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
50 Horse and so returned safe with our said prize Much also about the same time wee had certain intelligence of some singular good service done immediately after the fore-mentioned furnishment of Oswestry with Ammunition by that most valiant and brave Commander Sir Tho. Middleton at or neer about Mountgomeâ—y-castle the substance of which intelligence by a Letter was this That by Gods gracious assistance that noble Commander was advanced and came into Mountgomery where he found the people all very willing and ready to receive him and that Sir Thomas had summoned the Castle and that his own Regiment fell in that interim upon New-Town and had there taken Sir Thomas Gardiner and his whole Troop of Horse 28 prisoners 36 barrels of powder some store of match two Horse Colours one Quarter master and since that even immediately after came certain information unto us that the said most noble and renowned Commander Sir Thomas Middleton having as was fore-mentioned summoned the Castle of 〈◊〉 where the black Lord Horbert was hee upon faire and honourable termes surrendred it without much contestation about it although it bee a Castle as strong as any Castle in the Kingdom whatsoever or in the Principality of Wâ—lâ—s and of very great concernment for the happy reduction of all North-wales to the Parliament of which more in its proper place About the 10 of this instant September wee had certain information by Letters from Wem that the vigilant and active Committee there resident having intelligence of the drawing out of the forces in Shrewsbury toward Ludlow as was then conceived but afterward they understood those forces marched toward Sir Thomas Middleton they sent out under the Command of Leivtenant Colonell Rinking a very good Souldier a party of foot and horse to surprise Morton-Corbet-Castle and sent unto the Lord Calven to meet them with a party from Stoke and upon a Saturday night about one or two of the clock they came before the Castle every man being assigâ—ed the place where hee should fall on Now they being come thither it being but about four miles from Wem and they finding the People in great security ordered the businesse thus First the Commander gave the Word which was Will and Tom with order that if any asked who they were to answer Will and if the other answered not Tom they should give fire this being done hee sent Drums at a fields distance from the house with order to beat a march as soon as ever the assault began which they did accordingly and therby made the Enemy think that there had been a great strength when as indeed it was no such matter Then presently the Leivtenant Colonell calling aloud to bring up such a Regiment to such a place and such a Regiment to another place this much daunted the hearts of the Enemy at the hearing thereof and then hee sent some to discover the Centery with an order to tell the Centery that they were friends and to hold him in discourse untill they had notice which service was so well performed on all parts that before the Centinell knew who wee were our Ladders were mounted and wee in possession of one of their works and then the Enemy took the alarum and our men plyed the work most stoutly The Leivtenant Colonell endevoured with but ten men to have forced a little door wherein not prevailing hee marched along over the tops of the works with but four men and with these fell upon them that were in another work and forced them with one volley to betake them to the House where out of the windows and holes they within shot fiercely at us till wee by throwing in among them some hand Granadoes they quitted those places which gave way to our men to break a stone pillar of a window where the Leivtenant Colonell entred and his four men entred and after them immediately after many more but before these were come in the Enemy being at least 80 foot and 30 horse and fearfully supposing by reason of the noise of the Drums afore-mentioned and the Leivtenant Colonels calling together of so many Regiments supposing therefore I say that a greater force of ours followed those five then entred into the Castle they all instantly cryed out for quarter which these five granted them and by that time the rest of our Forces were come up and had entred the Castle and so possessed themselves firmly of it and in it Major Bridgeman Captain Maurice one Leivtenant one Sergeant one Quartermaster one Ensigne two Horse Colours at least 80 Souldiers and 30 good Horses 6 barrells of powder with much other provisions The House was so strongly fortified that my Lord Calven and the Leivtenant Colonell who behaved themselves most bravely in this action said it might have been maintained against a great strength for had it been day-work they should not have attempted it In all this so resolute and even desperate service wee lost but one man and had only some few wounded Now much about this time there having come constant and most true intelligence of the sweet tranquillity and peaceable and free Trading of the people in all the Eastern and Southern Associated Counties of this Kingdom where the the Kings devouring Cormorants the bold and bloody Cavaliers had no power to pester them and pilfer from them which I may therefore heer most justly adde to the Catalogue of all the rest of our most rare and singular Parliamentary-mercies as namely in Cambridgeshire what a goodly and full Fair there was kept at Sturbridge neer the University with free Trade and comfortable commerce as was formerly accustomed in our former most peaceable times the like also at Berry in Suffolk at Lyn in Northfolk at Braintree in Essex at Maidstone in Kent at London both at Peters Fair in Westminster Jameses and Bartholomew Fair in Smiâ—â—field and divers other parts and places under the power of the Parliament and where I say the Cankerworms and Caterpillers of the kingdom the most accursed Cavaliers came not And again if wee look no farther than the most renowned and famous Cities of London and Westminster the intolerable terrours and tormentors under God of all the rotten Royalists where the Word of God is most powerfully and purely most freely and frequently Preached where peace and plenty are even to the highest admiration of Gods infinite and unexpressible praise and glory enjoyed and where they know not But by hear say ever magnified and omnified bee the free grace and great mercy of our good God the most wofull massacrings plundrings and pillagings spoylings and filthy deflouring of all sorts and sexes which in very many yea too too many parts and places of the kingdom are most sadly seen and suffered where the Atheisticall Royalists Romish and Malignant Atheists rule and tyrannize as in Worcestershire where the English Papists and Cavalierian Atheists have all the time of these most unhappy warres kept correspondency with
Dragoones to the number of 450 were sent under the Command of Captain Farrar into Cardiganshire to meet them who in their return had upon the borders of Mountgomery shire a skirmish with about a 1000 of the Enemies where the Country was summoned in by Sir Richard Price and Mr. Pughe of Mathavern they met in the night in a very narrow passage where the Musketteirs played for an houre together upon them but no good could bee done Whereupon Captain Farrar led up the Horse in a full Carreir upon them which put them all to a present and confused flight our forces pursued them 3 miles together and slew at least 20 of them in the pursuite whereupon the Enemy cryed quarter quarter and had quarter given them wee there took 60 prisoners among whom were 12 Officers and an 100 armes wounded divers of them and put all the rest to flight The next morning Captain Farrar sent a Troop of Horse and a company of Dragoones under the Command of Captain Luke Floyd to summon Mathavern-house where the Enemy kept a Garrison where Mr. Pughe having had notice of our comming toward this house presently upon our appearing hee flew away and left the House whereupon wee instantly entred the Garrison took what was in it and then burnt it down to the ground to keep them from returning again to it to doe us any farther mischeif About the 16 instant wee had credible information by Letters out of the West that Colonell Holborn Major Generall of the forces sent to releive Taunton at this time much straitned by the Enemies being upon his March in Dorsetshire and upon the designe the Enemy had intelligence thereof and drew themselves into a body to meet him in battalia and Major Generall Holborn having also intelligence that they were come as farre as Chard hee marched thither with an intent to give them battaile But the Enemy discovering our forces drawing nigh them and seriously bent to encounter them fled out of the Town in great haste and left above an 100 armes behinde them dispersing themselves in a disorderly retreat but our forces pursued them and took a whole Troop of their Horse the Captain Leivtenant Cornet and all both Officers and Souldiers Horse and Armes besides 20 other prisoners whereof 5 were Officers together with all their Hay Oates and other provisions which they brought with them for their releif there And about the 18 of this instant wee received certain knowledge of divers plots and treacherous designes of the Enemies for the betraying of severall Townes and strong Holds their old trade of trechery into the Enemies hands but how our good God the most vigilant Watchman over his English-Israel most graciously discovered and disappointed them in their devillish designes and perfidious practises therein as namely the great danger of losing the Town and Castle of Stafford by the either unfaithfulnesse or negligence or both of Colonell Chadwick Governour of the said Town and Castle but by Gods goodnesse and by valiant virtuous and faithfull Sir William Breretons vigilancy timely prevented Another plot and most dangerous and desperate designe for the betraying of Dover-castle That of Abbington also wherin renowned valiant and faithfull Major Generall Brown most bravely befooled that spurious spark and glistring Glow-worm of Oxonian wit and base treachery apostate Digâ—iâ— Another plot against Reading and Ailesbury And another plot against Plymouth also to have betrayed the Island there into the Enemies hands All these much about one and the same time but all of them as seasonably discovered and prevented as they were secretly and deceitfully plotted But especially that most notable and craftily contrived Stâ—â—tagem which I may not heer by any means omit acted by Mr. Roger le Strange a strangely audacious and desperate Cavalier for the betraying of Lyn-Regis in Norfolk into the Enemies hands which being a place of great concernment and in regard of most neat and cleanly carriage of the businesse in the discovery and prevention of the plot a very remarkable peice and worthy of serious notice I have therefore heer for the Readers better content and fuller satisfaction thought good exactly to impart it as it was truely related and attested under the hand of that worthy and most loyall Gentleman Captain Lemon the faithfull discover under God and preventer of the plot which was as followeth Mr. Roger le Strange third Son to Sir Hamond le Strange sent to Captain Thomas Lemon of Lin to Appleton-Hall to the house of one Mr. Paston a Papist and at his comming to him with a design intended by him against Lyn for which hee said hee had a Commission from his Majesty to surprize the Town of Lyn which Commission hee presently shewed him and told him that if hee would undertake to bee assistant to him and raise a party within the Town to effect the designe that hee should have a 1000. li. for his pains and whatsoever preferment hee would desire either in the Town or in his Majesties Navy And farther hee told him that the King did value the surprising of this Town as half his Crown and that within 10 dayes after certain notice that the Town was reduced his Majesty would send a sufficient power to their releif and that those forces should bee under the command of the Lord Goring To which plot the said Captain Lemon for his own security having taken the Covenant and well weighing on a suddain the peace and good of the Common-wealth for the present hee seemingly gave consent the night then comming on hee departed from him with promise to come to him again the next day to advise farther of the designe but presently hasting to Lyn hee went to the Governour Colonell Valentine Walton and acquainted him with it who after long debate resolved the next day that at the time appointed hee should goe to the said Appleton-Hall and take with him a Corporall of his clad in a Sea-mans habit who seemingly should bee a partaker with him to effect their designe and comming thither the said Mr. Strange demanded of Captain Lemon what hee was that came with him who answered that hee was a man for their turne and immediately upon it the said Corporall himself answered very discreetly that hee was a pooreman living in Fishers-end in Lyn and kept an Ale-house and that hee was 40 pound the worse for the Round-heads whereunto Mr. Strange replyed It is no matter for when the designe is accomplished thou shalt have a 100 li. for it and a Cannoneers place which the Corporall seemingly was exceeding well pleased with But the better to know where the Commission was Captain Lemon said Mr. Strange this my friend by the way as wee came demanded of mee what security you had if in case the plot should bee discovered to save them from the gallows if it might bee Captain Lemon therefore said hee told him you had the Kings Commission which
specious pretences having pre-occupated the hearts and beleif of the people that they could not easily bee undeceived at the second hand But see now the admirable wisdome and justice of our God against them and his great mercy toward us who so ordered the issue and the upshot of that Treaty that by the refusall of 3 Articles mainly and primarily to bee insisted on and by the Kings Commissioners to bee condescended unto to the Parliaments Commissioners namely 1. The Settlement of the true Reformed Religion 2. The Establishment of the Militia for a season in the power of the Parliament 3. The prosecution of the Warre against the Rebels of Ireland and disclaiming that accursed Cessation of Armes with them that by their most unjust refusall I say of these 3 Articles whereof not one would bee fairly granted and especially by those Oxford Commissioners so irreligious and even Atheisticall justifying and that in the Kings name that most horrid and hideous Rebellion in Ireland sealed with the most inhumane massacre and bloody slaughter and murthering of almost 200000 innocent English Protestants the Kings said Commissioners most irreligiously and audaciously daring openly to professe that his Majesty their Master could not in point of Honour Justice and Conscience yeeld to the Parliaments desire therein whereby I say even this unreasonable and irreligious refusall of the Parliaments most just and righteous demands notwithstanding the foresaid Declaration framed and forged on the impious anvill of Don Digbies vicious invention at Oxford whereby they thought to have gained much credit reputation and advantage to their party yet I say by this refusall they became great losers in the affections of the people over the whole Kingdom who also saw that in the space of full 20 dayes sitting they would not as I toucht before agree to any one Proposition of the Parliaments which so grosse miscarriage of things especially in that abominable justification of the Irish Rebellion must needs lye upon them as a most odiously black indelible stain of intolerable ignominy and disgrace to all succeeding pâ—sterity And indeed to speak the truth plainly what good could bee expected from a Treaty which was to bee held with a seduced and misled King a degenerated and ignoble Nobility a proud and superstitious Clergie an ambitious and atheisticall Gentry and an irreligious and most malignant Common people But now to proceed About the 8 of this instant February there came Letters to the Committee of both Kingdomes of an excellent peice of service performed by Major Bridges Governour of Warwick Castle the particulars whereof for the Readers better satisfaction I will set downe in the words of the Majors own Letter which was as followeth Sir I doubt not but you will bee glad to hear of the good successe which God hath given unto mee in delivering into my hands a Garrison of the Enemies called Stoke House in Glocestershire but borders on Warwickeshire where together with the House I also took a Troop of Horse And it will bee the more remarkable in respect of the goodnesse of God when wee consider the small power I had to doe it and the place it stood in being between 2 of the Enemies Garrisons the one was Cambden but 2 miles distant the other Evisham 7 miles distant But I being affected with the sad complaints of the Country and considering the danger of delayes and having notice that the Enemy wrought hard to perfect the Fortifications resolved to take the present opportunity and that my design might bee carryed on with the more privacy wherein much of my safety consisted the Regiment of our County being absent or not in readinesse I sent 2 of the 3 Companies of mine own Garrison by small parties into the Country as to gather Contribution but commanded the Officers not to return till I gave them orders to these 2 Companies I got an addition of 60 Foot commanded by one of my Captains of the Town-Company with some part of mine own Troop and about 70 Horse belonging to the Committee of Worcestershire and thus I marched all that night and being come to the House I began to storm it and the next day fell upon the House and stables by break of day both at once The House was of stone very strong they within it had made up the windowes and doores with brick and stone and defended the House very stoutly for about an houre and a half but at length wee entred by force and took the House and all therein without the losse of one man blessed bee the Lord notwithstanding that in all that time wee were without shelter and the bullets and stones flew thick about our eares Since this I heard that the Enemy drew out of Evisham and Cambden to releive their Friends but could not come up time enough by which means God so appointing I returned with my prisoners and spoile unmolested a List wherof you have herewith immediately following And to conclude the said House being a Papists and the whole Garrison of that Religion to prevent the building of any more such Rookes nests I fired the House and desire you would with us praise God for this Victory Sir Your Servant John Bridges Warwick Castle Feb. 8. 1644. A List of the Prisoners taken by Major Bridges Governour of Warwick Castle at Stoke House in Gloucestershire Captain Edward Brent Captain George Brent Captain Richard Canning Captain Smith Captain Thomas Canning together with about 30 more Officers and Gentlemen of quality all Papists and many other common Souldiers About the 10 of this instant wee were also credibly informed by Letters out of Cheshire that Captain Stones a brave active and loyall Commander under Sir William Brereton and now Governour of Eccleshall Castle in the County of Stafford with a small party marched against Partshall House another Popish Garison of the Enemies which was strongly fortified and Moated about Hee taking the opportunity of the Draw-bridge being let down suddenly forced his passage surprized the Centinells and so fell in among the whole Garrison fought bravely with them for a good season killed many of them in the fight and took prisoners Colonell Ashbey the Governour with divers Gentlemen of quality a Jesuite which was their Priest and Son and Heire to a Popish Knight and about 60 Souldiers and thus wee were possessed of the whole House with all the Armes and Ammunition and other good prize which was within it Wee also were credibly assured by Letters from Abbington about the 14 of this instant February that Major Generall Brown that most renowned valiant and active Commander sent forth a party of Horse toward Harrington who having intelligence where the Enemy kept a Court of Guard about half a mile from Harrington our said Forces got between them and the Town by which means they surprized the whole Guard being 19 men and brought them all prisoners into Abbington And that the said Noble Major Generall
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
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
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
scandalized by a rable of rotten hearted impious and impudent Sectaries of the City and for the super-eminent Excellencie of the Thing it selfe speaking indeede much merited honour for it selfe I have here thought fit to insert it which was as followeth And here first good Reader thou shalt see the honour which the most Honorable House of Lords in Parliament put upon it in giving speciall Order for the speedie printing and publishing of it to all the world and then after it thou shalt have their most noble and ever to be renowned resent and singular approbation and Commendation of it immediately after it Die Martis 26 Maii. 1646. IT is this day Ordered by the Lords in Parliament Assembled That the Remonstrance and Petition of the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Common-Councell of the City of London this day exhibited to the House of Peeres and their Lordships Answer thereunto shall be forthwith printed and published And the care for the true printing thereof is hereby specially recommended unto Colonell John Bellamie who is by this Order authorized and required to print and publish the same accordingly And none else are to presume to print and publish the same as they will answer the contrary at their perils Jo. Browne Cleric Parliamentorum To the Right Honourable the LORDS Assembled in High Court of Parliament The humble Remonstrance and Petition of the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Commons of the City of London in Common-Councell assembled OUR duty in the first place doth lead us to begin all our Addresses as we most heartily and humbly do these with all due and humble acknowledgement of the great Labours and endeavours which Your Lordships have these many yeers employed in Reformation both of the Church and Common-Wealth and in preservation of both with the humble tender of our constant devotion to serve the Parliament according to our Covenant made before Almighty God In the next place we most humbly crave pardon although we do presume to returne againe unto your Lordships and humbly yet plainly lay open the sorrowes and feares of our hearts even in this season when as God hath blessed your Armies with the greatest successes and that man might perswade himselfe that the War is almost at an end For first when we remember that it hath been long since declared to be farre from any purpose or desire to let loose the golden Reins of Discipline and Government in the Church or to leave private persons or particular Congregations to take up what form of Divine Service they please when we looke upon what both Houses have resolved against Brownisme and Anabaptisme properly so called when we meditate on our Protestation and Covenant And lastly when we peruse the Directory and other Ordinances for Presbyteriall Government and yet finde private and separate Congregations daily erected in divers parts of the City and elsewhere and commonly frequented and Anabaptisme Brownisme and almost all manner of Heresies Schismes and Blasphemies boldly vented and maintained by such as to the point of Church-Government professe themselves Independent we cannot but be astonished at the swarmes of Sectaries which discover themselves every where who if by their indeavours they should get into places of profit and trust in Martiall and Civill affaires it may tend much to the disturbance of the Publike Peace both of the Church and Common-wealth We also cannot but call to minde what Vowes we have made to God in the same Covenant as well as our former Protestations to preserve the Rights and Priviledges of the Parliament and the Liberties of the Kingdomes and to preserve and defend the Kings Majesties person and Authority in the preservation and defence of the true Religion and Liberties of the Kingdomes that the world may beare witnesse with our Consciences of our Loyalty and that we have no thoughts or intentions to diminish his Majesties just Power and Greatnesse and do humbly rest in the assurance we have received in the many former Declarations of both Houses concerning their intentions towards his Majesty his Royall Posterity and the Peace of this Kingdome which we doubt not but your Lordships will pursue with all speedy dispatch of Propositions to his Majesty now whilst God doth so mercifully and miracuously go along with your Armies in all the parts of the Kingdome We may not in the next place forget our Brethren of Scotland how first they were invited to engage with this Kingdome in Gods Cause when yet they were at peace at home in what Covenant this Nation is mutually linked with them at what time in relation both to the weak condition of our Forces then and the season of the yeare they adventured upon an Enemy warmly lodged and well armed and prepared what they have since suffered for this Cause in their own Kingdome how successefull ever since God hath made our Forces in suppressing the Common Enemies of both Nations and what present hopes we have of a well-setled Peace while we continue in this mutuall amity And then cannot but lament the many jealousies which the Enemies of our Peace Union and good Government do now strive to beget between both Nations and tremble at the sad effects thereof if not timely prevented by the wisdome of the Parliaments of both Kingdomes We cannot also omit humbly to represent unto your Lordships consideration how many Citizens have already suffered and how many more will be undone if your Lordships shall still make use of that ancient Priviledge to protect your selves the Assistants of this Honourable House and the Servants of both and others from being proceeded against in any course of Law for Debt which now because this Parliament hath already sate so long and is likely by reason of the unsettlednesse of affaires to sit much longer would especially require some expedient for relief of so many as otherwise must daily suffer under this Priviledge And now that the Kingdom is almost reduced by which means the Revenues of the Kingdome will be unburthened and the Customes and Excise increase and the publike charge of the Kingdome decrease now that Delinquents do daily come in and compound and now that the Enemy hath but few Holds left we hope that the great and extraordinary Taxes and burthens on this City and their Trade shall be in the future abated that the Debts owing to the City and Citizens of London either by particular Assurances of the Parliament or upon the Publike Faith of the Kingdome be taken care for and discharged as well as those assigned upon the Excise and may not be diverted from the uses appointed by former Acts and Ordinances And we humbly crave have to present to the consideration of this Honourable House the Committee of Haberdashâ—rs-hall as being one of the greatest grievances of this City and which so long as it is continued doth hinder the concoursie of people thereunto and tendeth much to the destruction of the Trade and Inhabitants thereof And now also we doubt not but God
capitulation for joyning of Forces or for combining against the Houses of Parliament or any other private or publike agreement whatsoever between the King upon the one part and the Kingdom of Scotland their Army or any in their name and having power from them upon the other part is a most damnable untruth We shall not need to expresse how improbable it is if there had been any such agreement that the King about the same time should have sent a Message to both Houses offering to come to London and to follow their advice in all things without offering any satisfaction to the Kingdome of Scotland and that before he received the answer of the Houses he should write such a Letter to Ireland and give order to make it knowne not onely to his Privie Councell but to his other Subjects of that Kingdome Nor will we insist how improbable it is that the King should make this knowne to the Marquesse of Ormond and neglect to acquaint the late Earle of Montrosse who had been much more concerned and who would no doubt if he had knowne any such thing have communicated the same to Generall Major Middleton and prevented the defeating of himself his associates and forces about the middle of May after the King was with the Scottish Armie Nor how unlikely it is that he who is for the time Commander in chiefe for the Scottish forces in Ireland should be for the space of seven or eight weeks totally ignorant of any such agreement or if he had known any such thing that he would have communicated it to the Commissioners of the Parliament and immediately marched himself to the fields against the Enemy Nor shall we need to call to minde the expressions in the Lord Digbies intercepted Letters which gave our Nation the character of such as could not be gained to that side no not after all applications used There are other more sure and more publike Testimonies since the date of that lying Paper which make the falsehood of it more than palpable as if divine providence had purposely ordered all the late actions of the Kingdome of Scotland and of their Forces both before and since the third of April to be so many reall confutations of that groundlesse invention Wee meane severall late fights with the Rebels under the late Earle of Montrosse and Allaster Mac Donald the delivery of Newark the restraining and debarring of Delinquents and Malignants from the Kings Person and from our Army the late publike Declarations of the Church and State of Scotland in the beginning of April as likewise of the Generall and Committee with the Army agreed upon about the end of Aprill and published the 15 of May in Scotland against a Band of the Earle of Seaforth and his Associates As for other reasons so especially for this that the said Band did tend to the weakning of the confidence and Union between the two Kingdomes firmly joyned and mutually engaged for assistance to each other in this Cause as may appear more fully by the Declarations herewith presented Nor can we passe the Paper delivered to the King by the Committee of Estates upon the 15 of May last that if His Majestie should delay to go about the readiest waies and meanes to satisfie both his Kingdomes they would be necessitated for their own exoneration to acquaint the Committee of both Kingdoms at London that a course might be taken by joynt advice of both Kingdoms for attaining the just ends expressed in the Solemne League and Covenant We shall say no more of this particular God hath his owne time to make manifest who have dealt sincerely and who falsely and as our Nation did refuse to joyne with the Enemies Forces when they were strongest and did joyn with our Brethren of England in their weakest and most necessitous condition so we shall never look for a blessing from God upon either Nation longer than they continue faithfull to God and to each other according to the Covenant and Treaty And we do confidently expect from the wisdome and Justice of the Honourable Houses that this and such like Papers shall finde no more credit here than Papers and Declarations against themselves did formerly finde in Scotland and that Declarations and publique Papers from the Kingdome of Scotland or their Committees or Commissioners shall have such acceptation with both Houses as they desire Declarations from themselves or Papers from any in their Name may have with their Brethren of Scotland Nor do we doubt but God will dissipate all these clouds of calumnies and mis-understandings endeavoured thereby and will give such a frame of spirit to both Nations as may continue them in a brotherly accord and mutuall confidence for the good both of this and of the succeeding Generations which hath been is and shall be most earnestly wished and faithfully endeavoured by Your very affectionate friends and humble servants Lauderdaill Johnston Charles Erskine Henry Kennedie Robert Barnlay Worcester House the 8. of June 1646. Die Lunae 8 Junii 1646. Ordered by the Lords assembled in Parliament That the Letter of the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland Dated the 8 of this instant June 1646. shall be forthwith printed and published Jo. Browne Cleric Parliamentorum And because there were many suspicions and jealousies loved and fomented in the hearts and uttered too frequently by the tongues of many ill affected ones to our faire loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland That they would not easily be got out of the Kingddome of England no not when our warres were quite ended and we had no more need of them among us as some yea many of them maliciously took upon them to conceive and spatter abroad with their base and busie tongues I have therefore also here thought fit to insert another Letter or Declaration inclosed in the foresaid Letter or Declaration to the Lords in Parliament by the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland as was forementioned which I conceive may and will give faire and full satisfaction touching that suspition also to those that are not too much byassed with prejudice and partiallity which was as followeth IT is not light but grievous to us to heare of any disorders at all committed by any person in that Army how great soever the necessities be unto which they are redacted or that our Army should be any longer burthensome to this Kingdome And we do in the Name of that Kingdome and Army declare and assure That as they came into this Kingdome upon an earnest invitation from both Houses of Parliament and for the ends expressed in the Covenant and Treaty and Declaration of both Kingdoms the close whereof doth expresse the resolution of both to have Truth and Peace setled upon a firme Foundation before their laying down of Arms so their continuance neither is nor shall be made use of to the least encroachment upon the Government of this Kingdome nor to any other ends besides those expressed in the Covenant and
Treaty And how soon soever Religion and Peace shall be setled accordingly our Army and Garrisons shall forthwith remove out of this Kingdome And these things we shall wish may be speedily done and that the Propositions for a safe and well grounded Peace which did for a very short time remaine in our â—ands may now after so long expectation be sent to the King that upon his Royall consent to the desires of his People for setling and securing of Religion and Peace his Majesty may returne to his Parliament here all Armies may be disbanded the heavie pressures of the Subjects ended and the Kingdoms may remaine in a firme Peace and Vnion to all Posterity according to the Solemne League and Covenant 3 June 1646. These most honest and as I conceive most abundantly satisfactory expressions and demonstrations of our honest and loyall Brethren besides all their former faithfull performances of all things promised and protested by them and exacted from them ever since the beginning of comming among us may me thinks give full content and assurance too to us all of their integrity and faithfull intentions to deal most honestly and uprightly with us in all things in the maine I meane especially notwithstanding the most shamelesse and gracelesse calumniating tongues and selfe-seeking ungodly intentions and Satanicall desire of seditious Spirits to make a most sad and scelerous fraction and Division betweene two such Brother-Nations as we are or ought to be But let them take heed who evâ—r they be least the severe and bitter curse of God fall not heavily on their heads and hearts too who thus dare play fast and loose with sacreed Covenants and endevour to separate and that to a most bloody Division those whom God hath so graciously conjoyned for for my part I never reade or heard but that the Lord the righteous judge to whom vengeance belongs did first or last soone or late revenge most sadly and severely perfidious Covenant-breakers But to proceed About the 8. of this instant June a Letter was read in the House of Commons from his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairefax and therein Articles inclosed for the surrender of Bostol Garrison thereof I made briefe mâ—ntion onely before but now is most fully confirmed The Articles were to this effect That the Governour Sir William Campion and all Officers in Commission should march away with their horse and armes and those that desired to goe beyond Sea should have passes and they that desired to make their compositions should be effectually recommended by the Generall to the Parliament that their fines should not exceede two yeares revenue the Common Souldiers to march away without armes to their owne homes Hostages were given for performance of these conditions and the Garrison to be surrendred immediatly to our forces for the use of the King and Parliament And upon the 11. of June a Letter was brought to the House of Commons with Articles of the surrender of Carnarvan Towne and Castle by Byron the Governour thereof to renowned Colonell Mitton and the House after the reading thereof considered of a Governour for the said Garrison and having experience of the integrity valour and fidelity of Colonell Thomas Glyn they nominated and appointed him Governour of the said Towne and Castle Upon intelligence whereof the House of Commons ordered that thankes should be given in all Churches throughout London the next Lords day and likewise for Ludlow Dudley-Castle and Carnarvan About the 14. of this instant June we received certaine knowledge from New Castle of the Kings resolution to give speedie order for the surrendring of all the rest of his Garrisons which yet held out against the Parliament a Copie whereof I have here thought fit to insert which was as followeth CHARLES REX HAving resolved to comply with the designes of the Parliament in every thing that may be for the good of the Subjects and leave no meanes unassayed for removing of differences betwixt us Therefore we have thought fit the more to evidence the reality of our intentions of settling a happie and firme peace to require you upon honourable conditions to quit those Townes Castles and Forts intrusted by you to us and to disband all the forces under your severall commands New-Castle the 10. June 1646. TO our trusty and welbeloved Sir Thomas Glemham Sir Thomas Tidsley Colonell Henry Washington Colonell Thomas Blague Governours of our Townes and Castles of Oxford Worcester Litchfield and Wallingford and all other Commanders of any other Townes Castles or Forts within the Kingdome of England or Dominion of Wales About the 19. of this instant June the Parliament having had much and long debate about the Propositions to be sent to be signed by the King and especially about the settlement of the Militia of the Kingdome at last there was a happy Compliance of Both Houses about it And it was resolved upon the question That the Militia shall be in the power of Both Houses of Parliament for 20. yeares and in case after 20. yeares there be occasion to use Armes by any insurrection at home or forraigne invasion and the Lordâ— and Commons agree thereunto if the King will not concurre yet it shall be Lawfull for the Lords and Commons to proceede in that warre and exercise of that Militia for the safety and peace of the Kingdome And immediately after this the Proposions were by Both Houses of Parliament sent to the Commissioners of Scotland for their assent and concurrence in them And much about the same time there was aspeciall mâ—eâ—ing of the Divines of London and Wâ—stminster and within the Lines of Communication at Zion-Colledge where three of them for all the rest spent 5 howers or there about in prayer to beg direction from God about the acting and putting in execution the Presbyterian Church-Government according to the late Ordinance of Parliament enabling and authorizing them thereunto And some that were present there and Members of that Assembly assured me that they never saw or heard of a more zealous and earnest seeking of the Lord and their prayers were uttered with such fervencie and burning zeale that very many there present were so extraordinarily ravisht in spirit as caused very many teares to be shed and deep and heartily sighs and groanes to be sent up to Heaven And this holy worke being ended they began to debate of the worke to be acted by them and though at first they excepted against some things in the Ordinance of Parliament yet at length by Gods speciall providence it was resolved with an unanimous consent yea Nemine Contradicente to put on the worke and rest upon God and the Parliament for the Composing of what was found wanting by practicall experience onely for the better satisfaction of their owne consciences therein and to shew forth to the whole Church of God as well abroad as at home their advised care therin they immediatly upon it resolved on certaine Considerable Causions on which
his enemies about him Winck field Mannour taken by Sir Joh. Gell An Ordinance of Parliament for the Association of the Western Counties A brave most Heroick exploit of Serjeant Major Stranghan against the Enemy in the West A most brave defeat given to the Enemy at Malpasse by Sir William Breretons Forces The Enemy was about 2000 strong we but 800. The Enemy is routed The prize and prisoners taken Commanders slain Common souldiers slain A most perâ—idious plot and dangerous Design to have blown up our Magazine and destroyed our Army at Lestithiell in Cornwall Two wilde-fire Engines conveyed into our close waggons where were 60 barrels of powder The manner of the preservation described The two Engines sent up to the Parliamenâ— wher they were publikely shewn seen The Burning-Bush noâ— consumed Dan. 3. Exod. 15. 11. September 1644. Our formidable Parliamentary Army coopt up in Cornwall in the West and in great danger but most mightily preserved and delivered Heer was indeed the Bâ—â—ning Bush not Consumed The Kings cruell Councell of Warre resolved to give no quarter but to put all to the Sword Major Generall Skippons 〈◊〉 but brave speech â—esolution to live â—â— die with his Souldiers The fight begun Not only quarter but also fair conditions granted to our Souldiers The most perfidious disloyalty of the Enemy in violating al the conditions agreed on Heer again the Burning-Bush not Consumed This deliverance of our Souldiers was a singular merâ—y of the Lord. That this miscarriage of our Army was a plain plot of trechery Renowned Major Generall Skippon perceived this plot but too late A notable and most pregnant proof or ground of the knowledge of this disaster in the West to be a plot Sir Thomas Middletons ammunition safely conveyed unto Oswestâ—y from Wem for the Welsh Affaires A brave defeat given to the Enemy by valiant Colonell Rudgeley A brave defeat given to the Enemy by Sir Tho. Middleton Mountgomery Castle taken by Sir Thomas Middleton The manner of taking Morton-Corbet-Castle by Wem Garrison Morton-Corbet-Castle taken by five men only who first entered the Castle Some Collyrâ—nâ— or eye-salve to heal if it were possible Malignants sore eyes Faires freetrading in all the Associated Counties The admirable mercy of God to London and Westminster in the pure and powerfull preaching of the Word The sad bad condition of the Counties places under the Royalists power and tyranny Contraria juxta se posita magis illucescunt Colonell Foxes constant activity and good Services The worthy Leivtenant of the Towre of London Alderman Pennington apprehended the two Irish-Rebels Macquire Mac-mahoon who had made an escape The manner of taking the Rebels The City Ministers petition to the Parliam against novel upstart Schismes for a settlement of Church Government Clear demonstrations of the Parliaments pious integrity to expedite and compleat the work of Reformation Tender consciences taken into consideration by the Parliament Ordination of Ministers taken also into consideration established A brave exploit performed by Leicestershire forces against Rob-Carryer Hastings A most famous and renowned Victory obtained by Sir William Breretâ—n Sir Tho. Middleton Sir John Meldrum at the raising of the sâ—ege before Mountgomery-Castle Mountgomery-Castle besieged by the Enemy as soon as wee had taken it Sir Tho. Middleton speedily inviâ—es Sir Wil. Brereton Sir John Meldrum to his assistance A brave prize lately before taken from the Enemy Our Army consisting of 3000 horse and foot come neer the Enemy to the Castle The Enemies Army consisting of 5000 horse and foot commanded by the Lord Byron Sir Iohn Meldrum had the ordering and managing of this whole action The fight was very desperate dubious on both sides The admirable courage of our brave Commanders and Leaders Sir Wil. Fairfax mortally wounded in this fight Our extremity was Gods opportunity The Enemies whole Army routed and put to flight The slain and prisoners taken in this notable fight Sir Will. Brereton his Cheshire forces did most remarkably in this fight Our losse and slain Our benefits by this famous Victory The Burning-Bush not consumed again A most memorable worthy act of renowned Sir Joh. Meldrum toward slain Sir Will. Fairfax his surviving sorrowfull Lady The most pious and precious speech of the virtuous Lady Fairfax A brave exploit of renowned Colonell Massies in the taking of the Town Castle of Monmouth The Town and Castle of Monmouth taken by Col. Massie by a stratagem A brave 〈◊〉 given to the Enemy by Col. 〈◊〉 Massie at Betsley Sconce in the Forrest of Dean The Burning-Bush 〈…〉 Deut. 33. 16. Psal 89. 6. 8. October 1644. A Committee of both Houses of Parliament appointed to be joyned with the Army for joynt consultation in the actions motions thereof A more clear demonstration of the plot against our Army in the West Dangerous Instructions to tempt our Army to revolt from the Parl. to the King One of the Instructions The Lord Generals noble â—delity to the State The false â—alâ—â—cious and malicious pâ—ottings of the Royalists to couzen the Kingdom The cheif reason why our Brethren of Scotland are so sâ—andered and maligned by Cavaliers and Malignants The admirable courage of the Commanders Souldiers of the Plimouth horse The Plimouth horse put the King himself into a terrible and frighâ—ing fear A most ignoble disloyall act of King Charles in Cornwall The blessing of him that dwelt in the Bush was on our Army in the West Most successful proceedings of affaires in Scotland and in the Northern parts of our kingdom Many Array-men in the Northern parts surprised by the Country people The taking of Rad-castle in North-wales by Sir Thomas Middleton The prisoners prizes taken in the Castle The Ordinance for Ordination of Ministers in about London The names of the Presbyters appointed for Ordination of Ministers The manner of examining those that are to bee Ordained Ministers Care taken for an augmentation of Ministers small Livings and for future competent maintainance for them A most brave famous exploit performed by that most renowned CoÌ„mander Colâ—n Massie upon the Kings Forces at Beechley The extraordinary danger of death that noble Col. Massie was in at this 〈◊〉 Sir John Winter that grand Papist being in a great danger of death tumbled himself down a hill to save his life The prisoners prizes taken The loss which wee sustained in this exploit A breif Encomium to renowned Col. Massie An Irish ship taken at White-Haven in Cumberland A brave prize taken by the Governour of Pool And Another by Colonell Lambert Much to bee honoured Dr. John Bastwick reâ—â—ived in prison and released out of prison by the Parliament Dr. Bastwick exchanged for Col. Hudlestone returned from Knaresborâ—ugh Castle to LondoÌ„ Dr. Bastwick like an impregnable Rock â—â—turned true to his pious principles More excellent performances by noble renowned Sir Too Middleton in North Waleâ— The relation of the taking of Newcastle