Magnalia Dei Anglicana OR Englands Parliamentary-Chronicle Containing a full and faithfull Series and Exact Narration of all the most memorable Parliamentary-Mercies and mighty if not miraculous Deliverances great and glorious Victories and admirable Successes of the Counsels and Armies of this present Parliament both by Sea and by Land over the whole Kingdom of England in the most just defence and Vindication of her Religion Laws and Liberties from the yeer 1640. to this present yeer 1646. Compiled in 4 Parts The two first intituled God in the Mount The third Gods Ark overtopping the Worlds Waves The fourth The Burning-Bush not Consumed This last Part comming up to These Present Times and to our most renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfaxes late famous Actions in the West and the happy because unbloody rendition of Oxford in this present yeer 1646. Collected cheifly for the high Honour of our Wonder-working God And for the unexpressible Comfort of all Cordiall English PARLIAMENTARIANS By the most unworthy Admirer of Them JOHN VICARS Gen. 49. 22 23 24. Joseph is a fruitfull Bough even a fruitfull Bough by a Well whose Branches run over the Wall The Archers shot at him and hated him But his Bow abode in strength and the Armes of his hands were made strong by the Hand of the mighty God of Jacob from thence is the Shepherd the stone of Israel Imprinted at London for J. Rothwell at the Sun Fountain in Pauls Church-yard and Tho. Vnderhill at the Bible in Woodstreet 1646. THE Burning-Bush not Consumed OR The FOVRTH and Last PART OF THE PARLIAMENTARIE-CHRONICLE Containing a full and Faithfull Continuation and Exact Narration of all the most materiall and most Memorable Proceedings of this renowned Parliament The Armies and Forces which are or have been in the severall parts of the Kingdome The Description of all the brave Battailes Victories and famous Defeates given to the Enemies both by Sea and by Land Especially the winning of Newcastle the glorious Victory at Nazeby and that famous Victory at Langport won through fire and water Together with all the other admirable Successes of our most Renowned and Victorious Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax with his despised New-Modelled Army in the West even to admiration and the happy Rendition of Oxford and the rest of the strong Garrisons about it Beginning from August 1644. and comming up to this present Moneth of July 1646. Collected for Gods high Honour and all pious Parliamentarians COMFORT By the most unworthie Admirer of Them JOHN VICARS Isaiah 63. 7. I will mention the Loving kindnesse of the Lord and the high praises of our God according to all the rich Mercies which the Lord hath bestowed upon us And his great goodnesse toward us his English-Israel which hee hath conferred on us according to his great Mercies and according to the Multitudes of his loving kindnesses The Third and this Fourth Part being Printed at the sole and entire cost and charge of the Authour Himself Imprinted at London by R. C. and M. B. for M. Spark at the Bible in Green Arbor J. Rothwel at the Sun in P. Church yard T. Vnderhill at the Bible in Woodstr 1646 TO The Right Honourable Peeres and Pious Patriots of this Kingdom Algernon Earl of Northumberland Philip Earl of Pembrook Robert Earl of Essex Robert Earl of Warwick Oliver Earl of Bullingbrook Edward Earl of Manchester Fardinando Lord Fairfax His Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax Captain Generall of all the Parliaments Forces over the Kingdome Sir William Waller Sir Harbotle Grimstone Harbotle Grimstone Esquire Walter Young Esquire Sir John Young Francis Rouse Esquire Edmund Prideaux Esquire and Major Generall Massie And to the Rest of the most Noble and Right Worthily Renowned and Honourable Lords and Commons and Famous Souldiers and Senators Assembled in Parliament that are loyally affected and Constantly Addicted to the Great-work of a Glorious and Thorow Reformation of the Kingdomes Evills in Church and State John Vicars most humbly Dedicateth and Consecrateth Himself and These most Gratefull Memorialls of Gods Eternall Glory and Their high Honour And ever prayes as he is most justly bound for a most plentifull Repay of enlarged Gracious Honour heer and Glorious Immortality heerafter For all their pious Paines and indefatigable Labours Loyalty and Love for the Best-Good of Church and State to bee showred downe into the Bosomes of Them and their Posterity after them for ever TO The Right Honourable Thomas Adams Esq Lord Major of the most famous and renowned City of London And to the Right Worshipfull Sir John Wollastone Knight and Alderman of the said most Renowned City TO The Right Worshipfull his most highly Honoured singular good Friend Sir Matthew Brand Knight High Sheriffe of the County of Surrey And the Right Worshipfull Sir Richard Sprignall Knight TO The Right Worshipfull and truely Pious and Virtuous the Lady Francesse Brand The Lady Anne Sprignall The Lady Rebeccah Wâ—llastone And Mistris Mary Grimstone All of them my Pious and most precious Friends And Honourable and Worshipfull Patrons and Patronesses and principall Encouragers and Countenancers of all my poore and unworthy Labours and Endeavours to advance Gods Glory and Unspotted precious TRUTHES John Vicars their meanest and most unworthy Votary most humbly Dedicates and Consecrates Himself and all his poore but most bounden Services And ever prayes for their perpetuall and pious increase of all Honour and Happinesse heer and an immarcescible Crown of Glory heerafter A Colossus of Eternall bounden Gratitude OR A Panegyricall Pyramides of perpetuall Praise First erected by our Britaines ingenious and ingenuous MERCURIE And now Re-erected by the unworthy Authour of this Parliamentary-Chronicle with some plain and homely Inlaid-Work of his own insome convenient places 1 To God TO the Eternall-Ternall-Trin-Vn Glorious and ineffably illustricus Great and Gracious most Holy and most Wise Wonder-working JEHOVAH Great Britains onely Rock of Defence and most prudent Pilot steering and upholding her Weather-beaten Bark through the midst of the Ocean of all her turbulent and overflowing Floods and swelling Waves of bloody Woes and Wretchednesse The most Potent and Provident Shepherd of his English-Israel discovering and defeating all the malignant Machinations and Hell-hatcht deep Designes of Wrath and Ruine most maliciously intended and most desperately attempted by Papisticall Prelaticall and Atheisticall Wolves a degenerous Generation of her Vnnaturall-Nativeâ— Paricides To this Great God this Righteous Lord and King of Heaven and Earth who is thus glorious in Holinesse fearfull in Praises and hath in meer Mercy and free Grace done all these most memorable Wonders for us in Crowning us with so many most glorious Victories and treading our Enemies under our feet Let England and Scotland and with them all the Powers and Potentates of the World with the 24 Elders Revel 4. 10 11. fall before this great God and the Lambe that sits upon the Thrâ—ne and worship Him that liveth for ever and ever and cast their Crowns down at his feet before the Throne
p. 306 19 A third shattering and spoyling of Digbies scattered Forces till they were quite brought to nothing p. 314 20 A brave Defeat given to the enemy neare unto Cannon Froom p. 318 21 A very brave Defeat given to the Lord Ashton wherein himselfe was slaine p. 320 22 A brave Defeat given to the enemy in Gloucestershire wherein that French Renegado Major Deut was slaine p. 324 23 A brave Field-Victory obtained over the enemy besides the taking of the Garrison at Bovie-Tracie p. 341 24 A brave Defeat given to the enemy at Wallingford Garrison by Abbington forces p. 352 25 A brave Defeat given to the enemy at Cark neare unto Stafford p. 358 26 Plimouth releeved and totally unbesieged and set at liberty with a brave Victory p. 348 27 A brave Defeat given to the enemy at Ashby De la Zouch p. 104 363 28 A brave Victory obtained by our renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax at Torrington in the West p. 365 29 A brave Victory obtained by Major Generall Laughorne at Cardiffe p. 370 Abbington most fiercely assaulted and bravely defended and preserved p. 375 A brave Defeat given to the enemy at Wareham p. 175 A brave Defeat given to the enemy in Cheshire p. 175 A brave Defeat given to the enemy by Colon. Venables in Cheshire p. 180 A brave Defeat given to the enemy neare Farrindon p. 406 30 A brave Defeat given to the enemy by Colonell Moore p. 382 31 A brave Defeat given to the enemy at St. Cullumb in the West p. 388 32 Sir William Vaughan well beaten by Captaine Ashley and the Committee of Shrewsburies brave activity p. 396 33 The famous Fight and glorious Victorie obtained against Sir Jacob Ashley p. 397 34 A brave Defeat given to the Kings Horse neare Farringdon p. 294 35 A brave Defeat given to Denbigh Forces by Colonell Miâ—on p. 409 36 A brave Defeat given to the Raglanders by Sir Trevor Williams p. 410 And yet to make the worke of the Lord more excellent and admirable unto our eyes and hearts I have here also thouâ—h it very pertinent to the close of this our most famous History and Parliamentary Chronicle to give the Reader another Ocular Map and summary sight of all as neare as possible I could the Earles Lords Knights Colonells Lieutenant Colonells Serjeant-Majors Majors Captaines and Gentlemen of worth and quality to goe no lower lest we should run Ad infinitam slaine by the hand of Gods wrath in fight and cut off by the hand of Justice for Treason against the State on the Kings Party since this most unhappy and unnaturall Civill Warre began among us in this our sinfull and therefore thus distressed Kingdome besides very many such others as could not nominatim be yet made knowne unto us Psalme 58. 10 11. The Righteous shall rejoyce when he seeth Gods vengeance on the wicked and shall wash his feet in their blood so that a man shall say verily there is a God that Judgeth the earth The Slaine on the Kings side 1 THe Earle of Lindsey the Lord Generall of the Kings Army that appeared in the Field at first against the Parliament Part 2. Page 197 2 The Lord George Stuart being Lord of Aubigniè in France p. 2 p. ibidem 3 The Lord John Stuart p. 3 p. 190 4 The Lord Bernhard Stuart Earle of Litchfield p. 4. p. 281 All these three brave young Lords being of the bloud Royall and all three brothers to the Duke of Lenox 5 The Earle of Northampton p. 2. p. 287 6 The Earle of Denbigh p. 2. p. 296 7 The Earle of Carnarvan p. 2. p. 420 8 The Earle of Sunderland p. 2. p. ibid 9 The Earle of Kingstone p. 3 p. 7. 10 The Earle of Strafford beheaded for Treason on the Tower-hill p. 1. p. 31 11. The Lord Grandison p. 2 p. 420 12 The Lord Faukland p. 2 p. ibid 13 The Lord Carey Son to the Earle of Monmouth p. 3. p. 277 14 The Lord Ashton p. 4 p. 320 15 The Marquesse of Viville a French Lord. p. 2. p. 415 16 The Arch-Prelate of Canterbury beheaded for Treason on Tower-hill p. 4. p. 86 17 Generall Cavendish p. 3 p. 9 18 Generall Mynne p. 4. p. 4 19 Sir Edward Varney p. 2 p. 195 20 Sir John Harper p. 2. p. 243 21 Sir Bevill Greenvill Son to the Marquesse of Hartfort p. 2 p. 381 22 Sir George Bowles p. 3. p. 47 23 Sir William Wentworth brother to the Earl of Strafford p. 3. p. 144 24 Sir Francis Daâ—res neare kinsman to the Lord Dacres p. 3 p. ibid 25 Sir William Lambton p. ib 26 Sir Marmaduke Loudson p. ibid 27 Sir Thomas Metton p. ibid 28 Mounsieur Saint Paul a French Gentleman p. ibid 29 Sir Richard Goodhill ib. 30 Sir Alexander Carew beheaded for Treason on the Tower-hill p. 4. p. 86 31 Sir John Hotham beheaded also for Treason on Tower hill p. 4. p. 86 32 Sir Henry Gage p. 4. p 33 Sir William Crosts p. 4 p. 178 34 Sir Thomas Nott. p. 4. p. 180 35 Sir Owen p. 4 p. 122 36 Sir Brian Stapleton p. 4. p 37 Sir Francis Carnabie p. 4 p. 38 Sir Richard Hutton p. 4 p. 39 Colonell Monroe p. 2. p. 19â— 40 Col. Wane p. 3. p. 144 41 Col. Ewers Nephew to the Lord Ewers p. ibid 42 Col. Roper brother to the Lord Balting-glasse p. ibid 43 Col. Slingsby Son to Sir William Slingsby p. ibid 44 Col. Fenwick eldest Son to Sir John Fenwick p. ibid 45. Col. Prideaux p. ibid 46 Col. Atkins p. ibid 47 Col. Marrow p. 4. p. 11 48 Col. Baynes p. 4. p. 16 49 Col. Conyers p. 4. p. 16 50 Generall Gorings brother p. 4. p. 59 51. Col. Houghton Son to Sir Gilb. Houghton p. 3. p. 144 52 Generall Gorings Quarter-master Gen. of horse p. 4. p 53 Gen. Gorings Quarter-master of foot p. 4. p 54 Col. Phillips p. 4. p. 123 55 Lieutenant Col. Ward p. 2 p. 381 56 Lieut. Col. Howard p. 2 p. ibid 57 Lieut. Col. Bowles p. 3 p. 97 58 Lieut. Col. Lisle p. 3 p. 144 59 Lieut. Col. Stonywood p. 3 p. 16 60 Seajeant Major Beaumont p. 2. p. 263 61 Ser. Major Purvey p. 2 p. 269 62 Ser. Major Smith p. 2 p. 3. 10 63 Ser. Maj. Lower p. 2. p. 381 64 Ser. Maj. Wells p. 2. p. 405 65 The Major of Preston Mr. Adams p. 2. p. 269 Major Heskith p. 4. p. 16 67 Major Trevillian p. 4. p 68 Major Hatton Farmar p. 4. p 94 69 Major Pilkington p. 4 p. 138 70 Major Duet p. 4. p. 324 71 Major Heynes p. 4. p 72 Major Pollard p. 4. p. 356 73 Captaine Wrey p. 2. p 74 Captaine Bins p. 2. p 1 75 Captaine Houghton p. 2 p. 69 76 Captaine Heâ—ham beheaded on the Tower-hill p. 4. p 77 Captaine Baggot p. 4. p 78 Captaine James p. 2 p. 381 79 Capt. Cornisham p. 2 p. 110 80 Capt. Plunket p. 3. p. 110 81 The Kings Standard-bearer
at that Fight where and when the Earle of Northampton was slaine p. 2. p. 288 82 Sir John Smith brother to the Lord Carington p. ibib 83 Dr. Weston a Phisitian p. 2. p. 263 84 An Earl or such like eminent Personage found slaine in the field at Nasebie fight with a Star and a red Crosse upon his Coat but his name or title not known p. 4. p. 163 164 85 Major Threave p. 4. p 86 Captaine Fry p. 4. p 87 Col. Billingsly p. 4 p. 403 88 Capt. Cottingham p. 4 p. 409 89 Major Caft p. 291 90 Six Priests slain in Bazing House p. 291 91 Lieut. Col. Gardiner p. 4 p. 123 Besides many yea very many more found slaâ—ne on the places and ground where they fought but not named or knowne who they were very many buried by the enemies themselves in the places where they were slaine and very many thrown into rivers and secretly conveyed away out of the Feilds where they fought before their flight and totall routs at least 140. Cart-loads as was credibly related of slaine and sorely wounded carried to Oxford from Newburies first fight many Cart-loads carried away and many buried in Ditches at Brainford fight many also at Dorchester and Causham fights neare Oxford many at Marstonmoores famous fight and very many in many other places too tedious here to recite yea impossible almost to be recited besides such as being left behind in the sields where they fought who being stript appeared plainly to be Gentlemen and men of extraordinary worth and quality both by their pure white skins fine shirts and very rich cloaths but could not otherwise be knowne unto us And let the intelligent and judicious Reader take this observation from this short Catalogue of the thus slaine on the Kings party even of those partly ignorant and partly malignant enemies and opposers of God and his most righteous Cause defended by the Parliament viz. To see and take notice of especially the just revenging hand of God upon our Kingdoms Nobility and Gentry who having been the maine malignant and even Atheisticall enemies of Religion of the power of godlinesse and of a pure and thorough Reformation all along even ever since the first Infant Reformation in Queene Elizabeths dayes of ever blessed memory I say over the whole Kingdome even to these present deplorable times God hath therefore now at length mightily met with them thus by the Sword of Warre whom 'tis more than probable the Sword of Justice in a Legall way would hardly have reached or but sprincklingly and partially for feare or affection or such like 〈◊〉 respects as 't is much to be feared and brought to severe yet most just death and condigne punishment Of which most righteous and remarkable hand of God more yea most immediately and almost miraculously cutting off many of these most impious and audacious malignant and Atheisticall enemies of the Parliamentary Cause even in the very act of their desperate and devillish malignity against the same whosoever would see more they may be most abudantly satisfied even to admiration and astonishment in my First and Second part of A Looking-glasse for Malignants so entituled printed by Mr. John Rothwell Stationer at the Signe of the Sun in Pauls Church-yard in London Anno 1643. and 1645. The like examples whereunto both for manner number and time no Age or History I am confident is able to produce in any part of the world from Adam to this day And here also I conceive it cannot be improper to our present History or impertinent to the yet further manifestation of Gods due glory in his worke of Justice upon the enemies of his Truth and the Kingdomes welfare to give the Reader a briefe Catalogue of all or the most of those Court-Grandees and rotten-hearted Royalists who like so many Rats and Mice fearing the old house of their Traiterous Designes was now ready to fall upon their owne heads to their owne ruine even that the hand of Justice would now lay hold on them and pay them home for all their formerly purposed and practised mischeifes for the ruinating of the true Protestant Religion and their Mother-Kingdomes precious proprieties being now I say by Gods Justice on them made Magor-Missabib Ier. 20. 3. a terrour to themselves and their accursed Copesmares and being stung with selfe-guilt of Conscience and principally to avoid the avengeing stroke of Justice and partly also to practice and perpetrate more mischiefe if possible it might be against the Kingdome abroad as they had done at home Now therefore I say like so many viperous Vermine or naughty Nauseous obstructions upon the stomack of their Native Nation as most trayterous Fugitives they fled away being as it were disgorged and spewed out of the Kingdome as banefull and burthensome thereunto and forced to fly into forraigne parts to prolong a base and most shamefull life and without Repentance to dye a most ignoble and desperate death the names of whom as neare as I could I have here I say collected together and were as followeth Jeremy 46. 15. Why are thy valiant men swept away they stood not because the Lord did drive them away A Catalogue of the names of our Court Fugitives and most pernicious Catalines who fled and were forceably frighted out of the Kingdome for feare of the stroke of Justice 1 QVene Mary her selfe the fautresse and fomenter of all the miseries of the three Kingdomes next to our sinnes 2 The Lord Goring Senior 3 Sir Iohn Finch then Lord chiefe Justice of the Common Pleas. 4 Sir Francis Windebanke principall Secretary to the State 5 The Lord George Digby who afterward ventred to come backe againe but since that flew into Ireland 6 The Earle of Yarmouth Henry Iermine 7 The Lord Percie 8 The Marquesse of New-castle 9 The Lord Widdrington 10 Sir Hugh Cholmley 11 The Lord Goring junior Generall of the Kings Forces in the West 12 Generall Hinderson then lately before Governour of Newarke 13 Master Wat. Mountagâ—e afterward venturing home disguisedly apprehended and imprisoned in the Tower 14 Prince Charles 15 Sir Iohn alias Lord Culpepper 16 The Earl of Huntington 17 The Lord of Loughborough 18 The Earl of Northampton 19 Sir Richard alias Skellum Greenvile 20 Sir Nicholas Crispe 21 Sir Ralph alias Lord Hopton 22 The Lord Wentworth 23 The Lord Capell 24 Sir Endymion Porter 25 Major Generall Taplane or Laplane and very many Officers and Gentry of quality that went away with him 26 Sir William Neave of the Heralds of Arms Officers 27 Master Ashburnham And now also that the Reader yea even Malignant Momus himselfe may see my faithfull impartiality in this works and most renowned History I have here thought fit by way of Antithests or Opposition to set downe and shew forth to open view a most cleare demonstration of Gods most gracious and favourable dealing with the pious Propugnators of his most just Cause even the precious Patriots of their Religion and
not this your zeal for God his Truth most illustriously flamed forth of late also in that most famous and faithfull that pious and prudent Remonstrance or Petition of yours exhibited to Both Houses of Parliament May 26. 1646. for the beating down of Heresies Errours and Schismes and the most religious advancement of the blessed work of pure Reformation and a holy and happy settled Government of the Church of God Such a pattern and monument of your Piety and godly zeal I say as shall remain to your Praise and indelible renown to Posterity throughout all Generations And hath not Heaven sweetly resented In Christ these your precious Expenses and fervent zeal for Religion as so many holy Holâ—causts and hath as it were even already sent down thanks and recompence of your Love and bounty in much measure into your Houses and Habitations Witnesse even to the just and joyfull admiration of your Friends and the envious astonishment of your Foes the constant and copious incomes of Peace and Plenty Health and Liberty but most especially and which indeed Crowns all the rest of the radiant and resplendent Gospel-Beams of pure and powerfull Word and Ordinances No leading into Captivity in your streets no slaughter or schrecvings out of your Wives Virgins and little Children nor Pestilentiall Mortality in your Houses And yee are and that most worthily for all these so rich and rare so many and marveilous Mercies the present Wonder of the whole World and ever O for ever so may yee bee the Praise of all succeding Posterity 5 TO our War-like VVorthies To all the famous and renowned Worthies of Great-Britaine and first To our meritoriously deare and entirely beloved loyall and faithfull Brother-Kingdome of Scotland to which wee are everlastingly bound in all mutuall and reciprocall bonds of Love and Vnity Whose hearts the Lord did so affect and envlame with Sympathizing Love and Zeal to his glorious Cause and to our then most low and calamitous Condition that with most brotherly â—ervour and fellow-feeling affection they entred into a holy League and Solemn Covenant with us of mutuall defence one of another Cheerfully left their own Country and Kingdom their dearest Friends Wives and Children and through many difficulties and distresses in a bitter and sore pinching Winter-march even to deep admiration carrying their lives in their hands came in unto us to help the Lord and us against his mighty and our most malicious Enemies And whom as the Lord made the main and principall instruments of the beginning of our happinesse both in saving our throats from the death-threatning knives of destruction and procuring us a most unhoped and unexpectible Parliament as the case was with us then which under God hath been the fountain of our felicity to this day So now at last also the Lord hath made choyce of them to bee the Consummators and as it were the main finâ—shers of our felicity in putting the Person of the King into their hands as counting them faithfull to improve such a Prize to the best advantage of his Glory and our Good if wee had but honest hearts so to consider it And heerin more especially and peculiarly to his Excellency Magnanimous and Victorious Generall Lesley Earl of Leven most worthily famous among us for ever both for this famous Prize the Kings Person put into his hands And for his most renowned Courage and Valour at Newcastle and Marston-Moore Next To his Excellency the most noble and renowned Lord Generall Robert Earl of Essex most famous faithfull and courageous at Keynton and Newberry To the most valiant and magnanimous present Captain-Generall his Excellencie Sir Thomas Fairfax as famous and faithfull at Naseby Bristol c. of which two most noble and loyall Generalls I may say as Plutarch in his Lives did of those two renowned ancient Romane-Commanders Fabius and Marcellus They have been under God The Sword and Buckler of the Kingdome To the right noble loyall and religious Robert Earl of Warwick the famous and faithfull Lord High-Admirall whose Chivalry at Sea and whose Seasonable Charity to Lime ought never to bee forgotten by us To the renowned Peers and Patriots of their Country the noble Earl of Manchester and famous and faithfull noble Lord Fairfax the Parliaments two most valiant and successefull Generals both in the North and Associated Counties To undaunted and never Enough honoured Sir William Waller who hath been a strong Wall and brave Bulwark indeed to this Kingdome as Portsmouth Aulton Alsford and his many other famous Victories can Witnesse To magn animous Sir William Fairfax and Sir John Meldrum those two most Courageous Commanders who most nobly spent their best blood for the best Cause that ever this Kingdom undertook To as valiant as virtuous Sir William Brereton famous for his valour and activity in Cheshire Namptwich and now lately at West chester To religious and magnanimous Major Generall Skippon that most pious Cornelius and Expert brave Souldier and Commander as was admirably evident in Cornwall and at Naseby of whom it was said Hee liv'd like an Angel pray'd like a Saint and fought like a Lyon To never sufficiently praised and prized Major Generall Massie farre more worth than his weight in Massie-Gold as the famous Siege of the City of Gloucester and all that County and the adjacent parts thereof can most copiously witnesse To Renowned and right valiant and Victorious Leiâ—tenant Generall Cromwel Those valiant victorious and active Patriots Sir John Gell and Sir Thomas Middleton Renowned Major Generall Brown Major Generall Laughorne and Major Generall Poyntz Valiant and victorious Colonell Mitton Colonell Sydenham Colonell Morgan and brave Captain Swanley Together with very many other most active loyall and most Courageous Commanders and brave Brittish-Spirited Souldiers Who all most like unto Davids Worthies honourably Commemorized 2 Sam. 23. have made themselves most meritoriously famous in this Present Age and to Future Posterity for their so faithfully and valiantly serving theiâ— GenRration Together also with the renowned Corporations and invincible Garrisons of Hull Gloucester Manchester Coventry Warwick Northampton Stafford Namptiwich famous and faithfull Plymouth Lyme and all the famous and faithfull Governours Holders and Vpholders of them With the most worthy and well-deserving Counties of Lancashire and Kent And the other most famous and faithfull Parliamentary-Patriots Cities and Counties most loyally and lovingly appearing in this great and good Cause and most freely and forwardly jeoparding Themselves and their All in the High-places of the Kingdome yea and whose gallantry of Spirits indelible Merits undaunted Resolutions Memorable adventures and great Engagements even to Life Estates and all that was most neer and dear unto them have most justly called for yea Commanded a resounding Acknowledgement of their so honourable and heroick Actions as an incessant Eccho of perpetuated Applause to all succeeding Generations Who have not onely made us to bee their deep-debtours but even the Gospel too together with all the Protestant-Churches of
brought them in and planted sure Vpon thy holy Mountain to endure In thine Inheritance thy precious Place Which Thou O Lord hast made full fraught with Grace And heav'nly Glory where Thy Self doth dwel Thy Sanctuary where all joyes excell By thine own export Hand most rarely made To all Eternity establisht staide Where Thou O Lord most gloriously dost Reign And shalt for ever evermore remain For why proud Pharaoh's Horse and Chariots All His daring Horsemen Riders strong and tall Into the Sea audaciously did enter And durst into the Deep most proudly venter But sodainly the Lords great Blast did blow And all the Waves and Floods did backward flow And drench and drown them All in Israels eye Whilâ—â— This his People passed over dry Thus as said Jethro in the very Thing Wherein they proudly dealt heavens glorious King Was admirably farre above them All And into utter Ruine made them fall And thus may I say Englands glorious King To whom so justly wee these praises sing Hath wondrously declar'd unto us All That in the Things intended for our thrall By our Papistick Atheistick Foes The Lord Jehovah farre above them rose And tumbled them into the Pit which they Had digg'd as deep as Hell for our decay For this O Lord this great deliverance Our Soules our Songs Thy Praise doe thus advance For this so great so gracious Love O Lord Our Hearts and Tongues thy Praises doe record For this so mighty Mercy glorious King For evermore wee will thy Praises sing And tell our Childrens Children of the same That they when wee are dead may blaze thy Fame To their Posterity for evermore O sing aloud all Laud and Praise therefore Advance O England then thy cordiall-voyce To Heav'ns great King who makes us thus rejoyce Omnis Gloria solius est Domini FINIS Imprimatur Ja. Cranford Aprill 4. 1646. THE BVRNING-BVSH not Consumed OR The Fourth Part of the Parliamentarie-Chronicle ABOUT the later and of the Moneth of July 1644. the Reader may bee pleased to remember that wee lest the Affaires of the Kingdome in a prosperous posture and Victorious condition for the Parliament both in the Northern parts of the Land after the most memorable and renowned Victory at Mâ—â—stone-Moore neer York together with the surrendring up of that great City it self into the power and possession of the Parliament and the Earl of Manchesters most successefull advance Southward after his departure from York with his conquering Army As also in the Western-parts of the Kingdom where the Lord had marveilously blessed the proceedings four most noble Lord Generall his Excellency â—he Earle of Essex both in releeving and securing of Liâ—â— Plimouth and other straitned Towns in the West and in the reducing of Saltash Causam Sâ—ellum Greenvills house Mount-Stamford Plimpton Barnstable Dartmouth and Warâ—ham with many other strong Holds and Towns in those parts Now therefore having by the good providence of God opportuniâ—y 〈…〉 so happily 〈…〉 famous History of the Parliaments most 〈◊〉 and inevitably necessitated proceedings and managing of affaires over the whole Kingdome for the publick safety and subsistence thereof against the destructive designes of the pornicious and viperous Adversaries thereof Atheists Papists Prelates and besotted yea bewitched Malignants I shall now I say by Gods gracious assistance and the Readers constant candor and Christian patience proceed to a Fourth part of this our Parliamentarie-Chronicle which for Varieties sake which in all things and actions addes delight and content I have termed or Entituled The Burning Bush not Consumed To which admirable-wonder shewn by God himself to Moses Exod. 3. 2 3. c. I doubt not but wee shall make a most full and fit resemblance and allusion in the admirable providentiall passages of this ensuing History For as the Angel of the Lord or as some the Lord Christ himself appearing unto Moses in a flame of fire in the midst of a Bush which Burned and was not consumed called unto Moses who voluntarily turning toward it exprest his desire to see this strange sight how it came to passe that the Bush so burning was not consumed to draw neer unto it and to put off his shooes from his feet in regard of the place of Gods presence So I shall now earnestly desire the godly Reader in the sight and 〈◊〉 of this most admirable and renowned History of the Burning estate of our â—ottering State and Kingdome all on fire with intestine furious flames of threatned ruine and confusion yet to this day even miraculously preserved by the All-saving presence of the Lords mighty protection and preservation dwelling in the midst of it whereby it is not nor hath been long ere this as otherwise it had been utterly consumed and turned into ashes of desolation and dâ—struction I shall now therefore I say desire the godly Reader to put off the shooes of prejudicacy and sinister construction and so to draw neer and seriously to peruse and take speciall notice of these miracles of mercy and divine providence with the 〈◊〉 but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Christian candor and singlenesse of heart and affection and seeing them greatly and graciously to admire and adore the infinite riches of the free grace and goodnesse of Him that thus dwelt in the Bush for it s so rare and unspeakable preservation And thus now let us accordingly come neer to behold this Wonder And for the first part and apparition thereof which presents it self to our eyes and understanding and wherewith I shall begin this Moneth of mighty and even miraculous preservations in this Burning Bush of our present Parliaments great affaires and necessitated Armes and negotiations shall bee of that most famous faithfull active and successefull Commander Colonell Massie Who about the beginning of this Moneth of August 1644. by his own Letter to the Speaker of the House of Commons in Parliament certified us of a very brave defeat which he had given to the Kings fiery Furies and Cosmorant-like devourers the Cavaliers under the command of Colonell Mynne which for the Readers better satisfaction I shall heer insert verbatim as it was Printed and published by authority of Parliament August 6. 1644. To the Honourable William Lenthall Esquire Speaker to the Honourable House of Commons SIR KNowing the affaires of the Parliament so many and so weighty that their time is precious and therefore a tedious relation not so sutable to them having by this Post more fully related in my Letter unto the Lords and Gentlemen of the Committee of both Kingdomes it being their command I at all times should so doe I shall intreat you to excuse mee unto them at this time who shall suddenly God willing enform and render unto them a more perfect account of both the late following passages both of Gods displeasure yet afterward Mercy unto us That upon Friday last Colonell Generall Mynne being entred into our parts with a considerable strength both of Horse and Foot
taken nor likely to bee without more assistance which also upon the advance of our Forces God delivered into our hands as in its due and proper place wee shall make more particular mention thereof and thereby most of the Northern parts were cleared as far as Newark save only Pomfret-castle and some few other strong Houses or Holds beyond York In all which the Lord our God made this most Noble and renowned Earl of Manchester a most victorious and glorious instrument About the eighteenth of this instant came certain intelligence out of the West that in the time of the Lord Generals unhappy enclosure in heathenish I had almost said hellish Cornwall by the Kings Forces who also at that time were in no little straits for want of provision for his Army also and was therefore forced to send into Sommersetshire for supplies therein wherof Leivtenant Generall Middleton watchfully having gotten intelligence and that there were divers Carriages and Waggons laden with necessaries for the King gotten together Hee very seasonably marched thither and met with them valiantly encountred their convoy slew and took about an hundred and forty Horse and many or most of the Carriages After which he marched farther toward Sherbor◠and sending our parties for intelligence was certainly informed that Sir Francis Dorrington Sir William Courtney and others in all about a thousand Horse and Dragoones were at Lamport Whereupon hee advanced with a party of five hundred Horse and Dragoones to Pederton where the enemy was in readinesse to receive him at his comming And being now in sight of each other Major Ennis and Major Car charged them most gallantly being seconded by Colonell Middleton who at the very first encounter Routed the Enemies Horse and Dragoones though their Dragoones had lined the Hedges and pursued them within half a mile of Bridgewater In which conflict hee took prisoners one Major three Captaines one Leivtenant two Cornets two Quarter-masters forty common Souldiers and fourescore Horses and killed fifty upon the place on our side Major Car was taken prisoner and only scure common Souldiers more and heer also ours took the Enemies Carriages And about the twentieth of this instant August wee received farther intelligence out of the West of some more good service done by this foresaid Leivtenant Generall Middleton since his so routing of Sir Francis Dorrington as aforesaid namely that hee fell upon the Enemies with a party of three hundred Horse and a hundred Dragoones at Farringdon neer Bristol where hee also most bravely dispersed the Enemy and took these prisoners following viz. Colonell Edward Bisse foure Captaines five Leivtenants one Cornet one Quarter-master a Chaplain of their Army and a Chirurgeon eight and thirty Troopers two Gentlemen Troopers twelve Foot Souldiers three barrels of powder with a good quantity of Match and Ball together with an hundred Horse Much also about the same time wee were for certain advertised out of Lancashire that a party of Prince Robbers forces being about three hundred of them whom hee left in that County and were going to fortifie Wiggen whereof Sir John Meldrum Commander in cheif in that County having certain intelligence hee sent a considerable party to them who surprised them all with all their Armes and Ammunition and so also utterly frustrated their intended designe August the two and twentieth 〈◊〉 credible information by Letters out of Lancas to London that the Lord Ogleby a Scotch incendiary fell upon Colonell Doddington neer Preston in Loncashire as hee was marching out of Yorkeshire to Sir John Meldrum then in Lancashire Colonell Doddington at the first had the worst but young Colonell Shuttleworth who indeed deserved to bee an elder brother for his activity and very gallant performances in this Service came in timely to the releif of that valiant Gentleman Colonell Doddington and put the Enemy consisting of foure hundred Horse to a totall Route slew many on the place and took many prisoners among whom were the Lord Ogleby himself Colonell Mynne and Leivtenant Colonell Huddlestone a man of power and much repute in Cumberland and divers other persons of quality Scottish Commanders and Gentlemen were taken prisoners they also took threescore Horse with their Riders and a party of these also endevouring to get to Latham-House as a place of retreat was surprised by our Forces which lay before Latham-House and every man of them taken prisoners Much also about the same time came certain and unquestionable intelligence that the Cavaliers were soundly cudgelled in Cheshire for Colonell Marrow a second Nimrod of those parts and indeed a stout Souldier and brave Commander issuing out of the City of Chester with about fourescors or an hundred Horse was received by a party of that most renowned and Religious Commander and loyall Patriot Sir William Breretons neer Crowton-House where wee kept a Garrison who most bravely routed the Colonell and in the conflict wounded him mortally of which wounds hee dyed the very next day in Chester at which time Sir William took many prisoners And Prince Robber to revenge the death of Colonell Marrow advanced next day with two of his best Regiments of Horse to beat back Sir William Breretons Forces but the Robber was routed and about foure hundred of his men slain on the place and taken prisoners In which conflict valiant and undaunted Captain Zanchie who commanded Sir Williams own Troop most gallantly pursued the enemy within pistoll-shot of the walls of Chester and valiant Lievtenant Colonell Jones performed his part in this conflict with no lesse valour and gallantry and a Corporall of Sir William Breretons Troop by name John Cooper seeing a most brave Horse which the Enemy could not get into the Church in Tarvin Town where the fight was very hot and furious but was fain to bee held by the bridle by one of the Enemies under the Church wall this brave spirited Corporall adventured to fetch the Horse away but they fired so fast out of the Church upon him that hee was forced twice to retreat but hee adventured the third time pistolled the enemy and so brought away the Horse which was valued to bee worth at least fourescore pound And about the same time the renowned Major Generall of Lancas Sir John Meldrum having notice of the Enemies marching toward Ormskirk made haste after them overtook them on Tuesday the twentieth of August in the Evening upon a Moore neer unto Ormskirk where they stood in Battalia and upon the first charge of our Musketteers which were under the command of Colonell Booth they all fled whereupon our Horse bravely fell upon them and totally routed them in the pursuite of whom they took about eight hundred Horse some Letters report a thousand and three hundred prisoners but by reason of the night comming so fast upon them they could not improve the Victory as otherwise they might have done but the Lord Byron and the Lord Mollenaux were
and treacherously too as many feared entrapped and cooped up but thus as you have heard most admirably delivered and preserved from utter ruine and destruction as was threatned and resolved which therefore is with extraordinary thankfulnesse to God to bee beheld and lookt upon and most justly to bee enrolled in the number of our singular great mercies and deliverances of the Lord wrought for us as whereby notwithstanding the unhappy losse of so brave an Artillery and Armes of our Souldiers yet a wide doore was thus left open unto us in good measure to râ—crute our Army again considering that there is no competition or comparison to bee made between the raising of men and getting of Armes the former being known by experience to bee very difficult the other very easie to performe And which is also herein very considerable the mercy was so much the greater and the losse the lesse in regard that his Excellency had taken farre more Ordnances and Armes from the Enemy but a little before in this his Western Expedition than were now lost in this last disaster Now as touching the matter and cause of this great miscarriage though I doe not I dare not take upon mee to discusse it it having been I hope throughly examined by others to whom it more properly appertained yet give mee leave good Reader to suspect still that it was a plain peice of treachery to the State Parliament honest honorable Major Gen Skippon perceived it at last as it was reported though too late most evidently and therefore as it was credibly enformed smiting himself upon his brest hee said Wee are betraied wee are betraied But who the persons were was not then so clear yet some were known and one of them ran to the King to secure himself and Colonell Butler was sent up to London by his Excellency and committed to the Tower of London till hee was examined about it And it is the more easily to bee beleeved to have been a meer peice of trechery against the noble Lord Generall as being a thing plotted and contrived before hee went into the West and that upon this ground namely That divers of the most knowing and active Royalists then among us at London were heard with much confidence to say before his Excellency went forth in this Expedition that the Lord Generall would receive a blow in the West In particular a Gentleman then a prisoner in Warwick-castle by name Mr. E. Andrewes the Son of Sir Eusebie Andrewes who being among divers Gentlemen at a Tavern in Warwick said before them all with imperious speeches that hee would bee hanged if the Earl of Essex came safe back again out of the West And told them withall that they should see the Kings Army flourish with other words to this effect as I had it by credible information And this was presently after the Lord Generall was gone into the West when hee had a most gallant and stout Army indeed and such an one as the Kings Army durst not look in the face nor was it probable durst come so neer it as to behold their back-parts For his Excellencies Army was then known to be a terrour to the Enemy for some of the cheif of the Kings Army at the end of Newberry-battail when they were carrying the body of the Earl of Caâ—narvan into the Town said Damn mee Essex will never bee beaten and with fearfull oaths were heard to swear All the devils in hell could not beat him But now to proceed About the 4 of this instant September came certain information by Letters from Osâ—estry to London that Sir Thomas Middletons Ammunition was safely arrived from Wem to Oswestry to the great sorrow of the Enemy who some few dayes before as was certified by Letters from Wem issued out of Salop to Whittington with at least 1200 foot and 400 horse to have intercepted it But renowned Sir Thomas Middleton having intelligence thereof sent out a party from Oswestâ—â—y to guard the Ammunition which party discovering the Enemy wheeled into the Rear all the Horse being with the Ammunition in the Van and so fell upon them killed five upon the place took five prisoners wounded many and made the Enemy fly but being to guard the Ammunition they durst not leave their charge to follow them so the Enemy wheeled back again from Franck ford-Hope neer Elsmore and so to Salop and out Ammunition of exceeding great concernment for the succeeding Welch affaires was as I said safely thus conveyed into Oswestry ready there for the following work in Wales where of more in its due place About the 8 of this instant also came certain intelligence by Letters out of Staffordshire of a brave exploit performed by that most valiant and brave Commander Colonell Rudgely in a most notable defeat which hee gave unto the Enemy the substance wherof wee received from Letters thence to this effâ—ct Wee marched out of Stafford to Lynsell and thence took from under the Walls at least an 104 Oxen and Cowes and about 300 Horse Then wee marched to Litchfield whence wee brought away above an 160 Oxen and Cowes and 60 Horse and presently after newes being brought us that the Enemy was plundering at Chartley his Excellencies the Lord Generals own Lands with an intent to drive away his Cattell whereupon our valiant Colonell Colâ— Rudgelâ—y drew forth all those horses hee had and about an 180 foot and marched thither but they having broke open the stable door and taken a choice Colt of my Lord Generals which Colt was shot and killed by one of his Servants out of the house as they led him away they were gone thence before wee could get thither and got into Penâ—h-Park to drive that whereupon wee marched to Vssiter and at Lacksley wee heard that the Enemy was marched toward Bromble so with those few horse which wee had wee marched in haste after them if possible to ingage them till our foot came up unto us and neer unto Bagots-Bromâ—ey after 10 miles hard march wee fell upon their Reare and upon the first charge took about 40 horse and as many men and Armes and pursued them to their main-body which consisted of at least 500 good horse but our horse not being above an 100. wee were forced to retreat a little way but presently rallyed again which whilst wee were doing the Enemy planted an ambuscado which upon our second charge fired upon us but wee bravely beat the ambuscado up and killed and took every man of those so planted and all their armes and Horses and kept the rest in play till our foot came up and then they fell off from us and wee kept the field On our part wee had only one man slain and they took six prisoners but from them wee took a Serjeant Major one Captain one Leivtenant two Quarter masterâ— three Corporals and the rest Common Souldiers in all 18. and killed about 30. took many Armes and
provisions and following the Enemy beat them all out of the Town and so wee are now Masters both of the Town and Castle Of the enemy were slain in the place 85 besides those that were slain before the Castle 100 prisoners were taken and their whole Forces routed and I beleive in their flight they never looked behinde them untill they came to Castle Emlyne which is six miles from Cardigan In the Town wee also took 250 Armes I have not heard since these unhappy differences began in this Kingdom that the hand of the Almighty hath more visibly appeared in giving so great victories to so small a handfull than hath been manifested in these parts and therfore to his own power wee attribute all the praise and glory But to proceed About the 10 of this instant January the proud and most pestilently pernicious Arch-Prelate of Canterbury William Laud that Arch Traytor to the Church and State to God and all good men yea that Arch Incendiary together with his brother Strafford of 3 Kingdomes after a long and most full and fair tryall as ever to bee honoured Mr. William Prynn hath in his famous History of this Arch Prelates Life and â—â—eath and Tryall most abundantly cleared to all the world being most justly and worthily condemned by the most honourable House of Peeres to bee hanged drawn and quartered as a Traytor indeed yet upon his Petition that kinde of death was altered and hee beheaded as the rest of his Trayterous companions upon the Towre-Hill Of whom all I will say at this time having said so much already of him and the rest of his wretched rabble of Traytors in my Second Part of The Looking-Glasse for Malignants shall bee onely this That his constant pride and impudence considered wherwith hee swelled in his whole life and wherewith hee jetted even to the Scaffold to his deaths Block manifested in his pert yea and malepert gesture spruce and neat apparell unparallelled bold countenance and confidence in his whole carriage even to his very minute of Death his most audacious and hypocriticall Preaching or most properly prating for almost an houre together before his death in most egregiously jugling and justifying his whole life and all his most accursed and abominable works of darknesse and that to the very death O nefanda inaudita audacia execrabilis durities all which I say most seriously and sadly considered O how justly and most properly applyable to this wretohed Arch Prelate is that most terrible and frightfull judgement of the Lord mentioned by the Prophet Make the heart of this man fat and make his eares heavy and shut his eyes lest hee see with his eyes and bear with his eares and understand with his heart and should convert and bee healed This unquestionably was this most miserable mans condition for a most proud and hypocriticall crafty Tyrant and persecutor of Gods Saints hee lived and a most obdurate and marble-hearted Atheist hee also impudently impenitently dyed Giving us all over the whole Kingdom yea all over the 3 whole Kingdoms great just cause heartily to blesse the Lord for his righteousnesse and justice heerin happily fulfilling that of wise King Solomon or rather of the Lord by him When the wicked perish there is shouting and joy among the people And truely so it justly was with us at this wicked mans death For truely as Queen Elizabeth once said when shee was freed from distresse by Queen Maries death and the persecuting Popish Bishops clapt up in prison O said shee it is merry with Lambs when Wolves are shut up so say I it was happy for us poore Lambs when this Wolf was thus taken from us For truely ever since this his just execution what ever the Court-Cabinet Prognosticators falsly affirmed God hath admirably blessed our Armies and the whole work of intended Reformation But now to goe on About the 14 of this instant wee were credibly assured by Letters to the Committee of both Kingdoms as also Major Generall Browns own Letter to his Excellency Robert Earl of Essex then Lord Generall of a most brave victory and famous defeat obtained over and given to our Enemies the Kings forces at Abbington by the said renowned and most active and loyall Major Generall the particulars whereof I have thought fit to give the Reader for his fuller satisfaction and content in a Letter writen by religious Colonell Harsnet to his worthy Friend Captain Jones in London which was as followeth Sir I have had a longing desire to requite your love in giving mee a relation of that famous fight at Alford but never till now could meet with an opportunity But something the Lord hath now I say vouchsafed worthy the relation to our worthy Friends at London I came on Friday night from Henly with our Company that came with us from London Some others of our Garrison whom wee found at Reading after midnight past with us very quietly by Walling ford and so about 3 of the clock came safe to Abbington seeing none in our way to trouble us but having been not above 3 houres there wee had an allarm from the same way wee came which was about half a mile from us in Oxfordshire called Cullumbridge which the Enemy possest themselves of before wee had time to draw forth any party to charge them There were parties from Oxon and from Wallingford Prince Rupert Commanding in cheif with whom was his brother Prince Maurice Sir Henry Gage Governour of Oxford and many other great Commanders Their forces were supposed to bee in all about 3000 Horse and foot with 2 peices of Ordnance Behinde the foresaid Bridge was a great hill with many hedges which they had lined with Musketteers to the great annoyance of our men But our noble Major Generall upon hearing of the allarm Commanded our men to Armes which was cheerfully obeyed and by parties were drawn along the Cawsie that led from the Town to the Bridge Medows overflowed with water being on both sides and comming to charge them at the Bridge the Enemy stoutly opposed us but to their losse whereupon wee had 2 Drakes commanded thither and our men cheerfully wading into the water on both sides did so pelt them while the Drakes plaid upon the Bridge that after 4 houres fight wee drove them from the Bridge and the Hedges and forced them to a retreat and wee having got the Bridge which being of Stone the Enemy had partly broken down yet our men got over Commanded by Major Bradberry Major to Colonell Sparrows Regiment of Essex at the entring over which Bridge hee was slain but in this hot bickering wee lost not above 8 or 10 men at the most and so the Enemy was forced to a shamefull retreat The fight began betimes in the morning at which instant there was a party of 70 or 80 horse from Farrington to set upon our horse quartered at a Village called
Cromwell fell upon them neer Islip where proved to bee a Brigade of above a 1000. under the command of the Earl of Northampton and were part of the Queens Regiment part of the Lord Wilmots and part of the Earles own Regiments and bravely beat them at their own game fighting with them most valiantly though the best horse the King had and at the second charge entred their whole body or squadron of the Enemy and greatly disordered them following this advantage with so much courage and gallantry that in a short time they totally routed them following them in hot pursuit above 3 miles killed and took above 200. enforcing at the least 60 of them to drown themselves by making too much speed to get over a water In which fight wee also took 400 horse 3 Colours whereof one was the Queens richly embroydered with a Crown in the midst and 18 Flower de Luces wrought in gold with a golden crosse on the top wee took also about 20 Officers and divers arms wounded many who fled into Oxford and some into Blechington-House Whereupon renowned Leivtenant Generall Cromwell sent away his prisoners and marched against the said Blechington beset it and summoned Colonell Windebank to surrender that Garrison unto him which after some dispute about it it being a strong Garrison and now as strongly surrounded was surrendred to Leivtenant Generall Cromwell upon condition for the Souldiers to march away with their lives The Leivtenant Generall took there 250 Muskets 70 Horse a 100 Pikes and other Armes 3 barrels of powder with Match and other Ammunition And upon the 26 of this instant Aprill Major Generall Brown having notice that Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Horse were so neer him hee drew a party out of Abbington to march that way to bee in a readinesse if occasion were who marching toward Longworth had notice of a party of the Enemy to bee about Buckland so they marched that way but the Enemy was gone toward Farringdon But Major Generall Brownes forces followed them so close that they overtook them and fell upon them took a Captain 3 other Officers and 10 prisoners with which they intended presently to have returned toward Abbington but having intelligence of another party of the Enemies that were comming from the Devizes intended as was supposed for Oxford Scouts were sent to finde them out and having discovered them Major Generall Brownes forces fell upon them and presently put them to the rout took a Colonell a Sergeant Major 3 Captains 3 Leivtenants and divers other prisoners besides horse and armes and carryed them all safe to Abbington And the very same day toward Evening Colonell Feines with his Regiment having intelligence of a party of the Enemies that were come neer Witney hee drew toward them and with much gallantry fell upon them and in the fight and flight of the Enemy took from them a 120 horse 3 Colours 40 prisoners and 50 Armes About the 28 instant Leivtenant Generall Cromwell had intelligence that a party of the Enemies Foot under the Command of Sir Henry Vaughan formerly a Member of the House of Commons but since one of the Oxford Juncto were also about Witney toward Farringdon wherefore hee drew that way intending to fall upon them the next morning if hee could reach them and sending forth Scouts to discover the motions of Colonell Vaughan and receiving advertisement that hee quartered neer Bampton-Bush hee marched on that way parting his Body into severall Squadrons and with valiant courage marched up close unto them the Enemy having little courage to fight so terrible was the very name of Cromwell to them instantly begged quarter for their lives which was granted them and so Leivtenant Generall Cromwell took their Colonell Sir Henry Vaughan who was their Commander in Cheif 2 Leivtenant Colonells 1 Sergeant Major 5 Captains 8 Leivtenants 8 Ensignes 1 Doctor who was Chaplain to them whose name was Dunse 20 Sergeants and other inferiour Officers 230 prisoners and about 200 Armes some powder match and Ammunition with such provisions as they had with them And the rest of the day was spent in publike worship of God and giving thanks to the Lord through-out those our Armies which were within the hearing and knowledge of these great Victories for the same Finally about the latter end of this Moneth of Aprill wee had certain intelligence of the singular good agreement and sweet harmony of affections in renowned Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Army and that the Souldiers expressed very much love affection and cheerfull obedience to their said noble Generall Sir Thomas and to one another in all their severall relations in the Army and that many of those that were thought to bee discontented men and had been Officers under the most noble Earl of Essex had now cheerfully listed themselves under Sir Thomas Fairfax as common Souldiers both Horse and foot And that the last muster of the Horse and Foot of his whole Army at that time was 4000 Horse and 13000 Foot and that some Regiments of horse and foot were then advanced toward distressed yet courageous Tauntons releif wherof more in its proper place And about this time our most prudent and provident State-Promethei of Both Houses of Parliament having so well Ordered their Land-affaires now also took into their serious consideration the businesse of the Admiralty and Sea-affaires how they might bee best ordered and managed for the best good and most considerable advantage and improvement every way of the welfare of our republick The most noble and renowned Earl of Warwick then before Lord Admirall being called from that publick imployment by the late Selfe-denying-Ordinance and they looking upon this businesse as a matter of no lesse weighty concernment than the safety under God of 3 Kingdomes Wherefore at last they came to this resolution that the businesse of the Admiralty should bee managed by Commissioners of Both Houses to continue for 6 moneths and so proceeded to nominate them who were to bee imployed in this great trust Viz. The Earl of Warwick for the House of Peeres and Mr. Bence and Mr. Peregrinâ— Pelham of the House of Commons the prosperous managing of which so weighty trust and employment by which foresaid Parliamentary Worthies wee shall have occasion to make farther mention in its proper place And now good Reader let mee heer again desire thee with godly and gratefull patience to make a little stay and to take a short survey and sweete review of all the rich and rare mercies of this Moneth also And therein to see and admire how graciously and gloriously the Lord hath dwelt in his Parliamentary Burning-Bush and hitherto kept it Vnconsumed both In the most sweet and singular harmony and good agreement between Both Houses of Parliament revived by the House of Peeres for the faster binding of the mutuall affections of Both Houses together And the good services of Major Generall Browns forces about Abbington
brought away and returned triumphantly to Shrewsbury againe And about the 14 instant we were for certaine informed by â—â—tters from Coventry that Lieutenant Colonell Phips a brave and â—ut Gentleman of that famous City being requested as a Phisiâ—â—an to visit the Lady Lucie at Churlcot about three miles from â—arwick it being within the Parliaments Garrisons and therefore he might have thought himself secure enough but it seemed the Enemy had some private intelligence hereof and from Banbury a party of their Horse secretly attended his coming back and about two miles from Warwick or little more at their best advantage they discovered themselves upon him and ere discovered had surrounded him and riding up close unto him to have laid hold on him he stoutly with his Sword kept them off his man assisting him whereupon they shot severall Pistols at him killed his man in the place but the brave Lieutenant Colonell himselfe with his Sword only valiantly defended himselfe and violently brake through six or seven of the Enemy who stood to stop him in a strait passage and thus outriding them got to Warwick without any hurt at all This was that valiant and faithfull Phips who was the chiefe instrument under God of preserving Coventry when the King was at the first beginning of this War before it And this though a particular passage yet having so much of Gods providence and preservation in it and that to one of the Parliaments first and so fast friends I thought it worthy to be here inserted for Gods glory and the honour of his cause and the faithfull upholders of it And whereas it had pleased the Lord in his most wise disposall and righteous ordering of all things as about this time and somtime not long before to permit Montrosse that most desperate and Atheisticall Rebell in Scotland sorely and very suddenly to over-runne and spoile that Kingdome of Scotland by the cursed help of some additionall Irish Rebels then come unto him and thereby to worke such a mighty and sudden overture of things there as made us all and that most justly stand amazed to see that Kingdome so soone and so universally reduced into such a deep deluge of danger and distraction and whereby Montrosse was lifted up to such a height of pride and insolent arrogancy as to go about to summon a Parliament as Lord Paramount and already King of Scotland and to force divers rebellious and trayterous Lords of that Kingdome then in durance in Edenborough out of prison and to be set at liberty and sent to him as his beloved brethren in iniquity with him as upon his command they were And yet notwithstanding all this how admirably and graciously againe it pleased the Lord on a sudden to revive this seeming dying Kingdome and in the midst of all Montrosses ruffe and puffe of pride to disappoint and dissipate his high-built hopes and vapourous villanies of insufferable pride and oppression exercised by him on the poore helplesse Inhabitants where he came The manner whereof I shall desire the Reader to receive in this ensuing relation extracted for brevities sake out of an authentick narration thereof sent from Barwick immediately after the great and glorious victory which God gave those our loving Brethren in Scotland which was as followeth About the 12 of this instant September 1645. being Friday a day of fasting and humiliation in Scotland and valiant and victorious Lieutenant Generall David Lesley being then come into Scotland advanced with his Forces within three miles of the place where Montrosses Army lay quartered in Philip-Haugh not far from Selkirk and the morrow being Saturday Sept. 13. he marched close up within view of the Enemy who about 10 of the clock that morning according to his usuall manner had made choise of a most advantagious ground wherein they had intrenched themselves having upon the one hand an unpassable ditch and on the other dikes and hedges and where these were not strong enough they had fortified them by casting up ditches and lyning their hedges strongly with Musketeers After viewing one another and some slight skirmishes parties in this kinde growing greater on both sides at last our Van advanced close upon the Enemy and for almost an houre being between 11 and 12 of the clock it was hotly disputed our Horse endeavouring to break thorow and the Enemy with great resolution maintaining their ground but at length Lieutenant Generall Lesley charging very desperately upon the head of his own Regiment broke the body of the Enemies Foot after which they went all in a confusion and disorder and the Horse wanting their Foot were not able to make great opposition the Foot were hereupon cut off and taken whereof 100 were Irish who were all since shot to death at a post many of the Horse were killed on the place and many taken but more in the pursuit for they rallied againe which by Gods providence occasioned their greater overthrow and gave opportunity to our Horse to encounter them Here the Earle of Crawford the Generall of their Horse was slaine the Lord Ogleby and Nathaniel Gordon one of their most active Commanders were taken of the Foot and Horse it was then conceived there were between 2000 and 3000 killed And this is remarkable in this great businesse that God should be pleased to cast into our hands againe those prisoners that had been delivered up basely by the Malignants in Edenborough to Montrosse We lost on our side Captaine Barclay and Captaine Dundasse and a very few of our other Souldiers but had divâ—rs wounded yet killed and wounded there were not in all above 100. The Lord of Hosts put a spirit of courage into our Officers and Souldiers for all of them behaved themselves most resolutely and bravely and after the battell we understood for certaine that divers of the Enemies were killed and taken by the Country people Montrosse himself escaped with a few Horse leaving behind him all his baggage among which we found his own Commission from the King and divers other Commissions for Lieutenants in the severall Counties together with a Roll of all such as had received protections from him which did serve us as a good Vidimus for the payment of our Souldiers And that the greatnesse of Gods goodnesse may shine forth in this Victory the more illustriously I shall here give the Reader a List of the Prisoners and slaine in this remarkable Fight and famous Victory Prisoners of note taken besides those were killed at the Battell fought at Philip-Haugh within three miles of Selkirk in Tividale upon the 13. Septemb. 1645. and since in the pursuit Prisoners of note taken THe Earl of Traquaire Lord Seaton Lord Drummond Lord Ogleby Lord Gray Lord Linton The Lord Napers eldest Son The Baron of Drum younger The Baron of Reasyth The Lord of Derceys eldest Sonne Granchild to the late pretended Archbishop of S. Andrews The Laird of Pury Ogleby
common with others you may be assured of such mediation to the Parliament in your behalfe both from my selfe and others as for one whom for personall worth and many vertues but especially for your care of and moderation towards the Country we honour and esteeme above any other of your party whose Errour supposing you more swayed with Principles of Honour and Conscience than other we most pity and whose happinesse so far as consistent with the publike welfare we should delight in more than in your least suffering These things not from any need or other ends than Humane and Christian having offered I leave to your consideration and theirs whom they concerne desiring your and their speedy resolving which I pray may be such as shall be most for the honour of God the peace and welfare of this poore Kingdome and for your and their good so far as may stand therewith And having herein discharged as I conceive the duty of an honest man a Souldier and a Christian if God shall see it good to let your hearts be hardned against your own peace I shall though with some regret for that ill which shall insue to any yet with cheerfullnesse and rejoycing at the righteous Judgements of God pursue my charge and trust for the publique in another way not doubting of the same presence and blessing which God hath hitherto vouchafed in the same Cause to the weake endeavours of Thomas Fairefax March 5. 1645. About the 16. of this instant we received more certaine intelligence by Letters out of the West of the still continued good hand of God unto us in Cornwall and in perticular of a brave defeat given to the Enemie by our forces there at or about Saint Cullumbe and the taking of that Garrison from the Enemies which being fully and faithfully set forth to the Parliament by master Rushworths Letter I have here thought fit to give the Reader a sight of the Copy thereof which was as followeth TO The Honorable William Lenthal Esq Sheaker of the Honorable House of COMMONS SIR BY the last Messenger the Packet from Ireland taken in the vessel at Padstow was sent unto you which I hope came safe to your hands by which original letters under the hand of the Earle of Glamorgan you will perceive how as yet he is imployed for the bringing over of an Army and what private correspondency there is between him the Prince the Lord Hopton and other persons of Note notwithstanding he is under the cloud of being accused of High Treason his being at liberty acting the Kings Commands in bringing over an Army of naturall Irish Rebels and his correspondency with the Prince Hopton c. is enough to satisfie the World by whose Command he manages that Affaire I also acquainted you with a Summons sent to the Lord Hopton or rather honorable conditions if he would instantly lay downe Armes and disband the Forces in the West which being sent unto him upon Thursday last and no Answer returned on Friday On Saturday the Army advanced towards Saint Collumb and being drawn to a Rendezuouz foure miles from Bodman the Weather proved so extreame wet that it was not held fit to advance on any further that day and so the Foot were appointed to Quarters in Villages thereabouts and a mile or two forwards The Horse being likewise at the Rendezvouz returned to their Quarters but some went to Quarter neerer the Enemy and to the Guards except a very good party of about eight hundred Horse and Dragoons commanded by Colonell Rich who was sent away with the same with Orders to fall upon the Enemie Guards or Quarters as he should see it most fit for the service and accordingly within two houres of Evening he fell upon their Out-guards neere St. Cullumb beat them to their Main-guard Being then drawn up in a Body ours likewise drew into three Divisions one commanded by Colonell Rich another by Major Fincher and the third by Major Scroop The Enemy seeing no way but to fight the Van of them gave a very good charge Major Generall Pâ—rt breaking through one Division himselfe But they were instantly put to the Rout and we had the pursuit of them for three or foure Miles killing many tooke about an hundred prisoners whereof Major Generall Pert was one and betwixt two hundred and three hundred Horse This so Alarm'd the Enemy that it made them desert the Head-quarter for a mile and caused them to draw all their Horse to a Rendezvouz at eleven of the Clock at night on Michel-Downe and so continued in the Wet in a great Raine till the next morning thinking the whole Army had been advanced Our party returned to St. Collumb and this morning brought the Prisoners to Towne This party of the Enemies were of the Princes own Regiment most of them Reformadoes Officers they confesse their Souldiers are very weary and that if it were published among them they might have Passes to go home it was not in the Officers power to keepe them together They likewise say that most of their Officers if they knew they might be accepted into the protection of the Parliament they would desert the Service Being askt if they had heard any Propositions were sent unto them from the Generall offering honorable conditions both to Officers and Souldiers they answered they never heard of any so by that we perceive the Lord Hopton with some few of his Councel keepes the propositions from being published There are some others come from thence who say that the French are mighty inquisitive to know whether they might be so far received into favour as to have leave to goe beyond seas Laying all these together we are of opinion that it will not be in Hoptons power to hinder a good effect to the propositions sent him so soon as the same is published amongst them which before this we hope by some means that hath beene used is effectually done This day the Generals Trumpeter that went with the sommons is returned with a briefe answer from the Lord Hopton to this purpose That he had taken the letter from the Generall into consideration but the suddaine advance of our forces gave an interruption to mention at this time any particulars but by a Trumpeter of his own he would send a particular answer The Trumpeter was curteously used and much respected This evening the Lord Hoptons Trumpeter is come with a letter in answer to the Generals propositions which indeed implies a willingnesse to end the businesse of the West without more blood shed but yet desires to be satisfied whether the King and Parliament be not neare a conclusion of a Peace for being intrusted by the King it concerns him to support his honour as long he can and yet withall inclines to have some Countrey Gentleman come unto him to satisfie him of the state of affaiers Taking altogether it argnes a coming to us though it seems yet a distance or else a way to get
how far they have advanced towards a generall accord I cannot at present certifie I do not hear they have proceeded so far as to a Treaty and I believe That as the Parliament may be discouraged from that way of Treaty by former experiences of the fruitlesnesse thereof and the ill use the same hath been designed or driven to viz. only to gaine advantages for Wars without reall intention of Peace so the late overtures that way are the lesse like to be successefull by reason of the clear and certaine discoveries the Parliament have had That his Majesty at the same time was and is labouring by Agents in all parts to draw in Forraign Forces and especially That the Earle of Glamorgan by Commission from his Majesty had concluded a Peace with the Irish Rebels on Termes extreamly dishonourable and prejudiciall upon the only condition of sending over forces under the command of that Lord to invade England whereof I presume you cannot but have heard And though his Majesty did in a Letter to the Parliament disavow any such agreement and pretended he had given order to the Lord Digby for the attainting and impeaching the Earle of Glamorgan of high Treason for what he had done therein Yet by late discoveries to the Parliament and especially by Letters intercepted the other day at Padstow from the Lord Digby the Earle of Glamorgan and others to Secretary Nicholas your selfe Sir Edward Hide the Lord Culpepper and others it is most cleare and evident that the arresting of the Earle of Glamorgan was onely for a present colour to salve reputation with the people and continue their delusion till designes were ripe for execution for the same peace is fully concluded with the Rebels the King to have the aid conditioned upon the same agreement and the Earle of Glamorgan at liberty againe and to command that force in chiefe Now for the overture of a meeting to treat further about the Propositions I sent Though I know nothing materiall that I can adde or alter except in circumstances yet I shall not refuse or decline such a meeting or ought else that may probably tend to the saving of blood or preventing further misery to any Provided that the meeting be speedily and number of persons not to exceed 4 or 5. But my Lord when you consider what I have before related concerning forraign Supplies which I have reason to think you know and believe you see what cause I have to be jealous of advantages sought by delayes not intermit any time or omit any opportunity to prosecute the service I have in hand and that there may be no colour of your expecting that forbearance on my part which you offer on yours I do the more hasten back this my resolution unto you In pursuance whereof I do not despise nor shall insult upon your present condition I question not nor yet shall I hope be much moved with that resolution of your men I presume not on former successes nor present advantage in fleshly power but desire to trust in God alone whose favour and blessing to this Army above others I do not account in what is past or expect in future to be for any precedence in merit or goodnesse of ours whereby we should be more pleasing to him than others but from his owne free grace and goodnesse towards his people whose welfare with the common good of the Kingdome we seeke and desire with all faithfulnesse and integrity to pursue And so committing the issue of all to his good pleasure I remaine Your humble Servant T. FAIRFAX March 9. 1645. A List of such as are come in to Sir Thomas Fairfax during the Treaty THirty five Lieutenant Colonels Serjeant Majors and Captains came in March 11. Forty Gentlemen of quality that came in the same day some of great note One hundred Gentlemen and others that have stoâ—ne away by parties out of the Enemies Quarters Ninty six common Souldiers from Penryn with Arms. Twelve more followed them Forty from Penryn are gone home and have laid down their Armes Colonell Treoanian the Governour of Penryn by Treaty since All the Officers and Souldiers in the Fort and Harbour The Governour of Maus Castle All the Souldiers and Officers there One hundred Officers and Souldiers of Colonell Champernoones Regiment Falmouth by this meanes is ours on that side the Harbour Two thousand Horse at least that are ours by the Treaty Three or foure thousand Arms. About the same time also we received certaine information that Sir William Vaughan having united himself with Colonell De Villier had a resolution to make some new attempt againe in Wales but he and his Company were so well entertained by Captaine Ashley who was not above halfe so many in number that the whole body of the Enemy consisting of about 300 Horse were encountred routed and pursued by ours many of the Enemy slaine and taken prisoners the List whereof was thus in brief five killed upon the place 12 mortally wounded Captain Johnson taken Prisoner two Captains more two Lieutenants one Cornet eighteen other Prisoners and good store of Arms. And by the same Letters we received further intelligence that by the vigilant care of the brave and active Committee of Shrewsbury there was raised a very strong Worke within lesse than Musket shot of High-Archall by meanes whereof the Enemy could not stir either in or out but with their apparent danger And at the erecting of this Fort they tooke their opportunity of the Governour of High-Archals absence and before his returne they had made themselves so strong that although Sir Jacob Ashley came along with him with about 1000 Horse and Foot they were inforced to retreat and go back againe not daring to adventure on a place so gallantly manned and made so inaccessible both by art and nature as that was which indeed was the winning of that strong Garrison as you shall shortly heare in its proper place About the 20 of this instant March we received certaine knowledge of the taking of Shruardon Castle a place of great importance which brave service was performed by that active Patriot and couragious Commander Major Generall Mitâ—on And much about the same time also we received a full and exact relation of the remarkable successe of valiant and active Colonell Birch before Goderich Castle expressed by himself in his Letter to the Honourable Speaker of the House of Commons which was as followeth Honourable Sir SInce my last the 7 instant finding the forces of Goodrich under command of Sir Henry Lingen so active that a passenger could not be safe between Gloucester and Hereford nor could I quarter Horse abroad but they were in much danger nor could draw forâ—â—â— towards Ludlow or Worcester but they would come neer unto the City to plunder therefore I chose rather to run the hazard of storming the House wherein they kept their out-Guard upon their Boats and Stable being within 20 foot of
Countries Liberties in collecting as truly and faithfully as I was able a Catalogue of the most eminent Persons and Commonders on the Parliaments Party also as I have done on the Kings who in this the Kingdomes Common calamity have been taken away out of this world of wretchednesse and valley of teares by the Sword of the enemy and so have as it were passed over by that sharp bridge to their long looked for and heartily hoped for heavenly Canaâ—n The most eminent Persons slaine on the Parliaments Party since the beginning of these unhappy Civill Warres 1 THe Lord St. Iohn Part 2 Page 198 2 The Lord Brooke p. 2 p. 272 3 Sir William Fairfax brother to the most noble and renowned Lord Fairfax p. 4. p. 33 4 Sir Iohn Meldrum p. 4. p 5 Major Generall Charles Fairfax Sonne to the aforesaid noble Lord Fairfax and brother to our present most renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax slaine at Marston-moore fight 6 Colonell Essex p. 2. p. 198 7 Col. Hampden p. 2. p 8 Col. Tucker p. 2. p. 418 9 Lieut. Col. Ramsey p. 2 10 Serjeant Major Quarles p. 2. p. 216 11 Major Stawham a brave Scottish Gent. p. 2. p. 380 12 Major Fitz-Simons p. 4. p 13 Major Bradbury p. 4 p 14 Major Iackson p. 4. p. 123 15 Captain Lacis p. 2. p. 216 16 Cap. Lister p. 2. p. 230 17 Cap. Nuttie p. 2. p. 309 18 Cap. Massie p. 2. p. 410 19 Cap. Hunt p. 2. p. ibid 20 Cap. Oglesby p. 2. p. 221 21 Cap. Williams p. 2. p. 267 22 Cap. Pue p. 3. p. 278 23 Master Hugh Popham p. 3 p. 303 24 Major Haynes p. 4. p. 341 25 Cap. Dove p. 4. p. 257 26 Lieut Col. Ingoldsby p. 4 p. 401 27 Cap. Allen. p. 295 28 Major Francis Sydenham p. 119 29 Col. Iohn Gunter Some few more 't is probable there might be but I professe ingeniously and most sincerely not one more as yet come to my knowledge or spontaneously pretermitted by me in my most sedulous search over the whole Foure Parts of this our Parliamentary Chronologie which I have diligently done as well for satisfaction to the honest-hearted Readers touching the slaine I say on our side as those on the enemies side in which two so vastly discrepant and largely unequall Catalogues both for number and quality though ours I confesse especially considering some of them as most pious Saints and precious Patriots farre transcended the very best of the enemies for spirituall waight and worth the udicious and impartiall religious Reader may see by comparing them both together how the Lord our most righteous and gracious God hath put a difference between the precious and the vile and yet manifesting in some measure for just Causes best knowne to his owne unsearchable wisedome and I am sure for the best good of his beloved-ones every way that as touching the outward stroke of death I say in a Common calamity it hapneth to the good as to the bad and how dyeth the wise man but even as the foole as wise King Solomon witnesseth Ecclesiastes 2. 15 16. Note also yet once againe good Reader for the yet more remarkable manifestation of Gods righteousnesse and mercy in putting another most notable difference between the Army of his enemies and the Army of his Saints and Servants fighting his battailes that as was toucht before and shewne in the Catalogue of the slaine on the Kings fide in the very first set battaile and field fight that was fought by the enemy against the Parliament which was at Keinton or Edge-hill the Kings first great Lord Generall of all his Forces the Earle of Lindsey who should have been the great Atlas and Hercule in-upholder of the Kings so oft pretended and protested just Cause was one of the first that was slaine in that first famous Fight whereas both in that renowned Victory and in all the progresse of these bloody Broyles and most uncivill Civill Warres over the whole Kingdome even I say from that first Fight to this day both our most renowned Generalls I meane his Excellency the Right Honourable Lord Generall Robert Earle of Essex and the renowned Generall his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax that now is have both of them come off hitherto with abundance of honour and renowne not onely free from death but also ever blessed be the Lords wonderfull mercy in it not so much as toucht with the least wound or hurt on their bodies for ought that ever I yet heard to this present day The like also we may most happily and faithfully say of his Excellency renowned Generall Lesley Earle of Leven Lord Generall of the Forces of our loving and loyall Brethren of Scâ—tland the vertuous and Victorious Generall of the forces of the Associated Counties North-easterly I meane the most noble Earle of Manchester and the thrice noble and renowned Generall of our Northerne forces in Yorkeshire the valiant and victorious Lord Fairfax in which remarkable mercy and me thinks most excellent and eminent observation and for all which so rich so rare and singularly sweet free mercies and most admirable dispensations of Gods wonder-working wisedome mercy and justice power and protection over us and thus manifested to and for us a wicked and worthlesse Nation a sinfull and provoking people Blessing Honour Glory and Power be unto Him that sitteth upon the Throne and unto the Lambe for ever and ever Revel 5. 13. Amen and Amen A Table of all the most materiall Passages mentioned in this Fourth Part of The Parliamentary Chronicle And here I desire the Reader to take notice that all the Forts Townes Castles and Garrisons taken since Nasebie Fight are to be found in the particular Catalogue of them before A. ADvance of the Earle of Manâ—hester from York p. 6 Our formidable Army coopâ— up in the West p. 18 â—ur Army plotted against in Cornwall p. 21 Ammunition safely conveyed to Oâ—westree p. 22 A Commitiee for the Army appointed p. 36 An ignoble Act of the Kings in Cornwall p. 38 Array-men in the North surprized p. 39 Augmentation of Ministers meanes p. 41 Sir ' Antheny Ashley-Cooper stormes Sir John Strange-waies house p. 67 Captaine Allen beates the enemy p. 251 Suddaine alteration of things in Scotland p. 270 Alderman Adams chosen Lord Mayor of London p. 282 Abbington Forces beat the enemy p. 93 Assembly of Divines at Westminster p. 319 The Lord Ashton beaten and slaine p. 320 The Army new Modell'd p. 97 Ashbie Cavaliers soundly beaten at Cole-orton p. 104 Apsley-house taken p. 115 Activity of Abbington p. 126 352 132. Our Armies prosperous proceedings in the West p. Assizes of Oyer and Terminer revived p. 364 Admiralty of the Sea taken into consideration p. 143 A brave defeat given to the enemy at Axminster p. 70 Our Armies good successe in Cornwall p. 378 The answer of Sir Thomas Fairfax to Hoptons demands p. 393 Our Armies march Eastâ—â—rd out of Cornwall p. 400 Prosperous Affaires in Scotland
p. 39 Prosperous Affaires in the North. p. 3â— Abbingtons prosperous Affaires against their adversaries p. â—8â— The Marquesse of Argyles Speech concerning Propositions for Peace p. 4â—â— B. BOulsover Castle taken p. â— Sir William Brereton beates the enemy at Tarvin p. 11 Sir William Brereton beates the enemy at Malpasse p. 16 The enemy bravely beaten at Beâ—sley Skonce p. 35 The blessing of him that dwelt in the Bush seene in the West p. 39 The enemy beaten at Beechley p. 42 Dr. Bastwick releeved in Prison and released out of Prison p. 45 Dr. Bastwicks just praise p. ibid The enemy bravely beaten at Bever Valo p. 61 Sir Thomas Fairfax comes before Bristoll p. 260 The enemy beaten at Bishops-Castle in Shropshire p. 262 The enemy beaten at Bridge-north p. 268 The enemy bravely beaten at Banbury p. 29â— Bloud of Germany p. 322 Brecknock in Wales submits to the Parliament p. 328 Sir William Breretons brave Victory neare Chester p. 97 Major Brownes brave services about Oxford p. 108 Bleching-house surrendred p. 141 Major Gen. Brownes brave defeat given to the enemy about Oxford p. 141 A brave Victory at Brampton-Bush p. 142 Major Generall Browne and Major Generall Cronwell compared to David and Jonathan p. 151 C. THe Kings cruell Counsell of Warre resolution against our Forces in Cornwall p. 19 Cornish-mens cruelty p. 20 Tender Consciences regarded in Parliament p. 29 A Committee to order our Army p. 36 Colonell Ceeleyes brave exploits p. 55 Earle of Cleveland taken Prisoner p. 59 Col. Cooke taken Prisoner p. 74 Câ—owland taken p. â—â— Conspiracies of the enemies discovered p. â—â— Cumhire-Abbey in Wales taken p. 83 Common Prayer-Booke abolished p. 86 Cardigan Town and Castle taken p. 8â— Kings Commissioners taken at Shaftsbury p. 252 Sir Alexander Carew beheaded p. 86 Canterburies Arch-Prelates Condemnation p. 86 â—â—men routed p. 353 Col. Cromwells valour p. 253 Chester Suburbs won p. 273 Col. Copleyes brave Victory at Sherburne in York-shire p. 297 Canterburies Arch-Prelate beheaded p. 92 Col. Crafords good service p. 98. p. 116 Compton-house bravely assaulted p. 99 The happy concurrence of both Houses of Parliament p. 127 Cambridge highly priviledged p. 135 The Clemency of the noble Generall p. Collections in Churches for Chester p. 364 Court of Wards Voted downe p. 369 The enemy beaten at Chester p. 157 Cornwalls danger p. 378 Cornwalls Gentry come in to the Parliament p. 383 The Kings Cabinet of Letters taken at Nasebie fight sent to the Parliament and read p. 175 Care taken for choosing good Officers in London p. 82 Mr. Case began the monethly Morning Prayers at London p. 207 Three Commissions presented to the Parliament from Bridge-water p. 201 Commissioners sent to Scotland p. 190 A Committee for the Scots Army p. 190 Clubmen in the Well p. 201 Clubmen come in to the Parliament p. 196 D. A Brave Defeat given to the enemy at Walch-poole p. 5 A brave defeat given to the enemy by Col. Middleton p. 9 Col. Doddington takes the Lord Oglesby prisoner p. 11 A brave defeat given to the enemy by Sir William Brereton p. 11 A deâ—eat given to P. Rupert p. 11 A brave defeat given to the enemy by Sir Jâ—hn Meldrum p. 12 A brave defeat given to the enemy by Col. Rudgely p. 22 A brave defeat given to the enemy by Sir Thomas Middleton p. â—â— A famous defeat given to the enemies at Mountgomery Castle p. 30. â—â— A brave defeat given to the enemy at Helmsley Castle p. 6â— A brave defeat given to the enemy in Lincolnshire p. 70 A brave defeat given to the enemy at Salisbury p. 74 A brave defeat given to the enemy at Sedbury p. 76 A brave defeat given to the enemy by Col. Holburne in the West p. 77 A brave defeat given to the enemy at Tong Castle p. 84 Directions for Worshipestablished p. 85 A famous defeat given to the enemy by Major Gen. Laughorne p. 255 Sir Lewis Dives brought prisoner to the Parliament p. 259 A brave defeat given to the enemy neare Reading p. 261 A brave defeat given to the Kings Horse at Kiddarminster p. 276 Lord Digbies Letters taken at Sherburne in York-shire read in Par. p. 303 The Demands of Sir Ralph Hopton p. 392 A Declaration of the Knights Gentry c. of Glamorgan-shire p. 317 A brave defeat given to Col. Gerrard before Cardigan in Wales p. 104 A brave defeat given to the enemy at Heightly-house p. â—08 A brave defeat given to the enemy neare Dennington p. 111 A brave defeat given to Skellum Greenvile at Plimouth p. 111 A brave defeat given to Prince Maurice at Holt-bridge p. 122 A brave defeat given to the enemy by Sir William Waller p. 123 The enemy beaten at the Devizes by Sir William Waller p. 125 The danger of Treaties with Malignants p. 344 The Kings Declaration to 〈◊〉 in Ireland p. 346 A brave defeat given to the enemy a 〈◊〉 p. 136 A Ship taken at Dartmouth p. 359 A brave defeat given to P. Maurice in Worcestershire p. 137 Divers brave defeats given to the enemy about Oxford p. 140 The danger and deliverance of noble Col. Massie p. 144 A brave defeat given to the enemy at Langford-house in Hampshire p. 153 A brave defeat given to the enemy at Hougham-house p. 157 A Dunkirk Frigot taken by our ships p. 401 The Discipline of Sir Thomas Fairfaxes army p. 150 Dudley Castle shrewdly put to it p. 186 A Declaration of the Scots Commissioners to our Parliament p. 439 E. THe enemy beaten at Ormskirk p. 12 Eye-salve for Malignants eyes p. 25 A brave exploit of Col. Massies p. 34 The just Enconium of Col. Massie p. 〈◊〉 Englands just cause to love Scotland p. â—â— A brave exploit of Col. Stones p. 66 A brave exploit of Col. Sydenhams p. 72 Divers exploits against the enemy p. 87 His Excellencies brave deportment with the Kings Commissioners in the West p. 253 The enemy beaten at Plimouth p. 96 Englands Blood p. 323 The noble Earle of Essex late Lord Generall his good Service rewarded p. 151 Evesham taken p. 153 A brave exploit against the enemy by Wareham Garrison p. 175 A brave exploit against 〈◊〉 p. 30 The godly education of the Kings Children considered p. 128 The blessed effects of the monethly Morning Prayers and Preaching in London p. 207 Hopefull effects of the Kings comming in to the Scots p. 422. F. OUr Forces prosperous successe against Prince Rupert in Lancashire p. 12 Colonell Foxes brave performances p. 13. 27 Our Foot-forces in danger in Cornwall in the West p. 19 Fidelity of the noble Lord Generall to the Parliament p. 37 The Fight at Newbery p. 57 Major Fenicks good Service p. 262 Free-holders of Glamorgan-shire their Declaration p. 317 Sir Erasmus De La Fountaines House p. 103 Sir Thomas Fairfax come to London to be Generalissimo of all the Armies in the Kingdome p. 109 Sir Thomas Fairfaxes new modell'd army resolved on p. 127 Sir Thomas Fairfaxes
Parliamentary Chronicle The SuburB of the City of Chester woâ— by valiant active Coloâ—â—â— Iones The manner entring in the Subuâ—â—â— of Chester 〈◊〉 our forces A brave defeat given to a party of the Kings horse about Kidderminster by renowned Major Generall Poyntz Cardiff Town and Castle surrendred to the Parliaments forces The Devires Towne and Castle taken by valiant Leivtenant Generall Cromwell 〈◊〉 House in Wiltshire surrendred to the Parliament All Pembrokeshire reduced to the Parliaments obedience The Parliaments gratitude to Colonell Generall Laughorne Thanksgiving to God for these so great mercies The famous Victory obtained by Major Gen. Poyntz at Routon Heath neer Chester The King prepares to relieve Westchester Major Generall Poyntz his admirable activity to follow prevent the King Major Generall Poyntz his remarkable march to prevent or overtake the King The fight begun fiercely The Enemy put to a retreat Oâ—rs sorely put to it Col. Bethell and Col. Graves sorely wounded Ours much 〈◊〉 by the Enemy Major Generall Poyntz his Horse wounded on the head The admirable courage of Major Generall Poyntz The Enemy routed mixed with troubled ours The Enemy appeared again in a body on a hill The Enemy sallyed out of the City are repulsed Prisoners and prizes taken The slaine The Lord Bernhard Earl of Litchfield A day of deserved thanksgiving appointed by order of Parliament 500. â— Sent as a token to renowned Major General Poynz Alderman Adams chosen Lord Major of the City of London Religious Mr. Tomlins made a Baron of the Exchequer Other well deserving Gentlemen of the Law made Judges by the Parliament Barkley Castle surrendree to valiant Colonell Morgan and Colonell Rainsborough The Burning-Bush unconsumed Not a month a week nay hardly a day void of one mercy or other unto us Psal 68. 19. Psalm 32. 7. October 1645. A brave defeat given to the Enemie by Colonel Moore Governour of Gaunt-house Farleigh-Castle in Somersetsh taken Sandal-Castle in Yorkeshire taken Winchester Towne and Castle taken by victorious Leivten Generall Cromwell The list of what was taken from the edemie in Winchester Castle The strength of Winchester-Castle The Parliaments intended mercy even to Malignants and Delinquents The Excellent wisedome and justice of the Parliament mixed with their foresaid mercie Bazing-House taken A list of the prizes and prisoners taken at Bazing-House The slain and wounded Chepstow Town and Castle in Monmouthshire besieged and taken by valiant Colonell Morgan The Parliaments piety and gratitude The Parliaments integrity about the election of new Members for the House of Commons The writ for the right chusing of Members of the House of Commons A brave defeat given to the Enemy at Farringdon by Abington Forces A brave defeat given by Col Rossiter to the Banbury Forces which conducted the two Princes to Newarke Valiant Captain Allen Governour of Burleigh Garrison unhappily slaine Langford House neare Salisbury taken A note most worthy to be taken notice of Sir William Vaughanâ— Regiment bravely beaten The famous defeat given to the Enemy at Sherburne in Yorkshire Col. Copleyes Letter touching the most famous defeat given to the Enemy at Sherburne The Enemy surprizeth our Forces in Sherburne both Horse and Foote The difficulties our Forces met about Sherburne Both parties meet together in the Field The substance of Sir Marmaduke Langdalet Speech to his Souldiers before this fight The fight begun The Enemy routed and put to flight The Lord Digby wounded in the Fight and foure Pistols fired on Sir Marmaduke Langdale The Enemy pursued three miles Scarcely ten of our men slaine The importance of this businesse All our men and Arms recovered that were taken before The admirable and almost miraculous taking in of Tiverton Towne and Castle Major Generall Massie enters Tiverton The Generall fits downe before the Castle Church The admirable providence of God here that one of our Canoneers shootes a shot at adventure and breakes down the Draw-bridge of the Castle The Castle Church entred by 〈◊〉 Souldiers The Generals clemency The Prisoners and prizes taken in the Church and Castle The good condition of Wales for the Parliament Carmarthen Towne and Castle taken The Declaration of the County of Carmarthen Monmouth Towne and Castle taken by Colonell Morgan The manner of taking the Castle The prizes taken in the Castle The Parliaments gratitude to God for these great mercies and thanks to Col. Morgan The Letters taken in the Lord Digbyes Coach at Sherburne in Yorkshire read in the Parliament The substance of 3. or 4. of those Letters A brave defeat given to the enemy neer Denbigh Castle who intended to relieve Chester Another brave defeat given to the Enemy at Holt-bridge where Sir William Byren was taken prisoner Another most famous defeat and brave victorie over the Lord Digby and Sir Marmaduke Langdale in their march into Scotland to joyne with Montrosse The Lord Digby crost in his way and forced to goe another way The Burning-Bush unconsumed Isa 25. 9 10 11. Isa 28. 29. Psal 9. 19 20. November 1645. Two excellent Ordinances of Parliament Shelford-house stormed and taken by valiant Major Gen. Poyntz Shelford-house summoned The House taken A sore slaughter made in the House by the Enemies obstinancie Digbyes late scattered forces being rallyed again are againe met with and miserably mangled and brought to nothing Abarashwait a strong Garrison of the enemies in Cardiganshire taken Thanks returned to the Lord on this 5. of November for the happy preservation and Continuation of this present Parliament Thankes and praises also returned to the Lord by order of Parliament for the City of Londons preservation from the plague of Pestilence Worton Garrison surrendred Wiverton Garrison taken Welbeck-house surrendred Bolton Castle in the North surrendred A brave defeat given to the Enemy neer Canon-Froom and a notable Engine taken from them Col. Morgan frights away the Enemy The Engine is left behinde The Engine was called a Sow The description of it Master Rouses Psalmes approved of by the Assembâ—y of Divines A brave defeat given to the Lord Ashton and himself slain therin About forty of the Kings Life Guard surprized by Major Blundell of Reading The just and glorious commemoration of rare and renowned Queen Elizabeth on the 17 of November 1 Sam. 2. 30. Psal 112. 6. A briefe but bad and sad mention of King James his life and death 1 Sam. 2. 30. Prov. 10. 7. King James quite forgotten in the hearts of his people King James and King Charles not true to their Principles King James King Charles and Queene Elizabeth paraleld together in point of Reformation Queen Elizabeths rule King James and King Charles rule Parliaments made the Kings Stauking Horses to get Subsidies Arbitrary Tyranny The Power of godlinesse to be beaten downe Popery or prophanesse to be set up in Germanies blood Rocâ—els and the Isle of Rees blood Irelands blood England and Scotlands blood Other blood not yet revealed The Authors of all this The crafty colour of all
I had appointed a Party both of Horse and Foot to March with mee to have met with the enemy who was within three or foure miles of our Garrison plundring and spoyling the Country Having therefore given order to Major Hammond my Major of Horse to draw out the Horse and Major Gray my Lord Stamfords Major to draw out the Foot both having been with me for orders therein they meeting in my lodging neer the door it so fell out that through some exceptions of Major Gray taken at Major Hammond at a Councell of Warre they entring into the street upon departure from mee upon a blow given by Major Gray to Major Hammâ—id they drew their swords upon each other where and at which time Major Gray received his deaths wound whereupon our Foot Souldiers fell into a high discontent and quarrell which notwithstanding it pleased the Lord so to appease that I presumed to goe forward with my Designe and to march on And the next day in the morning wee met with the enemy at Kidmarlâ—y entred fight with them when by Gods great hand of mercy to us wee slew their Generall Mynne with some other Officers and about an hundred Souldiers and took prisoners of them one Lieutenant Colonell Passey Major John Buller seven Captaines three Lieutenants five Ensignes and twelve Sergeants with other Officers and men of note and of common Souldiers about three hundred the rest of the enemy fled and escaped some to Lidbury whither our Horse pursued them But by reason of another body of strength come from Worcester of about two hundred Horse and five hundred Foot comming and advancing in our sight purposing to have joyned with Colonell Mynne wee thought it more safe to gather up our stragling pursuers and make our march back to Ridmarly with safety and to make good our obtained Victory and there to expect the advancing enemy rather than presumptuously to hazzard our selves and the rest in seeking the enemy with our tyred Horse and wearyed Foot and so they retreated to Lidbury and we to Glocester where we have much cause to magnifie the Almighties goodnesse to us and to sing incessant praises to him for the same Our losse was only that Colonell Harley was shot in his left arme but no danger to his life or health praised bee God and who like a most gallant and valiant Gentleman indeed behaved himself in this fight and the rest also did like very brave men Two or three of our Souldiers were slain but praised bee the Lord not one Officer and not passing foure or fire more wounded Thus much at present I thought it my duty to signifie from my self whose faithfulnesse shall ever bee manifest in the Parliaments Service and Cause being unto Your self Sir a most thankfull acknowledger of your many favours and Your most humble Servant Edward Massie ABout the eighth of this instant August also came credible information by Letters to London from Weâ— that that most valiant loyall and active Commander Colonell Mition Governour of Oswestre and valiant and faithfull Sir Thomas Middleton to lessen our danger of Prince Roberts going Westward against the Lord Generall joyning together with about three hundred Horse and foure hundred Foot marched from thence to Welch pool in Montgomery in Wales two long miles distant at which place that bold and bloody Prince of Plunderers his own Regiment of Horse were quartered and where they suddenly falling on his sleepy and secure Cavaliers early in the morning they killed Ruperts own Cornet who refused quarter which was proffered him took so many Horse that they mounted most of their Foot home again even above three hundred they also took about an hundred Prisoners besides three Captaines three Cornets three Quartermasters and divers other Officers with much Armes and Baggage But Sir Thomas Dallison brother to Popish Dallison the Lawyer who commanded those Horse had the unfortunate happinesse to scape away and for haste was faine to run away only in his shirt and left his breeches behinde him such a strait hee was put unto wherein was found a Letter to Prince Robber which hee intended that morning to have sent to his impious Highnesse Much also about the same time came certain information by Letters out of the West to London that Colonell Sydenham that valiant and loyall Commander in Armes assisted with that much honoured and worthy Gentleman Sir Anthony Ashley-Cooper Knight and Baronet having some time lyen before Wareham a strong Garrison Town of the Enemies about foure miles from Pool Now at length gave a fierce assault upon the Town had gained the outworks and that the Enemy sent a Drum for a Parly which being granted a respit for an answer was desired by the Town till next morning but this would not bee yeelded to nor for any longer time than one houre whereupon the Town of Wareham upon Articles of faire agreement was surrendred unto them and the one thousand two hundred Horse and Foot which lay before it was immediately designed to march further Westward to Colonell Middleton Now heer also I must farther inform the Reader that this strong Town was especially so soon surrendred by reason of a Letter sent from the Lord of Inchiquin out of Ireland to his brother Lievtenant Colonell O Brian then Governour of Wareham in his said brothers absence in which Letter the said Lord of Inchiquin had declared That his resolution waâ— to stand firm to the Parliament and to live and die in the defence of their Cause which â—ee now most clearly saw was in the right and that the Kings party bad meerly abused them all and sought the certain subversion of the true Brâ—testant Religion both in England and in Ireland and therefore desired him that hee would seriously consider of the same and speedily surrender the Town of Wareham to the use of the Parliament Which Letter being read to the Souldiers in the Town they were all for the most part willing to have the Town surrendred onely some few Irish Rebells were averse upon whose obstinate deniall they were presently dispatcht out of the way and cut off by the other Souldiers in part of requitall of the Protestant blood which they and their barbarous and bloody brethren had shed in Ireland And the said Lievtenant Colonell and the rest of his Souldiers presently declared themselves for the Parliament and hee also prevailed so far with his Souldiers that five hundred of them took the Covenant and were willing to bee shipt away for Munster in Ireland to assist his brother the foresaid Lord of Inchiquin and the other Parliament Forces in the said Province against the Irish Rebells And about the tenth of this instant Letters out of Staffordshire advertised that Bagot the Governour of Litchfield had caused twelve of his bravest Horses to bee breathed and rid abroad some few miles to take the fresh air forsooth which being so abroad they were all suddenly surprised
and snapt up by a party of about twenty Horse of the Garrison of Stafford who had been scouâ—ing abroad upon some discovery and were informed thereof and got between them and home and took them all and safely carried them away with them which said twelve Horses were of that value and estimation with the Governour that bee offered a thousand pound to have had them again but could not About the sixteenth of this instant August wee also received a perfect and faithfully satisfying relation of the certainty of the thrice noble and renowned Earle of Manchesters victorious proceedings and farther advance in those Northerâ— parts from Dorcaster after that most famous Victory at Marston-Moor 〈◊〉 York which the Lord of Hosts gave us testified under the hand and by the Letter of that Reverend and truely pious Gentleman Mr. Goods Chaplain to the said Noble Earl which 〈◊〉 sent to his reverend and religious brother-Minister and fellow 〈◊〉 in to the said Earl Mr. Simâ—on Ash then in London 〈◊〉 whereof I have been â—â—tracted which was briefly this That the most Noble and Victorious Earl of Manchester being upon his advance according to order and agreement between the three renowned Generals at 〈◊〉 from Doncaster and Blyth they câ—me to Worsâ—p about eight miles from Blyth At which time of his Lordships being there Welbeck the Earl of Newcastles own dwelling-house wherein was a strong Garrison and where most of the Gentry of those parts of that County had laid up their Plate and 〈◊〉 goods having been summoned and besieged some dayes before by his Lordships forces was now surrendred to them upon composition and Articles of Agreement And whereas all the Souldiers in it â—ad liberty to march away with their Armes and one price of Ordnance whither they pleased there were not aboue thirty men of two hundred who took away any Armes but rather desired that they might depart peaceably to their own homes only there was a broken Troop of Horse which went from thence with the foresaid thirty foot unto Bever-castle This place was taken without any great noise nothing appearing there but friendship and civility when the House was surrendred Heer wee took eight or nine great peices of Ordnance some bigget some lesser with good store of Mâ—â—ch Bullet and two hundred Muskets The keeping of this House was committed to the care of Colonell Tiberâ—ay a Commander of Nottingham Garrison because the House is in Nottinghamshire There were left therein the Marquesse of Newcastles three Daughters the Lord Widdringtons children with others into very peaceable manner without any great disturbance to themselves or their families there After this this noble and victorious Generall the virtuous and valourous Earl of Manchester advanced farther and sent out a party of his Army consisting of 〈◊〉 thousand two hundred Foot and a Regiment of Horse commanded by Major-Generall Grawford and Colonell Pickering with three of their biggest peices of Ordnance to take 〈…〉 a strong hold in Yorkshire wherein were a Troop of Horse and two hundred foot strongly fortifyed with abroad and deep Treâ—â— of eighteen foot deep and water in it a strong 〈◊〉 work 〈◊〉 will round of two yards thick eight 〈◊〉 of Iron Ordnance and two Morter-peices Our forces being come neeâ—â—â—his Castle sâ—nt them three 〈…〉 which did 〈…〉 after which they sent 〈…〉 to the Castle who shot 〈…〉 at the 〈◊〉 two of which shots came very neer and hardly mist him and they flourishing their Swords cryed out they would have no other parley Where upon ours advanced into the Town and there quartered that night in which night and next day they raised two batteries within threescore yards of the Enemies out-works whereon our Ordnance fell to play upon them and did as much execution on the walls as peices of their bignesse could doe the greatest being but a Demiculverin and after about foure and twenty houres playing and plying thus with their Ordnance and finding it would protract too much time to lie thus battering with their pieces they resolved to send to my Lord Fairfax for the Queens pocket-pistall and a whole Culverin which accordingly were soon brought thither and presently mounted and the next morning betimes after their comming those three began to play which did very great execution upon one side of the Castle and brought the strong walls thereof down into the trenches and made a perfect breach And the noble Major-Generall having prepared all things in a readinesse for storming the Castle both Faggots Ladders and other accommodations thereunto digested the form of storming by a Councell of Warre it was resolved to send another Summons to the Castle which produced a present Treaty between three Gentlemen sent out of the Castle and three like men of our party who speedily concluded the surrender of the Castle upon fair Articles Wee took in this Castle foure hundred Armes besides the great Gunnes afore-mentioned twelve barrels of Powder much Match twenty tuns of great Iron-shot about foure hundred pounds worth of Corn Beef Bacon Cheese and other provisions all which and many other things except an hundred Muskeâ—s and a Morter-peice which were brought away were left in the Castle for supply thereof the Country thereabout giving my Lords Souldiers five hundred pound among them for 〈◊〉 good service against this place Shortly after this the noble Major-Generall having left Colonell Bright a Commander of my Lord Fairfaxes and a party of Foot in the Castle by order from the most noble Earl of Manchestor advanced toward Bâ—wzar alias 〈…〉 about eight miles from Sheffeild it being another strong House of Marquesse Newcastles in Darby shire which was well manâ—â—d with Souldiers and strengthened with great Guns one whereof carryed eighteen pound bullet others nine pound and it had strong works about it yet this Castle also upon summons was soon surrendred up to my Lords Forces upon faire and moderate Articles granted to them It pleased God to give us in this Castle of Boulsover an hundred and twenty Muskets besides Pikes Halberts c. Also one Iron Drake some leaden bullets two Morter-peices some other Drakes nine barrels of powder with a proportion of Match some Victuals for our Souldiers and some plunder Immediately also after this they all marched to Staley-House which was strongly fortified but upon our Armies advance to it it was soon surrendred also upon Articles of agreement and in it wee had twelve peices of Ordnance two hundred and thirty Muskets an hundred and fifty Pikes And Mr. John Fretchwell who had long held the House fortified with strong Works for the service of the King being then convinced of the goodnesse of our cause did very freely and voluntarily render to the Major-Generall all the Armes aforesaid with much other Ammunition From hence shortly after they also advanced to Wingfeild-Mannour about eight miles distant which House had been long besieged by Darby Forces but was not at this time
forced to leave their Horses in the flight and to hide themselves in a Corn-field some of the speciall prisoners then taken were Colonell Sir James Prestwich Leivtenant Colonell Cottingham Captain James Anderton with five or six Captaines more six or seven Leivtenants four Cornets one Quarter-master eight or ten Gentlemen of worth and quality two Priests or malignant Ministers and as I said before above two hundred and fifty common Souldiers And heer now give mee leave good Reader to give thee this necessary note or observation upon some of the forepast premises especially touching Gods very gracious dealing with his much menaced and molested Servants in Lanoashire and Cheshire and those parts and his most just and revenging hand of displeasure upon that bold and bloody Prince Robber and his great strength of Horse wherein hee much boasted and â—oulstred up his proud hopes of subduing or ruinating those Counties For in a very short space it was sorely and suddenly abated and decreased by the great hand of God towards us As first aâ— Welsh-pool as I have forementioned there were taken by Sir Thomas Middleton and Colonell Mitton with the assistance of the Forces of Cheshire three hundred forty six Horses of Ruperts own Regiment and within a sevennight after that there were taken by Colonell Ashton at Holland in Lancashire two hundred Horse At Preston also in Lancashire presently after at least threescore Horse and at this last mentioned brave skirmish by the Lancashire Forces at Ormskirk in Lancashire about nine hundred Horse and by Sir William Brereton at Tarvin as was fore-specified at least three hundred Horse which in all make up about one thousand eight hundred Horse besides the prisoners then taken with them And about the foure and twentieth of this instant August I received a summary Relation of the valiant actions of that loyall and active brave Commander Colonell Fox so much inveighed against by that base Pamphleter Aulicus the Kings Lyer in cheif as witty Britanicus rightly titles him which I thought not sit to let slip or to sleep in oblivion which were as followeth Upon this vigilant Commanders discovering of the quartering of Worcester forces in Vpon-Warren some twelve miles from his Garrison hee went forth with a party of Horse and took in their quarters Leivtenant Colonell Dudley as appeared by a Commission found in his pocket Captain Milward Leivtenant Newberry Quarter-master Dod two Corporals ten other Souldiers and twenty Horse and with these hee also brought away a drove of Cattle from the Earl of Shrewsbury and a little after hee took Captain Knight in his Quarter at Stoke neer Bromsgrave And not long after upon intelligence that the Commission of Array sate in execution thereof at Ombersley foure miles from Worcester and seventeen miles from Egherson Garrison hee desired my Lord of Denbighs forces to joyn with him for their apprehension which was accordingly attempted where they took forty prisoners divers of them being men of note an hundred and thirty brave Horses an hundred and fifty Beasts but most of the Commissioners very hardly escaped by reason of some delayes of the Earles forces who stayed a little too long upon some other design neer Worcester contrary to the Colonells direction and desire yet notwithstanding by reason of the Colonells and his cubs pursuite after them over the River Severn where they were enforced to swim hee recovered divers excellent Horse and Armes and so returned with this prize in safety And upon the twentyeth of this instant the said valiant and vigilant Colonell having intelligence of some Cavaliers to lie in Bromsgrove hee sent forth a party of Horse under the command of Captain Tadman and Captain Johnson who surprized in the place Captain Barnsley and all his Souldiers hee being a Gentleman of note and quality and a Wâ—â—â—ster Captain And thus this noble Colonell did so hunt and fright the Cavaliers in all those parts that scarcely one of them were heard of in the Country thereabout but hee presently pulled them into his den nor durst any enemy come out of Worcester to oppose his proceedings insomuch as that the greatest Malignants and Papists about him were forced to flie or make their peace with him About the foure and twentieth also of this instant August wee were certainly informed by Letters out of Darbyshire that whereas that most active and valiant Commander and loyall Patriot of his Country Sir John Gell had long time lyen before Winck field-mannour the Sanctuary of all the Papists and Delinquents of that County hee was now by the brave assistance of the most noble Earl of Manchesters forces become Master of it it being now at last surrendred up into his possession on fair termes and Articles of agreement with all the Armes and Ammunition therein except only what the Cavaleirian Commanders carryed away with them for their own particular uses which were only each Commander his Sword and Pistoll There were in the House above there hundred Souldiers and fourteen peices of Ordnance and it was a House very strongly fortified and of no small concernment to us in the taking of it And now Sir John Gell was by Gods mercy as good as his word who had vowed hee would never leave the said siege till if God so pleased hee had the place and brave Colonell Crawford with part of the Earl of Manchesters forces came as I toucht before seasonably to his assistance and was a great help unto him in the said businesse And about the six and twentieth of August our most pious prudent and vigilant Parliament published an Ordinance of Parliament wherein it was Ordered that the Counties of Wilts Sommerset Devon Dorset and Cornwall with the Cities of Bristoll and Excester as also the Town and County of Pool bee Associated for their mutuall Defence against the Cavalierian Adversary and that the Committees nominated in the Ordinance of Parliament of the first of July shall put in execution the said Ordinance in the Counties afore-mentioned and that all the Colonells Leivtenant Colonells Captaines and other Officers are also to Associate themselves and with the well-affected of the said Counties to ayd and succour one another and giving thereby full power and Authority to the said Committees to put in execution the Ordinance for Voluntary Loanes and Contributions to the Parliament for raising of Monies and Forces for the suppression of all Malignant forces against the Parliament It was thereby also Ordered that the Earl of Northumberland the Earl of Pembrook and the Earl of Salisbury the Lord Roberts and the Lord Bruce with the Knights Citizens and Burgesses of the said Counties in the House of Parliament have power to nominate and appoint all Colonells Leivtenant Colonells Serjeant Majors both of Horse and Foot to Command the Forces so raised in the Association and the Lord Generall or such as shall from time to time command in Cheif shall grant Commissions to them accordingly Much
both the Houses of Parliament at Westminster that doe only wait the conjunction of these two Armies meaning the Kings Army and the Lord Generalls then in Cornwall and then they will put things to the question being backed with such a strength which now they dare not propound Also you shall inforce the conjunction of these two Armies the sooner with this argument that otherwise the Scots will prevail and conquer the Kingdom and so the English must become subject to that Nation There were 20 or 30 more particulars as was credibly enformed and those very remarkable ones These instructions were sent by Mr. Harding Son to the Marquesse of Hartford to bee communicated to his Excellency if upon the receipt of a Letter sent from the King to our Lord Generall hee would entertain a Treaty Which his Excellency most loyally and prudently had formerly refused highly scorning to bee fastned on though by a Royall temptation to betray his trust yet how ever those private Instructions were afterward dispersed amongst some of the Commanders as wee then found by unhappy experience And yet in all the plot and designe praised and for ever blessed bee the Lord our God the issue proved more to bee a crackling-Squib than a considerable losse as hath been before more particularly and clearly manifested especially considering the danger and yet the Bush un-burnt in the midst of that great flame round about it In which premised Regall instructions wee may primarily take notice how falsly and fallaciously the Royalists fancy to themselves and that with no small malice too both a party in the Parliament for them and would also fain blinde the kingdom with such a belief But that which sticks most to their sides as there you may see and observe is our honest and loyall Brethren of Scotland against whom they would fain possesse the people with an opinion that their intention is to conquer the kingdom whereas never did a Nation so faithfully and in a manner so unanimously appear with more loyalty and cordiall integrity in the Cause of Religion than they have done and the crafty Cavaliers knew they will not depart from their principles nor leave assisting the Parliamentary proceedings till Religion and Liberty bee secured in both kingdomes and therefore I cannot much blame them considering their case and condition that they so scandalize the Nation of Scotland that in the conclusion is like by Gods gracious assistance and appointment to bee a main means of their ruine and destruction from among us And to all these premises adde that most memorable mercy of the Lord in those our straits in Cornwall forementioned namely what admirable courage and undaunted resolution the Lord put at that time into the hearts of those most valiant Commanders and Souldiers that were of the Plymouth Horse who in Cornwall by their impregnable courage and valiant actions deserved as much honour as could bee possibly conferred upon men of merit and valour For all those of the Kings Army that were of the three Regiments of the Kings Horse were utterly routed by Major Straghen a Scottish Commander with only 100 Plimouth Horse whom hee Commanded who all manifested so much unparallelled valour and magnanimity of spirit as occasioned such extreme terrour to the Enemy that the King himself was put into as great a fright at that time as when hee rode hard from Northallâ—rton to York when hee heard the Scots had beaten his Army at Newborn at their first comming in among us So stoutly they resolved and so faithfully performed and acted their resolution to live and die with our Foot forces at that time left in such a strait and to stand or fall with them though most barbarously and basely they were pâ—â—â—ged and plundered contrary to Conditions yea the King himself being in the field and to his shame and eternall infamy it will certainly remain to posterity that hee most unjustly permitted such a most ignoble disloyall and unsouldierly shamefull action to bee committed notwithstanding that noble and ever to bee honoured Major Generall Skippon went to his Majesty and complained of that perâ—idious breach of Articles but could finde no redresse therein And now good Reader put all these together viz. the Enemies abominable trechery to have utterly ruinated our so brave an Army forementioned in some passages of the Moneth before together with the devillish design to have wrought our Army perfidiously to have conjoyned and combined into one body against the Parliament And the admirable courage and magnanimity of spirit which God put into the hearts of our Foot forces and some few Horse especially those of renowned Plimouth to stand to it so invincibly and to come off so totally with their lives out of so deep and dangerous a snare and pitfall into which they were very neer entrapped And then say whether the Lord Jehovah appeared not mightily and most manifestly for their preservation and whither the blessing of him that dwelt in the Bush was not on them to save them from the devouring flames of that prepared and intended combustion and confusion Much also about the 4 of this instant October came Letters out of Scotland which certified for an undoubted truth that the Popish party and faction of the Royalists in Scotland had laid down their armes and were come in and had submitted themselves That the most noble Marquesse of Argile most renowned in Scotland for his known constant piety loyalty to his King and Country and his magnanimity of spirit in the then present distracted condition of Scotland that hee I say was in present pursuit of the Irish Rebels that had got in among them there and kept them closely in among the mountaines where hee often lit upon many of them and straitned them extremely Insomuch that the troubles of that honest neighbour kingdom being thus farre so happily appeased the noble Earl of Callender returned again to the Leaguer at Newcastle It was also then for certain enformed by Letters out of the North that the Array-men and other disaffected persons of quality in the Counties of Cumberland and Westmerland were met together to feast together and therein also to consult about raising more Forces in those parts against the Parliaments proceedings there which the Country-people having knowledge of and being very sensible of the miseries which those men had already been meanes to bring upon those Counties and places adjacent they all rose as one man and apprehended many of them to the number of about 40. whom they brought to Generall Lesley to the Leaguer but Musgrave and Fletcher narrowly escaped to Carlile About the 6 of this instant Letters from Welchpool were brought to London which certified that renowned Sir Thomas Middleton had taken Redâ—astle a place of very great consequence and one of the strongest of the Enemies holds in Northwales The manner of the taking of it was said to bee thus The Enemy in this Castle whereof
at last arrived safely in his desired Haven hee found most happy and heart-cheering welcome in his own conscience having like an impregnable Rock held fast his pious principles and withstood and out-stood all the assaults and snares of Papists disloyall Royalists Separatists Anabaptists Antinomians and novell Independents who all strugled and strove to have seduced and ensnared him into their unhappy and unholy Lâ—byrinths of heresie errour and schisme to his Soules ruine but whom I say God did most graciously support and preserve from the danger of them all and returned unto us a most loyall and faithfull friend to Gods glorious Cause and a most constant and courageous professour and propugnatour of untainted Truth which two indeed deck and adorn the flourishing garland of his afflictions and make the Crown of his sufferings most illustrious and glorious But to proceed About the 18 of this instant came certain intelligence by â—eters out of North-wales that since the taking of Radcastle by â—nowned Sir Thomas Middleton whereof wee made mention a little before hee hath also performed much gallant service in those parts and in particular that â—ee sent forth a party of horse and foot into Leigh about a mile from Bishops-castle where the Enemy had left a Garrison which fled away thence before his forces came neer them after this a party of about 20 horse was sent from Mountagâ—mâ—ry into Râ—dnorshire where they took prisoner the Lord Leigh Baron of Duâ—smore who was then carryed prisoner to Radcastle Sinâ—e that also the Enemy forsook another Garrison called Leighâ—â—ll the house of Sir Pelham Corbet in Shropshire And Sir John Price a Gentleman alwayes well-affected to the Parliament though over-powred by his Enemies round about him was forced to conceal it was made Governour of Mountgomery-castle The Country came in very cheerfully to Sir Thomas Middleton upon his summons but were very unwilling to fight so little valouâ— is there in thoâ—e who pretend to descend from the ancient Brittaines Upon the 23 of this instant October came the full and certain relation and most joyfull newes to London especially of the taking of Newcastle by ouâ— honest active loving and loyall brethren of Scotland who as they have all along ever â—ince their first appearing in this great Cause in a war-like manâ—er and posture shewed themselves most zealous to God and true Religion and therein also most brotherly to us and free from base self-seekings and ignoble by-ends though our most degenerous and rotten-hearted Malignants in City Court and Country have most ignominiously slandered them and most basely and abusively strugled but in vain blessed bee the Lord for it to blemish their untainted honour and honesty heerin so now also in a most eminent manner they have again made it appear to the whole world if men would not bee wilfully or maliciously blinde that they sought not their own ends or to enrich themselves but mainly and only Gods glory and therein ours with their own best good as iâ— this relation of this glorious and victorious conquest of the Town of Newcastle now by Gods mighty and mercifull assistance and their impregnable valour and fidelity happily subdued to the just obedience of the King and Parliament as now I shall make manifest in this breif and faithfull Narration of the taking of this strong Town by storm which is with all convenient bâ—evity extracted out of our brethren the Scots own Relation thereof sent to the Parliament and the Scotch Commissioners then resident at or about Westminster which was as followeth Our valiant and most unwearied brethren the Scots having in the time of their lying before this Town of Newcastle out of their Christian and tender pious pity toward the inhabitants therof in generall and great and gracious unwillingnesse to shed blood if possibly it might by any fit and fair means bee avoyded sent divers Letters and mercifull messages to the Town in generall and to and from some speciall cordiall persons in particular before their summons which afterwards was also sent unto them but found all their Christian love and pitty partly with stubbornnesse rejected and partly with scoffes and jeeres derided but especially by the Atheisticall and most desperately Malignant Major of Newcastle Sir John Marley all which their interchangeable Letters and Messages containing Marleys and the Newcastelians answers and our Scotch brethrens patient and pious replies having been fully set forth in that particular and exact relation of all those proceedings by our loyall brethren of Scotland I heer therefore purposely for brevities sake pretermit and shall only acquaint the Reader heer with thus much in particular That after many interchangeable messages and motions on both sides and some seeming agrâ—ements seeming only I say on Marleys side and hostages mutually given Articles of accord were demanded to bee sent to the Town by noble Generall Lesley which was accordingly done and which said Articles together with the rest of the succeeding passages or Letters sent to each other for the further clearing of our Brethrens integrity and fairnesse therein after the tendring of the Articles of agreement I have thought fit heer to insert which were as followeth Conditions wherupon the Surrender of the Town of Newcastle and Foâ—â—es thereof with all the Ordnance Ammunition and other Warlike furniture thereto belonging were demanded by his Excellency the Earl of Leven Lord Generall of the Scottish Army to bee kept by him for the use of his Majesty and the Parliament of England 1. THat the Officers and Souldiers who desire to goe out of Town shall have liberty to passe with their Arms Horses bagge and baggage to what place they please the same not being already beleaguered and shall have a safe convoy thither it being within forty miles distance and shall bee accommodate with draughts in their march 2. That all Strangers Residents Sojourners or Inhabitants who desire to goe out of the Town with the aforesaid Officers or Souldiers shall have the like liberty convoy and accommodation 3. That sick and hurt Souldiers shall have all necessary accommodation untill their recovery and shall have a safe conduct as aforesaid 4. That the Citizens Burgesses and Inhabitants shall have their persons houses families and goods kept from violence and shall have the same free liberty of trade and commerce as any other Town reduced to the obedience of King and Parliament 5. That their priviledges liberties and jurisdiction shall bee preserved inviolate conform to their ancient charters in manner above writen 6. If any of the said Citizens Inhabitants or others presently within the Town shall desire to goe and live in their Countrey Houses they shall have protection and safeguard for their persons and estates 7. That no Billet shall bee granted upon any of the Inhabitants without their consent 8. The whole Army shall not enter the Town but onely a competent Garrison Signed LEVEN Provided alwayes that in case these Conditions above writen bee
not accepted and Hostages sent before eight a clock in the morning the nineteenth of this instant for surrender of the Town at or before Munday next they shall then bee altogether void and have no effect But in place of accepting the above Conditions which the Governour himself did afterwards acknowledge most honourable they not only returned this following Answer whereby their judiciall induration and obstinacy may appear but the Governour likewise the same morning while the Army was in action sent out a Letter to my Lord Sinclair full of mockeries and incivilities but before that day ended hee changed his strain and was resolved of his scruple whether there was such a man that had the name of Leven Answer of their three Commissioners to the Lord Generall his last Letter with the Articles Octob. 19. My Lord VVEE received your Letter wherein you say wee cannot make good that your Commissioners demands are against either his Majesties honour or the welfare of Newcastle Wee will give you but one reason amongst many whether it bee for his Majesties honour that the Town of Newcastle should be rendred to any of another Nation nay more if it bee for the honour of the English Parliament and that it is not for our welfare is so clear needs no answer And wheras you say you wonder wee are not ashamed to be so delatory having demanded a Treaty We say we wonder you can be so forgetfull knowing we have your Letter to show that the Treaty was your own motion but for Answer to the rest and to your Articles Wee say the delivery of Newcastle is not of so small moment but if you intend as you say time may well bee given till munday for giving answer for in case wee should give consent to let you have this Town there are divers more Articles then you have set down both fit for us to demand and you to grant Therefore if you would shun effusion of blood-shed as you professe forbeare your acts of Hostility untill wee give you Answer upon Munday wherein wee will not faile otherwise wee doubt not but God will require an account at your hands and besides will keep and preserve us from your fury So expecting your Answer Wee rest Your Friends Jo. Marlay Nich. Cole G. Baker Newcastle 19. Octob. 1644. The Letter sent by the Governor to my Lord Sinclair Octob. 19 My Lord I Have received divers Letters and Warrants subscribed by the name of Leven but of late can hear of none that have seen such a man besides there is strong report hee is dead therefore to remove all scruples I desire our Drummer may deliver one Letter to himself thus wishing you could think on some other course to compose the differences of these sad distracted Kingdomes than by battering Newcastle and annoying us who never wronged any of you for if you seriously consider you will finde that these courses will aggravate and not moderate distempers but I will referre all to your own consciences and rest Your Friend John Marlay Newcastle 19. Octob. By these former Letters Answers and Replies it is more than manifest how perversly obstinate the Enemy was and how carefully and patiently they were sought after but seeing their obstinacy desperate and incurable it was full time to proceed to action for the condition of the Army which had endured much hardship and of the Mines which were alwayes in hazard of discovery as they had formerly destroyed some seven or eight and the approaching Winter could not well admit of further delayes and thereupon October 19. early in the morning the Cannon began to play upon the walls from their severall Batteries while 8 a clock at which time the Hostages should have come out or otherwise they were to expect the extremities of Warre but since none came the service continued from all the Batteries and the Regiments were drawn up standing to their armes while the breaches were in readinesse and the Mines sprung About three a clock in the afternoon the Enemy by their countermines had very neer approached some chambers where the powder was lodged for blowing up the walls which being signified to his Excellency he forthwith ordered that fire should bee given to these two mines endangered and thereafter to maintain the breaches carefully while the generall assault should bee made from all quarters a little after the day failing and the breaches being made though not so large and passable as was needfull for so desperate service the word was given and the sign made to give fire to the rest of the Mines and for the Regiments to advance all at once towards the breaches and those places of the wall which were opened by the mine but they met with no small opposition and nothing was left undone by the Enemy to repell the fury of the assault They played very hotly and desperately from the Castle upon the breaches and from the â—â—anking-towers of the walls with scattered shot yet the Regiments advanced without any shrinking though the Cannon played from many places upon their full open bodies so that the difficile accesse to the breaches and the mighty advantages of their walls and works within the Town made a considerable losse of Souldiers and Officers of good quality yet notwithstanding all difficulties and resistances they acquit themselves as become a people that considered the importance of so high a cause and minded nothing but the happinesse of both Kingdomes and after two houres very hot dispute upon the breaches they found their first entry at the mine sprung on the West side of the Town neer to Close-gate and after their entry were furiously charged three severall times by the horse which were in Town but the charge was gallantly sustained and the place maintained while the reserve of that post came to assist thereafter they marched for the releif of the rest of the breaches and so the Souldiers gave over and forsook the walls and the whole body almost of the Army entring they became Masters of the Town which tasted of no lesse mercy and favour after the Victory than they found valour in obtaining the same for after their entry the Souldiers did quite vanish sheltring themselves in houses the Inhabitants kept close their doores the Regiments marched thorow the streets without any insolency or disorder never offering once to rifle a house or cut off either Citizen or Souldier they were presently after their entry in peaceable possession of all the corners and streets and on a sudden all tumult feare and noyse did cease Upon the first entry the Governour Lodovick Lyndesay sometime Earl Crawfoord the Lord Maxwell Doctor Wishart a man of a dangerous temper who had seasoned the people both before and the time of the siege with bitter Malignancy Mr. Gray and Alvay and others of the perverse crew authours of all the evils which might justly have falne upon the Town so exceedingly obstinate according to the rule of Warre did all betake themselves
to the Castle whence they cast over a white flag and beat a Parlee but before notice could bee taken thereof all the service was neer done The principall houses of the Town were preserved from plundering by the Officers the Common Souldiers that night after they had long kept their arms without doing any wrong or violence entred some houses of the meaner sort not safeguarded and did a little pillage and take away the goods out of them but lesse than ever any people or Army did in the like case which was the testimony of the most Malignants and Papists themselves expressing in these very words that no History can parallell where lesse cruelty and insolency and more mercy were shewn in any Town gained by storm which ought to bee no small matter of gloriation when the Enemies are constrained to acknowledge that the wayes and practises of those who have often declared the purity of their intentions are now found out to bee nothing different from their profession and indeed it were to bee wished that the well-affected in the Kingdom had as great feeling of the advantage given to the cause and the good they received since the comming in of that Army to England as the enemies to the peace and happinesse of both Nations are sensible of the hurt done to them and their designes But to return The Town being that same night secured and the Guards carefully appointed at the breaches and by the water-side to watch the escape of those who were within and with so much losse and paines now caught in the snare Next day thereafter being the Lords Day his Excellency did likewise enter the Town and with the Generall Officers and others of the Army did goe to the Church straightway and gave thanks to God that hee was pleased even according to the words and wishes of their Enemies to prosper and blesse his People according to the justnesse of their Cause The Governour who was lately so pertinacious and high minded that hee would neither hearken himself to any thing which might tend to the preservation of the Town but likewise published Proclamations that none should presume to speak of any compliance to a surrender did now become a humble suiter to the Lord Generall whom hee thought not to bee in the world that morning that his Excellence would bee pleased to suffer him and those that were with him in the Castle to depart to the Kings next Garrison as may appear by the following Letter wherein you see him a humble supplicant though in some of his former a scornfull Prophet A Letter sent by Sir John Marlay sometimes Governour of Newcastle to his Excellence from the Castle the day after the Town was taken Octob. 20. My Lord ALthough you have the fortune of War against mee and that I might I confesse have had honourable tearmes from your Excellency Yet I hope your Noblenesse will not think worse of mee for doing my endevours to keep the Town and to discharge the trust reposed in mee having had strong reasons so to doe as is known to many And now whereas I am compelled to betake my self to this Castle I shall desire that I and those with mee may have our Liberty and your Licence to stay or goe out of the Town with your safe Passe to his Majesties next Garrison which is not beleaguered with our Horses Pistolls and Swords And to have 14 dayes time to dispatch our Journey so many as please to goe And truely my Lord I am yet confident to receive so much favour from you as that you will take such care of mee as that I shall receive no wrong from the ignoble spirits of the vulgar sort for I doubt no other I must confesse I cannot keep it long from you yet I am resolved rather than to bee a spectacle of misery and disgrace to any I will bequeath my soule to him that gave it and then referre my body to bee a spectacle to your severity But upon these tearmes abovesaid I will deliver it to you and so intreating your Answer I rest Your friend and servant John Marley From the Castle in Newcastle the 21 of Octob. 1644. For his Excellency the Earl of Leven Generall of the Scottish Army Compare this Letter with that which hee sent out the day before then look what a day may produce And now could there bee any thing more just than to deny favour to a man so eminent in all the wayes of Malignancy so wicked an instrument One who had so exceedingly provoked the Army and had sleighted all gracious offers of Peace Hee is now overtaken in his season and as God in his Justice had decreed and his Servants foretold those enemies to the peace of the Kingdom in these parts are overthrown and were forced to surrender the Castle and come out upon mercy Sir John Marley was committed to his house by a strong guard to defend him from the fury of the incensed people for hee is hated and abhorred of all and hee brought many Families to ruine The rest that were in the Castle have likewise in constrained humility submitted themselves and are rendred Prisoners though not many dayes before these peaceable Divines taught the people that it was more lawfull one of them to eate another than to hearken to the Scottish Traytors or comply with them in any sort The Town is now in as good condition as ever any Town reduced by the extremity of Warre and thereupon exposed to the rapine of Souldiers which oft times is unavoidable All care was had to preserve the houses and goods of the Inhabitants so farre as possibly could bee done and to that effect many Proclamations made That no Officer nor Souldier should presume to trouble nor plunder the house of any under the pain of death And that better obedience might bee given thereto and all occasions of tumults wrongs and oppressions might the better bee avoided It was Ordered that no Officer nor Souldier should stay in the Town without speciall Order but to return to the Leaguer and his former Quarters And likewise for the further weale and ease of the Town the Quarters of the whole Army are enlarged and none ordained to stay in Town but the proper Garrison This is the true Relation of the successe of the Scottish Army against Newcastle whereby it would appear that God delights to co-operate with his Armies The best use that can bee made thereof and of all other Victories is to make them steps of advancement for the Reformation begun and great encouragement to expede the Work in hand and beat down all difficulties A Letter from the Committee at the Scottish Army to the Committee of both Kingdomes Right Honourable VVEE know not any better use you or wee can make of the great successe wherewith it hath pleased God to blesse our attempts against this Town than to make it evident to the world that Truth and Peace are the utmost of our desires and designes
For this purpose wee must uncessantly renew our former desires to you That all other Affaires whatsoever set aside you will so farre take to heart the setling of matters of Religion in the Worship of God and Government of his House in this Kingdom as you may in your own and our Names become earnest sollicitours with the Assembly of Divines to put that businesse to a period and with the Parliament that where the foundation is laid by the Assembly their Authority bee not wanting for the compleating of the Work no greater incouragemâ—nt than this can come to the hearts of all those that are ingaged in this Cause with you nor can any meanes bee so powerfull to remove these great prejudices raised against our Cause by the abundance and variety of Sectaries Separatists and Schismaticks living amongst us to the great scandall of the Gospel and professors thereof This being done wee may with the greater confidence expect a blessing upon our endevours for Peace for which as no successe can alter our desires so wee are confident you are using all expedition possible for expediting your Propositions thereof that they may bee dispatched to his Majesty whose favourable acceptance is prayed for thereunto by Your affectionate Friends and Servant Sinclare J. P. D. Newcastle 23 Octob. 1644. See heer now then pious and impartiall Reader whether England hath not most just cause everlastingly to blesse the Lord our God in working thus gloriously for us by these our loyall Brethren and eternally and most entirely to love and embrace them in our best affections who have not only thus extraordinarily laid out themselves and carryed their lives in their hands for us and exposed themselves to such and so many marveilous dangers of death and destruction but also so sweetly preciously and piously declared as in this their last Letter is so clear and conspicuous their only ayme in all this and the rest of their toyles and labour of love to bee Gods glory the true Religions and pure Reformations splendour and the just Laws and Liberties of Subjects firm and faithfull establishment and whether our most wicked and wretched Malignants slanderous mouthes are not most abundantly stopped to Gods eternall glory and all good mens just rejoycing let all that hear of these truths righteously judge But now to proceed About the 25 of this instant came certain intelligence by Letters out of the West to London that Sir Richard Cholmley Brother to Apostate Sir Hugh Cholmley with about 2 or 300 Horse about Colliton Axmister Bemester and other places on the confines of Dorsetshire had driven away many Cattle from those Country people whereupon brave Colonell Seeley the most renowned Governour of Lyme having intelligence thereof drew out a party who soon discovering the plunderers fell upon them took 56 of them horse and armes rescued all the plunder they had got and so routed the rest that they all fled and dispersed themselves severall wayes Among the prisoners taken as aforesaid were 2 Captaines and 10 other Commanders and Officers who were all carryed to Lyme and all the plundered Cattell were mercifully restored to their owners Cholmley himself fled but was shot in his shoulder as was confest by the Prisoners taken and many others of the Enemy sore wounded Much about the same time information being given to the Parliament of intolerable cruelties and outrageous insolencies committed by barbarous Irish Rebels Oxfords good subjects and some of the very Natives of heathenish Wales by burning and destroying the Corn on the ground stripping all sorts of both sexes stark naked stigmatizing some half hanging others and then suffering them to live or rather to languish in that condition all which was informed I say by Letters to the Parliament by divers honest inhabitants of those parts and by some of the Committees of the Parliament at Haverford West in South-Wales And further information being given to the Parliament of one Colonell Mac Mayler an Irish-Rebell another of King Charles his good Catholick Subjects taken prisoner in Yorkeshire by the Lord Fairfaxes forces under the Command of that valiant and faithfull Commander Colonell Lambert as also the sad confirmation of such like cruelties of the Irish-Rebels at Boulton and Leverpool in Lancashire all which being as fresh bleeding wounds still in the sad memory of all people and now at this time most seriously considered of and well weighed by our most prudent Parliament Both Houses heerupon passed an Ordinance of Parliament requiring all Commanders in Cheif in any part of the Kingdom to give no Quarter to any Irish-Rebell taken by Sea or by Land in any part of the Kingdom And because all Souldiers in all parts of the kingdom might take notice hereof Letters were Ordered to bee sent down by the Committee of both kingdomes to all principall Commanders with that Ordinance inclosed in them for the more certain and exact execution thereof accordingly And about the 26 of this instant October the Parliament understanding by good intelligence that the King and his forces were about Newberry and Dennington Castle and that some part of the Parliaments Army was upon one side of Newberry neer about the place where the fierce battaile was fought between them the last year and that the rest of our Army was within 2 or 3 miles at farthest from Newberry between the Kings Army and Oxford and that both the Armies being so neer each other there was like to bee a speedy ingagement between them The Parliament therefore desired the Assembly of Divines at Westminster on Munday October 28 to turn their other intended businesses and affaires of that day into prayers for a blessing on our Armies which accordingly they did And the same Munday night Gods providence so ordered it that the Lord Generals Scout-Master Mr. Bedford came to Town and brought certain information to the Committee of both Kingdoms of a brave defeat given by his Excellencies Forces to the Kings Army neer Dennington-Castle which also was confirmed by a Letter directed to the honourable Speaker of the House of Commons sent from 3 or 4 Eminent Commanders and Officers in Armes whose names were subscribed thereto A Copy of which Letter being a full and complete relation of the fight I have heer for the Readers better content and fuller satisfaction inserted which was as followeth Honourable Sir THough our other employments in and about the Army may excuse us in point of news yet being eye-witnesses of this late fight and knowing your kinde acceptance of some presents though without the circle and especially to expresse our joy for this successe which the Lord of Hosts upon his own day has vouchâ—afed us Wee presume to presse in with the crowd and to make it more clear shall give you the preceding circumstances After a weeks tedious but speedy march of my Lord Generals Infantry and one nights refreshment at Redding in two dayes farther progresse wee drew up before Newberry
Brayton in Barkeshire on the other side of the Town about 2 miles off The Enemy was there commanded by Major Hatton Farmer Major of the Princes Regiment our Horse carryed themselves very courageously beat the Enemy out of their quarter and pursued them within a mile of Farrington and killed the Major with divers others and mortally wounded the Captain Leivtenant of the Princes Regiment took many of the men and horse among whom were 5 Irish men whom wee hanged the same day in the Market-place and not above 12 of these horse got into Farringdon the rest were all slain or taken without the losse of any one of our men or horse Their intent was as wee were informed by prisoners and a Trumpeter who that evening came from Oxford to desire the Majors body that the horse should give us an allarm on the one side whiles the foot stormed us on the other And another that then came from Oxford gave our Major Generall information and both of them affirmed that wee slew in this fight Sir Henry Gage Governour of Oxford and many other Gentlemen of great quality and in particular that Leivtenant Colonell Lower Deputy Governour of Wallingford was also slain I am confident the Enemy had a great advantage of us by the bridge and hills yet the Lord fought for us and hath graciously delivered us out of their hands for which wee desire Thanks may bee generally given to the Lord of Hoasts and God of Battles and in particular for preserving us also in our safe passage to Abbington the Enemy being upon their march so neer us and had they taken us it would have occasioned great triumph in the Enemy there being of us 4 Colonells besides other Captains and Commanders Our Major Generall Dr. Wilson and Quarter Master Generall Burrowes remember their loves to you and would have given you a touch heerof but that I undertook to save them that labour I pray you acquaint our Friends heerwith as having exprest nothing but what I know to bee truth One of the Messengers from Oxford informed us that Prince Rupert engaged himself to the King and Lords with many vowes and protestations yea and execrations too That hee would dine the next Sunday in Abbington and that hee would bee Master of it by 12 a clock that morning forgetting that of Aâ—ab to Benhadad Let not him that girdeth on his harnesse boast himself as hee that putteth it off But missing his hopes and the Governour of Oxford being also slain hee was ashamed to march triumphantly into Oxford with the forces that returned but came sneaking in privately another way where the Lords mocking him askt him where was Abbington which hee boasted hee would so suddainly have But wee I say gave them such a breakfast as that it was beleeved hee would have little stomach thereafter to come and visit our noble Major Generall Wee could not for want of horse pursue the victory Colonell Fynes having left us and I think God would not vouchsafe to do him so much honour as to bee present at so noble an exploit For the number of ours slain I have already given you an account The number of the slain of the Enemy was not certainly known when I wrote this the Country reported 3 or 4 Cart-loads of dead and wounded corps to bee taken with them besides many that were drowned and others that were thrown in after they were slain and some found dead upon the place Sam. Harsnet Abbington this 12. of Jan. 1644. And heer also I shall desire the Reader to take notice that this brave Victory was thus happily obtained the very next day after that judgement was given upon that egregious and abominable hypocrite and atheist and most pestilent Incendiary the Arch Prelate of Canterbury And that on the very same day also wee had the certain information of those brave Victories and rich prizes forementioned by renowned Captain Swanley specified in his Letter to the noble Earl of Warwick as aforesaid About the 16 instant wee were certainly informed by Letters out of the West especially by an Expresse from the Lord Roberts Governour of Plymouth to the Speaker of the House of Commons that that most impious and impudent rotten-hearted Apostate Skellum Greenvill having gathered all the forces hee could raise in Cornwall and other parts of the West did about the 10 of January 1644. about eleven of the clock at night alarm the works of the Town of Plymouth in 4 severall places at once with neer 6000 men whereby after a very hot dispute the Enemy became Masters of the 4 great works of the Town out of two of which they were quickly beaten but held the third called Little Penny-quick and began to scale or rather digge down another fort called Great Penny-quick But at last by the admirable courage of the Commanders and Garrison-Souldiers they were quite beaten out of that too with great losse unto the Enemy leaving 75 of their men dead on the place and at last 4 times as many more slain in this Service besides many hundreds wounded For as soon as they were beaten off from the 3 works the Plymouth men who behaved themselves with extraordinary gallantry invironed the fourth work whereinto our men had got partly by digging and undermining and partly by scaling and the Enemy within it who seeing themselves so suddainly beset and ensnared as it were in their so late and so sure seeming gotten prize instantly surrendered it upon quarter for their lives In this brave bickering there were also many prisoners taken and much armes the victory was very great and the Enemy by it much discouraged Let our God alone therefore have the greater praise and glory for it About the 18 instant wee received certain information again by Letters out of the West of valiant Colonell Holborns taking in of Sydenbam-House in which hee had neer an 100 prisoners among whom was one Captain one Leivtenant and other Officers in armes together with some other persons of quality And hee surprized also the High-Sheriffe of Somersetshire and ten Commissioners of Array with him And also that hee shortly after took 300 prisoners with many Horse and Armes as they were forraging abroad in those parts for plunder and spoyl And about the 21 instant the House of Commons in Parliament had a debate concerning the New Modell for the setling of the Armies And proceeded to the nomination of divers Officers for the new Army by which means tho for the time the Self-denying Ordinance seemed at this time to bee laid aside they might recall any of the Members of either House to the publike Service at home as well as if the said Ordinance had then been past Upon the conclusion of the debate it was now therefore Ordered and Voted that Sir Thomas Fairfax should bee Commander in cheif of the 21000 Horse and Foot to bee now raised according to the New Modell and
thought hee intends to joyn with Colonell Barkley the Governour of Excester and Sir William Waller is marching towards Colonell Holborn at Taunton and intends to draw out what strength hee can out of Sommersetshire to joyn with him and so to lose no time to pursue after So with my due respects and humble service I rest Your faithfull and affectionate Servant Southampton March 18. 1644. Here followeth a Copy of Sir William Wallers own Letter Sir COlonell Cook and Captain Butler have writen at large unto you and therefore I shall onely confirm it that with Gods gracious assistance wee have routed the best Regiment the King had in the West of 400 Horse there escaped not 30. the Colonell Sir James Long eight Captains and 7 Cornets were taken and most of the other Officers with about 300 prisoners This fell out in Wiltshire between Troughbridge and Stepstone Wee are now marching towards honest Holborn with whom by the grace of God wee will joyn or stick half way William Waller March 18. 1644. A List of what was taken Col. Sir James Long the high Sheriffe The Vnder-Sheriffe 8 Captains 7 Cornets 400 Horse 340 Armes 300 Prisoners Goring pursued by W. Waller About the 20 instant Letters from Abbington informed us that the brave Garrison there seemed to bee in a perpetuall motion against the nest of Oxonian humming Hornets and that as on other dayes so on the 14 of this instant March valiant and vigilant Major Generall Brown drew forth a party of about 300 Horse toward Chislington-Bridge part of which were brought to Wheatley-Bridge and Melton to hinder Oxford Market and about 10 of the clock they joyned and maâ—ched to Hedington where they took 4 or 5 Carts laden with provisions for Oxford They of Oxford also fell down another way and took 2 Carts going for Abbington but in the return of Colonell Browns party they were happily met withall and after a short but sharp and hot skirmish they of Abbington had the better slew 7 or 8 on the place took between 30 and 40 prisoners the chief Commander of the party Cornet Gardener was also taken and our friends Carts and all the Market folk whom they had taken prisoners rescued 3 of the prisoners then taken were Irish and therefore presently executed according to the Ordinance of Parliament and thus they returned without the losse of one man And the House of Commons in Parliament about this time taking into consideration the fidelity and valour of this brave Garrison of Abbington whose successefull actions have indeed crowned them with the Laurell-boughes of perpetuall fame and honourable memory under the command of their wise and most valiant Governour Major Generall Brown they Ordered that the Committee of Both Kingdomes should sign a Warrant presently for a 1000 pound to bee forthwith issued out and disposed of for the good and encouragement of that Garrison of Abbington And on this March the 22 a conference was had between both Houses of Parliament touching the ratification of the roll of Sir Thomas Fairfax his Officers or Colonells for the New-Modelled-Army at which Conference there was now at last a most happy concurrence of the Peeres with the Commons in approving the List a businesse which had hung in much suspence and had much retarded the setting forth of the Army and thereby much sadded the hearts of the best affected and onely gladded the hearts of the Malignants this List I say of Sir Thomas his Commanders was now most happily consented unto by the Peers without any alteration at all which was so acceptable to the House of Commons that upon the report thereof to their House they appointed a Committee to prepare a Message to the Lords to congratulate their happy concurrence and to assure them of the reall affection and endevours of the House of Commons to support their Lordships in their Honours and Priviledges And this being certainly so as indeed it was it did for the present and will for the future take off that reproach which the Malignants and incendiaries about the Town gave out That the Commons did endevour and use meanes to diminish the priviledges of the Peeres Whereat I say our pernicious Malignants much rejoyced and impiously hoped it was so indeed but were thus most happily frustrated of their wicked expectation therein Ever magnified bee our good God and gracious Father for it And now the List being thus past and perfected the New-Modelled Army was expedited shortly after into the field to Gods high honour and our unspeakable comfort as in due time and place shall bee abundantly manifested The said List of Commanders being a thing of so high concernment I have heer therefore thought fit to insert it for the Readers better content and for the honourable memory of the Persons and the Thing it self Sir Thomas Fairfax Commander in cheif Major Generall Skippon Officers of the Horse Colonell Middleton Colonell Sidney Colonell Graves Colonell Sheffield Colonell Vermudon Colonell Whaley Colonell Sir M. Levisay Colonell Fleetwood Colonell Rossiter Colonell Sir Robert Pye Officers of the Foot Colonell Crayford Colonell Berkley Colonell Aldridge Colonell Holborne Colonell Fortescue Colonell Inglesby Colonell Montague Colonell Pickering Colonell Welden Colonell Rainsborow And this also is very observable by us that for the more happy advance of this New-Army it pleased the Lord to put into the hearts of our Parliamentary-Worthies that among all the other necessary provisions both for the hastening and the happifying also of Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Army into the field they took speciall care of the Spirituall Discipline thereof by sufficient and able Preachers to goe along with them as well as of the Martiall Discipline by honest and valiant Commanders the House of Commons therefore Ordered that the Assembly of Divines should nominate and present to Sir Thomas Fairfax such pious and learned Preachers as they knew every way fit and able for that service And is not such an Army like to thrive think you where piety and probity as well as courage and magnanimity is so piously and prudently endevoured About the 24 of this instant the Lords in Parliament were pleased to bring the eare of the godly education of the Kings Children at Whitehall into their thoughts and serious consideration and thereupon to make the most Noble Earle of Northumberland Governour and his virtuous Lady Governesse of them and to Order an Annuall allowance for their encouragement therin of 3000 pound A worthy act indeed and may justly bring to our thoughtâ— the brave and blessed education given to young King Edward 〈◊〉 6. and to Queen Elizabeth of ever happy memory the recoverâ—â—â— under God of the Gospel out of Egâ—ptian dark Popery and who were the glory of our English nation for these many yeers And wee doubt not as wee pray but those 2 most noble and honourable personages will make it their study and care to have those 2 young Princes instructed and brought up so
place and took neer as many prisoners 4 great barrells of powder being all they had there took all their field peices their bagge and baggage and dispersed the Enemy and had at this time utterly spoyled and ruinated them had not the darknesse of the night hindered his pursuite of them The Honourable House of Commons taking into consideration this prosperous successe which it pleased the Lord to give our brethren in Scotland which was of much concernment not only for the hoped peace of that Kingdome but of this also they therfore Ordered that publick Thanksgiving should bee made for the same the then next ensuing Lords Day in the severall Parish Churches in London and Westminster and within the Line of Communication and a Committee of the Lords and Commons addressed themselves to the Scottish Commissioners to congratulate them in that happy and seasonable Victory About the 14 instant among divers other usefull Ordinances of Parliament there was one passed by the House of Commons for exempting the University of Cambridge from all Military Taxes and other Contributions to the publike Service That nothing contained in any Ordinance or Ordinances of Parliament for or concerning the imposing levying or paying of any assessements taxes or charges whatsoever as well already made and charged as hereafter to bee made and charged by any former Ordinances shall not bee extended to charge the said University or any the Colledges or Halls therein or any the Rents or Revenues belonging thereunto nor to charge any Master Fellow or Schollar of any the said Colledges or any Reader Officer or Minister of the said University or Colledges for or in regard of any Wages Stipend or Profit due to them or any of them in respect of their places and employments in the said University any thing in the said Ordinances to the contrary notwithstanding Provided that the Tenents who enjoy Leases from the said University and Colledges doe claime no freedome or exemption or advantage by this said Ordinance Heer therefore that old Prelaticall slander of the Malignant Enemies is already clearly confuted who maliciously and falsly give out as if the Parliament were or would bee haters and discountenancers of Learning and parts whereas they ever aâ—med at the advancement thereof by a most necessary Reformation and cleansing of the University from its old stale and stinking lees and corrupted and corrupting dregs of Popery Arminianism superstition profanenesse and even open atheisme as was too evident in so many Prelaticall Popish and Arminian creatures therin such superstitious idle-addle-headed Governours so many formalists and politicians in Divinity meer Atheists in conversation who constantly infected the better wits and ingenous Spirits inducing and drawing them by their most prevalent pernicious examples to their own wayes and wicked practises But now the Fountain being purifyed and cleansed the streams must needs run abroad more clear into Church and Common-wealth by Gods blessing on the means About the 16 of this instant Aprill wee had suddain and certain intelligence out of Kent that about 3 or 400 mad-headed and discontented Malignants part of the rascality of that County were gotten into a body and had put themselves into a second open Rebellion and had taken Sir Percivall Harts house neer Farningham and had got divers horse and Armes which might threaten some danger to that flourishing County but by the speedy provision and care of the Committee and Gentry of that County the Serpent was crusht in the Egge for they had instantly ordered and authorized noble Colonell Blunt who indeed merited much honour in this Service to raise forces in the County for the suppressing of them who used such industry wisdome courage and fidelity therein that hee had soon raised a body of about 2000 horse and foot in one afternoon and part of the next morning and with quick expedition marched after them with 4 field peices toward Lunnington House and having found them out resolutely set upon them and had soon utterly routed and dispersed them took 50 of their principall Ring-leaders who were clapt up in safe custody till they might bee proceeded against by Martiall-Law And thus praised bee the Lord this spark of rebellion not being neglected was as timely quenched as it was soon kindled Much about which said time wee were certainly informed by Letters out of Hampshire that a party of renowned Colonell Nortons horse from Southampton being upon a design to fortifie Rumsey and so to straiten the Enemies Garrison at Winchester which the better to effect a party of his horse I say under the Command of Major Stewart were drawn out to face Winchester and so to keep the Enemy in play whilst Rumsey was thus fortifying which was done accordingly and after some small skirmishing Major Stewart retreated with the losse of 4 or 5 of his men and as many of the Enemies upon his retreat the Enemy advanced but now Major Stewart being seconded by a fresh party from Rumsey set again upon them routed and pursued them killed Leivtenant Coard and 6 or 7 more on the place took Captain Heath Cornet Barnes and 4 or 5 other Officers and about 30 horse and their Riders prisoners and brought them safe to Rumsey and afterward sent them to Southampton In this service Major Stewart received a shot in the thigh but not mortall only a badge of honour unto him praised bee the Lord for it About the 18 instant wee had clear intimation and knowledge of divers of the Lords and Peers of the Kingdom who having formerly deserted the Parliament and shown themselves in open opposition or at best in slie and faithlesse tergiversation from the Cause of God maintained by this present Parliament yet now at the length the Lord as wee hope having opened their eyes of understanding to see their errour and perswaded their hearts as wee trust to cleave to his Truth in sincerity and cordiall loyalty and therefore now I say divers of them were come in unto the Parliament from Oxford and took their Oath and the Solemn Covenant to bee true and faithfull to the service of the Parliament to the uttermost of their abilities both with their lives and fortunes First there came in about the 10 of this instant 3 Earles and 3 Lords Viz. The Earl of Bedford the Earl of Clare and the Earl of Leicester the Lord Pawlet the Lord Conway and the Lord Rich. And since that 5 more came in and took the same Oath and Covenant Viz. the Earl of Westmerland the Earl of Tenet the Earl of Monmouth and the Lord Savill The rest wee pray and trust will also in the Lords due time see their foul errours and seeing bee ashamed and sin no more in that kinde And about the 20 of this instant Aprill wee received certain intelligence by a Letter from a Member of the Committee of Worcester then residing at Warwick concerning a great and brave defeat given to Prince Maurice his forces in
In the singular good service also of prudent and pious Major Generall Skippon in so fully and fairly reducing the Officers and Souldiers of the former old Army to serve under Sir Thomas Fairfax in his New-Modelled-Armie a businesse of high concernment as things then stood In the brave victory which the Lord gave to our loving and loyall Brethren of Scotland by Major Generall Vâ—rey against Montrosse And the honourable encouragement of Literature in the University of Cambridge by our pious and prudent Parliament In the seasonable and successefull appeasing of that Second Rebellion in Kent And the brave defeat given to the Enemy by valiant Colonell Norton at Rumsey In the happy reduction of divers both Earles and Lords from Oxford to the Parliaments party Together with that brave defeat given to Prince Mauâ—ices forces in Worcestershire And lastly In those famous defeates and brave Victories obtained by renowned Major Generall Brown and Leivtenant Generall Cromwell against the Enemies forces about Oxford The singular good estate and happy harmony of Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Army now in the field and advanced to Oxford And the provident and prudent setling of the Sea-affaires as well as Land-affaires in managing the Admiralty of the Seas by most wise and loyall Commissioners All which rare mercies and prudent passages of State seriously considered and as they ought most gratefully recogitated has not England sinfull England most just cause still to expostulate with it self and cordially to confesse with holy David Thou O Lord hast turned for us our mourning into dauncing Thou hast put off our sack-cloth and girded us with gladnesse for this very end that our glory even our hearts tongues and lives may still sing praises to thee our God Therefore O Lord our God to thee alone wee will give thanks and praises for ever and ever And now to proceed ANd heer now I shall begin this Moneth of Mayes memorable mercies with that most remarkable deliverance from imminent danger which the Lord most graciously wrought for that famous faithfull and ever to bee honoured gallant Commander Colonell Massie which was certified by his own Letter to London May the 4. whereof because our foule-mouthed Malignants had with full-mouthed false boasts and bragges vapoured so much and vaunted of a mighty defeat given by the Enemy to that famous and fortunate Commander I therefore have heer thought fit to give the Reader for his farther satisfaction and fuller content a sight of the true Copy of the said Letter which was as followeth Sir ON the 21 of this instant Aprill Prince Rupert marching all that night came the next morning Aprill 22 from Ledbury where I then was but the Enemy intercepting 8 of my Scouts wee had no intelligence till they were neer at hand upon us The Enemies advanced and charged into the Town upon us and my self with divers Gentlemen Viz. Major Harlow Leivtenant Colonell Kerle Major Bacchus Captain Gifford Captain More and Captain Baily with some others and some common Souldiers with the assistance of 200 Musketteers out of the County Forces received them and so soon as wee received the Alarm wee drew out upon them and marching close up to them fell on them beat them to a retreat and made it good against them so long till my foot might retreat a secure way to Gloucester After the foot wee marched off and out of the Town wee had two or three hot charges upon them where wee slew neer forty of the Enemies men and many of them that were killed at this charge being Officers of quality and esteem On our part wee had very few killed not above 6 or 7. but I was inforced my self still to charge in the head of all my Troops to incourage the Warwick and Northampton horse I and my Officers bearing the heat of the day At length intending to retreat to our place of advantage some horse of those sent to mee not standing to it as they should have done the Enemy got in amongst our foot but wee redeemed that again and marched off into the field The Enemy have sent us a List of the Prisoners which they took from us the number by their own List is 110 prisoners but above 80 of them were none of my men only such Country people as they swept away with them in their retreat that did never bear Armes onely they carryed them away to cause them by money or making friends for exchange to redeem themselves my Major Sergeant-Major Bacchus is desperately wounded in the head and was carryed away prisoner by the Enemy to Hereford Major Harlow had a sleight wound in the head and another in the arme but came bravely off Captain Baily and Captain Foster with some other common men of ours are taken prisoners by them I have sent for their freedom by exchange of some of those prisoners I took from them many of them being men of quality and â—now to redeem them all if they were thrice as many Prince Rupert sent mee word by my Trumpeter that I sent that in the fight hee sought mee out but knew me not till after no more than I knew him But it seems wee charged each other and hee shot my horse under mee and I did as much for him At that charge many Commanders of theirs fell Prince Rupert is I hear very much enraged to undertake so great and toilsome a march and so much to misse his end I had by Gods blessing my intendment and stopt his present march Northward to God bee the glory Prince Ruperts Army by the report of the Countrey is noised about to bee 6 or 7000 horse and foot who are now upon their march again towards Ludlow and so as I hear intend for Saloâ— if they bee not prevented again which must bee by a more considerable strength than I have The forces that were with mee were in all about 500 foot and 350 horse nor were these all with mee at Lydbury for my Guards were not come The Enemy braglittle of their getting but lament much the names of the Commanders and Officers that were slain by us I shall send you by the next Your humble Servant Edward Massie Aprill 25. 1645. Post script My last Letter told you that Lydney House was fired and Sir John Winter ran away by the light of the flames and for haste over-ran two of his great Gunnes one Demi-Culverin one Saker and 3 brases of Iron murtherers which hee left behind at Lydney to doe mee a courtesie Sir John fired all the way hee went till our forces drove them to a full flight over the Bridge The consideration of this gallant service of Colonel Massies and all his former successes rendered him most honourable in the thoughts of his endeared friends the Honourable House of Commons who presently after the reading thereof fell into consultation how to reward him in some measure to his great deservings and thereupon it was Ordered that an Ordinance of Parliament should bee
a 1000 Armes left behinde them for haste and divers barrells of powder with other Ammunition and provision and the Enemy taking along with them 12 or 14 Cart loads of their dead men besides many wounded Wee found about 200 wounded men of ours in the Town and not above an 100 slain in all this siege praised bee the Lord for it Since I came heer in 6 weeks time I saw a wonderfull change scarce a man to bee seen in a whole Village so barbarously had the Enemy unpeopled the Country I shall in all humility acquaint you with what I hear My Regiment is designed for the West I humbly intreat if it bee possible I may wait on your honour in your Army which if your Excellency shall please to grant it will much oblige Your most humble Servant Ralph Welden Palmister May 11. 1645. After the reading of this Letter in the House of Commons they began to consider of this great mercy and therefore Ordered in the first place That there should bee a publique Thanksgiving in all the Churches and Chappels in London and Lines of Communication on the next Lords day for the relieving of this distressed Town that so God may have the honour due unto him for it In the next place the House Ordered that a Letter should bee writ to Sir Thomas Fairfax giving him the Thanks of the House for his great care and faithfull service in omitting of no time for the releif of Taunton and that Sir Thomas Fairfax should bee desired to take particular notice of this gallant service of Colonell Welden A Letter was likewise Ordered to bee sent from the House to the Town of Taunton and to the Governour and Souldiers therein to give them the hearty Thanks of the Parliament for this extraordinary gallant service in maintaining the Town against the Enemy so long But the speciall regard that the Parliament had of this Garrison rested not there for An Order was made likewise by the House for the bestowing of 2000 pound upon the Souldiers of that Garrison for their valour and courage in this service And as an earnest of a further reward to the undaunted and ever honoured Governour Colonell Blake It was likewise Ordered that 500 pound should bee paid to him forthwith for his own use The House likewise taking into consideration that by reason of the late tedious and unwearyed marches of Sir Thomas Fairfaxes foot they had worn out their shooes and were in great need of supply it was further Ordered That it should bee referred to the Committee for the Army to provide and forthwith send down shooes for Sir Thomas Fairfaxes foot The House of Commons further made an Order of reference to the Committee of Both Kingdomes to take care that no advantage bee lost by the releif of Taunton but to use their endevour to improve it to the best advantage of the West and the whole Kingdome and wee have great cause to hope that care will bee taken thereof accordingly About the 15 of this instant May our most provident Parliamentary Statists for the more prudent regulating of the Generall Sir Thomas Fairfaxes New-Modelled Army Ordered certain very excellent Orders to bee observed by all Officers and Souldiers from the Commissioners of the Army to the meanest Souldier both to take care of false Musters of plundering of buying Horses for the State taken by the Souldiers that they should bee marked by the Mark-Master of the Army c. To forbid any Officers to quarter in any house but by Ticket from the Quarter-Master and to pay ready money for mans meat and horse meat according to the rates set down and in case any money should bee wanting to any man hee must receive a Ticket for it c. That Teames or any horses in Plough or Cart are not to bee taken except in case of necessity and then also by Warrant from the Commander in Cheif Divers other good Orders were then also ordained and appointed which are like by Gods mercy to produce good effects and a happy conclusion of this present unhappy Warre especially since wee know it is Gods way when wee manage our affaires without violence and wrong and wee see the Country us the Army passes along is extraordinarily taken with love and affection toward them at the sight of their fair and honest demeanour And heer I cannot omit to make mention of another singular mercy of God unto us in our Armies Viz. The most excellent love and good agreement of Major Generall Cromwell and of Major Generall Brown though both oâ— brave and high Spirits all the time of their being together at and about Oxford and elsewhere in all Orders and Commands even beyond compare yea even striving who should prefer the Service and honour of other more than of himself as if Davids and Jonathans 2 soules were transmigrated and mutually united in one body O if such sweetnesse and onenesse of hearts and affections had been found among our Commanders formerly wee had certainly now been in a farre better condition than as yet wee are like to bee in About the 20 of this instant our most noble pious and gratefull Parliamentary Worthies took into their serious thoughts the payment of the arrears of the most noble late Lord Generall the Earl of Essex whose faithfull and noble services for the State will make his name most honourable to posterity and Ordered the payment thereof partly out of the Kings Revenues and partly out of Haberdashers Hall in London And as a farther pledge of the Kingdoms love and gratitude to the said most noble Earl and as a requitall of his great losses sustained by the Enemy for his constant and loyall adherence to the Parliament and the Kingdomes just Cause an Ordinance of Parliament was passed by the House of Commons for the settling of 10000 pound per annum upon the said noble Earl out of the sale of Papists and Delinquents Estates The House also took into consideration the good service of the party that lately releived Taunton under the Command of Colonell Welden and Colonell Graves and agreed upon a certain pay for them during their service in the West and Ordered that 3000 pound should bee charged Monethly upon the Excise for 4 Moneths for the payment of those Forces The House likewise considered the most gallant service and high deserts of that noble and brave Commander Sir John Meldrum slain not long afterward to our great losse and sorrow at the siege of Scarborough-Castle and in particular his last brave Service in winning the Town Haven and shipping of Scarborough as also the brave assault hee last made upon the said Castle of Scarborough when hee received his most unhappy deaths-wound They Ordered that a Letter of Thanks should bee wrote unto him and that 500 li. should bee added to the 1000 pound formerly given him by both Houses of Parliament to bee bestowed upon him as an earnest of their affections
And base things in the worlds esteem and things which are despised yea and things which are not God hath chosen as heer wee see to bring to nought things which are And heer me thinks I cannot pretermit but most justly make honourable mention of what I have been credibly informed of touching our most noble and renowned Generall himself Viz. That hee was observed before this fight to have been exceeding merry and cheerfull in his carriage and countenance among his Commanders and Souldiers But after this victory was obtained hee continually day by day carryed himself with very much settleed gravity of countenance lowlinesse and meeknesse of face and heart as giving God all the honour and willing to take none to himself Two rare postures indeed of a pious and prudent Cornelius or Commander and fit for all Souldiers especially Saint-like Souldiers to practise and imitate For indeed both Hee I mean this our most renowned Generall and all of us with him might most justly as reverend Mr. Marshall in his excellent Thanksgiving Sermon at Christ-Church the Thursday following this famous Victory say concerning this glorious Victory as the most noble and renowned late Lord Generall nobly said at Keinton-Victory Never more of God and lesse of man And therefore as wee were most justly bound our most pious and prudent Parliamentary Worthies immediately upon their perfect knowledge and understanding of this so glorious a Victory as you have thus fully heard appointed a day of Solemn Thanksgiving to bee celebrated to the high honour and praise of our great and gracious Wonder-working God a Copy of which their Order I have heer inserted which was as followeth Die Lunae Junii 16. 1645. ORdered by the Lords and Commons in Parliament that Thursday next shall bee set apart for a day of Publique Thanksgiving to Almighty God in all the Churches and Chappels within the Cities of London and Westminster and Lines of Communication and weekly bils of Mortallity For the great and glorious Victory obtained by the Parliaments Army under the Command of Sir Thomas Fairfax against the Forces of the King And Mr. Marshall and Mr. Vines bee desired to Preach at Christ-Church before the Parliament And that the Lord Major Aldermen and Common-Councell doe meet the Parliament there And it is further Ordered That Friday being the 27 of this instant June bee set apart for a publick day of Thanksgiving for this Victory in all the Churches and Chappell 's in the severall Counties of the Kingdom under the power of the Parliament H. Elsynge Cler. Parl. D. Com. About the 15 of this instant there came Letters out of Shropshire which certified of severall good services performed by Colonell Mittons forces in those parts and for better satisfaction I have heer thought fit to insert the Copy of the Letter it self which was sent to renowned Colonell Mitton himself which was as followeth SIR I Being desired by Leivtenant Colonell Goldgay to certifie our late proceedings at Oswestree and the good successe wherewith it pleased God to blesse your Forces there I am humbly bold thus to trouble you On Tuesday the third of this present June your Troop with a considerable party of your Foot marched unto Clerk being commanded by Leivtenant Colonell Goldgay where wee took 27 horse from under their walls being the best horse I have seen together in Wales Wee drawing off in order the Enemy sallyed out came through the wood with firelocks thinking to redeem their losse charged our Rear-guard of horse whom Captain Simpkins caused to face about and fall on them lying in the manner of an ambuscado which they did and soon got through them and got betwixt them and home killed 2 of them took 24. the Governours Leivtenant being one and his Organist whose losse hath caused a generall Melancholly in the Castle and if hee bee not changed their mirth and devotion it is to bee feared will perish together On Thursday the 6 instant wee marched in the like posture to Shraden went close under their works took from them 24 good horse which was the greatest part of Dr. Charles Vaughan then Governour his Troop wee expected them also to sally out but the Dr. though hee hath forgotten his Preaching since hee turned Cavalier yet remembred his Grammar-rule Optimum est alienâ frui insaniâ For being warned by the folly and harm of Cherkmen hee was content to sleep within doores in a whole skin and to suffer us to march away with our prize without any of their lets or least disturbance This wee did without the losse or hurt of any one man of ours Wee ascribe the praise and memory of the work to that God who hath hitherto crowned your endevours with successe and I doubt not in despight of malice will doe so still under whose banner of love I leave you and humbly rest yours to Command And now upon the 19 of this instant June being the next ensuing Thursday after the happy tydings of the foresaid most famous Victory at Naseby according as our most pious and prudent Parliamentary Senators had formerly Ordered and as our most renowned Generall himself Sir Thomas Fairfax had earnestly desired by the Messenger by whom the relation of the victory was first brought a day of Solemn Thanksgiving was celebrated and wholly set apart to give all the glory of that great Victory and mighty mercy to the Lord alone as it was most due in all Churches and Chappels within the Cities of London and Westminster and the Lines of Communication which was as on this day most solemnly performed in a speciall manner at Christ-Church in London where reverend and religious Mr. Marshall and Mr. Vines preached that day before the whole Body of the Parliament both Lords and Commons whom the Lord Major the Aldermen and Common Councell of London met there and had invited the said most honourable Lords and Commons to dine with them that day in their City at Grocers hall And heer I hope it will not bee offensive or tedious to my Reader to give him a short sight or intimation of the manner of the gallant entertainment the City gave the Parliament at Grocers Hall that day not to mention the Messes of their dainty chear which in great plenty was provided answerable to so honourable an Assembly but onely to shew you the speciall guests and the order of their placing according to their state and Orders which was thus At the upper end of the Hall sate the Lord Major On the left hand The Prince Elector Earle of Northumberland Earle of Kent Earle of Essex Earle of Manchester Lord North Earl of Elgar Lord Brighton Two of the Scotch Commissioners On the right hand Earle of Pembroke Earle of Nottingham Earle of Salisbury Earle of Denbigh Earle of Bullingbrook One Scotch Lord The Lord Say There were three Tables more in the Hall On the right hand going up sate Mr. Speaker at the upper end entring to the doore toward
to Wareham in great triumph and joy without the losse of one man And about the 22 of June wee had credible information by Letters out of Cheshire that Colonell Jones a Gentleman of approved valour and fidelity to the Parliaments Cause having command of about 1300 horse and foot the horse were Sir William Breretons who himself was gone up to London by virtue of the Self-denying Ordinance and hee having assured intelligence of a party of the Kings consisting of about 1700. neer Kidderminster in Worcestershire about 12 miles from Worcester hee most courageously fell upon them killed above 40 on the place took 300 horse and a 100 prisoners among whom was a Leivtenant Colonell a Captain and some other Officers the remainder of them escaping fled to Beudly and Worcester which was indeed their head Quarter About the 26 of this instant June our most renowned and ever to bee most highly honoured Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax sent a Letter to the high and honourable Court and House of Commans in Parliament wherein hee certified his sending up to the said House that most precious present and memorable mercy of the Lord unto us I mean The Kings Cabinet full of His and the Queens Letters taken in the late famous fight and most glorious Victory at Naseby which Sir Thomas most prudently and humbly desired in his Letter might bee read in a full House and publick audience of all the Commons in Parliament which accordingly was performed and therein were most happily discovered admirable matters of as great importance as ever were discovered since the beginning of these most unhappy and unnaturall Warres which in breif were to this effect First there was found a Declaration of his Majesties intentions for the setling of Peace and Religion in this Kingdom certified by a Letter to the Queen wherein hee does assure her that no agreement shall bee made but what shall bee approved by her and that all Laws made against Popery shall bee repealed and yet when Letters came from Oxford to the Parliament touching a Treaty and in the Propositions for Peace there were verball expressions that Laws should bee made against Popery Secondly hee acquainted the Queen that hee intended to make a firm peace with his good Subjects the Irish Rebels and that severall Acts called Paynings-Law made in behalf of the Protestants of that Kingdom should bee repealed But in lieu thereof 40000 Irish were expected to help on the Warres in England for hee must wage Warre hee said till this Perpetuall Parliament as hee termed it were dissolved for otherwise he could never Order things to His or Her content Thirdly in another Letter the Queen chid the King in that hee did in the Treaty at Vxbridge acknowledge the Lords and Commons assembled at Westminster to bee a Parliament which is answered in other Letters then taken that hee did not positively acknowledge it a Parliament it being otherwise to bee construed though they were so simple not to finde it out And that it was entred upon Record among the Acts of the Kings Councell that it was not done out of any intent to have Posterity to think that hee did truely acknowledge it a Parliament In other Letters hee also writes That His long Parliament would in a short time hee dissolved In others That if forces could bee sent to the King out of forain Kingdomes hee would cause all the Acts of Parliament against Papists to bee repealed Fourthly the King found fault in other Letters that hee could not prevail with his Juncto at Oxford which hee called his Mongrell Parliament to passe a Vote against the Lords and Commons at Westminster which hee called his perpetuall Parliament that they are not a lawfull Parliament saying Some of them were so over-witty some stark fooles and others so phantasticall that hee cannot make them due any things to his content The Queen also in one Letter desired the King to give Jermin thanks for his care of her and for his good service there And the King promised not to goe a jot from the little paper shee sent him Many other such like notable passages were in those Letters but I leave the Reader for fuller satisfaction therein to the Parliaments Declaration and the Letters themselves which shortly after were printed and published by Order of Parliament with excellent annotations upon them after they had first been publickly read in a Common Hall in the Guild-Hall in London by a Committee of both Houses of Parliament met there for that very purpose the Lord Major Aldermen and Common Councell of the City of London together with a mighty confluence of Citizens of all sorts and ranks being assembled thither at the reading of the Letters and Annotations upon then who by their shouts and exhibilations declared their marveilous dislike and disapprobations of the Kings and Queens evill expressions in them and on the contrary their high approbation of the Parliaments proceedings by their unanimous acclamations upon the observations made on the said Letters by the Members of the House of Commons to the amazement of the then present hearers and the future wonder and astonishment of Posterity either Malignants or others But to goe on About the 28 of this instant June wee had certain intelligence by particular Letters out of Shropshire of divers brave services performed by the valiant and active forces of Shrewsbury Garrison commanded by the Committee there namely of the taking in of Stoksey and Caus-Castles places of great strength and importance in those parts The substance of which Letters and true relation of which said Victories I have heer for brevities sake faithfully set down for the Readers full content and satisfaction which were as followeth SIR THere was drawn out of this Garrison by order from the Committee 500 foot and 300 horse viz. part of Colonell Mackworths Regiment and part of Colonell Lloyds Regiment both of them marchâ—d along in the service our forces marched within five miles of Ludlow the design being to reduce that part of this County and to secure it by placing some Garrisons there to block up Ludlow with a party of horse they viewed Howgate and Braincroft Castles both of which the Enemy had much demolished notwithstanding they placed the Lord Calvine in Braincroft Castle and fell to repaire and fortifie it in the interim they sent Leivtenant Colonell Riveling to view Stokesey Castle a Garrison of the Enemies the place was conceived considerable therefore the next morning wee drew up to it and summoned it but the Governour Captain Dauret refused thereupon wee prepared for a storm being ready to fall on gave a second summons which was hearkned unto a parley admitted and the Castle delivered up and is now Garrisoned by us One of these Castles commands all Cordale a rich and fertill part of the County the other secures all Stretonsdale so that Ludlow is blockt up on this side and hath only Hereford to range
costliest Capitall-Letters of Gold I mean that most memorable Victory at Naseby in Northamptonshire given by our good God to his vaâ—iant and virtuous his gallant and godly servant Sir Thomas Fairfax the Parliaments most renowned Generall In the excellent successes of the Parliaments forces against their Enemies in Shropshire And the sacred and solemn celebration of a Day of Thanksgiving to our all-good-giving God for that foresaid great Victory in speciall And the Parliaments honourable gratitude to Gods Instruments therein A rare and right way to beget more blessings In the most happy regaining of Leicester out of the Harpeian-hands of Enemies And the triumphant conduction of the Naseby Prisoners to London there to bee kept in custody yet used there with Christian mercy and clemency In our loyall and loving Brethren of Scotlands neerer advance unto us to help the Lord against the Mighty Together with that brave defeat given to our Enemies by the Garrison of Wareham in the Wâ—st And valiant Colonell Joneses also against our adversaries in Cheshire In the Lords admirable good providence in bringing to light and publike knowledge the Kings and Queenes most ungodly designes for the ruinating of all their 3 late most flourishing Kingdomes by the happy apprehension of the Kings Cabinet of Letters Together with the continued good successe of our forces in Sâ—ropshire in the taking of Stokesey Castle Caus-Castle and Heighworth in Wiltshire In the most serious and sanctmonious rumination and recogitation of all which most rich and rare Parliamentary Mercies and Victories most sweet and singular passages and fair footsteps of divine providence and preservation O how should our hearts bâ—e râ—nzed and raised up to an exceeding high pitch of praise and incessant and redundant gratitude to our so good so great so gracious God who hath so gloriously and so graciously wrought all these great things for us especially that most famous and glorious and never sufficiently to bee admired mercy in Nasebies admirable and most advantageous Victory Concerning which O how can England greatly beloved England though most ungratefull and sinfull England but in infinitely bound and unbounded-exultation and admiration confesse and say with the Holy Prophet that The Lord went forth in this famous fight as a mighty man stirring up jealousie and wrath as a man of Warre and mightily prevailing against his enemies By whom the terrible one is brought to nought the scorners are consumed and all that maliciously watched for iniquity and blood are righteously cut off And therefore I say O how justly may wee heer take up that of the pious Prophet David and with him most cordially sing and say If it had not been the Lord who was on our side now may England say if it had not been the Lord who was on our side when men rose up against us They had swallowed us up quick when their rage and wrath was kindled against us Then the waters had overwhelmed us Yea the proud waves had gone over our Soules But blessed O for ever blessed bee the Lord who hath not given us as justly for our sins hee might a prey to their mouthes For our Soule is escaped as a bird out of the snare and all our help stands in the name of the Lord Hallelujah therefore Hallelujah praised and ever blessed and glorified bee the name of the Lord. ANd now to proceed in our farther progresse to the continued contemplation of this admirable still continued wonder of the Burning-Bush Vnconsumed and therein of the rich and rare mercies of our ever blessed and bountifull God the unexhaustible fountain of all goodnesse to us his English Israel And first I shall acquaint the Reader that whiles our most miserably seduced King was fleeting from place to place between Bristoll and the Forrest of Dean c. and taking fierce and furious illegall courses to recruite his mangled Army even almost quite broken in peices at Nasebies famous fight among the poore and perplexed inhabitants of Herefordshire Worcester and such parts of Gloucestershire as hee had any power in to strengthen and revive his now gasping and neer expiring desperate designes in the West with Goring and Greenvill devillish Dives and the rest In this interim I say our most pious and prudent Parliament had Ordered by a speciall Ordinance from the House of Commons that the Assembly of Divines at Westminster should upon Tuesday the first of this instant July seek the Lord our God for his continued ayd and assistance in blessing the proceedings of our forces then also gathering into the West in a set day of Humiliation in the City of London which was accordingly performed by divers of the most eminent Members of the said Assembly who all that day did Preach and Pray in these following places Viz. In the Abbey at Westminster in Christ-Church in London Black-Fryers Dunstans West Dunstans East Michael Cornhill Olaves Southwark Algate and Aldermanbury A Jove oâ—ne principium And are not those works like to prosper indeed which are begun in the Lord Yes certainly as now wee shall yet farther illustrate and set forth in their subsequent and most proper places And much about the very same time there being a strong suspition of dangerous persons to lurk and lye hid and harboured in a house in Long-Acres neer Covent Garden which had been the House of one Mr. Catesby where once the Popes Nuncio lay and was entertained this House I say being suspected was suddenly searched by authority thereunto given and there they found and apprehended at least 29 or 30 Carts load of Papists and pernicious Malignants goods to a great value being very much thereof rich goods indeed which was all taken away and carryed to Haberdashers-Hall or to Cambden-House There was among them also very much Popish apish trumpery as Crucifixes Images and many Popish Books which were laid up and kept till a due time to bee reduced into ashes by the fire the best use that could bee made of such Romane Babylonish babyish fooleries and the rest of the goods to bee sold to the best advantage and the money to bee disposed of by Order of Parliament for the use and supply of the Parliaments Garrisons and forces in the West About the 4 of this instant our most loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland published a most pious and modest Remonstrance which they had lately before sent and for certain had presented to the King himself wherein they shewed themselves full of godly zeale and fidelity to God the King and Parliament of England which being singularly worthy of speciall notice but too large to bee heer inserted at full as it was delivered I shall heer only for brevities sake give the godly Reader some of the most memorable passages or heads thereof which were to this effect First that his Majesty would bee pleased to call to minde their oft neglected addresses to him heretofore and after their prayers to
God for him and his Posterity they certified how unfaithfull they should bee to God and his Majesty if they should conceal the present danger wherein hee is a danger infinitely greater than the displeasure of his people They therefore in the humility and greif of their Soules did prostrate themselves before his Throne and in the name of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ 〈◊〉 bold to warne him that the guilt which cleaveth so fast to his Throne and his Soule is such as if not timely repented will involve him and his Posterity under the wrath of the ever-living God Next they freely proceeded to acquaint his Majesty what were the occasions of his great and growing danger in which if they should bee silent their conscience would condemn them and the stones themselves would finde expressions As first for his being guilty of the shedding of the blood of many thousands of his best Subjects Secondly for permitting the Masse and other Idolatry both in his Family and Dominions Thirdly for his authorizing the book of Sports and by consequence the profanation of the Lords Day Fourthly for his not punishing of publike scandalls in and about his â—ourt Fifthly for the shutting of his ears from the humble and just desires of his faithfull Subjects Sixtly for his complying too much with the Popish party many wayes and namely by concluding the Cessation of Armes in Ireland and imbracing the Counsells of those who have not set God nor his good before their eyes Seventhly for resisting and by Armes opposing this Cause which so much concernes the glory of God his own honour and happinesse and the peace and safety of his Kingdomes Eightly for some other private causes of which his Majesty is conscious to himself It being not the desire of these grave and reverend men to have mentioned any particulars if that they had not already been publike and known For all these and for every one of them they implore his Majesty to fall down at the footstoole of the King of Glory to acknowledge his offences to make haste to repentance and to labor for peace with God through Jesus Christ that the Son of God may reign over him and his Kingdomes in his pure Ordinances and the Government of the Church Moreover they desire his Majesty to take notice that they are not staggering or faint hearted through diffidence of the successe of their Cause and the Covenant of the three Kingdomes unto which as God hath already given many testimonies of his favour and blessing so it shall bee their unshaken confidence that this is the work and Cause of God which shall gloriously prevaile against all opposition and from which with the assistance of the Grace of God they shall never suffer themselves to bee divided or withdrawn but shall zealously and constantly in their severall Vocations endevour with their Estates and Lives to pursue and advance the same This Remonstrance being so full of piety to God and allegiance to the King is able some would think to beget a better opinion in the stubbornest Malignants concerning the proceedings of our Brethren the Scots and either to perswade or convince them to a better understanding of them The Lord Digby hath returned answer that his Majesty will take it into consideration who knows but that God may so move his Royall heart that the Letters of this paper may bee more effectuall than an Army of men in the field and bee a happy means to reduce the King to his Parliament But notwithstanding all this hee still goes on in a most hardned condition like a most miserable Prince For as wee well knew in the mean while hee was making what possible speed hee could to recover new strength His Warrants are issued forth for supplies of men whiles the miserable and desolate Countrey that a long time hath suffered under the calamity of warre can lend him but little assistance either for men or money Wee heard that a great part of his Horsemen were wounded in Naseby fight and that hee lately made a halt and stayed the longer in Wales to understand the inclinations of the people Indeed his Army might well halt when that so many of his men were wounded and our swords have not so deeply wounded his men as hee hath wounded his own honour by calling over the Irish to assist him They say that there are a Legion or Brigade of Irish consisting of about 4000. who are newly landed to assist him I suspect the truth thereof and have reason to bee doubtfull of it because I finde that our greatest Intelligencers cannot agree amongst themselves and doe much vary in what place they are landed It is very likely that many are come over but not so many as are commonly reported And are the barbarous and prodigious Acts of the Irish in their own Kingdom such pleasing cruelties that they must bee sent for into England to act them over again heer Must the West which suffered the last yeer under the horrid lust and fury of the French bee now the Stage where the Irish shall act their Tragedies Rouze up thy self thou desolate and much afflicted West thou hast now the meanes to shake off the yoak of thy Subjection if thou art so happy as to apprehend the meanes of thy deliverance But to goe on About the 6 of this instant July whiles the poore King was thus fruitlesly strugling Per fas nefas to recruite his foresaid broken Army our most noble and renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax was now in the West endevouring with all fidelity and magnanimity of spirit to purchase by Gods assistance Liberty to those long distressed parts of the Kingdom and just honour to himself and as credible information affirmed had sent a choyce body of horse to Gloucester to observe the motion of the Kings Army and to attend the landing of his forces on this side the River Severn which hee could not doe without apparent danger In which interim wee had certain intelligence that the Kings Garrison of Dudley Castle was shrewdly put to it For as they were abroad plundering the Country therabout Captain Hunt sell upon a party of them and having slain some hee took many horse from them and divers prisoners whom hee carried with him to Warwick Since which also as wee were credibly informed our Brethren of Scotland lighted on another party of them and after a brave conflict with them wherein divers of the Enemies were slain on the place they made them lesse in number by at least 80 horse than they were before And shortly after this wee were for certain certified that the Governour of Stafford came up with a party of horse and gave an alarm to the Castle it self Whereupon the Enemy not enduring the affront drew forth into the field thinking indeed our party not to bee so strong as afterward they found it and to increase this their apprehension and conceit therein Colonell Ashburst politickly retreated on purpose
most valiant and vigilant Commander Major Generall Brown the substance of one of which Letters was to this effect viz. SIR I Presume you have already heard of the taking of 65 Wallingford Horses by our noble Major Generalls forces Likewise how at Farrington wee took 40 more many prisoners and some of note Since which the Enemy fell upon our New Garrison at Gaunt House with 500 horse and 300 foot and one peice of Ordnance they being forces drawn from Oxford Woodstock and Farrington Commanded by Legge then Governour of Oxford they fell upon our horse quarters and began to drive away our Horse but a small party of our foot forces out of Gaunt Garrison beat them out of the grounds whiles our men had time to recover some of our horses again with which they pursued the Enemy above 3 miles recovered all their horse which the Enemy had gotten save a matter of 3 or 4. killed 10 of them took 14 prisoners and 30 horse of theirs and this service they performed with lesse than 20 horse Since which our horse joyned with them of Gaunt House fell into the quarters of a Regiment of the Kings which came to recruite the Kings Garrison at Radcot-Bridge where ours took 70 of the Enemies Horse the Colonells own Colours himself escaping by wading over the water together with some prisoners And immediately upon this good successe they marched to Woodstock into the Enemies quarters there and took a Captain prisoner with 5 or 6 others and about 30 horse And thus it pleased the Lord to prosper our forces in all their attempts and to enable them to come off still with little or no losse And about the same time our most prudent and provident Parliamentary Statists having lately before deligated and chosen some of the Members of Both Houses to goe as their Commissioners to the Parliament then begun in Scotland with instructions given them by our Parliament for managing of affaires there in a reciprocall form for the firmer combining of mutuall love and the fairlyer carrying on of the affaires of Both Kingdomes with full content on both sides as our loving brethren the Scots have their Commissioners residing heer constantly with our Parliament in England the names of which Commissioners nominated and appointed to go thither were the Lord Wharton for the House of Peers Sir Henry Vane Senior Sir William Armyne Mr. Darley and Mr. Goodwin for the House of Commons And reverend Mr. Marshall and Mr. Strong Members of the Assembly of Divines were ordered to goe along with them So also there was a Committee of Lords and Commons ordered to bee resident with the Army of our Brethren the Scots then in Worcestershire to farther their advances for the benefit and safety of the Kingdome and if the Lords will bee so to shorten the lingering plague of the Sword among us The names of this Committee thus nominated to bee with the Scots Army were the Earle of and the Lord Mountague for the House of Peers and Sir John Cabell Mr. Purefoy Mr. Salway and Mr. Baynton for the House of Commons And now about the 14 of this instant wee had certain and comfortable intelligence that about the 9 of this instant July being Wednesday active honest and most valiant Major Generall Massie being sent forth by our most noble Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax with a party of Horse and Dragoones about 5000. besides foot had the honour of giving the first blow of a most famous and victorious skirmish and brave defeat given to the Enemy at or about Lang-port which very blow made the Soule and Spirit of the advers Army to tremble and faint and flye away For hee instantly fell upon about 2000 of Gorings horse in Ilmore who as soon as our men came in sight of them ran away in great fear and confusion and Major Generall Massies forces followed and pursued them almost to their very Garrison of Lang-port wher their foot were all quartered and their horse at Abersoil and the parts adjacent In which first blow of this famous defeat this noble Major Generall took at least 5 or 600 horse about 300 prisoners whereof were 2 Majors 6 Captains 9 Colours and slew above 20 in the place The Enemy in this their hasty retreat or rather plain flight from our men still cut up the Bridges as they past which our men notwithstanding made up as fast as they brake them down for politick Major Generall Massie had 2 Regiments of Dragoones which rode with Spades and Pickaxes and a third also with pallisadoes for these very purposes On Thursday July the 10. our renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax by 3 of the clock in the morning drew out that part of the Army which hee had with him into Sutton fields the rest continuing with Major Generall Massie on the other side of the River the Generall had with him 7 Regiments of Horse Viz. his own Leivtenant Generall Cromwells Colonell Whaleyes Colonell Vermudens Colon. Graves Colon. Riches Colon. Fleetwoods and Colonell Butlers which scarse made 2800 horse hee had all his foot with him save the Musketteers of 3 Regiments Our Signall word was God with us The Enemies word was Bristoll Early also the same morning the Enemy drew into the field and about 7 of the clock had made themselves Masters of a passe which lay in the midst between our body and theirs being the onely way for our men to make way to fall upon them where there could not march above 4 a brest and up to the belly in water and their horses ready to swim in no little danger as they past on and in which place the Enemy did both front and flank them on both sides and therfore you may easily judge what a hard task they were put unto and in this posture they stood till about 11 of the clock they having in the mean time sent away most of their Ammunition bagge and baggage led horses and other Lumber to Bridgewater fearing it seemed to stand to the Battle having been so much discouraged by the defeat given them by valiant Massie as aforesaid on the day before Now when as Generall Fairfaxes forlornes marched nigh the Enemy they having divided themselves on the hill on which they stood into severall divisions and squadrons of horse and foot our foot fired upon them in Vollies and our Ordnance played so quick and sure that the Enemy were soon routed and seemed as in a maze not knowing which way to fly to avoid the execution of our Cannon yet all this while they maintained the passage which was in hot dispute between them and us yet at last within an houre or thereabout wee though with difficulty gained it and sent horse to second our foot Major Bethel with his troop only went on in the first place being to go up a steep hill to charge by that time that hee came neer the Enemy drew on in a
Generall Cromwell at Hambleton-hill on Munday the 4. of August 1645. TWo thousand five hundred routed Three hundred taken Prisoners Twelve slaine upon the place Many wounded Two thousand Armes of all sorts viz. Musquets Pikes Pistols Halberts Birding-peeces c. All their Colours and Drums and other Baggage On our side we lost only three men and some wounded About the eigth of this instant we had certaine intelligence out of Wales that that most valiant active and faithfull Commander in those parts Major Generall Laughorne was also very sucessefull in those parts of Wales and understanding that the Kings designes and hopes were now quite frustrated of receiving any more strength out of Wales and that therefore the ravenous Royalists yet residing there in Garrisons being out of hope of further help and subsistance then what they had or could get by plunder they began therefore to consume and destroy the Inhabitants hopes of their then present Harvest that thus nothing might be left undone as much as in them lay to make Wales as miserable as the West and truly unhappy indeed Their Commanders in Chiefe were Major Generall Stradling and Major Edgâ—â—ton But this I say the noble Major Generall understanding he came with his Forces and fell upon them at Colby-Moore within three miles of Haverford-West or thereabout as they were firing the Country and Corne and that with such successe and courage that after a sharp encounter he enforced the Enemy to fly with the losse of at least 150 of their men who were slaine upon the place and in rout and pursuit of whom tooke three Colonels twelve Majors forty other Officers 700 Prisoners foure Peeces of Ordnance five Barrels of Powder 1000 Armes and all the Carriages that the Enemy had There were hearty thanks given to Almighty God for the great Victory by Order from the Parliament upon the next ensuing Lords Day in all the Churches in London And indeed this brave Victory was the more remarkable because our Forces in those parts had been a long time before kept very low and the Country had suffered much by the violence and fury of Gerrard But now this most active loyall and valiant Major Generall prosecuting this his Victory and good Successe tooke also the Town and Castle of Haverford-West by a speedy storming of it and in it 120 Common Souldiers 20 Commanders and Officers in Armes whereof one Colonell one Lieutenant Colonell and one Major also one Peece of Ordnance and about 150 Arms. About the 12 of this instant August we also received certaine information by Letters from our most renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax That about the tenth instant that strong Castle of Sherburne which the Enemy had vaunted would continue and hold out a half yeares Siege at least was most valiantly stormed and the next day taken the manner whereof was in briefe as followeth Upon the tenth as aforesaid our great Guns began to batter the strong wall of the Castle between the two lesser Towers thereof and had soone beaten down one of them and before six of the Clock that night had made a breach in the Wall so as twelve a breast might enter whereupon the most noble Generall sent a Drum with a third Summons to surrender the Castle signifying with all That if he were put to a Storme they within would be left inexcusable But Sir Lewis Dives then Governour detained the Drum and when the Drum spake some words as Sir Lewis thought sawcily he told him he was in the presence of a better man than his Generall and sent no Answer till two of the clock on Friday morning and then he sent a Drum with this Messuage in writing to the Generall Sir Lewis Dives his Answer to the Generals Summons SIR I must acknowledge the advantage you have of me by being Master of my Wals and that you may thinke me obstinate without reason I have sent this Drum unto you to let you know that if I may have such Conditions from you as are fit for a souldier and a Gentleman with honour to accept I shall surrender this Castle into your hands otherwise I shall esteeme it a farre greater happinesse to bury my bones in it and the same resolution have all those that are with me And give me leave to adde this That your Victory will be crowned with more honour by granting it than you will gaine glory by the winning it with the losse of so much blood as it will cost I am your Servant Lewis Dives Sherburne Castle August 15. 1645. Upon the receipt of this Answer our men presently prepared to storme the Castle which they performed with so much courage and resolution that instantly twenty of the Cabs leaped over the Wall and came to our men crying for Quarter the rest of them within being as much amazed as the former cryed out for a Parley but then it was too late onely Quarter was given them for their lives and so our men entred the Castle where they tooke Prisoners Sir Lewis Dives Colonell and Governour of the Castle together with his Lady Colonell Sir John Strangewaies one of the Lord Pawlets Sons one Sir Cotton Knight and Lieutenant Colonell Russell an Atturney and sometime Sub-Governour of Weymouth for the King two Apostate Members of the House of Commons divers of the Commissioners of Array 9 Captaines 11 Lieutenants 3 Cornets 5 Colours 55 Malignant Gentlemen of Wiltshire and Dorsetshire 10 Malignant Priests 400 Common Souldiers above 800 Armes 16 Peeces of Ordnance a Morter Peece and a Murtherer 60 Barrels of powder great store of Provisions and rich housholdstuffe together with other good plunder which the Enemy had before taken from the Country all which plunder our brave Souldiers merrily divided among them and that most deservedly There were few of the Enemies slaine in the storme and as few left unstript of what was worth anything after the Storme We lost not above 94 men in all this siege and taking of the Castle whereof Captain Dove and two other Captains slaine with him About Aug. 16. our most pious Parliamentary Worthies religiously Ordered That for the further advancement of the worke of Reformation in matters of Religion First That no Bibles should be vented in this Kingdome without the perusall of the Assembly of Divines or such other persons as should be thereunto appointed Also That all the Knights and Burgesses of the severall Counties of the Kingdome within the power of the Parliament should send printed Bookes of the Directory for Gods Worship fairly bound up in Leather unto the Committees of Parliament residing in the respective Counties of England and Wales who should with all convenient speed send the same and cause them to be delivered unto the severall respective Constables or other Officers of all the severall Parishes and respective Chappalries and Donatives within the Kingdome of England and Dominion of Wales and the Port and Town of Barwick that is
to say one Booke to the respective Constables and other Officers of every one of the said Parishes Chappelries and Donatives to be paid for by the Inhabitants within the said severall Parishes and Chappelries And it is further hereby Ordained by the said Lords and Commons That if any person or persons whatsoever shall at any time or times hereafter abuse or cause the aforesaid Book of Common Prayer to be abused in any Church Chappell or publique place of Worship or in any private place or Family within the Kingdome of England or Dominion of Wales or Port and Towne of Barwick that then every such person so offending therein shall for the first offence forfeit and pay the summe of five pounds of lawfull English money for the second offence the summe of tenne pounds and for the third offence shall suffer one whole yeares imprisonment without Bayle or Main prize And it is further Ordained that every Minister which shall not henceforth pursue and observe the Directory for Publike Worship according to the true intent and meaning thereof in all exercises of the publike Worship of God within this Realme of England and dominion of Wales and within the Towne and Port of Barwick shall for every time that he shall so offend lose and forseit the summe of forty shillings of lawfull English mony And that what person soever shall with intent to bring the said Directory into contempt and neglect or to raise opposition against it Preach Write Print or cause to be written or printed any thing in the derogation or depraving of the said Booke or any thing therein contained or any part thereof shall lose and forfeit for every such offence such a summe of money as shall at the time of his conviction be thought fit to be imposed upon him by those before whom he shall have his triall provided that it be not lesse than five pounds and not exceeding the summe of fifty pounds And be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid That no person or persons shall be at any time hereafter impeached or molested of or for any of the offences last above mentioned hereafter to be committed or done contrary to this Ordinance unlesse he or they so offending be thereof indicted at the next or second generall Sessions to be holden before any Justices of Oyre and determiner or Justices of Assize or before the Justices of Peace at their generall quarter Sessions next after any offence committed or done contrary to the tenor of this Ordinance and that he be thereby lawfully convicted according to the Lawes of this Realm by verdict of twelve men or by his own confession It is further Ordered and Ordained That all Common Prayer Bookes remaining in Parish Churches and Chappels shall within a moneth after the publishing of this Ordinance be by the Church-wardens or Constables of the respective Parishes under the penalty of forty shillings to be employed as aforesaid carried unto the Committees of the respective Counties where they shall be found to be disposed of as the Parliament shall direct And about the 20. of this instant we were for certaine informed by Letters out of the Northern parts of the Kingdome that about this time the English and Scottish forces were very considerable in Horse and Dragoones for the preservation of those parts from the rage of the Royalists viz. That Lieutenant Generall Lesley with 5000. Horse and Dragoons valiant Col. Rosâ—â—er with 1000. and the Nottingham Darby and Staffordshire Horse joyned with Major Generall Poyntz had their Rendezvouz neare Doncaster and were compleat 10000. Horse and Dragoones their foot being left at Yorke for their better safety and security the Kings great desire and designe being at this time as they were certainly informed to get further into the North but valiant and vigilant Major Generall Poyntz tooke speciall care to prevent him and to secure the passages at Ferribridge so to impede his progresse that way yet at last the King was come on as neare as Doncaster and had made Proclamation that all should come in to him to goe along with him to Yorke where he hoped to make a second Nest to nestle his devouring Cormorants again but findeing no appearance answerable to his expectation but contrariwise all our Forces ready to receive him he therefore made a speedy retreat backe againe in which his retreat a party of our Horse fell fiercely upon his reare and ferretted them soundly where they tooke the Lord Harris a Papist Prisoner together with 100. Horse and divers Prisoners and forced the King to fly away thence to Newarke About the 24. of this instant the prime Prisoners taken by our renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax at Sherburn-Castle were brought to London by Sea and two of the cheife of them were as this day brought to the House of Commons viz. Sir Lewis Dives late Governour of Sherburn Castle for the King and Col. Sir George Strangewaies formerly a Member of that House who were by a strong Guard attended and at last caused to come into the House to the Bar where Dives demeaned himselfe very supercilliously and proudly seeming to refuse to kneel on both his knees til he was compelled unto it and then the Speaker of the House of Commons told him that he was much to be lamented who notwithstanding that he had been a meanes to shed so much innocent bloud and had committed so much Treason against his native Kingdome endeavouring to destroy the same and helping as much as in him was to draw the King from his Parliament and yet that his heart should no more nay not at all relent but that he looked before that Honourable presence as one whom God had given over to hardnesse of heart and impudency of carriage he therefore for his Treasons pronounced the Commitment of him and of Sir George Strangewaies to the Tower of London there to remaine Prisoners till Justice should farther proceed against them And about the 28. instant his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax our most renowned Generall having his Leaguer now before Bristoll we had certaine intelligence from them that the Club-men of Gloucester and Somersetshire expressed much affection to Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Army and afforded them a gallant Party for the taking of this brave and strong City of Bristoll and that Somersetshire had raised at least 2000. men and were joyned with Sir Thomas in the taking of the strong Fort called Portshead-point the true and exact manner whereof being related by a Letter sent from an eminent Commander in the said Leaguer to the Speaker of the House of Commons in Parliament I have here thought fit for the Readers better content and satisfaction to insert the said Letter verbatim as it was printed and published by authority which was as followeth To the Right Honourable William Lenthall Esquire Speaker of the Honourable House of Commons SIR I wrot unto you the other day in what posture we were before the Towne we have since
note on their side are wounded and we believe many slain two of their 〈◊〉 workes we have taken and all that side of the Suburbs and doubt not but in Gods good time to give a faire account of the whole City The Enemie within we heare are about 1000. of whom many stiffe Malignants we trust we shall be able to goe on in this worke so well begun by our God for us if the Kings whole strength come not against us before we have competent supplies sent to relieve and strengthen us Though money be scanty among our Souldiers yet are they not permitted to Plunder the inhabitants of any thing nor to drive away their Cattle One part of the Enemie fled into Saint Warburge Minster some at the East-gate and some at New-gate we have gained all between the Rack and the Gate going into S. Warburge As for the North gate we doubt not but we shall soone determine that we have also taken the â—oors and the Inner-workes there together with the Major of the Cities house Where we tooke his Sword and his Mare which it seemed for hast to flie into the City he had left behinde him Sir I am your humble Servant Eare-gate in Chester Sept. 19. 1645. The Messenger that brought this welcome Newes to the Parliament had 10. l. given him by Order from the House of Commons About the 20. instant we were also for certaine informed that the King was preparing to march to Oâ—ford to Congratulate or 〈◊〉 contest and alterâ—ate with his Nephew â—upert about his so easie as he conceived surrender of Bristol into the Parliaments power But having at that time sent most of his horse into 〈◊〉 to compell men and money but received nothing but 〈◊〉 to both â—his demands therein his Messengers and Agents being in moâ—â— danger of blowes than hope of supplies they therfore returned toward his Maâ—estie to tel what course entertainment they found there see also how it pleased the Lord that if should 〈◊〉 that in their way to the king they met with a harâ—â— and 〈◊〉 salutation than the former for Valiant vigilant Major Gen. 〈◊〉 having notice of this their march and also that they intended to beat up his quarters and so to give the King the 〈…〉 passage to Oxford but I say this noble Major Generall 〈◊〉 on the way about Kiddâ—rminster and before they expected him he bravely fell upon them and soone routed them in which conflict he tooke about 150 of their horse slew about 100. of them on the place and 〈◊〉 tooke divers prisoners whereof some were Commanders â—ooke above 200. armes and 3. Carriages the rest scaped by flight It was credibly said that the King himselfe was then in person with them and fled to Worcester with those that escaped This most active and faithfull Commander Major Gen Poyntz resolving by Gods assistance to make it his maine work to watch the Kings motions which way soever hee coasted about the Northen parts And about September 22. We had certaine intelligence by Letters out of Wales that the Towne and Castle of Cardiffe in Wales were surrendred to the Parliaments forces there which businesse in briefe was effected thus The hard pressures now imposed upon those Brittanes among the Mountaines for now that they begin to open their eyes I will give them that ancient title made them now at last to looke toward their true preservers the Parliament the Country therefore unanimously stood upon termes of their owne defence against the ravenous Royalists oppressive power and so sent to our Noble Generall Sir Tho. Fairfax beseeching his assistance upon faithfull assurance from them all of reall complyance and submission to his Commands whereupon he presently sent Colonell Herbert with a considerable partie unto them upon whose approach the Clubmen of the Country for into such a posture and body they were gathered cheerfully came in unto him and joyned in a body with him and presently the Town and Castle of Cardiff as aforesaid were surrendred all unto him in which there were between 16. and 20. peices of Ordinance small and great 3. or 400. armes 10. barrells of powder and much ammunition and other provisions About Septemb. 24 we had certaine intelligence by Letters out of the West that the Devizes both Town and Castle were also yealded up to renowned Lieutenant Generall Crâ—â—well who first sent a Summons to the Governour thereof but received a flat denyall Whereupon the valiant Lieutenant Generall Cromwell wisht the 〈◊〉 to looke to himselfe the Governour replying bad him 〈◊〉 it and take it or else â—e was never like to have it Hereupon the undaunted Lieutenant Generall no more disputed the matter in words but with Swords roaring Ordnance and thundring threats from the Canons mouths which soone shook the Castle and therewith changed the Governours former seeming resolutions into a desire of a Parley about a surrender which the Noble Lieutenant Generall granted But then he desired those Articles and Conditions before offered which now the Lieutenant Generall refused to grant yet as he said because he desired not to shed blood he was content to give liberty to all Gentlemen and Commanders to ride away to any of the Kings Garrisons within thirty miles or to have liberty to go beyond Seas or to returne to their owne peaceable habitations and the Common Souldiers to march away without any Armes but not with the Officers nor to the Garrisons whither they meant but whither else they would either to their owne homes or to some other Garrisons To this they were glad to agree and so delivered up the Town with all the Arms and Ammunition There were in the Castle five Peeces of Ordinance Provisions for a yeare 20 Barrels of Beefe 200 Flitches of Bacon much Wheat and Mault the Castle well fortified 300 men in it Yet the Lord striking the Enemies hearts within with feare and terrour caused them thus easily to surrender 〈◊〉 us And the Messenger that brought the Newes hereof to the Parliament had 10 l. ordered to be given unto him And about the 26 instant we had further certaine information by Letters out of the West of the taking of Lacock-House in Wiltshire which was surrendred to Colonell Devâ—â—tux and others of our Forces that besieged it upon faire Conditions viz. That the Governour Officers and Souldiers should march away with their owne proper Armes and that the House with all the other Armes Ammunition and Provisions therein should be surrendred to our Forces And much about the same time the House of Commons received a Letter from Col. Generall Laughorne Dated at Haverford-West which informed the said House of the singular good successe which it hath pleased the Lord to give their Forces in those parts against the Enemy and that they had fully cleared all the County of Pembroke Upon the reading whereof the House entred into serious debate thereon and for the more cheerfull further prosecution of the Service
disputes appeared fixed on the top of a hill a little distant on that side Chester wherein the King was very confidently reputed to be for confronting whereof a party of Foot winged with Colonell Lidcot and Colonell Bethels Regiments were drawn into a convenient Close in the bottom as a grand Reserve but the night by this time falling the body on the hill appeared not and those in the bottome returned to their comrades sasiated with slaughter prisoners and booty of the vanquished Enemy While these things were thus agitated in the field the remainder of Foot left with Colonell Lowthian in the Suburbs were not idle for the Enemy made a strong sally upon them out of the City and were more strenuously repulsed the number of the slaine of the prisoners and horse taken is not yet knowne but is generally conjectured 800 slain 1500 men and 2000. horses taken there was brought in that night the underwritten list of the considerablest men taken and slaine in the fight which was as followeth Sir Thomas Dâ—bridgecourt Sir Thomas Gore Colonell Thomas Weston sonne to the Earle of Portland and 6 more Colonells 7. Leivtenant Colonells 5. Majors 19. Captaines to one whereof the Queene had given a Scarffe to weare for her sake 14. Leivtenants 7. Cornets 19. Gent. of his Majesties Life-guard 20. other Gent. 5. Trumpeters 4. Quartermasters There were slaine in this fight as we were credibly informed 2. Lords whereof the one for certaine was the Lord Bernhard Stuart the Kings kinsman Earle of Litchfieild Sir Bryan Stapleton a new made Knight the Kings Agent for the bringing over of 10000. men out of Ireland one Colonell one Leivtenant Colonell with about 400. more Officers and Common Souldiers Between 800 and 1000. others taken prisoners Great store of armes much good pillage and many more horse and men taken in the pursuit whose exact number and conditions could not so suddenly be certified After the reading of Colonell Parsons Letter in Parliament whose relation as aforesaid I have principally followed the House of Commons entred into serious Debate of the prosecutions of this great victorie And ordered that certaine Members of that House should be forthwith sent down to Sir Tho. Fairefax then at 〈◊〉 to informe him and the Armie of this good successe which it had pleased the Lord to give our forces under the command of Major Gen. Poyntz and of the condition of the North and to desire a supply of forces to be sent thither upon a designe not then fit to be revealed in publike They also ordered that the Thursday then next ensuing should be appointed a day of Thanksgiven for this great victorie in the City of London Westminster and Lines of 〈◊〉 and the Thursday 7 night following for all the Counties within the power of the Parliament And 〈◊〉 an encouragement to that worthy and Gallant Souldier 〈◊〉 Gen. Poynez they ordered that 500. l should be bestowed 〈◊〉 him as a testimonie of the affection of the Houses toward 〈◊〉 And that which made this excellent victorie the more sweet and remarkable to us was that it was given us Even as a return of prayers or as a blessed prevention of prayer to set an edge of Spirituall zeale on our hearts in prayer it being obtained and given in unto us by the wise and gracious power and providence of our good God and bountifull and ever blessed Father upon the 24. of this instant Septem which was that Moneths publike solemne fast-day Otheâ— who would not faithfully wait rest and rely on such and so liberall a God who is readier to give than we to aske And this September the 29. according to the Ancient annuâ—ll custome of the renowned City of London there was an election of their New Lord Major of the said City for the yeare ensuing at the Guild-Hall in London where and at which time the Citizens whom it concerned advisedly and most unanimously chose Alderman Adams a pious prudent Gentleman and grave Citizen to be their Lord Major In whose most happie choice this renowned City is most like by the mercy of God to be as happie and honourable every way after this yeare of his Major 〈◊〉 as ever it was by any of his former famous and faithfull Prâ—decessours And about this foresaid time the Commons assembled in Parliament received an Ordinance from the House of 〈◊〉 for making of a new Baron of the Exchequer which was read and past there and returned backe immediately to the Lords and fully past there also in the blanck whereof the House of Commons nominated and inserted for that place Richard Tomlins Esquir a Councellour of the Inner-Temple a faithfull worthy and pious Patriot as in a speciall manner his fidelity was formerly manifested to injurious persecuted pious Master Priâ—â—e for whom in those dangerous dayes he was of Counsell and stood close unto 〈◊〉 did most aboundantly declare And about this time also 〈◊〉 Parliamentary States prudently and providently tooke into their serious Consideration not only the choice of some new and truly well deserving Serjants of Law to be now necessarily made Judges viz. Serjeant Rolles to be a Judge in the Kings-Bench Serjeant 〈◊〉 a Judge in the Common-Plea's and Serjeant 〈◊〉 another of the Barons of the Exchequer But also for the future avoyding and prevention of those ungodly corruptions which have been formerly in those places it was most piously and prudently ordered that 1000. l. Per annum should be allowed to each Judge out of the Reveâ—â—â— to be paid 〈…〉 of Fees Livâ—ries and such like former allowances A happie and holy Common-wealth 〈…〉 most like to be established when both worthie learned pious and prudent Governours Judges and Magistrates fearing God and hating Covetousnesse are thus chosen to fit at the Helme of Authority and Judicature and also such courses taken as may in all likelihood and equity by Gods Grace especially restraine wonted corruption and briberie and fairly induce them to doe Iustice to all without partiality and avarice which the Lord in mercy grant unto us that Iustice now at length may run about like Rivers in our streets as the Prophet speakes Amen and Amen About the end of this September we received certaine intelligence that Barclay Castle in Gloucestershire was surrendred to valiant and active Colonell Morgan and Colonell Rainsborough the taking whereof being a place of such strength and the manner of taking of it worthy an exact relation I have therefore thought 〈◊〉 for the Readers better content and satisfaction therein to insert the Letter of a speciall actor and Commander in that service and siege which was as followeth SIR Vnderstanding that you desire to be acquainted with the true manner of our taking in of Barclay Castle which it seems you have not yet had a full Relation of I have therefore here satisfied your desire and given you a full and faithfull account thereof which was thus The 〈◊〉 was
the next morning and thence to Sherburne where they met with a Countryman who told them that our men were prepared for their coming as so indeed a party of ours were of about 800 Foot and some Horse upon whom the Enemy fiercely falling being but a handfull to them they soone routed the Horse beat Colonell Wrens Regiment at the North side of Sherburne and tooke all the Foot Prisoners disarmed them all presently and laid their Armes in a great heap in Sherburme street till they could get Carriages to take or send them away for their further use But we having certain intelligence hereof marched thither with all speed and being now come to Sherburne we drew up our Horse and ordered them into bodies for Charges and Reserves But here first we fell into a great strait for we durst not march thorow Milford fearing the Enemies with their Dragoones for we heard they had such but they had none might have put us into disorder but above the Towne through the hedges which also was some inconvenience we were forced whom we came neare Sherburne and the Enemy drawing out against us to draw over a narrow way through an impossable Brooke which we knew not of having much adoe thereby to bring our bodies againe into order which truly might have occasioned the losse of the day unto us had not the Enemy been somwhat too late being busie with their Armes and Prisoners taken in the Towne as God had wisely disposed of it for us in drawing out of the Towne So thus then by Gods assistance I brought up against every of the Enemies bodies as neer as I could a body of ours and resolutely faced them in the Field both parties striving who should be soonest in Battalia But here let me give thee good Reader a sight of Sir Marmaduke Langdales Speech made to his Souldiers in the Field before the Fight began which came to my hand and was unquestionably a true Copy of the substance thereof and this it was Gentlemen YOu are all gallant men and have done bravely but there are some that seeke to scandalize your gallantry for the losse of Naseby Field but I hope you will redeem your reputation and still maintaine that gallant report which you ever had I am sure you have done such businesses as never have been done in any war with such a number your march from Oxford first beating of Rossiter and the reliefe of Pomfret the like I believe was never done And I hope you are Gentlemen and that you will still maintaine it and redeeme that which you have lost For mine owne part I will not have you upon any designe but where I will lead you my self And thus now I say he led them on into the Field Now the Enemy being also much flusht and incouraged with their late good successe against us charged valiantly upon us and ours answered them with as brave gallantry as could be at first the left wings on both sides were routed but in the conclusion our Reserves coming on so seasonably and couragiously the Enemy was forced to flie and we by Gods blessing got the day though I must confesse divers of our Horse as I toucht before were routed at first and the mischiefe fell most upon my Regiment who charged the onely gallant men the Reformadoes that the Enemy had One of their chiefe Commanders the Lord Digby by name was wounded as we were credibly informed and Sir Marmaduke Langdale himself also had foure Pistols fired upon him but whether he was wounded or not was then uncertaine unto us But the Victory was clearly ours ever magnified and praised be our great and gracious God and we solely kept the Field and pursued the Enemy at least three miles together Many prisoners were taken we believe 400 at least Sir Richard Hutton was slaine upon the place whose Corps his kinred having protection thereunto buried in the place he formerly had desired to be laid in I have here sent the List of their slaine and prime prisoners taken by us which you shall receive by Colonell Lilburne Many of our men were wounded but hardly ten slaine This was certainly a great businesse and a rare mercy unto us for the Enemy made themselves absolutely sure to have been in the City of Yorke that night or the next day at farthest but now they are scattered blessed be the Lord for it And that which was not the least part of our Victory we recovered againe all our men and Arms which they had before taken from us in Sherburne as also the prevention of the Enemies intended march to Montrose in Scotland which with the taking of Yorke in the way was the maine designe which the Enemy eagerly aimed at in this their thus undertaken march Not unto us Lord not unto us but to thy name alone we give as most due all the honour and glory hereof Honourable Gentlemen your desire of a full relation hath made me thus tedious for which I crave your pardon I shall present your Order to the Officers and Souldiers in the expression of your good acceptance of this our Service and your farther intended care for us And for the present I rest Your most humble Servant Chr. Copley Octob. 16. 1645. A List of the prime Prisoners and of the Prizes taken at this Battell at Sherburne on Wednesday Octob. 15. 1645. about foure of the Clock in the afternoone COl Sir Francis Anderson Col. Bulmer Col. Chayton Col. Carnaby Lieut. Col Matthew Wentworth Lieut. Col. Gordon Major Graythorn Captaine Leneon Master of the Ordnance Capt. James Cholmley wounded Capt. Marshall wounded Capt. Pudsey wounded And foure Captains more Capt. Lieut. Salter Lieut John Turner and divers other Reformadoes Master Duke Tunstall a great Papist Mr. Clavering Mr. Lowither Col. Sir Francis Carnaby slaine Col. Sir Richard Hutton slaine and 40 more Mr. Slingsby sore wounded Col. Clavering and Carnabyes Colours taken with divers other Colours Lord Digbyes Coach and the Kings Surgeon in it but eespecially his Cabinet wherin were divers Letters some wherof of great cōsequence written in a new Character the Character also found which could open all Much gallant Pillage We lost not ten men but many wounded The Enemie were about 1600 intended for Montrosse ours about 2250. About sixe hundred of the Enemy gone towards Skipton 300 or 400 Troopers taken about six hundred Horses 40 slaine and many wounded The Countesse of Nidsdale taken and some other Ladies About October 24 we received certaine intelligence by Letters from the most renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax his Excellency to the Parliament as also by other unquestionable informations out of the West of the taking of the Towne Church and Castle of Tiverton by his Excellencies Forces in those parts the manner whereof in briefe was thus faithfully related Upon Thursday Octob. 16. Major Generall Massie was ordered by the Generall to advance to Tiverton
and so to quarter beyond the River with his Brigade which accordingly he did and soone possest himselfe of the Towne of Tiverton forcing the Enemy out of it only those that had got into the Church and Castle to keep those places as long as they could It was then conceived hard for us nay almost impossible for us to hinder the Enemies Horse from marching Eastward if they would have attempted it with their whole strength except Lieutenant Generall Cromwell with his whole Brigade did come up timely to us On Friday the 17 instant the Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax himselfe sate downe before Tiverton Castle and Church to take them in and summoned the Enemy to deliver them up of which being denyed we planted our battering-Peeces against them which worke went forward that day and the next On Saturday Octob. 18. our batteries being finished by the afternoon Upon the Lords Day Octob. 19. the Generall caused severall great Peeces to be planted on the Batteries against the Castle very early in the morning so that they were ready to play by break of day and all our Canon began to play about seven of the Clock that morning against the Castles and the Enemy from thence answered us with their Peeces but blessed be God did no execution upon any of us But see the admirable and all-directing power and providence of our wonder-working God for us namely that after some shot which we had made against them one of our Canoneers by one shot from his Peece of Ordnance most gallantly and admirably if not almost miraculously in a moment performed this most difficult businesse for us for at that one shot it pleased the Lord so to direct the Bullet just like him 2 Chron. 18. 33. which drew a bowe at a venture and shot his arrow at King Ahab so that he dyed as the Lord had said by the Prophet so I say the Lord did so direct this bullet shot at a venture that it brake the Chaine of the Draw-Bridge quite in Peeces whereupon the Draw-Bridge presently fell downe and thereby made the passage open for our entrance into the Castle which most happy opportunity our Souldiers seeing instantly laid hold thereon and without any Order from the Generall chose rather couragiously to fight than to stand still and look on when God gave them so fit and faire an occasion which their resolution tooke so good effect that they soone possessed themselves of all presently entred the Castle and Church in which on flat we had only foure men slaine And though we entred thus yet such was the milde moderate and gentle carriage of the Generall and such his desire to spare the effusion of blood that I say notwithstanding they tooke it by storme yet he himself gave command that Quarter should be given to all that were alive which was accordingly performed We tooke in the Castle Sir Gilbert Talâ—â—â— Governour of the place above 20 other Officers and Gentlemen of note and quality and among them one Master Kemp a grand Malignant Priest above 200 Common Souldiers foure Peeces of Ordnance thirty Barrels of Powder 500 Armes and store of other Ammunition Provision and Treasure good prey for the Souldiers paines who so well deserved it The Workes of this Castle as the Generall himself testified were as strong and regular as ever he saw and this Garrison of singular good use both in order to the straitning of Exeter as also for securing of any thing for his Army whiles it stayes in the West O how are we therefore bound to our so great and glorious wonder-working 〈◊〉 who thus felicitates and facilitates our great and most dangerous endeavours for the effecting and finishing of his gracious Worke of Reformation among us ever magnified and blessed be his holy name which exceeds all praises for ever and ever About the 26 instant we had also certaine intelligence out of Wales of the excellent and most hopefull condition of things in that Principality viz. That the whole County of Pembrokeshire was totally reduced to the obedience of the Parliament and the greatest part of Glamorganshire where generally the Inhabitants shewed themselves very forward and active for the Parliament so as five or 6000 had taken up Arms against the Common Enemy of their true peace and welfare and many of them had joyned themselves to valiant Colonell Morgan and had done great good Service already in those parts and had taken Sir John Strangewayes a great stickler for the Royall Party And that the Towne and Castle of Carmarthen were surrendred to valiant victorious and faithfull Major Generall Laughorne for the use and service of the King and Parliament And that the Inhabitants all there about had unanimously and publikely made Declaration of their resolved fidelity to the Parliament and had to that purpose subscribed many hands and names in the behalf of the rest according to their spontaneous consent and agreement in a Declaration to the said Major Generall in these words WE whose names are subscribed in the name of our selves and all the Inhabitants of this County do absolutely declare for King and Parliament and will with our lives and fortunes assist the Forces raised by the Parliament against any other whatsoever that shall seeke to invade these Countries and do desire to be received into the King and Parliaments protection according to the Declaration of Major Generall Laughhorne And as for Contribution we also willingly submit thereunto proportionably to our neighbour Counties Octob. 11. 1645. About the 28 instant we were further certainly informed by Letters out of Wales that the Towne and Castle of Monmouth were taken by valiant Colonell Morgan with the assistance of the Clubmen of those parts under the conduct of Sir Trevor Williams being 1500 Foot and 200 Horse the manner of the taking of them in briefe was thus Upon Colonell Morgans advance that way with all those and his owne Forces and his neare approach to the Towne the Enemy voluntarily but out of just strong feare of him quickly quiâ—â—ted the Towne and drew all their Souldiers into the Castle for the Kings recruits since his sore losse at Naseby had drained his Garrisons halfe drie whether they betooke themselves for their present best refuge And as soon as Colonell Morgan came to make demand of the Towne the Townsmen and Inhabitants presently gave him all he could desire of them and faire admittance to 〈◊〉 As soone as he was entred the Towne he sent Summons to the Castle but received a flat deniall whereupon he summoned in the Country to bring in Spades Shovels Mattocks Baskets c. which was expeditiously and in short time performed by them The next day he began to mine and to salute the Enemy with some shot and this presently produced a Parley and the Parley soone brought forth Conditions upon which the Castle was delivered up to the valiant Colonell There were not in all
up but most fled And in this action Sir John Browne himselfe deported himselfe with as much gallantry as any man in the world could do the whole body being not discouraged though in number so much overmatched For the particulars of those that were killed and taken I refer you to the list where all the particulars are certified according to Sir John Brownes own letter The Lord Digby had a cleare rout as ever was given to any The Lord Digby himselfe with Sir Marmaduke Langdale and others of his chiefe Officers that escaped fled over to the Isle of man in a Cock-Boat The Isle of man is a malignant Island between Cumberland and Ireland the Earle of Derby is the Governour thereof for the King and of others that escaped there are divers taken straglers and their Horse and Armes but in a body there are none heard of save onely about 200. that are fled towards Bâ—â—m and a party are sent to stop them from getting in thereto if they can but of them that are fled that way of the Enemies many of them are fore wounded A List of what was slain and what was taken by Sir John Brown at the routing of the Lord Digby and Sir Marmaduke Langdale at Carlile Sands On the Enemies part ONe hundred slaine upon the place Many wounded Taken Prisoners DIgby his Quartermaster Generall 1 Colonell of Langdales Brigade 2 Lieutenant Colonels 3 Captains of Horse Divers other Officers Many Prisoners Taken besides TWo Hundred Horse and Armes The Lord Digbyes owne Standard Sir Marmaduke Langdales Standard 3 Colours of Horse On our part SIr John Browne shot thorow his side but not mortally for he is able to fit upon his Horse back Captaine Lesley wounded 30 and odde slaine amongst whom some Officers but none of note that I hear of 50 or there abouts wounded on our side in all Digby and Langdale with 1000 Horse were totally routed by Sir John Browne with a party of about 500. and Digby and Langdale fled to the Isle of Man in a Cock-boat And upon the intelligence hereof an Order passed both Houses of Parliament to this effect It is this day Ordered by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled That the Ministers in the severall Congregations in the Cities of London and Westminster and Lines of Communication do upon Wednesday next being the 5 of November take notice of the great mercy of Almighty God in preserving and continuing this present Parliament now full five yeares compleat notwithstanding all the designes and machinations of the Enemy against them And likewise to make most thankfull mention of Gods great mercy in the defeating of the Lord Digby and Sir Marmaduke Langdales Forces in Scotland by Sir John Browne of Fardell Knight And that the Lord Mayor be desired to give the severall Ministers timely notice of this Order And now good Reader let me intreat thee as there is very great reason here to make a little stay and even to stand amazed in the serious and most gratefull re-view and re-cogitation of the still continued and multiplied mercies of our most good and gracious wonder-working God in this Moneth also to his blessed Burning-Bush still I say both unconsumed and also made most prosperously to stand and flourish in the midst of all the rough and outragious conflagrations and combustions of Malignants power and policie might and mischievous machinations to have utterly 〈◊〉 destroyed it root branch had not God I say the great and gracious the most wise and vigilant Watchman over his poore maligned English-Israel stood for them as hath been mightily manifested in its glorious preservation and propagation both in the brave defeat given to the Enemy by Col. Moore Governour of Gâ—â—nt-House the taking of Farâ—igh Castle in Somersetshire and of Sandall Castle in Yorkeshire In the happy surrender of the Town and Castle of Winchester into the Parliaments power and the pious resolutions of our Parliament to deale mercifully with Malignants and Delinquents notwithstanding their intended mercilesse cruelty towards us and yet herein also the Parliaments prudence and providence for the safety and welfare of the Kingdome In the most happy taking of Bazing-House that pernicious denne of theeves and thus cleansing that foule and filthie Augean-stall together with the taking of Chepstow Towne and Castle by Colonell Margan In the cleared integrity of the Parliament touching 〈◊〉 of new Members unto them the brave defeat given to the Enemy by our Abington Forces together with that other brave defeat given by valiant Colonell Rossiter to Banbury Forces neare Newarke In the taking of Langford-House neer Salisbury and the soundly beating of Sir William Vaughans Forces by Tamworth Garrison In the famous defeat given to the Enemy at Sherburne his York-shire by valiant Colonell Copley and the admirable and almost miraculous taking of Tiverton Town and Castle In the happy overture of things in Wales for the reducing of that Principality to the Parliaments obedience and the taking in of 〈◊〉 and Monmouth Towns and Castles to the Parliaments party And lastly In the discovery of Digbies Letters the brave defeat given to the Enemy neer Denbigh Castle coming to relieve Chester And that other brave defeat given to Sir William Byron on the like intention to relieve Westchester where he was taken Prisoner Together with that last not least famous defeat given againe to the Lord Digby and Langdale in their mischievously intended march into Scotland to Montrose Upon the most weighty and worthy gratefull consideration of all which most memorable and admirable Parliamentary mercies and mighty blessings O what infinite cause have we O in what innumerable and indissoluble bonds of obliged gratitude are we everlastingly bound to blesse the Lord our thus great and gracious wonder-working God And with the pious Prophet to be inlarged in our hearts and tongues with abundant expressions of joyfull confessions and exultations in our God and to sing and say in this our day Lo this is our God we have waited for him and he hath saved us This is the Lord we have trusted in him and now he hath made us to be glad and rejoyce in his mighty salvations for he hath trodden downe Moab our most proud and politick adversaries under his feet even as straw is trodden downe for the dunghill This also cometh all forth from the Lord of Hosts who is wonderfull in counsell and most excellent in working Go on O Lord we pray thee still to make thy great name more and more glorious and let not men prevaile Let still these irreligiâ—us Royalists be judged in thy sight Put them still in feare O Lord that they may know they 〈…〉 men So shall we thy people and the sheep of thy pasture give thanks 〈◊〉 to thee and blesse thy name as we do this day for ever and ever 〈◊〉 now to go on And here now we will begin the yet further most gratefull contemplation and admiration of the most
memorable Parliamentary Mercies of this next ensuing Moneth also of Novem. 1645. with a most notable evidence and testimony of the most prudent and provident care and vigilancy of our Parliamentary Senators for the good and welfare of the Kingdome every way in two memorable Ordinances of Parliament ratified by the Lords and 〈◊〉 The one giving power to the Committee of Goldsmiths-Hall in London to tender the Solemne League or Covenant to all persons comming unto them out of the Kings Quarters to compound for their Delinquency And the other for the enabling of the Commissioners of the Great Seal and the other Committees in their severall Counties to tender an Oath to all such persons of what degree or quality soever that shall come into the Parliaments protection Both which Ordinances together with the foresaid Oath I have thought fit for the Readers better content and satisfaction here to insert as they were printed and published by authority of Parliament which were as followeth Die Sabbathi 1 Novemb. 1645. An Order of the Lords and Commons in Parliament Assembled giving Power to the Committee of Gold-Smiths-Hall to tender the solemne League and Covenant to all such Persons that come out of the Kings Quarters to compound for their Delinquency ORdered by the Lords and Commons in Parliament Assembled That the Committee of Goldsmiths-Hall shall have Power to tender the solemne League and Covenant to all persons that come out of the Kings Quarters to that Committee to compound either upon Master Speakers Passe or otherwise and to secure such as shall refuse to take the Covenant untill they shall conforme thereunto Joh. Brown Cler Parliamentorum Die Sabbathi 5. April 1645. BE it Ordained by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled That all and every person of what degree or quality soever that hath lived or shall live within the Kings quarters or beene syding assisting or adhering unto the Forces raised against the Parliment and hath or shall come to inhabit or reside under the power and protection of the Parliament shall sweare upon the holy Evangelist in manner following I A. B. doe sweare from my heart That I will not directly nor indirectly adhere unto or willingly assist the King in this War or in this Cause against the Parliament nor any Forces raised without the consent of the two Houses of Parliament in this Cause or Warre And I doe likewise sweare that my comming and submitting my selfe under the power and protection of the Parliament is without any manner of designe whatsoever to the prejudice of the proceedings of the two Houses of this present Parliament and without the direction privity or advice of the King or any of his Councell or Officers other than what I have now made known So help me God and the Contents of this Booke About the 2 of this instant November wee received certaine intelligence by Letters from the Northern parts about Newark that the King being then in Newark and extreame stricktly eyed and watched by faithfull active Major Generall Poyntz and that he could not stir any whither but still the Major Generall was on his back molesting his designes and especially he at this time lying about Shelford House his Majestie fearing the Major General intended at last to lock him up within Newark walls and so at length to block him up for a siege The King therefore would very faine have beene nibling with him watching opportunity to dislodge him if it might be from so neere an offensive neighbourhood had therefore a purpose at least made a shew thereof to set upon the Major Generall in his quarters But the sedulous and watchfull Major Generall being too circumspect to be so caught asleepe upon his Couch of Security and having timely notice of a party of the kings out of Newark approaching toward him had his forces in a fit and defensive posture which also the enemy by their Scouts understanding immediately they turned their course back againe to Newark and durst doe nothing upon them Whereupon the noble and most active Genâ—rall resolved that now he would doe something on the Enemie and that to purpose too and thereupon fell close upon Shelford-House a strong Garison of the Enemies sent a Summons to the Governour which was flatly denyed by reason that they expected and made no doubt of speedy reliefe by Newark horse which as was briefly toucht before failed them they onely making a shew as if they would have helped them but presently faced about and very peaceably departed to Newark And now also the Major Generall having received an additionall strength from valiant and active Colonell Rossiter he presently on the foresaid deniall stormed the House and very resolutly got over the works which was indeed gallantly defended by the enemy and disputed most hotly on both sides for about halfe an howres space at the swords point the Enemie standing upon their honour fortunes and strength of their works chose rather to die in their obstinacie than to aske for quarter upon which their desperat pertinacy there being about 180 of them in the house most of them suffered by the edge of the sword for we slew above 140. and gave quarter not to above 30. or 40. at most among whom was the Governour Sonne to the Earle of Chesterfield who had received many dangerous wounds and some t was believed mortall Now this strong Garrison being thus subdued we had thereby much fairer oportunity and accommodation for the besieging of Newark but yet for the present Major Generall Poyntz his designe was next for Worton whereof more in its more proper place Much about the same time we had credible information by Letters out of the North that since the routing of that brave upstart Commander the Lord Digbies forces upon Câ—rlile-Sands forementioned His scattered forces which remained after that rout being afterward rallyed together againe into a body they marched toward Dumfreez in Scotland but were happily met with all againe some of them by Sir Iohn Browne of Fordell who fought with them put them to flight and took 100. more of them Another party of them that fled toward Beeston-Castle were incounâ—â—ed by Colonell Brigges and the Lancashire forces and 200 more were taken by 〈◊〉 also Likewise above 〈…〉 of them flying through 〈…〉 withall by Major Generall Van 〈◊〉 So that the 〈◊〉 party of 1600. of the Kings prime horse under the Conduct of Digby that 〈…〉 now turned 〈◊〉 Generall 〈◊〉 man was thus 〈◊〉 spoiled taken only Digby himself and Laâ—gdale the Lord 〈◊〉 Sir William 〈◊〉 and not to more as was credibly informed had the unhappy happines to prolong their shame and-miserie by escaping in a small Frigot or Cock-boat or some such like small vessell to the Isle of Man there to condole their distresse with their as unworthy and ignoble unsuccessefull Copesmate the Earle of Darby Governour of the said Isle And about the 3. Instant we were credibly informed
this Kingdome yea and their posterity after them and that for so many yeares together after her death verifying that faithfull word of the Lord Them that honour me I will honour And that of the holy Prophet David The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance Whereas her immediate Successour King James which makes the wonder indeed remarkable a Prince I confesse learned and wise after the worlds esteeme yea and bred and brought up in the Protestant Religion all his daies and in his raigne in Scotland held a precise Puritane but managing his whole Reigne in the Kingdome of England in such an unresolved way to say no more for God and true piety and in such a doubling condition twixt Protestantisme and Popery as extreamly encouraging Popish Jesuites and tyrannicall Prelates in both their impious and Antichristian waies and wiles even to the then brewing and now and of late times before broaching of all these most bloody and pernicious moderne mischiefes now most justly fallen upon us even now I say in his most unhappy Sons daies and all for our so jugling dealings with our God in then turning true piety into meere policie and machivilianisme and in our now of late more evident base backslidings from our first Love the Lord Jesus See therefore I say good Reader how our most wise and just God hath contrariwise verified that righteous saying of his They that despise me shall be lightly esteemed And that of the wise King Solomon The name of the wicked shall rot For ever since King James his decease his memory hath perished among his people who â—â—ver since the time of his death to this very day hath had one yeares annuall commemoration of his name and memory but is extinct and dead in the hearts of his people as his Corps lies dead and putrifying in the Urn of his Sepulchre Whereas had King James and King Charles his Son been sincere and cordiall indeed to their but meerly pretended Principles of true piety and the Protestant Christian Religion O how happy had England been O how glorious and illustrious had the name and memory of these two Princes been to the present age and its posterity Had I say these two immediate Successours of that pious Princesse lovely Elizabeth been as truly zealous for God in the suppression of Popery and Papists as she was who considering she was but a woman and began the Work of Reformation first of all and had therefore a hard pull of it the light of true Religion then breaking forth with much difficulty and in a glimmering light and weak twinkling condition yet was carried on by her and through Divine assistance brake forth through the clouds of many and mighty oppositions especially I meane in Doctrine to a most faire and hopefull condition O I say had they closely and faithfully followed this worke how had it long ere this time flourished by Gods gracious assistance who loves truth in the inner parts and growne up to tall growth in Discipline also as well as Doctrine and in all probability been brought to a great perfection But alas see in briefe the unhappy difference She was still guided by her most wise grave and faithfull Counsellors who were all for the most part brave Statists and solid Common-Wealths men and by her Parliaments by which meanes and by whose wisdome and providence not onely the Protestant Religion was strongly established but the Trade of the Kingdome abroad and at home mightily increased and her happy Subjects marvellously inriched Whereas both King James and his Sonne King Charles by their strange jugling and dallying with Religion and now at last palpably and down-right fighting against God though still as covertly as they can led therein by loose lewd and upstart Lords and Counsellours Priests and Prelates who strove strenuously to have made their lust our Lawes rejecting to be ruled by their Parliaments but making these onely their Staulking-Horses to get money for the someting of their illegall designes and their dissolving them without any redresse of grievances thus introducing all kindes of oppression upon the Subjects Estates bodies and soules by meer and monstruous Arbitrary Tyranny Thus I say making not onely themselves but also their formerly famous and flourishing Kingdomes as much as in them lay most unhappy every way being most miserably impoverished and almost totally and most ruthfully ruinated and all this I say by jugling with Religion in the prime place and dalâ—ying and dissembling with the Lord who though we our selves may be herein easily deceived cannot be mocked and all this to beat downe the power of godlinesse and to set up Popery or Atheisme and Prophanasse for confirmation of all which witnesse O witnesse the Oceans of Christian blood shed all over desolate Germany and in speciall the ruruine of the Palatinate and King James his Off-spring all which let England judge if England might not have timely saved in King James his time if King James had pleased witnesse the blood of most wofully ruinated Rochell and all the brave English blood spilt in the Isle of Ree in King Charles his daies witnesse O witnesse the late most lamentable Irish Massacree of almost 200000 English innocent soules there farre worse than so many doggs destroyed Yea witnesse all the still fresh gashes and bleedings or rather gushing streams nay floods of blood of Scotland and England to this day To say no more of other secret streames of blood which Heaven the most righteous revenger thereof will certainly reveal and vindicate in his due time and all this for the impious enjoyment of a cursed Spanish Match and the satisfying of the lust of a Popish Lady a proud Prelaticall and Atheisticall inconsiderable party of consciencelesse Cabinet-Counsellors and jugling Junctoe's of whom the Law takes no notice whose onely aimes interests and ingagements herein have been to ruinate Religion in the power and purity of it and to open a wide gushing sluce to Popery and Atheisme and base slavery of bodies and soules upon the poore miserable abused and seduced Subject and all under the specious but most fallacious vales and vizards of Protestantisme unity and universall conformity Pardon good Reader I pray thee this somwhat large digression if so I may call it yet certainly a very necessary one and whereunto I have been thus farre transported by my ardent zeale and fervour for God and my distressed Country especially being thereunto fairly led by occasion of this 17 of Novembers happy commemoration of that precious Paragon of her age and sex eternally to be renowned Queen Elizabeth But now to proceed About the 20 of this instant November we had certaine intelligence by Letters out of the West that a Barke going from Falmouth toward Foy laden with Kerseyes to the valew of 1500 l. was by some neglect of the Marriners and a great mist which happened
to prevent intelligence between them also and the Enemy And immediately after it for the more fully enabling of the said renowned City to terrifie and over-awe their open and secret Enemies the House of Commons passed an Ordinance for the establishing of a Court-Martiall in the said City of London for the triall of Spies and other noxious Delinquents who shall come out of the Kings Quarters to lurke and watch for opportunities of doing mischiefe and named severall Commanders and Gentlemen who were to be Members of that Councell And here now good Reader be pleased againe to make a little pause seriously to ponder and consider in thy most thankfull heart the unexhaustible over-flowings in bounty and blessings and the unwearied out-goings of thy wonder-working God in this Moneths mighty mercies also and most memorable benedictions on this his blessed Burning-Bush still unconsumed still marvellously preserved and maintained in a most fair and flourishing state and condition maugre the many and mighty flames of the firy and restlesse rage of the Royalists continually menacing and molesting the same as hath been most copiously discovered both in our most loyall and loving Brethren of Scotlands faithfull and valiant assistance in the besieging of Newarle and their brave winning of Muschamp Bridge and Fort there And the voluntary submission of the County of Brecknock in Wales to the obedience of the Parliament In the obtaining of that pernicious den of robbers I mean that strong Garrison of Latham House in Lancashire and Fulford House in the West In the most remarkable and happy surprisall of the Towne and Castle of Hereford by a notable stratagem wherein the hand of God was most admirably evident In delivering that strong Fort of Canon-Tean and that strong Garrison of Callyntine-House at Exeter into the Parliaments possession and thereby strengthning ours and weakening the Enemies hands In the happy rendition of Skipton Castle also a strong hold of the Enemies into our hands whereby almost all the Northerne parts of the Kingdome were set at liberty And sixthly and lastly In putting into the hearts of our Worthies in Parliament and the loyall Citizens of London prudently and providently to foresee future probable contingent dangers and carefully to forecast to prevent and avoid them All which rare and remarkable Parliamentary Mercies gratefully and graciously put together give us great cause with holy David to sing and say In God the Lord alone is our salvation and our glory the rock of our strength and our sure refuge is in God O therefore let us trust in him at all times and poure out our hearts before him in all holy and humble acknowledgements that God alone is a refuge unto us But to go on And now I shall againe begin the serious survey of the rich and rare mercies of God to this his Burning-Bush the Parliaments Cause in this ensuing Moneth of January with a memorable passage of fidelity in the Governour of Plymouth Colonell Kerre who having been most vehemently tempted by Sir John Digby Brother to the traiterous George Lord Digby who then commanded in chief those Forces of the Kings which so long had besieged this brave and loyall Towne of Plymouth this young treacherous Royalist I say having by Letters Messages and mighty promises of a reward of 10000 l. in money and high preferment in the Kings Army endeavoured to intice the noble and loyall Governour to betray and give up this brave Towne into the Enemies hands He contrariwise most loyally disdaining such base and treacherous underhand-dealings returned that traiterous Knight this noble Answer which for the honour of this brave Gentlemans so faithfull resolution I have thought exceeding fit here to insert which was as followeth SIR YOur motion to treason I have seen and detest it it is below my spirit for a personall injury supposed onely by an Enemy to take a Nationall Revenge and for a punctilio of honour to take advice from Hell and to betray my trust I am sorry that one so ingenious as your self should 〈◊〉 your naturall parts onely to do mischiefe yet I have no reason to â—â—der much at your perswasion to treachery because I have had experience of the indeavour of your Family to corrupt others also I remember the Gunpowder-plot and withall the Letter which not long since your Brother wrote to my Lord Roberts tending to the same subject and his negotiation with Major Generall Browne at Abington Surely these principles came from Spaine but you should have told me also that Spanish Proverbe To love the Y reason and hate the Traytor Sir if my counsell may take with you then I beseech you to consider of the evill counsell which you and your party have given to his Majesty whereby the Kingdome especially those parts under your power are become almost a desolation And when you have thought upon the sad effects of these wars then let your heart tell you this truth that much of the blood and rapine in this Country must lye upon your account and guilt may inforce you to seeke for termes of Reconciliation first with God then with the Representative Body of the Kingdome whom you have se highly offended Let not this advice from him whom you call Enemy be despised as you hope for mercy and the respects of him who according to the Nationall Covenant resolves to be Assuredly your Servant JAMES KERRE How the young Gallant did blush if at least he had any shame in him at the perusall of this Letter I leave to all the ingenuous Readers to judge It was a brave letter indeed and most worthy to live in Cedar or to be engraven in indelible Marble and out live them both to this brave Gentlemans eternall honour which being speedily after made known to the Parliament was and that most justly most gratefully resented by both Houses and he rewarded with the present gift of 500. l. and most loving assurance of farther preferment on the first and sittest oportunity And presently after this the Lord to shew his detestation of all such disloyall traiterous enterprises as a punishment of this particular impious instigation to this treason crowned the loyall Governour of this Town of Plymouth with a fair occasion of just revenge and put a fit oportunity into his hands of singular good successe against this Treacherous Enemie which had there long besieged them which was intimated by Letters to a worthy Member of the House of Commons in Parliament in their taking of 2. Forts from the Enemie which had been a great annoyance to those our loyall friends and by which victorie they then got more elbow-roome and liberty to enlarge their quarters than before the particulars whereof were as followeth Our men after a small dispute tooke from the Enemie Canterburie-Fort and in it 17. Prisoners And afterward marched to Saint Bendeaux where after a hot skirmish of an houre and a halfe long our men tooke the Church-yeard which was strongly
fortified and the Church also and in it 140. Prisoners among whom was Major Stukeley a Major of horse Major Salt Capt. â—rice Captaine Edmonds Capt. Lap Capt. Baker 3. Leivtenants 3. Ensignes 8. Serjeants 55. Horse 2. Barrels of Powder and 100. mens Armes besides the Armes taken in Canterbury-Foot with Match and Bullet proportionable there were 10. of the Enemies slaine and 7. of ours whereof Major Heynes was one and about 20. more of our men wounded And thus the Lord was graciously pleased to shew favour unto us that we might justly raise up our hearts with thankfulnesse unto him About the 6. of this instant Januarie we had again Letters from our noble Generalls Armie in the West certifying that his Excellencie Sir Thomas Fairfax and Leivtenant Generall Cromwell made a generall Rendevouz and afterward advanced into the Enemies quarters resolving either to enforce them to fight or at least to remove more remotely toward Corn-wall into the quarters from whence they came And thereupon a party was drawn up farther West which fell upon them in their quarters at Tracie and beat them out of them and out of the field also and in the pursuit of them we took 4. Colonels 3. Leiutenant Colonels 5. Majors 11. Capt. and other Officers 7. Colours whereof one having the Crown and C. R. upon it 400. horse at least 300 Arms 140 Prisoners 150. head of Cattell and store of other provisions designed for the releife of Exeter which thus now blessed be the Lord came short of it After this our renowned Generall pursuing his victory came to Ilminster which he also took with all the ammunition in it where some Commanders of the Enemie had much a doe to save themselves but by throwing good store of money out of windowes into the streets among our Souldiers which whiles they gathered up the said Commanders and Officers in a darke night as it was then escaped by a back way saved their lives whiles our men were tardy to pursue them After this also our forces advanced to Ashburton but the enemy having received a hot alarm by those that escaped as before mentioned they speedily quitted that place also being then their head quarter in great Confusion and amazement sending their foot one way and their horse another but our forlorne hope pursued them so fast through the Towne of Ashburton that we took above 20 horse and 9 or 10 prisoners there and tooke the Towne with all the Armes and Ammunition in it Then the Generall advanced to Totnes where the Enemy had a Foot Quarter as having been the Princes Head Quarter where his Life Guard lay and where indeed we thought the Enemy would have disputed our passe but our Forces following on close upon them soon frighted them thence also tooke that strong Garrison with all the Armes and Ammunition in it yea and immediately after this also our Army marching and advancing on still reduced Okehampton a strong Garrison of the Enemiâ—s to the obedience of the Parliament where we also tooke as was credibly related to me two Colonels five Captaines 20 Horse and many prisoners And it was credibly informed and assured that since that overthrow given to the Enemy at Bovie-Tracy aforementioned we have taken from them at least 1000 of the Enemies Prisoners many of whom were Commanders and Gentlemen of no small repute in the Princes Army And hath not the Lord here admirably appeared for the comfort and hopefull flourishing condition of this his Burning-Bush his just and upright Cause yes certainly even to the amazement of our Enemies and to the stopping of the black and foule mouths of Malignant envy it selfe for ever glorified and omnified be our wonder-working God for it But to proceed About the tenth of this instant two Letters were read in the House of Commons from the Commissioners for the Parliament residing in Ireland the one dated the 19 of Novemb. 1645. from Belfast the other the 22 of Decemb. last from the same place relating the great and singular good successe which it pleased God to give to our handfull of Forces under the conduct and command of Sir William Cole Sir Charles Coot and Sir Francisâ—Hamilton against the Rebels in Ireland in the Province of Cannaught and Vlster and particularly and especially of that most memorable and remarkable deliverance and great victory over them at Sligo And upon reading of the said Letters the House ordered that the next Lords Day the Ministers in their severall Churches within London and Westminster should returne humble and hearty thankes to Almighty God for this great Victory And that the Reader may the better see what cause we have in an extraordinary manner to congratulate and give thanks with our Brethren for the same and for the Readers better content and satisfaction as also because this Victory hath no small influence upon and reference unto the great and present affaires of our own Kingdome as in the sequell you will clearly see I have therefore here thought it very fit and pertinent to our present history to insert the particulars of that brave and famous Victory which was as followeth On Sunday the 17 of October last the Irish Rebels having surrounded Sligo with 1000 Foot and 300 Horse the Garrison seeing little hope of the advance of the Vlster Forces who were then neer them at Bandron though unknowne to them conceived it absolutely necessary to hazard the fighting with the Rebels with their owne strength and Sir William Coles Troops rather than to starve themselves and lose their out Garrisons which were blocked up the Enemy lying between them Captaine Richard Coot and Captaine Richard Cole commanded our Horse being two hundred who charged the Rebels Horse very resolutely and fell in to the sword pell mell and beat them among the divisions of their owne Foot and routed them which Lieutenant Colonell Saunderson seconded with the Foot and Sir Francis Hamilton came also with his Troops in the nick of time and had the execution of the Rebels for five miles their Foot taking flight upon giving ground of their Horse In the pursuit their Commander and President of that Province was slaine the titular Archbishop of Tuain Our men tooke one hundred and fifty of their Horse with Pistols all their Baggage Tents and Ammunition there were two Wagons with rich Spoile and many in them they tooke severall of their Standards and Colours 24 Drums and Officers of note in number 48 who are now prisoners in Sligo about two hundred of their men lay killed in the place and many more had been if plunder had not been preferred before execution by our Foot we had but one killed of Sir William Coles Troop and some Horsemen hurt and some Horse There were of the Irish Rebels taken Prisoners at Sligo as followeth Great Morogh ve Divo O Flabeety Lieutenant Colonell to Richard Bourk Cousen German to the Earle of Clanrickard and his next Haire John
Garye Lieutenant Colonell to Sir Tibbot Bourk eldest Sonne to the Lord of Maye Richard Bourk Major to Richard Bourk the Earle of Clanrickards Heire and Sonne to Sir William Bourk Brother to the late Earle of Clanrickard Captaine William O Shaghuise brother to Sir Roger O Shaghuise Captaine Garret Dillon Sonne to Sir Lucas Dillon who saith that his Father was shot in the thigh Captaine Ro. Castallogh Killed Edward Brown Captaine of 100 Musketeers out of Galloway brother to Jeffery Brown the Lawyer Three Lieutenants of Foot Two Cornets Three Engines Killed also the Titular Archbishop of Tuain the Rebels president of Cannaught a principall incendiary in that Kingdome in whose pockets were found Letters and other papers of great importance and for his own particular an Order from the Councell of Kilkenny for leavying the arreares of his Bishoprick together with severall other prisoners of inferiour quality both of Horse and Foot and 22 or 23 were drowned And here now I shall desire the Reader by way of introduction to what I have further to say touching this Irish Victory and especially some of the Papers taken from this foresaid Archbishop of Tuain to take speciall notice of the admirable wisdome and providentiall mercy of the Lord unto us therein viz. That in regard of the wonderfull great and good successe which the Lord hath lately given to our Forces in the West of our owne Kingdome and the King finding what bad successe he hath of late had as well as all along indeed for the most part in all the parts of the Kingdome both West and North now therefore sent Letter after Letter to the Parliament for the procuring of a pretended well grounded Peace and the way nay forsooth the only way in the opinion of the subtill Oxonians that must lead thereto he propounded to be by a Treaty nay when that could not serve by a Personall Treaty in himself proffering himself to come in person to our Parliament But our prudent Parliament who by much experience knew very well of what danger and disadvantage such Treaties have been and this also of the Kings personall coming in this juncture of time would be both to foment pernicious delayes and abusive designes for raising desperate parties to spoile us all resolved therefore most peremptorily to go a neerer way to worke to wit by drawing up Bils and to present them to the King to have them immediately signed and made Acts. But now that the Reader I say may see how fairely the King meant both in sending Letters thus for a Treaty of Peace yea and proffering himself in person to treat of Peace I have here thought fit to set downe the substance of one of his Letters sent to the Parliament for this purpose verbatim and most faithfully as it was printed and published and therewith also a Declaration of his compacting with the Rebels in Ireland against God our Religion and his English Protestant Subjects yea the whole Kingdome and Parliament And then I say the impartiall Reader may see how crossely and craftily yet most accursedly things were carried underhand even with extream Atheisme and impiety and now I say for the full clearing hereof take here first a true Copy of the Kings Letter to our Parliament expressing his even greedy seeming desire of Peace with his Parliament and his Protestant People and then you shall have the other Letter or Declaration sent into Ireland and then be amazed and confounded in thy thoughts at such hideous and horrid yea even hellish dissimulation Upon Friday Jan. 16. another Trumpet for you must know by the way as I touched before divers former Trumpets and Messages had been sent came from the King with a Letter directed to the Speaker of the House of Peers pro tempore the substance of which Letter was C. R. HIs Majesty doth expresse his great wonder that whereas he had sent a gracious Message on the 26 of December last the subject whereof was for a Treaty for peace that the Parliament should returne no Answer to that Message ever since He much admired what should become of his Trumpeter whom he sent unto them in December last having heard 〈◊〉 newes of him since his departure from Oxford unto London He seemes to be very carefull of the Government of the Church and desireth that it may continue as in the dayes of Queen Elizabeth and King James of blessed and perpetuall memory yet he expresseth that because the Act it abolished for the use of the Booke of Common Prayer he is not altogether averse that the Directory shall passe as it is now used in some Churches of London and this He is content to condescend unto for the ease of tender consciences He maketh no question but that He shall give both his Houses of Parliament a full content for the choyce of the Lord Admirall and other Officers of State if He finds his Houses of Parliament inclinable to a Treaty for peace in which he intendeth to assist in Person He expresseth a speciall care to satisfie the Scots in their arreares and to discharge the expences of the City and for the businesse of Ireland He doubteth not but He shall give His Subjects of England perfect satisfaction Subscribed Given at our Court at Oxford Jan. 15. 1645. This is the substance of his Majesties Letter which though communicated by former pens was read in the House this day and it is the rather here inserted because you may see how crosse it is to His Majesties Letter sent to Ireland and sealed with his highnesse Signature and Royall Signet which Letter together with other papers of great concernment were found in the pocket of the Archbishop of Tuain slaine at Sligo in Ireland the tenour of which Letter was as followeth C. R. CHARLES by the grace of God King of England Scotland France and Ireland Defender of the Faith To our trusty and right well beloved cousin Edward Earle of Glamorgan greeting VVE reposing great and speciall trust and confidence in your approved wisdome and fidelity do by these as firmly as under our great Seale to all intents and purposes authorize and give you power to treat and conclude with the Roman Catholicks in our Kingdome of Ireland if upon necessity any thing be condescended to wherein our Lieutenant cannot so well be seen as not fit for us at the present publikely to owne We therefore charge you to proceed according to this our Warrant with all possible secrecy and for whatsoever you shall engage your self upon such valuable considerations as you in your judgement shall thinke fit we promise in the word of a King and a Christian to ratifie and performe the same that shall be granted by you and under your Hand and Seale the said Confederate Catholicks having by their supplies testified their zeale to our service and this shall be in each particular a sufficient Warrant to you Given at our Court at Oxford under our
Parliament and their friends This indulgent and most noble favour thus shewed by his Excellency was not altogether fruitlesse unto us immediately after for some of those Officers proved very serviceable to our Army in some of their succeeding designes nor could lesse good effects be expected from many others where his Excellency occasionally made his Martiall progresse and advances whereby he hath most certainly and more and more most worthily been crowned with ancient Caesars more than Golden Diadems of perpetuall same and honour viz. Caesar noster Anglicus dando sublevando ignoscendo Gloriam adeptus est But now to proceed About the latter end of this Moneth of January we had further certaine intelligence by Letters from Dartmouth in the West that a Barke which came from France putting in at Dartmouth not knowing it was in the Parliaments hands and being come within command before they discovered it was there instantly seized on But speciall order and directions having been given to the Master of the Ship that in case he saw himself in danger to be taken by any of the Parliaments Forces he should throw his packets of Letters overboard into the Sea which now he had accordingly done but it being upon examination confessed Colonell Lambert presently commanded out boats to search for them and to see if they could espie any such Packets floating on the waters toward the shore which by Gods good providence at last they found so indeed and tooke them up and brought them to the noble Colonell even Letters of great concernment from the Queen Jermine and Goring which were all speedily posted up to the Parliament And thus besides the prize of the Ship and the fraught therein the Lord was most graciously pleased even by our Enemies themselves and especially by admirable interception of their Letters from time to time even all along to lay open and discover unto us the most hidden I had almost said the most hideous secrets of their hellish hearts against us and thereby giving us fair and seasonable opportunities by his blessed assistance to prevent and avoid their intended malice and mischiefe toward us blessed O ever blessed be the pure and precious grace and meere mercy of our good God unto us And here now againe good Reader I shall desire thee in thy wonted patience and piety together with me to make another short stay and take a summarie and briefe survey and gratefull revise of all the sweet and salubrious mercies of this moneth also so much conducing to the health and happinesse of this long languishing Church and State to the dressing pruning and prospering of this our Burning-Bush still as you see unconsumed the Parliaments just Cause thus still sustained in the midst of all the fiery machinations and flaming molestations burning and blazing round about it as hath been most comfortably and conspicuously seen to us all both in the great mercy of our God in so upholding the heart of the renowned Governour of Plymouth with such impregnable loyalty and fidelity to the Parliament and its most just Cause as not to betray that great trust committed to him by the Parliament in safe-guarding the said famous Town from the pawes and possession of the Enemie and also in the singular good successe which immediately after the Lord gave to those his loyall befieged servants against their besieging Enemies as a just reward of their late base batterie of treachery shot against it In that famous defeat given also to the Enemy at Bâ—vie-Tracy and our winning of Ilminster Ashburton Totnes and Okebampton together with the famous victory obtained against the Rebels of Ireland at Sligo and the excellent effects ensuing thereon In the most happy totall relief of Plymouth from a long and dangerous siege by base and blood-thirsty Enemies and recovery of Sir Francis Drakes House a strong Garrison also out of their hands In Gods great goodnesse unto us in still stirring up the hearts and raising up the spirits of the most renowned Citizens of London to stand close to his truth and to be very zealous for the building up of Gods House as was most eminently evident in their most excellent Petitions to the Lords and Commons in Parliament for the speeding thereof In the most happy surprizall of the Town and Castle of Dartmouth a mighty mercy unto us indeed it being a place of great consequence to the whole Kingdome and a faire and famous Haven and inlet from other forraigne parts And sixthly and lastly In that brave defeat given to the Enemy at Câ—rk neer Stafford the taking in of Pâ—â—ldram Castle by Sir Thomas Fairfâ—â—s forces in the West and his most Excellent and amiable demeanour among the people of those parts even like a second Julius Caesar Together with the most seasonable surprisall of that Ship from France in Dartmouth harbour by which that 〈◊〉 of Letters of so great Concernment was also by Gods gâ—â—d providence apprehended and found floating on the waves of the Sea All which most gratefully put together and seriously and sanctimoniously considered can amount to no lesse than a most large acknowledgement of our most deere and Deepe enâ—â—gement to the Lord our God in all the bonds of most bonden gratitude and therefore to breake out into holy and hearty zeale 〈◊〉 Cordiall thankfulnes and with the good Prophet to conâ—â—â—â— and say Who would not feare and love thee O King of Nations 〈◊〉 to thee alone indeed it doth appertaine for as much as among all 〈◊〉 and strong man of the Nations and all their kingdomes their 〈…〉 like unto the Lord our God Who hath most mercifully and 〈◊〉 been a wall of fire to us this unworthy Jerusalem round 〈◊〉 as and the onely glorie in the midst among us But now to proceed And here now I shall begin the farther prosperous per 〈…〉 in the comfortable contemplation of the continued wonder of the Burning-Bush unconsumed in this Moneth also of Februarie 1646. with the certaine intelligence by letters out of the North 〈◊〉 parts of the Kingdome about the beginning of the 〈◊〉 of February 1646. That the strong and almost impregnaâ—â— Garrison called 〈◊〉 Castle being one of the strongest and 〈◊〉 buildings in the Kingdome and therefore called Belvoir 〈◊〉 word signifying a Fair-Prospect which had 66 steps or 〈◊〉 unto it and therefore might well over-look the Country which for the most part being vallies round about it seemed 〈◊〉 yeild obeyâ—â—â—ce to this Castle which now I say is reduced 〈…〉 obedience of the Parliament Sir lartis Lucas the Governour thereof withall the Commanders Officers and Souldiers therin 〈◊〉 permission to march away to Litch-field upon more honourable termes indeed than they deserved And 〈◊〉 Thursday Februarie they came letters out of Cheshire from that 〈◊〉 faithfull and religious Commander Sir Williâ—◠〈◊〉 of the most happie surrender of the strong and long 〈◊〉 Castle of West-Chester into the noble
against the Parliament of England not being under restraint do before the sixth day of April 1646. depart out of the Cities of London and Westminster and Lines of Communication And if any such person shall continue within the said Lines after that time such person is hereby declared a Spy and shall be apprehended imprisoned and proceeded against as a Spy according to the Rules of War And the said Lords and Commons do further orden That all such persons do forbeare upon the penalty aforesaid to come within the said Lines without Licence under the hands of the Committee appointed for Compositions at Goldsmiths-Hall And the Committee of the Militia of London and the Sub-Committees in their severall limits respectively are hereby required to keep strict Guards and Watches and cause frequently searches to be made and to take care for the due execution of this Order Provided that this Order nor any thing therein contained shall extend to any person or persons who shall obtain license under the hands of the Committee of Goldsmiths-Hall to continue within the limits aforesaid Provided that this Ordinance or any thing therein contained shall not extend to any person or persons who came in to the Parliament before the first of June last 1645. and are cleared by both Houses of Parliament from their Delinquency Provided also that no Peere of this Realm shall resort unto the Committee for license to continue within the limits aforesaid but shall repaire only to the House of Peers for their said License This Order to continue for one Moneth after the sixth of April and no longer And it was also further ordered and resolved on by the Lords and Commons in Parliament That in case the King should contrary to the advice of the Parliament then already given unto him come or attempt to come within the Lines of Communication That then the Committee of the Militia of London shall have power and are hereby enjoyned upon advice had with the Committee of Lords and Commons for the Army to raise such forces as they shall think necessary to prevent any tumults that may arise by his coming and to suppresse any that shall happen and to apprehend and secure all such as shall come with him and to prevent resort unto him and to secure his own Person from danger About the sixth of April we received certaine good newes by a Letter written to renowned Major Generall Brown of a brave defeat given to the Kings Horse about Farringdon not far from Oxford which Letter was read in the Honourable House of Commons and a Copy whereof for the Readers better content and satisfaction therein I have here inserted as it was printed and published which was as followeth Honourable Sir THe last night I had intelligence the Enemy was drawn out of Oxford and gave out that they did intend to plunder Newnham wherefore I sent to Colonell Betsworth to desire him to draw his Horse towards Abingdon which he did but early this morning we had intelligence that six hundred Horse marched out of Oxon through Conmer and Fisield whereupon I commanded forth our Horse and Dragoons and marched with Colonell Betsworth after the Enemy and it pleased God to direct us that we found them at Farringdon and quartered at the Towns thereabouts We had gallant hunting them from place to place over the hils and pursued them into Farringdon Town and afterwards we discovered a good party of about two hundred between the two Coxwels who ran down into a Meadow and would have parlyed to â—urrender their Horse and Arms but our â—â—n fell on them and took them all save very few that escaped Afterwards we gleaned up divers more in severall places so that I am confident that party is so broken that the King will scarce be able to get such a body of Horse againe in the Kingdome We took above 300 Horse and almost as many Prisoners there was brought in this evening about 250 unto Abingdon the Major and most of the Officers of Sir William Comptons Regiment belonging to Banbury are prisoners it was esteemed the best Regiment the King had and the newes of their ingagement being reported at Oxford this day that they would come off with honour or be lost they sadly replyed if that Regiment were lost they were all undone There was but one man slain on our part and not many of the Enemies Sir your most humble and faithfull servant Geo. Payne Abington April 3. 1646. About the 10 of this instant Aprill Letters came from his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Quarters from severall Gentlemen of credit to the Committee of both Kingdomes and by other informations from thence that the Articles for the surrender of the City and Garrison of Exeter were now fully agreed on and foure Hostages given for performance of the same to be surrendred into the hands of the Parliament on Munday Aprill 13. 1646. and as a farther firm pledge and assurance hereof they immediately upon the mutuall giving of Hostages surrendred three of their strong Forts into the renowned Generals hands viz. Saint Downes Fort on the North side Mount-Rat-Ford on the South side and a very strong House in Saint Tho. Pâ—rish on the West side all these were surrendred on Thursday April the 9. the maine substance of the Articles was That all within the Garrison that would were to march away on April 13. being Munday both Horse and Foot with Arms and to have a Convoy either to Pendennis or Saint Michaels-Mount or to Oxford and to nominate which of these three places they would go unto when they marched out And those that would to have Passes to go beyond Sea or laying down their Arms to go to their own homes upon an ingagement not to take up Arms againe against the Parliament All the nobility as some of these were there Gentry and Clergy in the City to have liberty to march out with the Garrison Souldiers with their Horses Arms and their own proper goods One Article was mainly insisted on concerning the Cathedrall in Exeter that forfooth it might not be defaced which was also so farre agreede on Now if any should imagine these and the other conditions to be too large for such enemies Let them but waigh the considerablenesse of the place and how long it might have held out withall its advantages and it may easily balance all the rest Besides that now it is gained with the losse of so little bloodshed and in so short a time since the Armie returned out of Cornwall That now also upon the matter all the West is cleared and setled in a peaceable posture and how considerable this is that now the army may immediately advance and take the oportunity to cleare up these Eastern-parts which in all probability will by Gods blessing be effected suddainly and we hope an end put to these miserable and most unhappie warres The noble Generall presently upon this with part of his Armie advanced
April being the solemne Fast-day of this Moneth after both the Sermons before the Lords in the Abby at Westminster and the Commons Sermons in Margrets-Church were ended The House of Commons sitting a while in Parliament received certaine intelligence of the Kings escaping out of Oxford in a disguised manner betweene Sunday-night and Munday-morning with 2. others in his Companie whereof Master Aâ—bhurnhâ—un was one who was pretended to be the Kings Master and the King and the other partie must be Ashburnhams Servants and the King himselfe as it was credibly and Constantly related must goe along under the name of Harry Master Ashburnhams man and thus I say these 3. went forth of Oxford together the King also carrying a cloak-bag or portmantle behind him on his horse like a Servingman indeede but whether or which way he went was not then knowne for as it was reported the better to conceale the way of his departure there went out 3. at every part of the City at the same instant time that so none should be able to discover in which of the Companies the King was It seemed as since we heard his Lords in Oxford were desirous of his departure hoping thereby to have the beter conditions for themselves looking more it seem'd at their owne safetie than at the Kings preservation who hereby may plainly see whose interests they have all this while driven on Ah good Reader see here and seriously consider in thy soul with feare and trembling and amazement how truely how justly God most wise most righteous hath made good that word of his Those that honour me I will honour and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed O that we would faithfully and fruitfully lay these remarkable examples thereof to our hearts and walke answerably for the time to come Now upon the 4 of May 1646. so soone as ever our most noble Generall had received certaine intelligence of his Majesties departure ouâ— of Oxford as abovesaid he immediately by his Letters and Messengers informed the Parliament thereof giving them farther to understand the great confidence though mightily mistaken as aâ—on you shall plainly understand of those that came out of Oxford to his Excellency and their constant affirmations as those that saw but the shallow superficies of the businesse only that the King was certainly come into or neer unto London upon which information the Commons in Parliament had much debate and the House of Peers also the like and considering the danger that might ensue by concealing and hiding the Kings person they appointed a Committee forthwith to prepare and draw up something to be published touching all such as should harbour or conceale the harbouring of the King and accordingly an Order was drawn up by this Committee reported to the House and assented unto by the House of Peers and likewise passed by them and â—y Order of both Houses to be published throughout London and Westminster by beat of Drum or sound of Trumpet which was accordingly performed the said Order being to this effect ORdered that it be declared and it is hereby declared by the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled That what person soever shall harbour or conceale or know of the harbouring or concealing of the Kings person and shall not reveale it immediately to the Speakers of both Houses shall be proceeded against as a Traytor to the Common Wealth forfeit his whole Estate and die without mercy The Parliament also about this foresaid time seriously considering that a former Ordinance for putting out of the Lines of Communication all Papists Officers and Souldiers of fortune that have come out of the Kings Quarters was now expired and the danger that might happen by permitting such to abide within the City of London no whit slacking but rather increasing An Ordinance was therefore read the first and second time and committed to a Committee for the continuance of the said former Ordinance for a Moneth longer and that all such Papists and Souldiers should remove themselves â—wenty miles distant from the City An Ordinance was likewise read and assented to giving power to the Militia of London to search within twenty miles of London for all Papists Malignants and other suspected persons and to secure and disarm them and likewise to search for Arms and this power to continue for twenty daies longer And now upon the sixth of this instant May the much expected newes of the Kings discovery and place of aboad was by a most excellent Letter sent to the Commissioners of both Kingdomes and so to the Parliament brought to London which Letter for the eminency and excellency thereof and for the just honour of our ever most worthily deserving loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland I have here thought fit in the first place to set forth and shew to the honest and godly Reader for his just joy comfort and content which was as followeth The Letter from the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland to the Commissioners of both Houses concerning his Majesties coming to the Scottish Army Dated at Southwell May the 5. Right Honourable THe discharging of our selves of the duty we owe to the Kingdome of England to you as Commissioners from the same moves us to acquaint you with the Kings coming into our Army this morning which having overtaken us unexpectedly hath filled us with amazement and made us like men that dream We cannot thinke that He could have been so unadvised in his Resolutions is to have cast himself upon us without a reall intention to give full satisfaction to both Kingdomes in all their just and reasonable Demands in all those things that concern Religion and Righteousnesse whatsoever be His disposition or resolution you may be assured That we shall never entertaine any thought nor correspond with any purpose nor countenance mee any endeavours that may in any circumstance incroach upon our League and Covenant or weaken the union or confidence between the Nations That Vnion unto our Kingdom was the matter of many prayers and as nothing was more joyfull to us than to have it set on foot so hitherto have we thought nothing too dear to maintain it and we trust to walk with such faithfulnesse and truth in this particular that as we have the testimony of a good conscience within our selves so you and all the world shall see that we minde your interest with as much integrity and care as our owne being confident you will entertaine no other thoughts of us Signed by the Warrant and Command of the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland LOTHIAN Southwel May 5. 1646. For the Right Honourable the Commissioners of the Parliament of England In the next place I shall give the Reader a summary narrative of the manner of the discovery of His Majesty to most noble and renowned Generall Lesley Earl of Leven as it was related to the Commissioners of Scotland by the Secretary of the Scots Army and
Peeces Divers Drakes and small Peeces 4000 Armes gathered divers Armes not taken in 40 Barrels of Gunpowder Many thousand weight of Bullets and Lead Match and other Ammunition proportionable and plentifull Little fresh meat onely Poultry and that very scarce Salt meat some plenty but much of it tainted and not fit to be eaten Butter and Cheese some store Beere and Wine many Barrels Corne good store Fewell for fire very little A List of the Lords Knights Colonels and chief of the Gentry that marched out of Newark to their own homes to submit to the Ordinances of Parliament Lords LOrd Bellasis Governour Lord Davencourt Lord Laxington Knights Sir John Burrell Sir Guy Palmes Sir Charles Dalison Sir Robert Dalison Sir Robert Tredway Sir George Hennings Sir Jarvis Skroop Sir Philip Constable Sir Thomas Ingram Sir Bryan Balmes Sir Jarvis Nevill Sir Simon Fanshaw And others Great Clergy-men DOctor Farmer Chancellor of Lincoln Doctor March Dean of Yroke Doctor Hurst and others Chiefe Officers MAjor Generall Eyre Colonell Gilby Colonell Trollop Colonell Herne Colonell Darsey Colonell Atkins And others The most malignant Aldermen of the Towne were The Major of Newark Alderman Atkinson Alderman Standish And others And upon the same ninth of May aforesaid being Saturday we received the certaine intelligence of the surrendering of the Castle of Banbury such another most pestilent pernicious and vexatious den of Theeves and Royall Robbers as was Bazing House in Hampshire and especially most vexatious and pernicious to the Inhabitants of Northamptonshire its next neighbour but now at last I say by Gods great mercy and the valour and vertue of our brave Commanders and Souldiers brought upon its knees of submission being given up to that brave and couragious Commander Colonell Whaley by Sir William Compton then Governovr thereof upon faire and honourable Articles of agreement which was done on Friday May the 8. the substance of those articles also being to this effect That all the Officers were to march away with Horses and Swords but the Common Souldiers without Armes their wearing apparell and half their moneys by just accompt and both Officers and Souldiers to have Passes to any place in England or Wales not beleaguered the City of London excepted and those that desire it Passes to go beyond Sea and that upon these Conditions the Castle of Banbury to be delivered up as aforesaid to Colonell Whaley with all the Ordnance Armes Ammunition and Colours without imbezlement for the use of the Parliament which was accordingly performed on the said Friday in the forenoone And now the Houses taking into their just and serious consideration the great and many mercies of God to us in our Forces and by them also to the whole Kingdome both in thus surrendring Newark and Banbury now in our power and possession and that Tuesday May the 12 having been formerly appointed a day of solemn thankesgiving to Almighty God throughout London and Westminster and 20. miles adjacent round about it for the happie surrender of Exeter and other great mercies not long before conferr'd upon us together with this none of the least of now at last the Lords giving our King into the hands and harbour and custodie of our most Loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland It was therefore Ordered that on this said day of Solemn thanksgiving the severall Churches and Chappell 's in the City of London and Westminster and 20. miles about it should likewise give most heartie thankes to the Lord our God for all these subsequent and additionall rich and rare mercies and that Tewsday seven night following being May 19. should be kept as a Solemn day of Thankesgiving by all the Ministers in the Country over the whole Kingdome and Dominion of Wales within the power of Parliament About the 16. of this instant May came Letters from valiant and active Colonell Morgan giving us certaine intelligence of the taking of Hartlebury-castle lying between Dudley and Worcester and was the Bishop of Worcesters seat a hopefull omen for the taking of Worcester it selfe also indue time Which Castle being now surrendred to brave Colonell Morgan the Officers marched forth with Horse and Armes Troopers and Common Souldiers with out Armes and all the rest of the Articles being according to agreement fairely performed on both sides the brave Colonell tooke possession of the Castle wherein also were taken 6. peices of Ordnance 200. Armes 15. barrells of powder match and bullet proportionable and a full proportion of all manner of prosions for 200. men for 6. moneths at least And about the 20. instant we received certaine information by Letters from valiant and active Colonell Birch also of the agreement for the surrender of that strong Castle and Garrison of Ludlow which was delivered on the like conditions to those of Hartleburie And here I must acquaint the Reader that the Lord having by his most wise and admirable providence in some hopefull measure given a blessed returne to all the prayers of Gods faithfull ones over the whole kingdome in bringing in the Person of the King unto us and committing him unto the care and custodie of our Loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland some sweets of this remarkable overture of these things began now to break forth to the comfort of our hearts for the present and hopefull perswasion if not assurance of more good to follow in the Lords good time as was now manifested both by a Letter sent by his Majestie to the Lords and Commons in the Parliament of England at Westminster Assembled which his Majestie desired might be Communicated with Both Houses which accordingly was done at a conference where and when the said Letter was reade and another letter to the Commissionres of the Parliament of Scotland And those being passages of speciall Eminencie and wherein the whole Kingdome may no doubt desire to be in some measure at least satisfied I shall therefore for the Readers content herein be somewhat more larger than Ordinarie though there by I increase both mine owne paines and charges at the presse in giving the Reader the substance of some of them which was as followeth That his Majestie is not come into the Scots Army out of any intent to divide the Kingdomes in affection or prolong the War but that he might secure his person and labour the composing the difference between him and his Kingdoms and settle all well and in regard Religion is the chiefe point he desires that may be first insisted upon and settled according to the advise of the Assembly of Divines of both Kingdoms assembled at Westminster And for the Militia he is willing to concur with that propounded at Vxbridge that it be in such hands as shall be agreed for 7. yeeres And for Ireland he will doe what he can to satisfie desires of that kind And for the disbanding of his Armies and sleighting Garrisons and so avoyding the effusion of more bloud he is willing likewise to
and most earnestly desired by all except our most pernicious and disorderly Seâ—â—aries and Libertines And the Ordinance to continue thus for the space of three yeares And whereas I gave a hint or touch before of our Cause of jealousie that the Kings putting himselfe into the hands of our loving and loyall brethren of Scotland and his writting of faire and smoth Letters was not so Cordiall as we did and could have desired how ever we trust and pray the Lord who hath the hearts of Kings in his hands and can turne them as the Rivers of water May and will in his good time heare the prayers of his people therein also I shall here give the Reader a notable Demonstration that our said jelousie was not groundlesse as may too evidently appeare by this ensuing Letter of his Majesties if it were his Majesties owne act whereof there is some uncertaiâ—â—ty it being assured that his Majestie disclaimed it and so t is hoped it was not his but that most wicked Agents Secretarie Nicholases sent to the Marq Marquis of Ormond in Ireland a little before he departed from Oxford which shewed his still hollow and unholy heart to plot and foment new inlargements of our bloody broyles and Civill warres which Letter being sent by Ormond to that loyall and brave Commander in Armes Major Generall Monroe in Ireland and by him to the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland by Sir Robert King I have here thought fit to insert it verbatim as it was printed and published by order of Parliament which was as followeth CHARLES REX RIght trust and entirely beloved Cousins and Concellors We greet you well having used all possible and honorable meanes by sending many gracious Messages to the two Houses of Parliament wherein wee have offered them all they have heretofore desired few or none will believe this that have had any knowledge of the Parliaments just desires and what the answers have beene to them and desire from them nothing but what they themselves since these unhappy wars have offered to procure Our Personall Treaty with them for a safe and well grounded Peace and having in stead of a dutifull and peaceable returne to Our said Messages received in stead thereof either no answer at all or such as argues nothing will satisfie them but the ruine not only of Vs Our Posterity and Friends but even of Monarchy it selfe and having lately received very good security that We and all that doe or shall adhere to Vs shall be safe in Our Honors Persons and Conferences in the Scottish Army and that they shall really and effectually joyne with Vs and with such as will come in unto Vs and joyne with them for Our preservation and shall imploy their Armes and Forces to assist Vs to the procuring of a happy and well grounded Peace for the good of Vs and our Kingdomes in the recovery of Our just Right We have resolved to put our selves to the hazard of passing into the Scots Armie now lying before Newarke and if it shall please God that We come safe thither We are resolved to use our best endeavors with their assistance and with the conjunction of the Forces under the Marquesse of Montrosse and such of Our well affected Subjects of England as shall rise for Vs to procure if it may be an honorable and speedy Peace and those who hitherto refused to give eare to any means tending therunto of which Our resolution We held it necessary to give you this advertisement as well to satisfie you and all Our Counsell and Loyall Subjects with you to whom We will that you communicate these Our Letters that failling in Our earnest and sincere endeavors by Treaty to put an end to the miseries of these Kingdomes We esteemed Our selfe obliged to leave no probable expedition unattempted to preserve Our Crowne and Friends from the usurpation and tyranny of those whose actions declare so manifestly their Designe to overthrow the Lawes and happy established Government of this Kingdome And now We have made knowne to you Our Resolvtion We recommend to your speciall care the disposing and managing of Our affaires on that side as you shall conceive most for Our Honor and service being confident the course We have taken though with some hazard to Our Person will have a good influence on that Our Kingdom and defer if not altogether prevent the Rebels meaning the Parliament transporting of Forces from them into that Kingdome And We desire you to satisfie all Our well affected Subjects on that side of Our Princely care of them whereof they shall receive the effect as soone as God shall enable Vs We desire you to use some meanes to let Vs and Our Councell at Oxon here frequently from you and of your actions and conditions there and so God prosper your Loyall Endeavors SATURDAY June 6. Thus have you seene the Kings Letter full indeede of much evill and Demonstration of no change of heart from his former bloody cruell and unkingly practises of the ruine of himselfe and his Kingdomes as much in as him lay if indeede it were his owne act as it was too strongly presumed to be upon which many jelousies being raised and founded against our Loyall brethren of Scotland they therefore in vindication of their owne integritie presented a Declaration to the Houses of Parliament in the name of the Commissioners of Scotland which was read accordingly and which I have here thought fit to insert for the Readers better content and satisfaction which was as followeth For the Right Honourable the Speaker of the House of Peers pro tempore Right Honourable THis inclosed paper having very lately come to our hands which although it hath not so much as colour enough to deceive yet neverthelesse as Generall Major Monro in testimony of his integrity did communicate the thing to the Commissioners of Parliament in Vlster so we for preventing mistakes many Copies of the same thing being spred among the people have thought good to communicate the same to the Honourable Houses with our sense upon it that by their wisdome and reciprocall care a right understanding in all things may still be preserved between the Kingdomes Whether any such Letter was signed by the King at Oxford or whether it was invented of purpose to support a declining party we do not know what may concerne the King in it we leave to himself who as he hath since the date of that paper expressed contrary intentions and resolutions in his Messages to both Kingdomes so he can best tell what he wrote at that time we are onely to speake to the matter of the paper which cometh from the hand of Secretary Nicholas unto whose informations what credit ought to be given the Houses very well know It doth consist in our perfect knowledge and we declare it with as much confidence as ever we did or can do any thing that the matter of the paper so farre as concerneth any assurance or
Treaty And how soon soever Religion and Peace shall be setled accordingly our Army and Garrisons shall forthwith remove out of this Kingdome And these things we shall wish may be speedily done and that the Propositions for a safe and well grounded Peace which did for a very short time remaine in our â—ands may now after so long expectation be sent to the King that upon his Royall consent to the desires of his People for setling and securing of Religion and Peace his Majesty may returne to his Parliament here all Armies may be disbanded the heavie pressures of the Subjects ended and the Kingdoms may remaine in a firme Peace and Vnion to all Posterity according to the Solemne League and Covenant 3 June 1646. These most honest and as I conceive most abundantly satisfactory expressions and demonstrations of our honest and loyall Brethren besides all their former faithfull performances of all things promised and protested by them and exacted from them ever since the beginning of comming among us may me thinks give full content and assurance too to us all of their integrity and faithfull intentions to deal most honestly and uprightly with us in all things in the maine I meane especially notwithstanding the most shamelesse and gracelesse calumniating tongues and selfe-seeking ungodly intentions and Satanicall desire of seditious Spirits to make a most sad and scelerous fraction and Division betweene two such Brother-Nations as we are or ought to be But let them take heed who evâ—r they be least the severe and bitter curse of God fall not heavily on their heads and hearts too who thus dare play fast and loose with sacreed Covenants and endevour to separate and that to a most bloody Division those whom God hath so graciously conjoyned for for my part I never reade or heard but that the Lord the righteous judge to whom vengeance belongs did first or last soone or late revenge most sadly and severely perfidious Covenant-breakers But to proceed About the 8. of this instant June a Letter was read in the House of Commons from his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairefax and therein Articles inclosed for the surrender of Bostol Garrison thereof I made briefe mâ—ntion onely before but now is most fully confirmed The Articles were to this effect That the Governour Sir William Campion and all Officers in Commission should march away with their horse and armes and those that desired to goe beyond Sea should have passes and they that desired to make their compositions should be effectually recommended by the Generall to the Parliament that their fines should not exceede two yeares revenue the Common Souldiers to march away without armes to their owne homes Hostages were given for performance of these conditions and the Garrison to be surrendred immediatly to our forces for the use of the King and Parliament And upon the 11. of June a Letter was brought to the House of Commons with Articles of the surrender of Carnarvan Towne and Castle by Byron the Governour thereof to renowned Colonell Mitton and the House after the reading thereof considered of a Governour for the said Garrison and having experience of the integrity valour and fidelity of Colonell Thomas Glyn they nominated and appointed him Governour of the said Towne and Castle Upon intelligence whereof the House of Commons ordered that thankes should be given in all Churches throughout London the next Lords day and likewise for Ludlow Dudley-Castle and Carnarvan About the 14. of this instant June we received certaine knowledge from New Castle of the Kings resolution to give speedie order for the surrendring of all the rest of his Garrisons which yet held out against the Parliament a Copie whereof I have here thought fit to insert which was as followeth CHARLES REX HAving resolved to comply with the designes of the Parliament in every thing that may be for the good of the Subjects and leave no meanes unassayed for removing of differences betwixt us Therefore we have thought fit the more to evidence the reality of our intentions of settling a happie and firme peace to require you upon honourable conditions to quit those Townes Castles and Forts intrusted by you to us and to disband all the forces under your severall commands New-Castle the 10. June 1646. TO our trusty and welbeloved Sir Thomas Glemham Sir Thomas Tidsley Colonell Henry Washington Colonell Thomas Blague Governours of our Townes and Castles of Oxford Worcester Litchfield and Wallingford and all other Commanders of any other Townes Castles or Forts within the Kingdome of England or Dominion of Wales About the 19. of this instant June the Parliament having had much and long debate about the Propositions to be sent to be signed by the King and especially about the settlement of the Militia of the Kingdome at last there was a happy Compliance of Both Houses about it And it was resolved upon the question That the Militia shall be in the power of Both Houses of Parliament for 20. yeares and in case after 20. yeares there be occasion to use Armes by any insurrection at home or forraigne invasion and the Lordâ— and Commons agree thereunto if the King will not concurre yet it shall be Lawfull for the Lords and Commons to proceede in that warre and exercise of that Militia for the safety and peace of the Kingdome And immediately after this the Proposions were by Both Houses of Parliament sent to the Commissioners of Scotland for their assent and concurrence in them And much about the same time there was aspeciall mâ—eâ—ing of the Divines of London and Wâ—stminster and within the Lines of Communication at Zion-Colledge where three of them for all the rest spent 5 howers or there about in prayer to beg direction from God about the acting and putting in execution the Presbyterian Church-Government according to the late Ordinance of Parliament enabling and authorizing them thereunto And some that were present there and Members of that Assembly assured me that they never saw or heard of a more zealous and earnest seeking of the Lord and their prayers were uttered with such fervencie and burning zeale that very many there present were so extraordinarily ravisht in spirit as caused very many teares to be shed and deep and heartily sighs and groanes to be sent up to Heaven And this holy worke being ended they began to debate of the worke to be acted by them and though at first they excepted against some things in the Ordinance of Parliament yet at length by Gods speciall providence it was resolved with an unanimous consent yea Nemine Contradicente to put on the worke and rest upon God and the Parliament for the Composing of what was found wanting by practicall experience onely for the better satisfaction of their owne consciences therein and to shew forth to the whole Church of God as well abroad as at home their advised care therin they immediatly upon it resolved on certaine Considerable Causions on which
they under tooke the work printed and published them I say to the view of the World An excellent passage of prudence and providence in my poore judgement and worthie such a reverend and religious Assembly And about the 22. instant the House of Commons in Parliament taking into consideration a Letter from his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairefax and the Articles which are extant at large in print and too large to be here inserted for the Surrender of Oxford into the possession of the Parliament and having spent much time in debate thereof and being informed that one Dâ—ll the Chaplaine of their Armie before Oxford who brought the Letter and Articles was at the doore the House thereupon ordered that he should be called in and gave him the summe of 50. l. for his paines in the journey and that one Master Heath another messenger from his Excellency should have 30 l. for a gratuity for Letters which he brought about the said businesse and likewise 20 l. to one Master Thredder They likewise considered about the same time of the reception and maintenance of the Duke of Yorke in Saint James with the Kings other two children and there to be provided for in an honourable and Princely way as those two of his Majesties children were And about the 25. instant came Letters from renowned and victorious Colonell Mitton from Carnarvan with Articles inclosed for the surrender of Beaumorris Towne and Castle a very strong Garrison in Wales which much annoyed the Countrie in those parts and the Houses after the reading thereof ordered that the said Colonell Mitton should be Governour of the said strong Towne and Castle and ordered that a Commission should be granted to him accordingly And on Wednesday June 25. the City Garrison of Oxford was surrendred to his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairefax according to the agreement Many we understood at that time made doubt whether it were surrendred or no but we can assure them it for truth being an eye witnesse therof the manner briefly was thus To passe by the severall quarters of our Army and the managing of the Line and works raised against Oxford a Guard was placed of severall Regiments of Foot and Horse from the entrance into Oxon at the East Port or Gate on both sides the way to Wheatly which way the Enemy were to march the surrender by the Articles should have been by ten of the clocke at which time some part of the Garrison marched forth and divers Coaches with Gentry and their Wives and many the day before with Carriages Bagge and Baggage but the maine body marched not forth untill about two in the afternoone on Wednesday at which time there fell a very bitter and violent storme of Raine which held for about an houre some lesser showers we had besides likewise that day but suddenly after the Enemy were marched forth and ours about to enter Oxford the stormes ceased and the rest of the day very cleare and faire and this by the way some doe observe as very remarkable And also that there was the like stormy weather at the surrender of Leicester Bristol and Exeter about two of the clocke as before they marched forth both Officers and Souldiers with their Armes in very good order with bag and baggage both Officers and Souldiers generally demeaned themselves very civilly except some few that were drunke and as themselves say on our parts never were Articles more punctually observed than by us neither officer nor souldier offering them the least prejudice or used any reproachfull language to them as they marched that which many grieved to see was that there should be so many Irishmen and women amongst them such a company of women English Drabbes and Irish trulls as would have made a rotten Regiment these are those that used constantly to follow that Army and whose naughtinesse is so well known we neede not mention it the number that marched out were adjudged to be betweene 3 and 4000. besides those that marched out before and many of the Gentry Clergy and some Commanders that stayed behind in Oxford by permission untill such time as they had Passes to go beyond Sea and some to their owne homes the Garrison in the whole as they report consisted of above 7000. Souldiers in pay townesmen and Schollers that bore armes After the Governour Officers and Souldiers were marched forth the Keyes of the City and Forts delivered to the General his Excellency gave order for 3 foot Regiments to march into Oxford which was done accordingly and the guards presently placed the Souldiers carried themselves with so much civility to the Citizens as was admired not any one of them I am confident being damnified by the entrance of our men to the worth of six pence and I may boldly speake it being then present in Oxford and observed the whole passage courteous language and entertainment there was on both sides and not the least disorder not much provisions were found in the City either for horse or man only salted Beefe and Corne a good quantity a few Peas and Beanes but very little Hay within two or three houres after we had entred the Country people that lived neere adjacent brought in what provisions they had or could so suddainly provide and some fresh meat for the which they received ready monyes and not a Souldier of ours had or desired one penny worth of any commodity but what they gave ready monyes for there was in the Garrison about 30. peece of Ordnance ready mounted and their Workes very strong and large which to have stormed would have cost the lives of very many men too precious to be so cast away when we might have it upon more reasonable termes and we conceived none will imagin the conditions granted over large if they but consider the strength of the place But this I leave to others to judge And on the 26. of this instant June the Houses tooke into Consideration severall Papers presented to the Grand-Committee of Both Houses from the Marquesse of Argyle and the Scottish Commissioners here recident of very singular and speciall Concernment and much conducing to the farther clearing of their most â—â—justly suspected integrity towards us of their loving consent to the Propositions now fitted to be sent to his Majesty for the more full compleating our hopes of a well-grounded Peace I have here thought fit to insert two or three of them especially the said pious Earle of Argyles excellent Speech made unto them and a Paper concerning their said full consent to the Propositions both which I have conceived most worthy to be recorded in these our Parliamentary Annals as no small mercy of the Lord unto us in thus so graciously clearing their unspotted fidelity and of the most blessedly defeating the impious designes of the secret and crafty but most malicious enemies of our Peace and Vnity which were as followeth The Marquesse of ARGYLES Speech to the Grand Committee
mercy to the enemy p. 358 Sir Thomas Fairfax advanced to Oxford p. 140 Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Forces or strength before Oxford p. 142 The King flyes from Leicester p. 172 G. SIr John Gell takes Winkfield Mannour p. 14 The Lord Generalls fidelity p. 37 Generall 〈◊〉 brother shot dead p. 59 God a multitude of Parliamentary mercies p. 63 Gratitude of the Parliament to well deservers p. 2â—â— Glamorgan-shire turned to the Parliament p. 317 Germanies Bloud p. 322 Gentry of Cornwall submit to the Parliament p. 383 The Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax honoured by the Parliament with a Jewell p. 170 Goods of Papists apprehended in Long Acre p. 183 H. TWelve brave Horses surprised from the enemy p. 6 Helmesley Castle taken p. 70 Col. Holbornâ—s good-service in the West p. 77. 82. 8. 96 Col. Harsnets Letter touching Abbington p. 93 The happy Harmony of both Houses of Parliament p. 127. 131 Hoptons Army totally routed in the West p. 367 A Day of Humiliation kept for our Forces in the West p. 182 Hopton summoned to come in p. 387 Hopton expects supplyes out of Ireland p. 391 Col. Hooke taken prisoner p. 74 I. LOrd Inchiquins Letter p. 5 An Irish Ship taken p. 44 Irish Rebells to have no quarter p. 36 Integrity of the Parliament p. 293 325 King James his sad and bad mention p. 321 Isle of Rees Bloud p. 323 Irelands Bloud p. 223 Irish Rebels bravely beaten at Sligo p. 342 An Irish Ship taken p. 386 Thirty Irish Rebels put to the sword p. 386 A Jewell of Five hundred pound sent to the noble Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax p. 170 A Jewell of Five hundred pound presented to Gen. Leven p. 203 K. THe King come to Newbery p. 56 Knares borough Castle taken p. 83 The Kings Plot in the North frustrated p. 259 The Kings Horse beaten at Kiddarminster p. 276 Kent Petitions the Parliament about the selfe-denying Ordinance p. 98 The Kings owne Life-guard troope of Horse taken p. 121 Kent rises againe in Rebellion p. 136 The King flyes from Leicester p. 172 The Kings Cabinet of Letters taken at Nasebie p. 175 The King escapes disguisedly out of Oxford p. 414 The Kings comming into the Scots Army p. 417 L. A Letter from the Lord of Inchiquin p. 5 Our Army in danger by a Plot at Leistithiel in the West p. 17 London Ministers Petition against Schismes p. 28 Col. Lambert takes a brave prize p. 44 Levon poole in Lancashire surrendred p. 62 Line apprehends a rich Ship driven into it p. 71 Laughorne Castle in Wales taken p. 71 Lin-Kegis in danger p. 79 The Parliaments gratitude to Major Generall Laughorne p. 278 Loyalty of Gen. Poyntz rewarded p. 281 A Letter touching Abbington p. 93 Letters of the Lord Digbies p. 303 About forty of the King Life-Guard surprised p. 320 Generall Lesley made Commander in chiefe at Newark p. 327 Londons providence and the Parliaments care for the Cities safety p. 337 The Kings Letter to the Parliament p. 345 The Kings Letter for a Treaty of Peace answered p. 347 London Petitions for Church-Government p. 349 Cabinet of Letters taken at Nasebie p. 175 Learning encouraged at Cambridge by the Parliament p. 135 Divers Lords come from Oxford to the Parliament p. 137 Londons Petition touching the Kingdomes sad condition p. 155 A List of Cornish Gentry come in to the Parliament p. 395 The Duke of Lenox and others come in to the Parliament p. 414 A Letter of the Commissioners of Scotland to the Parliament p. 416 Londons preservation from the plague of pestilence a great mercy p. 315 A Letter from the King to the Marquesse of Ormond in Ireland p. 437 Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax touching Oxford p. 445 The Kings Letters for yeelding up all his Garrisons p. 444 M. COlonell Massies Letter to the Parliament p. 3 Earle of Manchesters advance from Yorke p. 6 Col. Middleton beates the enemy p. 9 Sir Iohn Meldrum beates the enemy in Lancashire p. 10. p. 12. Our Magazine in the West in danger p. 17 Sir Thomas Middleton beates the enemy p. 23 Mountgomery Castle taken p. 23 Mourton-Corbet Castle taken p. 25 Macquire and Macmahone two Irish Rebels apprehended p. 27 Ministers Ordained at London p. 41 Sir Iohn Meldrums noble act touching Sir William Fairfax p. 34 The enemy bravely beaten at Mountgomery Castle p. 30 Col. Massies brave exploit against the enemy p. 34 Monmouth Towne and Castle taken p. 35 Col. Massies just praise p. 44 Sir Thomas Middletons performances in Wales p. 46 Malignants mouthes stopt p. 55. 135. Sir Thomas Middletons brave exploit in Mountgomeryshire p. 77 Montrosse prevailes in Scotland p. 269 Montrosse soundly beaten in Scotland p. 270 Not a moneth weeke or day hardly without a mercy p. 285 Mercy to Malignants intended by the Parliament p. 288 Election of Members of Parliament looked unto p. 293 Maintenance for the New-Modell'd Army p. 97 A passage of providence at Melton-moubury p. 103 Col. Massies brave Victory at the Forrest of Deane p. 116 Col. Massie beates the enemy neare Bristoll p. 129 Col. Massies danger and deliverance p. 144 Sir Iohn Meldrums good service requited p. 152 Col. Mittons Forces good service p. 167 Monethly continued Morning Prayers at London p. 207 The Ministers of two Counties Petition the Parliament for a Church Government to be establisht p. 434 Our mercies Baptized Gad a Multitude p. 63 Ministers of Londons and Westminsters most pious meeting at Sion-Colledge p. 445 N. NEw-Castle taken by the Scots p. 46 Newbery Fight p. 57 Newcastle Castle taken p. 61 Newcastle in free Trading againe p. 69 Our Northerne Forces in good condition p. 259 The fifth of Novembers Commemoration a Thankes-giving Day for the Parliaments continuation p. 315 Novembers seventeenth Queene Elizabeths just Commemoration noted on a speciall occasion p. 323 Newarke besieged by the Scots and their brave beginnings there to tame that enemy p. 327 The prisoners taken at Nasebie-fight brought to London p. 173 Newarke left by our Brethren of Scotland p. 419 O. LOrd Ogleby taken prisoner p. 11 The enemy beaten at Orinskirk p. 11 Ordination of Ministers at London p. 46 Ordinance against Irish Rebels p. 57 Ordinance of self-deniall p. 5 Care for chosing good Officers in London p. 82 Two excellent Ordinances of Parliament p. 312 An Ordinance for the maintenance of the New-modell'd Army p. 97 Oxford Lords come in to the Parliament p. 137 Oxford besieged by the Gen. Sir Thomas Fairfax p. 140 Master Occonnelly rewarded for his discovery of the desperate plot in Ireland p. 152 Oxford surrendred the manner how p. 446 P. A Plot upon our Magazine in the West p. 17 The Parliaments promptitude to the worke of Reformation p. 29 A Plot against the Parliaments Army in the West p. 37 Plottings of the Royalists to cousen the Kingdome p. 37 Plimouth mens admirable courage p. 38 A brave prize taken at Poole p. 44 More Plots of the enemy discovered p. 78
The Plot against Lyn-Regis p. 79 A Plot in the North frustrated p. 259 Major Gen. Poyntz his activity and fidelity rewarded p. 281 The Parliaments piety p. 293 The Parliaments happy continuation a great mercy p. 315 Preservation of London from the plague of pestilence a great mercy p. 415 Parliaments formerly made staulking-horses to get Subsidies p. 322 A prize taken at Plimouth p. 323 The Parliaments integrity against Protections and Bribes p. 325 Serjeant Major Purefoyes brave valour at Compton-house p. 99 A brave Passage of providence at Sir Erasmus Fountaines house p. 103 Pretended peace at Uxbridge p. 104 The Parliaments care of the City of London p. 337 Plimouths singular good successe against the enemy p. 340 Partshall Garrison taken p. 108 Plimouth totally releeved and freed from Siege p. 348 Praises encouraged p. 365 Serjeant Major Purefoyes good Services about Warwick p. 146 A Petition to the Parliament about the Kingdomes sad condition p. 155 A Petition to the Parliament by the inhabitants of Westminster p. 188 A Plot of the Westerne Clubmen discovered p. 201 A Petition of the Ministerr of the two Counties about Church-Governement p. 434 Propositions for a well-grounded Peace resolved on p. 444 Q. NO Quarter to be granted to Irish Rebels p. 56 The Queene of Swedens desire to associate with England p. 84 Queene Elizabeths just Commemoration p. 320 R. PRince Robert defeated p. 11 12 13. Col. Rudgely bravely beates the enemy p. 22 Royalists plot to cousen the Kingdome p. 37 Rad Castle taken p. 40 Captaine Redmans good service in Northamptonshire p. 83 The enemy defeated about Redding p. 261 Master Rouses Psalmes p. 319 Rochels Bloud p. 323 The enemy defeated at Rumsey p. 136 An excellent Remonstrance of our Brethren of Scotland p. 183 The City of Londons most excellent and famous Remonstrance p. 426 Reformation of Religion taken into consideration p. 257 S. SHeffild Castle taken p. 7 Staley-house taken p. 9 Major Straughans brave performances in the West p. 15 Major Skippon bravely encourages his Souldiers p. 19 Schismes Petitioned against p. 28 Reasons of slandering of our Brethren of Scotland p. 39 Col. Sydenhams good service p. 62 Capt. Stone his brave service p. 66 Sir John Strange-waies house a strong Garrison stormed p. 67 Col. Sydenhams brave service p. 72 Selfe-denying Ordinance p. 76 The Swedes desire to associate with England p. 84 Sir George Strange-waies brought Prisoner to the Parliament p. 259 A foule and false slander laid on the Parliament by Royalists in Wales p. 263 Major Generall Skippon made Governour of Bristoll p. 268 Our Brethren of Scotlands Victory over Montrosse in Scotland p. 270 Scotlands bloud p. 323 Scarborough Town Church and Haven taken p. 110 Shrewsbury Towne and Castle taken p. 113 A brave victory obtained at Sligo in Ireland p. 342 Major Gen. Skippons brave service about the settlement of the new Modell'd Army p. 132 A Ship taken at Dartmouth with Letters of importance p. 359 A spur to quicken the spirit of praises p. 365 Captaine Stones good service against the enemy p. 152 The Scots advance to Nottingham p. 174 A Ship of Ireland taken at Padstow of much concernment p. 386 Our Brethren of Scotlands excellent Remonstrance to the King p. 183 Shrewsburies Committees just praise p. 443 The Scots retreat from Newark to Newcastle p. 419 The enemy beaten at Stoke-new-house p. 107 T. TInmouth Castle taken p. 63 Free Trading at Newcastle p. 69 Taunton-Dean in the West releeved p. 81 The enemy beaten at Tong Castle p. 84 Mr. Tomlins made a Baron of the Exchequer p. 282 Thanksgiving for Londons welfare p. 315 The Treaty at Uxbridge for peace p. 104 Major Temple bravely beates the enemy neare Dennington p. 111 Treaties with Malignants dangerous p. 344 Thanksgiving for Chester p. 364 Tauntons most happy releefe p. 174 Tauntons Souldiers good services rewarded p. 151 Thanksgiving for Langport the manner thereof p. 197 V. A Brave Victory obtained neare Chester by Sir William Brereton p. 97 A brave Victory obtained by Colonell Massies Forces in the Forrest of Deane p. 116 Major Gen. Vrreyes brave Victory against Montrosse in Scotland p. 134 Uxbridge Treaty p. 104 A brave Victory at the Devizes p. 123 W. THe enemy beaten at Welch-poole p. 5 Wareham yeelded to the Parliament p. 5 Welbeck-house taken p. 7 Winkfield Mannour besieged p. 9 Winkfield Mannour taken p. 14 Wales in good condition for the Parliament p. 302 The Governour of Warwicks brave service in Worcester-shire p. 107 Weymouth bravely regained p. 117 Sir William Wallers brave Victory at the Devizes p. 123 Court of Wards Voted downe p. 369 Warehams Garrisons good service p. 175 Inhabitants of Westminsters Petition p. 181 Y. THe Duke of YORK to come from Oxford to Saint Jameses p. 445 FINIS A Summary relation of the state of the Kingdom at the Conclusion of the third paâ—â— of this Parliamentary-Chronicle Varietas in omnibus delectaâ— The Title of this fourth Part of our Parliamentary Chronicle justified England the Burning-Bush not consumed August 1644. Colonell Massies Letter to the Speaker of the House of Commons in Parliament A branch of the Bush heer on fire but not burned Generall Mynne slain a brave Victory obtained A brave defeat given to the enemy at Welchpool in Mountgomery shire The prize and prisoners taken The shrewd strait that Sir Thomas Dallison was put unto The Town of Wareham yeelded to Colonell Sydenham A Letter from the Lord of Inchiquin out of Ireland occasioned the speedy yeelding of this Town Twelve brave Horses surprised by the Garrison of Stafford The Noble Earl of Manchesters advance from York Welbeck House taken by the Earl of Manchester Sheffeild-castle taken The manner of assaulting the Castle The prize taken in the Castle The Country gave my Lords Souldiers 500. pound to drink for their good Service Boulsover-castle also yeelded to the Earl of Manchester The prize taken in this Castle Staley-House also taken Wingfleld-Mannour besteged by Darby forces A brave defeat given to the Enemy by Colonell Middleten Another gallant Victory obtained by Colonell Middleton A third brave deâ—eat given to the Enemy by Col. Middleton Sir John Meldrum defeats the Enemy in Lancashire Colonell Doddington takes the Lord Ogleby prisoner A brave defeat given to the Enemy by Sir WilliaÌ„ Brereton Colonell Marrow slain Prince Robber with two Regiments of horse defeated The valiant performances of Sir William Breretons forces in the fight at Tarvin Another most brave defeat given to the Enemy by Sir John Meldâ—um at Ormskirk 800 Horse and 300 prisoners taken A breif note how the Lord prospeâ—ed our proceedings against bloody Prince Robber in and about Lancashire Almost 2000. of Ruperts Horse taken by ours besides prisoners A breif relation of some active and victorious performances of Colonell Fox A prize taken at Vpton-Warren Another brave prize taken by Colonell Fox A third prize also taken by Colonell Foxes Forces What a terrour Colonell Fox was to all
to bee highly honored and advanced Malignant slanderers mouthes against the Parliament stopped A second rebellion in Keâ—t but soon suppressed by valiant Colonell Blunt A brave â—ef at given to the Enemy at Rumsey by valiant Colon. No tens forces Divers of the Lords at Oxford come in unto the Parliament The Earles Lords names that are returned from Oxford to the Parliament A brave defeat given to Prince Maurice his forces in Worcestershire Major Pilkinton slain Divers brave victories defeats given to the Enemy about Oxford Sir Tho Fairfax advanced into the field set down before Oxford An extract out of Letters of Leivtenant Gen. Cromwels victory at Oxford A brave victory obtained by Leivten Gen. Cromwell neer Islip by Oxford The Enemy is totally routed Blechington-house summoned surrendred Major Generall Browns brave defeat given to the Enemy about Oxford Colonell Feins gives the Enemy a brave defeat Another brave victory obtained by Leivtenant Generall Cromwell at Bampton-Bush over Sir Henry Vaughan and his forces A brave prize taken The singular good estate of our Army at Oxford under the noble Generall Sir Tho. Fairfax Our Army at this time was 4000 horse 13000 foot The businesse of the Admiralty Sea-affairs is taken into consideration Commissioners for the Admiralty nominated The Burning-Bush not consumed Psal 30 11 12. May. 1645. The Copy of Colon. Massies own Letter setting forth his great danger as great deliverance The good successe valiant services of the the Parliaments forces at Warwick under Major Purefoy A brave prize taken The happy releif of the precious Town of Taunton by renowned Sir Tho Fairfaxes forces under the command of Col. Welden Col. Graves The brave Discipline of our Army in the West our releif come to Taunton Hopton 〈◊〉 to Tauntâ— to surrender Colonel Blakes reply The siege raised the Enemies fled The seasonablenesse of Taunton â—â—leif at this time The Enemies losse before Taunton Excellent Orders appointed by the Parliament for the well-regulating of Sir Thomas Fairfaxes new Army The hopefull effects of a well regulated army Major General Cromwell and Major Generall Brown compared to David Jonathan The Parliaments most singular gratitude for the good services done to the kingdom by the Right honourable the Earl of Essex others The Souldiers that releived Taunton gratefully remembred by the Parliament Renowned Sir John Meldâ—uâ—s gallant service required Mr. Owen Occoâ—elly taken into farther consideration for his loyall discovery of the Irish plot The brave services of valiant Captain Stone Governour of Staâ—â—â—d castle against the Enemy A blessed return of Prayer Evesham taken by renowned Colon. Massie The prisoners prizes taken A brave defeat given to the Enemy by Col. Norton at Langford house in Hampshire The Burning-Bush not consumed Isai 25. 1. June 1645. The most famous City of Londons most excellent Petition to the Parliament touching the then present sad condition of the Kingdom A Copy of the Petition of the Citizens of London to the Parliament A brave defeat given to the Enemies neer Chester by valiant Leivâ—en Col Venables A most brave defeat given to the Newarkers at Houghâ—â— house by valiant and active Colon. Rossitâ—r A iust reward of a sleeping souldier according to the rules of Martiall Discipline â—olon Rossiter bravely recovers Hougâ—m house The prisoners prizes taken at Nougham houses recovery The most famous fight and glorious victory obtained at Naseby in Northampton-shire over the Kings forces exactly described The Kings Army at Daventry The Kings Army not willing to fight marcheth toward Southaâ—â— The Royall army advanced to Harborough And froÌ„ thence to Nâ—sâ—by The manner of Marshalling our Army for the battail The Kings Army advanceth toward us The fight begins 2 Châ—â—oâ— 32. 7 8 Heer the fight was very hot furious on both sides The Kings blue Regiment of Foot â—uinated and destroyed Our left Wing is some what shatter'd The Enemy is beaten by our right Wing The King himself rallyed his Horse again The Kings words to his Souldiers The Enemy is beaten again The Enemy is pursued 12 or 13 miles within 3 miles of Leicester The high and prime praise of this victory given to God in the first place The Renowned Generall next as most worthy praise Courageous Major General Skippon Valiant Leivtenant General Cormwell Commissary Generall Ireton and Colonell Butler The Enemies Foot fought also very stoutly Good store of Bisket and Cheese takes to refresh our Souldiers at the end of the Fight Our Souldiers marched to Harborough that night The slaine in the Field of the Enemies The Ensignes of the Enemies taken in the field One great encouragement to our Souldiers to fight bravely was the rich plunder of the Enemies Very many Irish Queanes in the field how they were used The slaine on out side in the Fight A most slanderous and abominable lie of Secretary Nicholas put upon the Parliament The Victory pursued by our Horse toward Leicester A List of what losse the King did sustaine in this famous fight The slain and wounded Prisoners Prizes 〈…〉 〈◊〉 on the Victory â—1 The 〈◊〉 and condition of the Kingdome 1. The Kingdome fourfold sad condition at this time 2. 3. 4. 2. Considering the Army it self The new Model'd Army despised and scorned 1 Cor. 1. 27 28. An Excellent note touching the Generall himself about this fight and Victory Two rare postures in a victorious Generall or Commander Reverend Mr. Marshall in his Thanksgiving Sermon at Christ-Church in London The good Service of valiant Colonell Mittâ—â—â— Forces in Shropshire A day of solemn Thanksgiving set apart to praise the Lord for the late great Victory at Naseby which was especially celebrated at Christ-Church in London The thanks of the Parliament sent to the noble Generall his field officers A jewel of 500 li. to be sent as a present to Sir Tho Fairfax from the Parliament The messengers of this victory rewarded Leicester regained the news therof brought to London on the Thanksgiving day in the morning the more to sweeteÌ„ that dayes joy The manner of the regaining of Leicester The Kings flying from Leicester Preparation to storm Leicester Leicester surrendred to Sir Thomas Fairfax upon composition The prize taken in Leicester The Prisoners taken at Naseby fight being neer 5000 with 55 Colours c. brought up to London The prisoners disposed of into several holds The usage of the Cavalierian prisoners by our Parliament The usage of our Parliaments prisoners by the King his Cavaliers Our Brethren of Scotlands advance to Nottingham A brave exploit performed by the Garrison of Wareham in the West A brave defeat given to the Enemy by valiant Colo. Jones in Cheshire The Kings Cabinet of Letters taken at Naseby sent to the Parliament the Letters opened and read 4 Main heads of the Letters 1. 2. 3. 4. The Cabinet of Letters publikely read in Guild Hall in London afterward printed published with Annotations Stckesey Castle
Frigot taken by our ships Hilford Castle taken Livetenant Colonell Ingoldsby slain by Musket shot A day of solemn Thanksgiving for the forementioned great mercies to the King Our noble Generals advance to Exeter Inch-House surrendred Pouldram Fort taken High-Archall surrendred to the Parliament Bridge-North Towne taken by Shrewsbury forces Colonell Billingsley slaine in the Storme Portland castle surrendred Exmouth-Fort neere Exeter taken Aprill 1646. Dennington Castle taken An Order of both Houses of Parliament for restraint of Papists and other Delinquents from coming to the Cities of London and Westminster An Order also concerning the Kings private coming to London A brave defeat given to the Kings Horse neare Farringdon Treaty about the surrender of the City of Exeter to the Parliament Three strong Forts already delivered up to the Generall Justification of the large Articles of conditions agreed unto upon the surrender of Exeter Ruthin-Castle surrendred to the Parliament A brave defeat given to Denbigh forces by Colonell Mitton Captaine Cottingham slaine Prisoners and prizes taken at Denbigh and Ruthin The Raglanders soundly beaten by Sir Trevor Williams Many Gentlemen of Wales came out of Ragland castle to Sir Trevor and submitted to the Parliament Master Fog a Minister rewarded for his Loyalty to the Parliament The strong Garrison of the City of Exeter surrendred to the Parliament The first letter The second Letter The manner of their marching out of the City of Exeter Branstable Towne and Câ—stle surrendred Sir Michaels-Mount surrendred Titbury-Castle surrendred Aburisthwait Castle in Wales surrendred Dunstar-Castle surrendred Our WesternArmie advanced toward Oxford Woodstock-Garrison surrendred Bridge North Castle surrendred The just praise of the most faithfull and active Committee of Shrewsbury The Duke of Lenox and others come in unto the Parliament The King escaped out of Oxford in a disguised manner 1 Sam. 2. 30. May. 1646. The Parliament informed of the Kings departure out of Oxford toward London Both Houses of Parliaments Order published throughout London and Westminster touching concealing the King The Parliaments providence for the welfare of the City of London A Copy of the â—etter from the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland to the Commissioners of both Houses concerning His Majesties coming to the Scotch Army The manner of the Kings coming into the Scots Army and discovering himself unto them Newark surrendred to the King and Parliament The summe of the Articles of Agreement Our Brethren of Scotland drew off from Newarke Banbury Castle surreâ—dred to the Parliament A day of Solemn thanksgiving to the Lord for late great mercies to us Hartlebury Castle taken The prizes taken therein Ludlow surrendred to the Parliament Some hopefull sweet effects of the kings being in the custodie of our loyall Brethren of Scotland The summe of the kings Letto the Parliament of England The famous Citie Remonstrance exhibited to Both Houses of Parliament Remonstrance of the State of the Kingdome pag. 19. The Parliaments Declaration upon his Majesties Declaration after the Battell at Edge-hill pag. 659. * This desire of the City of London is no more nor other in effect than the House of Commons in Parliament it self voted as most justly at the taking of the Protestation May 5. 1641. Salcoomb Regis Surrendred Bostol-House also yeilded up to the Parliament Ordinance of Parliament for the better settlement of Presbyterian Church Government Bostoll Garrison surrendred Carnarvan Towne and Castle surrendred The Propositions for a wel grounded Peace resolved and in speciall 〈…〉 of the Kingdom The Ministers of London and Westminsters pious meeting and religion resolution in Zion Colledge Letters from Sir Thomas Fairefax Articles for the Surrender of Oxford and the Messengers rewarded by the Parliament The Duke of Yorke to come from Oxford to S. James-House Beaumorris Town and Castle surrendred The manner of the surrender of Oxford His Majesties Letter to the Marquesse of Ormond The Propositions for Peace sent to the King Psal 30 11 12 Ehen-Ezer The summary use of all Caution and Exhortation 1 Caution Zechar. 10. 5. Ezra 9. 6. Deut 32. 6. Ier. 37. 10. Iohn 5. 14. Mat. 12. 45. 2 Exhortation Reformation both Nationall and personall Building of Gods house Schisme and Errour petitioned against The danger of it briefly described The building of Gods house petitioned Hest 6. 3. The great fault and â—ayling of these times Scripture Eye-salve 2 Chron. 16. 9 Gods eye of providence over us Zeche 8. 1â— Our Fasts turned into Feasts Num. 23. 13. No enchanment or Divination against Gods Israell Isa 54. 17. No weapon formed against us hath proâ—pered Jer. 30. 16 17. Our devourers are devoured and our spoylerâ— are spoyled Ezekiel 20. 38 The regaâ—â— Rebels purged out of the Kingdome Isay 66. 5. The Royalists impious hypocrisie unmasked Great encouragements for Gods Children Iob 5. 27. Marke this O England Isa 19. 11 12 13 14. A true description of the Kings Counsellours Exod. 18. 11. Isa 51. 12 13. A just objurgation and too tâ—ue taxation on all Psal â—6 7 10 An exhortation to Christian courage and godly resolution Exod. 19. 4 5. Breake off from sinne Remember our Covenant Bâ—â—ld Gods House Love our Brethren of Scotland Our Brethren of Scotland were the main meane of procuring this present Parliament Exod. 19. 5. One hundred and forty Cart-loads of dead and wounded at Newbery fight some at Brainford at Dorchester and Causham at Marston-moore A Looking-glasse for Malignants
as neer the Town as the Enemies Cannon would suffer This was upon Fryday the 25 of Octob. The King kept within the Town guarded by his Artillery but his body of Horse and Foot drew out into Speenfield the midway betwixt the Town and Castle both to make his Army more numerous and also to embattle them in a place of extraordinary advantage That day afforded nothing save an interview the interposing river hindring our desired fight on their side appeared rather a declining to bee ingaged either that their numbers were not equall or from an expectation of Ruperts advance with 3000 Horse or Dragoones and the return of the Earl of Northampton from Banbury with a 1000. The Enemies strength is reported to have been 8000 Foot and 5000 Horse which albeit a gallant Army yet upon our drawing into battalia they durst not take the field but to counterpoise our numbers with his Stratagems hee fell mainly to fortifie the Town especially the avenues and having raised his batteries and lined the hedges hee stood upon his guard and with some great pâ—ices where hee saw the biggest bodies and most advantage hee sent liberally some of his bullets among us which killed 2 or 3 Horse but hurt not their Riders For many houres some parties of Horse skirmisht betwixt both the Armies in which play wee had the best on our part but one of our men fell of their 's 4 or 5. of which one had been knighted It being impossible to ingage them without much hazzard that night the greater part of our Army marched unto Cheveley The horse commanded by Sir William Waller and Sir William Belfore the foot by Sergeant Major Generall Skippon whilst the other encamped before the East-end of the Town and was ordered by the Earl of Manchester at one same time they had all agreed to storm the Garrison on both sides That night and the next wee quartered in the open field but neither the coldnesse of the weather nor want of usuall provision any whit disanimated the Souldier the earnest expectation of fight swallowed up all other extremities Howbeit most of them had 3 dayes provision prepared by Command in his snapsack By day-break upon Sunday the horse and Foot commanded by Sir William Waller and Major Generall Skippon were upon their March and in 4 houres had surrounded Dennington-Castle and made their approach toward the West of Newberry By the way wee intercepted 2 or 3 Carts of the Enemies provision intended they said for his Majesty but in respect an unworthy race about him were to have shared therein and that our men more needed it wee disposed of it to our selves To recompence which they fell upon our Rear from the Castle and took 10 or 12 of ours prisoners Upon this March wee received the report that Newcastle was taken by storm and the Vlster Rebells in Ireland totally defeated happy news unto us and of a double use to our engagement It was one of the clock ere the Train and Rear came up and neer 3 ere wee could bee put into Battalia With extraordinary shouts and other testimonies of courage and joy the Western-body advanced and the forlorn Hopes of horse quickly began the fight which with as much eagernesse was seconded by the foot so as for 3 houres at least the fight was maintained with as much resolution and bravery on our side and desperatenesse on the other as hath been seen since the commencement of these Warres the Cannon and small shot on both sides firing with as quick a motion as was possible to bee done by Souldierâ— and amongst the foot to speak impartially his Excellencies Regiment did most eminently well of whom especially and of the rest wee can speak very justly we neither saw man nor party horse or foot either to desert his duty or dishearten his fellow About the midst of the fight the Earl of Cleveland and some other of the Enemies prime Commanders rode among our Souldiers asking them Wherefore they would fight against their own men but being demanded the word and not knowing it divers of them were knockt down from off their horses and the Earl of Cleveland himself and some other Officers were taken prisoners And after a long and hot dispute wee beat the Enemy first from their works and then from their Ordnance 9 in number Our forces were no sooner possest of the Ordnance which were a part of those which wee lost in Cornwall but our Western sparks with exceeding great joy hug'd and kist them and cryed out Now will wee shew them a Cornish hop and on the other side many of the Cavaliers most fearfully threw down their Armes and ran away crying out Devils Devils they fight like devils for ours gave no Quarter to any whom they knew to bee of the Cornish In which fierce fight and brave deportment of ours wee lost a few men and with or among them Captain Cawler a brave Gentleman of Glamâ—rganshire who by an honourable and triumphant hazzard bequeathed the thing adventured to us with his life also an expression sufficient fully to entitle himself True to his Charge notwithstanding his captivity in Cornwall The day was of so much discontent to the King that wrapping up his losses with the night an houre after mid-night hee marched or rather fled out of the Town with an attendant Troop only toward Winchester and sent up his Cannon Carriages and Baggage to the Castle where at day-break wee saw them placed Upon the first intelligence of their departure Colonell Cromwell followed the body of the Enemy a houres before day the issue of which as yet wee hear not of Our men are full of Spirit and extraordinarily heightned with this Victory The Enemy hath little to support them but their Rodomants In the mean time as an addition and signall of good successe wee have as I toucht before the Earl of Cleveland prisoner taken by a Leivtenant of Colonell Barkleys who wonders how Generall Goring escaped our hands but his Brother paid his account being shot dead as hee charged and most of his Troop were cut off and Major Trevillian and divers other whose bodies are seen but names as yet undiscovered Above 200 were slain on the ground and 300 taken prisoners wherof these in speciall by name The Earl of Cleveland Captain Philpot Leivtenant Harper Leivtenant Roan Cornet Whealand Quartermaster Ironmonger Quartermaster Campion Quarter master Nicholas Mr. John Percie all these of the Earl of Clevelands Brigade and 38 Troopers of the same Brigade Taken prisoners of Sir Ralph Hoptons Regiment Captaine Elmes a Captain of Horse Mr. Simon Court Quartermaster to Hoptons own Troop Edward Philips Henry Dimmoâ—k Hugh Pope Gent. of Armeâ— and divers other Troopers Colonell Philpot Captain Mildemâ—y Captain Nâ—vet Mr. Richard Niston Mr. John Curtis Mr. Edward Archer and divers other Gentl. of Armes and Reformadoes besides as I said before 300 Common Souldiers And
of another and could not charge above twice but were at push of pike The Enemies foot gave a little back and so did some few of ours and in the beginning of the fight the day was very doubtfull but then the right wing of our Horse wherein the Generall was in person charged in the flanck of the blew Regiment of the Enemies foot who indeed stood to it to the last man abundance of them being slain and all the rest surrounded wounded and taken prisoners These who were the very hope of their Infantry being lost horse and foot gave back But heer also the fight continuing with equall might and courage for the space of lesse than half an houre they had somewhat shattered our left wing and made them give back and were almost masters of our Artillery And heer as wee have it from credible relation a party of the enemies brake through our left wing of Horse came quite behinde our Rear of our Train the Leader of them being a person somewhat in habite like our Generall in a red Montero as our Generall had Hee came as a friend and our Commander of the guard of the Train went with his hat in his hand and asked him how the day went thinking verily hee had been our Generall The Cavalier who wee since heard for certain was Rupert asked him and the rest if they would have quarter whereupon they cryed no gave fire instantly and most bravely beat him off making him flie for his life and his companions But as I toucht before our right wing had done more upon them and besides our left wing bravely recovered their strength and ground and within half an houre or a very little more wee had quite driven them out of the field and so broken all their foot that wee verily beleeve there went not off a hundred in any one party or body After this first hot shock so received they rallyed again and put their horse into a posture to charge us which party wee were assured the King himself led up and charged with but What will hee doe when hee shall goe about to charge against God and his Countries best friends For this body was also as the rest of them possest with such a fear that though the King in that foresaid rallying of this body cryed out unto them Face about once more and give one charge more and recover the day But heer also it most mercifully pleased the Lord that the fresh forces of valiant and active Colonell Rossiter most fortunately came in unto us before the battail was quite ended who being all I say fresh men and unexpectedly falling on did admirably help to complete the Victory and to pursue the Enemy with their fresh horse with great slaughter even within the sight of Leicester So they by Gods great mercy together with our horse and foot came on I say with such impregnable and invincible courage that wee made them all fly again and wee after the breech of them killing as fast as wee could all wee found in armes and heer happy was hee that was best mounted to flye fastest for the renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax and valiant Major Generall Skippon fell sorely upon them and magnanimous Leivtenant General Cromwell pursued their horse with a full carreir about 12 or 13 miles at least even within 2 or 3 miles of Leicester the longest pursuite that ever was since this unhappy Warrebegan Thus by Gods infinite mercy wee had a great and wonderfull victory yea as great as ever since the warre began if not greater Which Victory as it is in the first and prime place to bee most justly attributed to our good God alone as the chief Cause and giver of it unto us So also in the next place to his valiant instruments and whom God only made so valiant and victorious over their Cavalierian Enemies and of these in the first place renowned Sir Thomas Fairfax hath merited exceedingly shewing such courage and resolution as hath rarely been seen in any which truely did so animate the Souldiers by his undaunted example as is hardly to bee exprest for certainly had you seen him and how his spirit was raised it would have made an impression in you never to bee obliterated God knows it is not heer hyperbolized but a reall Truth And as for Major Generall Skippon hee also did as magnanimously and valiantly as man could doe and was a great terrour to the Enemy receiving a wound in his side by a Musket bullet in this fight but blessed bee God not mortall onely an indelible badge of Honour unto him Valiant Leivtenant Generall Cromwell also did admirable bravely in this fight hee and his right wing of horse having expressed incomparable gallantry in this fight even to the amazement of their adversaries Yea and to speak the truth all our Officers and Souldiers did as bravely and courageously as could bee Commissary Generall Ireton did valiantly also behave himself in this fight and was sorely wounded but not mortally and so was Colonell Butler both of undaunted courage and did singularly well in this great service But I would not willingly attribute more to one Commander than to another for indeed as I toucht before they did all as gallantly as ever men on earth could doe and so did the Enemies foot which before the battail wee least valued Rupert and Maurice having at least 2000 horse more than wee had that charged fiercely on us at first but were so well received by ours though at first our left wing gave back a little that their hearts were broken at the very first especially by the thicknesse of our reserves and their orderly and timely comming on And thus wee having taken 8 peices of Ordnance in the field whereof 2 were Demi-Cannons one whole Culverin wee also possest all the rest of their Ordnance and their Carriages bagge and baggage abundance of Coaches and rich plunder whereof more anon more particularly Carts and Boates and great store of Bisket and Cheese a seasonable refreshment for our honest Souldiers that had marched so hard the day and night before and had not had a bit of bread to a Regiment for their refreshment thus the Foot and all the Train marched that night to Harborough about 4 miles from Naseby where then the head-quarter lay It was credibly conceived by the testimony of those that saw it and purposely viewed Immediately after the fight that from the battle to Harborough there were not slain above about 700. together with those slain in the field running away but in the pursuite between Harborough and Leicester at least 3 or 400 more were slain abundance of them sorely wounded and divers persons of note or quality fell among them one with a Starre and a red-Crosse on his Coat conceived to have been the Duke of Lenox but it was not hee 4 Lords came mortally wounded as was credibly reported to
us to Harborough but durst not stay there Wee took all the Foot Colours in the field the Kings own Colours with the Lion and Crown with this Motto Dieu et Mon Droit The Queens Colours and the Princes Colours and the Duke of Yorkes Standard Wee got the plunder of the Kings Coach and his precious Cabinet that famous tell-tale of the Kings and Queens works of darknesse c. But of all these things more particularly by and by One great encouragement to our Common Souldiers to fall on the more courageously was the rich plunder the Enemy had their purses and pockets too being full of money and the plunder of poore Leicestershire which God now made a means of their ruine and destruction in this fight for indeed our Souldiers got very great plenty of gold and silver out of most of their pockets that were slain Prince Rupert also or rather Prince Robber had brought into the field many Irish women inhumane Whores with Skeans or long Irish knivâ—â— about them to cut the throats of our wounded men and of such prisoners as they pleased the wives of the bloody Rebels in Ireland his Majesties dearly beloved Subjects to whom our Souldiers would grant no quarter about a 100 of them were slain on the ground and most of the rest of the whores and Camp-sluts that attended that wicked Army were marked in their faces or noses with slashes and cuts and some cut off just rewards for such wicked strumpets The slain on our part in this most memorable fight was not in all full 200. and not one above a Captain Sir Jacob Ashleyes Coach was taken with great store of plunder in it and himself was very neer taking for wee got the cap off his head and in Sir Jacobs Coach Letters of Nicholas the Court-lyer wherein was among others this expression in one of them That the Parliament had given particular direction to the Generall to give the King no quarter but to kill him if taken A most abominably false and impudent lye like unto all the rest of their irreligious practises The Army after this marched toward Leicester following the pursuit not willing to give the Enemy any rest or liberty to rally our horse especially being close in their Rear and Colonell Rossiter who came seasonably to the ingagement and bravely charged where our Noble Generall was following apace in the pursulte of the Enemy as aforesaid where now for a while wee will leave them And heer now I shall in its most proper place for the high honour and glory of our wonder-working God and the admiration and astonishment of my present Readers and their succeeding Posterity give you the most exact List of the slain prisoners and prizes taken in this most famous and glorious Victory which was as followeth Slain in the fight and slight about 3000. and between 3 and 400 Whores and Irish Queans One Lord or eminent personage slain and found dead with a Star and a red-Crosse upon his coat 4 Lords mortally wounded Prince Rupert bruised and Sir Jacob Ashley hurt on the head his head-peice beaten off and himself neer taken Prisoners Colonell Sir William Vaughan Colonell Sir William Bridges Col. Sir Bridge Col. Sir Richard Page Colonell Bandes Col. Bunkley Col. Theoph. Gilbie Col. Nevill Leivtenant Colonells 7. Sergeant Majors 12. Captains 55. Leivtenants 55. Ensignes 45. besides of inferiour Officers above 200. 2000 horse with their riders many Ladies and Gentlewomen of the Kings Officers and Servants 11 or 12. besides 4 of his footmen and one of Prince Maurices In all above 4000 prisoners Armes at least 9000. 6 rich Coaches and other Coaches besides The Kings own Coach and therein that Cabinet of Secret Letters of the Kings and Queenes since this fight Printed and published to the amazement of the world Ruperts Coach also and both the Kings and Ruperts Sumpters with much wealth and riches The Kings Standard the Queens Standard Prince Charles his Standard the Duke of Yorkes Standard and Ruperts Standard 6 Colours of Horse and 40 Colours of Foot one whereof represented a pair of hornes with this Motto Come Cuckold Which being one of the first Colours that were taken the word was on the pursuite returned to the Enemy with much mirth and scorn among Souldiers Taken also 12 peices of Ordnance 40 〈…〉 Gunpowder 200 Carriages 12 Carriages of Boats with their Anchors and Cables In summe all their bagge and baggage 〈◊〉 King himself fled toward and so clean through Leicester Thus now in this most famous and renowned Victory did the Lordâ— indeed shew himself as Moses sweetly sets him out Glorious 〈◊〉 holinesse fearfull in Praises and doing wonders Triumphing gloriously and overthrowing both the horse and his rider And truely so much the more glorious may this Victory appear unto us and the hand of God most evidently bee seen in it as to Gideon against those Enemies of God though it is true the number of men in the Army was not much different yet t is most true that the King had full 2000 horse more than wee yet I say this Victory will most notably appear to bee Gods Victory graciously given to us if wee consider both the time and condition of the kingdome as then it was And also the very Army it self First This Victory was bestowed upon us at such a time when as our spirits were and that most justly very low and exceedingly dejected both by onr losse of Leicester but a little before and thereby also the Kings releiving of West-Chester wee having at that time a marveilous great possibility of taking it but now were utterly frustrated of it Also the great sadnesse wee then were in for the danger of Taunton at this season a second time besieged strictly by outrageous Goring and Hopton Besides the great murmurings at this time of most men about our brethren of Scotlands not advancing Southward as was expected and then greatly desired And Secondly if wee consider the Army it selfe O the wonderfull base and despicable esteem that was thereof not onely in the Kings Army and Malignants but even among very many seeming friends among us and those no mean ones too O how did they disparage undervalue and contemne as it were this New-Modelled Army calling it a New Nodelled Army jeering them as a company of young Tyroes or fresh-water-Souldiers heerby as much as in them was to discountenance and dis-hearten the most noble Generall himself Sir Thomas Fairfax and to weaken the hands and despond the spirits of his Souldiers if God himself had not mightily upheld them and put as it were an extraordinary spirit and courage into them most remarkably making good that most excellent passage of the Apostle That God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise and the seeming weak thing of the world to confound the things which are mighty