereof may more fully appeare and which said Declaration for the Readers fuller satisfaction I have thought fit heer to insert and set down verbatim as it was published by authoritie of Parliament An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament touching the Rebellion in Kent Die Mercurii August 16. 1643. WHereas divers ill-affected persons of the Countie of Kent have unlawfully and traiterously assembled themselves together and in a warlike and hostile manner possessed themselves of divers Towns and places in that Countie and have traiterously and rebelliously levied warre against the King and Parliament and robbed killed and spoyled divers of his Majesties Subjects And notwithstanding they were invited by an Ordinance of both Houses of Parliament to lay down their armes and every man to depart in peace to their severall places of habitation with an offer not onely to pass by their offences then already committed by them but to give redress to any just grievances they should in a peaceable and Parliamentarie way present to the Parliament yet they wilfully and contemptuously refused that favour offered unto them and gave battaile to those forces sent by authoritie of both Houses to suppress that insurrection where by Gods great goodness they were wholly routed and a very great number taken prisoners Now to the end the like inconveniences may be prevented heerafter and that the peace of the Countie may be better setled It is ordained by the Lords and Commons in this present Parliament assembled that Sir Henry Vane senior Sir John Sidley Sir Authony Welden Sir Michael Leveley Sir Henry Heyman Mr Nut Mr Augustine Skinner Mr Thomas Blunt Mr Thomas Franklin Sir Edward Boyse Mr Brown Sir William Springate Sir Edward Master Mr John Boyl Mr John Boyse Sir Peter Wroth Mr Richard Lee Sir Thomas Walsingham Mr Thomas Selyard and Sir John Robarts or any three of them shall forthwith seiz upon all the armes and horses of all those that have in person appeared in that insurrection and rebellion and of all such as have willingly assisted or countenanced the same or that have willingly relieved any of the said rebells with armes ammunition money or otherwise or that have refused to give their assistance being thereunto required to suppress the said insurrection or rebellion and that the horses that shall be so seized on shall be sent to the Citie of London to the Commissary for horses there to be entred and listed for the service of the State and that the armes so to be seized shall be laid up in some place of safetie in that Countie to the end the same may be distributed to the well-affected partie of that Countie when occasion requireth And it is further ordained by the authority aforesaid That the said Sir Henry Vane senior Sir John Sidley Sir Anthony Welden Sir Michael Levesey Sir Henry Heyman Mr Nut Mr Augustine Skinner Mr Thomas Blunt Mr Thomas Franklin Sir Edward Boyse Mr Brown Sir William Springate Sir Edward Master Mr John Boyse Mr John Boyl Sir Peter Wroth Mr Richard Lee Sir Thomas Walsingham Mr Thomas Selyard and Sir John Robarts or any three of them shall have power and are heerby authorized to enter upon and seiz all and singular the lands tenements and hereditaments and the goods chattells and cattell of all and singular the persons that were actors countenancers or abettors in the said rebellion who did not submit to the said Ordinance and immediately come in lay down their armes and repair to their places of habitation and to seiz and imprison their persons to the end they be proceeded against according to the Law and the merit of their offence Provided alwayes and it is further ordered by the authority aforesaid That the said Sir Henry Vane senior Sir John Sidley Sir Anthony Welden Sir Michael Levesey Sir Henry Heyman Mr Nut Mr Aug. Skinner Mr Thomas Blunt Mr Thomas Franklin Sir Edw. Boyse Mr Brown Sir William Springate Sir Edward Master Mr John Boyl Mr John Boyse Sir Peter Wroth Mr Richard Lee Sir Thomas Walsingham Mr Thomas Selyard and Sir John Robarts or any three of them shall have power and are heerby authorized to compound with such of the persons aforesaid as they shall think fit objects of such mercifull proceedings and to receive of them such summes of money by way of fine and ransome as they or any three of them shall think fit having respect to the offence and the estate of the person offending and to certifie the names and sums received of every person and return the same to the Guildhall in London to the treasurers appointed to receive money and plate upon the Propositions and every person that shall compound and pay the money according to this Ordinance shall be freed in their persons and estates and discharged from any farther prosecution for the crimes and offences committed by them in that rebellion or insurrection and it is further ordained that the said Sir Henry Vane senior Sir John Sidley Sir Anthony Welden Sir Michael Levesey Sir Henry Heyman Mr Nut Mr Augustine Skinner Mr Tho. Blunt Mr Thomas Franklin Sir Edward Boyse Mr Brown Sir William Springate Sir Edward Master Mr John Boyse Mr John Boyl Sir Peter Wroth Mr Richard Lee Sir Thomas Walsingham Mr Thomas Selyard and Sir John Robarts and every of them shall be protected and saved harmless by the authority of both Houses of Parliament for what they shall doe in pursuance of this Ordinance Ordered by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament that this Ordinance be forthwith printed and published About the 22
of July 1643 came certain intelligence by Letters to London out of Cheshire that the most successfull forces of that renowned and pious patriot Sir William Brereton had happily taken from the Kings accursed Cormorants a very strong hold in those parts called Houghton-Castle which had long time been a sore goad in the sides of Sir Williams great affaires in that Countie but now was by Gods mercie and his vigilancie delivered up unto him and in his full possession and safe custodie Much also about this time the King having by the wicked Counsell of his most impious Achitophels at Oxford sent out a Proclamation in his own name to command all his loving Subjects to forbeare all commerce and trading with the Citie of London and to withhold all provision of victualls from them and all this under a great penaltie hoping by this meanes to starve the Citie and so in time to enforce it to their wicked intended tyrannicall subjection to Popery and slavery but blessed be the Lord this base plot had like issue with the rest for the Citie of London was not so easily to be begirt and starved by a Proclamation from Oxford though the Broad-Seal countenanced and commanded it for the Lords and Commons in Parliament presently upon this unpatternd Proclamation to starve a Citie for its honesty and fidelity and thereby to destroy the whole Kingdome passed an Ordinance to give the most renowned Lord Major of London and the Militia thereof power over all persons within the line of Communication sodainly to discover and disarm all malignants and to purge it of all such dangerous persons and about 5000 more Citie-Souldiers to be charged to doe dutie at all the Out-workes of the Citie Nay and our most renowned Parliamentarie-Statists rested not heer so tender were they of the welfare and preservation of the Citie in reference to that pernicious Proclamation but past an Ordinance in both Houses for the appointment of the then most pious and prudent Lord Major and two Sheriffs of London to take the charge of the Lievtenantship of the Tower of London Sir John Conyers having at his own voluntary desire obtained the consent of the Parliament to goe beyond Sea into Holland and after the expiration of the said ever to be honoured heroick and most active-spirited Alderman Penningtons most happie Majoraltie which by Gods gracious guide and speciall assistance he finished with more honour and renown the times thereof seriously considered than any of his predecessors in that place of honour and trust had done before him it pleased the Lord to put into the hearts of our most noble Parliamentarie Worthies to confer the said Lievtenantship of the Tower of London solely and wholly upon him as one in whom they had so good experience they might most indubitably confide in the faithfull managing of a place of so much trust and concernment for the welfare safety and security of the Citie and Kingdome and partly also as an honourable guerdon and repay of his former wise and loyall discharge of that his foresaid troublesome and chargeable Majoraltie And heer now good Reader I shall desire to cast anchor and make a little stay to pause and ponder on the most sweet Parliamentarie-Mercies of this first Moneth of our voyage and adventure into and through thus much of this boysterous and billowing Ocean of the Kingdomes distractions and disturbances and with a gratefull heart succinctly to see what God hath done for us as in a short Map and ocular prospect of them As first in that excellent Petition of the Assembly of Divines to both the Houses of Parliament for the good of Church and State in a pious reformation of things amiss in both Secondly in the Parliaments prosperous success at Gainesborough by the Lord Willoughby against the Earl of Newcastles forces there And the taking of the Town of Stamford by brave Colonell Cromwell Together also with the taking of Burleigh-House by the said brave Colonell Thirdly in another brave victorie obtained by the Parliaments forces at a second Siege of Gainesborough Fourthly in Gods admirable and timely appeasing of that desperate and dangerous Rebellion of the Kentish Malignants Fiftly in the taking of Houghton-Castle in Cheshire and that provident prevention of aâ—wicked plot to starve the Citie of London in keeping provision of victuall from it Sixthly and lastly in the most happie and prudent putting of the Tower of London into the safe custodie and government of the most worthy Lord Major and Sheriffs of London for the better safety and security of the said Citie and whole Kingdome Upon the which said serious review of all these rich and rare Parliamentarie-Mercies tell me good Reader hast thou not already seen Gods Ark most bravely born up above all the swelling and blustering waves of the worlds mischievous malignancy against it and It carried on with most pleasant and prosperous gales of Gods guard and guide and gracious protection of it Yes certainly witness this six-fold coard of clearly convincing testimony Great cause have wee therefore to check those proud waves of the world for their insolency against our God and his most righteous cause even in the Lords own words by his holy Prophet Feare yee not mee saith the Lord will yee not tremble at my presence which have placed the sand for a bound to the Sea by a perpetuall decree that it cannot pass it And though the waves thereof rise and toss themselves yet can they not prevail though they roar yet can they not pass over it Cease then and abate your pride O yee proud and pernicious Royalists since our God doth so curb and keep you in As for us wee shall therefore as wee have just cause triumph and sing God is our refuge and strength and a very present help in time of trouble Therefore will wee not fear though the earth be removed and though the mountaines be carried and hurried into the midst of the Sea But to goe on and to launch forth again in the deep for the further prosecuting of our next Moneths voyage About the beginning of August 1643 a brave Ship of about 300 tun bound from Denmark for Newcastle having been lately before taken at Sea by the most noble renowned and loyall Earl of Warwicks Ships within a league of Tinmouth laden with armes and ammunition to furnish and arme our Kings forces against the Parliament The Commander of which Ship was a Papist or Romish-Catholike and that which he pretended to be a countenancing supersedeas against all assaults of his Ship by any advers partie was a Letter from the King of Denmark which imported that the goods wherewith this Ship was fraught were his and therefore not to be toucht or medled with But the Ship notwithstanding all their pretexts being seized on and notice thereof immediately dispatcht away to the Parliament an Order was instantly returned to keep the Ship
and to inventorie the goods thereof and to let the Danish Commander know that the Parliament would be answerable touching the disposall of them according to their discretion and direction And thereupon the Ship was brought safely to London and there unladen A Copie of the true Inventorie of the fraight and goods wherein I have heer thought fit to insert for the Readers better satisfaction and content as I my self received it from the hands of one of the most eminent and most worthy Members of the Militia in the Citie of London which was as followeth Barrells of Gunpowder 476 Bundles of Match 890 Drums 050 Belly-pieces of armour 150 Swords 3040 Muskets 2977 Pistolls 493 Head-pieces 3000 Round-heads or Clubs 1000 Pikes very good ones 1500 Musket-rests 3000 Forks to fight against horses 0500 Collers of Bandiliers 3000 Belts 1 Hogshead Hangers 1 Hogshead Girdles 2 Hogsheads Hangers 4 Barrells Pistoll-keyes 1 Firkin Flasks 3 Barrells Hangers 1 Barrell Moulds for Muskets 2 Kilderkins Stones for Pistolls 1 Firkin Souch-powder 1 Firkin Cannon-Bullets 197 And pigs of Lead 14. And neer upon the same time a Ship laden with Sea-coales whereof I had unquestionable information from Newcastle and bound for Holland was then also apprehended by the vigilancy of the most noble Earl of Warwicks Ships wherein they found about 3 or 4000li. in money hid deep in the coales which was to have bought armes c. in Holland for the Kings use but thus happily diverted another and a better way And truly Reader there must needs be seen a speciall hand of Gods providence toward us in this Danish prize formentioned for this Ship could not have been seized on in a more seasonable time than as thus it pleased the Lord to dispose it considering the great use the Parliament had at that time of the said armes and ammunition to help to set forth a new armie then making ready to march forth again under the command of that noble and renowned Generall Sir William Waller and especially also the circumstances of that time considered namely the then ill success of our armies in the North under the command of the noble Lord Fairfax and the most unhappie surrender of Bristoll and Exeter also shortly after it to the Kings forces Sir William Wallers unhappie defeat in the West Countrie and the Lord Generalls armie being mouldred and crumbled away and almost quite torn in pieces by sickness and such like casualties as that he was not able to advance and take the field to affront the Kings and Kingdomes enemies untill they could be conveniently recruited and fill'd up and furnisht with men and armes Of all which having most fully made mention in the Conclusion of the Second part of our Parliamentarie Chronicle I shall cease to speak any more thereof And now about this time namely the 6th of August 1643. the Parliament being credibly and comfortably enformed out of Yorkshire that the most noble and renowned Lord Fairfax had in much competent measure recruited his Armie at Hull and got together some troops of horse and companies of foot that so he might the better both increase and strengthen his forces the Parliament sent him many Muskets Carbines Pistolls hookes and piked Clubs viz. Round-heads as they were termed that so his honest Round-heads might with them soundly beat and bang Newcastles Rattle-heads or rather Rotten-headed and hearted Papists and Atheists as not long after by Gods mercy they did by the brave conduct of renowned Sir John Meldrum together with 200 barrells of gunpowder part I say of this Danish prize so happily seized on as aforesaid Much also about the foresaid time there was a generall report and that upon good grounds and reasons all about the Citie of London that there was a purpose if not a plain though private plot at Oxford to work some of the Peeres in Parliament to treat again upon some articles or propositions for a pretended peace and indeed a motion was made as was credibly reported in the House of Lords to set it on foot which was generally much disrelisht and disliked in the Citie of London and began to cause great jealousies and feares among the wisest and best-affected Citizens as they and the whole Kingdome had just cause wee having ever received greatest dammage and detriment by such fained and treacherous treaties Whereupon the most renowned famous and faithfull Citizens of London with an unanimous consent resolved to joyn together as one man in a Petition to the Parliament in the name of the Lord Major Aldermen Commons of London which Petition coming to my hands I have heer thought fit to insert for the Readers better content and satisfaction therein To the Right Honourable the Knights Citizens and Burgesses of the Commons House in Parliament The humble Petition of the Lord Major Aldermen and Commons of the Citie of London in Common Councell Assembled Sheweth THat your Petitioners having heard that such propositions and offers have been lately sent from the House of Peers to this honourable House which as wee greatly fear if yeelded unto may be destructive to our Religion Lawes and Liberties And finding already by experience that the spirits of all the well-affected partie in the Citie and Counties adjacent that are willing to assist the Parliament both in person and purse are much dejected thereat and the brotherly assistance from Scotland as well as the raising and maintaining of forces our selves thereby likely to be retarded all which the Petitioners refer to your serious consideration and considering our present sad condition lies upon us in a speciall manner through the incensed patience of the Almightie by delay and want of execution of justice upon traitors and Delinquents and having an opportunitie yet afforded us to speak our humble desires are That you would be pleased so to persist in your former resolutions wherupon the people have so depended and wherein yee have so deeply engaged your selves though you should perish in the work that justice may be done upon offenders and delinquents And since wee are as willing as ever to expose what wee are and have for the crowning of so good a cause you would be pleased by passing the Ordinance hereunto annext or one to this effect to put us into a probable way for ours and your defence wherein your Petitioners will by the blessing of God be never wanting But will ever pray c. This Petition being presented Aug. 7. 1643. by the Petitioners aforesaid to the House of Commons was well accepted and thankes returned by Mr Speaker for their care of the Kingdomes welfare with promise that the particulars desired should speedily be taken into consideration and to consider of an Ordinance to the purpose in the Petition mentioned which was referred to a Committee Now this Petition thus exhibited to the Parliament by Alderman Atkins in the name of the Lord Major Aldermen and Commons as aforesaid shortly after
had proved an apostate and endeavoured secreâ—ly to betray that Island and thereby the brave Town of Plimouth into the hands of the Cornish Cormâ—rants But by Gods great mercie and good providence was timely prevented therein by the fidelity of the Officers in armes and honest Souldiers who upon the first discovery of his perfidious purpose sodainly seized on his person and kept him in safe custodie till he might be sent away to the Parliament to receive just punishment for such a base and perfidious demerit Also about the beginning of September aforesaid came certain intelligence to London by letters from Hull that the said brave strong Maritime Town having been besieged by the Earl of Newcastles Popish and atheisticall armie consisting of about 15000 horse and foot who lying about Cottingham and Newland and those other neer adjacent parts about a mile or two distant from Hull had cast up severall workes against it and planted divers pieces of Ordnance and batteries on them And though they frequently shot against the Town very many 36 pound bullets and other Canon-shot yet by Gods great mercie and good providence did very little or no hurt at all by them yea that on the Lords-dayes when the Inhabitants were at Church serving the Lord their God the bullets came whisling over the Church and flew into their market-place but did no harm save onely to a Malignants-house and chimney in the Town and ever praised be our good God by the most noble and renowned Lord Fairfax his wisdome and valour and martiall circumspection they were still kept at such a distance from the Town that the enemie could not shoot their granadoes into the Town as they desired and vehemently endeavoured but they pitifully spoyled the Country about Hull and especially the Town of Beverly which as soon as they came into they miserably plundred yea and they thought to have done the Town of Hull a terrible mischief by cutting them short of fresh-water but blessed be the Lord the Town felt no great want thereby being very competently furnished with all sorts of provision and sustenance for men Now Newcastle grew exceeding mad and was extremely vexed that he was so hopeless of getting the Town having been formerly so hopefull at least in his high and proud conceits to get it for his Winter-quarters and to be a Sanctuarie for him from the Scots and it was generally reported and that probably enough that he car'd not for the loss of 10000 of his men so he might buâ— get possession of it But by Gods blessing on the most noble Lord Fairfax his valour and vigilancie there is no fear of that strong Town in all probabilitie Yet see how it pleased the Lord it should fall out within the said Town in the time of this Siege which is the thing I mainly intended to mention at this time and in this place namely That about Septemb. the 16th 1643 being Saturday an accident happened at the North-Block-house of the Town the danger whereof had not the Lord marvellously prevented and had it fallen out on the side of the Town where the enemies lay as it did on the most remote â—ide from them had undoubtedly ruined the whole Town For there were at least â—ortie Carthages of Gun-powder sodainly blown up and some granadoes which lay there in the same place and all fired which quickly brake down a great part of that strong Block-house both within and without which breach and loss 't was verily believed could not be repaired with at least 2000li. charge but I say the especiall providence of God heerin appeared in that it was blown up on that side of the Town which lay next to the Sea-side otherwise it would have been a very advantageous opportunitie to the enemies for their more secure assaulting and storming of the Town Besides this was also very remarkable above the rest and in it the hand of God most eminently was seen that it blew open a door in which very room there were fourteen barrells of Gun-powder some with the heads open yet took not fire which had it done it would most certainly have blown up at least the whole house have spoyled some considerable part of the Town But I say by Gods great mercie and admirable providence they were all untoucht and it did no other harm than as aforesaid It was conceived and feared at first that it came by some treacherie but upon diligent search and inquisition 't was clearly found to be done by the carelesness of a Gunner There were foure men killed by it and as many hurt and with this loss the danger ended blessed and praised be the Lord our God for it And now wee shall for a while leave Hull in this besieged posture and condition and speak of some other Parliamentarie-passages worthie our notice and observation About the midst of September 1643 our most prudent and provident Parliamentarie-Senators in their pious and prudent care for the encouragement of Apprentices and young men to be chearfull and forward to assist the Kingdomes great affaires against the common-Adversaries thereof set out an Ordinance of Parliament for the securing of their indempnitie in going forth in service and listing themselves under the command of Sir William Waller in his Expedition As also another Ordinance came forth at the same time for the searching of Trunkes and any other carriages that past out of London And a third also for a Collection to be made for sick and maimed Souldiers All which three said Ordinances of Parliament for the Readers better satisfaction content and delight I have thought fit heer to insert The Copie of an Ordinance of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament for the securing those Apprentices from indempnitie that list themselves under the Command of Sir William Waller Die Veneris Septemb. 15. 1643. WHereas in times of common danger and necessitie the interest of private persons ought to give way to the publick It is ordained and declared by the Lords and Commons in Parliament That such Apprentices unto Watermen plying and rowing upon the river of Thames as have been or shall be listed to serve as Souldiers for the defence of the Protestant Religion and libertie of the Kingdome his Majesties royall person the Parliament and the Citie of London under the Command of Sir William Waller Their sureties and such as stand ingaged for them shall be secured against their Masters their Executors and Administrators from all loss and inconveniencies by forfeiture of bonds Covenants infranchisements or otherwise And that after this publick service ended the Masters of such Apprentices shall be commanded and required to receive them again into their service without imposing upon them any punishment loss or prejudice for their absence in the defence of the Common-wealth And the Lords and Commons doe further declare That if it shall appear that the Masters of such Apprentices have received any considerable
both Kingdomes of England and Scotland and there were sundry excellent speeches made there and then to the Citizens to set forth the great importance of their speedy assistance in this particular and how acceptable a work it would be to the Lord not onely to enter into a holy League or Covenant for reformation of the evills in Church and State but also to seal it with some benevolent and chearfull act of Contribution though but by way of loan to set forward the work that thus both hand and heart might goe together in the work and wee with holy David might manifest that wee would not offer a sacrifice to our God of that which cost us nought To which motion then most efficaciously made there All then present with very much chearfulness and alacrity declared their forwardness and willing assent to the utmost of their ability as was desired and at the same time and afterward also at the taking of the said Covenant in all the Parish-Churches in and about London great numbers subscribed for very considerable summes to be raised accordingly with all convenient and possible expedition And now good Reader thou mayst be pleased to remember that wee lately left the atheisticall Earl of Newcastle and his Popish Armie besieging the strong and important Town of Hull most bravely defended as I mentioned before by the most renowned and victorious Lord Fairfax the most noble and faithfull Governour thereof Now therefore to return to it again I shall heer acquaint thee that about the 14th of this instant October 1643. came certain intelligence to London from thence both by severall relations and also by Letters of a most memorable and brave bickering between the besiegers and the besieged wherein the Lord was pleased to crown the most noble Lord Fairfax with a very glorious and famous victory over those his Popish adversaries and thereby to raise that insolent Siege of this proud Atheist against Hull put the said new Marquess forsooth for honours at Oxford are t is too well known so cheap that they are most easily bought and sold for any base and treacherous designe against the Parliament and Kingdome of Newcastle to new troubles and driving him quite out of his little patience and probitie and making thereby his wit as well as his honestie run a wool-gathering and indeed plunging him into inextricable perplexities as was most remarkably evident in this most memorable and brave Defeat given to him and his Popish forces before Hull where he lay in Siege as you have already heard For now Winter being come on and he desirous to make Hull his most strong and advantageous Winter-quarter and safe retyring and retreating place on all disasterous occasions he now resolved to set stifâ—y and stoutly upon the work and with his utmost powers to endeavour to procure it but was now forced to make a new reckoning for thus reckoning without his hoste The description of which noble and renowned skirmish and brave bickering for the more full and clearer setting forth of the truth thereof I have heer thought fit to give the Reader a sight of the Copie of that renowned Commander Sir John Meldrums own letter even verbatim as he himself being a principall actor in the whole business writ and sent it to the Speaker of the Parliament onely I shall heer or there interlace some few materiall circumstances extracted out of the most noble Lord Fairfaxes Letter sent also about the same time to the said Mr. Speaker of the Parliament which was as followeth For my honourable Friend William Lentall Esquire Speaker of the Commons House of Parliament SIR I Shall not weary you much with the relation of some happie successes God hath blessed us withall since my arrivall at Hull knowing that many pens will be set awork whereby neither the truth in the narration nor the favour and mercy of God can be fairly and fully revealed There having been a supply sent into Hull Octob. 5th 1643. of about 400 Souldiers from the Earl of Manchester and about 250 from Sir William Constable Upon munday the 9th of the said October the Reginalists or Popish forces under the Earl of Newcastles command about break of day did with a great deal of courage being commanded by Denton Stricland and one Little a Countryman of mine who commanded in chief fell upon one of our Outworkes called the Ragged-jetty a place of great importance for the safe riding of our Shipping before the Town but by the resolution of two English Commanders and a Countryman of mine cousen-germane to Sir William Cunningham and the courage of the Gunners and Souldiers they were upon view of an hundred Musqueteers which followed mee from the Mount beaten out of the work and driven to a most shamefull retreat leaving the bodies of their Commanders dead upon the place many of their Souldiers killed and wounded Whereupon on the said 9th of October my Lord Generall called a Councell of warre where it was resolved for us to issue forth and to beat them out of their next workes approaching to ours The order was to fall out in two distinct bodies of five hundred Musqueteers apiece commanded under my charge by two Colonells Lambert and Rainsborow who with Major Forbess and Major Wren carried themselves very bravely in the business and thus the Lord Generall having placed three troopes of horse to keep off the enemies horse which were quickly drawn into a bodie from annoying our foot marching along about nine of the clock that morning toward the enemies line of approach on every side the enemy abandoning one work after another untill wee had made our selves masters of their Ordnance But as the Sun in its greatest brightness is subject to Eclipses so it fell out with us at this time for the forwardness and violence of our souldiers was abated by about an hundred pikes of the enemie who charging the Van of our foot scatter'd and drave us back again even so as that they regained their Ordnance and enforced us all to a shamefâ—ll retreat neither my self nor the other Commanders being able to stop any one man no if the Kingdome it self had been at the stake In this retreat Colonell Rainsborow was as I conceive either taken prisoner or killed dead and so fallen into some ditch for he could not be found but his mans dead body was found Upon my Lord Generalls order to shut the gates and upon the sense of their own miscarriage a body of our foot was drawn up again which falling again with as much animositie and heat of courage as formerly they had retreated did drive them again out of their workes recovered again all the Ordnance lost and gained beside a half-Cannon and a Demiculverin of brass which wee had not possessed in the first charge even one of their â—orreigne great brazen-staves which now through Gods mercy hath proved a Staff of Reed unto them Upon this change of the Scene of affaires the Marquess
bold resolution to finde him out and fight with him Upon Tuesday those of the Castle kill'd one or two of our men and as Major Knight and Quarter-master Generall Vermeyden were viewing of it made some shot at them and one of them hit the said Quarter-master Generall a little below the ancle but pierced not the skin onely bruis'd his leg That afternoon my Lord of Manchester came himself to Kirkby which is within a mile of Bolenbrook with Colonell Cromwell where also my Lord Willoughby met him and Sir Thomas Fairfax was then at Horn-Castle about five miles off one of his Regiments having the watch at Edlingston about three miles farther but neerer to the enemie My Lord had not been long there before he received a Letter from Sir Thomas Fairfax that an allarm was given to some of our Quarters and that himself had sent out some horse to discover what it might be and would immediately give him a farther account which he did by another Letter about an houre after the partie being returned and could get no information of any enemy neer but conceived it to be a mistake However Sir Thomas resolved to stay there untill the evening and then to come to Kirkby to my Lord. My Lord conceived it fit and so did all those that were with him to give the allarm to all his quarters and to appoint Horn-Castle to be the Allarm-place and then to goe himself immediately thither to Sir Thomas Fairfax and when all their men were thus drawn together to take farther resolutions and so immediately with my Lo. Willoughby and some Officers with him he took horse for Horn-Castle Sir Thomas Fairfax in the mean time getting no intelligence of the enemies approach came away toward Kirkby to my Lord. Before my Lord had reached Horn-Castle the allarm came to him in good earnest that the enemie was fallen into our quarters and was marching toward Horn-Castle Coming neerer the Town he could hear great shouting and noyse which he conceived to be the enemies triumph having beaten our men out of the Town but it proved otherwise for some of our men falling upon the enemies forlorn-hopes though but part of two troopes seeing themselves desperately engaged resolved to put the best face on it and fell upon them with crying and shouting which did exceedingly amaze the enemie and gave our men the easier passage through the midst of them Now my Lord finding the enemie come into his quarters before he could have any certain information where he was and the allarm-place possessed by the enemie he appointed Kirkby and Bolenbrook-hill for all his men to repair unto and accordingly sent word to all the quarters whither all our men came but that night except three troopes that were directed to Stickney and three or four troopes that went by the way of Tottershall and came not in till next morning Many of our troopes came to Horn-Castle according to the first orders but finding the enemie there came away without any loss at all or very little The enemie had fallen into our quarters at Thimbleby and some Townes thereabout where three or foure of our troopes were in a manner surprized but finding themselves ingaged gave so good testimony and proof of their courage and resolution that the enemie had little or no cause to brag of that nights work which being of so memorable consequence I have thought fit briefly heer to relate which was thus Captain Johnson Captain Samuel Moody and Captain Player were three of the commanders of these troopes which the enemie had thus almost surprized in their quarters and were afterward also environed about by the enemie who had gotten between them and the bodie of their horse so that they were forced to break through two bodies of the enemies horse of at least a thousand horse in each body but with admirable courage and resolution they with their troopes charged the enemy crying all of them as before they had agreed among themselves with a shout and loud voyce Come on come on all is our own all is our own which so amazed the enemie expecting some ambuscado that these three troopes brake thorow the first bodie and so thorow the second doing great execution yet lost but three men After that they hasting toward the Town of Horncastle where they thought the Earl of Mâ—nchester was about a mile before they came at the Town they discovered another partie of the enemies horse Heer they discreetly agreed to goe soberly toward them every man making answer to him that asked any question nothing but Friends friends all friends as if they had been of the enemies troopes and were going upon some design it being yet dark therefore when the enemies called to them Who is there the other all answered Friends friends and so they passed but as soon as they were past and thought themselves secure they turned faces about and asked the enemie Who are you for They answered for the King Then said they Wee are for the King and Parliament and charging the enemy fled toward Horncastle and the enemy pursuing followed them to the Town-side there being no forces in the Town on either side but they in the Town had with carts and timber barracadoed the passages into the Town so that by this meanes there was some loss in the troopes being thus unexpectedly put to their shifts but the loss was but little a Cornet and some few others and they brought half a douzen of prisoners with them Which could not but manifest a most evident hand of God in so great a preservation But to proceed All that night wee were drawing our horse to the appointed rendevouz And the next morning being Wednesday my Lord gave order that the whole force both horse and foot should be drawn up to Bolenbrook-hill where he would expect the enemie being the onely convenient ground to fight with him But Colonell Cromwell was no way satisfied that wee should fight our horse being extremely wearied with hard duty two or three dayes together The enemy also drew that morning their whole body of horse and Dragooneers into the field being 74 Colours of horse and 21 Colours of Dragooneers in all 95 Colours Wee had not many more than half so many Colours of horse and Dragooneers but I believe wee had as many men besides our foot which indeed could not be drawn up untill it was very late The enemies word was Cavendish and ours was Religion I beleeve that as wee had no notice of the enemies coming toward us so they had as little of our preparation to fight with them It was about twelve of the clock ere our horse and Dragooneers were drawn up after that wee marched about a mile nearer the enemie and then wee began to descry him by little and little coming toward us But untill this time wee did not know wee should fight but so soon as our men had
knowledge of the enemies coming they were very full of joy and resolution thinking it a great mercie that they should now fight with him Our men went on in severall bodies singing Psalmes Quarter-master Generall Vermeyden with five troopes had the forlorn-hope and Colonell Cromwell the Van assisted with other of my Lords troopes and seconded by Sir Thomas Fairfax Both armies met about Ixbie if I mistake not the Townes name both they and wee had drawn up our Dragooneers and gave the first charge and then the horse fell in Colonell Cromwell fell with brave resolution upon the enemie immediately after their Dragooneers had given him the first volley yet they were so nimble as that within half pistoll-shot they gave him another his horse was killed under him at the first charge and fell down upon him and as he rose up he was knockt down again by the Gentleman that charged him who 't was conceived was Sir Ingram Hopton but afterward he recovered a poor horse in a Souldiers hand and bravely mounted himself again Truly this first charge was so home-given and performed with so much admirable courage resolution by our troops that the enemie stood not another but were driven back upon their own body which was to have seconded them and at last put them into a plain disorder and thus in less than half an houres fight they were all quite routed and forced to run for their lives though they were two for one and as soon as our men perceived them to shrinke they fiercely charged within them all and then I say they ran for it leaving all their Dragooneers which were now on foot behind them Thus our men pursued them and did execution upon them about five or six miles all the way being strewed with broken armes dead men and horses And heer I may not omit to make mention of the rare courage and valour of that most noble Commander Sir Thomas Fairfax who when they first viewed the enemie and saw great odds in their number was so much the more inflamed with godly courage and resolution saying Come let us fall on I never prospered better than when I fought against the enemie three or four to one One hundred of their men to avoid the furie of our men were drowned many were wounded and in one gravell pit above an 100 were hid some there breathing their last breath others less wounded my Lord of Manchester most mercifully gave order that care should be taken of them all And heer it must not be forgotten that some with mortall wounds upon them cryed out The Commission of Aray the Commission of Aray brought us hither full sore against our wills wee were as true servants to the Parliament and our Religion and liberties as any in England and woe to those that were the cause that Lincoln and Yorkshire became a prey to the enemie wee die as true friends to the Parliament as any Two hundred horse were found left in the Castle their riders being all fled many hundreds fled into the waters up to the arme-holes they that lay slain in the high wayes were very many and divers of qualitie for there were brave bodies stript naked Sir George Bowles was slain and Sir Ingram Hopton Colonell Shelley was taken prisoner among those taken out of the water and Colonell Ayres the number of horse taken in all were about 2000 of prisoners about 1000 and as many slain of armes 1500 and not 100 of the enemies 't was verily believed to be found in a body of 94 Standards 35 were taken Wee lost very few of our men none of note wee hardly found above one officer hurt and that was Colonell Cromwells Captain-Lievtenant Our foot were not drawn up to the place where the fight was untill after the fight and chase was over Horse and foot though very weary marched on toward Horncastle where my Lord lay that night with all the foot his horse being sent to their old quarters in the Townes adjoyning And truly both Officers and Souldiers did their dutie that day singularly well and bravely my Lord himself also took wonderfull paines in bringing the business to this foresaid pass in drawing up all the foot to have relieved the horse in case they had been put to straits and had needed it But God himself did all taking away the enemies hearts and giving resolution and courage to our men to him therefore be all the honour and glory of this famous victorie Now whiles these things were thus in agitation the noble Lord Fairfax had a Letter brought unto him which was intercepted written by that ignoble Popish Lord Widrington the then present Governour of Lincoln in which Letter writing to his great Lord the Marquess of Newcastle he confirmes by his own confession the truth of this great victorie Another Letter was also intercepted written by Generall Hinderson also to the Governour of Newark The former Letter enforming Newcastle that the loss of all Lincolnshire and Yorkshire too was in a great hazard especially if he were forced to quit Hulls siege too and in his said Letter also certifying the loss of divers of their prime Commanders for certain slain in the foresaid battail Hindersons Letter also importing a pitifull complaint of his loss in the said fight and assuring the Governour of Newark that since the fight he was not able to rally or get together hardly 400 men of all his former great and numerous forces And that which addes extraordinarie lustre to the honour of our wonder-working God and which I may not heer by any meanes omit It pleased the Lord by his admirable providence so to order it that both this great victorie at Horncastle and that brave victorie also obtained by the most renowned Lord Fairfax at Hull under the command of that most worthy and expert Commander Sir John Meldrum were bestowed by the Lord our God upon his people and Parliament upon one and the same day namely Wednesday October 11 1643. And now to goe on About the 16th of October 1643. came Letters from Gloucester to London with most credible intelligence that the truly valiant and magnanimous Commander Colonell Massie that ever to be honoured and renowned Governour and by Gods wonderfull assistance maintainer of Gloucester having true intelligence that about a regiment of the Kings Welch forces were come to Tewksbery intending to fortifie and quarter themselves there and to make that Town winter-Garrison This noble and most vigilant Colonell being very desirous to be rid of such unfriendly and unruly neighbours speedily and privately drew forth a considerable partie of horse and foot from Gloucester and marched with them to Tewksbery where he sodainly and resolutely fell upon the enemie slew above 30 of them took many prisoners and forced the rest to flie for their lives some of whom were in that their hastie flight drowned in the river Severn He also took
siege at Wem whose courageous spirits were so supported and transported beyond themselves as did much admire and daunt the enemie there being no such thing expressed as any desire or willingnesse to entertain or embrace the motion of a parley or treaty with the enemy seeming all to be as of one mind resolved to fight and stand it out to the last man 8. The great slaughter and execution which was performed upon the enemy when they set upon Wem there being six cart loads of dead men carried away at one time besides the wounded and as it is said there were fifteen found buried in one grave neer the Town-workes and divers were seen dead and stripped lying upon the ground the next day And that little execution which was done upon our men whereof we lost not above three in the Town Major Marrow and one Souldier and one boy and we had very few others hurt 9. The qualitie of the persons slain or wounded even such as were most eminent or considerable Col. Win certainly slain his Major Vaughan wounded in the ribs one of Winters Captainâ— shot in the back Captain Davison taken prisoner since dead Captain Francis Manley shot in the leg Captain Ellis of Oswestray wounded some say slain Captain Jones slain as some say Colonell Scriven slightly wounded Sir Richard Willis Major Trercon and Major Braughton wounded as some report the certainty I cannot affirme their Cannoneer shot in the leg Captain Chapman taken prisoner who was Captain Lievtenant to Colonell Woodhouse exchanged for Captain Zanchie Captain Lievtenant Smith a Papist who was Captain Lievtenant to Sir Rich Willis Colonell Scrivens Captain Lievtenant taken prisoner a Gentleman of good quality shot in the back at Leighi-bridge 10. The various circumstances of admiration which happened during the fight wherein the Lords hand is much to be acknowledged First One of their great Cannons or Morter-pieces or both as it is reported brake with the first shot sure I am that part of the carriages of one or both of them was broken and left in the lane Secondly The mighty execution which our Cannon did upon the enemies whereas their Cannon and Morterpiece though discharged did no execution at all having as it should seem no commission from heaven to touch any of those that fought the Lords battail Thirdly A Cannon discharged in the night by Col. Mittons order intended to give Sir William Brereton and his Souldiers who were marching warning that the Town was not taken and onely levelled at one of the enemies fires as some report dismounted one of the enemies Cannons wounded their Cannoneer in the knee or leg Fourthly A barrell of powder was blown up which burned or wounded 15 of their men whereof 12 dyed Fifthly The confessions and acknowledgements which the Lord extorted out of the mouthes of some dying men as it is reported of Colonell Winter that he should reply to some who were lamenting their misfortune to be repulsed by a few that there were more with them in the Town than against them for God was with them and divers other expressions to the like purpose Sixthly Others confidently report that one of their Cannons taking fire twice or thrice yet could they not procure the same to be discharged wherewith they were much amazed and did draw off their pieces and retreated All this I thought fit heer thus particularly to relate as a just and rare monument of Gods power and providence in thus taking the proud and self-conceited wickedly wise ones of this world in their own accursed craftiness and still as hath been clearly seen and shewen all along in this narration making good and ratifying to the full that of the holy Prophet David an excellent place appliable most fitly to the vain and prophane enemies of Gods truth in these our dayes Surely men of low degree are vanity and men of high degree are a lie to be laid in the ballance they are altogether lighter than vanity Trust not therefore in oppression and become not vain in robberie But to goe on About the 14th of this instant November came credible information by letters to London from the most noble Earl of Manchesters forces in and about Lincâ—lnshire that about 4000 of the said renowned Earles horse being then quartered about Newark had dâ—iven away most of the cattle bâ—asts sheep and horses from about all those parts unto Bostâ—n and Lincoln thus to shorten and necessitate the garrison in Newark of provision And that the Lord Willoughbie of Parrhaâ— had taken Bullingbrook-castle from the Newcastellian Cormorants As also that brave and most valiant Commander Sir Thomas Fairfax with about 12 troopes of horse was now gone into the West-Riding of York-shire where a partie of the never-sufficiently praised Manchesterians and other loyall Lanca-shire forces appointed to meet him for the farther advancement of some great designe in those parts and for the further terrour of the Popish and atheisticall Newcastellian forces whose formerly reputed formidable and flourishing armie was at that time as was most credibly and frequently enformed in a very tottering torn and declining condition for that upon the mustering thereof hee could hardly bring together 7 or 8000 horse and foot into a complete body And therefore no wonder that he had sent so many Letters to Oxford one whereof was for certain intercepted by the Parliaments forces whereby he signified that unless his Majestie did move with his Armie very speedily that way to his assistance all the Northern parts would be totally lost especially also because he found the gentrie of Yorkshire much discontented and most unwilling to march out of their own County which indeed was a rare mercie also and a great overture of things there by the good providence of our God thus ordering it And for the farther confirmation heerof about the 16th of November 1643. came certain intelligence to London by Letters out of the remoter Northern parts that above an hundred Gentlemen and substantiall Freeholders well mounted were gone out of Northumberland into Scotland and had listed themselves under one Colonell Welden a Northumberland Gentleman to come in with the Scots and that the generalitie of the people of those parts were even impatient till our brethren of Scotland were come in among them their burthens having been so intolerable by reason of the Popish armie and their so insolent carriages over them that they now longed exceedingly to be eased thereof Yea and that divers other Gentlemen in other Northern Counties had declared themselves some privately and some publikely that they would now no longer assist the King especially in regard of that horrible and accursed Cessation which he had made with the most abominâ—bly bloudy rogues and rebells of Ireland The Gentlemen that then did lay down their armes in a publike manner were as was credibly enformed Sir Edward Hussey Mr Sutton Sir Philip Therold with divers others of like quality as then in discretion forborn to be
any Aid or Assistance to the maintenance of that unnaturall War raised against the Parliament And all pardons granted to any such person or persons And all other Acts or things whatsoever contrary to or in derogation of the Proceedings of both or either of the Houses of Parliament which have passed under the said Great Seal since the removall thereof from the Parliament shall be and are heerby declared to be utterly Invalid void and of none effect to all intents and purposes And that all and every act or thing which after the publication of this Ordinance shall passe by or under the said Great Seal or under any Great Seal of England other than what is heerby appointed and established shall be utterly voyd frustrate and of no effect and every person or persons which shall put the same in use or shall claime any thing thereby shall be held and adjudged a publique Enemy of this State And be it further Ordained by the said Lords and Commons that a great Seal of England already by them made and provided shall be forthwith put in use and shall be and is hereby authorized and established to be of like force power and validity to all intents and purposes as any Great Seal of England hath been or ought to be And that it shall be put into the hands and custody of the persons hereafter named who are heerby Ordained Commissioners for that purpose that is to say John Earl of Rutland and Oliver Earl of Bullingbrooke Members of the House of Peers and Oliver St Johns Esquire His Majesties Solicitor Generall John Wilde Sergeant at Law Samuel Brown and Edmund Prideaux Esquires Members of the House of Commons which said persons or any three or more of them whereof one Member or more of the Lords House also one Member or more of the House of Commons shall be present shall have and are heerby Authorized to have the Keeping Ordering and disposing thereof as also all such and the like Power and Authoritie as any Lord Chancellour or Lord Keeper or Commissioner of the Great Seal for the time being hath had used or ought to have Ordered by the Commons in Parliament that this Declaration Touching the Great Seal be forthwith printed and published H Elsynge Cler. Parl. D. Com. And for the more legall and authentick proceeding heerin the Parliament swore a new Clerk of the Crown Mr Willis the late Clerk of the Crown and Mr Augar his deputy having absented themselves who as soon as he was sworn according to the Act for a trienniall Parliament did swear those Commissioners of the Great Seal as that act doth direct every Lord Keeper or Commissioners of the Great Seal to swear when they enter upon the custody of the Seal Thus prudently and providently was this business of so great weight and consequence carried And now to proceed Although it pleased the Lord that that most noble and renowned Commander Sir William Waller had not that success at Basing-House in Hampshire by reason of the most impregnable strength of the baracadoes and fortifications in and about it which was expected and bravely endeavoured Yet about the midle of this November wee had credible information by Letters from thence that before Sir William had drawn his foot forces from before the said Basing-House and voluntarily raised that Siege Sir William having certain intelligence of the arrivall of the Lord Saulton a Scotish Popish Lord on Sussex coasts who had been in France to promove the Popish designes in England and was now landed and making for Oxford but was happily met with about Newbery by the troopes of horse sent out by Sir William to way-lay him where they apprehended him and about ten or twelve horse with him together with a summe of about 4000 li in money as was most credibly enformed with whom also were found Letters of great importance and concernment who with his Letters was forthwith safely sent up to London to the Parliament to be secured in safe custody by them About the 20th of November 1643. a Letter was sent to the honourable House of Commons in Parliament and directed to the honourable William Lenthall Esquire Speaker of the said House concerning a great fight at Mount Stamford neer Plimouth at which fight though the said Fort was lost to the enemie yet in regard of the brave defence of it and the singular good event which notwithstanding the loss thereof it produced I have heer most justly thought fit to insert the relation of it as a rare Parliamentarie-Mercie as it was sent in a Letter I say to the Speaker of the House of Commons in Parliament together with the Copie of a Vow and Covenant which the Deputie Lievtenants Commanders Townsmen and Souldiers took to live and die in the defence of the Town of Plimouth which were as followeth The Copie of a Letter sent from the Commander in chief of the Town and Port of Plimouth to the Honourable William Lenthall Esquire Speaker of the House of Commons concerning the great fight at Mount Stamford SIR SInce my last unto you of the 28th of October 1643. the enemie hath pressed hard upon us against Mount Stamford workes with their great Ordnance and began to play against the same on the Sabbath day last being the 5th of November hoping by that means to perform what the hellish plot of the Popish-Gunpowder-Treason should have done They played so hard against it all that day with batteries and it being not any way made to endure the same that some of our Guns they dismounted and some clogged with earth which fell upon them so as wee could not make use of any of them in so much that on the morrow they surrounded the Worke fell on with all their strength of Horse and Foot upon all quarters yet the chiefe Commander of the Fort behaved himselfe so bravely that three times he forced them to retreat and could wee have got any indifferent reliefe over the Water in any reasonable time wee had kept the Fort. Yet neverthelesse the Enemy sent a Parley three times before the Captain would accept of it Then conditions were made That all Souldiers should march away with their Armes flying Colours and Bullet in their mouths and that the Captain should have any one piece of Ordnance away that he would make choice of The Enemy lost foure or five Captaines before the Fort besides divers other Officers and many Souldiers Wee lost at that time no Officer of note onely one Lievtenant killed with a great shot and divers Souldiers taken prisoners which were all exchanged the next day for some of their own men that we had formerly taken I beleeve they will not brag much of their victory by getting that Worke for wee are now better and in more safety in the Towne than before For wee were forced to keepe a Leager there and continually to relieve them so that our men were forced to very hard duty to keepe all the
improvement wee can make of this our voyage for the honour of our good God in briefly observing and admiring the menacing molestations and shrewd brushes and disturbances which the advers waves and boysterous billowes rocks and sands of most wicked and ungodly proud presumptuous enemies of this Ark labouring to overtop or overturn it yet now by the Lords almightie and irresistible power and sweet protection all those proud waves were broken the rocks removed and the devouring sands securely evaded Both in the good hand of God first Uniting and associating the Counties of Hampshire Sussex Surrey and Kent and ordaining renowned Sir William Waller Commander in chief over them Secondly In the Parliaments pious care and providence for the welfare of forein English Plantations Thirdly In causing a considerable number of English-Irish-Protestant Souldiers transported out of Ireland and landed at Bristoll to fight against the Parliament to revolt from the Kings designes by them and really and readily to turn to the Parliaments-side against the Parliaments enemies Fourthly In that brave defeat given by the Parliaments forces in Shropshire and Cheshire to that proud and unsuccessfull upstart Lord Capell Fifthly In the most successfull pious and renowned Earl of Manchesters spoyling and bereaving of that pernicious Town of Newark of their provision the taking of Bullingbrook-Castle the declining and perishing condition of proud and Popish Newcastles armie and the notable defection of the Gentrie of â—orkshire and other Northern-Counties from the Kings partie Sixthly In the admirable contrary effects which the wisdome of the Lord our God caused the accursed Cessation of armes in Ireland to bring forth which mainly appeared in the Parliaments perfecting and producing their former long intended new Broad-Seal of England and the hopefully happie effects thereof Seventhly In renowned Sir William Wallers brave prize taken about Newbery The most excellent effects which the loss of Stamford-Mount at Plymouth produced And renowned Colonell Rigbies famous victorie at Thurland Eighthly The brave atchievements and victorious performances of the little Town yet greatly renowned Garrison at Pool in Dorsetshire Ninthly The happie re-establishment of the renowned Earl of Warwick in the place of Lord high Admirall of England for the singular securitie and safety of the Kingdome as well by sea as by land Tenthly The brave exploits of the valiant Governour and Garrison of Warwick Castle Eleventhly The most successfull proceedings and brave atchievements of those two renowned Colonells and Commanders Sir William Brereton and Sir Thomas Midleton Twelfthly and lastly the most prudent and provident Ordinance of Parliament granting out Letters of Mart by Sea for the better hindrance of the accursed designes of our Oxonian adversaries in the rebellious and most bloudy Kingdome of Ireland And now tell mee good Reader dost thou not see plainly by all these premised passages and apparent prints of Gods providence The Lord sitting as a most prudent and propitious Pilot at the Stern of his Ark and graciously and gloriously carrying it on safely and securely through the midst of all these molesting and raging waves of wicked men and all their most desperate and devillish designes against it whereby wee may and must most justly and ingenuously acknowledge with the sweet Psalmograph the holy Prophet David Thou O Lord art our safe and secure hiding-place Thou alone dost preserve us from troubles Thou dost encompasse us with songs of deliverance But to proceed The first thing wherewith I shall begin this Moneth of December shall be that happie and blessed business to this Kingdome of fully confirming and setting on foot the new Great Seal of England But before I come to the present relation of what was more fully setled and confirmed therein Give me leave good Reader to acquaint thee with what formerly past about it in Parliament namely That about the midst of October last when as the Commons debating on the speedie putting it in execution they considered a collection of certain Acts then read setting forth the power and use of the great Seal of England and reviewed their former votes touching the absence of the other great Seal at Oxford the substance of which former votes having relation to what was then farther agreed upon I have thought fit heer to insert Resolved on the Question 1. That the great Seal of England ought to attend the Parliament 2. That the absence of it hath been a cause of great mischiefes to the Common-wealth 3. That a remedie ought to be provided for those mischiefes 4. That the proper way is by making a New great Seal And they then proceeded to some farther votes touching the same which were to this effect Resolved on the Question That the great Seal at Oxford be disanull'd and what ever act or thing hath passed under it since it was carried away from the Parliament to be voyd and of none effect and that an Ordinance of Parliament be forthwith drawn up to that purpose By which Vote those late thundring Proclamations against the Parliament and well-affected Subjects of the Kingdome and the many new honours conferred on c. and many others at Oxford for their good service in withholding his Majestie from his Parliament and fostering this unnaturall rebellion against the Parliament Kingdome thereby occasioning the death of many thousands of his Majesties good and loyall subjects will fall flat to the ground Also resolved on the Question That Commissioners of both Houses of Parliament be forthwith appointed viz. Three of the House of Peeres and six of the House of Commons if the Lords so think fit to have the trust of the new great Seal which is to reside with the Parliament for the use of the Parliament and Kingdome And lastly resolved on the Question That the House of Peeres be forthwith desired to nominate such members of their House to joyn with a proportionable number of the Commons House as Commissioners for the said New great Seal and that all businesses proper to the Seal be dispatched by them or by order of both Houses All which was accordingly ratified not long after as was manifested in the Ordinance of Parliament for the great Seal forementioned After which long and serious agitation consultation and debates in both Houses of Parliament a Declaration from both Houses now fully resolved on and the Lord Ruthen Earl of Kent being with full approbation of both Houses chosen and made a Commissioner thereof in stead of the Earl of Rutland first chosen who upon some scruples of conscience objected by him was acquitted of that service and the Ordinance of Parliament accordingly altered The new great Seal was now I say delivered to the Commissioners of both Houses of Parliament for the putting thereof into due execution viz. To the Earl of Kent and the Earl of Bullingbrook for the House of Peers Mr Saint John Sollicitor Generall Mr Serjeant Wilde Mr Prideaux and Mr
coming upon them also who accordingly hearing of his coming upon them indeed drew themselves into a body upon a hill to face our brave Colonell but on his neerer approach they retreated hastily to their Garrison at night where somewhat late Col. Massey valiantly coming on setting on them found the enemy all mounted yet gave the word so fell on them and put them all to flight toward Bristoll with great terrour of whom he took onely 11 or 12 prisoners â—lew some 5 or 6 but all the Officers being well mounted and by reason of the extraordinary darkness it being also a very rainy night made their escape and left that government also for Col. Massey to quarter in that night After all this the gallant Colonell marched back to Gloucester contrary to the hopes of Sir John Winter aforesaid and the rest of that â—action in the Citie of Gloucester who had secretly and treacherously sent to all quarters of the Forrest Monmouth and Herefordshire to march presently to Gloucester on hope by the assistance of a fly partie aforesaid in the Town now in the Governours absence to have surprized the City as by the sequell may easily appeare For that very night the Governour had intelligence that the enemy in the Forrest was advanced three miles toward Gloucester and upon their march thither he then not thinking on or hearing of any such purposed plot by the enemy who thereupon who thereupon commanded a Captain at one of the clock at night to draw 50 or 60 Musketteers from off the guards and to advance that way some three miles off to make good a House upon the passage to the Citie but ere the said Captain came to Mr Cooks House at Heighham he encountred the enemy both foot and horse drawn up in a broad lane upon whom he commanded fire to be given and sodainly slew one of the enemies Captains and 3 or 4 Souldiers more at the very first charge But the enemy so sodainly and unexpectedly meeting with this partie sent out as aforesaid by this prudent provident Governour sodainly retreated to Huntley where Sir John Winter in person much amazed at that change with all speed also marched away in such a confused manner at the approach of about 14 or 15 of the Governours horse that they fell in among them also slew 7 or 8 of them carried 9 or 10 of them prisoners to Gloucester and so that plot was by Gods mercy thus happily prevented and the enemie discomfited About the 10th of this instant December came credible information by Letters and other intelligence from Plymouth to London that upon that Lords-day was a seven-night before about 2 or 3 of the clock in the morning the enemie under the command of the Devill and Lord Digbie then chief Commander there gave an assault on the Town and set upon the weakest Forts thereof and at last took by force the Fort called the Lorde-fort and forced the Town and Souldiers to a retreat But upon this alarm the whole Town was readie standing on their guard and by break of day made a â—ally out with very great courage against the enemy being 2000 foot and 800 horse with undaunted spirits and resolution either to recover their â—oâ—s or lose their lives and so fell most furiously upon them but the enemie unwilling to endure such a fierce sodain shock quickly retreated and our men soon regained their work and Ordnance and upon the enemies disorderly retreat our horse came on very valiantly seconded and maintained by the Musketteers and so most bravely routed the enemie so that some fled into the water and mud and myre and whatsoever way seemed best to make an escape and save their lives of whom 25 were found dead on the place 40 prisoners taken 80 horse besides many armes and severall barrells of powder and other prizes God undoubtedly fought for them for the enemie was at least six for one of ours the most brave and valiant Governours horse was twice shot under him yet he most undauntedly came safely off by Gods good providence and returned home most victoriously for this time secure from the danger of the enemie praised be the Lord for it Much also about the same time came certain intelligence by Letters from Northampton that a partie of horse issued out of the garrison at Northampton in the night time to fall upon the enemies quarters at a place called Dunscot a mile and half from Tociter whither being come they valiantly fell upon their grand-quarter killed 15 or 16 on the place took 17 prisoners and wounded divers took 35 horse gave them alarms in most of their quarters round about and so retreated without the â—oâ—s of one man And this defeat so affâ—ighted the enemie that when ours â—ent out a partie of but 10 or 12 horse they would make them all quit a Town where they quartered yea though fire were but given on the Sentimells in so much that they were constrained to remove their quarters more toward Banburie Such a spirit of fear and terrour possest them upon this onely defeat About the 14th of this instant came also most certain information to London by Letters and other infallible testimony of the great and famous victory through Gods good providence obtained by the Parliaments forces under the command of renowned Sir Wil Waller against the Kings 〈◊〉 under the command of the Lord Graford at Alton in Surrey which being in speciall related by a Messenger sent by Sir Will. Waâ—â—er himself to the Parliaments Committee for the safety of both Kingdomes and to divers of the House of Commons and by them ordered to be printed published I have been thought fit to give the Reader the relation thereof from the said Copie together with some small additions of another authentick relation thereof which came to my hands which was as followeth An exact Narration of the great victory through Gods providence and famous Defeat obtained by the Parliaments forces under the command of Sir William Waller at Alton in Surrey Decem. 13. 1643. against the Royalists ON Tewsday the 12th of this instant Decemb. Sir Will. Waller in the afternoon drew forth his forces into a battalia in Fernham-Park being about the number of 5000 horse and foot among which were the regiment of Westminster whose behaviour and valour in this service is never to be forgotten The manner of the business was exceeding well carryed both by Sir William and all the rest for strictness of appearance and likewise for secrecie in so much that neither the enemie nor any malignant partie could have the opportunitie to understand the least part of their intentions heerin They were upon their march by seven of the clock in the night and in an houres march obtained a heath between Brundon Fernham and there after an houres stay for the foot whose march could not be so quick as the
horse they all marched willingly and cheerfully together till neer one of the clock that night in the way toward Basing but on a sodain were appointed to face toward the South and so toward Alton passing exactly between the hills till they obtained within half a mile of the said Town most privately undiscovered at all by the enemie our Scouts being so diligent that not a person stirring in all those passages was left at liberty to have any opportunity to enforme the enemie of our proceedings and being now in sight of the Town about nine of the clock in the morning wee understood by the Scouts we took that the Lord Craford was in the Town who had there about 500 horse the taking of which Scouts and some of them escaping gave opportunity for the said Lord to shift for himself who conceived himself and all the rest of his forces lost yet unhappily found a private hole by which he made an escape with a partie of his horse about 300 and rode Eastward toward Winchester roade where unexpectedly he met with some of our horse and so was enforced for feare to retreat back again into the Town and fled Southward which our horse perceiving pursued them hard whiles our valiant foote made the woods ring again with the eccho of their loud shoutings for joy There were three or foure of them slain in their flight but being in narrow lanes after half a miles pursuite our men retreated to us having taken about 30 horse and some prisoners In which interim out foot were not idle nor Sir William himself whose rare and politick exploits in this service deserve to be registred with the rest and best of his former brave atchievements and honourable actions The horse were immediately appointed to make good all passages so that the enemie could have no benefit of their accustomed trick of running away but were still taken by our horse when they attempted it Our foot also in the mean time behaving themselves bravely like men with great expedition and resolution beat the enemie out of their workes on the North-west East parts of the Town and possest themselves thereof where they cheerfully displayed their Colours in the face of their enemies and then our men advanced valiantly into the Market-place and the enemie being all Musketteers drew themselves into the works neer the Church where they had double trenches a half Moon and made the Church and a Barn thereby their chiefest refuge and heer grew a very hot fight which was continued neer two houres together by reason of a malignant in the Town who wilfully fired his own barn and other houses thereby to offend our men with the smoak by reason of which smoak indeed wee lost about three men but at last the said fire and smoak abating our men fell closs to their work again and enforced the enemie to retreat into the foresaid Church and barn where they were all taken prisoners The enemies to give them their due made good the Town with much courage and resolution and would not yeeld when they had lost many men so long as their Lievtenant Colonell Boles lived stood to it very stoutly but he being slain in the fight aforesaid and a chief commander besides of theirs much wounded they then began to shrink and then ours came in upon them and became Masters of the Town on all sides and the Town being now thus taken the enemie desired and obtained quarter yet being infected with Irish-rebells and their wonted treacherie one of them after quarter given fired off a pistoll in the said Church against Major Shambrook but by Gods providence he was not killed therewith but hurt in the thigh and hopefull to recover upon which act there was much adoe to keep our men from cutting them in pieces which it was believed they would have done could they have known the Irish from the other In this fight were taken prisoners 700 in the Church neer an 100 in the Barn above an 100 in the field with diverse Irish men and 〈◊〉 men also neer 200 horse a 1000 armes one Colonell one Major one Lievtenant Colonell 13 Captains 3 Coronets one of which with the Princes armes another the Earl of Straffords with divers other Colours hid in the Church There were slain of the enemies neer fortie among whom was Colonell Richard Bolles as aforesaid The enemies word was Charles ours was Truth and Peace The mighty providence of God was marveilously seen in this as in many other mercies toward us for in this fight for a certain truth there were not above five of our men slain and about six wounded and about six scorched with gunpowder by their own negligence And now all this being done as aforesaid our most worthy and renowned Major Generall caused the people of the Town to slight all the workes took the prisoners and tyed them two by two with match and sent most of them to Farnham Castle where they were kept in safe custody till they were otherwise disposed of After this we were credibly enformed that above 500 of these prisoners which Sir William took at Alton took the Covenant and served under Sir William Waller and about 500 more refused it and those prisoners being most of them Irish were afterward sent up to London with the Citie forces who safely and triumphantly conducted them thither One passage heerin I may not omit viz. That a little before this designe and fight the Lord Craford had begged the favour of our most worthy Major Generall to let him have a Hogshead of Sack which noble Sir William with a loving complement sent accordingly unto him which the Lord Craford caused to be carefully kept for his own drinking but by reason of this sodain and unexpected company coming thus to visit him he was struck with such a panick fear that he left the wine behinde him without any complement to be again at Sir Williams disposall but after the fight and his flight to Winchester their head quarter he sent a Letter to Sir William Waller to this effect SIR I Hope your gaining of Alton cost you dear It was your lot to drink off your own Sach which I never intended to have left for you I pray you favour me so much as send mee mine own Chiruâ—geon and upon my honour I will send you a person suitable to his exchange Sir your servant Craford Winton Decemb. 16. 1643. And soon after the said fight Sir Ralph Hopton also writ a Letter to Sir William Waller from his Quarters at Winchester which was to this purpose SIR THis is the first evident ill success I have had I must acknowledge that I have lost many brave and gallant men I desire you if Colonell Boles be living to propound a fit exchange if dead that you will send mee his corps I pray you send me a list of such prisoners
and the holy Ghost being there found were zealously confounded and turned as they deserved into base rubbish And as the work went on the wife of one Dr Blessenden a Prebend of that Church came in very devoutly and cryed out Oh hold your hands I pray what hurt do these images spoyl not such a fair and beautifull Church and when shee saw a man strike at the image of Christ lying in a manger shee screekt out as was credibly enformed to her Popish husband who thereupon came into the Cathedrall and according to accursed custome no doubt began to plead for Baal those Popish images telling them that were there of the lawfulness of them from the Cherubims in the Temple But whiles he was must seriously and sottishly disputing thus with some godly Ministers then present to assist the Commissioners he grew very sick of this dispute and was fain to give way to the work which went on most fervently After his departure they fell upon 7 large images of the Virgin Mary pictured in the window over the steps going into the Quire all which were in severall as glorious shapes as paint and Art could make them with Angells lifting her up to heaven with these inscriptions Gaude Maria Sponsa Dei c. And under her feet were placed the Sun Moon Starres and in the bottome of that window this inscription In laudem honorem beatissimae Virginis c. And heer now there came in a Petty-Canon and shot off his pety-canon or his fools bolt told them they exceeded their Commission but they soon sent him away with a flea in his ear and a mote in his eye much vext and perplext to see his Demi-gods Semi-Saints so coursly handled After this they came to a most gorgeous and idolatrous image of Thomas Becket forsooth that arch-traytor to the King which they also instantly defaced and demolisht and so went on most zealously and religiously in ruinating and turning into rubbish all those monuments of idolatrie in that Cathedrall blessed be the Lord for it December also the 20th 1643. came certain intelligence by letters from Hull to London that those two right valiant and magnanimous Commanders Sir Thomas Fairfax and Sir John Meldrum about noone time of the day assisted by some men by water sent unto them by the most noble Lord Fairfax from Hull sodainly and successfully stormed the Town of Gainesborough in Lincolnshire took therein 500 armes store of other ammunition together with 260 prisoners common-Souldiers besides the Lord Caworth Col. Saint-George the then Governour of the said Town also Lievtenant Colonell Royalston Major Hern and Major Chappell 16 Captains 2 Lievtenants 2 Ensignes and other inferiour Officers Another brave gale of winde indeed besides that of Alton lately mentioned to fill the sailes of our floating-Ark and make it sail on the more chearfully through the boysterous billowes of the Kingdoms intestine broyles praised for ever be the Lord of hosts for it And heer good Reader give mee leave to tell thee and to desire thee to take serious note and observation of it That ever since that accursed Cessation in Ireland with those most barbarous and inhumanely bloudy Rogues and Rebells and the Kings so tender respect unto them as to terme them his Catholick Subjects and contrariwise the Parliament but a pretended Parliament and them and all their loyall adherents traytors and rebells the righteous God of Heaven hath never prospered any design of moment which his Majestie or his accursed Cormorants have taken in hand but still they have been most unsuccessful and put to the worst every way and every where For besides the many marveilous forementioned victories which God hath most graciously given to the Parliaments partie ever since that so odious unreasonable cessation which have been in their proper places before related Now also about the 20th or 22th of this instant came certain information by Letters and other indubitable intelligence from Northampton to London that pious and valiant Serjeant Major Skippon with a partie of the most renowned Citizens of London who for their admirable valour fidelity and constancy to the Common-wealth and for the maintenance of the true Religion preservation of the known Lawes indeed and liberties of this Kingdome especially now in these modern times when the Kingdome has most need of them are no whit inferiour to the most famous ancient conquering Romanâ—s being and returning successfull and victorious where soever they be together with a partie of the valiant victorious Northampton forces also had most courageously stormed Grafton-House a place of great strength and consequence being also the Queenes own jâ—yuter and after much hard service and many most furious assaults made upon it they having also sent a partie at the same time to face Tociter that so they might prevent all relief from coming to Grafton at last most victoriously obtained the same and took prisoners therein Col. Sir John Digbie a rank noted and most active Papist and brother to that arch-traytor and incendiarie George Lord Digbie Col. Sir Edward Longervile and 5 Colonells more above 300 common-souldiers 600 armes 6 piece of Ordnance 80 brave horse besides many brave sadle-horse together with many other rich things of great worth and estimation which were all left for plunder to the valiant Souldiers and which they had and divided among themselves most merrily This brave victory together with that at Alton could not choose but be a singular encouragement to our other London trained-bands and auxiliaries who now about the 23th of this instant December were designed by an Ordinance of Parliament enabling the Militia of London thereunto to send forth such regiments of horse and foot as they should think fit for the farther relief and supply of Sir William Waller and about this time they did accordingly send forth the White and Yellow Regiments of the â—ained hands auxiliaries in the roome of those who had lately returned home as you heard before By which Ordinance of Parliament the City Militia had also power given them to recall the same forces at their pleasure and to proceed against such as refused to goe out according to their votes and the Ordinance of the Militia either by fine or imprisonment as seemed fit to them And that the brave and undaunted spirited Citizen and successfull Commander Colonell Richard Brown was by the said Ordinance appointed to be Serjeant Major Generall of the said Citie-forces And much about this time there fell out another remarkable passage much to his Majesties dishonour since his still persisting in his unnaturall disaffection to his loyall Subjects and iâ—religious affection to the Irish-Rogues and Rebells viz. That the Marquess of Newcastle plotted and contrived by one Colonell Dacre to have corrupted and undermined the valiant and most loyall governour of Nottingham-Castle Colonell Hutchinson to betray the said Castle and Town into the
sent you the originall I preserve by me as a testimony of their unworthy proffers To Colonell Dacre SIR Your propositions sent to me on Wednesday last by Captain Poulton for which you shewed him my Lord Newcastles Commission were so unworthy of a Gentleman so wicked and base that once I thought in contempt and scorne to have forgotten them yet lest my silence may receive too favourable an interpretation from you know and tell your Generall that set you on this brave imployment that I abhorre the thought of treason to my Country though I might thereby grow as great for wickednesse as he tell him I le weare no title but what my faith and vertue purchaseth and I le leave my children an honest though a small inheritance to whom my spotless name not tainted with the foule blot of treason shall be an ornament when the remembrance of all treacherous Apostates shall rot with infamie and I doubt not but my gracious Prince once cured of his mistake will reward my loyall constant faithfulnesse to his Regall Power and Parliament with a larger recompence than he propounds for my corruption if he doe not vertue is its own reward Tell your most Excellent Generall his threats and promises are both alike contemptible to me I feare not those and I hate these I fight not to repaire a broken fortune but to maintain a just quarrell in which may that man perish and fall low as the depth of hell that can be hired to prove unfaithfull tell him if you dare that it had been an imployment more beseeming you or any Gentleman had he sent you with ten thousand armed men to assault our well defended wals than with so many pieces of contemned gold to lay your siege against an honest heare I could honour an enemie for performing brave and gallant things but such attempts as these will render your persons as odious to all honest men as your rebellion and I am sorie you should undertake so base a service as to deserve the just neglect and scorne of John Hutchinson Nottingham Castle Decem. 16. 1643. Postscript Pray Sir send me word what you should have had for the procuring this that I may know at what rate the enemie valueth this Castle To Colonell Dacre SIR You have now convinced me of an errour I once thought it possible that some rash misâ—led young men might still among the Cavaliers have retained a sense of Gallantry and Honour though no Religion and have been enriched with those morall vertue which made the Heathen famous such a one I beleeved you to be but since you can attempt to buy mee to so great a villany as you did in your late propositions by Captain Poulton I must needs be perswaded you would never offer me what you your self would not have done 'T is I confesse strange to me you could imagine that a Christian a Gentleman or a Commonwealths-man would ever prove such a villain as for a little gaudie dirt to sell his soule his honour and his Countrey perish that most contemned gain with all that can accept or offer it Dacre 't was base in you to think so of me I am sure you cannot so mis-interpret any act of mine as to receive from it the least ground of encouragement to such an opinion and had you known my Brother you would have thought it easier for you your self alone to have conquered all the men now fighting in the Kingdome than to corrupt that guard of vertues which protect his constant soule from treacherous thoughts Did you think men of sense will part with reall honour for a Title you are not capable of a religious consideration or I could tell you that our â—ouls redeemed with an unvaluable price are by you most unequally valued at a poore inconsiderable summe of money but your thought cannot reach heaven look upon earth and give me an example where ever any Traytor preserved his foul name from an horrid blot of infamy on him and on his house for ever How can you think He that by you will be corrupted to betray anothers trust will not by another be again corrupted to betray yours Keep your despised coyn to tempt some fraile waiting-woman it may work with her to procure such honest things as you affect but desist these base attempts on men of noble spirits with whom they will but render you as contemptible as your offers Consider the unworthy message you sent and blush at the remembrance of your guilt in it and if yet you have so much worth left in you repent the injury you did to him that was your Friend Farewell that name for evermore between us George Hutchinson Trent Bridges Decemb 16. 1643. To his truly noble friend Captain Poulton Noble Sir I Was in hopes to have waited on you this day but indeed I received an Expresse last night from my Lord Generall wherein I am commanded to wait on his Excellency neer Chesterfield this day Sir I hope you remember the businesse I sole to you of when you were at my quarter I will engage my selfe upon my life that what I promised shall be really performed if you please but to consider and truly value the business I make no question but I may obtain my desires which I will assure you is not for any particular ends but in the first place to serve my gracious King and then my friends which I will assure you I shall ever esteeme your Lievtenant Colonell and your selfe to be desiring very much to heare from you by this bearer wishing us all to agree for upon my word it troubles me to think that all honest men should not be of one side Which the Lord grant that we may all be I remaining alwayes Sir Your most humble servant Richard Dacre Watnell Friday morning the 15. of December My humble service to my truly noble friend your Lievtenant Colonell and tell him I wish him as my owne soule To Colonell Dacre SIR Had the Cavaliers since found out away to performe their promises better than they did at Bristoll Gainsborough c. you might have had some hopes of a young man whose best fortune is his sword but so unworthy have their dealings ever been so little faith and honour doe you give testimony of in tempting me to act such things as gallant men would not accept if offered that I must tell you these unworthy wayes you take to advance your cause are but so many confirmations to me in this I do maintain against you He that fights for honour not for plunder to which the Dutch Prince hath well trained all your armies would scorne to receive his enemies Fort on any conditions but such as were purchased by his prevailing valour not undermining treachery to which Sir I am as unflexible as you to worth and goodnesse The Governour I beleeve and his brother have returned you their answers and you may in this receive the negative resolution of Thomas Poulton Nottingham Castle
December the 16. 1643. Thus wee see what wayes these irreligious and perfidious Court-Cormorants take to devour and destroy all in their Harpeian-reach and to compass this wicked designe by such base dishonourable aymes and meanes just as that ravenous Prince Ruperts or rather Prince Robbers underhand dealings to betray Bristoll The Earl of Crafords base agreement with loyall Capt. Sydenham to betray Pool C. R. to a writing to betray Aylesbery George Lord Digbie subscribed in a Letter to Sir John Hotham to betray Hull and this most unworthy endeavour to have basely obtained this Town and Castle of Nottingham In all which we may most apparently perceive and see our good and gracious great and glorious wonder-working God our most mercifull Shepherd of his Israel who never slumbers nor sleeps but is most wise and watchfull over us for good even then when wee least deserve or desire the same but now to goe on About the 24th of this instant came certain intelligence by Letters from Leicester to London that about an 140 of the Newark and Belvoir Cormorants went into Rutlandshire to plunder and pillage the Country where they took many kine sheep and horses from the Country people which being timely made known to Colonell Waight who most valiantly kept and commanded Burleigh-house upon the edge of that Countie with a competent garrison for the Parliament he issued out of the said House with but about 60 valiant choice men and marched toward them to Strozby-Heath where about he overtook them and sent a trumpet to sound them a challenge but they having more mind to be gone with their prey than to stay and fight went on theâ—â—with Whereupon this valiant Colonell with his resolute Comrades fell courageously on them and so necessitated them either to fight or die and at the very first encounter which was very hot for the time Allen his Capt. Lievtenant so bravely charged them that he mortally wounded Capt. Plunket the vilest villain among all the Cormorants of Bever or Belvoir-Castle or Newark either and one mentioned in the Kings Proclamation in the beginning of this Parliament for a notorious Irish Rebell but now it seem'd come over to fight for the Protestant religion and who was heer made their chief Commander in this robbing designe who immediately dyed of the said wound Colonell Lucas also was sorely cut over the face with a sword and had not his horse been better than himself he had been at that time taken prisoner And upon a second charge Colonell Waight so bravely bestirr'd himself with his valiant associates that though he had his horse shot under him and his Lievtenant shot in the thigh yet they carried it on so resolutely that his enemies betook themselves to their heeles and ran away in the pursuite of whom even to Belvoir or Bever-Castle they slew divers of them took about 60 of their horse 46 prisoners many armes recovered the greatest part of the prey from them wounded many of those that fled and all this without the loss of any one man of theirs and but three wounded About the 26th day following 36 of those prisoners were brought into the Town of Leicester that they might be safelier there kept than at Burleigh-House After this victory thus by Gods mercie obtained the noble Colonell so ordered the business with his Souldiers that all the stoln cattell recovered from the robbing enemies were restored to their proper owners again A most just and laudable act in him and most worthy to be imitated by all the Commanders that fight on the Parliaments side in defence of our Religion propertie and liberties About the 28th of this instant Decemb. came also certain newes from Plymouth that the Kings Cormorants who had long besieged that Town but by Gods admirable providence and protection had been prevented of their pernicious purposes against it had now at last a speciall designe upon it namely to storm it about the 23th of this instant at night whereof their prudent and valiant Governour Colonell Wardlaw having timely intelligence he caused all such persons as were able to bear armes in the Town to stand upon their guard and also drew forth the greatest part of his forces that night who most industriously and undauntedly cast up a sconce against the enemies trenches and in the morning sent out a partie upon the forlorn hope who skirmishing a while with the enemies began to retreat whereupon the enemy supposing they had none to second them followed them close till at last the rest of the Governours forces appeared for their relief and after a very fierce encounter between both parties Plymouth-men being then off from their workes and with remarkable courage enforced their enemies to a very hastie retreat from the Town slew at least an 100 of them in this assault with the loss of not above 16 of their own men and made them heerby quite relinquish the Siege leaving behinde them about 660 of their sick and maimed Souldiers to our mercy which was far greater than their malice and mischief deserved of us who were not able to be conveyed away nor so much as to crawle out of their trenches And upon the day of their deserting this siege departure out of their trenches one Thomas Basset the enemies Major Generall called to one of Plymouth Officers in their workes and bidding them farewell told them that he verily thought God fought against them and said moreover That if he could be convinced that he was not in the right he would hang himself at his door ere he would take up armes in this quarrell on the Kings part Heer yet yee may see was some ingenuity in a seduced Malignant And this was avouched for most true in the Narration of Plymouths siege published by authority of Parliament pag. 13. Thus I say they left the siege and departed some to Plympton others to Modbery and the rest to Tavestock But in their retreat they most wickedly maliciously swept that part of the Country about the Town of all sorts of provisions that possibly they could get within their reach and knowledge not leaving a sheep swine or cowe behind them and to express the depth of this their diabolicall rage and malice they burnt all the hay and corn thereabout thus utterly undoing many poor people who had nothing els to live upon And heer I may not omit one most memorable print of Gods admirable providence to Plymouth in the time of this their long and strait siege but must with all bounden praises to the Lord gladly make mention of it to stirre up others also to help to magnifie and admire the name of our good and gracious Lord God therein which was this That after the Town had been a long time strictly besieged and no fresh victuall either flesh or fish could be had it having pleased God also that the Ships which had long time been sent
made some great shot against the House which caused a parley while the parley was some shot was made from the House which hurt or killed two of Coventrymen Whereupon they left parling and instantly fell to battering the House whereby they kill'd divers of them within and forcibly made their way into the House took about 80 prisoners some horse and all the plunder of the House so returned safely to Coventry Shortly after they issued out again under the command of Colonell Boswell and marched to Bewley-House which was one Mr Sheldens being a very strong hold on the edge of Warwickshire but in the County of Worcester which the enemy had strongly fortified But in brief Coventry forces forced their passage and surprized it and the whole garrison and much wealth and rich pillage therein and all the Irish-Rogues whom they found there they put to the sword and victoriously returned safely home again Much also about the same time namely the beginning of this instant Ianuarie 1643. it pleased the Lord the great and glorious searcher of hearts and discoverer of the most secret and deepest designes of the most politick and pernicious enemies of his Church and children to bless our Kingdome and Parliament in the timely revelation of a very dangerous plot and conspiracie under a pretence of Propositions for peace forâ—ooth to which end there was a new Cross-Petition contrived under a colour of accommodating the differences between the King and the Parliament but thereby in very deed to destroy the Parliament by dividing the City of London from it and by such a combustion to prevent the coming in of the Scots to the ayd and assistance of the Kingdome and Parliament Now the parties who were prime promoters and machinators of this plot were Colonell Read a Jesuiticall Papist and a great Commander in the Rebellion in Ireland and a prisoner to the Parliament but released and then residing at Oxford Sir Basill Brook a notorious Papist also and personally acting also in that Irish-rebellion and a prisoner to the Parliament and who to make his aboad at London the firmer and more immoveable contrived as I was credibly enformed to have an Execution for debt layd upon him that thus without suspect or molestation he might actuate at London in the plot One Mr Violet or rather stinking Varlet a most malignant Goldsmith or rather a Projector in that trade And one Mr Riley a Citizen of London Scout-Master Generall for the Citie of London who had the name and reputation of an honest religious man but in the issue of this discourse will be found to appear either a very simple fool or a notorious hypocrite and down-right deep dissembler The place of meeting was at the three-Cranes in the Vintrie and at The Man in the Moon The way and manner of contrivance thereof was first that Mr Riley being in much credit in the Citie must be a means to get this Irish-Rebell Read out of prison by whose meanes for the better effecting of their plot he being at liberty an address was easily made to my Lord Generall that one Captain Read a poor old man taken by the Earl of Manchesters forces tonight be exchanged for one that was a Quarter-Master for the Parliaments armie and then in prison at Oxford and was a Scout of Mr Rileys Now my Lord Generall relyed so much on the supposed integrity of Mr Riley that he forthwith granted his Exchange and the Rebell-Read was thereby presently released But before this Read departed out of the City He Mr Riley and Sir Basill Brook had conference together about this designe and it was agreed that Colonell Read should direct his letters to Mr Riley by the name of The Man in the Moon and that one Mr Wood should be the Messenger between London and Oxford This Wood being an apprentice of London living then in the Stocks Read being come to Oxford propounds the designe to his Majestie who instantly called to advise with him the Queen the Lord Digbie a proclaimed traytor and the Dutchess of Buckingham the Arch-Prelate of Canterburies convert forsooth wife to the great Irish-Rebell the Earl of Antrim then at Oxford His Majestie with these rebells and traytors contrived what they should propound to the City to beget Propositions for Peace just such an intended peace as Bynions should have been and thereupon they concluded to write to the City that his Majesty was resolved to maintain the Protestant Religion and that in as ample manner as the Irish-rebells and atheisticall traytors thus admitted to be of his Majesties Cabinet Councell would or could require his Majestie to settle it for the good and content of the whole Kingdome the clean contrary-way Now at the first time of their generall meeting they concluded of the draught of a Letter to the Lord Major and Court of Aldermen from his Majestie full of expressions of love to encompasse the designe to his loyall Subjects the Citizens of London though traytors rebells a little before and this was dispatched by Wood with a Letter from Colonell Read to Mr Riley by the name of the man in the Moon to passe over his Majesties Letter with Sir Basill Brook to put it into such words as they should think fit but Read writ in his Letter to Riley that what he did he should do it quickly for it must be done and concluded before the Scots come in or not at all and withall writ to have Violet set at liberty to come to Oxford to seek an exchange that he might passe to and fro on this occasion They met accordingly and concluded of the Letter for his Majesty to signe of some Propositions Violet was the Clerk that writ them Sir Basill Brook and Mr Riley as was enformed contrived them Mr Riley loses no time but applies himself to Sir Arthur Hasâ—erig and propounds Mr Violet in exchange for a brother of his Mr Hasterig prisoner to the pretended Lord Loughborough commonly called Master Hastings and to have leave to goe to Oxford Sir Arthur thinking Mr Riley to be the man he was reputed to be gave way and his libertie was obtained to goe to Oxford to solicite this exchange Violet goes accordingly carries with him the Letter for the King to subscribe and other Instructions and as by his Examination he confesseth he imparted the same onely to the King Queen Dutchess of Buckingham Colonell Read and the Lord Digby who all met together and that he stayed not seven houres in Oxford but returned with the Letter directed to the Lord Major and Aldermen signed by his Majestie under his signet Violet returned and the Letters being imparted to Mr Riley and Sir Basill Brook means was used how to engage others in the plot whereupon Violet attempted to sound Sir David Watkins and soon came to the bottom of honest Sir Davids judgement who told him he did like well of
Propositions of Peace Provided the Parliament was first made acquainted with it Some occasions interposed that deferred the delivery of this Letter whereupon his Majestie was sent unto to signe another Letter of the same which accordingly he did on New-yeares-day and on wednesday after Violet with the advise of Sir Basil Brook was to deliver it to the Lord Major But private Intelligence being given of the designe Mr Riley was apprehended and examined before the Committee at Goldsmiths Hall who denied that he knew of any such Letters or Propositions or that he held any Correspondence with Colonell Read and could contribute nothing to the discovery of the matter At last a Paper dropped out of his pocket with this Direction upon it To the Man in the Moon which Master Sollicitor after some time of respite took up retired and read to himself which Letter discovered the whole business Master Riley being examined the second time confessed the Letter and that by himselfe was meant The Man in the Moon and that the Letter was of Colonell Reads own hand writing Sir Basill Brook was sent for and examined and confessed the whole businesse Violet was not to be found that night but next day he was apprehended and the Kings Letter found about him and upon his examination confessed the whole businesse and what private discourse he had with his Majestie and what private Message was sent from the King by him to Alderman Gibs to promote this businesse His Majestie in his Letter to the Lord Major and Court of Aldermen Courts them by the name of Subjects and takes his rise upon an assurance he had of the inclination of the Committee of the Militia to Peace which he was induced to beleeve by a speech that was made from them and professes the maintaining the Protestant Religion and the confirming the Rights and Priviledges of the Citie though by a Proclamation of the same date his Majestie calls them his rebellious Citie of London and as a token of his favour to them adjourns the next Hillary Terme to Oxford Sir Basill Brook Mr Riley and Mr Violet are committed close prisoners to the Tower and Violet is voted by the Parliament to be first tryed by a Councell of Warre for coming and going as a Spie between Oxford and London The Parliament have voted this to be a Jesuiticall and seditious designe to divide the Parliament and City c. And on Monday Jan. 8. the whole state of the businesse the Letters and Proclamations and Examinations and the Lord Digbies Letter to Sir Basil Brook concerning this designe were all communicated to the Citie at a Common Hall there being eight Lords and sixteen Commons sent as a Committee to make knowne the whole proceedings that all the world may see that the Irish Rebels and Papists are the onely Counsellors his Majesty hearkens unto to drive on and uphold the designe to destroy the Parliament and by consequence the Protestants Religion And that all the world may know it is the Root and Branch of the Protestant Religion they strike at one of Sir John Gells Commanders fell upon two Troopes of the Cavaliers in Darbishire commanded by two Papists took them their men and horses and two Colours In the one of them was an Effigies of a Tree signifying the Protestant Religion and a Cavalier standing at the Root cutting it down with an Axe with this Motto Root and Branch This was shewn and held in the hands of severall of the Members of Parliament in the House of Commons and may therefore be assured for an indubitable truth Thus God our mighty preserver makes good unto us still his most precious and unperishing word of Truth to be with his Church to the end of the world and wherein he will never fail us nor forsake us if we by faith and obedience can wait upon him and walke with him But now to proceed About the 4th of this instant came credible information by Letters from Garnsâ—y to London That whereas formerly it had been certified from thence that Mounsieur lâ— Grange Mounsieur Carey and Mounsieur Haverly three faithfull fast friends to the Parliament in that Island had been treacherously betrayed aboard a ship which came into that harbour by pretence of great friendship to them and the rest of the Islanders but they having gotten these three worthy Gentlemen into the Ship they carried them prisoners into Castle-Cornet there in the custodie command of that perfidious viper of his Native-Country Sir Peter Osborn Since which time they having been kept prisoners there about a moneth space with a purpose as it was credibly reported to have conveyed them shortly after to Oxford they had at last a fair opportunity offered them for an escape which they accordingly took advantage of in this manner The tyde being low about the Castle they made them cords of Match whereof they found great store in a roome whither providence unwittingly to themselves brought them and then coâ—ing to the battlements of the Castle-wall where stood great pieces of Ordnance they fastned one end of their Match to a piece of Ordnance and so ventured down into the river But before they could wade quite-over they were missed and discovered afar off in the river by one Medcalf the Porter of the Castle gate who at the fight of them instantly acquainting Sir Peter Osborn that atheisticall Royalist therewith he presently commanded 3 or 4 pieces of Ordnance to be discharged and shot off at them but neither of them touched either of the Gentlemen but they all three came thus most safely into the Town to their friends on a Lords-day when the people were all at Church and like Peter released admirably out of prison by the Angel and let in to the other Disciples when they were at prayers together for him were most joyfully received and entertained by them They being three of the most prudent and pious protectors of the welfare of that Island which mercifull providence and preservation of almightie God in this their deliverance both from imprisonment and such farther intended imminent danger I conceived most worthy a most thankfull commemoration in this our Parliamentarie-Chronicle And much about the same time came certain intelligence out of Sussex from Arundell to London that the most valiant and renowned Commander Sir William Waller since his fiege of that Castle having received six great pieces of battery from Portsmouth began to play against the said Castle being resolved to make a short work of it and that they within the Castle perceiving he intended to make a battery consulted with their Lord Bishop and Dr Chillingworth that most egregious Popish and Socinian apostate and after the said consultation they desired a parley and that after some disputes between them touching the articles and they now seeing most plainly there was no possible expectation to be relieved by Sir Ralph Hopton the Castle was at
last delivered up to Sir William Waller and all within the Castle left to his mâ—rcie wherein he took prisoners Sir William Ford high Sheriff of Sussex who formerly brake out of Windsor-Castle and had sent a Letter to his Majestie offering to bring him a thousand men and to undertake the conquest of the whole County of Sussex although it be sixty miles in length but before he had gone twelve miles thereof he was caught again for want of a running horse There was also then taken Sir Edward Bishop Colo. Bamfield Lievtenrnt Colonell Roles Major Massey Major Moulines and divers other Gentlemen of qualitie of Sussex There were also taken above fifty Reformadoes that had all Commissions to raise Companies 1200 prisoners and their armes divers Engineers about 4000li. in money great store of other rich prize and pillage And heer now if wee reckon up these our late victories together and the number of prisoners taken wee shall easily see they will amount to at lest a little armie As namely first at Alton 900 at Gainesborough 700 at Grafton 300 at Sir Tho. Holts-House neer an 100 almost as many at Bewly-House by Sir William Constable and Sir John Meldrum in a House in Yorkshire from which Sir Hugh Cholmley ran away at least an 100 and heer now at Arundell-Castle above a 1000 besides what had then lately been taken by Pool Southamptons garrisons which in all may arise to at least 3300 horse and foot besides all the ammunition and armes In most just and serious consideration whereof have wee not great cause to magnifie the mercies of our good God unto us in thus still weakning the armies of our adversaries and strengthning our hands against them And yet again to adde to the lustre of this foresaid famous victory very shortly after the taking of the foresaid Castle it pleased the Lord so to order and dispose of things that Sir Will. Waller seized on a very rich prize by Sea namely a Dunkirk-Ship of a great burthen which had been chased by the Hollanders as was then credibly enformed and was forced into the harbour at Arundell and that not till wee had taken the Castle which Sir William himself went aboard of and found in her about 20 excellent brass pieces of Ordnance an 100 barrells of powder 2000 armes great store of other ammunition divers Commanders and other persons of qualitie together with a great quantitie of linnen cloth as considerable in value as the other prizes which could not but be a singular advantage to Sir William for the present better securing and defence of Arundell-Castle And about the 8th or 10th of this instant came certain information from Leverpool in Lancashire to London that a Ship of the Kings which he had sent from Bristoll to Chester with good store of armes and ammunition most unexpectedly but very happily opportunely came into Leverpool to serve the Parliament the Sailers therein having compelled their Master to put in there which armes and ammunition came very seasonably to help to arme recrute Colonell Ashtons regiment which a little before had received some loss in their valiant performances against the enemies of their Country And about the 12th of this instant moneth of January 1643. the famous and ever to be renowned Citie of London being very sensible of the great care and indefatigable pains of the Parliament in and for the defence and preservation of Religion the whole Kingdome and liberties thereof from that slavery and misery which the Prelaticall and Popish faction would bring upon them and also of their singular vigilancy and great providence and circumspection to discover all plots and secret designes against the Citie and Parliament to divide the one from the other and so to destroy both together and to shew that they are the more inseparably conjoyned and firmly united the one to the other notwithstanding all the joynt endeavours and sly insinuations of the adversaries and in speciall of that late mischievous Machination by Colonell Read that base Irish-Rebell Sir Basil Brook and the rest of that accursed rable as was forementioned The City I say was therefore pleased in the name of the Lord Major Aldermen and Common-Councell their representative-Body by both the Sheriffs some selected Common-Councell-men to make an humble request to the Parliament by way of testimony of their gratitude for the great endeavours as aforesaid of the Parliament for the good of the whole Kingdome to invite them all therefore even of both the Houses to a dinner at Merchant-Taylors-Hall in London on Tuesday or Thursday then next ensuing whether day might best stand most convenient with the great affaires of the Kingdome Expressing farther to both Houses that they desired that that late designe to have divided the Parliament Citie might appeare by this loving action of theirs more firmly to have united them to one another Which motion of theirs was most acceptable to the Parliament as appeared by the answer given them by the Speaker in the name of the House of Commons which in substance was this That the House of Commons had considered the loving expressions delivered by them at the barre in the name of the whole Citie of London manifesting their great esteem of the endeavours of the Parliament and their sense of the late designe of the enemie against both the Parliament and the Citie by such a division to involve both of them into one universall calamity declaring their resolution to continue in a faithfull compliance with the Parliaments good endeavours and to live and die with them in the maintenance of the publick Cause having now also desired them as a testimony of this and to deceive the expectation of their enemies that they would honour them with their presence at a dinner in the City The Speaker therefore told them he was commanded by the House to take notice of the good affection of this great City therein and that the House looked on the invitation as a seasonable demonstration of their love to them and their resolved loyaltie to the Cause and that therefore they were resolved on Thursday then next ensuing to give them a meeting according to the Cities desire And said he that both they and you may lay hold on this opportunity joyntly to acknowledg the continued blessing of God in prospering this Parliament and the City from the secret practises and malicious open designes of their enemies and particularly in this lewd and last discovery they desired that on the foresaid Thursday morning at their intended meeting about eight of the clock there might be in such a place as the City should think fit to make choice of an able godly Minister intreated to preach a Sermon for the commemoration among the rest of Gods manifold mercies of this late and not the least deliverance both of the Parliament and City and indeed therein of the whole Kingdome And
faithfull religious and honourable Pillars of the Truth and maintainers of their rights and priviledges and Patrons of the true Religion appeare with so united a concurrence of hearts and spirits The same morning there was set up in Cheapside in the place where the Crosse formerly stood a standing frame of slight Firre-poles on which were hung up divers Pictures and Trinkets as Crosses Crucifixes Images and Saints Agnus Dei's Beads Whippes and other superstitious Reliques and frivolous inventions of Papists all which with a chest of Popish Books were set on fire at the coming by of the said honourable Persons as a testification of their detestation and hatred of all such Romish and Babylonish superstitions and to declare their intentions to reforme take away those things which may justly incense the wrath of God against us one thing is also very remarkable that after they had been honourably entertained at Merchant-Taylors-Hall and dinner ended in stead of idle Maskings and other such uncomely actions heertofore used at such publike meetings to declare their union of spirit as in the presence of God all both Lords Commons at the godly motion of the reverend Assembly of Divines publikely and unanimously heavenly harmony indeed sung together the 67 Psalme to testifie their thankfulnesse to God A religious president worthy to be imitated by all godly Christians in their both publike and private feastings and meetings And which addes much to the admirable radiant lustre of this so precious a day of rejoycing in the Lord and to make this our joy yet more complete on this very same day of this so rare and fair an Assembly namely the 18th of this instant January our loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland came with their whole armie into England to help the Lord and us his greatly abused servants against our mightie and most malicious enemies All which I mean both this most memorable and unparalleld Love-feast and the seasonable entrance of our brethrens brave armie and all in one day how much they must needs vex the impious Oxonians and all the rest of our motley-Malignants and how great and unexpressible cause they gave of cordiall comfort and enlarged thankes to the Lord to all his Saints and servants I leave to every rationall and honest Reader religiously to judge and consider And for the yet greater and most just glory of God within a day or two after namely about the 20th of this instant both Houses of Parliament to shew their deeply obliged thankfulness to the Lord for that late foresaid great deliverance agreed most piously upon an Order for a publick day of thankesgiving in all Churches in and about London for Gods great mercy in preserving the Parliament and Citie of London from the secret practises and most malicious designes of their foresaid enemies Sir Basill Brook Read Violet and Riley which was immediately printed and published and accordingly performed on the appointed day Much about this foresaid time also came certain intelligence by letters from about the parts of Staffordshire and Namptwich to London of an unhappie defeat given to the Parliaments forces of Lancashire part whereof were enforced to flie to a Church for their farther hoped safety but were there also environed and at last broken in upon and by that base and bloudy pretended Lord Sir John Byron most barbarously put all to the sword at his accursed Turkish command and which was worse to triumph in this his inhumane barbarity he immediately upon this villanous victory of his wrote a Letter to his as base and treacherous brother the mischievous Marquess of Newcastle which was by Gods providence intercepted by noble Sir William Brereton and by him sent to the Honourable House of Commons in Parliament a true Copie whereof in aeternam rei infamiam being afterward printed and published I have thought fit heer to insert for the Readers fuller content and satisfaction A Copie of Sir John Byrons I had almost said Sir John Butchers Letter to the Marquess of Newcastle dated December 26. 1643. My Lord I Have already dispatched two Messengers to your Excellency to give you an account of my proceedings in these parts I am now at Sambich and have thought fit to acquaint your Excellency that Brereton for the relief of Namptwich had so prevailed with the Lancashire-men as to draw thence 1500 foot which I having notice of immediately marched toward him but as soon as I came within sight of him he instantly according to his custome ran away a most intolerable egregious Popish lyer as all men know that know that noble and renowned Commander in great confusion so that now those 〈◊〉 are so dispersed that they are not like to meet together again And I doubt not but by Gods assistance in a short time to clear this Country if your Excellencies forces advance toward Stopford to be able to set footing in Lancashire The rebells had possessed themselves of a Church at Bartumley but wee presently beat them forth of it and I put them all to the Sword Which I finde to be the best way to proceed with these kinde of people for mercy to them is crueltie so indeed sayes Salomon of such wicked ones as Byron I am my Lord your Excellencies most humble servant J. B. But now to come to my intended purpose this forementioned relation being onely an introduction to what followes that this inhumane monster bloudy Byron and all his accursed malicious adherents might clearly see and take notice of a divine providence notwithstanding this his insulting blasphemous Letter which over-powers the greatest potency of the proudest Bragadochiâ—es yea mightiest Monarches in the world which oppose his all-sacred soveraign power and authoritie There came therefore most certain intelligence by Letters out of Cheshire to London of divers brave repulses given to buteherly Byrons forces at the siege of Namptwich by the most valiant besieged Souldiers and Inhabitants of the said Town And shortly after by a Letter under Col. Mittons own hand which was brought to London about Jan. 20th 1643. By which it was for certain advertised That Sir Nic. Byron Governour of Westchester uncle to this foresaid bloudy Byron having heard of the sore repulses and defeats given to their forces at Namptwich which redounded to the great loss of his proud insulting kinsman bloudy Byron as aforesaid at his said kinsmans intreatie Sir Nicholas advanced with a partie of horse and foot from Westchester to fetch in armes and ammunition both to supply his kinsmans wants therein and his own too their Ship being carried to Lerpool as was forementioned which should have supplied those their wants and coming unto a Town called Elsmere neer Colonell Mittons quarters this most valiant and loyall Commander Colonell Mittan drew forth his regiment fell upon the enemies forces aforesaid who were then in the Town he killed above 60 of them in the place took the said Sir Nicholas Byron Commander in
chief Serjeant Major Generall Willis a very considerable Commander even that perfidious run-away Willis taken prisoner formerly at Winchester belonging to the Cavalerian garrison at Shrewsbery and his brother Major Willis Capt. Offley Capt. Hatton Capt. Rixam and another Capt. with an 100 inferiour Officers 250 horse and armes 30 of them being the prime horse of all those parts eight double barrells of powder 700 waight of Match 3 pieces of Ordnance all which he brought safe to Stafford together with all the provision that Sir Nicholas had brought at this time from Shrewsbery for supply of his own and his Cousens wants which indeed renders this exploit more famous and of the greater consequence the enemie in those parts being then in such want of warlike provision as they were About the 23th also of this instant came certain intelligence out of Darbishire by Letters to London that that valiant and most loyall and active Knight and brave Commander Sir John Gell took Burton upon Trent and therein divers Commissioners of the Array being Knights Esquires and Gentlemen of great qualitie in that Countie with about nine-score common-Souldiers their guard much armes ammunition and treasure Colonell Hastings himself hardly escaping by flight This defeat was also so much the more advantageous in that it was very probable to be a meanes to recover three troops of horse of ours then lately surprized at Melton in Leicestershire by exchange and some prisoners to boot Much about the same time came true information to London that Sir Alexander Deyntont house in Oxfordshire called by the name of Hilsden-House was taken by some of the Parliaments forces it being about 14 or 15 miles from Oxford and some 7 or 8 miles from Aylesbury It was taken by a partie that went from Newport-Pannell and some from about Banbury they being in all not above an 100 yet there were in the House an 140 many whereof were then taken prisoners and about an 100 armes but Sir Alexander himself escaped And heer also having happily had the opportunitie of a pretty piece printed and published by Order from this noble and renowned Earl of Manchester I have thought fit to adde and insert some very memorable notes and observations collected and divulged by the said noble and pious Patriot upon the many remarkable mercies of the Lord conferred upon the seven associated Counties Cambridge Essex Hartford Huntingdon Norfolk Suffolk and Lincoln since their first association most worthy our most serious sight and consideration both for the just honour and glory of God and the singular encouragement of those and all other the Counties of this whole distressed and distracted Kingdome First then I shall desire the Reader to remember the great mercie and good providence of God in quenching that fire which began to be kindled at Laystolk by some eminent malignants there which would undoubtedly have hazarded all the Eastern parts of this Kingdome if God had not I say by a seasonable providence timely prevented the same by some of the noble Earl of Manchesters vigilant Commanders of the association this disturbance beginning to break out in that very conjuncture of time in which there had been a confederacie of the disaffected of those parts togather to a head Secondly the reducing of Croyland which is a place strong by scituation and which had a professed Papist for its Governour which how dangerous it was to some parts of this association and to the neighbouring parts of Lincolnshire Northamptonshire and Hantingdonshire is well known to those that were subject to their daily plunderings and pillagings Thirdly The defeat given to the enemies at Grantham where 11 of the Parliaments troops facing 21 or 22 troops of the enemies five of the associated troops charging the right wing of the enemies body utterly routed them and had the execution and chase of them almost two miles and got five or six of their Colours Fourthly The taking of Burleigh-House where was also taken the Lord Cambdens regiment of horse with their Colours three or foure Companies of foot and Dragooneers with all their ammunition and with about foure hundred prisoners Fifthly The defeat given to the enemies horse at Gainesborough to the breaking of neer 30 troops of the enemies horse where was slain the Lievtenant Generall Charles Cavendish Colonell Heron the high Sheriff of Lincolnshire forced into Trent with many other Officers and Souldiers who were there drowned and whereby Gainesborough was at that time relieved with ammunition which then it exceedingly wanted and this battle fought and victory gotten as without any considerable loss to us so within a mile of the Marquess of Newcastles armie Sixthly The saving neer 20 troops of horse belonging to the Lord Fairfax and under that renowned Gentleman Sir Thomas Fairfax his Son with which horse he hath since performed such notable good service in Cheshire and other parts which said horse were almost starved by the strait siege of Hull and could not in probabilitie have been thence delivered but by the horse of this association which was done by 14 troops of horse and 3 of Dragooneers belonging to this association there being nothing in assistance of them but six troops belonging to the Lord Willoughby and neer 40 troops of the enemies under the Command of Sir John Hinderson who had opportunitie to have fought with our horse before wee could come to joyn with Sir Thomas Fairfax his troops if he had pleased but did not take it Seventhly The taking of Lyn-Regis a strong Town and of great importance by raw undisciplin'd new raised Souldiers which was a place as likely to have undone this whole association as any which rebelled at such a time as the Marquess of Newcastle was at the strongest and so absolute in Lincolnshire that if he would have engaged his armie to have come to the rescue thereof the forces of this association then raised had not been considerable to have made resistance Eighthly The fight at Winsby where ours being about 60 colours of horse and Dragoons did encounter neer 90 colours of the enemie both parties being by estimate between 8 or 9000 horse Dragoons the enemie being in all probabilitie about 5000 of that number where ours gave them such a defeat that they took and killed about 1100 of them and took neer thirty of their Colours Ninthly The taking of Lincoln where the force of the defendants were in computation many more than of the assailants which the enemy surrendred to us on hard termes to themselves where we got about 3000 armes the enemies colours with good proportion of ammunition and five or six pieces of Ordnance Tenthly The taking of Gainesborough by storm the greatest part of the foot being our association-men who repulsed the enemie got over their works without any loss and possessed the Town whereby Lincolnshire formerly almost totally under the command of the enemies became wholly cleared of them
and of this Nation to keepe inviolate And they declare that they are so far from desiring harme or losse to any of their Brethren of England that their sincere and reall intentions are not to adde fuell nor bring oyle but water to extinguish these lamentable combustions and fires which they have with so much duty and love laboured to quench That their taking of Armes is not to make Warrs if they be not necessitated but to obtaine a better grounded and more durable Peace for enjoying our Religion and Liberties in all the three Kingdoms and that the wicked who are the unworthy authors of all our troubles being removed from our King a right understanding may be ' established betwixt his Majestie and his people And as they have solemnly sworne to protect all who shall adhere to this Covenant So doe they certainly expect that all their Brethren in England who are zealous for the true Protestant Religion loyal to the King and faithfull for their Country will joyn with them in procuring these just desires which being obtained they shall be most willing and ready to returne to their Native Countrey esteeming it their greatest happinesse that truth with Peace may be established in all his Majesties Dominions ANd here give mee leave good Reader to add 2 or 3 things omitted in that former Relation but very observable in their said March which were these First that on Thursday Ianuary the twenty fifth their Army had a hard and difficult March in respect of a very great thaw after much frost and snow upon the ground at that time which so swelled the waters whereof there were not a few in their way that oftentimes it came up to the middle and sometime to the arme-pits of their Foot insomuch that the horse passed with little lesse difficulty which though it was not without much hazard and danger yet blessed be God without the least harme or dammage to the meanest Souldier Sir Thomas Glemham also did intend to hinder the Scots March and advance forward to cut Feltam-Bridge but the Masons and workemen which he brought thither for that purpose were so affrighted and amazed by reason of the exclamation and execrations of the Countrey women upon their knees that while Sir Thomas went into a House to refresh himselfe they all stole away and before he could get them to returne again he received an alarm from the Scottish Horse which made himselfe also to fly away with speed to Morpeth but there also he stayed not long but Marched to Newcastle Also the great storm of Snow which in reason the Scots could not but expect would encounter them in the way especially at that time of the yeare and might have killed many of their Foot did not by Gods providence hurt any of them but contrariwise did greatly hinder the enemy from putting in execution their wicked resolutions to plunder and drive away all the Cattle and goods and burning up of all the Corne of the whole Country where the Scots should passe that so they might starve their Army Lastly that there was so great a Frost the like whereof had not been seen in any mans memory in those parts that in two nights the River of Tweed freezed so strong and thick as that the whole Army of our brethren the Scots and all their Ammunition which was at a place called Kelso marched most safely upon the ice which otherwise could not possibly have come over the River in a long time after and that with difficulty and danger too But their forces have thus happily passed on to Alnwick the Lord Marquesse of Argyle marched to Cocquet-Island which was yeilded to him at the first shot which they discharged against the Towne though they had 70 Souldiers within it 7 pieces of brasse Ordnance and victuals almost for a yeare And were not here remarkable testimonies and cleare demonstrations of Gods speciall good hand of Providence guiding and guarding this blessed Army so safely and securely in so imminent and eminent dangers and difficulties as these were Yes most assuredly and none questionlesse but a meer Mole-ey'd Malignant or open Atheist can deny it But to goâ— on Shortly after our said Brethren of Scotlands arrivall thus into the Kingdome besides a most excellent satisfactory Declaration set forth and sent abroad in print by our said brethren as was touched in the former relation of their march There was also another Declaration which had past the Convention of Estates in Scotland about the 28. or 29. of Jan. 1643 that was unanimously confirmed by our pious and prudent House of Commons in Parliament and transmitted to the House of Lords and by them also assented to which in effect declared who in both the Kingdomes should be received into mercy and who not viz. First all Papists in armes to be proceeded against for their lives as Traitors and their estates confiscate The like for all Irish Rebels whom His Majesty doth entertain in these wars Secondly None of the grand Incendiaries and fomenters of this war to have any mercy shewed them either for life or estate Thirdly That all such as have or shall refuse the Covenant to have all their estates forthwith sequestred Fourthly That such Noblemen Knights Gentlemen and others that have been misled to take up arms against the Parliament and shall returne to the Parliament by the first of March or to any part of their Armies shall be protected as to his life and liberty but as to his estate a competencie shall be allowed to him and his family but a proportion must go out of it to help to satisfie the losses of others that have suffered and to defray the charges of the Kingdome And for the yet more happy compleating of the Parliamentary mercies of this Moneth both privative and positive both by freedom from secret mischievous and treacherous plots and conspiracies and thereby great dangers threatned as also by many admirable and comfortable Victories and thereby sweet and soveraigne blessings obtained See here how in the very close and shutting up of this Moneth it pleased the Lord on the very night of this Moneths Fast-day or Monethly Humiliation and seeking the Lord in the face of Christ as a most immediate and gracious returne of our prayers a thing which I have all along observed in most of the Moneths of these our Parliamentary passages in both the former parts of this our Parliamentary Chronicle how it pleased the Lord I say as a blessed return of prayer to crown us in the conclusion of this moneth with a most memorable and almost incredible famous Victory by Gods almighty power and mercy obtained by his ever to be honoured Instruments therein those two renowned valiant and victorious Commanders Sir Thomas Fairfax and Sir William Brereton neer Namptwich against the Forces which came out of Ireland into those parts and were then under the Command of bloody Bragadochio Sir
Iohn Byron of whom we made mention before The generall report and relation whereof came unto us to London on the 3. of this instant Ianuary 643 being the Monthly Fast-day at night just about the time of the conclusion of the holy exercises of that day and which was by Letters confirmed more certainly particularly the next day being Thursday and Friday following The substance and manner whereof was this The English and Irish Forces which but a little before came out of Ireland under the command of sir Michael Earnly and severall other Commanders having laid siege to that brave and faithfull Town of Namptwich resolving it is probable to doe some brave piece of service at their first arrivall into England had therefore made three severall onsets and assaults upon it and were most bravely repulsed every time by Captaine Booth Governour of the Towne with great losse to the Enemie Lieutenant Colonell Boughton and foure Captaines more besides many common Souldiers being there slain before the towne At last they hearing the advance of Sir Tho and Sir William toward them to relieve the besieged they raised their siege from thence and drew out their Forces upon a plaine neere the Town to give them bâ—ttell Both Armies bâ—ing met there continued a fierce encounter betweene them which was very bravely performed on both sides for the space of two houres at least At last the enemy Gods providence so ordering it began to give ground which our as vigilant as valiant Commanders soone perceiving were greatly encouraged thereat to animate and draw on their souldiers with the braver resolution Sir Thomas Fairfax most magnanimiously charged their Horse whereof bloody Byron was Commander who not daring to stand to so fierce a shock began first to fly mangre all his former lying vaunts over brave Sir William Brereton our Horse valiantly pursuing the opportunity thereof gave not over till they had â—â—terly routed their enemies and dispersed and scattered all their Forces The names of the Prisoners of eminency taken all of them either Commanders of the English Forces in Ireland or native Irish-rebells were Major Generall Gibson Sir Richard Fleetwood Major Sir Michael Earnley Sir Francis Butler an Irish Rebell Colonell Monck Colonell Warren Lieutenant Colonell Gibs Sir Ralph Dames Major Hamon 14. Captaines 20. Lieutenants 27. Ensignes 3. Cornets 4. Quarter-masters 40. Drummes 4. Serjeants 63. Corporals 1700. Common-Souldiers and above an 100. wicked Women and Irish Queanes with long and sharpe Skeanes or Knives to play the barbarous Cut-throats of such as they should have taken Prisoners or were wounded had they got the Victory 6. Pieces of Ordnance 4. Canoneers 27. Wagons laden with very rich spoiles taken by the Irish-Forces from the Inhabitants of those parts Very many of them were slaine on the Ground and in the pursuit of them among which were Colonell Wane a Lieutenant Colonell 4. Captaines yea and Sir Wil Brereton in his own Letter to the Parliament testifies that there were about 2400. of the Enemies slaine and taken Prisoners in this Battaile and at the siege of Namptwich there were above 500. slaine before the Towne and yet that in all that siege the Towne lost but 2. men in all Boasting bloody Byron himselfe fled like a cowardly beaten and bitten Dog with his taile between his leggs to Oxford there to bragg how he had made noble Sir William Brereton flye as his custome was and to vapour of his happy victory and good success he hath had since his former late inhumane butcherie of Lancashire Forces Herein still the Lord most wisely and justly suiting his Divine dispensations to mens actions and worthyly repaying to the wicked a suitable and proportionable measure of Iustice and revenge Of this and all the rest of his rich and rare mercies and wonderfull Victories and Deliverances let our Wonder-working God alone have all the most meritorious praise and glory And accordingly on the Fryday following which was the 2. of February the pious and prudent House of Commons in Parliament passed an Order to this effect That on the next Lords day publike thanks should be rendred unto Almighty God both for the seasonable comming in of our faithfull and loving brethren of Scotland to our assistance against the mighty Enemies of the Lord for the good successe of the Garrison of Nottingham against Newcastles treacherous fraud and forces together with the happy discovery and defeat of the severall late plotts of the Enemy against us as was forementioned and especially for this last foresaid famous Victory of Sir Thomas Fairfax and Sir William Brereton against the English-Irish Forces in Cheshire and it was Ordered therein also that the said Order should be read by the Ministers of the severall Congregations in and about the Cities of London and Westminster and that the names of all such Ministers as should refuse to publish the said Order should be returned to the Parliament And here now I shall desire to cast Anchor againe and make a little stay of Contemplation and gratefull rumination on the precious Traffick and rich Commodities of this Moneths Voyage wherein the godly Reader may see at a sight and seeing admire the great mercies of our good God thus still carrying on his Arke and causing it to over-top all the troublesome waves and windes of Malignity that have thus still bruisht and rusht against it and bringing it home in safety to the Haven of this Moneths end fairely fraught with all these mercies As first in raising up the spirits of the Swedes to interrupt the Auxiliary designe of Denmarke against England In the taking of those two Houses Holts-House and Bewley-House two pernicious Kennels or Cages for the Kings Cormorants those birds of Prey to roust and nestle in for the fitter falling upon the spoile and plunder of the people and places neer about them In the happy and timely discovery of that pernitious plot of dividing the Parliament and City under the modest mask forsooth of pretended Peace by Sir Basil Brook Riley and the rest and the happy deliverance of those three honest and loyall Patriots of their Countrey in Gernsey from the present Imprisonment and intended future danger which they were in In the happy taking into the Parliaments possession of Arundel-Castle by Sir William Waller and his valiant Forces besides a brave Ship full fraught with Armes Ammunition and other good Merchandizes The most happy Harmony and union of Spirits Love and Loyalty between the Parliament and City of London most sweetly manifested in that famous invitation at Marchant-Taylors-Hall In that most noble Defeat given to Sir Nicholas Byron by valiant Colonell Mitton Sir Iohn Gells valiant surprisall of Burton on Trent and the taking of Hilsden-House by the Parliaments Forces In the happy discovery and disappointment of the base Plots and trecherous designes of mischievous Major Ogle both in endeavouring to sow the seeds
of sedition in the City of London by Master Nye Master Goodwin and other Independents in the Plot against Windsor and that also at Aylesbury and the most happy preservation of Nottingham Towne and Castle by loyall and valiant Colonell Hutchinson The long desired and seasonable comming into this Kingdome of our loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland to our assistance with a potent Army to help to re-establish Peace and Truth among us In the harmonious pious and prudent consent of the Commissioners and Estates of both Kingdoms in a most excellent Declaration for the just terror and trouble of our Popish and Atheisticall Adversaries as a condigne punishment of their viperous insolencies And lastly in that most memorable and famous Victory which the Lord graciously vouchsafed to give unto his two faithfull and magnanimous Joshuahs Sir Thomas Fairfax and Sir William Brereton at Namptwich All which admirable Parliamentary mercies being rightly reflected on and seriously considered of with a truly pious and gratefull heart who can choose but sâ—e and say Gods Ark was here also triumphantly over-topping the Worlds waves and winds fiercely raging and swelling And upon the right and religious review thereof who can but in all bounden gratitude with holy David break out into most thankfull expressions of soule and say Ascribe unto the Lord O happy England ascribe unto the Lord glory and strength ascribe unto the Lord the glory due unto his great name worship the Lord in the beauty of holinesse For the voice of the Lord is upon the great waters yea the Lord rideth upon many and mighty waters as King for ever And now to proceed About the beginning of this moneth of February came certain advertisement by Letters out of Gloucestershire to London that the ever to be renowned Commander Col. Massey had lately before issued forth with a party of his Souldiers and had fallen upon Sir Henry Talbots quarters at Shepstow where he surprized the said Colonel 3 Captains 3 Lieutenants 3 Irish Reformadoes Serjeant Major Moore besides 60 Common Souldiers with much arms and ammunition And that he had also the week before this sent out a Frigot man'd with his Garrison-souldiers which took a Vessel going with supplies to the Enemies forces at Worcester the Bark was laden with Tobacco and some ammunition which was all brought into Gloucester for his own Souldiers And it was likewise then confirmed that divers parties of his Horse had taken divers Carriers going with severall parcels of Gunpowder and other Military necessaries to the Enemy which he also disposed of to his own better uses Also about the beginning of this instant Febr. came certain intelligence from Sir Iohn Meldrum that brave pious and prudent Commander that whereas a little before some French-men had treacherously betrayed about 20 of Sir Iohn's Souldiers and a Captain of his together with divers well-affected Inhabitants of the Isle of Axholme into the hands of Newcastles Cavaliers Sir Iohn hereupon resolved to go into that Island with a convenient party to repay that affront and to give them their due desert for their said treachery and about the 4. of February Sir Iohn approaching the Isle most valiantly assaulted and took the Royall Fort or chiefe Defence of the said Island which commands all the passages from Newark upon Trent and that he purged the Island of all the Malignants therein and took there about an hundred prisoners most of them men of quality 8 peeces of Ordnance 300 Arms and a Troop of Horse of Newcastles Cormorants together with 5 Hoyes upon the River which were going forth with provision to Newcastles Army Much also about the same time our most pious and prudent Parliamentary Worthies having long and divers times had much debate in both Houses about a resolved Councel of State for the more sure secret transacting and managing of the principall and most weighty affaires in and about all the three Kingdomes of England Scotland and Ireland and having deliberated most seriously both of the persons and power of those that were to be chosen thereunto and after a most wise and discreet regulating thereof so as that they may never commence nor determine a Peace without the House of Commons consent and good liking They at last agreed that all those personages which were nominated by the Lords should be returned without any alteration and so resolved to transmit the businesse to the Lords The names of those that were to be of this Councell are these following The Earle of Northumberland the Earle of Essex the Earle of Warwick the Earle of Manchester the Lord Vicount Say and Seale the Lord Wharton and the Lord Roberts Of the house of Commons Sir Gilbert Gerard Sir William Waller Sir Arthur Haslerigge Sir William Armyne Sir Henry Vane senior Sir Henry Vane junior Sir Philip Stapleton Mr. Crew Mr. St. Iohn Sollicitor Mr. Brown Mr. Glyn Recorder of London Mr. Perpoint and Mr. Wallop And for the State and Kingdome of Scotland the Lord Lowden the Lord Maitland Sir Archibold Johnstone and Mr. Berkley But shortly after namely about the midst of this instant February the Ordinance for the absolute setling of this great Councel of State passed both Houses with a joint concurrence in all particulars both the time of their sitting for three moneths to advise consult order and direct concerning the Recruits regulating and government of the Armies and concerning Treaties and Answers and other the great affairs of the three Kingdoms The names of the persons ye have had their place of meeting was Derby-house in Chanel-row in Westminster This piece of State-policie may by Gods mercy and hath already as we have found by happy experience it hath and doth produce much good to the whole three Kingdomes and is no doubt a mighty terrour and startling to the Enemies God in his mercy go on still to direct them for the best advancement of his glory and the blessed peace and welfare of the three Kingdomes About thâ—5 of this instant came certain intelligence by Letters to London of another mischievous designe plotted against the Town of Southampton most happily discovered and prevented by the wisdom and loyalty next under God of Mr. Peter Murford Serjeant Major to Colonel Norton the most noble and active Governour of the said Town Which Letter containing the exact relation thereof and having in it divers very observable passages I have therefore thought fit for the Readers better and more full content and satisfaction therein here to insert verbatim as it was printed and published by Order and Authority A true Copy of Mr. Murfords Letter touching the discovery of a new Plot against the Town of Southampton by the Kings Cormorants or Cavaliers SIR YOur Letter is come to my hands which I take kindly from you I should desire to exchange lines oftner with you I thank you for your newes I had Letters this day from my Lord
Admirall for the Maria-Pinace to ride before this Town We are yet in safety blessed be God but daily braved by the Enemy yet hitherto they have not dared to fasten upon this Town And I have observed that they have never come before this place or neer it but we have still worsted them we have alwayes taken prisoners horses armes wounded or slain some of them On Thursday last we took sixe men and Horse wherof one was a Cornet On Saturday wee tooke two men Horses and Armes shot a Captaine who lyes languishing at Rumsey and wounded three men more The Lord bee still our defence and refuge and give us thankfull hearts for his preservation over us This poor County of Hampshire having had its share of blood and misery in this sad Tragedie of our Nation that there is hardly left any thing for man or beast therein I perceive you have received knowledge of a treacherous practice for the delivery of this Town but lest you should bee misinformed therein I will give you a briefe account thereof Some few daies before Christ-tide last the Lord Hopton marched with his Army from Winchester towards Southampton with a purpose to face it as we were informed but he came not within two Miles thereof to outface it but marched to Redbridge the way into the New Forrest brake it downe to hinder us of Provision from thence after so horrible an Act he faced about and marched to his old quarters again without attempting any further atchievement The next day here arrived a Letter from one Mr. Iasper Cornelius sometimes an Atturney of this Town but run away before my comming hither for Malignancy directed to Mr. R. Mason a Merchant of this Towne intimating that this Cornelius was the day before with the Lord Hopton before this Towne and was the meanes of diverting the Lord Hoptons intent of attempting this place and tells Mr. Mason he had made choice of him to deliver an inclosed Letter to me with all secresie which I received yet the said Cornelius was an unknowne man to me by his Letter he insinuates that then was a fit time for me to doe his Majesty good service and that I was not the man I was formerly meaning as I conceived that the government of this Towne was imposed upon my honoured friend Colonel Norton which I long sued to be eased thereof and by it he thought I was a disconted person and so fit to be wrought upon but he was deceived I being never better pleased then to be eased of so great a burthen which I had borne long enough though it pleased his Excellency to require my service with a more sutable command to my disposition made me Serjeant Major to Colonell Norton which pleased me farre better after the receit of this Letter I instantly acquainted my Colonell and Master Mayor therewith we all agreed I should shew a seeming complying the better to bottome their designe and to find out what malignant party they had made in this Town I forthwith gave him a copie of a Character to explaine his minde more fully To which he replied That by the command of his Superiours he did in the name of His Majesty and his Countrey and two Lords which he named offer me a thousand pounds in money a present imployment of more value and honour than at present I had His Majesties pardon under the great Seale and his favour if I would be a meanes to reduce the Towne of Hampton to His Majestie I returned a seeming complying Answere and demanded the one thousand pounds in hand or the moity thereof and assurance given me for the residue the imployment named the Pardon sent me this performed he should soon see what I would say to it In the interim my Colonell acquainted my Lord Generall and Sir William Waller with the offer made by Cornelius wherein I continued the Treaty to regaine time untill Sir William Waller had finished his businesse at Arundel and drawne his Army this way and then to have drawne the Enemy hither in hope of gaining this place whilest Sir William might have fallen behind them in this place of advantage and so to have deceivd such treacherous corrupters I continued the Treaty untill I had his Majesties Signe Manuall for a Pardon sent me and afterwards the Pardon it selfe but I could get no money but strong engagements of honour to performe with me when the worke desired was effected I whiled out a moneths time with them to the exchange of eight Letters Master Robert Mason being still the man they employed to bring theirs and receive my Letters whom they had bound to secrecie by an Oath before I knew thereof who brought me the copy thereof hoping to have gained me to the like saying he had no engagement all this time on me neither by protestation nor promise to performe with them and which I still delayed which put the Projectors to a jealousie that I was not reall all to them yet to draw them still on I framed some offers in the nature of Articles for my selfe and this Towne to which the Lord Hopton subscribed that upon his honour he would performe them but I still pressed for the money but could not obtaine it they fearing I would Craford them as Poole did yet Master Mason offered me to become bound for it which I accepted of but before he could performe on Friday last was sevennight he earnestly pressed me to declare my reality in the designe I saw the man in a distracted extasie by his over-zealousnesse and rashnesse for them having no assurance of me my bowels pittied him his wife and many children told him plainly I never intended to be a villaine and traytor to betray a trust committed to me and the lives and goods of so many innocent people to be made a prey to cruelty and told him I have revealed it from the beginning to my Colonell Then he begged I would conceale his name I told him I could not but in compassion of his condition gave him leave to goe to his house being but three Houses from mine in which time I went foorthwith to acquaint my Colonell with what had hapned betweene Master Mason and my selfe wee concluded instantly to seize his person and caused all the gates to be secured but yet hee escaped from us and could not be found although we searched carefully for him since we heare he is at Winchester and shall be preferred and imployed in matter of trust In all the time of our Treaty I could not discover that he had any confederates of any Townsmen with him but had undertaken it to carry it alone But I was grieved that I was conceived by the adverse part to be a fit Instrument for them But now they have tryed me I am confident they will never doe the like but to revenge themselves on me But I will to all the world declare and maintaine my faithfulnesse to my Countrey and Cause I have
undertaken and cleare my unfeigned reputation Thus much I thought good to say unto you that you may give a satisfactory testimony of that designe in my behalfe if you heare it falsely reported And I shall be ready to requite you in vindicating of truth and acknowledge my selfe Southampton Feb. 5. 1643. Your reall friend PET. MURFORD About the 6. of this instant came to the publike knowledge of the City of London and so to others in the Kingdome a notable designe from Oxford namely That in the latter end of Ianuary last the pretended Parliament or rather mischievous meeting of Popish Atheisticall and Malignant fugitive Lords and rotten Members of the most blessed Parliament at Westminster being brought into a desperate condition by the happy and good successe of our said Parliamentâ— Forces against them assembled themselves into a most illegall jugling Iunto or accursed Conventicle at Oxford and would needs there forsooth make a poor shew of Propositions for Peace And by their Lord Generall Ruthen the Popish Earl of Forth they contrived a Letter which was signed by the Prince the Duke of York 44 of the foresaid condition'd Lords and about an 100 rotten Commons and was sent as from Ruthen to his Excellencie the Parliaments most noble and renowned Lord Generall the magnanimous and heroick Eul of Essex and in that Letter manifested their scornfull esteem of our most renowned Parliament at Westminster not allowing it so much as the name of a Parliament which must needs argue a proper piece of intention really to advance a true Peace betwixt the King and his Parliament Now hereupon the said Letter being by his Excellencie communicated with the Parliament they thought it not fit to take notice of the said Message only it was consulted and resolved on by both Houses that my Lord Generall should be intreated to send a Complement to the Earle of Forth and to inclose the Covenant and Declaration agreed upon by both Kingdomes in this Letter which accordingly his Excellencie performed as followeth His Excellencies Letter to the Earl of Forth in answer to a Letter from Oxford subscribed by the Prince Duke of Yorke and divers Lords and Gentlemen at Oxford My Lord I Received this day a Letter of the 29. of this instant from your Lordship and therein a Parchment subscribed by the Prince Duke of York and divers Lords and Gentlemen but it neither having addresse to the two houses of Parliament nor therein there being any acknowledgment of them I could not communicate it unto them My Lord the maintenance of the Parliament of England and of the priviledges thereof is that for which we are all resolved to spend our blood as being the foundation whereon all our Lawes and Liberties are built I send your Lordship herewith a Nationall Covenant solemnly entred into by both Kingdomes of England and Scotland and a Declaration passed by them both together with another Declaration of the Kingdome of Scotland I rest Your Lordships humble Servant ESSEX Essex-house Ian. 30. 1643. About the 9. of this instant February our most noble and renowned Patriots in Parliament resolved on the sequestring of the Estates of many grand Malignants and Incendiaries and to order and dispose of their Estates for the publike use And they appointed a Committee accordingly to take order for the sequestrating of the Lands and Estates of the Earle of Berk-shire prisoner in the Tower and that the same should be disposed of for the use of the publike good And the like for the estate of the Earle of Carbery a great stickler for the adverse party in Wales The Lord Aborthorum Mr. Walter Mountague prisoner in the Tower The Lord Cottington that Spanish Don and grand Incendiary of the Kingdome And that all the goods and Chattels already sequestred and to be sequestred belonging to the aforesaid Lords and Gentlemen should be forthwith sold and the monies made use of for the publike service and more especially for supplies for the Noble Lord Fairfax in Yorkshire The like also for all the goods and chattels belonging to Sir John Banks Lord Chiefe Justice at Oxford The like for the Bishop of Winchester and the like for all the goods of all other Malignants sequestred and being in Cambden-house in London or elsewhere As also the goods and whole estate in and about London belonging to that unhappy and unholy Neuter or Ambo-dexter Dr. Vsher Arch-Prelate of Armagh resident at Oxford a man once I confesse of good yea of great esteem like his apostate brother Dr. White Bishop of Ely in City and Country both in England and Ireland but at length whose last dayes hitherto have proved his worst dayes Of whom one thing I may not here omit to his eternall shame and ignominie That upon debating of the businesse in Parliament concerning him there was evidence given in to the Parliament against him That upon the first framing of that pernicious Oath at Oxford to enjoyn all men to take up Armes against the Parliament this slye Archbishop was a chiefe Agent by his Episcopall rhetorick to perswade all men to take the said Oath yea and that he wished they might all dye in prison that refused to take it that divers who by his perswasions had taken it were afterward much troubled in conscience and some of them dyed in that condition much perplexed and unsatisfied A most sad and bad burthen to lie on the Conscience of such an unholy and unhappy Instigator thereunto whose perishing blood will I feare be one day severely required at his hands without repentance Also about the 10. of this instant certain intelligence came out of York-shire by Letters to London from the most Noble Lord Fairfax of the taking of Burlington in the said County the place where the Queene formerly landed when she unhappily returned out of Holland by a party of Horse and Foot commanded by that valiant and vertuous Colonel Sir William Constable who entred the Town in a full Carriere took 250 Common-souldiers besides Major New nam the Governour of the Town and divers other Officers with 2 Drakes and 500 Arms besides other Ammunition In this exploit Major Briery and Captain Bethel the one in the Van the other in the Reare did singular good service and put the Enemy into a great disorder This place being within 6 miles of Scarborough will make Sir Hugh Cholmley that perfidious Apostate to look about him And very shortly after came farther intelligence of another notable Exploit performed by the said brave and valiant Commander Sir William Constable who surprised a party of the Enemy at a place called Driffle between Malton and Scarborough where he took 300 of Newcastles Horse Colonel Washington one Serjeant-Major three Captaines divers Officers and about an hundred and sixty common Foot-souldiers and routed another Regiment besides Much about the same time came certain information by Letters from the Scotch Commissioners out of the North That since
our loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland's advance into this Kingdome from Barwick toward Newcastle and their taking of Alnwick and Morpeth the two only Towns of defence and strength twixt Barwick and Newcastle That they also took the strong Island of Cocquet with about 200 men and their Arms 7 peeces of Ordnance and other necessary martiall provisions Also that Colonel Gray brother to the Lord Gray of Wark with a Regiment of Horse came in unto the Army of our said brethren of Scotland and most cheerfully took the Covenant That they had rescued a head of cattle which were driven away by the enemy toward Newcastle and that they most honestly restored them to the persons from whom they were taken A notable act of justice and that the Counties of Northumberland and Westmerland most cordially came in and adhered to them About the tenth of this instant certaine letters being intercepted were read in Parliament which came from the Lord Goring to the Lord Digby dated at Paris Feb. 7. 1643. The summe whereof in briefe was this That he hoped this Letter would have better successe to come to the hands of his most blessed sacred Mistresse than his former Letters had That he was in nothing more happy than to be accounted a Trator at London considering his sacred Mistresse had the same badge of honour stamped upon her before him in whose service he professed hee would be ever faithfull to the quicke and was not here think'st thou good Reader a pure and sure slave to Sathan That the same morning he wrote this Letter he was called to sweare to be true to the two Crownes of England and France and afterward was to dine with the King And further specifying what forreine forces armes and ammunition were in preparation to be sent into this Kingdome And said he in this very expression let my Mr. hang me if I do not furnish him with armes ammunition c. And concludes thus that what he writes they may believe to bee as true as Gospell This flashey letter of this old doting shamelesse Traytor full as yee see of blasphemy and Treason and so adjudged by the Parliament they have ordered to be recorded with an other former intercepted Letter of his which will be sufficient evidences to make good their impeachment of high Treason against him See heere then good Reader the good hand of Gods wise and just providence thus to discover the secret and slavish enemies of his Church and people But to goe on Besides those former brave exploits of that pious and prudent Commander Colonell Sir William Constable aforesaid There came certaine intelligence to London much about the middst of this instant February of divers other most valiant performances and victorious atchivements of the Parliaments Forces in severall other places worthy our most thankefull remembrance both to Gods glory and the Instruments deserved praise The first was performed by the brave and active well-deserving Garrison of Pool in Dorsetshire who sallied out and by an Ambuscado their enemies owne late Stratagem against Pool with some little losse not long before they entrapped Colonell Windham and about 7. or 8. score of his Horse and slew his Lieutenant Colonel Barker but the Colonell himselfe with the rest of his men taken as aforesaid they carried Prisoners into Pool A Partie also of Warwick Garrison issuing out toward Stow on the Wold in Gloucestershire tooke a Cavalier Colonell Prisoner and about 30 good Horse with him And heere also I may most justly commemorate diverse brave atchievements of Sir Thomas Fairfax that as famous as pious Commander in Cheshire since his last great Victory at Namptwich who most prosperously pursued his late Victory in those parts took a strong hould called Keel-House Another called Adlinton-House Duddington also belonging to sir Thomas Delves And Crew-House where he tooke an 150. Royalists Prisoners and great store of Armes and Ammunition together with Dorison-House another strong Garrison of the Enemies where he tooke 200. Prisoners with good store of armes and ammunition Darby Forces also having been two dayes before Kings-Mylus a very strong House of the Earle of Huntingtons neere Wildon-Ferrey upon the River of Trent whereinto Colonell Hastings alias Rob-Carryer had put a Garrison of Souldiers who much annoyed that part of the Countrey but the House being very strong their Ordnance did no great execution upon it Whereupon that brave and most couragious and faithfull Patriott Sir Iohn Gell chose 5. men out of each of his Troopes to storme it who made such a desperate assault upon it that they tooke this House with the losse onely of three of his men whence they brought 46. Prisoners with their armes to Darbey but Captaine Daniel and his Lieutenant they sent Prisoners to Nottingham-Castle Lastly that most noble and renouned successefull Patriott of the Northern parts the good Lord Fairfax with his valiant Commander sir William Constable marched toward Whitby a Haven-Town in the farthest part of Yorkeshire with a very considerable Army intending if the Enemy would not deliver up the Town to Storm it For this Whitby was a very strong Garison of the Earle of New-Castles But the Enemie considering in what a condition they were surrendered up the Town to the Lord Fairfax wherein were above 500. Captaines Lieutenants Commanders Officers and Common-souldiers besides at least 20. of the Commission of Array and almost a 1000 Saylers and Inhabitants of the Town all which delivered up the Towne and with it themselves to the said most noble Lords Service together with 40. Vessels greater and lesser in the Haven So this most Honourable Lord with valiant sir William Constable seized on all their Workes Ships Ammunition 500. Armes many Barrels of Powder Match and other traine of Artillery and it was verily beleeved about an hundred pieces of Ordnance in the ships and on the Workes for the use of the Parliament About the 16th of this instant February 1643. an Ordinance of the Lords and Commons in Parliament and instructions agreed upon by them for the taking of the Solemne League and Covenant throughout the whole Kingdome which we have formerly mentioned to have been solemnly taken by both Houses of Parliament and in and about the whole Cities of London and Westminster and the Dominion of Wales was new Printed and published together with a most emphaticall and patheticall â—xhortation made by the Assembly of Divines at the motion and desire of our most pious and prudent Parliamentary Worthies for the more willing and cheerfull taking thereof and for the better and more full satisfaction of all such scruples as might arise thereupon which was ordered to be taken after this manner The minister was first to read the whole Covenant distinctly and audibly in the Pulpit and during the reading thereof the whole congregation to be uncovered and at the end of his reading thereof all to take it standing
lifting up their right hands bare and then afterwards to subscribe it severally by writing their names or their markes to which their names were to be added in a booke or parchment-role where-into the Covenant was to be inserted purposely provided for that end and to be kept as a record in the parish After all which there was also printed a Catalogue of the names of all such members of the House of Commons in Parliament as had subscribed to and taken the said Covenant being then 228. besides the Lords in the House of Peeres and divers others of the Lordâ— and Commons who being employed about the weighty affaires of the Common-wealth in remote parts of the Kingdome and so could not subscribe with the rest A most faire and sweet encouragement for all other persons in the Kingdome not onely to subscribe but to keep their Covenant having the Patterne and President of so many worthy and pious Patriotts set before them in so glorious and religious an Action which is not onely lawfull but all things considered exceeding expedient and necessary for all that wish well to true Religion the King and Kingdom to joyn in and to be as a singular pledge of Gods mercie and goodnesse to all the three Kingdomes About the aforesaid time also came certaine Intelligence by Letters to the Parliament of the proccedings of our loyall and loving brethren of Scotland about Newcastle who as it was credibly and constantly informed had then gained a Scence and the maine Out-workes with the losse of about 14. of their men whereof a Captaine a Lieutenant and a Serjeant of Colonell Linseyes Regiment were slaine That Generall Lesleys Sonne a brave and valiant young Gentleman had beaten 14. Troopes of the Popish Army into the Towne againe without the losse of a man and tooke two of their men Prisoners who protested that the Marquesse himself was then in the Town and that the Lord Widdrington Generall King and Sir Tho. Glemham were there also The probability whereof will appeare by an Answer returned from the Town to a Summons which the Committee of both Kingdomes sent to the Town of Newcastle which was as followeth The copy of the Summons sent by the Committee of both Kingdomes to the Town of Newcastle Right Wor and loving friends OVr appearance here in this posture through mis-informations and misunderstandings may occasion strange thoughts in you If we had opportunity of speech with you which we hereby desire and offer to you it is not impossible that as we hold out the same ends viz. the preservation of Religion the Kings true honour and happinesse the publike peace and liberty of his dominions so we might agree on the same way to promote them If you yeild to this motion you shall find us ready to do our parts therein but if worse counsell take place with you and parley be rejected although you will be unjust therby to your selves yet we have reason to expect you should be so just to us as to acquit us of the guilt of those manifold inconveniences and calamities which may be the fruits of those forcible wayes you will thereby constraine is to We desire your present Answer Subscribed the 3d. of Febr. 1643. By the Warrant and in the name of the Committees and Commissioners of both Kingdomes By us Your friends ARGILE WILLIAM ARMINE The Answer of the Town of Newcastle to the Summons of the Committee of both Kingdomes My Lord WEE have received a Letter of such a nature from you that wee cannot give you any answer to it more than this That his Majesties Generall being at this instant in the Town We conceive all the power of Government to be in him But were he not you cannot sure conceive us so ill read in these proceedings of yours as to Treat with you for your satisfaction in these particulars you write of nor by any Treaty to betray the Trust reposed in us or forfeit our Allegeance to His Majestie For whose Honour and preservation together with the Religion and Lawes of this Kingdome we intend to hazard our lives and fortunes and so we rest Your Servants John Morley Mayor Nic. Cole Tho. Liddle Lionell Madison Alexander Davison c. Subscribed by us Febr. the 3d. 1643. in the names of the Common-Councell and the rest of the Inhabitants of the Towne of Newcastle Shortly after these things the valiant Scots having gained as was forementioned the Scâ—nce and out works of the Town they rested not satisfied thus but sent out a strong party and gained also the keeles or Lighters and small boats betweene Stella and Newcastle and so made a bridge three miles above Newcastle toward Newboln over Tyne and shortly after their grand Brigade of the Scots army marched over to besiege Newcastle on the South-side and also to cut off all supplies from his Majestie and the Irish-rebells and rogues his best beloved subjects And thus was the invincible Popish army of the North of England beleagur'd in a small compasse and cut off from all manner of reliefe where for a season we will leave them till a farther and fitter occasion to make farther mention of their proceedings for this our Parliamentary Chronicles intentions and purposes And thus we see by Gods good providence that the North was in a very faire way of being totally regained to a right understanding of the state of things which will yet further appear more probable if we heer also consider the wonderfull good successe of the most noble and ever to be honoured and renouned Lord Fairfax who had about this time enlarged his quarters from Hull 20. miles towards Durham and by a party of horse commanded by that valiant victorious and religious Commander Sir William Constable drave that rotten apostate Sir Hugh Cholmley out of Scarbrough Towne into the Castle which caused such an operation in the hearts of the inhabitants of Whitby as that they were soone and surely reduced and settled as you already heard in part they were to the Parliaments side and presently after seized on Sir Hughs great House and Fort on the High-Clift disarmed his garrison and so kept it for the Lord Fairfax who afterwards sent 200. horse the better to secure it This most valourous and vertuous Gentleman Sr. William Constable stayed not here but advanced toward Yorke and beat up one of the enemies quarters neere Malton within twelve miles of Yorke who gave an alarme to their head quarters where there were 400. foot and 16. troopes of horse all put into order to charge but Sr. William with twelve troopes of horse most couragiously charged them routed them and tooke these prisoners following viz. Lieut. Colonell Washington Major Gray Capt. Iohn Vavazer Capt. Newsteed Capt. Witnell Capt. Corsfield Lieutenant Tuffni three Lieutenants of horse 5. Cornets 3. quarter-masters 3. Corporalls 2. Trumpets one minister or hedge-priest 175. foot and 300 horse and thus this noble Lord Fairfax shortly after
use of his Forces in the said Town About the 24. of this instant also came most certain information by Letters from Notingham to London of a most admirable and marvellous deliverance of the said Town and Castle from a most bloody plot intended against it by the Kings base and bloody Cormorants and also a very great Victory obtained by the Town and Castle upon the said Enemies on the happy discovery thereof which was thus related Some Horses laden with sacks went from Newcastle toward Notingham and about 30. Cavaliers or treacheâ—ous Cormorants with them some of them in the habits of plain Country men others of them like unto homely country-women in womens apparrell see here the devillish audacity and craft of the sons of darknesse who all with great confidence and undaunted audaciousnesse passed thus along as if they had been going to Nottingham Market but comming to the Court of Guard they were examined and made answer That they had brought corn to sell in the Market But it pleased God that some of the Souldiers perceived something to stick out in the supposed womens bosomes which bred an occasion of some mistrust and the Captain of the Guard being there and taking it into consideration he caused the women to be layd hold on and to be searched and withall bad the seeming Country-men to shut out the corn in a place which he had appointed them and promised to pay for it which they could no wayes avoyd but go they must though but with heavie hearts in which mean time the women were searched who in the search proved men and every one of them provided of his weapon under their coats which it seems was that which stuck out so and the pretended sacks of corn being emptied were found to be powder Pistols and Match Hereupon these couzening Cormorants were further examined but were very unwilling to confesse the Plot for all this onely they said they were sent as Spies from Newark but the prudent Governour before whom they were now brought seriously examining the businesse and being too old a bird to be caught or couzend with such chaffe took match and caused their fingers to be tyed therewith and told them what they must trust to except they would speedily discover the Plot. Hereupon they fearing presently to be trust up protested they would make the Plot fully and faithfully known unto them that they were sorry they were so unfortunate to go about so wicked a design and confest as follows That in the night these Cormorants and ten more being in all about 40. in number should with their pistols and other weapons have fallen upon the Court of guard on a sudden and so put them all to the sword at which time a party of horse and foot should be ready to march into the Towne and put all to the sword that stirr'd to make any the least resistance and thus to take all into their owne hands and they assured them that the said strength of horse and foot would certainely be there that night Whereupon the most valiant and vigilant Governour being not a litle joyfull that it had thus graciously pleased the Lord to discover this plot prepared that night for the enemies comming and had provided a strength to be ready at the time appointed who just accordingly as 't was made knowne came that night and being discovered by Nottingham forces our men couragiously issued out and set upon them speedily put them to the rout and retreat took prisoners between 2 and 300 of them and had they not wheeled about so soon there could scarce have a man of them escaped them the rest fled away in great disorder some swam over the river to save their lives for haste others betook them to horse back some to hedges to hide themselves for the time and there were afterward about an 100. found dead in the river who it seemes were in their hasty flight drowned and our men took above 300 Armes and many Horse besides the admirable and blessed deliverance from this base Plot and their barbarous intended cruelty therein And here good Reader I may very fitly there not having fallen out any other matter of great concernment this moneth cast Anchor and give our Arke a little rest in the harbour of this Mount-Ararat a little while to re-collect our serious thoughts and most gratefull recogitations and summary reperusalls of all the most excellent and eminent mercies and rich Parliamentary-merchandizes of this moneths prosperous Voyage through the boysterous and billowing Ocean of our Kingdomes sad intestine bloody distractions and disturbances As namely First in reciting renowned Col. Massyes brave surprisall of Colonell Sir Henry Talbot in his Quarters with the brave prizes and purchace obtained thereby In valiant and virtuous Sir Iohn Meldrums taking of the Isle of Axholme in Yorkeshire The happy prudent and politick establishment of a Councill of State for the more sute and secret managing of the most important affaires of all the three Kingdomes of England Scotland and Ireland The happy and timely discovery of the dangerous plot against Southampton The nullifying and foolifying of the Oxonian Propositions for a falsely pretended Peace thereby to have retarded and prejudiced the Parliaments proceedings together with the sequestring and selling away of Malignants goods for the publike use immediately thereupon setled and resolved on The many various and victorious defeates and performances of the Parliaments Forces both by the noble and renowned Lord Fairfaix Sir William Constable in the North and the rest of the Parliaments Forces in the Westerne parts of the Kingdom interception of dangerous Letters to the State and other successefull enterprises The happy and holy resolution of our most famous Parliamentary Statists in confirming and expatiating the progresse of the Solemn-League or Covenant throughout the whole Kingdome of England and Dominions of Wales to be taken by all of all sorts of people in Cities or Couâ—tries within their power and jurisdiction In the singular good successe yet further enlarged by the good hand of God unto us in the North by Sir William Constable at Sea by Captaine Swanley at Milford-Haven by Colonell Mitton and the mighty preservation of Cheshire The pious and prudent care taken by our Religious Parliamentary Senators for the regulating of the Government of the Church and about Preachers in London And lastly in the good successe of our Parliamentary Forces in Northampton Yorke Pool and the marveilous deliverance of Nottingham Town and Castle from that most desperate and deepe designe by the Royall Cormorants together with the brave Victory which God gave unto ours there immediatly upon the discovery of that pestilent Plot. All which religiously recollected and wisely reviewed will amount to thus much even a copious Cornucopia of rare and faire Mercies of the Lord still continued and enlarged to worthlesse and wretched England a scelerous and very sinfull Nation yet I say all these
Thiefe having intelligence that according to the direction of the Parliament the Nationall Covenant was taking throughout that County and to that purpose that there were Summons of all the Clergy-men Church-wardens and other Officers to come in to Leicester to take the Covenant whither accordingly they came for two or three dayes together with much freenesse and cheerefulnesse whereof I say Hastings having notice hee with 4 Troops from Bever-Worton-house coursed about the Countrey as farre as Dunton and Litherworth and tooke neere upon an 100 of the Clergâ—emen and others and carried them Prisoners to a Town called Hinckley intending to have carryed them to Ashby-de-la-Zouch c. using them very coursely and threatning to hang all them that should take the Parliaments Covenant nor were they content with this but roaving up and downe the Countrey they tooke away about 80 Kine Oxen and Horse from the poore Countrey people and one Master Warner a godly Minister whom they much abused threatning to hang him But the intelligence of these things comming to Leicestor and they most justly very ill resenting these outrages and cruelties lost no time but though all their horse were gone to Newark yet they resolved every private man to spare his owne horse and so sent away presently an 120 of the Foot Souldiers and some 30 Troopers that lay at Bagworth-house to keep it from the enemy under the command of Colonell Gray whom the Lord Gray had made Governour of Leicester These their Forces being upon their March toward Hinkley so well ordered the matter that about eight of the clock that night they fell most valiantly on them in their quarters undiscovered tooke the Enemies Scouts and without much resistance tooke the outworks and a piece of Ordnance and there performed their worke also with so good successe that they presently entred the Towne killed one of the Enemies Captains named Man-waring and foure or five more of their Souldiers wounded 9 or 10 of them very sorely presently routed them all tooke two of their Lieutenants one Quarter-master one Ensigne 45 Prisoners and 140 Horse with their Armes released all the Country men rescued all the Cattle and restored them to the right owners and so returned home safe with this victory and booty the next day being Shroâ—e-Teusday as then they called it None of Leicester men were slaine in this defeat onely 4 wounded whereof one was casually hurt by Colonell Gray because he forgot their Word in the fight which was God prosper us the Enemies Word being For the King But that which makes this exploitâ—the more remarkable was that the Enemy was between 4 and 500 strong as was credibly informed and ours not above 200 at the most Our men went on most couragiously in all the Service and had they not been too greedy of the prey we had meere taken them all And therefore desire to ascribe all the honour to God alone And about the same time also came certain intelligence to London that valiant and vigilant Colonell Norton had takes severall prisoners in his parts about Southampton and slaine divers of the seulking enemies among whom Sir Iohn Stowell was slaine in the place About the 18th of this instant came yet farther intelligence by letters out of Yorkeshire to London that that brave and valiant commander Col Lambert since his late famous victory at Bradford hearing that a party were gathering against him to oppose him in the West-riding of Yorkeshire be drew out his forces to meet them and discovering the enemy neere Kirkelesse consisting of about 11. troopes of horse of the Earle of Newcastles as good as they could make up for the designe Col. Lambert presently drew out a small partie which he sent upon the forlorne hope to draw the enemy into a noose who discovering onely a small party of our men they marched toward them Hereupon our men began to retreat the enemy followed In which interim brave Colonell Lambert having wisely carryed the businesse had placâ—d a party on each side of the enemy so as they were surrounded ere they were aware Whereupon with very litle harme the valiant Colonell surprized and cooped them up on three sides and there being a river on the fourth side they all became his prisoners irresistibly save only two or three who adventured to swim over the river who whether they were drowned or not was uncertaine for the river was deepe and dangerous The noble Colonell tooke prisoners at this time 4. Lieut. Colonels and Serjeant Maiors 7. Captaines 11. Cornets 300. souldiers and other officers with other purchase and prizes which the enemy had pillaged in the Country a sore pull from them and a faire strengthening of us blessed be the Lord for it And about the very same time we had certaine knowledge that Sir William Constable that most pious and prudent commander and one Captaine Carter had with a very small and unconsiderable losse taken two bridges in the East-Riding of Yorkeshire both of them very considerable places for their designes the one called Chester-bridge and the other was Stamford-bridge with them they tooke also divers prisoners and three pieces of ordnance there Much also about the same time came credible information to London that a party of Colonell Waights horse from Burley-House in Rutlandshire went out suddenly toward Beaver-castle intelligence having beene given them of a troope of horse quartered a mile off from the castle Whereupon they with the best preparation they could make of sadle-horses and others for dragoones the most part of their garrison troupers being then out in the service at Newarke siege with Sir Iohn Meldrum they fell on them in their quarters tooke divers of them prisoners and then went neerer the castle tooke thence 20. fatt oxen and at least 200. fat sheep and brought them all away safely with them to Burley-House And much about the foresaid time we were for certain enformed at London that divers ships at sea full fraught with Irish-bloody-rebells bound for Westchester met with a great storme by Gods justice and good providence which so violently tost and shattered them that at least a full regiment consisting of 1500. were cast away and drencht and drown'd in the salt streames of the sea as they had destroy'd others in the gory streames of their blood at land And about the same time it was enformed most infallibly that the noble garrisons of Pool and Warham beat upon the then ignoble Weather-cocke the Lord Inchiquins regiment of Irish bloody Rascalls in Dorsetshire with a fierce land-storme where they tooke divers prisoners 2. pieces of ordnance killed very many of them fired their magazine and returned victoriously and safely home againe About the 10th of this Instant March came information from Southampton that a party of Sir Ralph Hoptons horse came and faced that Town Whereupon the brave and valiant Governor thereof Colonell Norton sent out some
forces against them who came forth and faced them also whiles other some of his forces had placed themselves in some advantagious ambuscadoes and upon the ingagement of the rest in fight came upon the reere of Hoptons forces beat them soundly tooke about at least 80. of them prisoners among whom were 2. Cornets and other officers whom they safely carryed into Southampton And that most loyall and magnanimous commander Sir William Belfore had performed much good service against the enemy neere Basing-house in Hampshire where he defeated a party of Basing forces which sallyed out of the said House and fell upon his infantrie in their marching that way But Sir Williams horse wheeling about and comming in the rear of them killed 20. on the place routed 200. horse and tooke many prisoners whereof some were men of quality After which he advanced to Newbery and tooke possession of the Towne which the enemies garrison understanding of his comming toward them had quite quitted upon his approach thither at which time he was about 5000. strong in horse and foot And about the same time came certaine intelligence from forraine parts which I here mention as having reference to our present affaires in England that on the last Monethly fast day of Febr. last 1643. which was also kept at Delph in Holland the same day that ours was in England by the English Inhabitants and Merchants there residing and that the Prince Elector Palatine CHARLES subscribed the Solemine-League or Covenant entred into by the Kingdomes of England and Scotland and which had beene sent over and ordered by the Parliament to be taken by all the English in all those Provinces and that many also of the Court in Holland have done the like Also that the Swedes had about that time taken the King of Denmarkes castle of Elsenburge which guards the Sound on Norway side and that they had then also taken two Danish ships with 1200. of the king of Denmarkes souldiers And which is of greatest concernment and most remarkable that the Swedes were then expediting an Embassie to the Parliament of England wherein they desired the first motion wherof we touched before that they might associate themselves with the kingdomes of England and Scotland for the mutuall defence of one another in point of the Protestant religion against the Popish party in any part of the world Thus good Reader we see still dayly how the kingdome of Antichrist like Sauls house decayes and decreases more and more and therefore how justly and joyfully we may and must expect the House of David to encrease flourish and prevaile in all parts of the earth and thereby our glorious hopes more sweetly and firmely to be lifted up in expectation of the most happy holy Halcyon dayes of the Church of Christ in this last age of the world Amen and Amen About the 12. of this instant came farther intelligence also out of Yorkeshire That the most noble Lord Fairfax did still enlarge his quarters in those parts and that his two most valiant Champions Colonell Sir William Constable and Colonell Lambert grew more and more prosperous and victorious And in particular that Colonell Constable marching to Yorke quartered at a place called Pocklington and from thence to the enemies quarters and faced their Garrison at Tadcaster-Bridge within ten miles of Yorke on the East side fell valiantly on the Enemies and in short time took it In which Gaâ—rison he took 10 Captaines Lieutenants and Commissioners of Array besides other Officers about 200 Souldiers 300 Armes 3 peices of Ordnance 14 Barrells of powder besides match and other good prizes Much about this time the Declaration of both Kingdomes for the comming in of the Oxford partee by the first of March 1643. had a great influence upon many of the more ingenuous moderate and discreet delinquents among them so as divers of note and quality came in before and some â—ince the time assigned and very willingly took the Solemn League and Covenant Some of the most considerable of whom I have here thought fit to expresse by name viz. The Earl of Westmerland the Earl of Monmouth the Earl of Thanet Sir Francis Lâ—e one of the Gentlemen of the Kings Bed-chamber the Lord Paget who went to Warwick-Castle the Earle of Carlile Sir Anthony Ashley-Cooper Baronet high Sheriffe of Dorsetshire and Governour of Weymouth Sir Edward Deering Sir Iohn Evelin of Hampshire Sir Iohn Evelin of Surrey Sir William Acton an Alderman of London Mr. Roger Pits Mr. Mason Mr. Carpenter and many other most of them men of eminency and great Estates who came to London and took the Covenant besides many who had submitted themselves to the Parliaments Garrisons at Northampton Warwick and other places too numerous to be here particularized and many more would fain have come away thence had they not taken such a strict course in all the Kings Quarters to retain and restrain them by setting up Gibbets at Oxford and threatning them most terribly with no lesse than hanging if they were taken in any such defection Here also I conceive it not unfit but in much pertinent measure consonant to these our Parliamentary mercies to make mention of that most vile and base Athesticall defection of that most ignoble and perjured Knight Sir Richard Geenvile which I say may justly come in as no small mercy to us in regard of the great designe of the Parliament about that time against the enemies thereof a mercy I say that he went then away since he was so rotten at the core and had so false a heart to the State and Parliament so soon when as he did us so little hurt where as had he stayed till our Forces had gone into the Field and had been to joyn in Battail with the Enemy as not long after they did he might especially being then also in such an eminent place of power and trust in the Army like his brother in iniquity Sir Faithlesse Fortescue at Edgehill Battell he might I say have done us a far greater mischiefe in the fight than he did by this his base flight But for this his so wicked and unworthy tergiversation he was followed with a most just reward for upon the 15. of this instant March being Fryday according to an Order of the Councill of War there were two Gibbets erected the one over against the Royall Exchange in Cornhill in London and the other in the Pallace yard at Westminster whereat Proclamation was made by the Provost Marshall and trumpeters of his Excellencies Armie declaring Sir Richard Grinvile that grand Apostate and Renâ—gado of England a Traiter unto the Kingdome which Proclamation was fixed upon both the foresaid Gibbets in writing in the words following Whereas Richard Greenvile hath of late presented his Service unto the Parliament and hath been entertained by the Parliament as a Colonell of a Regiment of Horse And whereas the said
that that sad accident fell out by Gods most wise ordering and disposing of things of the raising of the Siege at Newarke a businesse of mighty importance and great expectation on both sides especially on ours in great hope and as great fear on theirs But I say it pleasing the Lord thus to crosse our hope of comforts and to free them of their feares for the present and therein to give them a seeming Victory therein and thereby to raise up their instant and insolent swelling thoughts to an extream pitch of Pride and Arrogancy insomuch that their Mercurius Aulicus the Kings Lyer in Chiefe at Oxford-Mint must publish abroad to the World a huge blustring Declaration of the great and glorious Victory obtained by Prince Robber at Newarke not onely in raising the Siege but in an utter dissipation and discomfiture of our whole Army with many other Chymerian-additions The like credit also must be given to a farther fiction namely That the Scots were also totally defeated by the Earle of Newcastle whereas in very truth the Lord had at that very time given our loving Brethren of Scotland a brave Victorie against Newcastle whereof more in its due time And a Letter or Declaration was accordingly poasted from Oxford in all hast to Sir Ralph Hopton which was according to command openly read in the head of his Army and for their better encouragement it was seriously affirmed that now they had no considerable Enemy to encounter but onely a small despicable handfull of Round-heads under the Command of Sir William Waller which they said were so inconsiderable that halfe Sir Ralph Hoptons Army would bee easily able to give them an utter defeat which being done there would remaine nothing of difficulty for the making up of a compleat Conquest of the whole Kingdome save onely to march victoriously to London obtaine their Forts levell their workes and take the whole Plunder of that rich and rebellious Citie as a reward of their service Thus by this meanes they having deluded the Common Souldiers throughout their Army and animated them to fight it being also at that time when Sir William Waller had received a message which no doubt was as soone made known to his Adversaries not to engage his Forces in a fight for the present except he were assaulted by the Enemy or found an apparent advantage and accordingly Hopton speedily prepared himselfe to the onset with extraordinary celerity and resolved violence and vehemence Which Fight comming now to be handled and mentioned in the next place I shall herein give the best and fullest relation thereof that I could possibly fix upon which was penn'd by an actor and eye-witnesse thereof as it was presented to the most worthy and right Honourable Lord Mayor of London and the rest of the right Worshipfull Comittee for the City Militia which was as followeth May it please your Honour VPon Thursday the 21 th of this instant March 1643. our Brigade being quartered at Midhurst our Major Generall Browne received Orders from Sir William Waller to advance toward Winchester to a Towne called Trafford which accordingly he did with incredible speed almost at an houres warning and that night arrived there which we found to be a small Village not above seven or eight houses to quarter all our men there we met with much hardship staying for Orders till the Lords day following Upon Monday the 25. we marcht forwards to joyne with Sir William Wallers maine Body which accordingly we did and that night were appointed to Quarter at Westmean three miles distant from the maine Body where wee found a Partee of the Enemies Horse when our Quarter-masters entred the Towne which occasioned some action though not much considerable we onely tooke a Quarter-master prisoner The next day which was Tuesday we lay still onely our Scouts brought in some Prisoners 6 Troopes incountring with 16 of the Enemies put them to flight and brought away 3 of them prisoners The day following we discovered the Enemy who tooke some few of our men that were stragling from their Colours and soone after appeared in a great Body upon the hill on the left hand of the Towne intending as some Prisoners confessed to take us at Church it being the Fast day but it pleased God who foresaw the Plot to prevent the danger directing us to keepe the Fast the Wednesday before when we lay still at Midhurst so that we were provided to entertaine them and drew our men into a Body neere the Town which done Orders came to march away which accordingly we did in the Forlorne-Hope expecting the enemy every houre to fall upon us so that wee were forced to make a stand a mile or more from the Towne in extreame danger till Sir William Wallers Forces came up from Eastmean to joyne with us then we marcht along till we came neere to Cheeriton to a place called by some Lamborough-field where we quartered all night the Enemy lying upon Sutton-Common and some part of them neerer to us so neere that the Sentinels could heare one another talke Upon Thursday morning a commanded Partee was sent to view the Enemie which they did and encountered with a Forlorne-hope of the Enemies and behaved themselves very bravely so that day was spent in skirmishes where much gallantry and true valour was shewed by our Horse especially two men whose names I do not well remember to the perpetuall honour of the Actors and great admiration of the Spectators by whose meanes a considerable Partee was once engaged and the Enemy came on with a great Body which appearing we discharged one Gun which did such execution in our sight that they all fled This day a Councill of Warre was called by both parties both by us and the Enemy as since we are informed and the ingagement was such that of necessity they must give battaile or retreat with much dishonour the next morning we prepared for the Worke and having sought to God for assistance we did addresse our selves to the Service in the first place a Forlorne-hope was drawn out of our Brigade foure Files out of a Company led on by Captaine Tomson a stout man who were sent to take possession of a wood which lay on the right hand betweene us and the enemy which they obtained with ease in the Enemies sight but such was their policy that they fore-seeing the necessity of our gaining the wood if ever we gave battell to them in that place planted their Drakes on the farther side of the Wood which they discharged upon our men so thicke that the place was not tenible though the greatest part of Musketeers and some others were drawn up to them so that they were forced to retreat in one houres space which gave great encouragement to the Enemy who presently came on with their maine body of horse very powerfully and were met as couragiously yet being of the greater number for our whole
body was not then together forced ours to a disorderly retreat at which time the day was doubtfull if not desperate our Foot all the while was engaged on the left wing to drive the Enemy from the hedges where our men played their parts gallantly and drove them from hedge to hedge by degrees till they had forced them to the top of the hill our Horse doing little for the space of an houre after their retreat onely some Parties incountring with each other at which time our Noble Major Generall Browne who was ever known to be a valiant man and must be lookt upon as a speciall instrument in the worke drew off 100 men from the hedges and in his own persons led them on to charge the Horse which they did most gladly couragiously and forced the enemies horse to wheele about whereupon our body of horse came on againe and that very manfully at which time they charged quite through the enemies body and put them to a rout so that they were forced to retreat to the top of the hill where they first appeared this was about two of the clock in the afternoon at which time they began to retreat and sent their carriages away their body of foot followed after the horse and some few foot onely being left to face and to fight with us at the last it pleased God to raise up the spirits of some few not above 300 and to put such courage into them as to adventure out of the closings to charge the maine body upon the plain which they did so resolutely that they put them al to flight our horse pursued them 2 miles at the least til the enemies horse overtook their own foot who cried out as the countrey people said Face them face theÌ„ once more face them which they did but to small purpose for our horse came up at the first charge they were all routed again fled our horse pursuing them til they overtook the foot routed them likewise and dispersed them severall waies som fled to Basing some to Alton and some to Winchester by the way they cryed out the Kingdoms lost the Kingdoms lost c. and when they left Alsford where they had long quartered they set the towne on fire at both ends which doubtlesse had burt to the ground but that our men came in and put it out there was only fouâ—eor five houses burnt Thus it pleased God who alone is the giver of all Victory to vouchsafe us not onely a deliverance which we should have owned as a mercy but a glorious conquest As for the instruments I dare not challenge any of neglect in this dayes service to speak the truth both Horse and foot quit themselves bravely We tooke prisoners in the fight Sir Edward or Sir John Stowell Major Gener of a Brigade a man of great estate Col. Beard Colonell of a Regiment of Horse and of a Regiment of Foot who was employed in Ireland Lieut. Col. Kingston Captain Price Capt. Chidleigh Captain Iackeson Cap. Seamer Ensigne Cowper Lieut. Kite Ensigne Mellis Ensigne Marsh Ensigne Midley Cornet Constable Cornet Ducket Iohn Morsey Phisitian Together with many other Captaines and Commanders besides common souldiers the certaine number I know not whereas we have not lost 40 men that we know of one of our men that was taken prisoner but left behind by reason of his wounds told me himselfe they had not taken 20 prisoners in all and I know not of 20 slain the most considerable losse on our part is the Col. Tompson a brave man is shot with a Drake and his Leg is cut off we are in great hopes of his recovery Major Boswell is desperately wounded Cap. Melton is taken prisoner some few are wounded but I hope not mortally the certaine number of the slaine I cannot report those that speake most sparing say 500. they told us in Alsford that they fetch'd off cart-loads of dead men and some they buried and some they carryed with them the Lord Iohn the Duke of Richmonds brother is slaine and Generall Ruthen as some informed though the Malignants are loath to part with such a souldier or to heare of his death but it is certaine he escaped safe to Reading On Saturday morning I spake with the Messenger who came from Sir Will Waller to our Major Generall with Orders for wee stayed at Alsford 14 miles behind Sir William Waller who affirmed that the Horse and Foot were totally routed not a body of 200 Foot to be found of the great army consisting in all of 12000. that we had taken seven pieces of Ordnance many carriages and that Sir William would set upon Winchester immediately being within a mile and a halfe of it then I trust in God he is by this time possest of it Many passages I am forced to omit for brevities sake both in and after the fight wee had both the same word God with us but see what it is to dissemble with a God of truth Our next word was Iesus helpe us so he did and then the last word was Glory be to God Give me leave to end here and let this day be ever in our thoughts and the word be ever in our mouthes a day wherein God was seene in the high places of the field a wise mighty wonder-working God there is not an Atheist that can owne thee and not acknowledge it to be digitus Dei 'T is God alone that hath done the worke to him alone be all the praise The rest is this March 30. 1644. Gentlemen I am your humble servant E. A. The Queens Regiment being there and Prince Maurices forces most of the Irish neither giving nor taking quarter And thus hast thou seene good Reader to Gods eternall glory and thine and all Englands unexpressible joy and comfort how the Lord hath by his almighty power and unsearchable rich grace and wisedome done that for us which he promised by the Prophet take notice of this Scripture and the conclusion of that verse Thus saith the Lord of hostes The fast of the fourth Moneth and the fast of the fifth Moneth c. shal be to the house of Iudah joy and gladnesse and chearefull feasts Therefore marke this love the Truth and Peace Even so truely the Lord hath most directly dealt with us For this very Moneths Fast-day being a day of most just and great sorrow and humiliation for our sad losse at Newarke Siege it pleased the Lord our good God that the very next and immediately ensuing Lords-day proved a jubile and joyfull-day that our then last Wednesdayes fast and Prayers were turned into a feast of most joyfull and gladsome praises of the Lord in our so admirable and so immediate repairation of that former losse by this so great and glorious a victory which was on the Fryday immediately following Wednesday before As if the Lord had seemed be it spoken with holy reverence to be sorry for
Plate and money yet what plate goods or Jewels did properly belong to her and her attendants was permitted the next day to be friendly conveyed to Oxford with her she being used with all respect and civility by Sir William VValler and Sir VVilliam Belfore so was not the Honourable Lady Fairfax used at Bradford in Yorkeshire though afterwards she was onely and barely sent home Fiftly the taking of the said Lady Hopton so neer Redding put the garrison at Redding into such an affright and terrour that on the 3. of March the said enemy quitted that great garrison Town and the like in other garrisons also about Oxford and those parts Sixtly that Sir VVilliam VValler pursued the enemy to Salisbury entred that Towne and tooke there neere upon 500 Armes and made all the Cathedrall men run for feare of after-claps Seventhly and lastly that Sir William Waller rested not there neither but sent out a Partee of about 1000. Horse and Dragoones into Dorsetshire and at a Towne called White-Church tooke sir Iohn Mills and 100. Gentlemen more who were met there together to raise men for Hopton Which partie went presently after to VVeymouth for farther designes And now false and foul mouth'd malignants judge even ye your selves whether Hopton was not soundly beaten to suffer all this without least resistance all this while and so long away One thing more of moment I may not here pretermit for the honour of the inhabitants of the Isle of Wight neer Portsmouth viz. That since this routing of Hoptons forces as aforesaid they not only supplyed Sir William Wallers army in a very large manner with victualls which was then very welcome refusing to take one penny of pay for the same but farther of their owne voluntary accord as hath beene since credibly enformed raised 300 stout able men and sent them to Sir William together with large expressions of their chearfulnesse and forwardnesse farther to assist him with their lives and fortunes as their should be an occasion offered Now the Honourable House of Commons in Parliament taking into their serious consideration this so happy successe of their Forces under the Command of Sir Wil. Waller and Sir William Belfore as aforesaid against the Forces of the King under the Command of Sir Ralph Hopton In acknowledgement of Gods singular great mercy herein Ordered that on Aprill the 14th being the Lords day Publike Thanksgiving should be in all Churches and Chappels on the Southside of Trent within the power of the Parliament and that the like thanksgiving should be on the Northside of Trent 14 dayes after which was to be the 28th of April then next ensuing which Order of Parliament for the Readers better content and satisfaction I have thought fit here to insert as it was Printed and published by their Authority Die Lunae 1 April 1644. An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons in Parliament Assembled appointing a Solemne day of Thanksgiving c. THe Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled having certaine information of the great mercy of our good God in the happy successe of the Forces of the Parlioment under the Command of Sir William Waller and Sir William Belfore on Friday March 29. 1644. Doe in their acknowledgement of Gods mercie herein Order That upon the Lords Day which will be on the 14 of this instan April Publike Thanksgiving be given in all Churches and Chappels on the Southside of Trent within the power of the Parliament unto the Lord of Hosts that giveth all Victory for the seasonable and extraordinary blessing whereby the Army under the Command of Sir Ralph Hopton was totally routed with the losse of very few of the Parliaments Forces And all Ministers in their respective Churches and Chappels are hereby directed and Commanded to give notice thereof and to Exhort and excite their people to acknowledge and improve this great blessing in a Spirituall way that as this mercie was bestowed in returne of our Prayers and Humiliation upon the late and solemne Fast the Wednesday before this Victory So God may have the sole honour and glory of it in our praises and thanksgivings and that the like thanksgiving shall be made on the Northside of Trent 14 dayes after which will be on the 28 of this instant April Ordered that this Ordinance of publike Thankesgiving be forthwith Printed and Published And that the Printer of the House doe bring in a convenient number to the Members of the House to be sent into the severall Counties Hen. Elsynge Cl. Parl. D. Com. And heer now good Reader let me desire thy godly and Christian patience and permission a little to make a pause and cast Anchour againe at the end of this Moneths happy voyage briefely to revise and survey the precious Merchandizes and happy Incoms of Gods goodnesse to our English Nation in protection of his Holy-Arke the Parliaments Cause So constantly and cruelly molested tost and turmoyled by the swelling waves and insolent surges of wicked and ungodly Adversaries which will be most conspicuously evident to all In the taking of Biddle-House in Staffordshire by Sir Thomas Fairfax and Colonell Ridgeley Hilsey-house in Buckinghamshire and the surprising of the Princes Troop by Northampton Forces In Colonell Lamberts brave victory at Bradford in Yorkeshire The notable defeat given to Hastings at Hinchley in Leicestershire where and when the Solemne Covenant was setling and taking in those parts together with another most brave defeat given by the foresaid valiant Colonell Lambert to Newcastles Forces as also Sir William Constables good successe and Colonell Waights also at Burleigh-house In the notable Sea-storme wherein about 1500 Irish Rebels were cast away and the Land Storm also which God raised against those bloody Irish-Rascals at Pool and VVareham in Dorsetshire together with the singular good successe of Colonell Norton against the enemies at Southampton Sir VVilliam Belfores good successe against the enemy neere Basing-house in Hampshire The Prince Palatines taking of our Covenant in Holland and the whole Kingdome of Sweathlands voluntary Message and desire to enter into Amity and Confederacy with our Parliament against the Adversaries of the true Protestant Religion Sir VVilliam Constables victorious taking of Tadcaster in Yorkshire The singular good successe of the Parliaments Declaration for calling in Delinquents from Oxford and how God turned that wicked Apostacy of Greenvile into a mercy unto us Together with the pious care of the Parliament for the godly institution of the Kings Children at S. Iameses and the singular good successe of the Parliaments Forces at Bredport and Burley-house neere Lyme The most victorious proceedings and magnanimous atchivements of the Parliaments Forces in South-VVales by renowned Captaine Swanley who most happily prevented much-intended evill there and reduted the whole County of Pembrooke to the obedience of the Parliament The yet farther good successe of the Parliaments side by Sea in valiant Captaine Jordanes chasing the Earle of Marlebrough the Kings Admirall from his intended
defence of the Parliament against the common adversaries thereof and held it very fit that the said Bookes containing four parts should be translated into the Latin and French tongues that so they might be read of all the reformed Divines and States-men in Europe This passage I have here most deservedly added as a Parliamentary-Mercy of the Lord in thus raising this faithfull and heroick-hearted Patriot from his once being as it were buryed alive in the grave of a most unjust and barbarous forreigne Perpetuall Banishment thus to vindicate the most honourable reputation of our most renowned English Parliaments About the 18. of this instant out most pious prudent and provident Parliamentary Statists taking into serious and deliberate consideration the good affection which the Swedes beare to this Kingdome which they have severall waies expressed to this our present Parliament they therefore held it very fit that faire correspondencie should be continued betwixt them and us and thereupon agreed on an Ordinance with the consent of the Committees of both Kingdoms to send with their Agents to the Sweeds to declare their reciprocall amity and mutuall affection to them As likewise into Zeland and other the united Provinces who had likewise declared their good affection to the proceedings of the Parliament have endevoured to prevent the bringing over of Armes and Ammunition into this Kingdome to be imployed against them And about the 19 of this instant came certaine intelligence to the Parliament by Letters from the most noble renowned L. Fairfax that most famous faithfull and never sufficiently honoured pious Patriot of his Countrey intimating the admirable good successe wherewith it pleased the Lord God of Hosts to Crowne him since he and his most magnanimious and virtuous Sonne Sir Thomas Fairfax joyned their Forces together and especially touching that famous and admirable Victory which they obtained at Selby in Yorkeshire For the Readers better satisfaction wherein and the fairer cleerer Demonstration of the very truth wherof I have here thought fit to give thee the Copy of the said Letter verbatim as it was by Order and Authority of Parliament Printed and published Which was as followeth A Letter sent from the Right Honourable the Lord Fairfax to the Committee of both Kingdomes concerning the great Victory lately obtained by Gods blessing at Selby in Yorkeshire My Lords ACcording to the Orders sent to mee and my Sonne from your Lordships we have now joyned our Forces together and though the Enemy held all the passages from the East-riding to the West and by that meanes intercepted divers of our Letters and thereby became acquainted with our appointments and so endeavoured to prevent them which forced me to decline Selby and make a passage over the River tenne miles below it in Marshland where my Men and Carriages being passed with some difficulty on Sonday and Monday last I instantly marched with the whole Army consisting of two thousand Horse and Dragoones and two thousand Foot or thereabouts to Ferry-Bridge and so to Selby where Colonell Iohn Bellasyss commanding in chiefe in Yorkeshire then lay with an Army of fifteene hundred Horse and 1800 Foot as themselves confest though reports made it much more numerous Vpon Wednesday our Forlorn-hope of Horse beat in a partee of the Enemies Horse and followed them into the Towne taking divers of them prisoners and the day being farre spent I quartered the Army within a mile of Selby that night and drew them out againe early the next morning and then with the Foot in three Divisions one led up by my selfe a second by Sir Iohn Meldrum and a third by Lieutenant Colonell Needham fell upon the Towne to storm it in three places altogether where the Enemy received us with much courage and made strong resistance for two houres or thereabouts but in conclusion my owne Foot Regiment forced a passage by the River side and my Sonne with his Regiment of Horse rushed into the Town where he was encountred by Colonell Bellasyss and the Enemies Horse but they being beaten backe and M. Bellasyss himselfe wounded and taken prisoner and our Foot entred on al sides the Town the Enemy was wholly routed and as many as could saved themselves by flight some towards Cawood some towards Pontefract and the rest towards Yorke over the River by a bridge of Boates laid by themselves We pursued them every way and tooke in the Towne and chase the prisoners Ordnance Armes Ammunitions and Colours mentioned in the List inclosed Of my owne men I lost in the fight divers gallant Commanders and Souldiers and very many sore wounded And indeed all my Army both Commanders and Common souldiers behaved themselves with as much courage as ever I observed in men All which we must acknowledge to God alone who both infuseth courage and gives Victory where he pleaseth I shall now I hope be able to raise more Forces in the Countrey and improve this Victory that God hath bestowed on us to the best advantage This being all for the present untill further occasion I rest Your Lordships most affectionate and humble Servant Fer. Fairfax Selby 12 April 1644. A List of the Officers taken Prisoners the 11. of April 1644 Colonell Iohn Bellasyse Colonell Sir Iohn Ramsden Colonel Sir Thomas Strickland Lieutenant Colonell Tyndall Lieutenant Colonell Forbes Major Heskit 8 Commanders of Horse 14 Captaines of Foot 4 Lieutenants of Horse 20 Lieutenants of Foot 6 Cornets 11 Ensignes 9 Quartermasters Elias Walker Master of the Magazine Richard Ludlow Provost Marshall And divers Serjeants Trumpets Corporals Drums and others Officers Divers slaine and lay strewed in the way to Yorke for four miles together others that fled to Pomfract were pursued as far as Ferry-Bridg Foure Brasse Pieces of Ordnance Seven Barrels of Powder Sixteen Bundles of Match Two thousand Armes or above Many Horse and Foot Colours taken but as yet sixteene or seventeen come in And sixteene hundred common Souldiers Above five hundred Horse The Pinnance taken at Gainsbrough All their Bag and Baggage and many Ships and Boats upon the River And foure hundred more prisoners were taken at Homcough neere Selby and some commanders among them And was not here good Reader the Arke of God mightily elevated and borne up maugre all the malignity of this terrible Storme of wrath and rage in the enemy above all the swelling waves and boysteâ—ovs billowes of the enemies fiercest fury Did not the Lord ride gloriously in triumph on the Chariot of his innocent and upright Ark and curb the pride of these proud swelling surges and cause his blessed Arke I say safely to float above them all Yes certainly it must needs be confest even by our adversaries themselves who to their shame sorrow felt and found it so Now then the L. Fairfax presently after the fight and victory obtained as aforesaid sent a letter to the Parliament and therein desired to be directed by them how to dispose of the
made immediately for a speedy supplying of the said noble Earle with Carriages and all other military necessaries About the 25. of this instant came letters to the Parliament from Sir Will. Wallers army intimating that this ever to be renowned generous Generall having intelligence that a considerable convoy of the enemies was going with much Cattell and other necessary provisions for the further supply of their garrison at Basing-house he sent out a convenient party of his horse who suddenly encountred them seized on their cattell and carriage tooke of the enemy neere the said garrison one master Gunner 3 Serjeants 3 Corporalls 40 common souldiers a 1000 sheep and other fat cattell together with a considerable summe of money which they had gathered in the adjacent Counties to have helped to pay their garrison And about the 26. of this instant came letters out of the North assuring the Parliament that the most noble Lord Fairfax and his famous faithfull and thrice noble son Sir Thomas Fairfax were conjoyned with our loyall brethren of Scotland and that having a very brave army they had drawne their forces on each side the river of Ouze neer unto Yorke and had closely begirt the said City whereby they not onely stopt the passage of any persons from comming to the Earle of Newcastle by water but by land also having made good all the bridges and were in great hope in Gods good time and by the Lords gracious assistance to be victorious masters of the said City About the 28. also of this instant came letters from Northamptonshire informing us that a party of some 30 foot men with firelocks were sent out from Serjeant Major Whetham Governour of Northampton to collect money in that County neer Banbury they had onely a Clerke of a company with them who commanded that party which about Easter-day 1644. lay at Sir Iohn Draytons house at Cannons-Ashby 6 miles from Banbury But a party of the enemies about 200 and 20 horse with them from Banbury-castle having intelligence of their being abroad there marched into the Town which our Forces having notice of got quickly into the Church for their better-safety and defence whether the enemy pursued them and soone got in by fastning a pettard to the Church door which instantly forced it open whereupon our men got into the Steeple which they bravely maintained 2 houres together but at last the Enemy beginning to fire it they yeilded themselves upon composition and were all carried prisoners to Banbury save onely one whom being sorely wounded they left behinde who since got back again to Northampton and there declared these things as aforesaid Our men in this action killed one of theirs with a stone from the Steeple and wounded 2 or 3 others but the Enemy got all their Muskets and about 7 pounds in money and imprisoned all the Souldiers in a Barn in Banbury The next day the Committee and Governour of Northampton hearing hereof sent for an exchange of these prisoners which being refused Major Lidcot who commanded the horse in Northampton it was that same Lidcot that gave the Earl of Northampton a touch on the forehead that knockt him off from his horse at the fight neer Stafford where and when the said Earl was slain This brave Major I say being much displeased at their refusall of the said exchange presently after led forth about 5 or 6 Troops of Horse with 50 fire-locks to Banbury who being undauntedly led into the Town on foot most fiercely entred the same bravely set al our foresaid prisoners at Liberty out of the Barn and then most furiously marched into the very body of the Town where a partee of the Enemy opposed them but ours most bravely beat them into the Castle took 33 of them prisoners whereof 2 were Ensigns and 2 Corporalls released 10 men more whom the Enemy had pressed and intended to send to Oxford for his Majesties service slew 5 or 6 of the Enemies in the fight and took besides 40 horse as many Muskets and so returned back unto Northampton with the losse onely of one man who adventured too far and was taken prisoner Thus were they well revenged on their Enemies for their former losse having sodainly and souldier-like put themselves thus upon such a desperate and most dangerous adventure And much about the conclusion of this Moneth of April 1644. we were certified by Letters out of Scotland that our faithfull and loving brethren of that Nation were not a little encouraged at the prudent and pious progresse of our Assembly of Divines in England at Westminster they having sent Letters to some Members of the said Assembly and to their own Divines to the same effâ—ct intimating therein That England could give them no greater content and incouragement to gain their best assistance and love than this their willingnesse in joyning themselves with them in the Solemn Covenant thereby to set up a thorough Reformation in all their Churches according to the Word of God And together with those Letters they sent likewise a letter sent by the Juncto at Oxford to the Noble Earl of Argyle and other Lords of the Councill of Scotland which were much to this effect in briefe First therein manifesting their impious explanation of the Act of Association of both kingdomes which as they said with Iesuiticall Spirits was consented to by the Lords Subscribers thereunto and others that were prisoners with them at Oxford as though the Act of Association had not been made with the joynt consent of his Majesty and the Parliament of both Kingdomes but between a private Juncto and some aspiring Papists stupid Atheists Parasiticall Iesuite Priests and damnable Irish Rebels then at Oxford Withall they further averred That the Lords in Parliament at Westminster were not then above 25 and that the major part of the Commons were then with them at Oxford that there were nothing but tumults in London and unruly Voting which was the cause that they themselves had deserted that pretended Parliament as then they audaciously and maliciously called and counted it and what said they in this Letter Will ye my Lords get but a knock with a pollax or a Sequestration-lash But all this was but the Preface to this their learned Epistle Their subject matter follows in such modest straines as these We do conjure you my Lords by your common allegiance and subjection to the King by the amity and affection betwixt the two Nations by the Treaty of Pacification and by all Obligations both Divine and Humane to use your utmost endeavours to prevent the effusion of so much blood as must needs follow the invasion of this Kingdome this you must consider was before our Scottish brethrens comming in unto us by your intended Armies preparing for the pretended Parliament at Westminster Thus you see good Readers that our impious Oxonians seem to be very sensible and tender of the effusion of blood which
they say the comming in of the Scottish Nation will occasion though they know very well that their former comming in was by Gods mercy a great means to prevent it and so also may this but they are too willing to forget or at least to silence what horrid cruelties are dayly committed by their bringing over of such multitudes of Irish Rebels or that this damdable Plot of theirs can be any Invasion of our Kingdome since these are forsooth the Kings honest Catholik Subjects O grosse and egregious daubing and dissimulation Now the Lords of the Councill of Scotland having received this Letter spent no long time about it but the very next day O the mercy of our God thus to cleare up their pious and prudent judgement herein dispatched an answer to that Letter much to this effect That they conceived their Lordships at Oxford were not so great strangers to their proceedings as not to know that their expedition into England was not intended till all other meanes were first assayed and disappointed That they will not deny the invitation of the Parliament to ayde them and that not onely out of pittie to see England bleed but out of sense of the danger of their owne Religion and Lawes they had thus as a maine cause taken up Armes at this present that they hold not the invitation of the Parliament any wayes invalid or null'd because they at Oxford are wanting thence or others are gone beyond the Seas having either wilfully deserted the Parliament or been expelled thence for their Delinquency but how this Parliament hath sought earnestly for Reformation of Religion for redresse of grievances and the happy settlement of the great affaires of that Kingdome and which was indicted by his Majestie for these ends is ratified by a speciall Act of Parliament not to be raised without advise and consent of both Houses as null and void and that those who stay in Parliament are not a sufficient number without them at Oxford is more than they can apprehend And as they are more deepely affected with unfeined griefe for these unhappy differences betweene his Majestie and his Subjects and more sensibly touched with the sufferings of their Brethren than desirous to judge of the Lawes and practises of another Kingdome So they doe hold themselves in duty obliged to their Countrey to clear that Kingdome of that unjust aspersion of invasion These things with sundry other excellent expressions were contained in this Letter or answer to the former as by the Letters themselves Printed and published at large appeared And heere now good Reader I shall again desire to cast Anchor to put in and make a short stay in the happy Harbour of this Moneths Voyages conclusion also a little to refresh and recollect thine and mine own serious thoughts in the most gratefull Contemplation and Recapitulation of all the eminent and excellent Parliamentary Mercies as so many specious and precious Merchandizes safely brought home in the Successefull adventure of the Arke of God in this Moneths Voyage which may conspicuously appeare to the eyes and understanding of any of all intelligent and impartiall Readers First In that most fragrant Aprill Primrose or odoriferous virtuous Violet I meane that most excellent Ordinance of Parliament for the better sanctifying of the Lords day In those brave Defeates given to our Adversaries The one at Munck-bridge by Sir Iohn Gell the other given to Colonell Bellusyes by victorious Colonell Lambere in Yorkeshire In the remarkable meanes of Conveyance of the Ammunition from Warwick to Gloucester And how thereby they were enabled to fright and secret their neighbouring Enemies Together with the taking in of Waltham-house by Colonell Whitehead with the good assistance of the London Brigade which God made victorious both going and comming In the happy Conjunction of the Lord Fairfaxes Forces with his most valiant and virtuous Son Sir Thomas Fairfax whereby their eminent designes were by Gods mercie greatly advanced which was immediately begun in the taking of Cawood Castle and the Isle of Axholme In the farther good successe and singular good service of Captaine Swanley in South-Walles And the regaining of Crowland a place of great concernment by the noble Earle of Manchesters Forces In the Hollanders Honourable attestation of precious Master Prynnes learned Labours in his Invincible Vindication of the Parliaments Power and Priviledges Together with the most comfortable correspondency betweene our Kingdome and Parliament and the Kingdome of Swethland and also States of the Vnited Provinces In that most Famous and admirable Victory obtained by the right Honourable and most renowned Lord Fairfax at Selby in Yorkeshire In the prosperous pursuit of Newcastles Atheistiall Army from Durham to Yorke by our valiant and vigilant brethren of Scotland the most noble Earle of Manchester and most worthily thrice Honourable Lord Fairfax who all uniting and joyning themselves together into a body about Yorke necessitated Newcastle to be enclosed and coop'd up within the walles of the said City In the brave Defeat given by renowned Sir William Waller to the Kings Cormorants at Basing-house Together with that other given by Northampton Forces to their Adversaries at Banbury And lastly in the Lords most gracious frustrating and foolifying that most pâ—rnicious Oxonian Plot to have diverted or rather perverted the Christian Amity and Fidelity of our loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland in their pious purposes aud resolutions to come into our Kingdome for our timely and needfull assistance All which precious premises rightly regarded and most seriously considered especially that most remarkable Conquest at Selby and this the Lords most gracious turning of Oxonian Achitophels crafty and cruell Counsell into folly O who can but most justly and ingenuously acknowledge that in all in any of these rare and rich Parliamentary-mercies the Lord hath most comfortably caused his blessed Arke triumphantly still to over-toppe the high swelling waves and rough rising billows of Papists Atheists and mischievous malignants So that we may in strong and long experienced confidence in God conclude with holy David Yet truly the Lord is good to his Israel and to all such as are of an upright heart Great câ—use have wee therefore with magnanimous Martyn Luther in our greatest straits and seeming distresses to say and sing God is our refuge and strength a very present help in time of trouble Therefore we wil not fear though the earth be removed and though the mountaines be hurryed or caryed into the midst of the sea and though the waters thereof roar and be troubled But now to goe on and to lanch forth again into the next Mouths adventure And first to begin with the certain intelligence which about the beginning of this Moneth of May came to London by Letters from Plymouth that that traiterous Skellum and base Apostate Sir Richard Greenvile came within two miles of Plimouth to a place called S. Butolphs with some Forces of Horse and Foot whereof
it may remaine on record as a Monument of their Gratitude to the God of heaven to all Posterity A true Copy of a Warrant sent from the Committee of Kent to all the Ministers in that County for the Celebration of the 21th day of May a day of Thankesgiving for their deliverance from the late Rebellion and for other mercies to that County WHereas the goodnes of God hath been wonderfully manifested toward this County in the speedy suppression of the late rebellion and the severall defeats and disappointments of the Enemy approaching this County with great Armies all threatning the ruine and destruction of the whole County The Committee therefore hold themselves obliged to invite the County while there is opportunity to a general acknowledgement of these unexpected and undeserved mercies and have therefore Ordered and appointed Tuesday the 21th of May 1644 to be observed by all the Inhabitants of this County as a day of thankesgiving to Almighty God for so great deliverance and lengthning our tranquillity in the middest of a deluge of warre And all the Ministers in this County are heereby required in their respective Churches to observe the said day of thankesgiving and to exhort and excite the people to acknowlege and improove the said multiplied deliverances in a spirituall way that God may have the sole honour and glory of them all in all our praises To the Minister of c. You are to publish this Order in the Church on the next Lords day And heere I cannot omit one thing but must crave leave of the Reader to mention it namely the renowned worth and high valuation we all ought to have of that ever to be honoured and most honest hearted Patriot of his Countrey the Earle of Pembrooke who not long since most nobly and heroically engaged his person purse and credit in the raising of monies for the service of that famous Garrison Towne of Lyme and other parts in the West and how he offered most freely to morgage his whole Estate to raise monies for the preservation of those Townes in the West that stand so firme and faithfull to the Parliament And that on the 17. of this instant he did publikely declare himselfe to be so farre and so fully satisfied in the most couragious and wise proceedings of the House of Commons that he for his particular was faithfully resolved to live and dye with them and hath all along most clearely evidenced his constant loyalty to the Parliament and cause of God without the least ignoble thought of base desertion or tergiversation from it from the first to this very present A rare example and true trophie of Nobility in him About the 22th of this instant May we had certaine intelligence by Letters out of Yorkeshire that Cawood Castle in that County was surrendred up to that most valiant and virtuous Commander Sir Iohn Meldrum for the use of the King and Parliament about 4 of the clocke in the afternoone wherein were 25 Armes 4 Pieces of Ordnance 4 barrels of Powder all the bagge and baggage therein also was delivered up Lunsdale the Governour thereof and all the Commanders surrendred themselves into our hands upon onely Quarter for their lives The Common Souldiers to goe home taking the Covenant which was performed accordingly Sir George Duncombe who contributed much to the surrender of this place tooke the Covenant and came in to the most noble Lord Fairfax This was the same Duncombe that was the most active man in raising the King Forces in Yorkeshire to set on foot this not Brittish but brutish warre for which good act his Majestie knighted him and the reason why he now became out of love with the Kings service as himselfe said was because his Majesty contrary to his promise and faith imployed Papists in Command whom at the beginning to the delusion of the people he seemingly banisht from the Court at Yorke And by Letters of the 24th of this instant wee were certified that the foresaid most couragious and valiant Commander Sir Iohn Meldrum had the Isle and Fort of Ayremouth delivered up unto him with all the Armes Ordnance and Ammunition therein So that by this meanes a cleare and free passage was opened even from Hull to Owz-Bridge which till now the Fort at Ayremouth and Cawood-castle did interrupt It was also further certified in the same Letters that Shovels Pickaxes Spades and other materials were brought in aboundance to the Leaguer at Yorke and above 10000 Countrey-men came in some voluntarily others by compulsion to helpe to make their approaches neere the City to batter it Much also about the same time we were certainly enformed by Letters from Abington that the King with his two great Armies Commanded by Forth and Hopton durst not bid battell to the Parliaments most noble Lord Generall the Earle of Essex on Wantage Downes where his Excellencie drew in Battalia to salute them but that they fled backe not daring neither to goe Westward to Abington whereupon my Lord Generall sent out a Partie of 3000 Horse and Foot Commanded by that thrice noble and worthyly honoured Commander the Lord Roberts Field-Marshall and the Horse by Sir Philip Stapleton Lieutenant Generall of the Horse who came in with such courage and brave resolution that 5000 of the Enemies fled in disorder and left the Towne to the Lord Roberts who on the Lords Day May 26 entred Abington in the morning the most noble Lord Gen being to quarter there that night The Enemy tooke such a flight on this pursuit that they hastily marched from Abington with most of their Artillery and Magazine to Oxford but yet 80 Wagons and 5000 Foot and Horse passed by Oxford toward Islip the way to Worcester Commanded by Sir Ralph Hopton This Partie also was soone dis-heartned by 18 Troopes under Command of that valiant active and undaunted Gentleman Captaine Temple who was sent from Newport Pannell with those Horse to discover the Enemy but not to engage himselfe But this brave not spirited Gallant would be in action and fell upon 3 Troopes of the Enemies quartered at Islip whereof Astons owne Troop was one and tooke there 50 Horse Sir Fortescue not that faithlesse wretch which you may imagine 17 more Prisoners 8 packs of Kersey from Exeter and 150. l. in ready money and gave such an alarme to the enemy that those Horse fled from Islip to Oxford gave Hopton the alarme in his March to Islip that all of them cryed out Essex is come Essex is come whereupon the gates of Oxford were shut up and they would not suffer even Astons owne Troop for a while to enter Such a terrour and amazement strooke the hearts of these gracelesse guilty and Conscience-wounded Enemies of God and goodnesse About the same time also his Excellencie being in those parts about Oxford and finding the Countrey extreamly pillaged and impoverished by the Kings Cormorants he most wisely and mercifully
caused Proclamation to be made in his Army and in the Countrie about as followeth ROBERT Earle of Essex c. Captaine-Generall of the Army imployed for the Defence of the Protestant Religion King Parliament and Kingdome WHereas these Countries have beene very much afflicted and oppressed by the Euemy and we are now come to relieve them of their hard bondage It is therefore my expresse will and pleasure and I doe hereby straitly charge and command all Officers and Souldiers of Horse Foot and Dragoones belonging to the Army under my Command that they and every of them doe forthwith after Proclamation hereof made forbeare notwithstanding any pretence whatsoever to plunder or spoile any of the goods of the inhabitants of these Countries or to offer any violence or other prejudice unto them upon paine of death without mercy Given under my hand and Seale May the 26. 1644. Essex Say now then malicious Malignants was not this a better and more just Proclamation than that which came to the poore Inhabitants of those parts round about from Oxford Commanding all their Corne and Victuall upon paine of Fire and Sword And was it not thinke you better accepted of the said people than that Oxonian Edict that in all those Countreys all his Majesties Souldiers should have free Quarter for Horse and Man So that the Inhabitants were eaten up by such oppression and perforce made Slaves and Bondmen to the base lusts and wills of all the Dam-me cursed crew whose insolencies were hereby incredible and the relation of them very fearefull and grievous to modest and tender-hearted Christians About the 27th of this instant there were Letters drawne up such was the prudence providence of our ever to be honoured and renowned Parliamentary Statists to conserve and corroborate the blessed union amity between the two Kingdomes of England and Scotland to be sent to the Parliament in Scotland from both the Houses of Parliament in England expressing the obligation they stood bound in to the Kingdome of Scotland the high esteeme they have of their brotherly love for their assistance to this Nation desiring also that they may be united as well in Councills as in Forces And returning them hearty thankes for their care of the Army in Ireland for which they sent them word they had provided 30000 l. and also had sent downe 20000 l. to their Army now with us in England requesting them to accept their endeavours though their abilities answered not their desires Much also about the same time came credible Information by Letters out of Gloucestershire that that most valiant vigilant and couragious Commander Colonell Massey had taken Beverton Castle in Gloucestershire about 12 miles from Gloucester and within a mile from Tedbury which was surrendred to him on no other Conditions but onely for quarter for their lives Wherein hee tooke 60 Prisoners with all their Ordnance Armes and Ammunition And with the same successe he tooke the old Towne of Malmesbury wherein were 300 men and two Sonnes of the Earle of Barkeshire and 28 Officers 400 Armes 7 or 8 Pieces of Ordnance besides Powder Match and other Ammunition and provision The Governour of the Towne Colonell Howard being at the first summoned to deliver up the Town for the use of the King and Parliament Assembled at Westminster returned an answer That he would keep it for the use of the King and Parliament Assembled at Oxford but upon this Answer Col. Massey fell close to the work and after 13 houres hot fight he as aforesaid forced the Governour to make a recantation of his errour and to cry for mercy for his folly And from thence he presently marched into Wiltshire and possessed himself of the Garrison of Chippenham the Souldiers therein having onely Quarter for their lives And thus we see how admirably successefull the Lord of Hosts hath made this Loyall and most active Commander in all his Valiant and Magnanimous undertakings Whereupon shortly after The two Honourable Houses of Parliament taking into consideration the good service of this famous and Renowned Colonell and that in pursuance of his foresaid good successe he was marched on with about 2000. men to the Devizes thereby to open a passage for the bringing in of cloth to London out of the West country An Order was forthwith agreed on for speedy supplying him with money and other necessaries And another Ordinance of Parliament was also resolved on for the rewarding of this Noble Colonell for his so great and good service done to the Kingdome and that his never-dying honour might not too long be unrecompensed therefore to confirme and settle a 1000. l. a year of Sir John Winters estate an arch Papist in armes against the Parliament and one of the Queenes great favourites on him and his heires for ever A singular and most highly commendable act greatly redounding to their own just praise and to the encouragement of the rest of the valiant and active Souldiers and commanders of the Parliaments Forces and Garrisons About the 30th of this instant May it pleased the Lord to let us the happy inhabitants O that our Malignants also could see their happinesse therein of the most famous and ever to be renowned City of London see and know that he had a purpose to doe us good and to raise us now out of our late low estate and thereby to give us still more and more just cause to magnifie and omnifie his great name in blessedly advancing all meanes and wayes for the good of his despised and distressed Church and Children and to spread the banner of the Lord Jesus Christ triumphantly in the field against his too too long over-prided and insulting â—oes For about this time notwithstanding that by Gods admirable mercy and good providence we had now already in the field 6 or 7 very considerable armies as first That of our most noble and renowned Lord Generall his Excellency the Earle of Essex in the Westerne parts of the Kingdome Secondly that of our most loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland Thirdly that of the ever most worthily honoured Lord Fairfax and his most renowned Son Sir Thomas Fairfax Fourthly that of the no lesse renowned truly noble and to be ever honoured Earl of Manchester all these three last mentioned armies in the Northern parts of the Kingdome about Yorke Fifthly that of the magnanimous and most courageous Sir William Waller in the West also Sixthly that of the most noble and active Earle of Denbigh about Staffordshire and those parts Besides that brave commanders forces in Lancastershire I mean valiant Sir Iohn Meldrum and other lesser forces in divers other parts and places of the Kingdome That notwithstanding all these and many if not most of all these in great measure raised out of the most famous City of London yet I say about this time to the glory of our wonder-working God be it spoken the honour of the said great City the
to fall upon them and ease the Towne of them left the Siege totally and made hast away for feare of being taken as in a trap betweene the Town and the Generals Army as anone you shall hear most exactly and fully related About the beginning also of this instant Iune came certaine Information by Letters from that most pious Patriot Sir Wil. Armine Dated at Sunderland May 22th That the noble and religiously affected Earle of Callender having about a Moneth since entred the Kingdome out of Scotland as a second or reserve to the greater Armie of our Brethren of Scotland was about this time entred into Northumberland and had got possession of Morpeth-castle in the said County his Army then consisting of about 8 or 10000 men That by treachery between the Governour of the Southshields and the Mayor of Newcastle the Southshields was surrendred to the enemy without stricking one blow And that there was a Plot for the betraying of Sunderland also to the Enemy which being by Gods mercy timely discovered by the Seamen that lay upon the River with much difficulty they planted two Pieces of Ordnance commodiously and betaking themselves to their Armes they made good the passage repulsed the Enemy with strong hand and so secured the place against them For which excellent piece of service the Parliament Ordered that 200 l. should be given among them as a gratuity and the Captaine that had the command of the Shields was laid in hould till he also might have a just reward by a Councill of War for his said treachery Much also about the same time Letters were read in the House of Commons in Parliament from the Gentrie of Wales therein supplycating the House that Captaine Swanley that brave Sea-Commander an eminent person and famous for his good service in those parts as hath been already fully related might speedily returne unto them and continue Commander in Chiefe among them Whereupon it was speedily Ordered that the Leopard the Swallow and the Providence which he brought to the Downes with him should be forthwith re-victualed and that he should bee instantly recommended unto Wales as was desired and being in person called to the Barr in the Commons House of Parliament he had thanks returned for his good Service done and as a token of their good affection toward him and for his better encouragement it was Ordered That a Chaine of Gold of 200 l. value should be given to him and another of an 100 l. to Captaine Smith his valiant Vice Admirall A brave way to spur the Spirits of valiant Souldiers thus to engrave Characters of honour on their former famous and well-deserving Services The King as we all too well know made an agreement with his abominable Irish Canibals at Oxford to grant them a Parliament in Ireland of their own packing of Popish Natives and other such like most impious immunities and they having received their dispatch at Oxford went away for Ireland with great devillish joy and impious content to their hellish hearts But yet his Majesty and his accursed Councill would not permit the honest and well-affected Agents for the miserable and oppressed Protestants in Ireland to have favourable admittance to the King nor so much as to know what he had condescended unto it being so much against them But it pleased the Lord very shortly after to manifest to the world that he thrived and prospered accordingly For his Excellencie the Parliaments Lord Generall came thither with such a potent Army against Oxford and gave them there such a sudden alarme that Oxford proved too hot an habitation for his Majestie to reside in so that he was glad to fly after his beloved Irish-Rebels and to leave Oxford in a very distracted condition For upon Munday Iune the 3d 1644. about 12 of the Clocke at night he was glad to horse and away some 30 Coaches with Luggages and Court-baggages accompanying him and some of those Shee-Creatures crying out that they left their Iewels behinde them for haste and thus the next day they got to Burford where the King refreshed himselfe his Ladies and Souldiers but for a matter of two houres space for noble Sir William Waller comming at the same time to Whitney five miles distant gave them a sodaine and sound alarm whereat they all most frightfully cryed out to horse to horse away away and his Majestie with his naked Sword in his hand rode all about the Town to hasten his men away many of whom as 't was well known being more willing to stay behind and run to the Parliaments L. Generall the noble Earle of Essex than to serve his Majestie any longer Ah sad effects but most just reward of following such wicked Counsell and wretched Counsellours and oh the admirable justice of our most righteous God! in thus prosecuting the wilfull workers of iniquity with terrours and disgrace And here observe besides to this purpose what admirable operation this forlorne condition of the Enemies of Truth had upon the Councells of the Parliament and City of London For an Ordinance of Parliament was presently hereupon passed for the enabling of valiant and renowned Colonell Brown that noble Citizen who had done much most excellent service both in suppressing the Kentish Rebellion and at the battell neer Alsford where Hopton received such a fatall defeat as he could never recover nor recruit himself to this day to Command in chiefe as Major Generall of all the forces raised and to be raised for the reducing of Oxford Wallingford Greenland house and Banbury and of all other forces raised for the setling in peace of the Counties of Oxford Berks and Buckingham with power to use and exercise Martiall-Law according to the rules put forth by his Excellency the Earl of Essex the Parliaments Lord Generall About the 4th of this instant we had certain intelligence that noble Sir William Waller being in pursuite of those whom his Excellency the Lord Generalls horse had moved and pricked faster forward in their flight than they were willing and it comming speedily also to the knowledge of that most valiant and active Commander Col. Massey he presently also fell into martiall action and with a considerable party marched valiantly to Tewkesbury and after a slender dispute about it became master of it and with very little losse on his side slew Colonell Godfrey and a Quarter-master Gen. to that Runagado Wilmot a rancke Papist tooke Lieutenant Colonell Mynne prisoner and other Officers and Souldiers together with 300 new Pikes severall other Armes 18 Barrels of powder and other good purchase left in the Town and placed a garrison therein to prevent the Kings Army from reliefe there in case they should move that way About the 6th of this instant we were credibly informed that at a place called Parrishaw a Town about 7 miles from Worcester in the mid way between Evesham and Worcester the Kings forces passing or
rather flying that way they pulled up the bridge and laid the loose boards upon stones for a party of their own forces then behind to passe over and then they intended to take them away to hinder the passage of any of the Parliaments Forces then in pursuite of them But the Rear of the Kings Army marched so hastily away that the loose boards slipt away from the stones when many were upon it there being a great and deep water running swiftly under the bridge so that about 60. of them fell into the river and were drowned among whom were some Commanders of quallity Thus we see still how evill haunts the wicked man at the heeles to destroy him And Sir William Waller still pursuing them as we were credibly enformed fell upon a party of them and took the Queenes Serjeant Major 3 Cornets and about an 100 horse But the noble and prudent Lord Generall well knowing what a considerable and sufficient party Sir William Waller had to pursue them marched Westward and Colonell Masseys forces joyned with Sir William Wallers in the prosecution of this running flight of their Enemies And about the 8th of this instant June we had credible enformation touching the siege and taking of Shudley-castle by that noble and renowned Generall Sir Wil. Waller a very strong piece and of much consequence which Sir William plyed so close with his batterring pieces that in a short space he became master of it for they within came soon to a parley with him the issue whereof was That they delivered up themselves prisoners and onely had quarter for all their lives Wherein were taken prisoners Col. Sir William Mourton Lieut. Colonell Sayer Serjeant Major Aldham Serjeant Major Floyd 4 Captaines 7 Lieutenants 1 Cornet 4 Ensignes 7 Gentlemen of quality 289 common souldiers one Drum a Malignant Priest and his 2 Sons 80 horse 2 Drakes many were slain in the fight against the castle but not a man slaine on Sir William Wallers side A rare mercy and singular preservation The very same day also on which the former good service was performed as aforesaid Colonell Purefoy being returned from Glocester and not willing to be idle by the way but having taken up some more strength from Coventry to adde to his owne Warwicke forces set upon the Earl of Northamptons-House commonly called Compton-House being between Banbury and Warwick a place or House of very considerable-strength In which House they found as was credibly enformed 5500 l. in ready money besides 5 or 6 earthen-pots of money afterward found in a fish-pond they tooke also an 120 prisoners and all their Armes 60 Horse 400 sheepe neer an 100 head of Cattell 18 loads of excellent plunder and other good prizes and there also they tooke prisoners Colonel Knotsford and Captain Clarke And now about the 10th of this instant came out the Ordinance of Parliament mentioned a litle before printed and published for the association of Buckinghamshire Berks and Oxfordshire and a Committee was nominated therein for the raising of money upon Papists Malignants and Delinquents estates in those Counties and likewise to settle the Excise there and to levy money upon the Ordinance of Parliament for the 25th parts for the maintenance of the forces that are or shall be raised for the reducing of the Enemies garrisons in those Counties And that the said Committee have power to cut downe the wood and timber of Papists or Malignants to raise fortifications or for other services as there shall be occasion And likewise that they shall call before them the Malignant Clergy and Schollars in those Counties and place and displace such as they shall find occasion thereunto And all this power was put principally into the hands of this brave and loyall Citizen Serjeant Major Generall Brown who was thereby also of purpose made Serjeant Major Generall of all the forces raised or to be raised in all those Counties aforesaid and he had power by this authority of Parliament to assemble a Councill of war as oft as he saw occasion for the executing of justice on all sorts of offenders About the 12. of this instant came certain information by letters and otherwise from that most valiant and worthy Commander Sir William Brereton of an excellent exploit performed by that most valiant and noble Patriot of his Country the Earle of Denbigh against a party of the kings horse which came to raise his siege at Dudley-castle the manner whereof was thus related The King being upon his departure from Bewdley toward Shrewsbury sent a party of about 3000 horse against the Earle of Denbigh at Dudley-castle which horse comming suddenly on them the noble Earle sent a party of forlorn-hope commanded in chiefe by ever honoured Col. Mitton Governour of Wem who most bravely charged the Enemy but their force as I said being all horse and comming violently on our forlorne-hope seemed to be in a forlorn condition being on a sudden desperately engaged and in such a danger that it was advised by the Councill of War That the Earl could not without great hazard to his whole Army attempt to releive the forlorn-hope but must rather leave them to shift as they could and keep their trenches with their main body to receive the Enemy if they came on But the noble Earle to his perpetuall honour hating to see his dear friends sacrifice their lives in a Cause so just as Religion and Liberties and himself stand by a looker on resolved to relieve them maugre all disadvantages or dye in the attempt and with this martiall and most noble resolution he drew up his forces and himselfe in person leading them on against the Enemy with admirable courage cryed out thus to his Souldiers Come on Sirs follow mee for by the grace of God I will rescue Colonell Mitton or lay my bones in the place And thereupon charged them to so good purpose that he soon freed his forlorne-hope and in short time put the Enemies to a disorderly flight if not quite routed them and was in the pursuite of them divers miles together In which flight as was certainly enformed the Enemy lost above an 100 men which were slain in the place and among them one person of speciall note was then killed for whom they made much lamentation there were also 17 persons of quality taken prisoners besides the common-souldiers and 30 more afterward at Master Dudleys House whom that valiant and most worthy Commander Colonell Rudgeley who with his Staffordshire forces did singular good service in this fight tooke prisoners before they could retreat besides Horse and Armes and on the Earles side was onely 7 slain and some wounded I a little before made mention of the good hand of God upon the most valiant and courageous garrison of Lyme in their long and straight Siege by a furious and cruell Enemy And now about the 15th of this instant came certain intelligence of
in this as in other things see and be assured that good and faithfull Service shall not be unrewarded It was therefore Ordered by the Parliament that 10000. l. a year out of the Lord Paulets Estate should be conferred upon the Towne of Lime for their loyalty and courage in this famous Siege which hath been indeed to admiration for that besides the straights they have been driven too their impregnable courage in so stoutly defending themselfe from the malice of their blood-thirsty Enemies hath sometimes caused their very water to be noysome with the blood of those that sought their ruine and destruction O the admirable power wisdome and justice of the righteous Lord of Heaven and Judge of the whole World But to goe on At the same time and from the same hand and ships of the most noble Lord Admirall at Lime it was informed that their ships had taken upon the Seas since their setting forth from the Downes two Prizes one at Dartmouth a Vessell laden with Oyle and Salt for Holland and the other that was brought in unto them was a Dutch Galliot laden with good Commodities for the Enemy at Aptham and Exeter to the value of at least 8000 l. And the Master himselfe of the Galliot confessed that they had for her more safe Convoy the Company of two Statesmen of War who had aboard their Ships 5 Barrels of money amounting to a 1000 Dollars confined to some Malignants in Exeter The Factor under whose charge the money was committed being aboard the Men of War was loath to be discovered but at length was apprehended and brought before his Lordship and for some peremptory and unmannerly speeches to his Lordship was put into safe custody And all the goods proved good prize From aboard the James at anchor before Lyme June 1. 1644. This blessed businesse of Lyme and the most noble Lord Admirals singular and seasonable supply afforded to it did also produce immediately after these severall Orders from the Parliament First that a letter was drawn up as was toucht before and sent to the most noble Lord Admirall signifying how sensible the House was of his so great and good service and returning him the thankes of the whole House for the same And truely these Parliamentary acknowledgements and gratulations are very good for the publique either by land or by water and that Excellent Lord deserves thanks of no lesse demension than a Parliament Secondly that a Letter was drawn up as from the whole House also to the Town of Lyme to enforme them that the House took speciall notice of their faithfull and valiant service And indeed it is a gratefull and most worthy act of the House to let no desert escape their notice For it is not fit that such places as have borne the heate of the day should take cold under the shadow of State-neglect Thirdly that the Lord Mayor of the City of London was thereby desired to send notice to all Churches and Chappels in and about the said City and County of Midelsex to desire the Ministers in their prayers the next Lords-day to give thanks to Almighty God for the great deliverance of the said Towne of Lime from the rage and intended malice and mischiefe of their outragious enemies Much about the foresaid time the Parliaments ever to be honoured Lord Generall the most noble Earle of Essex had sent out as he was desired by the Parliament a Party of Horse to the reliefe of Lime under the Command of that most loyall valiant and most virtuous Gentleman Sir William Belfore but as yee have already heard the Morris was done and danced away before Whereupon their Horse wheeled about toward Weymouth and after they had faced the Towne and given them Summons they within presently yeelded and 400 Souldiers were content to leave their heavier weapons and to march away with sticks onely in their hands The noyse of Lime and Weymouth and the Lord Generals terrour flew to Taunton-Deane and they also soone quitted the Garrison and daunced after Maurices pipe Truely I cannot tell what to say to these things but must most justly admire Gods infinite mercy whose hand was most manifestly seene now in the West as well as in the North working all our workes there for us But of the winning of these Townes and the rest we shall speak shortly after more fully in their more proper place Much also about the foresaid time we had certaine Intelligence by Letters out of Leicestershire that the loyall and right noble Lord Grey of Grooby who hath so bravely and faithfully defended the Town of Leicester as having divers times engaged his person and done singular good service for the Kingdome with that very small strength which hee had there notwithstanding the great strength and oft incursions of the enemy in those parts yet that he marched out of Leicester and tooke divers of the Kings Cormorants or Cavaliers which were stragling up and downe to plunder and sent them prisoners to Leicester and that he fell upon their Quarters neere Vlstrup tooke some Prisoners there and made the rest retreat and in despight of the Enemy and all their power safely conducted Sir Iohn Gells Ordnance and Artillery designed for Darby or Leicester About the 18 th of this instant Iune we had certaine Information out of the West that the most noble Lord Admirall sent word to his Excellencie the Parliaments Lord Generall that as his Lordship moved by Land so he would saile by Sea and so be assistant to him in the clearing of those Westerne coasts And that for this purpose the noble Lord Admirall designed the Iames the Admirall of his Navy for that businesse a Ship of 875 tun Captaine Richard Blithe being Commander thereof and fitted with 50 Pieces of Ordnance and 260. men in her Also the Constant Reformation Captaine William Battin being Commander thereof a Ship of 740 tun fitted with 40 Pieces of Ordnance and 250. men in her The Expedition Captain Ioseph Iordan being the Commander thereof fitted with an 100 men and 18. pieces of Ordnance together with some other lesser ships which being designed to attend the Lord Generalls marches and removes and to move by Sea still as his Army did by Land and was thus most hopefull by Gods helpe in due time to reduce all the West to the obedience of the King and Parliament whereof more in its due and proper place Much also about the same time came farther intelligence out of the Western parts of the Kingdome that his Excellency had sent severall parties to summon Wareham Bridge-water Portland-castle and other Malignant Townes in those parts that at least 800 men were gathered together in Somersetshire to joyn with his Excellency and that unhappy Hopton having lately then prest about 2000 Souldiers there giving out they were to resist the French from landing but they soone finding it otherwise most of them deserted him and came in unto his Excellency
Lieutenants 2 Cornets 2 Ensignes Commissary Richard Edwards 9 Serjeants 9 Corporalls and one Drum-Major besides 305 Common Souldiers 8 Townesmen in Armes 200 Muskets a 100 Pikes and other warlike weapons and 40 Barrels of Powder And of what great advantage this Town was to those parts especially for the reducing of North Wales those that know that Country do very well know But this Noble Earl rested not here this successe made him not forget the directions of the Committee of both Kingdomes nor to loose any time but that he hastned to expedite what was directed and by him before resolved And so the very next day he Ordered his March accordingly leaving that ever to be honoured Gentleman and brave commander Col. Mitton Governour of that brave Town and Castle a man most fit for such a trust as Wem can witnesse And about the 28. of this instant we were credibly advertised by Letters from Dorchester that the Country at least 20 miles about from the said Town being summoned to appeare there came in most freely and it being offered unto them That any one that desired a Passe to go to Exeter Bristoll or any other parts of the Kings quarters should go together on the left hand and should have their free Passes and all those that were convinced in their consciences of the justnesse of the cause on the Parliaments side should go to the right or hold up their hands and accordingly every one there assembled did so not one desiring a passe to go to the Enemie holding up all their hands most cheerfully this being upon the ending of a Sermon preached then by Master Peters who hath done great Service for the State both by Sea and by Land both in England Ireland and Holland And much about the last of this instant Iune 1644. for the conclusion of this Moneth An Ordinance of Parliament was happily past That no Lords nor Commons who have deserted the Parliament and complyed with Oxford shall be re-admitted into the Lords House nor Members of the House of Commons be any more admitted into the House of Commons without the consent of both Houses A good bar and like to be a strong prop to the firmer stablishing of the State of the Kingdome Who if they had come when their pretended House at Oxford stood on its flashy glosse and false glory we might have thought they had come out of conscience and affection to the Parliament at Westminster but now to leave their own ship when it is upon sincking and to crawl up the main top then is but like Vermine Rats to leave the ship for fear of drowning And truely in this case One constant Royalist though bad 's the best is more worth than 2 of these rotten-hearted Turn-coats But now let these ignoble spirited Deserters revolters sit as they deserve as Britannicus said well 't is pitty either House should again be stained with the Apostacy of such tergiversatious Bats For to be sure those that have once known that way to Oxford would every Spring and Fall every ebbing and flowing of the tide of affaires have been troubled with a fit of shifting sides and parties and be willing to take the ayre 44 miles from London And now having thus by Gods good providence and assistance finished this Moneths Voyage also I shall here desire as is most fit to cast anchor again and to put to shoar a little to refresh our Vessell and to bring forth all the Merchandize and rich Commodities of this Moneths Adventure to a summary sight and revise thereby to set an edge upon our affections to stir up our most gratefull hearts the more to praise the Lord our great and good God the Father and fountain of them As first The happy and most seasonable reliefe of the long and straitly besieged Town of Lime in Dorsetshire by the most noble and renouned Lord Admirall the Right honourable Earl of Warwick together with the serious consideration of the Admirable and almost incredible courage of the Inhabitants and Souldiers thereof in so undauntedly defending it by Gods most impregnable power and assistance The most Loyall and Valiant ayde and help afforded to us by the Noble Earl of Callender in the Northern parts of the Kingdome and the Parliaments most wise and gratefull respect to Captain Swanlyes good service in Wales The kings most unworthy signing and assenting to the most wicked demands and Articles of the Irish Rebels after which he was forced to flye up and down with as much just fright of a wounded conscience as needlesse fear of his most friendly pursuers The Parliaments most prudent and provident making that brave and most gallant Citizen Colonell Brown Serjeant Major Generall of 3 Counties viz. Oxford Berks and Buckinghamshire Renouned Colonell Masseys taking of Tewksbury And Gods just judgement on some of the Kings Forces at Parrishâ—â— in their flight from Sir William Waller their victorious and most valiant pursuer and his brave taking of Shudley Castle as he past along in pursuite of the King Valiant and active Captain Purefreys taking of Compton House in Warwickshire neer Banbury and a most brave defeat given to the Enemy by the most noble and renowned Earl of Denbigh at Dudley-castle to his indelible high renowne and the Enemies extreame great losse and dishonour The totall and most remarkable raising of the long and tedious Siege of Lyme to Gods great glory our unexpressible comfort and Prince Maurices eternall shame and infamy Together with the Parliaments most wise and worthy brave carryage in and about that businesse both in their ordering of thankes to God the Lord Admirall and Lyme it selfe as also in bestowing a brave and bountifull reward on the Town of Lyme for their valour and loyalty to the Cause of God Sir William Belfores taking of Weymouth and Taunton-Deane the noble Lord Grey of Groobies brave carryage at Leicester and the Lord Generalls and Lord Admiralls preparations both by Sea and by Land to reduce the West to obedience to the King and Parliament and their hopefull progresse therein Gods admirable goodnesse to Manchester in Lancastershire together with that excellent Ordinance of Parliament for constant reliefe to Wives and Children of Wounded and Slain Souldiers in the Parliaments service The most noble and right valiant Lord Denbighs winning of that strong and important Towne of Oswelstree with the prisoners and prizes taken therein And lastly The singular good affection which wrought in the hearts of the West-Country people toward the Parliament and their upright Cause together with an excellent Ordinance of Parliament against rotten-hearted Revolters and Deserters of the Parliament All these so rich and rare Merchandizes and comfortable Commodities brought in unto and by our precious Parliament for the happy advance of Gods Cause thus agitated in the Kingdome seriously considered and rightly aestimated who can deny but that our God hath most admirably this Moneth also carryed on his blessed Arke
the Parliaments Cause above all the boisterous Billowes and swelling Surges which have tost and tumbled it too and fro purposing thereby to have over-topt or over-turned it but our God I say who is Soveraigne Lord of Sea and Land hath borne up the beautifull Sailâ—s of his blessed Arke and carryed it on most comfortably and brought it home safely to its home and harbour And therefore who can be so stupid and stony-hearted as not to acknowledge but that this is the Lords owne Worke and it is marvellous in our eyes and therefore in spirituall exultation to sing out with holy David and say The waters saw thee O God the proud waves and waters of the world even wicked and bloody men and were afraid before thee and the great depths were troubled at thee So that as Moses also sang The Children of Israel went into the the middest of them upon dry ground and the mighty waters were so farre from drowning or destroying them that they were a wall of safe-guard on their right and on their left hand to defend them And therefore as the foresaid sweet Singer of Israel Not unto us Lord not unto us but to thy great name be all the praise and glory of all these rare and rich mercies of all these many and mighty Deliverances But now to proceed ANd now we shall by Gods safe assistance put forth to Sea again with our blessed Barke the Arke of our God even our most righteous Cause and make this our next Moneths Voyage and begin first wiâ—h a present touch upon the Parliaments most renowned Lord Generalls successefull proceedings in the Westerne parts of the Kingdome From whence wee were certified by Letters from Chard that about the latter end of the last moneth and beginning of this there came in unto his Excellency within the circuit of twelve miles at lâ—st 4000 men who were all drawn into Rankes and Files in a Meadow whither his Excellency came to welcome them together with the noble Lord Roberts Lord Marshall of the Field who made an excellent speech unto them which they most cheerefully accepted with great and frequent acclamations they all offering themselves to live and dye in the Parliaments Cause and this in part confirmes what I mentioned before touching these West Countreymen at Dorchester Plymouths brave Garison also offered to take the Field with the most noble Lord Roberts who was Ordered aud resolved to goe into Cornwall and a part of that Garrison went out at that time about seven miles from Plymouth beat up a quarter of the Enemies tooke 44 Horse with their Riders Prisoners were pursued by that Skellum Greenvill but he also was beaten backe in great disorder with the losse of divers of his men Colonell Arundell a Member of the Oxford Junto and Major Wiseheart were slaine Colonell Digby brother to the traiterous Lord Digby wounded in the face and Greenvile himselfe closely put to it for his life but escaped the Gallowes as yet Much about the same time we were also informed by Letters out of Darbysh that that most worthy and active Patriot S. Ioh. Gel having sent 3 troops of horse 2 troops of dragoons to the E. of Denbigh then in Lancashire had also a small party of Horse abroad towards Nottingham seeking adventures who were met by some of the Kings Forces from Winkefield and divers of ours by them taken Prisoners but the alarme comming to Darby a fresh Party was sent out who in Winkefield set upon the Enemy as they were carousing and rejoycing at dinner for their good successe where they recovered all their owne men tooke 80 of the Enemies Horse and Riders and brought them all safe to Darbie without the losse of one man of their owne About the 4th of this instant Iuly we had also certaine newes out of the West that the greatest part of the Garrison at Barnstable being called off by Prince Maurice who it was then said was to goe to Pendennis Castle to be a Life-guard to the Queene yet the Garrison would needs leave a stinking savour behind them of their old trade of Plundering Whereupon the Inhabitants knowing the Lord Generall was at hand tooke courage and stoutly resisted them and in the issue bravely overcame their late tyrannicall Masters Which the most noble Lord Generall understanding of presently sent them a strong Party of Horse under the Command of the noble Lord Roberts and Sir Phillip Stapleton to helpe them to beat them quite away and keep them out from returning againe And thus they most happyly shooke off that servile Yâ—akâ— of those cruell Cavees and twice repulsed young Digby and others whom Prince 〈◊〉 â—ent to have reduced them again under that banefull bondage and killed divers of them and tooke many others prisoners And now we hope they begin to taste how sweet religion and Liberty is And ô how vâ—liant they grow being now sensible I say of what it was that made their brave Brethren of Lyme with so much unheard of 〈◊〉 to fight and stand it out against such spoylers of their peace and conscience comforts Much also about the foresaid time we had certain intelligence at London by a letter sent by that brave Commander Sir Thomas Midleton to the Speaker of the Honourable House of Commons concerning the brave and victorious raising of the siege of Oswestree lately taken by the noble Earle of Denbigh as was forementioned who left that brave Commander Colonell Mitton Governour of the said Town and Castle and which presently after my Lords departure for Lancashire was besieged by the Kings forces of those parts under the Command of Colonell Marrow which Letter containing a full relation of the carryagâ— of the whole worke I have thought fit here to insert as it was printed and published by authority of Parliament which was as followeth To the Honourable William Lenthall Esquire Speaker of the House of Commons HONOURED SIR NOt to trouble you with vain relations whereby to hinder the other serious imployment for the Kingdomes good May it please you to be advertised That the Town of Oswestree late taken by the Forces of the Parliament under my Brother Colonell Mittons Command was upon Saturday last begun to be begirt and since strictly besieged by the Kings forces consisting of about Fifteen hundred Horse and Three thousand five hundred Foot under the command of Colonell Marrow And that thereupon in pursuance of a Councell of War's determination occasioned by â—â—â—â—arnest and importunate Letter from my Brother Colonell Mitton directed to wee for speedy reliefe and raising of the siege of the said Towne I did upon the Lords-day last past with such Forces of Horse and Foot as I then had with me and the Foot Forces of Cheshire all of us then at Knotsford upon a determinate resolution to have marched for Manchester and then for the service in the North According to enjoyment of the Committee of both
hid himselfe in Bean-Lands he had beene taken The Earl of Manchester with much labour did rally 500 of the Souldiers who were leaving the Field in great disorder and brought them backe againe to the Battell And the most noble and worthy Generall Lesly was much offended with his Souldiers who shrunk from the service of the day and having endeavoured both by words and blowes to keepe them in the Field with much wisedome and affection he pressed this argument Although you run from your Enemies yet leave not your Generall though you fly from them yet forsake not me Very many of the Scots both commanders and others did singular good service that day and stood stoutly to it unto the end of the fight and did therefore very well deserve to be sharers in the honour of the day and three Regiments of their Horse which with ours made the left wing of the Army being commanded by Major Generall Lesley did as brave and honourable service as any who served in the Field that day And although the right wing of our Army did not satisfyingly answer mens expectations yet the Earl of Eglington the Earl of Lindsey the Lord Cooper Sir James Lunsden and other Scottish Commanders with many of their Officers and Souldiers did as I said before give good proofe of their stoutnesse and magnanimity And as for any of them of each Nation who went away they were by their ministers and others so sharpely reproved and this their fault in such sort was aggravated to them that there was great hope they would regain their credit by good service upon the next occasion As for that famous and magnanimous Commander Lieut. Gen. Cromwell whose prowesse and prudence as they have rendred him most renowned for many former successefull deeds of Chevalry So in this great fight they have crowned him with the never withering Laurells of fame and honour who with so Lyon-like courage and impregnable animosity charged his proudest adversaries again and again like a Roman Marcellus indeed undauntedly out-daring and over-bearing his stoutest Popish and Atheisticall Antagonists even to the end of the fight and at last came off as with some wounds so with honour and triumph inferiour to none Colonell Sydney also Son to the Earl of Leicester charged with much gallantry in the head of my Lord of Manchesters Regiment of Horse and came off with much honour though with many wounds the true badges of his honour and was sent away afterward to London for cure of his wounds And as for that truly noble and renowned Commander Sir Tho. Fairfax that undanted never sufficiently praised Souldier whose former famous exploits have rendred him most magnanimous he also lost not a jot or title of honour this day for although many of his Souldiers did faint and fall backe yet his noble heart continued like the heart of a Lyon stout and undaunted for he stayed fighting in the Field untill being dismounted and wounded he was brought off by one of his Souldiers Yea and brave Colonell Lambert and some others of their officers went on most daringly through every difficult and dangerous adventure which they could meete with though I say much of their strength did unhappily shrinck from them Lieutenant Col. Needham did also very manfully in his place I nominate not here any other of my noble Lords Officers besides Liutenant Gen. Cromwell and Col. Sydney though I could have particularized Major Gen. Crawford and divers other Colonels with Lieut. Colonells Majors and Captaines who gained much honour by their very valiant carriages and exploits and therfore I hope my silence in regard of others who under the command of the two other Generalls did also most gallantly will not be offensive and the rather because I was not so well acquainted with them And it is exceedingly ill done of those who cast aspersions upon some in the Army in this fight who rather deserved commendations than uncomely calumniations Surely they neither Act christianly nor prudently who take courses to breed emulations and divisions in our Army and who cast reproach and discouragement upon such who are most ready to sacrifice their dearest heaâ—tblood in the present service of Christ in this Kingdome But to be briefe I found this generally among the Souldiers especially in my noble Lord of Manchesters Regiments to my hearts great content that they all gave the Lord of Hosts all the glory of this Victory wherein they were onely instruments Some also of the Enemies that were taken Prisoners have acknowledged the meere finger and hand of God in their rout and our victory And it pleased me wondrous well to heare and see our God honoured on both hands Yet I may not heere omit a strange speech as it was credibly reported to fall from Prince Rupert upon the disapointing of his hopes and the dis-joynting of his Forces to their ruine I am sure said he my men fought well and therefore know no reason of our Rout but this because the Devill did help his Servants These words surely intimate that he imagined the Devill gives the Victory in the day of Battell a most Atheisticall and heathenish opinion or else his Conscience told him which he would not confesse that God indeed did help his Servants Yea and a man of quality belonging to the Enemy whose name for some reasons I may not mention professed That his Conscience told him Our Cause was Gods Cause but yet his Honour would not suffer him to take part with us And the Lord Grandison who was sorâ—ly wounded in this fight and under the Chyrurgions hands for cure in Yorke told a friend that visited him That he had received 10. wounds on his body in this Battell One wound for the breach of every Commandement in the Decalogue See here then good Reader if heere be not a cleare assent to that of holy Moses Their Rocke is not as our Rocke even our Enemies being judges But to returne to to the finishing of this Fight The Runawayes with other poore people who attended the Army did grievously plunder our Wagons and other Carriages for the Wagoners Carters c. being affrighted with the flight of our owne Souldiers did leave their charge in the hands of such as love to rob and spoile It was a very sad sight to behold many thousands posting away being amazed with Panick feares Heere just occasion was given us to remember Keynton-battell at Edge-Hill Edge-Hill where the hearts of some were upheld with hopes when others gave up all as lost and that with much despondencie of spirit Upon our coole and recollected thoughts such of us as desired to acknowledg God in all his waies did firmely pitch upon these Conclusions The Lord saw that we are apt to rely upon the arme of flesh and therefore very much humane strength failed us And besides if the whole Army had continued couragious we should
his said relation as yee have seen toucht upon many remarkable prints of Gods admirable providence and prudence by his powerfull hand and strong arme carrying on this great work in extraordinary excellent and eminent manner to the unexpressible honour and glory of his great name Yet give me leave I pray now to adde some few more worthy the Readers most serious notice and observation as adding much also I beleeve to the praise and glory of our great and gracious Wonder-working God First That when Prince Rupert had by a by-way got into Yorke and come forth again our Generall fearing the Enemies advance to the Southerly Associated Counties to have spoyled the kingdome that way also which they might too certainly have done ours therefore marched away with their Van the rest following to prevent Rupert But he contrary to their thoughts falls with all his forces upon our Rear the Van being about two or three miles forward on their foresaid march and by a hot alarme comming sodainly to them forced for haste to returne disorderly to the fight and ere they could rally themselves orderly into battalia our Rear was engaged if not routed yet though tyred and faint they fell upon the Enemy That at the very beginning of the fight just as both Armies were joyning Battail and beginning the first encounter or assault of each other it pleased the Lord as it was most credibly affirmed for a certain truth that a sudden and mighty great storm of rain and hail and terrible claps of thunder were heard and seen from the clouds as if heaven had resolved to second the assault with a fierce Alarm from above Thirdly that about 2 or 3 Regiments of the Enemies side which at the first had routed and pursued a great party of our side which fled away from the Enemies first and fierce on-set Yet immediately after all that party of the Enemy was by a seconding party of ours following the Enemy in the Rear totally slain or taken prisoners Fourthly That God dealt with our 3 Noble Generalls Armies as he did with Gideons Army of all the thousands brought together at first he made choyce of some few hundreds to do this great work withall and when we seemed to be at the lowest ebbe of our strength a constant way of Gods admirable wisdome and power then on a sodain he turned the scale and came in with his irresistable power and never failing mercy and with a small number just as he did at Keynton battell got himself the Victory for us Fifthly that notwithstanding when Rupert that pert yea malepert giddy and bloody Prince had boldly and adventurously got into York and relieved it and thereby also released Newcastle and many or most of the Popish partee before inclosed within that City-walls which indeed was the main project or design the Enemy had at that time and that upon their return out of York all safe to the rest of their Army they called a Councill of War who also peremptorily resolved which indeed was their best and had been our worst blow of all to leave Yorke and make presently with all their strength into the Associated Easterly and Southern Counties Achitophels Councell most directly Yet then I say that this proud and bloody hair-brain'd young Prince should pluck out of his pocket the Kings Letter or Commission to him in speciall just like Hushaies Councell to crosse Achitophels charging them by no means to depart from York untill they had with all their combined powers given us battail O the admirable wisdome of our God thus to crosse that former fatall and terrible Councell as it must needs have proved Sixthly That the Counsells of Prince Rupert and others had designed the most valiant and expert Souldiers of the Popish and Atheisticall party to encounter the Wing of the Army commanded by renowned Lieutenant Gen. Cromwell as making account that in beating him they won the day and in particular Rupert had designed certain Troops of Horse all Irish-Papists and Gentlemen old Souldiers all who had been in service in Spain and France to give the first charge to the Brigade or party in which General Cromwell was and that they did confidently believe there was not a man of them but would dye rather than fly but they mist their expectations for many of them being indeed slain in the place all the rest fled Thus our God lets our proudest Enemies see and know The battell is not to the Rider nor the race to the Swift Sevently That upon the flight and departure of the Earl of Newcastle from the battell there passed many warm words betwixt Prince Rupert and him in Yorke after the rout they charging each other with the Cause thereof the Prince telling the Marquesse that he made not good his promise of assistance and the Marquesse replying in such a manner as mooved much passion and discontent yea and some say blows too And that thereupon the Marquesse of Newcastle with Generall King the Lord Witherington and very many moe fugitive gallants flying away beyond Sea to Hambrough and Holland Sir Thomas Glemham then governour of York did as 't was credibly assured and affirmed proclaim Newcastle a Traytor for his deserting Yorke and flying beyond Sea from his colours Thus as our English proverb is Theeves falling out among themselves True men by Gods mercy are like to enjoy their goods again Eightly That notwithstanding the extreame and extraordinary wants and straits which our Souldiers were put unto enough to move great compassion yea and admiration too and wherewith they were greatly pinched both the night before the battell and sometime since also as namely tyrednesse in travelling and hasty retyâ—ing to and fro such want of water much lesse of Beer to drinke that they had drained the wells even to the mud and were necessâ—â— to drink water out of dirches and places pudled and mired with the horses feet and that through want of accommodation of victualls very few of the common-souldiers had eaten above the quantity of one penny-loaf from Tuesday to Saturday morning following and as I said no beer at all to be had Yet I say notwithstanding all these that the Souldiers should fight so cheerfully and stoutly even by Gods admirable mercy to a glorious victory Ninthly That in the rout of the Enemy and in their flying and scattering about many of them ran most frightedly and amazedly to the place where some of the Regiments of Horse of the Parliaments side were standing on their Guard and all or most of their Riders were religiously singing of Psalmes to whom as the foresaid runawayes of the Enemy came neer and by their singing of Psalâ—ed perceiving who they were they all most fiercely fled back again and cryed out God damn them they had like to have been taken by the Parliament Round-heades For they only knew them I say to be the Parliament Souldiers by their
Gods glory and our great comfort as witty and worthy Britanicus well noted his Majestie made Bonefires in the morning and our three foresaid noble Generalls quenched them and put them all out again before night And though now I have done with this brave Battell and famous Victory yet give me leave Good Reader to add this one note for a conclusion which I had from very credible and good information viz. That our Malignants choice Champion and stout Souldier Prince Robber as valiant and courageous as they would have the world hould him to be yet I say this great Kill-â—owe besides the losse of his dainty Dog found dead among the rest of the slain lost also his brave Beaver in the field or flight for found it was and himselfe as divers affirmed lay hid in a Bean-field as was toucht before after a litle service done in the field untill it was dark and then got away into Yorke And in the same place where the Marq. of Newcastles Commission was found there was also found a Letter signed with Charls Rex to it saluting the Marquesse of Newcastle by the name of Right Trusty and most entirely beloved Couzen and Councellor by which we may observe that he was most entirely beloved that put Armies into Papists hands to cut the troats of Protestâ—nts signifying by that Letter That his Lordship should take care that the Lord Viscount Rochford should have all his Rents paid unto him for that he was reconciled to his Majesty If then his Majesty spake truth the Lord of Rochford deserved much blame who was thereupon accused by the House of Commons for adhering to the Enemies and upon Thursday Iuly the 11. the said Lord comming to the House of Peers was saluted with an impeachment of high Treason and committed prisoner to the Black Rod. About the 12 of this instant it was for certain informed that although they at Oxford boasted much of the relieving of Greenland-House yet now by Gods mercy it was yeilded upon fair termes and moderate Articles unto Major Generall Brown and that for the present his Souldiers maintained a Garrison in it But that it was resolved on not to continue it so but to have it demolished to the ground The taking of this House was of great concernment to the City of London for by that means great quantities of provisions may be securely convayed by water to London out of Oxfordshire and Barkshire and aboundance of Wood out of the Oxford Malignants estates in those parts to serve London for fuell all the succeeding winter Much also about the same time came certain intelligence by Letters out of the Western parts of the Kingdome that the Forces of his Excellency the Parliaments most Noble Lord Generall under the Command of Sir Robert Pye and Colonell Blake had taken Taunton Castle a peice of great strength and concernment also in those parts and that in it they had taken 4 Iron peeces of Ordnance 6 Murtherers 4 Hogsheads of Beef a load of Iron great store of powder one Demi culverin 2 tun of Match one powder-Mill a great quantity of bullets 2 Loads of Cheese 2 Hogsheads of Oatmeal with great store of Salt Wheat Meal and other sorts of provision with store of Housholdstuffe and rich moveables and Colonell Reve who commanded the Castle for the King and the rest of his souldiers had quarter to March away to Bridgewater the Kings next Garrison Town About the 14th of this instant came also certain information by letters from the truely noble Lord Denbigh that whereas he had made a shew as if he would have drawn his Forces toward Shrewsbery as intending to besiege it yet indeed his private resolution 〈…〉 upon the House of the Lord Cholmley and tooke it which was a singular good 〈◊〉 of service to the State in 〈◊〉 that this House had been a very great and long mischiefe to the Country in those neer adjacent 〈◊〉 into it Much also about this foresaid time we were certified by letters out of Lincolnshire of the brave activity and valour of Colonell Rossiter Governour of Lincoln who weekly used to fall upon the Enemy neer Newark and that at one time he took a Major a Captaine and 30 Troopers and their horses Shortly after also that issuing out again he took another Major 3 Captains and 50 horse more with their Riders within three miles of Newark The Commanders especially were good prize these not being so easily 〈◊〉 as Horses those Newarke plunderers making a shift frequently to take an 100 horse in a hight out of the Villages about them Thus that poor County of Lincoln was continually wronged and turned by that pestilent den of plunderers About the 16th of this instant came certain intelligence of some late performances and good Service done by Captain Sydenbam and Captaine Carr neer Dorchester which was informed to be thus The Lord Inchiquin drew out of Warchaâ—â— about 240 horse and Dragoons and came against Dorchester intending to plunder burn and destroy all before them but making some pause before they fell upon the Town it gave Valiant Captain Sydenham and Captain Carr the opportunity of comming to their reliefe before they had attempted the intended mischiefe and so they fell upon the said Enemies about a mie from the Town beat them soundly back again took 160 prisoners with 60 horse and good store of their late gotten plunder elsewhere loaden in a Waggon and that some of the Enemies so taken being Irish Rogues euen 8. of them thus taken had such quarter given them as they gave the Protestants 〈◊〉 Ireland viz. That they hanged them up presently they having pursued their Enemies about 12 miles killing many of them by the way About this foresaid 〈◊〉 the honourable House of Commons in Parliament took into confideration having also before it passed the bill and great businesse of Ordination of Ministers the pious and religious 〈◊〉 of a godly and learned ministery of which there was and iâ— great complaint of the 〈◊〉 of and not without cause thankes to our former wicked Bishops almost all over the whol Kingdome And thereupon they agreed that all such as shall have Ordination shall be sound men well skil'd in Philosophy Logick and in the Tongues If all these and piety especially must precede it is to be feared that an age will not furnish all the Parishes in England and Wales in such a manner How ever we have just cause to blesse the Lord most heartily for so blessed and long desired a godly resolution in them and to wait on God for the good issue thereof Much also about the 18th of this instant July came certain intimation by Letters to London from out of Leistershire that Generall Hastings that wicked Râ—b-Carrier of all those parts was at Colchetâ—â— with about 2000 horse and Foot they being all he could possibly draw out of all the Garrisons under his Command with
blasphemous Crucifix which had continued there in marvellous fair and fresh oyâ— colours undeâ—â—ced for the space of above a 100 or six score yeares at least upon all the length and bredth of the wall at the upper end of that great Hall and onely a great picture in a large frame of the manner of the donation of the Hospitalls to the City of London set before it and that monstrous Crucifix standing behind it This abominable and most blasphemous Crucifix which no man before durst touch to deface it King CHARLES himself having at his sight of it commanded the contrary this most pious and religious noble Knight now caused I say to be presently at his comming pulled down and broken I dare say into 1000 pieces I my selfe being an eye-witnesse and assistant in this businesse it being all most gorgeously painted on boards neatly and closely joyned together And thus I say was that fair roome made far more fair and cleanly swept of that most filthy and Popish-dirty Corner that night against the next dayes solemn-meeting as aforesaid and all the wood and boards so pull'd down and broken in pieces was reserved for this Thursday-night the Thankesgiving Evening and by the children of the Hospitall a great Bonefire was made of the fame in a great yard called the Townditch just at the time when the foresaid assembly were at supper All this foresaid solemn Celebration of this day of Thankesgiving justly serving besides the outward expression of christian joy and triumph for the shame and vexation of our audacious adversaries the Parliaments Enemies and all their malicious and malignant atheisticall adherents But now to goe on And now in the very next place comes most properly to be remembred and informed the manner and truth of the happy rendition and surrender of the City of York into the Parliaments possession Which also being fully and faithfully set out by the pious pen and zealous heart of that most religious and truly venerable Gentleman Master S. Ash I have thought fit here againe to write by his Copy and to plow with his Heifer and to set it downe as hee hath delivered it under his owne hands testimony which was as followeth Upon Thursday Iuly the 11th our Armies saith hee having after the foresaid famous fight and glorious victory closely begirt York again with a strong and straight siege and made very neer approaches to the walls of Yorke and raised batteries whereby was made some Execution and our men being now busie in preparing ladders and other instruments for the storming of the Town Hereupon the Enemy within perceiving our serious resolution presently sent and desired a treaty According to which desire Sir William Constable and Colonell Lambert were sent by the Lord Fairfax into the City upon other answerable hostages sent out of the City for their security and safe return They went in upon the next Saturday morning and having spent that day in parley they returned with this request to the three Generalls That there might be Commissioners authorized to treat and conclude upon Articles for the peacable surrender of the City Our three Generalls having demanded the judgement of some Ministers whether the worke of the Treaty might be approved and allowed on the Lords-day and receiving encouragement that it might They thereupon immediately appointed the Lord Hamby Sir William Constable and Colonell Mountague to goe the next day into the Town three Hostages being sent out of the Town for their security who continued their Treaty and Debate till Munday about noon and then returned with the Articles to be subscribed by the three Generalls which were 14. in number and which was done accordingly But the particular recitall whereof I forbeare for brevities-sake and as knowing they were aboundantly known to all that have heretofore read these relations Now if any upon the perusall of those Articles did conceive or imagine that too much favour was granted to the Enemy I desire that these 〈…〉 First That the benefit which could be expected for our Armies or the Kingdome by taking the Town by storme could not possibly in any mâ—asure counterveil the miserable consequences thereof to many thousands Who knowes how much precious blood â—ight have been spilt upon so hot a 〈…〉 the Town could have preserved their houses and shops 〈…〉 thousand Souldiers had broken in upon them with heat and violence How much would this County have suffered in the ruinâ—â— of this City And how many of our good friends in other places 〈◊〉 drive Trades with Citizens here would have been pinched in their estates by the impoverishing of their Debters Upon Tuesday the Enemy went out of the Town according to Articles our Souldiers were set on both sides the way where they were to passe for the space of a mile from Micklegate and the Officers according to command went from place to place to prevent the doing of any wrong to the Enemies as they marched away That morning very early as I should have told you before all the Souldiers in the Royall Fort which is a curious and strong worke possessed with needlesse feare did run away and left their Armes behinde them The fourth part of them at least who marched out of the Town were women many very poore in their apparell and others in better fashion Most of the men had filled and distempered themselves with drink the number of the Souldiers as we conjectured was not above a thousand besides the sick and wounded persons When the Enemies were departed our three Generalls went together into the City attended with many of their Officers The first house they entred was the Minster-Church where A Psalme was sung and thankes given unto God by Master Robert Duglas Chaplaine to the Lord Leven for the giving of that City into our hands upon such easie termes At which time notice was given that Thursday after should be kept by the whole Army as a day of Thankesgiving for that great mercy which accordingly was observed Now the three most noble Generalls also as was credibly enformed Manchester Leven and Fairfax with the Committee of those parts as a most reall testimony of thankes to God both for their great Victory at YORKE and for this taking of the City of YORKE sent to the Parliament presently after their possession thereof desiring that Propositions of Peace might be prepared and sent to the King to shew their true desire of Peace notwithstanding this great Victory and advantage against the Kings party But withall desiring that they might treat with their Swords in their hands and that the War might be prosecuted as a speciall meanes next to Gods blessing to bring about the better termes and ascertaine the reallity and expedition of the worke And they also desired that businesse about religion might be setled with all convenient speed in the Church now that we had so good successe Now surely to desire Propositions of
that most famous defeat and glorious Victory given by the good hand of God to the Parliaments three most renowned and victorious Generalls the most religious and renowned Earl of Manchester his Excellency Generall Lesley and the ever to be honoured valiant and victorious Lord Fairfax against that barbarous and bloody hair-braind ignoble Rupert the disgrace of his progenitors and indelible stain of his Posterity In the notable and unexpected discovery of the Lord of Râ—chfords disloyalty to the Parliament in speciall and Kingdome in generall The taking of Greenland-house by Major Generall Browne And Taunton-castle by the most Noble Lord Generalls Forces In the taking of Cholmley-house by the most noble Earl of Denbigh Colonell Rossiter Governour of Lincoln his valour and activity against the Common-Enemy Captain Sydenhamâ— and Captaine Carrs most brave exploit against the Lord Inchiquin and the religious resolution of the Parliament to establish a learned and godly Ministry In the taking of Wilne-Ferry and Fort by the noble Lord Grey and valiant and faithfull Sir John Gell the said Lord Greys valour and vigilancy for the good of his Country and the most solemn and memorable Celebration of the Day of Thankesgiving at London for the most famous victory which God gave us at the great and bloody fight nere the City of Yorke In the most happy surrendering up of the City of York it self unto the three most noble Lord Generalls forementioned and the pious and prudent Message and motion which the said noble Generalls made and sent to the Parliament in point of farther thankfullnesse to God and satisfaction even to the worst of men In the most noble renowned and truely religious Earl of Manchesters successefull and victorious advance and progresse with his brave Army in taking Tickhill-castle and farther prosperous proceedings since the last great victory at Yorke And lastly In the brave defeates given to the Roysterly-regall Enemies both by Col. Laughorn and Capt. Moulton in Pembrookeshire by the noble Earl of Denbighs and Warwick Forces at Evesham the famous and ever to be renowned Garrison of Lyme at Colliton and Chard and finally in the most noble and renowned Lord Generalls brave and victorious and famous progresse into Devonshire and Cornwall and all those Western parts wherein hitherto by Gods power and providence he might worthily say as conquering Caesar said Veni vidi vici even all for the most part either voluntarily comming in unto him or violently enforced thereunto by his valiant and victorious forces All which most seriously and religiously considered have we not good Reader great cause justly and ingenuously to confesse and acknowledge to see and say with holy Samuel EBEN-EZER and to make this the glorious and gracious Motto of our Parliamentary Barke the Ark of our God most deeply ingraving it with indelible characters of golden-gratefull Remembrance HITHERTO HATH THE LORD HELPED VS And therefore zelously and constantly to conclude and hold maugre all malicious contradiction whatsoever that our title is most truely and infallibly ratified from heaven by all those manifold and even miraculous premises and patternes thereof that GODS Arke hath most triumphantly over-topped and been born above all the Worlds boysterous Billows swelling surges And hitherto the Lords most faithfull and glorious Cause blessedly embarked in our most pious Parliament hath in all its just undertakings most impregnably prevailed and been preserved against all the Malignant Atheisticall and Papisticall Machinations Plots and Practizes that men or devills were ever able to invent and foment against Gods Truth and a glorious and pure Gospel-Reformation In so much that now upon all these serious considerations of the Enemies combinations and injurious conjurations on the one side and our Gods most omnipotent and omniprudent frustrations of them all thus from time to time wee may most worthily say as the holy Prophet once said especially on the gracious and most gratefull recordation of that most memorable and admirable victory at Marston-Heath neere Yorke and also all those late forementioned Westerne victories even of this last Moneth of July wee may say and that most worthily as the LORD God himselfe said by the holy Prophet Now also many nations are gathered together against thee O English ISRAEL that say let her be defiled and let our eyes looke on Zions defilement But they know not the thoughts of the Lord neither understand they his Counsell For hee hath gathered them together as sheaves into the barn-floor And hath said to all our renowned Generalls and to their Armies Arise and thresh O daughter of Zion for I have made thy horne as iron and thy horses hoofes as brasse and thou shalt beat and bruise in pieces as with a strong flale many people and I will consecrate their gain to my selfe saith the Lord and their substance to the Lord of the whole Earth And hast not thou ô England as then Zion was promised seen all this come to passe for thy sake upon thine Enemies Even many nations brought together English Irish Dutch French Walloons who not that could be was not gathered against thee to defile and spoil thee yea to glut their accursed eyes and hearts with wicked joy at thy ruine and defilements But ah wicked fooles how ignorant and unacquainted were they with the Lords Counsels and how farre his thoughts were above and against their thoughts who brought them but together at York and else where like so many Sheaves on the barn-floar of Marston-Heath and there and then most graciously and gloriously said to our renouned Generalls Commanders and Souldiers Arise arise and thresh those Sheaves of shame and dishonour for I have made your Swords and instruments of war as Iron flales and your horses hoofs as brasse to trample on them and tear them in peices And then did the Lord also most triumphantly consecrate unto himselfe and we as we were able most worthily gave their gain and substance even all the honour and glory of these great and most famous victories to the Lord our God alone whose strong arme alone got us and gave us these glorious victories over all those our fierce and furious Enemies Yea he alone I say According to their deeds accordingly hath repayed fury to his Churches and Childrens adversaries recompense to his Enemies and to the Irish I stand he hath repayed and will yet still repay recompence And thus indeed it must needs be for Their strength and defence was departed from them and our God had made them as bread for us to eat and devour Yea our God hath for us wounded and broken in pieces the heads of these Leviathans and given them as meat to us his poore despised people And hath wounded the hairy scalps of all these that thâ—s went on in their insatiable wickednesse That thus therefore the great name of the Lord might be feared from the North to the West and his glorious splendour from the rising of the Sun
I therefore earnestly beseech thee good Reader in the pages fore-cited to correct and amend with thy pen also this so materiall mistake therein The Authors promise of part of Requitall for the foresaid favour ANd in part of requitall of thy fore-desired friendly favour I shall good Reader both promise as I hope I have now in this third Part performed more care for the future And also hasten out for thy full content the fourth Part of this Parliamentary-Chronicle which I intend if the Lord permit to compleat and bring up to the very present time of its immediate publication with all the most famous admirable and almost incredible Victories and Successes of this last Sommer and Autumn-Season I having even now almost quite finished and fitted the said promised fourth Part for the Printers Presse if at least I find as I hope I shall this my present third Part so courteously accepted as to make the speedier way for the comming forth thereof and so consequently for the compleating of this so fair and famous a History Thyne J. V. FINIS An Exact Table of all the most materiall Passages of this third Part of the Parliamentary-Chronicle A THe Arke and Parliament compared together Page 1. The Assembly of Divines petition the Parliament 2. The Assemblies petition for Reformation 4 Apprentices provided for 31 The Authors gratefull remembrance of Gods goodnesse to him 37 The Associated Counties cared for 55 The Isle of Axholm taken 147 The Bishop of Armagh his memoriall 153 The famous Victory at Alsford 185 Axholm Island taken 202 The famous defeat at Aulton 95 The Earl of Argyle in Scotland 230 The Isle and Fort of Ayremouth taken 234 Abington taken by the Lord Roberts ibid. Arundell Castle besieged and taken 122 Association of Hampshire Surry and Sussex 57 Army of the Earl of Newcastle declining 67 Ammunition conveyed to Gloucester and how 200 Aâ—lesbury to be betrayed 135 Advance of the Scots into England 136 B. Burleigh-house taken 7 Colonell Brown beats the Kentish Rebels 13 Sir William Brereton wins Houghton Castle 18 Beverly pittifully plundred 30 Bullenbrook Castle taken 67 A new Broad Seal 71 The Scots march from Barwick into England 137 Burlington taken 154 Biddle-house taken 167 Bradfords Victory obtained by Colonell Lambert 168 Burleigh house garrison active 171 Sir William Belfore in Hampshire 172 Bredport taken 175 Burleigh-house in Dorsetshire 176 Colonell Beares brave defeat given to the Enemy 182 Colonell Bellasis beaten 200 Basing-house defeated 209 Banbury Forces beaten 211 Sir William Breretons brave performances 84 The enemy â—â—ated at Budely 217 Col. Boles slain 97 Belvoir forces beaten 110 Major Gen. Brown made Commander in chiefe of 3 Counties 249 Major Gen. Brown much honoured 251 Sir William Belfore at Lime 257 Bewley-house taken 17 Sir Bazill Brooks plot discovered 118 A Bristoll ship taken 124 Banstable shakes off the Cavalerian yoake 265 Beverton Castle taken 236 A brave Bonefire of Popish trinkets 128 Bloody Sir John Byron 129 Burton upon Trent taken 131 Bodmin in Cornwall taken 297 Beggars must be no carvers 303 C. Colonell Cromwell beates the Earle of Newcastle 6 Col. Cromwell takes Stamford in Line 7 Clubmen in Lincoln beaten 8 Col. Cromwels Letter shewing his Victory at Gainsbrough 8 Generall Cavendish slain at Gainsbrough 9 Canterbury Malignants rise 15 City Malignants Imprisoned 27 A Covenant or Oath to be taken in London 24 A Commission to Sir Wil. Waller 28 Sir Alexander Carews plot at Plymouth 29 Care taken for Apprentices 31 Christs-Hospitall relieved by the Parliament 37 Cambden Cormorants beaten 49 The Kings Cormorants beaten at Newport Pannell 55 The Lord Capell beaten at Wem 62 Cessation in Ireland justified by the King 68 Contrary effects to the Irish Cessâ—tion 71 A Councill of State for the 3 Kingdomes 147 Sir William Constables good service in the North. 154 The Covenant taken the manner how 157 Sir William Constables good service at Yorke 160 Cheshire much aimed at by the King 161 Church-government 162 Covenant taken in Leicester 169 Chester-bridge in Yorkshire taken by Sir William Constable 171 The Earl of Carberies pride and cruelty 177 The E. of Carbery quite vanquisht 181 Cathedral at Westminst reformed 184 Cawood-castle taken 202 Crowland regained 203 Correspondence with the Swedes 204 Commissioners for the New Broad scale 88 Carnarvan Town and Castle taken 224 Covenant taken by the House of Peers 90 Commanders in Arms take the Covenant 90 Covenant sealed with loan of 100000 l at London 90 The Earl of Callender stirs in Scotland 230 The L. Crawford saluted by Sir Wil. Waller 98 Canterbury Minister reformed 101 Cawood Castle in Yorksh taken 233 Chippingham Garrison taken 237 A Chain of gold bestowed by the Parliament on Capt. Swanley 248 The Kings Commanders catcht at Cards and Dice 112 Compton-house taken 251 3 Children in one bed miraculously preserved 254 Coventry Forces take Holt-house 117 Coventry forces take Bewley-house ibid. Citizens of London invite the Parliament to a Feast 124 Covenant to be taken over the whole Kingdome 157 A Collection for sick and wounded souldiers by an Ordnance 33 Leiut Gen. Cromwells due praise 273 Major Gen. Crafords valour 273 Croyland subdued 132 Cholmmy-house taken 285 A brave defeat given to the Enemy at Chard 296 D. A rich Danish ship taken 20. Delinquents woods to be cut down 36 A brave defeat given to the Enemies of Cambden 49 A great design against London 52 The Kings Declaration justifying the Irish cessation 68 Defection of the Northern Counties from the King 68 A Declaration touching the great Seal 72 A Declaration touching the cessation in Ireland 70 A brave Defeat given to the Enemy by Col. Rudgeley 78 A Declaration consented to by England and Scotland 142 The Parliaments Declaration sent to Oxford 152 Divers Delinquent Lords c. names 153 Daâ—by Forces take Kings Milus 156 The Parliaments Declaration tooke good effect at Oxford 175 Delinquents reclaimed 174 Durham fled unto by Newcastle 228 A brave Defeat given to the Enemy by Col. Fox 216 The Kings Declaration against the Covenant 91 Deserters of Oxford 92 Lord Digby beaten at Plymouth 94 The Enemy beaten at Dunscot 95 The Famous Defeat at Aulton 95 The Devizes molested by Col. Massye 237 The Lord Denbigh takes Russell-Hall 239 A brave Defeat given to the Enemy at Nottingham 240 The Lord Denbigh against Dudley Forces 251 The great Danger and Deliverance of Col. Mitton ibid. The Lord Denbigh wins Oswestree 260 The Danes our underhand Enemies 116 The Danes vexed by the Sweeds 117 The great Design of the Royalists 121 Darbies brave activity 265 A desperate Designe against Nottingham 133 E. England likned to the Sea 1 Embassadors sent from France into Scotland 54 English-plantations taken care of 58 English-Irish Souldiers revolt from the King 61 England and Scotland consent in a Declaration 142 Exploits of the Parliaments Forces 155 Explaits of Pool ibid. Exploits of Warwick Castle 156 Exploits of Sir Thomas Fairfax ibid. Exploits of Pool
against Prince Rupert 163 Exploits of Col. Massye about Glocester 92 Exploits yet more of Colonell Massyes 227 Englands just objurgation 229 Englands great wonder to Gods great glory Anno 1644. 237 Enemy bravely beaten at Oswestree 266 The low Ebbe of the Parliaments Army 22 Estates of Malignants sequestred 153 Enemy bravely beaten at Lyme 241 A brave Defeat given to the Enemy at Evesham 295 F. The Fellowship a brave ship taken by the Parliaments Forces 27 Fuell provided for for the City of London 35 The Lord Fairfax his Victory at Hull 38 Sir Thomas Fairfax at Horn-Castle 47 France sends into Scotland 54 A brave Fight at Stamford 75 Sir Tho. Fairfax 156 Lord Fairfax Victorious at Hull 163 The Lord Fairfaxes Forces conjoyned with Sir Tho. Fairfaxes 202 L. Fairfax and the Scots conjoyned 210 Fidelity of the Scots to England 211 Col. Fox Victorious at Budely 217 Forces of Northampton beate the Enemy 95 Sir Thomas Fairfax stormeth Gains-borough 102 Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Valour at Marston-Moor Fight 274 Sir Tho. Fairfax compared to Julius Caesar 284 Foy in the West taken 297 G. Gally-slaves of Sathan are Wicked Men. 2 Gods glory is our Alpha and Omega ibid. Gainsbrough won 6 Gainsbrough taken again 51 Lord Gorings Letter intercepted and read in Parliament 155 Lord Generalls just praise 167 Gallows set up at Oxford and the cause 174 Sir Richard Greenviles defection from the Parliament 174 Gloucesters good condition 182 Gloucester releived with necessaries 192 Sir John Gell Victorious at Muck-bridge 199 Gloucesters Ammunition how conveyed thither 200 The Lord Generals advance with his Army 228 Gainsbrough stormed by Sir Thomas Fairfax 102 Grafton house taken 103 The Lord Generalls Mercifull Proclamation 235 The Lord Grey of Grooby his brave carriage at Leicester 257 The Lord Generall successefull in the West 264 3 Garnsey Gentlemen mightily preserved 122 Greenvill beaten at Plymouth 265 Government of the Church 162 Greenland-house taken 285 Lord Grey of Grooby and Sir John Gells forces take Wellney Fort. 287 The Lord Generall victorious in the West 296 Greenvils house at Tavestocke taken 297 H. Sir Edward Hales taken prisoner 15 Houghton Castle in Cheshire taken 18 The Earl of Hollands trunk seized on 27 Hull besieged 30 Hull remarkably preserved 31 Horn-castles famous Victory 42 Hulls victory related by Sir John Meldrums Letter 39 Hampshire Surry and Sussex Associated 57 30 or 40 of our Horse beate 1000 of the Enemies Horse 65 Hilsey house taken 167 Lord Hastings vexes the honest inhabitants of Leicester 169 Hinckly house 170 Sauls house decreaseth Davids house increaseth 173 Haverford west in Wales strangely taken 180 The Lady Hopton and two hundred prisoners taken 194 House of Peers take the Covenant 90 Sir Ralph Hopton writes to Sir William Waller 99 Sir Ralph Hoptons low ebbe 253 Hollanders underhand Enemies to the Parliament 116 Sir Tho. Holts house taken 117 Hildsden house taken 131 Sir Robert Harlow puls down a mighty crucifix at Christs-Hospitall in London 290 I. Capt. Johnsons brave courage 45 Intelligencers and Spies voted against 49 Irish Massacree 69 About 1500 Irish Rogues cast away at Sea by a storm 172 A Land storm also on the Irish ibid A Welch jest 179 Captaine Jordans good successe at Sea 182 The Lord John brother to the Duke of Lenox slain 190 Irish Rebels accorded with by the King 248 Justice of God prosecutes the wicked 249 K. The Earl of Kingstone slaine 7 Kentish Malignants rise in Rebellion 11 The King sends Letters into Scotland 54 The 3 Kingdomes to have one Councill of State 147 King Milus taken 156 The Kings great ayme at Cheshires County 161 The Kings children cared for by the Parliament 175 Kentish-mens brave behaviour at Alsford 193 Kents memorable gratitude to God 232 The Kings party unsuccessefull ever since the Irish cessation 102 The Kings Forces frighted 234 The Kings ungodly agreement with Ireland 248 The King pursued by Sir William Waller 248 L. Sir Michael Levesey at Yawlden in Kent 14 Londoners Petition against a pretended peace 23 Londoners take an Oath 24 A Loan of an 100000. l. to be raised in London for the Scots 38 Lincoln taken 51 Letters sent by the King into Scotland 54 London must be starved up 55 A Letter sent from Oxford to the Parliaments Lord Generall 152 A Letter from the Lord Goring intercepted and read in Parliament 155 Leicestershire men victorious at Hinckly 170 Col. Lamberts brave victory at Bradford 168 Col. Lambert again Victorious 171 Col. Laughorn in Penbrookshire 77 London Regiments brave valour at Alsford 193 Col. Lambert beats Bellassys in Yorkshire 200 Captain Layes Valour at Wareham 81 Solemn League or Covenant farther pressed 88 London petitions the Parliament for the setling of the State Committee 225 Lyme stormed by the Enemy and bravely repulsed 228 Lymes condition related 231 Lymes brave carriage against Prince Maurice ibid. Lymes valour testified by the Enemy 240 Lymes seige wholly raised 243. 252 Lyme bravely beats the Enemy 241 The Kings Letter to the Lord Mayor of London 121 Generall Lesleyes carriage at Marstone Moore fight 273 Col. Lamberts valour 274 Laystolk Garrison quitted 132 Col. Laughorns brave performances in Pembrookshire 294 Lyme garrison gives the Enemy a brave defeat 296 M Malignants of London imprisoned 27 Sir John Meldrum at Hull 39 Captain Moodies brave courage 45 Earle of Manchester victorious at Horncastle 42 Colonel Massies good service at Tewksbury 48 Earl of Manchester takes in Lincolne 51 Earl of Manchester takes Gainesborough 51 Earl of Manchesters care for the associated Counties 55 Malignants estates sequestred 153 Kings-Milus taken by Darby Forces 156 Members of Parliament that tooke the Covenant their names and number 157 Milford-Haven taken 161 Colonell Mitton beates Prince Rupert 161 Colonell Massey still victorious 183 Malignants mouthes stopt 194 At Munk-bridge Sir John Gell victorious 199 Letters of Mart granted against the Parliaments Enemies 84 Earl of Manchester again victorious at Lincoln 217 Colonell Massies brave exploits about Gloucester 92 Colonell Massey at Wotton garrison 93 Colonel Massyes just praise 227 Sir Thomas Middletons brave performances 84 Montrosse beaten in Scotland 230 A Message sent from England to Scotland 236 Col. Massey victorious 236 Malmsbury taken by Colonell Massye ibid. Colonell Massey still Victorious 237 Colonell Massies good services rewarded by the Parliament 237 Morpeth-castle taken by the Scots 247 Colonell Mitton his great daunger and deliverance 251 Two Maids had three of their hands shot off together 254 Gods mercy to Manchester in the midst of her misery 258 Malignants in London their Flea-biting 260 Marstonâ—Moores most famous victory described 269 Sir John Meldrum stormes Gainesborough 103 Monuments of Superstition to be demolished 222 The Earl of Manchesters labour and vigilancy at York fight 273 A learned and godly Ministry to be ordained 287 Captain Moultons brave performances in Pembrookeshire 294 N The Earle of Newcastle beaten from Gainesborough 6 Mewcastle besiegeth Hull 30 Newcastle in great straites
39 The Kings forces frighted from New-port-pannell 55 Newcastles declining condition 67 Northern Counties leave the Earle of Newcastle 68 Newcastles forces beaten by Colonell Rudgeley 78 Namptwich bravely relieved with a glorious victory 142 Names of divers delinquents or malignants 153 Names and number of Parliament members that took the Covenant 157 Newcastle besieged by the Scots 158 Northampton garrisons good service 162 Nottingham preserved from a notable plot 163 Northampton forces tooke the Princes troope 168 Colonell Norton at Southampton 172 Names of reclaimed delinquents 174 The E. of Newcastles great losse 183 The Earl of Northampton beaten by Colonell Beare 18â— Newcastle flyes to Durham 208 Newcastle got into Yorke 209 Northamptons forces revenged on Banbury 211 Northampton forces victorious 95 A notable plot against Nottingham-castle 104 Newarke garrison beaten 240 Colonell Needhams valour 274 Another desperate plot against Nottingham 133 Newbridge in the West taken 297 O Ordinance of Parliament against the Kentish rebells 16 Oxfords proclamation to starve up the City of London 18 An Oath or Covenant taken by Londoners 24 Ordinance of Parliament to search 〈◊〉 and carriages 30 Ordinance for a collection for sick and 〈◊〉 souldiers 33 A charitable Order in Parliament for Christs-Hospitall 37 Ordinance against Spies 49 Oxfords Propositions for a pretended Peace 152 Ordinance for taking the Covenant 157 Oxford sets up gallowes and why 174 Ordinance for sanctifying the Sabbath 199 Ordinance for demolishing of Organs c. 222 Oxford Spiders sack poyson from hole some flowers 91 Oxford deserted by many 92 Oswestree taken 260 Ordinance of Parliament against rotten revolters from the Parliament 260 The Enemies bravely beaten at Oswestree 266 Ordinance for the well governing of the City of London 100 Serjeaâ—t Major Ogle a notable traitor and plotter 135 Observations on the fight at Marston-Moore 278 P Parliament compared to God Ark. 1 Proclamation from Oxford to starve London 18 Alderman Pennington made Lieutenant of the Tower of London 19 Four Proclamations sent to the Lord Mayor of London at one time 35 Captain Players brave resolution and courage 45 A great Plot against London 52 A plot to hinder the Scots advance 53 The Plot to starve the City of London frustrated 55 Plantations abroad cared for by the Parliament 58 Almost two hundred thousand English Protestants massacred in Ireland 69 A Plot against Southampton discovered 148 Propositions for a pretended peace 152 Pools exploits 155 A Plot against the Scots discovered 161 Preachers at London to be provided for 162 A Plot against Nottingham discovered 163 Pools exploits against Prince Rupert ibid. The Princes Troop taken 168 The Palsgrave takes the Covenant in Holland 172 The Parliaments care for the pious institution of the Kings Children 175 Capt. Tho. Pyne 175 Capt. Tho. Pyne his just praise 176 Pembrookshire hopefully reduced to the Parliament 176 Pembrookshires brave resolution 178 Captain Tho. Pyne victorious at Collyton 184 Preachers greatly wanted in Wales 202 Master Pâ—ynnes honour attested out of Holland 203 Plymouth gives the Enemy a brave Defeat 215 Pools brave performances 81 A Plot against Gloucester 94 A Plot to undo England and Scotland 229 A brave Prize taken at Sea 232 Master John Pym honourably mentioned as deserved 99 A Plot to convey the two young Princes from Saint Jamses to Oxford 99 A Plot against Nottingham Castle 124 The Earl of Pembrookes just praise 233 Plymouth garrison takes a brave prize 240 A Pack of Plots 109 Plymouths Seige deserted 111 An admirable providence by Pilchards at Plymouth 112 Parishaw bridge destroyed 60 Royalists 250 Prizes at Sea taken by our ships 256 Preparation by Sea to help the West affaires 257 Prizes taken by Sea and Land 259 A Plot against the Parliament 118 The Parliament invited to a feast by the Londoners 124 Pretended peace petitioned against 23 A Plot against Southampton discovered 1â—â— A Plot of Religion to divide the City and Parliament 134 Propositions for Peace to be tendred to the King 292 R. Reformation petitioned for by the Assembly of Divines 4 Rebellion in Kent 11 Rebellion at Canterbury appeased 15 Col. Rudgely bravely defeats the Enemy 78 Return of the Train'd Bands of London and Westminster to London 99 Russell-Hall in Staffordshire taken 239 About 60 Royalists drowned together 250 Revolters from the Parliament 262 Rats crawl up ships Masts when the ship is ready to sinke 262 Reformation in King Henry sevenths chappel at Westminster 113 Reformation in Canterbury-Minster 101 Prince Ruperts atheisticall speech 275 Royalists impudency in triumphing for what they never had 283 Colonell Rossiters activity 285 Lord Rochford impeached of High Teason 285 S. Stamford in Lincolnshire taken 7 A Ship of Denmarke taken 20 Spies and Intelligencers ordered against 49 Souldiers revolt from the King at Bristol 61 Surrey Sussex and Hampshire associated 57 The Lord Saulton a Scotish Popish Lord apprehended 75 The Scots march from Barwick fully related 137 Stamford mount neere Plymouth 75 The Scots successefull progresse in the North. 154 Capt. Swanley successefull at Milford Haven 161 Sir John Stowell slain at Southampton 170 The Sweds desire to associate with our Parliament 173 Capt. Swanley Victorious in Penbrookshire 176 Sir John Stepney a brave Welsh surveyour a pretty jest of him 179 The Scots passe over Tyne 183 Security the bane of safety 184 Sanctification of the Sabbath day ordered 199 Captain Swanley still victorious in Wales 202 Sweathland and England respond together 204 Selbies famous victory 205 Scotlands fidelity to England 211 A new great Seal of England 86 Captain Swanley still victorious 224 Sweet Sympathy twixt the Parliament and City of London 226 Secrecy is the Key of certainty 226 Colonell Sydenhams Valiant Exploits 101 Serjeant-Major Skippon takes Glaston house 103 Sunderland preserved from a treacherous Plot. 247 Capt. Swanley honoured with a chain of Gold by the Parliament 248 Capt. Swanley Commander in chiefe in Wales 247 Shâ—â—ly-Castle taken 250 Swedes vex the Danes who would have vexed us 117 A brave Ship taken 123 Sick and mained souldiers cared for by the Parliament 33 Col. Sydneys valour at Marestone-Moore fight 273 Col. Sydenhams brave valour 286 Scots advance into England 136 T. Trunkes to be searched and other carriage 32 Tewksbury lookt unto by Colonell Massey 48 Sir Henry Talbot surprised in his quarters 146 Tadcaster taken 173 Tinby Town and Castle taken 181 Triumphant return of the Trained Bands of London and Westmin 99 Capt. Temples brave Exploits at 〈◊〉 235 Tewksbury taken 249 Taunton-Dean taken 257 Pâ—pish trinkets burnt 128 Taunton Castle taken 285 Publike Thanksgiving famously celebrated at London for the glorious Victory at Marstone Moore 288 Tâ—ckhill taken 293 Tastcaster in the West taken 297 V. Aglorious Victory at Namptwich 142 Sir Henry Vaughan a Welch Commander his valour described 179 Victory at Selby 205 Col. Vavasor beaten 93 A Vniversall plot against the Protestant Religion over all Christendome 116 Victory at Marstone-Moore 269 Vse of all this History 302
W. Wicked men compared to the Waves of the Sea 1 Lord Willough by of Parham wins Gainsbrough 6 Sir Thomas Walsingham taken prisoner by Kentish Rebells 12 Sir William Waller hath his Commission to advance 28 Sir John Wollaston chosen Lord Mayor of London 34 Sir John Wollastons fidelity cleared by a great tryall 35 Woods of Delinquents cut down 36 Wem Forces beat the Lord Capell 60 Lord Willougâ—by of Pâ—rtham takes Bâ—llingbrook Castle 67 Sir William Waller apprehends the Lord Saulton 75 Warwick Castles Exploits 156 Whiâ—by in Yorkeshire taken 156 Col. Waights good service 171 Westminster Cathedrall bravely reformed 184 Sir William Waller at Winchester 192 Whitechurch in Dorcetshire taken 195 Isle of Wights love to Sir William Waller ibid. Waltham house taken by Colonell White-head 201 Sir William Waller heats the Enemy at Basing 299 The Earl of Warwick made Lord high Admirall of England 83 Warwick Castles brave Service ibid. Sir John Winter beaten from Newnham 93 Wotton Garrison spoiled by Colonell Massey ibid. Sir William Waller sends a present to the Lord Craford a 〈◊〉 of Sacke 98 At Wantage the Kings Forces are frighted 234 The Women of Lymes admirable courage at that siege 246 Sir Will. Waller pursues the King 248 10000. l. Proffered to Capt. White to be a taitor to his Country 106 Col. Waight beats the Kings Cormorants of Belvoir 110 Sir William Waller takes Shudley Castle 250 Weymouth taken by Sir William â—elfore 257. Western affaires going on successefully 258 Wives and children of souldiers slain or maimed provided for 259 Windsor-castles brave exploits about Redding 113 Sir William Waller takes Arundell Castle 122 Winsby fight 133 Windsor Castle to be betrayed 135 Weln Ferry and Fort taken 287 Western parts hopefully reduced to the Parliament 298 Our enemies as Whales caught in Gods net 301 Wait and believe is a Christians duty 303 Y Goods service done at York by Sir William Constable 160 York is Newcastles last shelter 209 The Yoke of Cavalerian slavery Shaken off by Barnstable â—65 〈…〉 Marston-Moor Victory 291. FINIS Imprimatur Jan. 31. 1644. Ja. Cranford Psal 107. 23 24. England fitly likned to the Sea The wicked and ungodly rable to the raging waves of the Sea The Parliament and Assembly of Divines compared to the Ark of God God the Pilot The Ark over-topping the waves The wicked are Satans Gally-slaves The Authors two former Voyages in this English-Ocean Gods glory is ought to be the Alpha and Omega of all mercies The Authors third Voyage An Apologie for the pretermissioÌ„ of some preceding Parliamentarie-Mercies in the third Part of the Parliamentary-Chronicle and which come now to be heer related July 1643. A recitall of some former Parliamentarie-Mercies omitted in their proper place in the former Narration The Assembly of Divines petitioÌ„ the Lords and Commons in Parliament for speedy reformation of some speciall evills among us A copie of the Petition of the Assembly of Divines delivered to both houses of Parliament July 19 1643. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. The Parliaments Answer to the Divines Petition A fan gale to carry on the Ark of God Gainesborough in Lincolnshire won by the noble Lord Willoughby of Parrham The pâ—izes taken Colo. Cromwell raises the Newcastelian forces from besieging Gainesborough The Earl of Kingstone slain in a pinnace by Newcastles Cavaliers The Town of Stamford taken by Colonell Cromwell Return of our Monethly fast dayes prayers Burleigh-house in Lincolnshire taken by Colonell Cromwell A parly sounded by Colonell Cromwell Burleigh house stormed A parly sounded from within the House The House taken and the priz The great providence of God in the preservation of our Souldiers in this victorie 400 Clubmen come to ayd the Cavaliers discomfited and fiftie of them slain by ours Col. Cromwels own relation of his brave victory over the enemie at Gainesborough Siege A hot skirmisâ— at a hill The hill gained by the Lincolners The fight most fiercely begun Ours rout the enemies horse Ours have them in chase five or six miles Generall Cavendiâ—sh charges the Lincolneers most fiercely Colo. Cromwell charges him as bravely Generall Cavendsh slain Gainesborough relieved Another skirmish with the Newcastelians on the other â—ide of Gainesborough Newcastles whole Armie appeares Ours retreat and safely recover the Town The rising of the Kentish Malignants The new oath or Covenant is pretended to be the cause of this insurrection The main end of imposing this Oath The main plot of the Keâ—tish Malignants Seven-Oakes is their Rendevouz Their chief Ringleaders Sir The. â—â—lsingham and Captain Rolf taken prisoners by these Rebells And in great danger of their lives Sir Hen. Vâ—â—e sent into Kent by the Parliament with a Declaration of pardon to appeale them Col. Brown sent also into Kent with forces both horse and foot from London This Kentish insurrection was a part of Tompkins and Challenors conspiracie The Cities great care and providence The Rebells flie from Senock to Tunbridge The Rebells Petition the Parliament Their Petition rejected whiles they were armed Colo. Brown charges the rebells A hot skirmish for at least three houres space Col. Browns most valiant and resolute courage The Rebells are put to fâ—â—ght Prisoners taken The slain on both sides Their Priests were the principali fomenters to this rebellion About 5000 of them were assembled at Tunbridge The Inhabitants of Tunbridge desperate Malignants Sir Michael Levesey also at Yawlding his good service against those rebells Sir Michael plants his Ordnance against the Town yet endeavours by treatie to appease them The Town very much sleights Sir Michael A remarkable passage of Gods providence against the rebells in Yawlding Master Godfrey in Sir Michael his name fairly appeaseth the rebells The prize found in the Town Yawlding set in good order and quiet Canterbury Fevershâ—m malignants began then to rise also The well-affected partie of Canterburie appease this insurrection The Major of Fevershams carriage in the business Sir Geo. Sands taken prisoner The Major of Canterburie marcheth on to Sittingborn Sir Ed. Hales his Grandson a Captain of these rebells taken prisoner The heads of the Rebells brought to London and imprisoned Houghton Castle in Cheshire taken by Sir Will Breretons forces A Proclamation from Oxford to starve the Citie of London The Cities care and providence to prevent this plot of the impious Oxonians The L. Major and two Sheriffs of London take the Lievtenantship of the Tower by authoritie of Parliament A just brief touch of the due praise of Ald. Penningtons happie Majoraltie Alderm Pennington only made Lievtenant of the Tower of London A succinct most gratefull review of all the Parliamentarie-Mercies of this moneth 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Gods Ark above the worlds waves Jeâ— 5. 22. Psal 46. 1 2. August 1643. A ship of about 300 tun bound from Denmark to Newcastle laden with arms and ammunition taken at Sea A true Copie of the Inventorie and particular prize and goods taken out of
the Danish-Ship Aug. 4. 1643. Another brave prize taken at the same time The seasonableness of that Danish prize wherein Gods providence is the more to be observed The low ebbe of our armies briefly touched Divers of the Danish armes sent to Hull to the noble Lord Fairfax Clubs called Round-heads sent to Hull A plot for a pretended Peace in the house of Peers in Parliament The Citizens of London Petition the ParliameÌ„t against the pretended Peace The Parliaments present answer to the Petition The effects of the said Petition An Oath or Covenant to be taken by all Citizens of London Citie-Malignants imprisoned in Saint Faiths Church under Pauls in Ships on the Thames The Earl of Hollands Tâ—unks seized on by water The Fellowship a brave Ship of Bristoll taken by Capt. Smith in the Swallow a Parliament-Ship Sir Wiâ—â—allers CommissioÌ„ to advance with his intended designes is granted by his Excellencie A brief recapitulation of all these last recited Parliamentarie-Mercies by way of obliged thankfulness 1. 2. 3. 4. GODS Ark fairly carried on with fair blasts of good success against its boysterous billowes and swelling waves Psal 136. 4. September 1643. Sir Alexander Carews plot against Plimouth timely discovered and the danger prevented Hull besieged by the Earl of Newcastle Gods mightie preservation of the Town Beverly pitifully plundred by the enemies The Earl of Newcastle despairs of getting Hull A sodain and most remarkable preservation of Hull Hulls very great danger at this time by Powder sodainly blown up The admirable hand of God in Hulls mightie danger The occasion of Huâ—ls so great danger The Parliaments care for the encouragement of London Apprentices in their Service of the Kingdome Sir Jo. Wollaston most happily chosen Lord Major of the Citie of London The Authors just and experimentall attestation and commendation of Sir John Wollaston Lord Major of London The mercies of this Lord Majors choice also was a sweet return of prayer A notable triall by Gods most wise disposall put upon the Lord Major of London and most loyally managed by him Foure Proclamations sent at one time to the Lo Major of London to be published in the Kings name in the Citie Provision of firing ordered by the Parliament for preventioÌ„ of dangerous muâ—â—nâ—es by the poorer sort Woods to be cut down to furnish the Citie and parts adjacent with fuell What woods were to be cut down A summary gratefull review of this Moneths Parliamentarie-Mercies GODS Ark carried on with fair and prosperous gales Psal 68. 19. October 1643. The Parliaments charitable act and order for the good of the poor children of Christs Hospitall in London The Authors own gratefull acknowledgement of Gods goodness to him in the said Hospitall An 100000 li to be raised in the Citie of London for the advance of an army of 21000 Scots to come into England 2 Sam. 24. A famous victorie obtained by the Lord Fairfax against Newcastles Popish forces whereby the Siege of Hull was raised The Marquess of Newcastle put to great straits by this Defeat A Copie of Sir John Meldrums Letter to the Speaker of the Parliament touching the brave victory he obtained at Hull A brief touch of Sir Jo. Mâ—â—drums worth and valour attested by the renowned Lord Fairfax himself The most famous and renowned victory obtained by the right honourable Earl of Manchester at Horncastle in Lincolnshire Bolenbrook-Castle summoned The enemie prepares to meet and fight with the Earl of Manchester Our forces are drawn all neer each other about Bolenbrook The enemie gives ours the allarm about Horncastle Ours bravely bicker with the enemies forlorn-hopes Three or four of our troopes in great dangâ—r but came off most bravely Cap. Iohnsons Cap. Moodies and Captain Players brave courage and resolution The commanders notable discretion and courage The great strait they were still put unto Bolenbrockhill designed to be the place to fight The enemies strength and ours The word on both sides Both armies in sight of each other The pietie of our armie Both armies met at a Town called Ixbie Gen. Cromwells great danger The sight in the very heat of it The enemie â—â—ins to 〈◊〉 The enemies flie Sir Tho. Fairfax his undaunted courage The issue of the fight The Commission of Aray cryed out on by the dying Souldiers The spoyl and prizes taken The armie with the most noble Lord of Manchester possess themselves of Horncastle Letters of the enemies intercepted confirming the truth of this great victorie This famous victory and that also at Hull were obtained both in one and the same day Col. Massies good service at Tewksbery Another brave defeat given to the Kings forces by the Parliaments forces in Warwick-Castle An OrdinaÌ„ce of Parliament against Spies and intelligencers The Citie of Lincoln taken by the noble Earl of Manchester The prize taken in the Citie of Lincoln Gainesborough also taken by the said noble Earl of Manchester The great design against the Citie of London The great plot and designe was how to contrive to starve up the Citie of Londoâ— The manner and wayes of the enemies contriving their plot against London The manner of the enemies acting their coÌ„trivements 2 Chro. 16. 9. How God all along crost and disappointed all the enemies deep designes Another great ploâ— of the enemies to hinder our Brethren of Scotlands coming in to our ayd and assistance An Embassadour sent from the Queen-Regent of France into Scotland to divert those our brethren from coming to ayd us Two Letters sent by our King into Scotland to cross the Scots resolution to ayd England The substance of both the said Letters The Royallists hopes heerin also frustrated The grand plot of starving up the Citie of London now prosecuted by the Royallists but blessedly frustrated The Earl of Manchester resolves to ayd his associated Counties out of Lincolnshire by Colonell Cromwell Col Cromwell sent out of Lincolnshire into Huntingtoâ—shire with considerable forces Col. Cromwell ordered by the Lo. Generall to return again into Lincolnshire The Kings Cormorants flie out of Newport-Pannell The great plot mightily dasht damped alreadie A summarie recapitulation of all this Moneths Parliamentarie-mercies and therein the sweet preservation of his Ark his great Cause GODS Ark still born-up above the tops of all its advers swelling waves of opposition Psal 57. 7. Psal 60. 12. November 1643. An association of Hampshire Surrey Sussex and Kent Sir 〈◊〉 Waller Commander in chief of this association The Parliâ—ments providence for the welfare of forein English Plantations A considerable number of English-Irish Protestant Souldiers landed at Bristoll out of Ireland revolted from the King to the Parliament The English-Irish Souldiers fall foul on their Commanders and Officers They march away to Gloucester to serve under Colonell Massiâ— A remarkable hand of Gods providence in this business A most brave defeat given to the Lord Capell by Cheshire Shropshire forces The manner of the performance of the defeat The Lord Capell marches toward
Namptwich Sir Wil. Brereton followes Capell and makes him retreat to Wem The Lord Capell soundly beaten at Wem All this Relation was written and attested by a very pious Souldier of this action Divers rare passages of Gods providence preservation of our forces in this defeat Thirty or forty of our horse and Dragoons chase and beat a thousand of their horse Psal 62. 9 10. The renowned Earl of Manchester spoiles Newark of provision Bullingbrook-Castle taken by the Lord Willoughbie of Parrhaâ— The declining condition of the Earl of Newcastles armie The defection also of the Gentrie of Yorkshire from him A yet farther defection of other Northern Counties from the Kings partie The Cessation of armes in Ireland a main cause of this foresaid defection The Kings Declaration from Oxford justifying that abominable Irish Cessation Mark this well ô English-MalignaÌ„ts touching this Irish Cessation Mark this also and admire it Almost twâ— hundred thousand Englâ—sh Protestants butchered in that most barbarous Irish-Massacre Mark this also And this too and tremble at it Isaiah 5. 20 The contrary effects of the Irish Cessation A New-Broad Sâ—â—l of England Sir Wil. Waller apprehends the Lord Saulton a Popish Scotish Lord at Newbery and 4000 li in money with him The brave fight at Stamford Mount neer Plimouth and the excellent effect it produced A proper note and fitly applyed Pools brave performances Captain Layes undaunted resolution at the Town of Warham Warham prepares to encounter the Poolians The Poolians politick carriage in approaching the Town Pool-men enter the Town of Warham The enemies flie Prisoners taken Prizes taken The Poolians victorious and safe return The Earl of Warwick made Lord high Admirall of England The brave exloits of the most valiant and faithfull Governour and garrison of Warwick Castle The valiant brave performances of Sir Wil. Brereton Sir Thomas Midleton An OrdinaÌ„ce of Parliament granting Letters of Mart to Merchants and Seamen against the enemies of the Parliament The Arks safe arrivall at the end of this Monethly voyage The holy-Merchant-like improvement of this Moneths voyage to Gods glorie A Summarie recitall of all the rare and rich mercies of this Moneths voyage 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Gods little flock preserved thus in his Ark gives all the honour to God alone December 1643. A New Great Seal of England The New Great Seal of England confirmed The names of the Commissioners The manner of the Solemnity of the delivery of the New great Seal of Eâ—gland to the Commissioners The Solemn-League or Covenant to be farther pressed where not yet taken The House of Peers take the solemn League and Covenant The Earles Lords that took the Covenant at westminster Commanders in Armes Knights and Gentlemen also take this Covenant The Covenant sealed in the City of London with the Loan of an 100000â—â— The main end of this holy League and Covenant Oxford Spiders suck poyson out of the herb Grace GODS Ark carried on prosperously notwithstanding all advers blustring blasts against it Many deserted Oxford took the Covenant The brave exploits of renowned Colonell Massie at Gloucester Colonell Vavasor beaten from Tewksbery Sir John Winter frighted from Newnham Wotton garrison also dissolved discomfited by Col. Massey A plot against the Citie of Gloucester prevented The manner of discovering the plot Sir John Winters plot defeated A brave defeat given to the Lord Digbie at Plyâ—â—uth The Town forced to a retreat The enemie put to a retreat The enmie soundly beaten The slain and prisoners taken A brave defeat given to the enemie at Dunscot neer Tociter by the Northampton forces The most famous defeat given to the L. Craford at Alton is Surrey The manner of their ordering the business They marched at night The secret carriage of their march The Lord Craford and 300 horse got out of the Town The slain and prisoners taken in the pursuite The Town begirton all sides with our horse and foot The enemie is beaten out of their trenches Our men enter the Town A very fierce fight for the space of neer two houres The enemie fought valiantly Lievt Colonell Boles slain in the fight The Town is totally taken Major Shambrock shoe with a pistoll in the church after quarter given The prisoners and prizes taken The slain on the enemies side The slain on our side Above 500 of the prisoners take the Covenant and served under Sir William Waller Sir Wil. Waller sends the Lord Craford a hogs head of Sacâ— The Lo Crafords Letter to Sir 〈…〉 Sir Ral Hoptons Letter to Sir Wil Waller A remarkable passage of Gods providence Mr John Piâ—s departure out of this life A plot to convey away the young Duke of Gloucester and the Ladie Princess Elizabeth to Oxford discovered and prevented The triumphant return of the trained Bands of London and Westminster with their prisoners The prisoners they brought The brave company that went out of the Citie to meet them An excellent Ordinance of Parliament for the conservation of the good government of the Citie of London The brave exploits of valiant Colonell Sydenham of Pool The notable reformation at Canterbury in the Cathedrall in Kent Austine first Bishop of Canterbury Christ and the 12 Apostles Twelve more Popish Saints Picture of God the Father and the Holy-Ghost Pretty sport with a Prebendaries wife of Canterbury As good sport also with her husband the Prebendary himself Seven figures of the Virgine Mary A Cathedrall Petty-Canon shoots his fools bolt at this work Thomas Becket a Romish Saint an English traytor Gainesborough stormed by Sir Tho. Fairfax and Sir John Meldrum and a brave prize taken The Kings partie most unsuccessfull ever since the Irish Cessation Pious Serjeant Major 〈◊〉 Skippon and his brave Londoners at Grafton-House Grafton-house stormed by the Londoners and brave Northampton forces Grafton-house taken and the rich prizes and spoiles therein An OrdinaÌ„ce of Parliament enabling the Militia for the City of London to send forth two regiments unto Sir Wil. Waller A notable plot against Nortingham Castle Colonell Hutchinso Governour of Nottingham Castle his constancy and fidelity to God and his Cause * The offers to Captain White was 10000li. and 100 to his Officers to procure it A Pack of Cavalerian plots A brave defeat given to the Belvoir Cormorants by Colo. Waight Governour of Burleigh-house Colo. Waight sends the enemie a challenge Capt. Plunket a most wicked and bloudie Irish-Rebell slain Colo. Waights brave resolution at a second charge The enemy is put to flight The prisoners and prizes taken A most worthy act in Colonell Waight after the fight The siege of Plymouth deserted The enemie resolves to storme Plymouth A very fierce encounter on both sides At least one hundred of the enemies slain and not above 16 of ours The Siege quite deserted and 660 of the sick enemies left behind Major Generall Basset his ingenuous coÌ„fession touching this siege The horrible malice mischiefe of the Kings
Cormorants at their departure A most admirable passage of Gods provideÌ„ce to Plymouth by a great shole of Pilchards coming into their harbour in the time of this Siege Captain Clark of Northampton apprehended diverse Commanders playing at Cards Windsor-Castles Dragoons brave exploits about Redding Foure high Constables and 80li. taken and carried to Windsor Good cheer provided for a partie sent out of Windsor at a greaâ— Malignants house at Stoke The high-altar Popish pictures in King Henry the sevenths Chappell taken away and demolished A briefe recapitulation and gratefull rumination on all this last Moneths remarkable mercies GODS Ark over-topping the worlds waves swelling Psal 31. 19. Januarie 1643. 2 Chron. 16. 9. A most notable and deep designe and pernicious plot against the Protestant Religion in all Christendom The Danes Hollanders coÌ„tribute to the King against us An admirable and sodain breaking-out of a combustion twixt Denmark and Sweden The King of Denmarkes plot against the Swedes discovered by Letters intercepted The Swedes enter into Denmark The falling out of the Danes with the Swedes much for our good Sir Tho. Holts House surprized by Coventrie forces A treacherous parley desired from the house The house batterd and taken Bewly-House also taken by the foresaid Coventry forces A most dangerous and pernicious plot against the Parliament discovered The ayme in this plot to divide the Citie Parliament The coÌ„trivers of this plot The place of meeting and consulting The contrivance of the plot The plot discussed on at Oxford The settlemeÌ„t of the Protestant Religion by Papists traytors and atheists still pretended The result of their first meeting was to send a Letter to London Rilâ—ys honesty acts a peace for this peacefull work The plot advanced And by Gods providence so dainly discovered Sir Basil Brook examined The Letter to the Lord Major The conspirators imprisoned The whole business communicated to the Citie of London Gods providence in delivering three worthy Gentlemen of Garnsey faithfull friends to the Parliament from prison in Castle-Cornet in Garnsey Acts 12. 11. Arundell-Castle besieged taken by Sir Wil. Waller The Castle delivered up to Sir William Waller The prisoners taken Fifty Reformadoes taken 1200 Common Souldiers 4000 li in money taken and other rich pillage A little armie taken prisoners in a little time about the taking Arundell-Castle At least 3300 enemies taken prisoners A brave Ship also richly laden taken at Arundell-Castle A Bristoll ship also taken at Leverpool in Lancashire The Citie of London takes into serious consideration the great care love paines of the Parliament for the welfare of the Kingdome The Citizens of London invite the Parliament c. to a dinner in the Citie A most excellent Message and Motion of the Citie to the Parliament at the invitation The Parliaments answer to the Cities invitation The Parliaments most pious desire to have a Sermon to be preached at this meeting The admirable expressions of loving acceptance of the Parliament of the Cities love to them The guests invited meet at Christ-Church in London Venerable Mâ— Marshall preached before them Whose excellency and unparalleld same and fidelity I must coÌ„fesse I want words to set forth as it deserves The same day of this glorious Assembly our Brethren of Scotland came into England with their armie All these causes of vexation in the wicked causes of rejoycing in the godly A publike and more generall day of thanksgiving appointed by order of Parliament A bloudy defeat given to the Parliament forces by Sir John Byron but an introduction to a great most admirable victory obtained by ours Pro. 12. 10. A most brave defeat given to Sir Nicholas Byron Governour of Chester by Colonell Mitton The slain prisoners and prizes taken Sir John Gellâ—s brave surprisall of Burton upon Trent Hilsden-House taken by the Parliaments forces 1. Laystolk quieted 2. Croyland subdued 3. Granthams victorie 4. Burleigh-house taken 5. Gainesborough relieved 6. Twentytroops of horse of Hull preserved 7. The winning of Lyn-Regis 8. Winsby fight 9. Lincoln taken 10. Gainesborough taken by storm 11. Hilsden-House taken Another most devillish plot between the Earl of Bristol and Serjeant Major Ogle to make a division between the ParliameÌ„t and Citie of London Mr Nye and Mr Jo. Goodwin wrought with to help on with the plot Propositions for encouragement to the Independent-men to help on the design Serjeant Major Ogle being released out of prison gets to Oxford This plotcame to nought in the end Another plot to betray Windsor-Castle into the Kings hands The manner of contriving it This plot also perished almost in the birth Another plot to betray Aylesbury most neatly disappointed Serjeant Major Ogle a plotter again in this treachery also A 1000 li promised as a reward for the betraying of Aylesbury and great preferment and an 100 pound therof paid in hand a good horse and a sword Ogles mightie motives to encourage Lievtenant Colonell Mosely in the plot Three hoped strings to their Bowe yet all brake and faild them The great preparatioÌ„ of forces to goe to take possessioÌ„ of Aylesbury Their extreme misery in a most bitter March At Ethrop-house 2 miles from Aylesbury the enemies heard the designe was discovered Their good reward which they got for all their cost and coyle The King lost at least 500 of his men at this Service Sore brushes against Gods Ark. A desperate design against Nottingham-Town and Castle A true Copie of Colo. Hutchinsons letter sent to a worthy GentlemaÌ„ of NottinghaÌ„shire resident then in London Esa 57. 19 20. Our Brethren of Scotlands first advance and coming into England for our assistance What a rich rare mercy this of our Brethren of ScotlaÌ„ds coming into England is unto us Three or 4. memorable Contingents in the Scots March 1. A great thaw much hindring the Scots march 2. A Bridge which would much have retarded the Scots March not suffred to be cut down as intended 3. The contrary effects of the great Snow in the Scots march 4. A remarkable hard Frost which helped all the Army over the river Tweed Gods evident hand of good Providence going along with the Scots Army A Declaration consented to and confirmed by the Estates of England and Scotland 1. 2. 3 4. Namptwhich most bravely relieved and a most glorious victory obtained by Sir Tho. Fairfax and Sir Willâ— Brereton A retunr of Prayer The first relation of this famous victory came to London on the conclusion of this monthly fasts hoâ—y duties Namptwich 3. times assâ—ulted and the enemy most bravely repulsed The siege raised The 2. Armies met and encountred each other Bloody Byron commander of the Horse first began to fly Prisoners and prizes taken Above an 100 Irish-Queanes with sharp long Skeanes to cut throats The slaine on the Enemies part Bloody Byron fled to Oxford His lying brag retorted on him An Order of Parliament for solemne Thanksgiving to God for this great viâ—tory A most gratefull revise
and review of all the most memorable Parliamentary mercies of this Moneths Voyage 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 8. 9. 10. Gods Arke over-topping the Worlds waves swelling Psal 29. 1 2 3 10. February 1643. Col. Massey surpriseth Sir Henry Talbot in his quarters And performeth other brave exploits Sir Iohn Meldrum takes the Isle of Axholm The Island prisoners and prizes taken A Councel of State for all the 3 Kingdomes established The names of the Councel of State An ordinance of Parliament for the setling of the Councel of State The maine matter of this Councel of State and their place of meeting A pâ—ot against Southampton discovered and prevented The impious Oxonians being brought to a desperate condition pretend propositions for Peace A Letter sent to our Parliament or rather to his Excelcelency the L. General from Oxford A Complemental Letter returned from his Excellency the L. Gen. with a Declaration and the Covenant inclosed in it Malignants estates and goods sequestred and sold away for the publike use The Earle of Berks The Earle of Carbery Lord Aborthorum Wa. Mountague Lo. Cottington Sir Io Banks B. of Winchester B. of Armagh A brief bad memoriall of the Archbish of Armagh D. Vsher A most wicked imprecation of this Arch-Prelate of Armagh Burlington in Yorkeshire taken by sir Wil. constable Another brave exploit performed by sir Will. Constable at Driffle in Yorkeshire The progresse and successe of our Brethren of Scotland in the North. The Lord Gorings Letter intercepted and read in Parliament Divers noteble exploits of the Parliaments Forces briefely remembred Pools exploits Warwick-Castle Sir Tho. Fairfax his brave exploits Derby-Forces take Kings-Milus The Lo Fairfax Sir VVilliam Constable take VVhitby a Haven-Town in Yorkshire The prizes taken An Ordinance of Parliament for taking the Solemn Covenant over the whole Kingdome and Dominion of Wales An Emphaticall Exhortation Printed therewith The order or manner of taking the solemne League or Covenant as was prescribed by the Parliament A Catalogue of the names of the Members of the House of Commons that took the Covenant at least 228. at one time The proceedings of our brethren of Scotland about Newcastle A Summons sent to Newcastle and the answer thereunto The Scots proceedings after the foresaid answer Sir VVilliam Constables most successefull proceedings in the North. A brave victory obtained by Sir VVilliam Constable at Yorke A plot or designe against our brethren of Scotland most happily frustrated Milford-haven won by brave Capt. Swanley Prince Robber helpes on the designe Col. Mitton most bravely beates him Prisoners taken The County Palatine of Chester much aim'd at by the King Care taken in Parliament for setling of Church government Care taken about Preachers in London Northampton garrisons good successe Captaine Farmer taken prisoner A brief but good and gratefull note The noble Lord Fairfax his brave victory about Hull Pool Garrison took 3000. l. of Prince Robbers going to Waymouth A most dangerous plot against Nottingham Town and Castle discovered Cavaliers in Womens apparrell Sacks of Corn turn'd into powder pistols and match The cavalerian treacherous Metamorphosis discovered The Governour of Nottingham threats the cavalerian cormorants the racke to confesse the plot The confession discovery of the plot by the enemies themselves Preparation to encounter the enemy by night A brave victory obtained against the enemie beside the discovery and defeat of their plot A summary recitall and gratefull review of al this Moneths Parliamentary mercies Gods Arke over-topping the worlds waves swelling Exod. 19. 4. Esay 28. 29. March 1643. A returne of Prayer Biddle-house taken by Sir Tho. Fairfax and valiant Col. Ridgley The Prisoners prizes taken His Excellencie the Lord Generals just praises Grave Maurice Prince of Orange this wise Martial Maxime Hilsey-house in Buckingham shire taken The Princes Troope surprised about Banbury by Northampton Forces Another return of Prayer Colonel Lamberts brave victory obtained at Bradford The unequality of their Forces Mr. Ienkins Pastor of Christ-Church in London his excellent saying The great straights Colonell Lamberts Forces were put unto A very furious fight The admirable courage of our horse and foot The enemies flie The prisoners taken and the slaine The Covenant taken in Leicester Col. Hastings molests their proceedings therein His outrages in the Country Leicester Town heares therof and sets out against Hastings They marched that night suddenly to Hinkley against the enemy God gives ours a brave victory and booty at the Towne of Hinkley Our word and the Enemies word Sir Iohn Stowell slain neer Southampton Another brave prize taken by Col. Lambert Colonel Lambert his politick stratagem to ensnare the Enemie Sir Wil. Constable takes Chester bridge and Stamford bridge Col. Waight at Burley House The prize taken About a 1500. Irish rogues cast away in a storme at sea A land storme also destroyed them from Pool and Wareham garrisons Col. Norton at Southampton Sir Wil. Belfore in Hampshire CHARLES Prince Elector Palatine tooke the Covenant in Holland The Swedes also desire to associate with England against Rome The House of Saul decreases and the House of David increases Sir William Constable still victorious Tadcaster taken The good effects of the Parliaments Declaration to summon in delinquents from Oxford The names of reclaimed Delinquents Gallowâ— set up at Oxford to deter men from falling off from the Kings partee Sir Rich. Greenvile his base defection from us a great mercy to us Sir Faithlesse Fortescue fitly remembred here 2 Gibbets erected to Sir R. Greenviles eternall infamie A Coppy of the Proclamation fixed on the gibbets aforesaid The Parliaments most godly care taken for the pious institution of the Kings children at Saint Iameses Bredport and much good prize taken by brave Capt. Thomas Pyne Pynes of Lime in Dorsetshire Captain Tho. Pyne of Lime in Dorsetshire his most worthy praise Burleigh-house neere Lime in Dorsetshire taken An extract out of the relation of the brave reducing and securing Pembrookeshire to the Parliament by that renowned Sea Commander Cap. Swanley written more at large elsewhere by Cap. VVill Smith Vice-Admiral in the same Voyage Colonel Laughorne and the Mayor of Pembrook come aboard the Leopard The Earle of Carberies pride and menacing insolencies A remarkable passage full of serious note and compassion The inhumane carriage of the Earle of Carbery toward a grave Gentlewoman What strength the wel-affected Party in Pem were able to raise to defend themselves The brave resolution of the wel-affected in Pembrookeshire The victorious beginnings progresse of the noble Captaine Swanley and his Company A brave trick of a Welsh commander in chiefe A strong Fort at the Pyll taken The prize taken in the fort Sir Henry Vaughan and the rest of his râ—ut their brave deportment on the knowledge of our victory Sir John Stepney an exquisit welsh-Survey our A herde of blacke Bullocks mistaken for an army of men The marvellous pretty effects of the Welsh-mens feares Levit. 26. 17. Prov. 28.
1. Haverford-west strangly taken without looking for as yet or fighting for Our forces marched toward Tynby summon it Admirable resolution in the assaulting of Tynby on both sides Commissary Guyne a stout souldier but a desperate enemy to Gods Cause The enemies Mr Gunner slaine The rare providence of God over ouâ— men Harm watch harme catch Tynby taken though of almost impregnable strengh The prize taken Carew Castle taken A sum of the totall Victory over the Earl of Carbury Capt. Jordanes good successe at sea chasing the Earle of Marlbrough the kings admiral Two ships taken at sea with their prizes Two ships more their prizes taken Glocesters good condition Col. Beares brave defeat given to the Earle of Northampton at Cambden Col. Massey stil victorious Our Brethren of Scotland passe over the River Tyne without resistance Newcastles great losse of Souldiers lying in the field Captain Tho. Pynes most brave defeat given to the Cormorants at Colliton neer unto Lyme Security is the bane of safety The prisoners and prize taken Excellent Reformation of the Cathedral at Westminster Quantum mutatur ab illo Popish trumpery expelld pious preaching establisht An introduction to the subsequent famous victory at Alsford Asshur is but Gods Rod to scourge his sinning children Psal 125. 3. Hoptons preparation Sir VVilliam VVallers preparation Hoptons head-quarter was at Winchester Sir William Wallers head-quarter A necessary preamble before the Fight Oxfords blustring Bravadoes about the raising of the Siege at Newarke Mercurius Aulicus the Kings Lyer in chiefe 〈…〉 Notorious boasts lyes to cousen the poore seduced Souldiers A message sent to Sir VVill. VValler not to engage himselfe in fight A true exact relation of the famous fight most memorable victory obtained at Alsford by renouned sir VV. VValler against sir R. Hopton The Enemies plot to surprise us at Church prevented A brave skirmish between us and the Enemy A Councill of War called on both sides The fight fiercely begun The day at this time very doubtfull Major Gen. Browne bravely charges the Enemies horse The Enemies put to the rout retreat The Enemy put totally to flight Prisoners taken The Lo. Iohn brother to the Duke of Lenox slaine in this â—ight Zach. 8 19. This moneths Fast day repayed within 2 or 3 dayes after with a blessed Feast day A returne of Prayers Exod. 15. 11. The pursuite of the Victory The Enemies flye to Basting-house and Andover c. How the Enemies Ordnance escaped from being all taken Sir William Waller is come to Winchester Gloucester fully relieved with necessaries The Kentish mens brave behaviour in this fight The admirable valour also of the City Regiment Observations upon the Victory Malignants lying mouthes stopt with the undeniable truths concerning this Victory The Lady Hopton and a traine of 200. taken by Sir Will. Belfore together with mony plate Whitchurch in Dâ—rsetshire taken with Sir John Mills a 100 Gentlemen more The Isle of Wights memorable and commendable Act of love to sir VVilliam VVallers army A day of publike thankesgiving ordered to be kept in all Churches for Gods great mercy in this so famous victory A most gratefull Summary recapitulation of all the Parliamentary Mercies of this Moneth Gods Arke over-topping the Worlds Waves swelling Psal 93. 3 4. Psal 68. 1 2 3 April 1644. A most excellent Ordinance of Parliament for the better sanctifying of the Lords day A fair gale of winde to carry on our floating Arke in the voyage Sir Iohn Gell that famous commander gives the enemy a brave defeat at Munkbridg Abrave defeat given again to Colonell Bellasâ—s by Victorious Colonell Lambert How the Ammunition for Gloucester was conveyed thither from VVarwick A strange mistake by night both by the Enemy and our Forces yet the Ammunition got safe to Gloucester Gloucester greatly enabled to oppose the adversaries by the safe coveyance of the Ammunition to it Waltham house taken by Col. Whitehead with the assistance of the London Brigade Propositions to surrender the House yeilded unto God honoured the London Brigade with Victory both going forth and comming home The Forces of Sir Tho. Fairfax and the Lord Fairfax his Father conjoyned together Cawood Castle and Axholm Island taken More of Captain Swanleys good Service in South VVales Want of pious preachers in Wales a great hindrance of their reducing to the Parliament Crowland regained by the Earle of Manchesters Forces under the command of Valiant Col. King Articles of agreement for delivering up the Town Hollands honourable attestation of famous Mr. William Prynne his learned Labours in the Parliaments Vindication This passage of Hollands honourable Attestation of Mr. Prynnes Book a Parliamentary mercy Fair correspondency between the Swedes and our Kingdome and Parliament The like also with the united Provinces The most famous and admirable victory obtained by the Right Honourable Lord Fairfax at Selby in Yorkeshire Gods Arke here mightily carryed up above all these swelling and blustring billows This brave victory thus obtaned the Lord Fairfax was now master of the Field A Day of Solemn Thanksgiving appointed 8000. pound ordered presently sent to the most Noble Lord Fairfax The most hopefull consequent advantages of this great Victory Two dayes of Solemn Thanksgiving in one the â—ame Moneth Newcastles Army sorely put to it Our brethren of Scotland draw up close to Durham The Marquess of Newcastle deserts and flyes from Durham General Lesly pursues him Newcastles great losse without any fighting Newcastle is got into the City of Yorke Prince Plunderer at Bever-castle The noble Earle of Manchester follows him close Sir Wil. Waller gives the enemy a brave defeat about Basing house The most noble Lord Fairfax our brethren of Scotland conjoyned into a body 30. Northampton souldiers surprized and taken prisoners by Banbury garrison All our Northampton souldiers imprisoned in a barne at Banbury Northampton forces are most bravely revenged on Banbury garrison The christian amity fidelity of our brethren of Scotland toward us of England The substance of a letter sent by the Iuncto at Oxford to the Lords of the Councell of Scotland Foul and false imputations laid on the Parliament at Westminster by the Oxford juncto O the wretched Rhetorick of the Oxfordians to argue themselves their posterity into perpetuall slavery Notorious and Devillish hypocrisie in this Oxford Juncto's jugling Our brethren of Scotlands wise and provident answer to the Oxonian Letter A Summary most gratefull recitall of all the excellent Parliamentary Mercies of this Moneth God Arke over-topping the worlds Waves swelling Psal 73. 1. Psal 46. 1 â— 3. May. 1644. A brave defeat repulse given to the Enemies at Plymouth A great providence at our Souldiers first adventure The Enemies beaten into the Church Ours obtain a brave victory The enemies horse face Plymouth againe Ours make a very fair and safe retreat A brave defeat given to the enemy by valiant active Colonell Fox Budely in Worcestershire surprized by valiant
Parliament Tewktsbery taken by Col. Massey About 60 of the kings souldiers drowned at Parrishaw at a bridge Sir William VValler also pursues catches some of them in the chase Shudley-castle taken by renowned Sir VVill. VValler The prisoners prizes Compton House in VVarwickshire taken by Col. Purfrey Great deserved honour put upon Serjeant Major Gen. Brown by an Ordinance of Parliament The noble Earl of Denbighes brave exploit against the kings forces at Dudley-castle The great danger of Col. Mitton and his forlorn hope The Earl of Denbighes brave resolution The enemy put to flight and pursued by the Lord Denbigh The slain and prisoners taken The famous Seige of Lime in Dorsetshire wholely raised The unsuccesfull assaults of the enemies against Lime Sir Ralph Hoptons low ebbe The enemies notable losses at Lime Siege The Seige quite raised Heaven was Lymes munition of Rocks The Enemies strength the Towns weaknesse The outragious fury and malice of the Enemie against Lyme The almost incredible courage of the Souldiers in Lime The noble E. of Warwicks testimony of Lime Divers of the enemies party come to the L Admirall profering their service to the Parliament 3. Children in one bed miraculously preserved 2. Maides lost three of their hands at once All the praise of this mighty preservation is due to the great God of Lime Limes deliverance a certaine returne of Prayer Thankes sent by the Parlia to the most noble L. Admirall for relieving Lime 1 Sam. Lime also rewarded with 10000 l. a yeare of the L. Paulets Estate Prizes taken at Sea by the Lo. Admiralls Ships Orders of Parliament touching Lime Sir Wil. Belfore sent to free Lime of its Siege finding it raised taks Weymonth Tanton-Dean The noble L. Grey of Groobies brave carriage at Leicester Preparation by Sea to help forward the reduction of the West to the obedience of the Parliament The hopefull progresse of things in the Wect. Gods great mercy to Manchester in the midst of Lancashires miseries Victualls very cheap at Manchester A very lâ—beral bountifull Collection also there for Boulton Weymouth taken by the L. Generall Brave prizes also taken both by Sea by Land An Excellent Ordinance of Parliament for constant reliefe to the wives children of Souldiers slain in the Parliaments service Our London Malignants Flea-bitings whereof I wish them many The Malignants Flea bitings Oswestree won by the most noble Earle of Denbigh The Towne is assaulted entred The Enemies fly to the Castle The Castle also surrendered on quarter for their lives Prisoners prizes taken The singular good affection of the West-Country to the Parliament Mr. Peters his good service to the kingdome An Ordinance of Parliament against rotten-hearted Revolters or deâ—erters of the Parliament Rats crawl out of ships to the main tops when the ship is ready to sink Revolters fitly compared to Rats and Bats A summary gratefull review and brief recitall of all the rare Parliamentary Mercies of this moneth Gods Arke above the Worlds waves Psal 77. 16. Exod. 14. 22. Iuly 1644. The Parlia L. Gen. successefull in the West Country Skellum Greenvill is beaten by Plymouth Forces Darbyes brave activity Barnstable shakes off the Cavilerian yoke and returnes to the Parliament The Enemy bravely beaten at Oswestree by the Earle of Denâ—â—es forces Oswestree besieged bâ— Col. Marow on the Kings side Sir Tho. Midleton comes to Oswestree to aid his brother Col. Mitton The Enemy beaten put to flight Our losse hurt The Enemies lesse The highways and passages strewed with store of the Enemies good provision The most famous and glorious victory neer Yorke The Word Signall The Enemy was assaulted by ours before they expected us Some of ours forced to a disorderly retreat The Enemy put to the worst Valiant Lieu. Gen. Cromwel charges Ruperts Horse through through Our right wing put to the worst Our left wings unwearied valour in charging the enemy How Prince Rupert escaped The Earle of Manchesters labour vigilancy Gen. Lesseys cariage in the fight The Scots good Service Lieut. Gen. Cromwell his due praise Col. Sydney his valour Renowned sir Tho. Fairfax his undaunted valour Col. Lamberts also And L. Col. Needhams Major Gener. Crawford others A just reproof to many prejudicate misreporters of this fight the souldiers therein The souldiers gave God the glory of this victory The Enemies did the like Prince Ruperts atheisticall speech touching this fight A sad confession of one on the Enemies side Deut. 32. 31. The Run-awayes rob'd our carryages Keynton battell justly remembred Gods wisdome in managing this victory to his due praise The noble E. of Manbesters carriage among his souldiers The souldiers religious replies to their Generall A sad spectacle to behold The number of the slain on the enemies side P. Ruperts Dog kill'd among the dead corps The names of divers persons of note slain in this fight Prisoners taken and the names of some of note Prizes taken The losse on our side Our souldiers got good prize God is a great man of War Esay 59 17 18 Nehim 4. 14. Certain observations collected out of all the premises for the farther illustrating of Gods glory Observation from our Armie marching to the Associated Counties when the Enemies were fighting A mighty storm of hail rain thunder at the beginning of the fight Two or 3 Regiments of the pursuing Enemies slain taken prisoners The victory got by a small number That Rupert having relieved Yorke must needs fight with us not go into the associated Counties Achitophels Hushaies Counsell The great hopes of the enemy to cut off our right-wing frustrated Ecclesi 9. 11. A foul falling out between P. Rupert the Marquesse of Newcastle And Newcastle flying beyond sea is proclaimed traitor at York The great tyrednesse and extream hunger and thirst which the Army indured and yet their admirable courage in fighting The Parliament Souldiers known to the Kings accursed cursing Cormorants by their singing of Psalmes The Royalists imprecating a curse on themselves were accordingly answered therein by the Lord. Josh 22. 22. 〈◊〉 This glorious Victory was a most evident and cleer return of Prayer The 3 Generalls and all their Armies Celebrate the next Lords day a day of Thanksgiving Order taken for supplying the Northern Armies with necessaries and thankes sent to the 3 Generalls from the Parliament The Royalists intollerable impudence in insulting and triumphing for what they never had Bells rung bonfires made in York for joy of Ruperts Victory Monstrous lyes Newcastle Newark and Oxford also triumph in Ruperts ridiculous Victory London malignants had a hand and a heart too in this lye Mr. Vines in his Sermon of thanksgiving for this great Victory p. 14. Sir Tho. Fairfax compared to Julius Caesar A note more touching Prince Robber and his brave Chivalry Prince Robber lost his Dog and his Bever and hid himself in a Bean-field A Letter of the Kings to the Marquesse
of Newcastle touching the Lord Râ—chford The Lord Vicount Rochford impeached of high Treason Greenland house taken by Major Gen. Brown Taunton Castle taken by the Lord Generals Forces Cholmley house in Cheshire taken by the Lord Denbigh Col. Rossiter Governour of Lincoln his valour and activity Capt. Sydenham and Capt. Carrs brave exploit against the Lord Inchiquin A learned and godly Ministery to be Ordained Wâ—lne Ferry and Fort taken by the Noble L. Grey and sir Iohn Gell. Wilne Ferry stormed and taken And a brave prize with it The noble L. Grey's Martiall Vigilancy for the good of the Country The famous Celebration of the publike Thanksgiving for the late great Victory at or 〈…〉 The Enemy laboured to dim the cleer Sunshine of our Day of thanksgiving Yorkes not being taken emboldned our Malignants to buz abroad their lyes A remarkable print of providence to dash our Malignants out of countenance The glorious rayes of that Sun-shine day shines forth over the kingdome A narration of celebrating the Thankesgiving-day at London And of Christs-Church parish in particular How the great Hall was swept of some foul Romish-rubbish the day before this meeting Sir Halowâ—night â—night of the Bath pulls down and utterly demolisheth a monstrous great Crucifix in Christs Hospitall A great Bonfire made of the said Crucifix just at the Supper-time of the said Parishioners The manner of the surrendring up of the City of Yorke to the Parliaments Forces Yorke closely besieged again after the victory Preparation to storm York A Treaty desired by the City Commissioners authorized to parley and determine of Articles of agreement The Articles of Agreement being 14 in number subscribed unto by the 3 Generalls Considerations concerning the Articles A singular wise and satisfactory Message of the 3. Generalls to the Parliament Propositions of Peace Businesse of Religion to be expedited Malignants mouths stopt The Lord of Manchester advances Southward Tickhill taken by the Earl of Manchesters forces The ill neighbour-hood of Tickhill The Castle summoned Articles of Agreement concluded on and sealed to My Lord of Manchester takes possession of the Castle Col. 〈◊〉 T horns Cap. Moultons brave performances in Penbâ—ookshire The forwardnesse of the inhabitants of the County to help against the Enemy Both Armies meet and the Enemies are discomfited The slain prisoners and prizes taken A most brave defeat given to the Enemy at Evesham by the Earl of Denâ—ighs and Warwick Forces Another brave defeat given by Lyme garrison to the Enemies at Collyton Prisoners and prizes taken Another defeat at Chard in Sommersetshire by Lime Garrison Our most noble Lord Generalls brave and victorious advance and progresse in the West Divers brave Garrisons and much Ordnance taken by ours in the West Greenvils house at Tavestoke taken Rich prizes and pillage taken in the House Newbridge taken by our Forces A hot skirmish at Newbridge Greenvils Forces routed with much losse to him Our Forces come to Bodmin in Cornwall Tadcaster and Foy taken many ships therein The hopefull condition of the Western parts to be reduced to the Parliament A gratefull summary recitall of all the rich Parliamentary-mercys of this Month. 1 Sam. 7. 12. EBEN-EZER GODS ARK overtops the Worlds waves Micah 4. 11 12 13. This Scripture most properly appropriated to England Esay 59. 18. Num. 14. 9. Psal 74 14. Psal 68. 21. Esay 59. 19. Eze. 32. 2 3 4. Our Enemies as a whale are caught in Gods not to their ruine Exod. 15. 11. Psal 77. 11 12. 14 15. Psal 118. 8 9. Jer. 10. 7. The close of all What use wee are to make of all the forementioned Parliamentary-mercies Christians must Wait Beleeve Beggars must be no carvers Habbuc 2. 3. In what posture Gods people are to wait on God for deliverance