whom wee must of necessity have buckled joyntly together and so have undergone farre greater difficulty Thirdly that now wee having thus happily dissipated and scattered this great Army of his Majesties then in beeing not an Army is left unto him in any parts of the Kingdom but such as may bee with an ordinary active power still scattered and discomfitted and soon by Gods blessing bee brought to nothing Fourthly that if the Clubmen then risen up in Armes in those Counties and whereof I shall speak more particularly anon joyn with us now after this admirable successe they also may all suddenly bee at quiet and quickly see good dayes and the West all ours Fifthly I heer also desire Gods people with mee to take speciall notice of our most renowned Generalls wisdome valour and unparallelled expedition in this whole service ever since hee first began it and that according to the rules of Warre the honour of all next under our most great and glorious Lord God is cheifly due to him and that it is most clear that his rare Discipline and sweet Harmony with his forces with Gods blessing thereon hath been his Crown Sixthly consider the place where this defeat was given viz. a poore opprest Country and that in the remote parts of the Kingdome that so from the one end of the Land to the other wee and all they may see and know that God is for us and with us and it was also neer the place where the remaining part of the Enemy lay and it is a mercy to bee neer the Enemy and that in a conquering way too and not to bee forced to goe and seek him up and down Seventhly consider the persons by whom God gave this victory namely as I touched before in our famous Naseby fight that despised Army which was the scorn and by-word of many both seeming friends and open foes of whom O said some They 'le never fight being fearfull young Souldiers O sayes another You will quickly see an end of this poore New-Modelled Army I warrant you Alas alas sayes a third There is no worth in any of them all onely they pretend Religion forsooth but there is not a good Souldier among them and therfore they shall never bee able to stand against the Kings brave Army of old able experienced Souldiers Thus they proudly presumptuously yea most foolishly despised the day of small things And forgate that of wise Solomon That the race was not to the swift nor the battle to the rider Eightly and lastly take notice to what persons God had given the benefit of this blessed Victory namely that though indeed it must needs bee granted and with comfort recorded it was and is the most religious and praying Army that ever this Kingdome beheld yet mixed with very many wicked concomitants and rude and irreligious coadjutors as instruments therein yet I say in generall for us in this Kingdome who are a people most unfit for most unworthy of such and so rare mercies who have not yet repented us of our former abominations Yea who as much as in us is refuse our own mercies had not God thus freely loved us And therefore O what infinite and ineffable praise and thanksgivings are due to our God who thus continually heales our backslidings and loves us thus freely But now to proceed And now to perform my promise concerning the Western Club-men a disorderly rable and rude company of Mongrell Malignants and rotten-hearted nauseous Newtrals now about this time and lately before risen up in the West Of whom I confesse I have hitherto made no mention nor of their basenesse obstinacy and insolency both those of Wilts Dorsetshire and Sommersetshire because I looked on them as on a rude and undigested body of tergiversatious Batts and impious Atheisticall heathens worshipping the Sunrising and frighted at the Setting of it Who now seeing the rising of this Sun of Victory in the Parliaments Horizon especially the Sommersetshire Clubmen who indeed at the very first seemed to bee somewhat active Clubbers against Hopton Stowell and the rest of those Royalists and Roysterly incendiaries of the Western parts They now all began to appear for victorious Fairfax and besides about 80 of Gorings forces whom they had seized upon and disarmed before this fight they brought along with them who willingly also offered their service to the Parliament And after this they brought in many others of Gorings men prisoners to our forces and did other good service and stiffe execution against the Enemy where-ever they fastned on them Upon the 22 of this instant the publike day of Thanksgiving for the good successe of the Parliaments Army at Lang-port was according to Order of Parliament fore-mentioned solemnly celebrated in all the Churches and Chappels in London and Westminster and within the Lines of Communication And the Collections and contributions gathered that day in all Churches and Chappels aforesaid were for the releif of our distressed brethren in the West to refresh in some present measure their afflicted loynes And in the evening of that day after the performance of the publike and private holy duties thereof to the Lord our God other externall expressions of joy and thankfulnesse were performed also all over the City ringing of Bells and making of Bonfires especially in Cheapside whither a great many of Popish pictures Crucifixes Images Popish Books and such like paultry Romish trumpery which not long before I told you were taken in Long-Acre were now brought and just in the place where the guilded gaudy Crosse formerly stood were in a mighty Bonfire built up with firpoles and faggots burnt to ashes in the presence of multitudes of people triumphing at the sight of it Upon the 26 of this instant July came another most happy and plentifull increase of our comfort by Letters out of the West to London of the certain taking of one part of the strong Town of Bridgewater by our most renowned and heroick-hearted Generall Sir Thomas Fairfaxes forces and immediately after of the totall taking thereof by storm The exact manner whereof I have heer thought fit for the Readers fuller content and satisfaction to insert and set down in a Letter sent by a worthy Gentleman of Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Army who was a speciall actor in the Service to the Speaker of the House of Commons which was as followeth To the Honourable William Lenthall Esquire Speaker to the House of Commons SIR I Writ to you formerly of the late Battaile with Goring and of the taking of Lang-port and Burrough two Garrisons of the Enemy since which time the Army hath blocked up Bridgewater in nature of a siege and yet have refreshed themselves being necessitated to lie still if no Enemy had been neer till our money came up which arrived here on Wednesday and the Army Horse and Foot being Mustered were paid on Friday and Saturday the rest this day But Action being most proper for this
this A brave prize taken at Sea by Plymouth Garrison A brave defeat given to the enemie in Gloucestershire where Major Duet that French Renegado was slain Major Duet slaiâ—e The prisoners and prizes taken A Notable testimonie of the Parliaments integrity touching Protections and Bribes The Burning-Bush unconsumed 1. 2. Psal 60. 12. Isaiah 41. 10. 11. Psal 116 December 1645. Newark besieged and Muschamp Bridge and Fort taken by our Brethren of Scotland General Lesley made Commander in chiefe of all the Forces both English and Scottish before Newark The County of Brecknock in Wales comes in to the Parliament Latham House taken Fulford House taken Hereford surprized and taken by a brave stratagem Col. Morgan and Col. Birch provide to promote the designe The Souldiers sore march the first setting forth The whole armie come neer unto Hereford A Copie of the warrant which helped to win Hereford The manner of managing the busines with the Constable and his warrant The draw-bridge is let down The Constable knocks down the Centinell The Fire-locks rush out and haste to the City The Towne fully entred and obtained Lords and Knights 21. in number Leivtenant Colonells and Majors 10. in number besides Judge Jenkins Many Gentl. of Quality At least 2000. Papists The great consequence of the obtainning this City The Messengers of this good newes to the Parliament rewarded Orders of Parliament voted and confirmed upon this great providence of God 1 2 3 4 5 Great gratitude expressed by the Parliamenâ— both to God and man for this great mercy Lieutenant Barrow the pretended Constable rewarded by the Parliament Canon-Tean a strong Fort taken at Exeter Callyntine House taken Skipton Castle surrendred to the Parliament The Freedome of almost all the Northerne parts The singular providence of the City of London and of the Parliament for the defence and safety of the said City The Burning-Bush not consumed Psal 62. 7 8. January 1646. Plymouths singular good successe against their besieging Enemies Canterbury Fort taken Saint Beudeaux taken The prisoners and prizes taken The slain on both sides A brave victorie obtained by our Forces at Bovy-Tracy in the West The prisoners and prizes taken Iminster taken Ashburton taken Totnes taken Okehampton taken The most brave victorie over the Rebels in Ireland at Sligo The slaine Gods good providence in the apprehension of certain Papers and Letters from the Archbishop of Tuain The danger of Treaties with our Malignant adversaries Yea of a Personal Treatie with the King himselfe Remarkable mischiefe and impiety discovered in the Kings party A Copy of the Kings Letter to the Parliament The summe of the Parliaments Answer to the Kings Letter for a treaty for a pretended peace Plymouth totally relieved and relinquished by the Enemies Plymouth made good advantage of the flight of their Enemies Sir Francis Drakes House taken Dartmouth summoned Captain Batten Vice-Admiral helps to besiege Dartmouth Sy Sea The City of London petitions the Parliament about Church-Government A brave defeat given to Wallingford Forces by Major Generall Brownes Forces Dartmouth Towne and Castle taken by storme The relation of the manner of taking Dartmouth signified by Sir Thomus Fairfaxes Letter to the Parliament Prisoners taken Prizes taken Major Pollard slaine on the Enemies side Deserved thanks and reward given to our renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax Certain observations on the Premisses A Solemne day of Thanksgiving ordered to be kept in London and over the Kingdome A brave defeat given to the Enemy at Cark neere Stafford Pouldram Castle taken The most noble and renowned Generals singular mercy and clemency toward his Enemies Sir Thomas Fairfax a second Caesar A Ship from France taken at Dartmouth with Letters of great consequence The Burning-Bush unconsumed 1 2 3 4 5 6 Jer. 10. 7. Zecha 25. February 1646. Belvoir-Castle surrendred to the Parliament The City of Westchester taken A most sweet and evident returne of Prayer Chester surrendred upon very conditions and the reason therof The prizes taken in the City of Chester A brave defeat given to the Enemie at Ashbie de-la Zouth The good and prosperous successe of our armie in the West The Assizes of Oyer and Terminer revived A Solemne Thanksgiving for Chester and a charitable Collection made A fresh spurre to quicken the spirit of praises Torrington Church fired by the Enemy Hoptons Army totally routed The valour of the Cornish men Prisoners prizes and spoil in and after this fight The slaine in this fight The Parliaments gratuity to the Messengers that brought this good newes A day of solemne thanksgiving set apart for this great Victory at Torrington The Court of Wards utterly put down A Copy of the Order or Vote in Parliament for puting downe the Court of Wards The brave victorie obtained over the Enemie at Cardiffe in Glamorganshire Colonell Kern the High-Sheriffe revolts and joynes with the Malig. Gentry against the Parâ—iament A second fight and brave victory The slain prisoners and prizes The great concernment of this victory The Parliaments gratitude to Maior Gen. Laughorn for this good service Corffe Castle delivered up to the Parliament The Burning Bush not Consumed 1. 2. 3. 4 5 6 Psal 116. 12 13 14. March 1646. Launceston in Cornwall taken by the Parliaments Forces Abington most â—ercely aâ—sauled and most bravely defended and preserved Our men most bravely charges the Enemy The Enemies beaten out of the Town The hurt on our side Some of ours most desperately fought in their shirts only The King vowed to have Abington and to fire it A passage of speciall providence in the preservation of Abington Abingtons bad and sad condition had it now been taken Ashbie de la-Zouch surrendred to the Parliament Our Armies singular good successe in Cornwall and the taking of Bodman Listithiel and VVare Bridge A brave defeat given to the Enemy by valiant Colonell Moore The Summons sent to Hopton A brave defeat given to the Enemy at Saint Culbumbe in Cornwall and that Garrison taken them Sir Ralph Hopton expects supplies out of Ireland Foy taken Pendennis besieged A List of the number of 〈◊〉 Gentry of Cornwall came in to the Parliament Maus Castle surrendred Sir William Vaughau well beaten by Captain Ashley The activity of the bravâ— Committee of Shrewsbury Shruardon Castle taken Goodrich Castle taken The famous fight and glorious victory obtained against Sir Jacob Ashley A description of the fight at Stow in the Ould Sir Jacob Ashleyes croâ—se and crafty marches put Sir William Brereton to tedious marches Both Armies are met The signall Word on both sides The fight begun The Enemy totally routed and pursued The Lord Ashley taken prisoner Sir Charles Lucas also taken prisoner Sir Jacob Ashleyes words to our Souldiers sitting on a Drum A List of the prisoners and prizes taken in the battle at Stow in the Ould All the enemie to depart from Truro The extraordinary faire carriage of the Souldiers The 9. Brigades that were disbanded Our Armie to march Eastward A Dunkerk
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
to the fire of their fury and endevouring to heat the furnace of their frantick rage and madnesse yet seven times hotter and hotter And yet Gods Three yea 30 times three most faithfull and zealous Shadrachs Meshachs and Abednego's still preserved and kept safe in the midst of the fiercest and most furious conflagrations and all this made most clear and manifest both in all the fore-mentioned famous Victories obtained and perfidious plots and dangerous designes detected and prevented And have wee not then great cause with holy Moses both to put off the shooes of sin and transgression and also to approach unto and fix the feet of our affections on the â—oly ground of most gratefull contemplation of this great wonder and in sacred admiration thereof to break out into holy adoration of our great and good God and with holy Moses to sing and say Who is like unto thee O Lord among the gods Who is like unto thee glorious in holinesse fearfull in praises and doing wonders BUT now to goe on in our next Moneths sacred and serious observation of this foresaid wonder still continuing all this next ensuing September And herein I shall desire in the first place brâ—ifly to shew or rather to remember the Reader how that about the beginning of this moneth of September it pleased the Lord again to set his blessed Bush in the midst of a most dangerous devouring flame to see to and yet the Bush not Consumed Even to suffer our prime Parliamentary-Army of the whole Kingdome then under the Command of that most noble renowned loyall and most courageous Lord Generall the Earle of Essex to bee brought into a strange strait and most unhappy noose in a corner of Cornwall in the West one of the remotest parts of the Kingdome but by what mischeivous meanes or improvidence I know not rendring that at first most formidable Army most obnoxious to much danger and distresse of the numerously augmented forces of the most malicious and outrageous enemies thereof who by the daily additionall and increasing powers of the perfidious and atheisticall Cornish and Devonshire men had strangely and strongly coopt and hedged in that our most famous Army for divers weeks together in a nook or angle of that County of Cornwall and no Reserve or considerable Releif in so long time comming to their aide and assistance insomuch that the extraordinarily increasing wants in the Army and the extraordinary and inevitably necessitated duty of his Excellencies Souldiers being so incessantly continued and as I toucht before the powers of the Enemy so daily increasing and growing bigge with rage and pride against them they could not possibly any longer subsist without releif Whereupon a Councell of Warre being called it was resolved an absolute necessity lying on it that the Horse of the Army should break through the enemy and the Foot alas alas should stand upon their own guard and Defence till more ayd if by any means it could bee procured should bee sent unto them and thereupon 3000 Horse under the command of that renowned Souldier and brave Commander Sir William Belfore the rest of the Horse remaining still with the foot violently brake through the Enemy and most fiercely made good their retreat notwithstanding all the power of the Enemie and brought off with them severall of the Enemies Colours and slew many And Probdolor under correction of better judgement why might not our whole Army together both Horse and Foot as safely and certainly have come off fully had that Councell of Warre played Fair play above board So got to Salâ—ash and Plimouth with very little or no considerable losse in so desperate a Service Now thus our Foot forces being left behinde under the Command in châ—if of that most noble and ever to bee renowned virtuous and valourous Souldier and brave Commander Major Generall Skippon his Excellency the Lord Generall and the Lord Roberts being also gone to Plimouth by Sea and the Enemy choosing rather to bend their greatest power against the Foot than in pursuit of the Horse and having also resolved at a bloody Councell of Warre thinking the day their own and the birds to bee all caughâ— in the net in a most cruell and mercilesse manner to put them all to the Sword and not to give Quarter to any and likewise in pursuance hereof they having taken about 30 of our Foot Souldiers and put them all to the Sword save only two that by Gods good providence â—scaping ran from them and acquainted the rest of the Foot forces with the sâ—quell thereof Hereupon brave Majoâ— Generall Skiâ—pon like a true Souldiers indeed made a gallant and couragious speech to his said Foot forces to this effect That it would bee more â—onour for thâ—â— to die valiantly in the field than to 〈◊〉 themselves bâ—fely or â—owardly to the tyranny of so bloody and 〈◊〉 an 〈◊〉 professing himself most cheerfully there ready to live or diâ— with them 〈◊〉 first to sell their lives by Gods help at 〈…〉 a rate 〈◊〉 ever Souldiers did Whereupon they all most unanimously and cheerfully resolving the same fell upon the Enemy with such undaunted courage and resolution being led up in person by so brave and Lyon-like a Commander who to use his Excellencies own expression in his Letter to the Parliament of him fought like a Lyon and disdained that their brave Ordnance and Artillery should bee gained from them at a lesser value than the hearts blood of many hundreds of their Enemies which was so indeed ere they parted for they discharged their great peices divers times upon the Enemy which did great execution and slew very many of them whom they might see fall fast before them and the King himself being in fight thereof in the field and still received the rest so gallantly that the Enemy instead of being absolute Victors was at last enforced though much against their former intentions not only to give them Quarter but farther also to condescend to very honourable conditions and Articles on our Souldiers part though in the issue the Enemy proved most perfidious as their constant practice was in violating of them all and bespoiling and stripping them ere they left them of all they had save only their lives even taking fâ—om them their very cloathes off their backs boots stockings and shooes from their legges and feet and enforcing some of them to march stark naked and bare footed with only a base convoy of their perfidious Enemies Horse whom being quite disarmed they durst not resist And though renowned Major Generall Skippon rode back and boldly and bravely complained to the King himself thereof yet hee could finde no redresse therein But howsoever let the judicious Reader here judge and say whether heer was not a wonder indeed even no lesse than Gods Burning-bush not consumed considering what a furious devouring flame was round about it and whereinto it had been so strangely yea
and treacherously too as many feared entrapped and cooped up but thus as you have heard most admirably delivered and preserved from utter ruine and destruction as was threatned and resolved which therefore is with extraordinary thankfulnesse to God to bee beheld and lookt upon and most justly to bee enrolled in the number of our singular great mercies and deliverances of the Lord wrought for us as whereby notwithstanding the unhappy losse of so brave an Artillery and Armes of our Souldiers yet a wide doore was thus left open unto us in good measure to râ—crute our Army again considering that there is no competition or comparison to bee made between the raising of men and getting of Armes the former being known by experience to bee very difficult the other very easie to performe And which is also herein very considerable the mercy was so much the greater and the losse the lesse in regard that his Excellency had taken farre more Ordnances and Armes from the Enemy but a little before in this his Western Expedition than were now lost in this last disaster Now as touching the matter and cause of this great miscarriage though I doe not I dare not take upon mee to discusse it it having been I hope throughly examined by others to whom it more properly appertained yet give mee leave good Reader to suspect still that it was a plain peice of treachery to the State Parliament honest honorable Major Gen Skippon perceived it at last as it was reported though too late most evidently and therefore as it was credibly enformed smiting himself upon his brest hee said Wee are betraied wee are betraied But who the persons were was not then so clear yet some were known and one of them ran to the King to secure himself and Colonell Butler was sent up to London by his Excellency and committed to the Tower of London till hee was examined about it And it is the more easily to bee beleeved to have been a meer peice of trechery against the noble Lord Generall as being a thing plotted and contrived before hee went into the West and that upon this ground namely That divers of the most knowing and active Royalists then among us at London were heard with much confidence to say before his Excellency went forth in this Expedition that the Lord Generall would receive a blow in the West In particular a Gentleman then a prisoner in Warwick-castle by name Mr. E. Andrewes the Son of Sir Eusebie Andrewes who being among divers Gentlemen at a Tavern in Warwick said before them all with imperious speeches that hee would bee hanged if the Earl of Essex came safe back again out of the West And told them withall that they should see the Kings Army flourish with other words to this effect as I had it by credible information And this was presently after the Lord Generall was gone into the West when hee had a most gallant and stout Army indeed and such an one as the Kings Army durst not look in the face nor was it probable durst come so neer it as to behold their back-parts For his Excellencies Army was then known to be a terrour to the Enemy for some of the cheif of the Kings Army at the end of Newberry-battail when they were carrying the body of the Earl of Caâ—narvan into the Town said Damn mee Essex will never bee beaten and with fearfull oaths were heard to swear All the devils in hell could not beat him But now to proceed About the 4 of this instant September came certain information by Letters from Osâ—estry to London that Sir Thomas Middletons Ammunition was safely arrived from Wem to Oswestry to the great sorrow of the Enemy who some few dayes before as was certified by Letters from Wem issued out of Salop to Whittington with at least 1200 foot and 400 horse to have intercepted it But renowned Sir Thomas Middleton having intelligence thereof sent out a party from Oswestâ—â—y to guard the Ammunition which party discovering the Enemy wheeled into the Rear all the Horse being with the Ammunition in the Van and so fell upon them killed five upon the place took five prisoners wounded many and made the Enemy fly but being to guard the Ammunition they durst not leave their charge to follow them so the Enemy wheeled back again from Franck ford-Hope neer Elsmore and so to Salop and out Ammunition of exceeding great concernment for the succeeding Welch affaires was as I said safely thus conveyed into Oswestry ready there for the following work in Wales where of more in its due place About the 8 of this instant also came certain intelligence by Letters out of Staffordshire of a brave exploit performed by that most valiant and brave Commander Colonell Rudgely in a most notable defeat which hee gave unto the Enemy the substance wherof wee received from Letters thence to this effâ—ct Wee marched out of Stafford to Lynsell and thence took from under the Walls at least an 104 Oxen and Cowes and about 300 Horse Then wee marched to Litchfield whence wee brought away above an 160 Oxen and Cowes and 60 Horse and presently after newes being brought us that the Enemy was plundering at Chartley his Excellencies the Lord Generals own Lands with an intent to drive away his Cattell whereupon our valiant Colonell Colâ— Rudgelâ—y drew forth all those horses hee had and about an 180 foot and marched thither but they having broke open the stable door and taken a choice Colt of my Lord Generals which Colt was shot and killed by one of his Servants out of the house as they led him away they were gone thence before wee could get thither and got into Penâ—h-Park to drive that whereupon wee marched to Vssiter and at Lacksley wee heard that the Enemy was marched toward Bromble so with those few horse which wee had wee marched in haste after them if possible to ingage them till our foot came up unto us and neer unto Bagots-Bromâ—ey after 10 miles hard march wee fell upon their Reare and upon the first charge took about 40 horse and as many men and Armes and pursued them to their main-body which consisted of at least 500 good horse but our horse not being above an 100. wee were forced to retreat a little way but presently rallyed again which whilst wee were doing the Enemy planted an ambuscado which upon our second charge fired upon us but wee bravely beat the ambuscado up and killed and took every man of those so planted and all their armes and Horses and kept the rest in play till our foot came up and then they fell off from us and wee kept the field On our part wee had only one man slain and they took six prisoners but from them wee took a Serjeant Major one Captain one Leivtenant two Quarter masterâ— three Corporals and the rest Common Souldiers in all 18. and killed about 30. took many Armes and
thinking at the first to have broke through our Forces and to have made themselves Masters of the Bridge which ours had gained the night before which indeed would have cut off the passage of our retreat But valiant Sir John Meldrum who had the command and ordering of our Forces performed the charge with admirable judgement dexterity and resolution and therefore as noble Sir William Brereton testified of him deserved a large share in the honour of that dayes successe but indeed the whole honour and glory of it all was to be given and ascribed to God only the giver of all Victories Ours by the foresaid fierce assault of Byrons Forces so desperately on us were so hardly tasked by their multitude that the Commanders and Souldiers were constrained deeply and most undauntedly to engage their utmost valour and courage and behaved themselves as indeed by Gods providence it was manifested most extraordinary gallantly for it was a while very dubious and uncertain which way the Lord would incline the Victory yea and at last it came to push of Pike wherein they were much too hard for ours they having many more Pikes than wee insomuch that our Horse was worsted at the beginning of the battail and forced a while to retreat but it so pleased the Lord at last to put such an unanimous Spirit and undaunted courage and resolution both in our Horse and Foot animated on by the admirable examples of their so renowned Leaders and Commanders Sir John Meldrum Sir William Brereton Sir Thomas Middleton Sir William Fairfax who had the Command of the Horse who did most valiantly set upon the Enemies Horse and engaged himself so farre that hee was taken prisoner but was presently fetched off by the valour of his own men but yet mortally wounded but as I said before God had put such a spirit of undaunted resolution and courage into the hearts both of Sir William Fairfax his men and indeed of all the rest that they resolved to fight it out to the last man insomuch that when the battail was now in a most anxious and uncertain condition our extremity was Gods opportunity to magnifie his power and on a suddain with one fresh and valiant charge our Souldiers routed the Enemy and put their whole Army to a most shamefull retreat or rather indeed a plain flight pursuing them divers miles together even in the Mountaines and performed great execution on them And as I should have told you our men when the battail was in the hottest issued out of the Castle and fell upon the enemies that were in their trenches and took divers of their Officers and Souldiers whom they had left to keep their workes In which foresaid fight and flight of the Enemies wee slew at least 500 of their common Souldiers besides many Officers and men of quality wounded many more and took neer upon 1500 prisoners among whom were these Officers and Commanders viz. Colonell Sir Thomas Tilsley their Major Generall Colonell Broughton Leivtenant Colonell Bladwell Major Williams 9 Captains 17 Leivtenants 1 Quartermaster 3 Cornets 22 Ensignes 52 Sergeants 57 Corporalls and 11 Drums Our Souldiers also took at this time neer 2000 armes most for foot all their Carriages and neer 20 barrels of powder wherewith they had been furnished the night before Sir William Brereton with his brave Cheshire foot and among them Major Lowtham especially who Commanded as Major Generall did most admirably in this fight and fought more like Lions than men as noble Sir John Meldrum himself testified of them and did beat the best Foot in England as the very Enemies themselves confest being all Prince Robbers foot and indeed the choycest foot out of all their Garrisons But noble and renowned Sir William Fairfax as I toucht before was mortally wounded by at least 15 wounds upon his body as also Major Fitz-Simons a brave Souldier who both behaved themselves most admirably and with invincible courage in this terrible battail and with great and most just lamentation for their losse dyed of their wounds immediately after the fight together with some few others of our Captaines and Officers of horse but it was verily beleeved wee lost not 40 men slain in this fight nor had above 60 of our Souldiers wounded Thus by Gods blessing the Castle was every way most valiantly releived brave Sir Thomas Middletons Souldiers who before were as prisoners were now set free from danger together with the Lord Herbert of Cherbury and all of them put into a comfortable posture and by this so terrible a blow the best of the Enemies foot ruinated and taken from them as also Shrewsbury Chester and Leverpool unfurnished of their hoped Ammunition and our selves plentifully furnished and heerby Northwales which formerly had been the nursery for the Kings Armies most probable in good time to shake off that yoke of Servitude which formerly lay so heavily upon their necks by the example of Mountgomery-castles safety which is indeed one of the goodliest and strongest places that is in the Kingdom And now say good Reader did not heer the Lord our God let us conspicuously see that great wonder of the Bush his Church or Children in the midst of a furious flame indeed and yet not consumed therewith but rather contrariwise flourishing in the flames and destroying the destroyers and quenching the crackling thorns of the ungodly under the boyling pot of their implacable wrath and fiercest fury Not unto us therefore Lord not unto us but unto thy name alone Wee give all the honour and glory But heer give me leave good Reader to acquaint thee I holding it very pertinent to this present businesse with one more most noble and renowned action which much honoured that brave Commander Sir John Meldrum who immediately after this famous Victory was yet so sensible of the losse of that noble Gentleman and most brave Commander Sir William Fairfax that apprehending and that most rightly and religiously the affliction would bee great to his deer surviving virtuous Lady as indeed it was sad to her and to the whole kingdom hee procured from among the Souldiers or Chirurgeons not without some difficulty the Diamond-Ring that was on Sir Williams finger and the bracelet of gold that was about his arm when hee was slain in the fight and sent them up to his Lady together with a Letter so full of noble and most pious expressions as it hath justly added much to his other actions of honour And when these things were denyed him by some Chirurgeons and by some others also claiming them to bee their due hee drew up some of his horse and said hee would deal with them as with enemies if they did not deliver the same to bee sent to his Lady Sir Thomas Middleton likewise wrote a Letter of much respect and consolation to the Lady Fairfax Who like a most heroick and pious Lady told her friends about her That shee greived not that
and brave Commander Colonell Ridgeley a principall and prudent Commander in the Earle of Denbighs Army about Staffordshire who about the beginning of this Moneth of November understanding that the Enemy in those parts began to stirre apace and to molest the peace and people of the Country thereabout and especially that the Enemy from Tongue-castle and Linshall Garrison were got about Eccleshall and had there gotten and taken away all the Cattle and horse that they could light upon in those parts to the number of about 200 at least Hee therefore I say sent out Captain Stones a brave Officer in Armes of his Regiment who with a considerable party being upon their March by his Scouts discovering which way the said Enemy moved hasted after them and having overtaken them hee most valiantly advanced up unto them and with his men fell most courageously upon them and presently put them to the rout took 27 of them prisoners slew 2 or 3 of them on the place and wounded many among which prisoners hee took Sergeant Major Fleetwood Sir Richard Fleetwoods Son and one Almand a most desperate and active Cavalier who had done much mischeif in those parts who also was sorely wounded and rescued all the 200 horse and Cattle from them and restored them to their right Owners at their return home And about the same time Captain Wagstaffe and Captain Wakefield with part of Colonell Chadwicks and Colonell Leighs Troops went forth together in their assignations about Hampton and in their March hearing that some of the Enemies were quartered thereabout they marched up unto them fell upon them in their quarters took about 13 or 14 of them prisoners and brought away above 20 good horse to Stafford with them And although I breifly mentioned a mixture of Thanksgiving together with our last day of the monethly Humiliation in the conclusion of the moneth of October last for the late many and great Victories given by our good God to the Parliaments forces yet now give mee leave good Reader heer to acquaint thee that our ever to bee honoured and most pious Worthies in Parliament Ordered by speciall appointment that the 5 of this instant November which was the former anniversary-day of publick Thanksgiving for our most happy deliverance from the Popish Gunpowder-plot should also bee a particular day of solemn Thanksgiving to the Lord and was accordingly performed for our most memorable Victory at Newberry for the taking in of the Town of Newcastle and the Castle therein also together with the taking of Tinmouth castle the yeelding up of Leverpool to Sir John Meldrum and the brave defeat given to our Cavalierian adversaries in Lincolnshire Which said day of Thanksgiving for all these rare and famous Victories was very solemnly kept thorow-out the Cities of London and Westminster with Sermons in all Churches both forenoon and afternoon with ringing of Bells shooting off Ordnance at all the Forts round about the City and making many and mighty bonfires at night And to adde to all this dayes triumph as the Lord Major accompanyed with the Aldermen and Sheriffes his Brethren together with the severall Companies of the said City of London then attending him came back from the Sermon at Pauls Church through Cheapside there was just in the place where once that abominable monument of Idolatry the Crosse stood a frame of firre-wood set up and upon it divers Popish pictures and Romish Reliques Bookes Beads and Crucifixes were set on fire and bravely burnt to ashes making a most beautifull bonfire as they all past along Cheapside by it Praised bee the Lord who caused us thus justly to rejoyce About the 8 of this instant November wee received credible information out of the West by a Letter from a Commander of note and quality of the storming and taking of a strong Garrison of the Enemies which was Sir John Strangewaies House in Dorsetshire and had been a very ill neighbour to our renowned Garrison of Lime which service was most bravely performed by that valiant and loyall Patriot Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper Commander in cheif for the Parliament in that County a Copy of which Letter relating the gallant service performed therein for the Readers better content and satisfaction I have heer inserted Sir c. Wee marched from Dorchester to Abotâ—bury where Colonell James Strangewayes and all his Regiment were in Garrison they held both the House and the Church which joyned to the House It was night before wee summoned it and they in a scorn refused the summons of Sir Anthony Ashley-Cooper a very active and noble Gentleman our Commander in cheif whereupon hee sent his Major Generall with a considerable party against the Church who presently assaulting it took it and all the men in it prisoners without the losse of one man of ours After this wee summoned them in writing the second time to yeild on fair quarter or else to expect no mercy if they forced us to storm them To this also they disdained to return an Answer upon which denyaâ—â— wee fell on and after as hot a storm as ever I heard of for six houres together it pleased God at length to give us the place when by no other means wee could get it wee found a way by desperately flinging in fired turf-fagots into the windowes and the fight thus grew so hot that our said Commander in chief who to his perpetuall renown behaved himself most gallanly in this service was forced to bring up his men within Pistoll shot of the House and could hardly then get them to stay and stand the brunt yet in all this time God bee praised wee lost but 3 men and some few wounded Now when as by the foresaid hot assault half of the house was on a light fiâ—e and not to bee quenched then at length Colonell James Strangewayes called out for quarter which our Commander in cheif was resolved no man in the House should have in regard they had so desperately and disdainfully scorned his summons and also in regard that the Cavaliers custome was observed to bee to keep such paltry houses and pilfring Garrisons against any of our Armies that they might therby bee sure to doe us mischeif and by reason of our observed clemency to have their lives at last granted to them But some of our Commanders upon one side of the House contrary to the minde of our said Commander in cheif and against the opinion of all the Officers in his absence had given them quarter which being granted them wee instantly rushed into the House which being of a light fire and their Magazine in it I beleive rather accidentally than as some reported purposely and trecherously it set on fire 4 or 5 barrels of Gunpowder and blew up between 30 and 40 of our men yet the Lord bee blessed my self and the rest were even miraculously preserved Wee took prisoners Colonell James Strangewayes Sir John Strangewayes his Son Governour of
adjacent Garrisons opportunely rose and advanced from his quarters to the Town of Cardigan whither the Country formerly invited him and made a party to assist the Generall to complete the designe inagitation and the Town being faced at a distance willingly surrendred and complyed The Castle being a considerable place ably manned having the Ordnance of the convert Frigot there shipwrackt most obstinately stood out till a Demiculverin of brasse belonging to the Leopard was rounted and played 3 dayes upon them forcing a breach which was gallantly entred and made good by our party and the Castle stormed wherein were an 100 Commanders and Souldiers with their armes and good plunder not forgetting the Converts Ordnance thus returned by divine providence and works of mercy in a Commander adding honour to â—cts of Chivalry invited the Generall to give the Steward life who contemned quarter The Town and Castle reduced and the Country in the major part as conceived well affected our Army advanced toward Newcastle the Enemies next Garrison which as conceived will bee slighted or quitted by the Enemy and that County brought to a right understanding of their duty and Parliamentary just honour and proceedings To God bee rendred the due praises of his mercies Vessels of late have been designed to the well-affected Garrisons in Ireland but none in regard of contrary windes returned and shipping to ply up the Channell as high as Miniard have also been Commissionated to give intelligence and assistance to our Forces in those parts Sir Thomas Middletons Maâ—azine of Ammâ—nition since disposed of to Leverpool Nothing that by integrity and action may adde life to the publick good shall by Gods assistance bee wanting and my faithfull indevours shall comply with your Honours great trust whose happinesse shall ever consist my very good Lord to bee Your most humble and faithfull Servant Rich. Swanley Jan. 1. 1644. Postscript My Lord In the night of this date arrived Captain Coachman in the True-Love from Leverpool I have herewith presented Colonell Moores Letter from thence who brought in the Content-prize with the passengers as per list I have included a paper that from Dublin came to band to whom I can yeeld no complyance for want of Ammunition Pray take present order to supply mee with Ammunition and all stores otherwise I shall burthen the State and bee disabled to doe Service A List of Passengers Names taken in the Content-prize bound for Dublin by Captain Coachman in the True-Love The Lord Brabison Sir Henry Titchburn Sir James Ware Mr. Robert Price Mr. Tho. Williams Mr. John Smith Mr. Alex. Nugent Mr. Rich. Holland Mr. Patr. Pue With their Servants All which are to bee sent to the State being of considerable force with the first conveniency in the Honour by Captain Seaman An Extract out of a Letter writen by Captain William Smith to the Lord high Admirall from aboard the Ship called the Swallow in Milford Haven touching the taking of Cardigan Town and Castle AFter many great raines which have fallen in these parts which was no invitation for a Souldier to lye in the fields yet such was the gallantry of Major Generall Laughorne to promote the Cause in hand that the Almighty no sooner crowned his desires with a happy season but in a gratefull acknowledgement hee placed a Garrison in Laughorn castle and from thence marched towards Cardigan with about 500 Horse and 300 Foot and on the 21 of December 1644. hee sate down before Cardigan castle demanding a surrender thereof for the service of the King and Parliament But Major Slaughter who commanded in cheâ—f replyed hee held that Castle for the service of the King and so long as hee had life hee would keep it for his Majesty though therein hee was not a man of his word After three dayes siege the Major Generall perceiving all further attempts-would bee in vain unlesse a breach could bee forced and having no Artillery with him hee forthwith gave order the Demy-Culverin should bee brought from Laughorn which with much difficulty and industry came safe to Cardigan and being placed to the best advantage he fell to battery The Enemy within the Castle-yard cast up a half moon some distance from the place on which the Demi-Culverin played in which they placed their great Gunnes laden with Caâ—e-shot that in case a breach should â—ee made those Gunnes might disanimate our men in entring or perform suddain execution on them Our men plying the Demi-Culverin forced a breach and being full of resolution entred running in the mouth of their Guns recovered the half moon where the Enemy as men bereft of all sense having not the power to give fire to their Guns although the Linstocks were in their hands ready lighted cast down all their armes and cryed for quarter the which was granted â— from thence wee entred the Castle and took Prisoner Major Slaughter and his wife one Captain Vaughan with their Leivtenant and Ensigne one Doctor Taylor a Divine with about an 100 common Souldiers six great Guns a 150 Armes a quantity of powder ball and other provisions and this was done the 29 of December last On the 4 of January Generall Gerrard sat down before the Castle with about 1200 horse and 1300 foot Major Generall Laughorn recruted his forces to about 600 horse and 300 foot and advanced towards Cardigan to redeem his friends who were in the Castle out of the power of the Enemy Leivtenant Colonell Powell in the night sent a Souldier who swum through the river and informed Major Generall â—â—ughorn that unlesse hee could releive the Castle within eight dayes hee should bee enforced to surrender it for want of Victuals and Ammunition which hee beleeved might bee supplyed if some Seamen versed in managing a water sight and climing up rocks were employed So 120 Seamen were sent who after a veiw had of the place undertook it which was performed on this wise A boat laden with provisions was placed in the middle between foure boats on each side two of which were manned with Seamen who in flanks faced both ways plying their Muâ—kets on the Enemy who from the shore played on them with about 300 Musketters yet our Seamen gallantly proceeded put all the provisions into the Castle and returned without the losse of one man onely two slightly wounded After this Colonell Laughorn having drawn his foot into a body being with our Seamen in all about 350. hee encouraged them to give an assault on the Town which after some debate was attempted and on the 22 of January last our foot forced their passage over the Bridge in which wee lost but one man and having beaten the Euemy from their first guard they pressed on to the second which they also took and pursuing the victory beat them out of their main guard which was at the Market place and then out of the Church where our forces took two brasse Demi-Culverins which Gerrard brought from Bristoll with some Powder ball and all their
Gentlemen of this Committee with the horse entred and immediately became Masters of the Town and within 4 houres after the Castle was surrendred upon quarter for all but the Irish to march to Ludlow and then the Enemy delivered up a strong Out-work in Frankwell upon bare quarter for their lives By 12 of the clock at noon wee became absolute Masters of the Castle and Town wherein were taken many considerable prisoners good store of Ammunition and great store of Ordnance The Committee of Wem took as great care as possibly could bee that the well-affected in the Town might not in any measure suffer or bee plundered and therefore the Officers kept off the Souldiers from plundering the Town that so the Committee might see right down and none but Malignants only to suffer The Committee gave present notice hereof to Sir William Brereton certifying him what they had done who thereupon took care for forces to lye neer them to releive Colonell Mitton if occasion should bee The whole Country I mean especially the well-affected party were exceeding glad of this and desired that Colonell Mitton might bee Governour thereof being well known unto them all to bee a most honest cordiall and well-affected Gentleman and of singular and true integrity to the Parliaments Cause whereof by many reall experiments they had strong and indubitable ground and knowledge Our horse the day before had a long and weary march they having been sent to surprize Sir William and Sir Thomas Whitmore a Parliament man whereof more immediately Sir we shall not trouble you any further but to subscribe our selves Your most humble Servants A. Lloyd Sam. Moore Tho. Hunt Ro. Clives Rob. Cariton Leigh Owen Salop Feb. 24. 1644. A List of the prisoners taken in Salop as aforesaid Sir Michael Ernley Knight and his Brother Sir Rich. Lee Baronet Sir Thomas Harris Baronet Sir Henry Frederick-Thyn Baronet Sir William Owen Knight Sir John Wilde senior Knight Sir John Wilde junior Knight Sir Thomas Lister Knight Together with 11 Esquires 2 Leivtenant Colonels one Major 2 Doctors 8 Captains 15 Gentlemen 3 Ancients 4 Sargeants 9 or 10 other Officers and about 50 other prisoners wherof some were Irish One Captain and 5 others were slain Wee also took 15 peices of Ordnance many hundreds of Armes divers barrels of powder All Prince Maurice his Magazine The Town the Castle and all the Works divers Carriages bagge and baggage of the Princes Besides many other prisoners and purchases not discovered when this List was gathered Wee lost only 2 men And was not this a most rare and remarkable mercy and famous Victory indeed and never to bee obliterated out of the Tables of eternall memory and gratitude As accordingly and most worthily it was shortly after Ordered by the Parliament that a Solemn day of publike Thanksgiving to God should bee kept And 20 li. was given to the first messenger that brought this most welcome newes and 10 li. to the second And heer I must desire the Reader to take notice of the most wise and righteous disposall of this great mercy unto us by the great and glorious Moderatour of all things in Heaven and Earth Viz. That this so rare and famous defeat given to the impious Enemies of Gods Cause and Truth was upon the very same day that the Mock-Treaty or rather Plot-Treaty at Vxbridge was happily dissolved namely Saturday Feb. 22. 1645. A passage of singular divine providence and not slightly to be pretermitted of us But now to goe on Much also about the foresaid time it was most certainly informed that a party of Sir William Breretons forces as was forementioned under the command of Sir John Price a worthy Member of the House of Commons had taken Apsley House in Shropshire and therein Sir William Whitmore and Sir Thomas his Son Sir Fra. Oately Mr. Owen Mr. Fowler Mr. Griffith and divers other Gentlemen of quality and about 60 Common Souldiers as they were sitting upon a Commission of Array to raise forces for Prince Maurice and they pursued the said Prince also who still avoided Sir William and at last got over Severn toward Chester on the Welsh side And from Ailsbury wee had also about the same time certain intelligence that that brave Commander Colonell Craford had performed a brave peice of service about Roesham 3 or 4 miles from Oxford where hee fell upon a party of the Enemy and took 40 Horse with their Riders and Armes among whom was a Serjeant Major a Cornet and some other Officers And upon the 28 of this instant February Letters came to the Parliament from ever renowned Colonell Massey of a great Victory obtained by some of his forces under his brothers Command Who in the Forrest of Dean fell upon Sir John Winter routed him and made himself swim the River of Wye in which passage 60 of his men were drowned 70 slain on the place besides Colonell Gam and Leivtenant Colonell Winter and 120 taken prisoners and a 140 horse taken 2 Leivtenant Colonells one Major 4 Captains and other Commanders and Officers together with 300 Armes And upon this Relation a Letter of Thanks from the House of Commons was Ordered to bee sent to Colonell Massey for his good service and an Order also passed presently for providing money for so deserving a Commander And now good Reader let mee desire thee heer to stay a little and to take a summary and short survey of the rare and rich mercies of this Moneth also even of the Burning Bush still Vnconsumed nay rather in the midst of furious flames gallantly grown and much improved as hath been this moneth most evidently expressed both In that notable passage of Providence at Sir Erasmus de la Fountains House In the sound beating of Ashby Cavaliers at Cole-Orton and the brave defeat given to Welsh Gerrard at Cardigan Castle In that Mock-Treaty at Vxbridge and that brave peice of service performed by Major Bridges at Stoke-New-House in Gloucestershire Together with Major Jones his valiant taking of Partshall Garrison and Major Generall Brownes activity about Oxford In the brave defeat at Heightley in Yorkeshire And the happy arrivall at London of Sir Thomas Fairfax to the Parliament to receive his Commission to bee Generalissimo of all the Armies of the Kingdome In the most valiant taking of Scarborough Town Church and Haven The brave defeat given to the Enemies neer Dennington by valiant Major Temple Together with that renowned repulse given to Greenvill at Plymouth In the most happy and famous surprizall of the strong Town and Castle of Shrewsbury and all the rich prizes therein And finally In the taking of Apsley House in Shropshire The brave service of Colonell Craford at Roesham neer Oxford and the famous defeat given to the Enemies by renowned Colonell Massie in the Forrest of Dean In due and deep consideration and most gratefull contemplation of all which so rare and rich
to him and they then also took order for monies to pay his well-deserving Souldiers as had been desired And they having formerly bestowed 200 pound per annum upon Owen Occonelly for his good Service in discovering the plot in Ireland who not receiving the same according to the said Order the House of Commons therefore Ordered the due and constant payment of the said 200 pound per annum out of the old customs of the Kingdom Thus Honos alit artes virtus compensata crescit And about the 23 instant wee had Letters out of Staffordshire which certified that when the Kings forces advanced for the releif of Chester then most hopefully besieged by ever to bee honoured Sir William Brereton by Stafford and Shropshire Captain Stone the valiant and active Governour of Stafford for the Parliament gave the Enemy severall successefull visits in their Rear at they past along and did good execution upon them therein And first how hee sent out a party of his Horse who fell upon a party of the Enemies quartered at Wâ—lverhampton killed 16 on the place took 26 Horse and most of their Riders and returned without any losse the Kings own quarters being then not above 2 miles off it That presently after this hee sent out another party even the next day who fell upon the Enemy quartered in the field neer Newport in Shrâ—pshire brought away 60 horse killed a Captain and about 20 others in the place And the next day following this that hee sent out another paity that fell upon their quarters at Pancridge killed 3. took 4 prisoners and 7 horses About the 28 of this instant May being that Moneths day of a publike Fast or humiliation and Reverend Mr. Henderson one of the Scottish Commissioners and reverend Mr. Whitaker Preaching before the House of Peers that day in the Abbey at Westminster and before the House of Commons Reverend Mr. Caryll and Mr. Ford as wee were that day labouring in prayers and other acts of humiliation to draw neer to our God wee found the Lord in mercy drawing neer to us for the Fast day being ended there came Letters from renowned Colonell Massie which gave us the happy intelligence of the taking of the strong Garrison of Evesham the manner wherof was breifly thus Colonell Massie with about 800 horse and 600 foot having lyen before Evesham a day or 2 stormed the Town and took it in an houres storming In which service wee received lesse losse than could have been expected in such a hot peice of service as for the time it proved not above 4 or 5 of our Souldiers slain and 2 Officers besides and about 30 common Souldiers wounded Wee slue of the Enemies 10 or 11. took divers Officers and common Souldiers to the number of about 548. and neer upon an 120 good horses a List of the prime prisoners was as followeth Colonell Robert Legge Governour of the Town Colonell Foster Leivtenant Colonell Bellingham Major Travillian 13 Captaines 16 Leivtenants 3 Reformadoes 20 inferiour Officers together with 20 barrels of Gun-powder 700 fire-armes and 2 Tuns of Match The taking of this brave Garrison was a very considerable peice of service in many respects and this not the least namely that by this means almost all Worcestershire will bee freed and mightily secured from Cavalierian Contributions which before were frequently gathered for the King And about the 30 of this instant wee were credibly informed by Letters out of Hampshire that a party of horse and foot belonging to Colonell Norton marched forth upon a design on Lanâ—ford-House The horse were commanded by Captain Betsworth Captain Smibark and Captain Gerson The foot were under the command of young Murford with part of these forces they placed an ambuscado neer the foresaid House undiscovered to the Enemy and Colonell Griffith seeing some of our forces facing the House sallyed forth to encounter them whereupon ours retreated to their ambuscado the Enemy hotly pursued them but were now as fiercely as unexpectedly assaulted and charged by ours on every side who took them all prisoners finding no way to escape There were surprized Colonell Griffith the Governour of Langford House his Captain Leivtenant a Cornet 8 other Officers 64 prisoners besides of common Souldiers and all their Armes and 10 of them slain upon the place And heer good Reader let mee again desire thee to make another very short stay for a most just and deserved gratefull Comtemplation on all the fair and famous mercies of this Moneth also and therein to see and admire the continued Miraculous wonder of our Parliamentary Burning-Bush still Vnconsumed notwithstanding the many singeing yea scorching assaults and hot attempts constantly and continually flashing against it both In the great danger and admirable deliverance of that ever to bee honoured Commander Colonell Massie from Prince Ruperts plot or design to have suddenly surprized him In the famous defeat given to the Enemy by Major Purefâ—yes forces in Warwickâ—shire In the as singularly seasonable as comfortable releif of the good Town of Taunton and the setting at liberty of so many precious Soules as that long siege had curbed and coopt in from necessary comforts And the excellent Orders set out by the Parliament for the well-regulating of Sir Thomas Fairfaxes New-Modelled Army In the happy harmony of our prime Commanders in the Army And the Parliaments most noble and renowned gratitude to those that have well deserved of the Kingdom by their industrious and loyall services In the brave services of Captain Stone Governour of Stafford against the enemy And the happy taking of Eveshams strong Garrison by renowned Colonell Massie and therein a most notable and evident return of Prayer And lastly In that brave defeat given to our Cavalierian adversaries by valiant and loyall Colonell Norton All which premises of this Moneth of May prudently piously and gratefully considered O say good Reader whether wee have not most just cause continually to praise our ever-living and all-good-giving God and with the holy Prophet to break forth into Soul-exulting and God-exalting raptures of joy and gratitude and to confesse and say O Lord thou art our God and wee will exalt thee and will everlastingly praise thy name for thou haste done wonderfull things for us and thy counsels of old and of later times too are nothing but faithfulnesse and truth unto us But now to proceed ANd heer now wee will begin the farther contemplation and just admiration of the rich and rare mercies I had almost said miracles of this Moneth of June also with the cordiall and comfortable mention of a most excellent Petition exhibited about the beginning of this Moneth on the 4 or 6 day thereof to the House of Commons in Parliament by the right Honourable Lord Major of London together with the Aldermen and Common-Councill of the said most famous and ever to bee renowned City touching their deep apprehension of divers disastrous sad
sleeping and not watching and standing on his guard as hee ought saying I leave thee now but as I found thee but they made them all prisoners to themselves not to the grave and so manacling their hands and fettering their feet with cords they carryed them out of the House man by man and laid them on the ground leaving them there a while to take another nappe if they could on the other side of the Moate in which mean time they ranged about the House for plunder and began to nestle themselves in their new-got Garrison But Colonell Rossiter having received the alarm by some farther private intelligence did immediately draw forth with all his Horse and Colonell Gray advanced with him with 3 Companies of Foot and comming before the House they found our men in a sad obligation fast bound both hand and foot and lying on the ground without the Moate under the command of the Enemies shot These men they first heartily laughed at and then instantly unbound them and about 12 of the clock at noon Colonell Rossiter drew out 10 men of every Troop who were commanded by Captain Norwood his own Captain Leivtenant and the foot being led on by Colonell Gray himself above the middle in water who all with admirable courage stormed the House on all sides and after a sharp assault they forcibly took it Wee had many horse shot in this service 6 men killed and about 20 wounded Wee killed divers of the Enemies and took prisoners every man that survived in the House Viz. Major Broughton Major to Colonell Willis Governour of Newark Commander in chief of these our Enemies and at this present Governour of this House Captain William Thorold a very active man for the King in those parts Captain John Johnson Captain Strickland the cheif Standard bearer 55 other Officers Gentlemen of Armes Reformadoes and Troopers 60 horses above an 100 Armes good store of Match powder ball and other provision And thus by Gods good providence wee suddenly recovered this strong Garrison again which had been so suddenly and sleepily lost About the 14 of this instant June wee received the most happy and most welcome news by Letters out of the West of that most famous and glorious Victory which it pleased the Lord of Hosts our ever good and gracious God the mighty and mercifull keeper of his English Israel to give unto us at the Town of Naseby in Northamptonshire which was certified and ascertained unto us from thence both by Letters from his Excellency the most renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax himself from renowned Leivtenant Generall Cromwell and also from Colonell Leighton and Colonell Herbâ—rt 2 of the most worthy Committee for the said Army and 2 most valiant and victorious Commanders and actours in this most famous fight and most precious Victory the substance of all which famous fight I have heer endevoured with all fidelity and clearnesse of truth and with what convenient brevity I possibly could to set forth and describe for the Readers full content and satisfaction which was as followeth About the 12 of June our noble Generall being come with his forces neer the Kings Army which then were principally in and about Daventry wee had some feares grounded upon the advantage of ground with strong intrenchments on his Majesties part as also because valiant Leivtenant Generall Cromwell was not yet come unto us wee not being willing to engage without him and yet our neer approaching giving the Enemy opportunity of fighting us had they pleased to their great advantage but by Gods providence they did not for what reason wee knew not and so were delivered of those feares partly by the royall Armies leaving their advantages and marching toward Southam and partly also by the arrivall of Cromwell though but with 700 horse the same morning Now wee being thus re-inforced by the comming of Cromwell and the party hee brought wee resolved to follow the Enemy who left the way to Warwick which was woodland for what reason likewise wee knew not and wheeled to Harborough whereof wee having full knowledge advanced after them and that night had our quarters in and about Gilsborough and immediately after they and wee moved to Nazeby in which field the fight was fought Wee saw the Enemy about 6 of the clock in the morning for there was Champian land enough advanced toward us in a full body which I assure you was as much joy to ours who sought this above all as it was to hear they had left Daventry which was not little As touching the ordering of our Army for the battall The Generall appointed Leivtenant Generall Cromwell to the right wing of Horse and Colonell Ireton at that time made Commissary Generall of the Horse to the lest wing Himself and valiant and virtuous Major Generall Skippon to the Infantry and body of the Army and in this posture wee marched to meet our resolute Enemy who I confesse seemed unto us to come on with undaunted courage as who would not having a King with them that was able to honour them at present and to promise large revenues afterward to all those that fought valiantly Being come within Cannon-shot the Ordnance began to play but that being found at Marstone Moore and other places but a losse of time wee resolved not to want and lose day-light as is too usuall but to charge with the first Whereupon about 10 or 11 of the clock the Trumpets began to sound the Drums to beat the Horses to neigh and praunce about as smelling the battail and now thought both sides now an afternoon for a whole Kingdome nay for 3 whole Kingdomes now Caesar or Nothing was wee may suppose the voyce of their Army And The Liberties of England may well bee said to bee the voyce of our Army to whom mee thinks their most noble Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax said to his Souldiers as in such a case religious King Hezekiah said to his Army Bee strong and courageous my brave Commanders and Souldiers bee not afraid nor dismayed for the Kings Army nor for all the multitude of his Horse and Riders that are come together for according to our Signall-word there are moe with us wee having God our Friend than are with them With them is but an arm of flesh but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battails As so indeed hee did as now you shall immediately hear The Enemies word was Queen Mary Our word was God is our strength And so hee was indeed as you shall see in the sequell The Enemy had bean stalks in their hats wee generally nothing And now each wing of both sides charged one another with great eagernesse and violence our Dragoones began the battaile flanking the right wing of the Enemies Horse as they charged our left wing of Horse the Foot charged not each other till they were within 12 paces one
to draw them from their place of refuge and to gaine more miles to follow the pursuite which by Gods mercy they resolutely intended Now the Enemy thinking all their own came on as farre as Wolverhampton after him where the brave Colonell facing about and giving them a violent charge brake quite through them and charging them again hee absolutely routed them and took many prisoners among whom were 2 Captains 3 Leivtenants and other Officers about 60 horse and much Armes all which hee brought safely into Stafford And much about the foresaid time wee had certain intelligence by Letters from that much honoured Patriot Sir William Armyne and Mr. Henry Darley and the rest of the Commissioners of the North that the Town of Carlile which had divers weeks been besieged by a party of the Scottish Army under the Command of the noble Earl of Callender was now surrendred to our said Brethren of Scotland upon Articles of agreement viz. in breif that Sir Thomas Glemham then Governour thereof and his Souldiers should march with their Armes to Newark c. But that they left behinde them in the Town great store of Armes and Ammunition 20 peices of Ordnance and much other good provision About the 8 instant wee were certainly informed that shortly after the good successe of our Shrewsbury forces in the taking of Caus-Castle forementioned valiant Colonell Mackworth marched to Shrawarden-Castle where after summons and some shot sent forth a parley was offered and accepted and the said Castle on conditions surrendred to him wherein they found some competent store of Armes one Drake and much other good provision and the Enemy therein being about 300 in number were sent away to Ludlow as they desired and our forces presently after this with valiant Colonell Mackworth marched to Higharchall Castle And about the 10 of this instant July wee had certain information by Letters out of the West that the Right honourable and most renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax and ever to bee honoured Major Generall Massey being happily conjoyned with their forces into one body at Branford they now marched forward to Taunton and understanding by their Scouts in what posture the Enemy was now a third time sate down about that notable eye-sore of theirs terribly maligned Taunton they advanced toward them But Goring hearing of Sir Thomas his approach drew off to Chard and not daring to fight drew off all his Army from before Taunton and marched quite away from them whereby that brave Town and the thousands of most precious Soules therein were now a third time blessed bee the Lord clearly set at Liberty from farther fear and danger of those their base and barbarous blood-thirsty Enemies who like devouring Locusts had lyen long lurking about their parts and quarters in greedy gaping hope every day to have eaten them up But who being thus happily driven away the Country round about came in unto them most joyfully with all kinde of provisions in abundance whereby they had presently a most plentifull Market kept among them The preservation of this Town was indeed of very great concernment and most worthily to bee accounted no lesse than a marveilous mercy from heaven and therefore to give the Lord our God all due honour and praise for the same And withall wee may not neglect his instruments therein but in the next place highly praise and prize their love and labours especially heer also to make particular mention of the ever to bee honoured Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax who after so much hardship in Marches Siege and Battail in so short a time trod so much ground as to come so seasonably to the releif of so many brave spirited and undaunted resolved Souldiers and honest-hearted inhabitants who with so much difficulty and in much want of necessaries had maintained themselves and defended the Town against a very potent and most pestilent and blood-thirsty Atheisticall adversary About the same time also came certain intelligence unto us by Letters out of Gloucestershire that a party of the Parliaments forces being before Barkley Castle at a distance to keep in the Enemy from ranging abroad there being about 15 or 16 horse that were as Sentinels attending the Castle the Enemy prepared a party from within of about 300 horse and foot and came forth thinking to surprize the said Sentinells but those few horse discovering the Enemies approach unto them took the best advantage they possibly could and bravely defended themselves till the alarm came to the rest of their horse who thereupon came in speedily to their rescue and fell upon the Enemy with much courage and routed them killed 16 in the place whereof 2 were forward Captains many were wounded and about 40 taken prisoners Sir Charles Lucas the Governour of the Castle was there in person in the fight and escaped with a wound as wee were informed wee took also at the same time 30 horse and upward and a 100 Armes and pursued the Enemy to the very Castle-gates and in this brave service wee lost not above 3 men And thus wee see the Lord does great things for us every day ever magnified bee his name therein And about the 12 instant divers Gentlemen and others of the City of Westminster came to the Parliament and presented a petition to the House of Commons in the name of the whole City of Westminster setting forth the great happinesse and priviledge they now enjoy by the care of the Parliament and unwearied paines of the Divines of the Assembly that preach the morning Lecture weekly at the Abbey in Westminster whereby many that lived in Darknesse and Ignorance for many yeares together doe now see the light of the Gospel more clearly and plainly than ever their humble suite to the House was that the said Ministers so preaching weekly viz. Dr. Stanton Mr. Marshall Mr. Nye Mr. Palmer Mr. Hill and Mr. Whittaker may have a competent maintenance allowed them out of the Revenues of the late Dean and Chapter of the said Abbey that so they may in some measure bee enabled to subsist and encouraged to goe on in this great work of converting and bringing Soules daily nearer to God After reading of this Petition and debate thereupon an Ordinance was read and Committed to a Committee for regulating the Colledge of Westminster after which the House gave Order the Petitioners should bee called in before the House where Mr. Speaker in the Name and by command of the whole House informed the Petitioners that the House had read and debated their Petition and had likewise read an Ordinance for regulating the Colledge of Westminster and had put them both in a way to their satisfaction and returned them the thanks of that House for their care and zeale for the publike Much also about the foresaid time wee received certain information by Letters from Abbington of the prosperous successe and brave exploits of our forces under the command of that
into the House of Commons and had 30 pound given him as a reward The Enemy quitted 3 small Garrisons neer Bridgewater upon the taking thereof And that which yet more excellently and eminently sweetens this great mercy unto us was that it pleased the Lord who is the only true God that heares prayers that this great blessing was granted unto us upon Tuesday July the 22. which was a day set apart in London in a speciall manner to seek the Lord by prayer and humiliation for this very thing which I say the Lord gave in unto us on the same day wee sought it as a most certain and blessed return of Prayer O who then would not still and for ever trust such a gracious God and benigne and bountifull Lord and Master And heer also I have fit opportunity to give my Reader one note more touching this businesse of Bridgewater viz. That one Mr. Peters being sent from thence by Sir Tho. Fairfax our most renowned Generall with his own Letter to the Parliament for the confirmation of the truth of the premises touching the storming and winning of Bridgewater Hee also brought with him 3 Commissions out of the West which hee then also presented to the House of Commons The Contents of which were from the Prince to one Mr. Philips a Gentleman of that Country to raise a Regiment of horse a Regiment of foot and a Regiment of Dragoones The Commissions were dated in January last There were likewise other papers from the said Prince Charles by which the whole design of the Clubmen was made manifest and how they were drawn into a snare to fight against the Parliament and to gather themselves together in such a mutinous manner and into disorderly bodies without any heads till Commanders were sent and set over them But as in part yee have heard it pleased the Lord to frustrate their policies and to bring their mischeif upon their own heads apparently seen by the late comming in of the Sommersetshire Clubmen to the assistance of our noble Generall Sir Thomas and their late frequent galling of Gorings Army But now to proceed See still good Reader the admirable and unexhaustible bounty of our good God for the taking of Bridgewater was not all the good news which this 26 day of July produced unto us for on the very same day Sir Rowland Edgerton who came with a Letter out of the North intimating the surrender of the strong Castle of Pontefract was also called into the House of Commons to relate the manner of it which hee did and had thanks returned by the House for his speciall service and diligence in it When hee came away our Souldiers had entred the Castle wherein was exceeding great store of treasure and much Ammunition The particulars of the surrender of which said Castle was thus related in a Letter sent from the Committee at York to the Parliament To the Honourable William Lenthall Esquire Speaker of the House of Commons SIR VVEE thought fit the last week to summon Pontefract-Castle which caused the Enemy to desire a Treaty Whereupon Colonell Wastell Col. Copley Col. Overton Col. Bright or any three of them were authorized to treat and this day it was agreed that the Castle shall bee delivered up to the use of the Parliament to morrow at 8 of the clock in the morning with all the things therein save that the Officers were allowed to carry away what is properly their own so that it exceed not what a cloak-bagge will contain and the Souldiers to march to Newark with 200 Muskets and 200 Pikes Wee consented to so good conditions because the Plague was very hot in the Countrey and especially in that Town of which some of our Souldiers are dead Wee are also in Treaty with Scarborough which wee hope shortly will bee reduced Thus much wee thought fit to give you notice of desiring the House may bee acquainted therewith From Your very affectionate Friends and humble Servants Francis Pierrepont Wilfrid Lawson Henry Cholmley York the 20 of July 1645. And upon the 28 instant wee received most certain intelligence by Letters out of the North of the happy surrender also of the strong Castle of Scarborough to that most valiant and brave Commander and loyall Patriot Colonell Boynton who lay before it as Commander in cheif of those forces since the decease of that thrice noble and renowned Souldier and pious Cornelius Sir John Meldrum Which said strong Castle was surrendred on fair conditions Viz. That Sir Hugh Cholmley that wicked Apostate should march out with his forces to Newark if hee pleased or bee transported into Holland which indeed hee desired In the Castle hee left great store of Armes and Ammunition and 25 peices of Ordnance And about the 29 of this instant July came certain intelligence to the House of Commons in Parliament by Letters from the Scottish Army at Ludbury in Wales concerning the taking in of Cannon-Froom a strong and considerable Garrison of the Enemies which was taken by assault in which storm at least 70 of the Enemies were slain and but 8 of the Scots and some 20 hurt The Governour Colonell Barnold was therein taken prisoner and mortally wounded in the fight together with Captain Brisk Captain Houk and 30 other prisoners and all the Ordnance Armes and Ammunition therein seized on for the King and Parliament And the House of Commons had debate touching this and all the good service of our loyall Brethren of Scotland and Ordered that a Letter of Thanks should bee sent to the Earl of Leven signed by Mr. Speaker in acknowledgement of his faithfull Service for this Kingdom and farther therefore Ordered that a Jewell of 500 pound should bee with all covenient speed sent to the Earl of Leven and bee bestowed upon him as a badge of favour and respects from Both Houses of Parliament to his Excellency for the unwearyed and faithfull services since his comming over with the Scots Army into this Kingdom An excellent way by gratitude to spurre on the spirits and fasten the affections of our Souldiers to goe on in their fidelity and industry for the prosperous advance of the affaires of the Kingdom And about the same time wee received certain assurance by Letters out of the West that the forces of that gallant Garrison of Lyme had taken Chadwick-House belonging to Count Arundell a great Papist a place that did much mischeif and annoyance to those parts and lay within 6 miles of Lyme There were above an 100 prisoners and their Armes taken in it 30 horse 3 barrels of powder and good store of other provisions and Ammunition Much also about the same time wee were certainly informed of the rendition and delivering up of Rabby Castle in Durham upon faire and easie Articles or conditions viz. The Officers to march away with their Armes to Newark that cage of unclean birds and the common Souldiers with their lives only
of the State in those parts the House ordered that 2000. l. should be charged in course upon the receipt of the Excize with consideration also for forbearance thereof for the speedy supply of the Forces under the command of the said Col. Generall And for the encouragement and at a gratuity to the said Noble 〈◊〉 and Faithfull Colonell Genrall Laughorne the House ordered That the Estate of John â—arlow of 〈◊〉 Gentleman who had been long in actuall Armes against the Parliament shall be setled by Ordinance of Parliament upon the said Col. Generall and his Heires The House also Ordered That the Ministers of the severall Churches and Chappels in London Westminster and 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 should the next Lords day give thanks to Almighty God for the happy successe of our Forces in clearing the whole County of Pembroke for the surrender of the 〈◊〉 and of Lacock-House also in Wiltshire and it was ordered That the Lord Major of the City of London should give timely notice thereof accordingly About the 28. instant came certain intelligence by Letters out of Cheshire to the Parliament of a very great and notable Victory which our good God was graciously pleased to give to their Forces under the Command of valiant active and loyall Major Generall Pointz against the Forces of the King within three or foure miles at the 〈…〉 of the City of Chester the manner whereof was in briefe thus The King resenting the great danger he was in of the utter losse of Westâ—hester which in all probability was like suddenly to come to passe if speedy reliefe came not unto them Our Forces which besieged them since the taking of the Suburbs thereof having by their batterâ—es made a breach in the Wall and purposing 〈…〉 The King I say having knowledge of this their danger resolved with what strength he possibly could make presently to advance thither and with between â— and 5000 Horse and Dragoones part whereof he had drayned out of many of his Garrisons made all the speed he could to come timely to their help In which interim Major Generall Poyntz who indeed hath deserved much honour for his constant activity in the whole Service and resolution as I told you before most diligently to attend the Kings Motions having intelligence hereof and renowned Colonell Rossiter with his Horse being come up to Generall Poyntz and the Scottish and Cheshire Horse being joyned with them they all thus conjoyned together marched away with extraordinary expedition for Westhester and went on without any possible intermission day and night to get before the King and withall in his way took in a strong House with a Draw-Bridge moated which stood in the way of his march in lesse than an houres space And after a very hard march as I said day and night on the 24 of Septemb. in the morning his van curriers discovered the Enemy upon a Moore or Heath within three or foure miles at most of Chester called Rowton-Moore Whereupon notwithstanding his former tedious and even overtyring marches of neere upon 300 miles not resting above a day in a place together with divers difficulties which he was forced to passe through and all this to prevent or at least overtake the King yet I say notwithstanding all these he immediately drew into order and advanced upon them though all his forces were not then come up together for he supposed and hoped to take the Enemy at unawares it being probable they could have no intelligence of his being so neare though it proved otherwise for his Letters written that night to the Commander within the out-Lines of Chester giving notice of his advance were intercepted and the Enemy being possessed of the advantage of ground and in order confronted our Van led by Colonell Hugh Bethell in the middest of a Lane betwixt two Moores covered with the armed men of both Baâ—taliaes where was given a very sharp and gallant charge by both parties for after Pistols were discharged at half Pikes distance they disputed the matter with their Swords a full quarter of an houre neither yeelding ground to other till at length the Enemy was forced to retreat whom our men pursuing were re-encountred by a fresh reserve at the Lanes mouth and they were likewise discomfited and a third but being over powred were in the end forced to retreat through the Laneâ— uncapable of receiving a Reserve to second them here we had some losse the Enemy pursuing to the Lanes end but were beaten back for there was space for our Reserves to advance Colonell Bethell and Colonell Graves were then sore wounded after this the Generall perceiving the Enemy lay upon his advantage onely skirâ—â—â—ed him with some flying parties while he held correspondency with his friends in Chester Suburbs whose signe was the discharge of two peeces of Ordnance when they would issue out with Horse and Foot to joinâ— with him upon whose appearing the Enemy quitted their station and the Generall with a party advanced to take the most convenient ground giving command in Colonell Parsons Quartermaster generall of the Army Colonell Sandies who performed the duty of Commissary Generall of the Horse during the aforesaid march being then imployed to the Committee of both Kingdoms to order up the rest which was opportunely done for they joyned with the Auxiliary forces of Horse and Foot in the enemies ground and were drawn into many small Divisions and Reserves being much overnumbred by the Enemy who accompted themselves 5000 Horse and Generall Poyntz not above 2500 Horse besides two small bodies of Foot who were disposed in the two outmost intervals of Horse upon the very instant of this juncture the Enemy advanced with their whole Body and the Generall leaving the charge of the reserves to Colonell Parsons tooke care of and led up the Van Divisions with which after a round volly of shot from the Foot he joyned battell charging the Enemy in Front and Flanck where his horse was deeply wounded on the head being continually seconded with reserves as often as there was occasion the rest being kept intire followed at a due distance The prevailing Generall put the Enemy to a totall rout and although the pursuit was as hot as could be expected from such wearied Horse thorow narrow durty lanes and over ditches the Enemy rallied in a great moore wide of Chester in two vast bodies a great distance assunder the first not without some dispute were again routed and the other likewise who retreated upon the Warwick Regiment with such violence as bore them away confusedly intermixed with the flying Enemy up to the out-Works of the Suburbs the Musketeers within were never the lesse liberall of their Gunshot but the Divine providence appeared much in the distribution of the impartiall Bullets few or none lighting upon our men though many of the Enemy were found there expiring A Body of horse all the while of these last
Enemies since he is with us and that we should not be dismayed because he is our God and mightie defence who thus hath strengthned us holpen and upheld us with the right hand of his power and righteousnesse And now therefore behold and beholding O admire it all those that were incensed against us are ashamed and confounded they are even become as nothing and they that stubbornly strove with us are mightily destroyed and perish before us O then what shall we returne to the Lord for all these great and amazing mercies to us O what are we able to repay to our God for all these free and utterly undeserved favours thus copiously confered upon us O let us all faithfully and thank fully take the Cup of Salvation and praise the name of the Lord our God and readily and really pay our vowes to this wonder-working God of our Salvation But now to proceed to the yet farther progresse of the contemplation and admiration of the continued wonder of the Burning-Bush unconsumed nay rather more and more dressed and made to flourish in the midst of the flames of this Moneth also of December 1645. And here we shall first begin with some of our loyall and loving Brethren of Scotlands actions about Newarke whether they being now come in to our assistance with a very considerable Army of Horse and Foot to help to besiege this stubborne rebellious and very pernicious Towne to bring it under the Parliaments obedience About the beginning of this instant December the Scottish Commissioners received Letters from his Excellency Generall Lesley Earle of Leven fully informing the particulars of his taking of Muschamp Bridge by his Forces viz. That about the 6 of November last his Army being advanced within about a mile or two of Newark the Generall caused a Line to be drawne close to Muschamp-Bridge and there placed some Musketteers intending to crosse the River and storme the Fort upon the other side but the Enemy apprehending the designe resolved to cut off the Bridge and upon the 28 in the morning before breake of day they sallyed out upon the Scots and attempted the cutting off the Bridge but were most resolutely and bravely beaten from it by the Muketeers with little losse to our friends which the Enemy perceiving set fire to the Draw-Bridge but the Scots falling stoutly on them againe beat them back and very closely pursued them and made them forsake all their Works and so our valiant Brethren became masters both of the Bridge and strong Fort and now have very closely besieged that part of the Towne Upon the reading of which Letter in Parliament the thanks of the Houses were returned to the Scottish Commissioners and a vote passed That his Excellency Generall Lesley for the better and more orderly managing of the Siege against Newarke should command in chiefe all the Forces as well English as Scottish before Newarke Which Vote was fully and freely assented unto by both Houses of Lords and Commons where now we will leave them till another opportunity with our prayers for their prosperity in this great work and proceed About the fourth of this instant December a Letter Petition and Declaration of the County of Brecknock in Wales was presented to the House of Commons and there read declaring their firme resolutions to comply with and wholly to submit unto the commands of the Parliament which Declaration bearing date Novemb 23. 1645. for the fulnesse and excellency thereof and for the Readers better content and satisfaction I have here inserted verbatim as it was printed and published by authority which was as followeth WE the Gentry and Inhabitants of the County of Brecknock whose names are subscribed do declare and professe That we are fully satisfied in conscience that the two Houses of Parliament now sitting at Westminster are the true and undoubted lawfull Parliament of England and the supreme Court of Judicature of the Kingdome To whose judgement and determination we do and will in conscience of our Loyalty and not by terrour or constraint submit our selves our lives and fortunes We are also perswaded and confesse That the Armes taken up and continued by authority of Parliament in this defensive Warre are raised and continued in their owne just defence and for the just defence of the Protestant Religion the Person and Honour of the Kings Majesty the Priviledges of Parliament and the liberty of the Subject And that the Forces raised or to be raised within the Kingdome of England or Dominion of Wales without their consent are raised and imployed for destruction of Parliaments fomenting and establishing Popery Prelacy and an illegall Arbitrary Government In apprehension whereof we do unanimously resolve and firmly ingage and undertake that we with all persons under our power and command will from henceforward to the extreamest hazard of our lives and fortunes adhere to and assist the Forces raised or to be raised by authority of Parliament against all other Forces raised or to be raised against them or without their consent and we shall willingly and cheerfully joyn with Maior Generall Laughorne and those three associated Counties whereof he is Maior Generall and with the County of Glamorgan with whom we are already associated and contribute our utmost assistance and endeavours proportionably to the said respective Counties in such way as Maior Generall Laughorn shall thinke fit and meetest for the Service of the Parliament And from this resolution and engagement we shall not swerve or recead by adhering to the contrary party or imbraâ—ing a detestable neutrality either by perswasion dread or any other motive whatsoever After the reading and debate of this Declaration and the other Papeâ—s from the County of Brecknock it was referred to the Committee of Gloucester to draw a Letter in answer to the same and informe them how that the Houses of Parliament had granted their requests and do cheerfully accept of them and commend their submission and declarative resolutions as aforesaid c. And about the sixth of this instant there came Letters to the Speaker of the House of Commons certainly signifying the surrenner of Latham House in Lancashire a strong and pernicious Garrison which had much infested that County which having been the busie yet cowardly Earle of Darbies House had been held and maintained against the Parliaments Forces for the space of two yeares at least by the Countesse of Darby the said Earles Lady that stout Virago who proved the better Souldier of the two and had so long indeed bravely maintained the same against us and was now enforced to yeeld it up onely for want of bread and drinke for they had above sixe weekes drunke nothing but water but had store enough of other provisions and about 200. Common Souldiers The Governour alone was to depart with his Horse and Armes and ten pounds in money the Officers above the degree of a Lieutenant only with their Swords All the rest onely with staves
who had suffered much and beene brought into great poverty and miserie by the enemies there And our most loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland kept the like solemn-day of Thanksgiving in their armie to blesse God with us for this great mercie unto us And see and admire as a farther ground of Thankefulnes and to raise up our Spirits to a higher pitch of bounden gratitude Even the very same morning that we were praising the Lord for that great mercy so graciously received there came yet more joyfull newes to the Parliament of a great overthrow given by his Excellency renowned Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Forces to the Enemy at Torrington in the West the particulars of which so memorable a victory cannot I conceive but be of most singular satisfaction to the Kingdome and people of God especially I shall therefore give the Reader a full and faithfull intimation thereof as it was sent in a Letter from a Gentleman of piety credit and eminency in his Excellencies Army and was read in the House of Commons Febr. the 20. which was as followeth SIR SAturday Febr. 14. our Army marched from Crediton and the quarters thereabout to Chimleigh Sunday they marched very early to a Rendezvouze some two miles in the way to Torrington with intention to have gone on but our Parties of horse bringing in some prisoners by whose examination we could not certainly learn which way the Enemy bent whereupon another party was sent out of Colonell Butlers Troope the forlorn of which party being twelve took twelve of the Lord Gorings Life-guard and 24 Horse and brought them to the Generall upon their examination it appeares the Enemy was ignorant of our motion The Lord Hopton was in Torrington And further that a party of the Enemies Horse was at Burrington the Generall sent a partie of Horse to meet with them under command of Captaine Barry who accordingly charged the Enemy put them to a rout shot Lieutenant Colonell Dundash a Renegado and of the Lord Cleevelands Brigade and tooke severall prisoners and brought Dundash three miles on the way but being mortally wounded was inforced to leave him at Ringdash a foot quarter of ours Also another party of Horse toward the East met with the Enemy taking some Prisoners and Horse and shot Major Bret by this time a Bridge was made up some two miles off Chimleigh so that our Army might with convenience march over but the day being so far spent it was not held fit to march with the whole Army so three Regiments of Horse and three of Foot marched some foure miles towards the Enemy that night the rest returned to Chimleigh with Orders to march Munday Feb. 16. the Generall with that part of the Army that was at Chimleigh marched up to the rest of the Army and within five miles of Torrington had a generall Rendezvouze both of Horse and Foot drew them up in Batalia and so marched up towards the Enemy When we came within two miles of Torringron our forlorne hope of Horse charged theirs put them to retreat whereupon they came on again with a very strong party and put ours to a stand the reserves of our forlorn being come up and some foot forced them to their Body againe our forlorn of horse pursued and alarmed them at Squire Rolls his house within a mile of Torrington where they began to fortifie but the Enemy perceiving our Foot came up quit the House and drew their Forces to Torrington and our forlorne of Horse advanced after them The Enemy drew their Foot out of the Town into the closes about a quarter of a mile our forlorn hope of Foot lined the hedges and so faced each other about two houres within halfe Musket shot eâ—changed many shot and there was then continuall skirmishing by the Forlornes and Reserves on both sides and some Prisoners taken by this time it began to be darke and a Councell of War was called whether to engage before day or not whereupon the Generall Lieutenant Generall with the rest of the Colonels deferred a Resolution a little time and rid to the forlorn hope to see in what posture they were while they were there the Tattoo was heard to beat in the Towne which assured us the Enemy continued in the Town not flying away as was reported but to be certaine six Dragoones were commanded to creep under a hedge neer the Barracadoes and to give fire to see whether they would answer by which we might know whether they stood to defend the Towne The Enemy received the charge and answered it with a very sharp volley of shot Our forlorn hope seeing the Dragoons engaged gave fire whereupon the Enemy gave fire all along the hedges and Works thereupon the Reserve to the forlorn came on to relieve them and so being engaged the whole Army advanced and about eight at night the battell began some six fields from the Town and we fought from hedge to hedge untill we beat them into their Barracadoes which they maintained for an houre after very resolutely our men being often repulsed yet at last got over the Barracadoes and forced the Enemy into the Town whereupon the Horse were let in who scouring the streets were received by the Enemy and a hot charge given by both parties yet it pleased God at the last we do 〈◊〉 them out of the Barracadoes at the furthest end of the Towne and by this time many prisoners were taken and put into the Church but farre more escaped being darke over the hedges and by-wayes which was not possible for us to prevent throwing downe their Arms and every man flying severall waies Our Forces were no sooner possest of the Towne but the Enemies Magazine which they left in the Church was fired whether on purpose by the Enemy or by accident we cannot yet learne but it proved a terrible blow not only blazing up the Church with all the wood and lead that was upon it deforming many houses in the Town but killed some of the Prisoners in the Church and some of our men that were in the Church-Yard two great Webs of Lead fell within twice a Horse length of the Generall but it pleased God he escaped though in eminent danger many others being hurt both with the Timber Stones and Lead most of the Towne was shaken by this blow being the terriblest that hath been seen in the memory of man there being about 80 Barrels of powder blown up together and one barell which was blowne out of the Church into the streete which took not fire The Enemy perceiving their Magazine to be 〈◊〉 fired gave one charge more with their horse up to our Barracadoes commanded by Sir Iohn Digby but our Musketeers gave fire whereupon they tooke their farewell our first instantly advanced through the Towne after them and began the pursue about 11 of the clock at night Thus it hath pleased God in an instant to scatter those Forces of the Lord Hoptons his infantry being
you with the Armies coming to Launceston and of the taking 300. horse neere Stratton By reason of the long marches the Foot had taken and many straglers behind the Generall and the Army rested at Launceston two dayes and on Saturday last the Army advanced five or six miles towards Bodman And this day the Horse and Foot had a Generall Rendezouz upon the Downes within eight Miles of Bodman the Forlorn Hope being sent out they 〈◊〉 with the Eenmies Scouts there being eight of them together which our men tooke not one escaping they all confesse they had no intelligence of our coming that they belonged to a Guard of 300. Horse that was kept on a Passe within three miles of Bodman and within two miles where they were taken the Army advancing neere to that place we discovered a Body of the Enemies Horse at about two miles distance who made a stand and faced us for a while but before ever we came were them retreated to Bodman As we were upon the Moore intelligence came That the two Companies of Dragoons that were sent towards Camelford the other day and had possest an House the better to gaine intelligence if the Enemy intended to breake through Eastward were in some hazard by a great Body of the Enemies Horse that were 〈◊〉 betweene them and the Randezvouz and forced them into a Close for their security whereupon a thousand Horse were sent to relieve them but before they came the Dragoons themselves had beaten off the Enemy and made good their retreat to a Church without the losse of a man Sir James Smith with his Brigade was the man that had a Designe to have surprized them but now we are in a manner gotten betweene him and Bodman for the Army quarters in the field and all the Villages hereabouts that he can hardly make his retreat unlesse he tooke the opportunity before our Horse came up At our coming into Cornwall especially at Launceston we found the people possest with an opinion That there would be no mercy shewn unto the Cornish but after a day being at Launceston the Towne seeing the carriage of the Souldiers so faire and not one House plundered not so much as the Governours own house and the Country being possest with the like opinion of the civill carriage of this Army came into the Market and brought in provisions for supply of our Forces but in regard Gorings Forces had plundered the Countrie of all their Horse people were glad to bring it in on their backs And Friday being the day for the Posse of the whole Countey to appeare at Bodman all the North part of Cornwall refused to appeare they positively affirming They found us Friends and not Enemies and those that were on the Westside of Bodman likewise refused to come in saying They had not greater Enemies than Gorings Horse that were among them A Gentleman whom I spake withall this day who was at their meeting said The Horse onely appeared the Posse Foot wholly refused to come in and indeed there cannot be a greater advantage to us than to drive Gorings Horse before us for their carriages are so barbarous that they made every mans hand against them where they came The Army had beene this night at Bodman but in regard the Enemy is numerous in Horse and that we marched much upon the Downs and was like to be late before we could get in it was held fit to quarter in the Fields and Villages thereabouts and the next day to march in a close Body Horse and Foot though it be the slower way yet it is the more secure The Prisoners that were taken this day told me they were glad with all their hearts they were taken upon so faire quarter for they knew they should bee all taken at last they said and that they give themselves already for lost And indeed God hath stroken their hearts with a terrour Some Gentlemen of quality have sent privatly for protections whose not appearing against us though not for us keeps all that part of the Countrey in where they are And just now we have intelligence that the Lord Mohun is unwilling to obey the Lord Hoptons Commands and rather stands upon his Guard against his Forces than to assist him with any as far as I can conceive in my poore judgement we shall drive the Enemy to a corner and it may please God to bring their Horse to accept of conditions as well as formerly they did bring our Foot for unlesse this very night they doe breake through which they can hardly do considering how our Forces are laid we have them then before us to the Lands end Your most humble Servant J.R. St. Blessenden March 1. 1645. THe Messenger staying till the morning I thought fit to give you this further account of the Enemies motion and our proceedings This morning by breake of the day the Army was drawn to a Rendezvouz upon the Heath within two miles of Bodman a party being sent out to discover if the Enemy were in the Town brought Intelligence they quit the Towne last night about ten of the clocke Horse and Foot the Lord Hopton bringing up the Rear himselfe The most of the Foot they had were Welchmen having Leeks in their Hats and drunke and went out disorderly They march'd toward Truro with a good part of their horse the rest of their Horse we this morning received Intelligence marched towords Warre-Bridge as if they intended to goe Eastward whereupon Lieutenant Generall Cromwell who went the night before to relieve our Dragoons was sent unto by the Generell to desire him to secure the passage at Ware-Bridge by placing some Dragoons there who being there with one thousand Horse and foure hundred Dragoons will give a seasonable interruption to the Enemies advance that way We finde the Towns-people in Bodman no wayes fearefull of our coming rather desiring it They say they have had no Market these two Market dayes by reason that Gorings Horse rob'd the Market people and take away their Horses There were two Regiments of Foote and two of Horse sent this morning from their Rendezvouz about nine of the clock to assist those forces at Ware-Bridge thereby we might the better drive the Enemy before us into a narrow compasse of Land At this place where we are we may see the Sea on both hands if the Enemy had had any gallantry left in them they would have shew'd it upon our approach to Bodman their only strength consisting in Horse where they had roome enough upon the Downes to play their Game but they never appeared but once and that at two miles distance and retreated I have spoken with some of the Inhabitants of this Town who were at the grand Posse at Bodman on Friday last and they affirme That of the whole County of Cornwall there did not appeare Eighty men but Gorings Horse and the Horse of the County all appeared in a great body Those Foot that were in Bodman
Hosts by whose providence you are made such victorious Ministers of our deliverance from such intollerable bondage and next to our great and wise Councell by whose publique care and commission we have the happinesse this day to see you Conquerors for the preservation of our Religion so long violated and restitution of our liberty so long inthralled Neither may we omit a gratefull acknowledgement of the unexampled valour and vigilance which have been so magnanimously exercised for the reducing of this unhappy Kingdome from the wofull condition of a bloody war to so fair hopes of an assured and most happy peace And now since it hath pleased God thus to blesse us we presume not to motion through difference your future care of his Glory and the Common-Wealths good having so many rare examples of your readinesse to defend both However give us leave as a people that to our great grief and misery have so long a time wanted the happie influence and equity of the Law to relieve us to mention our desires of their reparation whereby also to distinguish our selves from those which have with an high hand indeavoured to subvert them and as hitherto you have not wanted our Prayers to God for a blessing upon your Counsels and Actions So now your Honour shall not want the ready though weak assistance so far as the lives and fortunes shall extend of your servants and faithfull votaries The taking into consideration this Petition and the coming in of the persons afore mentioned as also the rising of the Inhabitants at Camelford Ginny-Hill and other parts in the East and North of Cornwall for our assistance it was held fit to summon a Posse of five or six of the hundreds to appear at Bodman-Down to morrow being Friday where some will be fitted with Instructions to impart the Generals minde unto them For to morrow part of the Army advances to Saint Columbe and other parts the Enemy is retreated from Castle Dennis and last night had his Head Quarter about Truro some part of their Forces at S. Allens and kept Guard neer S. Columb as our staying here three daies will prove to our advantage in setling these Eastern parts of the Country So we are confident it will do so for the Western for Gorings Horse will sufficiently incline the people to wish the coming of this Army for their ease and preservation The Enemy gave out they would plunder Truro because the people there already appear for us but it was answered Whether should they go with their plunder when they had it Severall of the Princes servants have sent unto the Generall for Passes to come in and to repair to their homes which I conceive they now solicite for in regard the Prince is gone to Sea but where he is landed we yet hear not Last night a Vessell out of Ireland came into Padstow the Townsmen seized upon her and three other Vessels going out with plundred Goods and sent to our Forces at Ware-Bridge for assistance which was this morning accordingly sent unto thme A Spie is just now come from the Enemies Quarters most of their forces are North of Truro We shall be very neer Truro to morrow night I beleeve the Generall after one daies advance will send a Summons to the Lord Hopton I take my leave and rest Your most faithfull and humble Servant Jo. Rushworth Bodman March 5. 1645. two in the afternoon SInce the writing of my Letter here is Captaine Farre come from Padstow who with Captaine Wogan boarded the Irish Vessel and with the assistance of the Townsmen and Townswomen put them all to the Sword but two about thirty in all wicked naturall Irish God hath most seasonably brought that Vessell thither It enrages the Country against the Kings party for bringing in of forraigners These are but the fore-runners of many thousands speedily to come over as by their Packets of great concernment appears Indeed of so great concernment considering from whom they come that it is not fit to be lightly mentioned they were thrown into the Sea yet recovered an expresse is to come up with them We have cause to blesse God for such a mercy Severall of those Letters subscribed by Glamorgan Ormond and Digby were this day read to Master Corriton Mr. Lower Mr. Glanvile Mr. Trevisa c. And one of the two Irish that had not his throat cut was brought before them which hath so satisfied them of the Kings intentions and ready preparations to bring in bloody Irish Rebels into this Kingdom that they offer to the hazard of Life and Estate in person to oppose them I will say no more till the Letters come Pardon my haste Bodman March 5. 1645. six at night A Summons is gone to Hopton Which Summons coming in here most fitly by that mention therof and of most singular excellencie and worthy to be recorded to posterity I have thought convenient and very necessarie here to insert it the Copy whereof was as followeth Sir through the goodnes of God to his people and his just hand against their enemies your forces being redâ—ced to such condition as to my sense the same good hand of God continuing with us wherin alone we trust they are not like either to have subsistance or shelter long where they are or to escape thence nor if they could have they whither to go for better I have thought good for prevention of more bloodshed or of further hardship or extremity to any but such whose hearts God shall harden to their owne destruction to send you this Summons for your selfe and them to lay downe Armes and withall a tender of such conditions upon a present surrender and ingagement never more to beare Arms against the Parliament as may be better than any thing they can rationally expect by further standing out First therefore to the Souldery in Generall English and Forrainers I shall grant liberty either to go beyond Sea or to their homes in England as they please and to such English as shall chuse to live at home my Protection for the liberty of their persons and for the immunity of their estates from all plunder or violence of Souldiers and all to goe their wayes with what they have saving Horse and Armes But of Officers in Commission and Gentlemen of quality I shall allow them to go with horse for themselves and one servant or more sutable to their quality and with Armes befitting Gentlemen in a condition of Peace And such Officers as would goâ— beyond Sea for other service to take with them their Armes and full number of horses answerable to their Offices To all Troopers and the inferiour sort of Horse Officers bringing in and delivering up their horses and armes twenty shillings a man in lieu of their horses to carry them home To English Gentlemen of considerable Estates my Passe and Recommendation to the Parliament for their moderate composition Lastly for your Selfe besides what is before implyed to you in
time which I rather believe because he invited a cessation untill some Irish doe land which is the thing rumoured abroad in their Army and expected to be there within eight and forty houres and indeed a duplicate of that Packet we intercepted at Padstow is since arrived with the enemy whereby its probable they hasten ships unto them for the bringing over those Irish that were intended for Chester into these parts What ever his intention is the Generall will not lose a minute of time All the Regiments this day advanced to and beyond Cullomb within three miles of Truro with a great part of the horse the headquarter is at Bodman with one Regiment there which we leave to secure the passe To morrow the Generall and Lievtenant Generall advance after the Army and I believe will quarter at Truro to morrow at night This advance as it is like to further a good effect upon the Propositions if God incline their hearts unto it so it will I hope dispatch the businesse before such time as any Irish can land If there be a Treaty it must not be such a one as shall take up above one dayes time therefore a few dayes will decide that businesse and I hope with Gods blessing much to your advantage and the peace and welfare of this Kingdome Major General Pert is run through the body and shot in the body yet not mortall There was found in his Pocket a Copy of a Letter to the Lords about the Prince either sent or to be sent by him advising them That now was a good time to Treat before our Forces advance further declaring That they feared else their Condition would be desperate The Countrey is very forward to assist in the Barrocadoing up of all Lanes and Passes where probably the Enemy if they intend to breake through may attempt to passe by This being all I have to trouble you with I rest Your most faithfull and Humble Servant J. R. Bodman March 8. 1645. Much also about this same time Sir Ralph Hopton looked very earnestly for new supplies out of Ireland and received Letters thence that he should have them and that they were ready for him if he would be pleased to send forth ships to transport them over unto him But Foy also was now taken by the Parliaments forces and in it 13. peeces of Ordnance and the newes hereof made Pendennis tremble hearing especially her enemies approaching neere her and now already thundring against her walls The inhabitants of Cornwall on all sides come in unto renowned Sir Thomas Fairfax being overcome as much by his mercy and clemency as by his might and courage who thus drove his Enemies still before him terrifying Hopton also by his power and prowesse and now at last inviting him by his Summons the effects whereof you now shall heare namely that about the 18 of this instant March we received the certaine intelligence of the Demands of Sir Ralph Hopton upon our most noble Generals Summons which were as followeth Sir Ralph Hoptons Demands SIR I Received yours bearing date the fifth of this Moneth wherein I must acknowledge much kindnesse from you and a very Christian consideration of sparing of blood But one thing there is I am confident you have too much honour to expect from me which is that to avoid any danger or to enjoy any worldly advantage I will renounce my Masters Service to whom I am both a sworne Subject and a sworne servant that I must professe I am resolved to undergoe all fortunes with him and if there shall be cause to suffer any thing rather than in the least point to taint my honour in that particular and I hope there is not a man of any consideration in this Army under my command that is not so resolved yet in all honest and honourable wayes to procure the peace of this Kingdome and the sparing of Christian blood I take God to witnesse I am and still have been mostdesirous And I heare from good hands our Gracious Soveraigne is at present so farre advised to a Treaty with the Parliament as that he hath promised to passe foure of the principall of their Bils proposed whereof the intrusting the Militia for seven yeares in hands agreed between them is one I desire you to deale freely with me in that particular for if that be so it will spare the labour of further Treaty being for my part ready to obey whatsoever his Majesty shall agree unto God indeed hath of late humbled us with many ill successes which I acknowledge as a very certaine evidence of his just judgement against us for our personall crimes Yet give me leave to say your present prosperity cannot be so certaine an evidence of his being altogether pleased with you It is true we are reduced to a lower condition than we have been yet have we a gallant body of Horse that being preserved to a generall all accord may be for good use against our common Enemies and being otherwise prest I may say it without vanity want not a resolution at least to sell our selves at a deare rate against any odds Your Propositions though they be not wholly to be consented unto yet if a generall accord much more desirable be not in a likely forwardnesse to prevent them I shall be willing that eight Commanders of ours with three Country Gentlemen give a meeting as soon as you please to an equall number of yours at any indifferent place to consult of this great businesse and to conclude of some Propositions that may be reasonable and honourable for both parts wherein I hope God will sâ— blesse our cleare intentions as may procure a probable inducement to a generall peace according to the unfaigned desire of Your Servant RALPH HOPTON March 8. 1645. A Party of yours falling upon a Guard of ours yesterday it is likely they have taken some prisoners I desire the favour from you to receive a List of them by this Trumpeter till I receive a positive Answer to the contents of this Letter I shall not permit any of mine to attempt any thing upon any of your Forces Your Servant RALPH HOPTON Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Answer My Lord I Should most freely and truly inform your Lordship the best I could in any thing that might lead you to a right understanding of things in order to the Peace of the Kingdome or the reall good of your selfe and those with you so far as may stand with my trust and duty to the Publiqve to what I conceive your more certaine knowledge of that your desire to be informed in concerning the Kings offers to the Parliament would not be prejudiciall But the truth is I can give you no other satisfaction or assurance therein than this That the King hath made some offers to the Parliament and amongst them one concerning the Militia something to the purpose as you say you have heard but the just certainty what his last overtures are or
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
Countries Liberties in collecting as truly and faithfully as I was able a Catalogue of the most eminent Persons and Commonders on the Parliaments Party also as I have done on the Kings who in this the Kingdomes Common calamity have been taken away out of this world of wretchednesse and valley of teares by the Sword of the enemy and so have as it were passed over by that sharp bridge to their long looked for and heartily hoped for heavenly Canaâ—n The most eminent Persons slaine on the Parliaments Party since the beginning of these unhappy Civill Warres 1 THe Lord St. Iohn Part 2 Page 198 2 The Lord Brooke p. 2 p. 272 3 Sir William Fairfax brother to the most noble and renowned Lord Fairfax p. 4. p. 33 4 Sir Iohn Meldrum p. 4. p 5 Major Generall Charles Fairfax Sonne to the aforesaid noble Lord Fairfax and brother to our present most renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax slaine at Marston-moore fight 6 Colonell Essex p. 2. p. 198 7 Col. Hampden p. 2. p 8 Col. Tucker p. 2. p. 418 9 Lieut. Col. Ramsey p. 2 10 Serjeant Major Quarles p. 2. p. 216 11 Major Stawham a brave Scottish Gent. p. 2. p. 380 12 Major Fitz-Simons p. 4. p 13 Major Bradbury p. 4 p 14 Major Iackson p. 4. p. 123 15 Captain Lacis p. 2. p. 216 16 Cap. Lister p. 2. p. 230 17 Cap. Nuttie p. 2. p. 309 18 Cap. Massie p. 2. p. 410 19 Cap. Hunt p. 2. p. ibid 20 Cap. Oglesby p. 2. p. 221 21 Cap. Williams p. 2. p. 267 22 Cap. Pue p. 3. p. 278 23 Master Hugh Popham p. 3 p. 303 24 Major Haynes p. 4. p. 341 25 Cap. Dove p. 4. p. 257 26 Lieut Col. Ingoldsby p. 4 p. 401 27 Cap. Allen. p. 295 28 Major Francis Sydenham p. 119 29 Col. Iohn Gunter Some few more 't is probable there might be but I professe ingeniously and most sincerely not one more as yet come to my knowledge or spontaneously pretermitted by me in my most sedulous search over the whole Foure Parts of this our Parliamentary Chronologie which I have diligently done as well for satisfaction to the honest-hearted Readers touching the slaine I say on our side as those on the enemies side in which two so vastly discrepant and largely unequall Catalogues both for number and quality though ours I confesse especially considering some of them as most pious Saints and precious Patriots farre transcended the very best of the enemies for spirituall waight and worth the udicious and impartiall religious Reader may see by comparing them both together how the Lord our most righteous and gracious God hath put a difference between the precious and the vile and yet manifesting in some measure for just Causes best knowne to his owne unsearchable wisedome and I am sure for the best good of his beloved-ones every way that as touching the outward stroke of death I say in a Common calamity it hapneth to the good as to the bad and how dyeth the wise man but even as the foole as wise King Solomon witnesseth Ecclesiastes 2. 15 16. Note also yet once againe good Reader for the yet more remarkable manifestation of Gods righteousnesse and mercy in putting another most notable difference between the Army of his enemies and the Army of his Saints and Servants fighting his battailes that as was toucht before and shewne in the Catalogue of the slaine on the Kings fide in the very first set battaile and field fight that was fought by the enemy against the Parliament which was at Keinton or Edge-hill the Kings first great Lord Generall of all his Forces the Earle of Lindsey who should have been the great Atlas and Hercule in-upholder of the Kings so oft pretended and protested just Cause was one of the first that was slaine in that first famous Fight whereas both in that renowned Victory and in all the progresse of these bloody Broyles and most uncivill Civill Warres over the whole Kingdome even I say from that first Fight to this day both our most renowned Generalls I meane his Excellency the Right Honourable Lord Generall Robert Earle of Essex and the renowned Generall his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax that now is have both of them come off hitherto with abundance of honour and renowne not onely free from death but also ever blessed be the Lords wonderfull mercy in it not so much as toucht with the least wound or hurt on their bodies for ought that ever I yet heard to this present day The like also we may most happily and faithfully say of his Excellency renowned Generall Lesley Earle of Leven Lord Generall of the Forces of our loving and loyall Brethren of Scâ—tland the vertuous and Victorious Generall of the forces of the Associated Counties North-easterly I meane the most noble Earle of Manchester and the thrice noble and renowned Generall of our Northerne forces in Yorkeshire the valiant and victorious Lord Fairfax in which remarkable mercy and me thinks most excellent and eminent observation and for all which so rich so rare and singularly sweet free mercies and most admirable dispensations of Gods wonder-working wisedome mercy and justice power and protection over us and thus manifested to and for us a wicked and worthlesse Nation a sinfull and provoking people Blessing Honour Glory and Power be unto Him that sitteth upon the Throne and unto the Lambe for ever and ever Revel 5. 13. Amen and Amen A Table of all the most materiall Passages mentioned in this Fourth Part of The Parliamentary Chronicle And here I desire the Reader to take notice that all the Forts Townes Castles and Garrisons taken since Nasebie Fight are to be found in the particular Catalogue of them before A. ADvance of the Earle of Manâ—hester from York p. 6 Our formidable Army coopâ— up in the West p. 18 â—ur Army plotted against in Cornwall p. 21 Ammunition safely conveyed to Oâ—westree p. 22 A Commitiee for the Army appointed p. 36 An ignoble Act of the Kings in Cornwall p. 38 Array-men in the North surprized p. 39 Augmentation of Ministers meanes p. 41 Sir ' Antheny Ashley-Cooper stormes Sir John Strange-waies house p. 67 Captaine Allen beates the enemy p. 251 Suddaine alteration of things in Scotland p. 270 Alderman Adams chosen Lord Mayor of London p. 282 Abbington Forces beat the enemy p. 93 Assembly of Divines at Westminster p. 319 The Lord Ashton beaten and slaine p. 320 The Army new Modell'd p. 97 Ashbie Cavaliers soundly beaten at Cole-orton p. 104 Apsley-house taken p. 115 Activity of Abbington p. 126 352 132. Our Armies prosperous proceedings in the West p. Assizes of Oyer and Terminer revived p. 364 Admiralty of the Sea taken into consideration p. 143 A brave defeat given to the enemy at Axminster p. 70 Our Armies good successe in Cornwall p. 378 The answer of Sir Thomas Fairfax to Hoptons demands p. 393 Our Armies march Eastâ—â—rd out of Cornwall p. 400 Prosperous Affaires in Scotland
by storming it by our brethren of Scotland The Scots pious prudent carriage before the storming of Newcastle Marley the Major of Newcastle his proud dissembling carriage toward the Scâ—ts What great most just cause England hath for ever to love most entirely their faithfull brethren of Scotland Malignants most slanderous mouths justly stopped A brave exploit performed by renowned Col. Seelâ—y Governour in Lyme The most just reasons of an Ordinance of Parliament against Irish Rebels taken prisoners by Sea or Land who are to have no quarter granted them Certain intelligence brought to London that ours and the Kings forces were within 2 or 3 miles of Newberry and like to be engaged The Copy of a Letter sent to the honourable Speaker of the House of Commons relating the whole fight at Newberry 28 Octob. 1644. The King in Newberry The Enemies strength at Newberry was 8000 foot and 5000 horse God heer took more care for his servants than the King did of his best Subjects Our Army was necessitated to quarter al night in the open field Ours took 2 or 3 cart loads of the Kings provision and 100 horse and foot of the enemies The fight begun The fight maintained for at least 3 houres space with admitable courage fiercenes on both sides The Earl of Cleveland others taken prisoners 9 of our brave peices of Ordnance which had been lost in Cornwall heer now recovered our men fought like devils as the Cornish Souldiers cryed our running away The King â—â—ed out of Newberry with only one Troop of horse General Gorings brother shot dead in the fight Prisoners tâ—ken at Newberry fight The King flying out of Newberry reviles the Major Prizes-taken at about Newb. An Order of Parliament for a day of publik Thankâ—giving to God 〈◊〉 brave defâ—at happy Victory A just check to our improvidence in not improving this braveadvantage as we might have done The Castle in the Town of Newcastle taken by our brethren of Scotland The names of the prisoners taken in the Castle A most famous defeat given to the Enemies at Bever Vale by Sir Jo. Gells Sir Tho. Fairfax his forces 800 horse and 400 prisoners taken at Bever-Vale Colonell Sydenâ—ams good service in the West Leverpool in Lancashire surrendred up to Sir Jo. Meldrum The manner how Leverpool was taken Prisoners taken the goods of the Town recovered by Sea Tinmouth-castle surrendred unto Generall Leven with 38 peices of Ordnance in it and great store of oâ—her Armes Ammunition The most wise providentiall degrees of Gods completing his mercies to us This Moneths day of humiliation was also most justly turned as much into a day of exultation Reverend Mr. Cases baptizing of the surrender of Newcastle with the name of Gâ—d a Multitude The Burning-Bush not consumed 1. A brief most grateful â—ecapâ—tulation of all the memorable mercies of this moneth of October 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. The Burning-Bush not consumed Isa 54. 16 17. Ibid. ver 15. Psal 18. 31. 46 Novemb. 1644. A brave exploit performed by Captain Stones one of valiant Col. Ridgele yes Officers in armes against the Enemy about Eccleshall This 5 of November a day of publik thanksgiving for divers great and famous victories The great triumph in the City of London on this solemn day of thanksgiving The Enemies Garrison at Sir Jo. Strangeways House in Dorsetstire stormed taken by Sir Anthony Ashley-Cooper The storming of this Garrison continued 6 hours together Between 30 40 of our men blown up with powder in the taking of this house A brave defeat given to the Enemy at Helmsley castle Free Trading with Newcastle re-established by the Parlia Helmsley castle in Yorkeshire taken by the thrice noble Lord Fairfax A brave defeat given to the Enemy in Lincolnshire by Major Harrison A brave defeat given to the Enemy at Axminster by Lime forces A rich ship driven into Lime Haven by a storm Another brave defeat given to the Enemy by Lime Garrison Laughorn castle in South-wales taken by Colonell Beal A brave exploit performed by Col. Sydenham against the Enemy at Dorchester The admirable courage valour of Colon. Sydenham and his Souldiers A grateful summary review of the various ways of the Burning Bush not consumed Psal 46. 11. Decemb. 1644. A brave defeat given to the Enemies at Salisbury by Sergeant Major Dewet Colonell Cooke Leivtenant-Col Hook with others taken prisoners The self-denying Ordinance for calling home al the Members of both Houses of Parliament The substance of the Ordinance or Vote it self A day of Humiliation ordered to bee set apart for both Houses in private to seek the Lord touching this great Vote Isaiah 65. 1. Crowland taken by Col. Rainesborough A brave defeat given to the Enemy at â—edâ—ury by renowned Col. Massie Good service done by Sir Tho. Middletons forces about Mountgomery-shire A brave defeat given to the Enemy in the West by Col. Holborn Plots conspiracies of the Enemies discovered and prevented Stafford Town and Castle in danger Doverâ—castle Abbington Ailâ—bury Reading Plymouth Lyn-Regis in great danger to have been betrayed An exact relation of the crafty contrivement dâ—scovery of the plot to betray Lyn-Regis The Kings esteem of Lyn-Regis Captain Lemon seems to consent to the plot The Governour of Lyn made acquainted with the businesse The brave carriage of the businesse Leivtenant Sâ—ubbin 5 or 6 more with him sent from Lyn by the Governour came in a disguise to perfect the work Mr. Strange findes himself betrayed Mr. Strange his CommissioÌ„ taken and sent up to the Parliament The Copy of the Commission Iounton-Dean in the West releived Colon Holborns activity brave service in the West Care taken by the Parliament for the choosing of good Officers in the City of London Captain Redmans brave service neer Northampton Knaresborough-castle in Yorkshire taken Cumhire Abbey a strong Garrison of the enemies in Mountgomery shire taken by Sir Tho. Middleton Captain Stones brave defeat given to the Enemy at Tongue-castle Another by Major Dewet And another by Col. Thorney The most noble Queen of Sweden desires Association with the Parliament of England The Burning-Bush not consumed Psal 367 8. 32. 7. January 1644. Sir Alexander Carew beheaded for treason Sir John Hotham beheaded for treason Captain Hotham also Son of Sir John Hotham beheaded on Towre-Hill A remarkable passage of Divine providence The Directory for pure worship Voted in Parliament the Common-Prayer Book abolished The Arch Prelate of Canterb. to be now effectually brought to his Condemnation A remarkable note Divers brave exploits performed by the Parliaments forces against the Enemies Cardigan Town Castle taken by Col. Laughorn in Wales and a brave prize at Sea The Arch Prelate of Canterbury executed for treason on Towre-Hill Isaiah 6. 10. Prov. 11. 10. A brave defeat given to the Kings forces at Abbington by renowned Major Generall Brown A Copy of Col. Harsnets Letter to Capt. Jones touching
the brave defeat at Abbington The Enemies gave Abbington an alarm and possest themselves of Cullum Bridge Rupert Maurice were present Their strength 3000 horse foot The charge on the Enemy begun Cullum Bridge recovered by ours Maâ—or Bradberry slain The Enemy put to a shamefull retreat Major Hatton Farmer slain 5 Irish men hanged A rare clear victory Sir Henry Gage Governour of Oxford slain in this fight A great mercy and preservation to us Prince Ruperts proud brag to be Master of Abbington 1 King 20. 1. 1. Rupert notably jeered for his brave Victory Another passage of divine providence The enemy most bravely beaten at Plymouth The Enemy had gotten the 4 outworks of Plymouth yet were beaten out of them all again Colon. Holborn his good service in the West The New Modell of an Army of 21000 horse and foot voted in Parliament An Ordinance for raising Many to maintain the new Army A brave victory obtained by ever to bee renowned Sir William Breretons forces neer unto Chester A brave peice of service performed by valiant Colo. Craford against Colon. Bleyer and his party The County of Kent petition the Parliament for their setting forward of the Self-denying Ordinance A suddain and most dangerous assault of about 1200 of the Enemy upon Compton House Ours bravely sally out upon the Enemy and beat them back 40 of ours most bravely beat the Enemy Sir William and Sir Charles CoÌ„pton beaten back and the Outworks recovered The great drawbridg recovered the Enemy coopt up A fierce fight on both sides Sir Charles and Sir Will Compton proffer to parley but rejected A fierce assault made on the enemy in the stable The Enemy enforced to retreat be gone The slain and the prizes and prisoners taken A most remarkable Victory Deliverance Another brave defeat given to a part of the foresaid Enemies horse in their hoped return home by Northampton Horse The Burning-Bush not consumed A breif gratefull recitall of all this last Moneths Parliamentary mercies Psal 76. 4 5. February 1644. A brave passage of Gods providence at Sir Erasmus de la Fountains house neer unto Melton Mowberry Ashby Cavaleiâ—s beaten soundly at Cole-Orton in Leicestershire A brave defeat given to Colo. Gerard before Cardigan in Wales Col. Laughorn bravely releives Colonell Jones at Cardigan The prisoners and prizes The Treaty for a pretended Peace at Vxbridge Buckingham Malignanâ—s petition the Parliament Commissioners in the midst of the Treaty A notorious plot by the Buckingham petition against the Parliament A Declaration prepared and printed at Oxford to be spread over the 3 Kingdoms into forain parts touching the cause of the breach of the Treaty The true cause of the dissolution of the Treaty at Vxbridge The wicked Cessation of arms in Ireland justified by the Kings Commission at Vxbridge Malum consilium consulioribus pessiâ—â—â— A brave peice of service performed by Major Bridges Governour of Warwick at Stok-New-house in Worcestershire The House taken by storm and all in it Partshall Garrison taken by brave Major Stones Governour of Eccleshall Castle Major Generall Brown active about Oxford A brave defeat given to the Enemy by Colo. Lamberts forces at Heightley in Yorkeshire Ever to be honoured Sir Tho. Fairfax come to London and sent for to the house of Commons in Parliament to receive from them the honour of Generall of all the Kingdomes forces Scarborough Town Church Haven taken by valiant Sir John Meldrum Cholmley fled into the Castle endevours an escape by Sea Cholmley had 5 Dunkirk Vessels with him at Scarborough A Letter of Sir Hugh Cholmleys intercepted A brave defeat given to the Enemy by Major Temple neer Dennington Another brave defeat given to that apostate Skellum Greenvil at Plymouth The brave resolution of Plimouth men in winning Mount Stamford and beating away the Enemy The brave and strong Town of Shrewsbury surprized and taken The Town of Shrewsbury entred by ours The Castle taken The prisoners and prizes The Parl. gratitude for this good news A remarkable nore singular passage of divine providence in this famous victory Apsley-House in Shropshire taken by Sir William Brereton Colo. Crafords good service at Roesham neer Oxford A most brave Victory obtained by Colon. Massies forces in the For rest of Dean The Burning-Bush not consumed 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Mat. 28. 20. Psal 46. 11. March 1644. Melcomb-Regis bravely maintained Weymouth most admirably regained by Colon Sydenham Colo. Sydenham necessitated to fire the ships in Weymouth Haven The Chappel-fort in Weymouth regained And a brave booty therein obtained 2 Letters from Sir Lewis Dives intercepted Goring is extremly vext at the losse of the Chappell for t Gorings resolution to fall upon Chappel for t the Town of Melcomb at once discovered and prepared for The treachery of the Townesmen of Melcomb The Enemy tho trecherously let in to Melcomb yet bravely beaten our again with a great losse The Enemy also basely fly out of Weymouth And leave much good prize behinde them Goring Dives marched away from Weymouth to Dorchester The visible most apparent hand of God in all this service Two ships came in unto the Parliaments possession at Weymouth A day of Solemn Thanksgiving at Christ Church in London 2000 li. ordered to be paid to Weymouth The Kings own Life guard Troop of horse taken by us neer unto Oxford A brave defeat given to Prince Maurice his forces at Holt-bridge by valiant Leivtenant Colonell Jones The slain A brave defeat given to the Enemy by Sir William Wallerâ— forces The slain A great victory obtained by Sir William Waller Leivtenant-Gen Cromwell against Colon. Long at the Devizes The activity of the brave Garrison of Abbington under valiant Major General Brown The Parliaments justly high respect to Abbington Garrison The happy concurrence of the House of Peeres with the Commons about the List of Sir Tho. Fairfaxes Commanders of his New Modell Army A malicious slander of the Malignants happily thwatted to their shame Order taken by the Parliament as well for the spirituall as the Martiall Discipline of the Army The Parliaments care for the godly education of the 2 young Princes at White-Hall by the Earl of Nortâ—umberland Colonell Massie gives the Enemy a defeat neeâ— unto Bristol Fidelity and good service rewarded encouraged by the Parliament The Burning-Bush not câ—nsumed Psal 92 4 5. Aprill 1645. A most singular sign of Gods love and good will to this poore Kingdome even the most happy harmony of Both Houses Divers brave exploits performed by renowned Generall Browns forcâ—s at Abbington Capt. English choakt in a Vault at Abbington Renowned Major Generall Skippon singular good service in reducing his Souldiers to the New-Mâ—delled-Army A brave victory obtained by Major Generall Vrrey against the Lord Montrosse in Scotland A Solemn day of Thanksgiving appointed kept in London c. for this great victory Cambridge is by the Parliament highly priviledged Learning like
to bee highly honored and advanced Malignant slanderers mouthes against the Parliament stopped A second rebellion in Keâ—t but soon suppressed by valiant Colonell Blunt A brave â—ef at given to the Enemy at Rumsey by valiant Colon. No tens forces Divers of the Lords at Oxford come in unto the Parliament The Earles Lords names that are returned from Oxford to the Parliament A brave defeat given to Prince Maurice his forces in Worcestershire Major Pilkinton slain Divers brave victories defeats given to the Enemy about Oxford Sir Tho Fairfax advanced into the field set down before Oxford An extract out of Letters of Leivtenant Gen. Cromwels victory at Oxford A brave victory obtained by Leivten Gen. Cromwell neer Islip by Oxford The Enemy is totally routed Blechington-house summoned surrendred Major Generall Browns brave defeat given to the Enemy about Oxford Colonell Feins gives the Enemy a brave defeat Another brave victory obtained by Leivtenant Generall Cromwell at Bampton-Bush over Sir Henry Vaughan and his forces A brave prize taken The singular good estate of our Army at Oxford under the noble Generall Sir Tho. Fairfax Our Army at this time was 4000 horse 13000 foot The businesse of the Admiralty Sea-affairs is taken into consideration Commissioners for the Admiralty nominated The Burning-Bush not consumed Psal 30 11 12. May. 1645. The Copy of Colon. Massies own Letter setting forth his great danger as great deliverance The good successe valiant services of the the Parliaments forces at Warwick under Major Purefoy A brave prize taken The happy releif of the precious Town of Taunton by renowned Sir Tho Fairfaxes forces under the command of Col. Welden Col. Graves The brave Discipline of our Army in the West our releif come to Taunton Hopton 〈◊〉 to Tauntâ— to surrender Colonel Blakes reply The siege raised the Enemies fled The seasonablenesse of Taunton â—â—leif at this time The Enemies losse before Taunton Excellent Orders appointed by the Parliament for the well-regulating of Sir Thomas Fairfaxes new Army The hopefull effects of a well regulated army Major General Cromwell and Major Generall Brown compared to David Jonathan The Parliaments most singular gratitude for the good services done to the kingdom by the Right honourable the Earl of Essex others The Souldiers that releived Taunton gratefully remembred by the Parliament Renowned Sir John Meldâ—uâ—s gallant service required Mr. Owen Occoâ—elly taken into farther consideration for his loyall discovery of the Irish plot The brave services of valiant Captain Stone Governour of Staâ—â—â—d castle against the Enemy A blessed return of Prayer Evesham taken by renowned Colon. Massie The prisoners prizes taken A brave defeat given to the Enemy by Col. Norton at Langford house in Hampshire The Burning-Bush not consumed Isai 25. 1. June 1645. The most famous City of Londons most excellent Petition to the Parliament touching the then present sad condition of the Kingdom A Copy of the Petition of the Citizens of London to the Parliament A brave defeat given to the Enemies neer Chester by valiant Leivâ—en Col Venables A most brave defeat given to the Newarkers at Houghâ—â— house by valiant and active Colon. Rossitâ—r A iust reward of a sleeping souldier according to the rules of Martiall Discipline â—olon Rossiter bravely recovers Hougâ—m house The prisoners prizes taken at Nougham houses recovery The most famous fight and glorious victory obtained at Naseby in Northampton-shire over the Kings forces exactly described The Kings Army at Daventry The Kings Army not willing to fight marcheth toward Southaâ—â— The Royall army advanced to Harborough And froÌ„ thence to Nâ—sâ—by The manner of Marshalling our Army for the battail The Kings Army advanceth toward us The fight begins 2 Châ—â—oâ— 32. 7 8 Heer the fight was very hot furious on both sides The Kings blue Regiment of Foot â—uinated and destroyed Our left Wing is some what shatter'd The Enemy is beaten by our right Wing The King himself rallyed his Horse again The Kings words to his Souldiers The Enemy is beaten again The Enemy is pursued 12 or 13 miles within 3 miles of Leicester The high and prime praise of this victory given to God in the first place The Renowned Generall next as most worthy praise Courageous Major General Skippon Valiant Leivtenant General Cormwell Commissary Generall Ireton and Colonell Butler The Enemies Foot fought also very stoutly Good store of Bisket and Cheese takes to refresh our Souldiers at the end of the Fight Our Souldiers marched to Harborough that night The slaine in the Field of the Enemies The Ensignes of the Enemies taken in the field One great encouragement to our Souldiers to fight bravely was the rich plunder of the Enemies Very many Irish Queanes in the field how they were used The slaine on out side in the Fight A most slanderous and abominable lie of Secretary Nicholas put upon the Parliament The Victory pursued by our Horse toward Leicester A List of what losse the King did sustaine in this famous fight The slain and wounded Prisoners Prizes 〈…〉 〈◊〉 on the Victory â—1 The 〈◊〉 and condition of the Kingdome 1. The Kingdome fourfold sad condition at this time 2. 3. 4. 2. Considering the Army it self The new Model'd Army despised and scorned 1 Cor. 1. 27 28. An Excellent note touching the Generall himself about this fight and Victory Two rare postures in a victorious Generall or Commander Reverend Mr. Marshall in his Thanksgiving Sermon at Christ-Church in London The good Service of valiant Colonell Mittâ—â—â— Forces in Shropshire A day of solemn Thanksgiving set apart to praise the Lord for the late great Victory at Naseby which was especially celebrated at Christ-Church in London The thanks of the Parliament sent to the noble Generall his field officers A jewel of 500 li. to be sent as a present to Sir Tho Fairfax from the Parliament The messengers of this victory rewarded Leicester regained the news therof brought to London on the Thanksgiving day in the morning the more to sweeteÌ„ that dayes joy The manner of the regaining of Leicester The Kings flying from Leicester Preparation to storm Leicester Leicester surrendred to Sir Thomas Fairfax upon composition The prize taken in Leicester The Prisoners taken at Naseby fight being neer 5000 with 55 Colours c. brought up to London The prisoners disposed of into several holds The usage of the Cavalierian prisoners by our Parliament The usage of our Parliaments prisoners by the King his Cavaliers Our Brethren of Scotlands advance to Nottingham A brave exploit performed by the Garrison of Wareham in the West A brave defeat given to the Enemy by valiant Colo. Jones in Cheshire The Kings Cabinet of Letters taken at Naseby sent to the Parliament the Letters opened and read 4 Main heads of the Letters 1. 2. 3. 4. The Cabinet of Letters publikely read in Guild Hall in London afterward printed published with Annotations Stckesey Castle
Caus-Castle taken by the Committee of Shrewsburies forces and a brave Victory obtained by them besides Sir William Crofts slain A brave defeat given to the Enemies by valiant Colonell Venables in Cheshire Heywoâ—th in Wilts taken by the forces of Sir Tho. Fairfax Sir Thomas Nott slain A sweet and summary recital of all the excellent Parliamentary mercies of this Moneth The Burning-Bush not consumed The Burning-Bush flourishing in flames 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. A succinct return of gratitude to God for all the great Parliamentary mercies of this Moneth Isai 42. 13. Chap. 29. 20. Psal 124. 1 2 3 4 5 c. July 1645. A day of humiliation appointed by Order of Parliament kept by the Assembly of Divines in several Churches in London to seek a blessing on our forces in the West At least 29 or 30 Carts load of Popish goods apprehended in a house in Long-Acre neer Covent Garden Our Brethren of Scotlands excellent Remonstrance presented to the King The Heads of it 1. 2. The Garrison of Dudley castle shrewdly put to it and â—orely defeated by our forces and our brethren of Scotland Dudley castle faced outfaced by the Governor of Stafford Carlile surrendred to our brethren the Scots Shrawarden-Castle in Shropâ—shire surrendred to Colon. Macworth Our most renowned Sir Thomas Fairfax and noble Major Generall Massie met neer Taunton Taunton most happily releived a third time Great plenty of provision and a full Market already at Taunton The breif but deserved honour of our renowned Generall A brave defeat given to the Enemy at Barkley castle A pious Petition exhibited to the Parliament by the Inhabitants of Westminster The prosperous successe of our forces at Abbington under the Command of valiant Major Generall Brown Commissioners sent to the Parliament in Scotland a Committee sent to the Scotsh army The famous defeat given to Gorings army at Lang-port in the West The first victorious blow given by renowned Major Generall Massie The prisoners prizes taken at the first onset Major Generall Massies policy in pursuite of his Enemies Our renowned Gen. Sir Thomas Fairfax prepares for a fight The Enemy also drew forth into the field The straits of our forces in the Rivers The effects of the foresaid defeat The Enemy put into an amazed rout flight Major Bethels brave courage and resolution Col. Desborough bravely charges the Enemy helps Major Bethel The Enemy put to â—light The Enemies in their flight most desperately did set the Town of Lang-port on fire Isa 43. 2 3. God the great and only giver of this famous Victory His Instruments therein Major Bethel Major Harrison that brought the news of this victory rewarded Observations speciall serious notes upon this â—amous victory 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. The Western Clubmen The Clubmen come in to the Parliaments party The manner of the celebration of the Solemn Thanksgiving-day in London for the famous Victory over our Enemies at Langport Bridgewater taken by storm A most exact precious return of our Prayers One Mr. Peters presented 3 Commissions to the Parliament taken by Sir Tho. Fairfax in Bridgewater The plot and design of the Clubmen discovered Pontefract Castle surrendred to the Parliament Scarborough Castle surrendred to the Parliament Cannon Froom taken by our Brethren of Scotland A jewel of 500 li. sent by the Parliament to Generall Leven as a badge of honour to him Chadwick house in the West taken Rabby Castle surrendred to the Parliament Bathe also surrendred into the Parliaments possession with the manner thereof A most remarkable return or rather gracious prevention of Prayer Isa 65. Ibid. â— A most singularly pious motion as zealously as piously put into execution The Monethly morning prayers in London religiously begun by reverend Mr. Case The blessed effects and precious returnes of prayer ever since the foresaid free will-offering of daily â—orning prayers began June and July last justly intituled Menses Mirabiles The Burning-Bush not consumed Isa 54 17. Psal 115. Psal 32. 7. August 1645. A brave defeat given to the Enemy by Captaine Allen neer Stamford in Lincolnshire The taking of all the Kings Commissioners as they sate in Counsell at Shaftsbury and were brought Prisoners to Sherburne by Colonel Fleetwood His Excellencies most excellent demeanour with the Kings Commissioners in their Examinations The routing and dispersing of 2500 Club-men by Lieutenant Generall Cromwell upon Hambleton Hill neere Blanford in the West A famous defeat given to the Enemy in Wales by valiant and faithfull Major Generall Laughhorne The Prisoners and Prizes taken at Colby-Moore Haverford-West stormed taken both Towne and Castle Sherburne Castle stormed and taken by renowned Sir Tho. Fairfax The Prisoners and prizes taken The slaine on our side The Parliaments most pious and prudent care for the Reformation of matters in Religion The good condition of our Forces in the North and the Kings Plot there frustrated and his Forces defeated Sir Lewis Dives and Sir George Strangwaies brought prisoners to the Parliament Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Leaguer before Bristoll and the taking of the strong Fort called Ports-head point A brave defeat given to the Enemy neer Redding Ours worsted at the first by false intelligence The Enemy quite routed and a brave victory obtained Valiant Major Fenicks good Service at Bishops Castle in Shropshire The Burning-Bush unconsumed Psal 6â— 6 7. 8 September 1645. A most foul and false projected slander of the Royaiists to abuse the Parliament and people of Wales A day of Humiliation in the Generals Army before the storming of Bristoll Bristoll summoned Bristoll stormed and the manner thereof The disposall of all the Brigades and Regiments about Bristoll The Word Col. Rainsboroughs brave service on his part And Colonell Mountagues on his part Almost all the Town taken Rupert being fled into the Castle desires a Parley The Towne and Castle of Bristoll surrendred on Articles of Agreement Intelligence of the taking of Bristoll brought to the Parliament the Messengers rewarded Thanks returned to God for the thus regaining of the City of Bristoll The strength and Wealth of the City of Bristoll when it was taken The Enemies losse and our gaine at Bristoll Renowned religious Major Generall Skippon made Governour of Bristoll Shrewsburies defeat given to the Enemy at Bridge-North Gods speciall preservation of Lieutenant Col. Phips of Coventry from the danger of the Enemy The sudden most strange condition of Scotland by Montrosse The as sudden and most admirable alteration of things againe in Scotland to Gods glory and that Kingdomes comfort A briefe Relation of the brave and famous Victory obtained by our Brethren of Scotland against Montrosse in Scotland The fight begun Montrosse discomfited 100 Irish shot to death The Earle of Crawford slain The slaine in this Fight on the Enemies side The slaine on our side All Montrosses Bagge Baggage taken Observations on this Fight The relation of inserting this relation of Scotland into this our English
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
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
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
this Garrison his Major and 3 Captains and not 3 of his whole Regiment but were either killed or taken and the House was wholly burnt down to the ground and wee thereby freed of a pestilent and pernicious neighbour Colonell Bruen and Mr. Crompton behaved themselves very worthily in this action and Captain Starre incomparably bravely Yours C. A. November the 12 wee were for certain informed by Letters out of the North that a party of the Enemies horse advanced from Skipton and Knaresborough in Yorkeshire and fell upon the Parliaments guard before Helmesley Castle intending to have raised that siege Whereupon 240 of the most noble and renowned Lord Fairfaxes Horse under the Command of Major Sanderson were sent to releive them but our valiant Forces before Helmesley had quite routed the Enemy before their said help came unto them and pursued the Enemy over Black-Hambleton and took prisoners 1 Captain 5 or 6 Leivtenants one Cornet one Ensigne a Quartermaster and 44 Troopers there were about or 6 slain on the place and very many sore wounded ours also took 80 Horse together with a great quantity of Meal Salt and other provisions designed for the releif of Helmesley All which was performed without the losse of any save only Captain Leivtenant Frampton Leivtenant Shepperson and 3 common Souldiers About the 16 of this instant both the Houses of Parliament passed an Ordinance for the re-establishing of free Trade again at Newcastle which now lately had beer most happily reduced by Gods blessing on the valour and magnanimity of our loyall Brethren of Scotland to the obedience of the Parliament which said Ordinance for the Readers fuller satisfaction and content I have heer thought fit to insert verbatim as it was Printed and published by Authority of Parliament Die Jovis Novemb. 14. 1644. VVHere as the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament by an Ordinance of the 14 of January 1642. did for severall reasons in the said Ordinance mentioned prohibit all ships and other vessels to carry provision of victuals armes or money unto Newcastle Sunderland and Blyth or make return of any Coales or Salt from either the said places under pain of seizure of the said ships vessels and their lâ—ding And whereas by the good providence and blessing of Almighty God and the endevours of our brethren of Scotland the Town and Port of Newcastle upon Tyne and Castle of Tinmouth are lately rescued out of the hands of the Enemy and reduced to the obedience of the King and Parliament The Inhabitants of which places by reason of the rapine and spoile of the Enemy have been brought to extremity of want It is this day Ordered by the said Lords and Commons that the said Ordinance bee repealed and annulled And the said Lords and Commons doe hereby repeal and annull the same Joh. Brown Cler. Parliamentorum About the 20 of this instant came certain intelligence by Letters out of Yorkeshire to London that the Castle of Helmesley in that County which had been then besieged as was forementioned by the right honourable and thrice noble Lord Fairfaxes forces was now at length surrendred to his Lordship upon Articles of agreement Whereupon the said Castle with all the Ordnance Armes and Ammunition therein except what armes the Commanders and Officers marched out withall according to the agreement In this Castle were about 200 men 9 peices of Ordnance 300 Muskets and Pikes 6 barrells of powder and much money Plate and other good plunder and many of the common Souldiers turned to the Lord Fairfax whereof at least 40 went presently to assist at the siege of Scarborough And about the 24 of this instant November wee were informed by Letters out of Lincolnshire of the good successe against the Enemy there of that brave and most valiant active Commander Colonell Rossiters Regiment of horse and Colonell Fleetwoods Regiment of horse Commanded by valiant and virtuous Major Harrison who resolved to face the Town of Newark to try what strength of horse they had left since the last losse of neer about 800 horse upon a rout But in their way they also resolved to attempt the beating up of one of their quarters within a mile of Newark which accordingly they did and took there an 160 horse and 80 prisoners Major Heren Captain Cressey 3 Cornets 3 Leivtenants and divers Gentlemen and afterward faced the Town of Newark the enemy not daring to adventure out wherupon they victoriously returned and brought their prisoners and prize safely with them to Lincoln And about the 28 instant wee received certain intelligence by Letters out of the West that the valiant Souldiers of Lime marched out of that Garrison to meet the Enemy at Axminster who came thither to fortifie that Town thereby to have straitned the quarters of Lime But they being as vigilant as valiant and discovering the Enemies drift and unwilling to bee nosed by so bad a neighbour fell upon the said Enemy as they stood upon a posture of defence fitted and resolved as it seemed to entertain the charge of our forces but in the end were bravely routed by the Lime Souldiers who in the encounter killed Major Walker a desperate and wicked Cavalier 2 Captains and 2 Leivtenants and mortally wounded Sir Richard Cholmley Son in Law to the Lord Pawleâ— and brother to Sir Hugh Cholmley of Scarborough that disloyall apostate Run negado who commanded in Cheif this party and some Letters since have certified that the said Sir Richard is dead of his wounds In which incounter also the brave Lime forces took 4 peices of Ordnance great store of Armes many prisoners and drove the rest into a Church which was not then taken when this Letter came to our hands This most valiant Governour of Lyme deserves to bee had in high honour and remembrance for his former famous services also especially for his so manfully defending that poore Town against Prince Maurice and the Lord Pawlet and other mighty menacing powers as hath at large been forementioned And shortly after this brave defeat it pleased the Lord that a suddain storm arising at Sea a ship of Apsome was driven into the Haven at Lime and there seized on which was estimated to bee worth many thousand pounds a part whereof was ordered by the Parliament to bee imployed for the use and service of Lyme and the rest for the other Western parts the goods in the said ship being found to belong to divers rich Malignants of Exeter and Apsome and most of them consisting of speciall good Linnen cloath And besides that foresaid Victory at Axminster and rich prize so put into their hands in their haven wee had certain information that this most valiant and active garrison of Lime within 2 or 3 dayes after fell upon another party of the Enemies and did good execution on them and took prisoners 3 Leivtenants more with 50 other Officers and Souldiers took an 160 Muskets 10 Halberts 3 barrels of
powder one Cornet Colours 2 foot Colours and 5 Drums and that Colonell Bret Knight and Baronet was heer also dangerously wounded and as was reported since dyed of the wounds hee then received and that Major Hinkley was for certain dead of his wounds in this skirmish received About the 30 of this instant November wee were certified by Letters from Sir Thomas Middletons quarters that Colonell Beal who went with Foot forces out of London by Sea intended for Anglesey and so for Sir Thomas Middleton in North Wales landed his forces in Milford-Haven in Pembrookeshire in South-Wales where joyning with the Pembrook-men hee marched into Carmarthenshire where the Enemies had a strong Garrison called Laughorn castle which this brave Colonell won from them the exact particulars of which Service being brought to London in a Letter dated at Pembrook I have heer thought fit to extract and set down the substance thereof to the honour of that gallant Colonell and the other Commanders assistant to him therein which was as followeth Wee made our approach to Laughorn castle and having soon gained the Town in the Town gate wee planted our Ordnance and first gave the Enemies a fair summons to surrender the said Garrison for the King and Parliament which they utterly refusing wee presently made our batteries against the Castle gate-house and that not without the happy advantage of a great breach and so with an unanimous consent of our forces fell to hot storm and undermining of the walls both which were performed with such fervour courage and expedition and that only with the losse of not above 5 of our men but at the least 33 of theirs within as was afterward confessed by some of their own Commanders as that the Enemy seeing us in such good earnest and wisely fore-seeing the eminent danger they werein if they now delayed any longer they presently sounded a parley which notwithstanding our advantages being granted them though at first they began with us on high termes yet were forced speedily to surrender only upon quarter for their lives and the Castle thus surrendred into the Generalls possession wherein were 4 peices of Ordnance 160 armes 4 barrels of powder and great store of other provision they having lost in this assault ere it was ended 33 of their men and many wounded whereof 4 were Captains Much also about the foresaid time came certain intelligence by Letters from Pool in the West that Sir Lewis Dives being at Dorchester with 200 horse and Dragoones sent a party to face Pool who made a daring shew and bravado upon sight of whom brave Colonell Sydenham prepared valiantly to oppose them but after only a daring shew and bravado they vanished like a vapourous cloud and marcht away instantly to Dorchester But renowned Colonell Sydenham impatient of the empty flourishes of a vapouring Enemy that night drew out a party of between 50 and 60 horse double pistolled and with them marched like a gallant Gentleman indeed himself in person desirous to shew Sir Lewis Dives some action and in the night hee came to Dorchester and fell upon the Enemy in their quarters first charged the out-guards calling to his men to fall on couragiously which they did most gallantly beat his whole Regiment quite through the Town and then gave them a second charge and beat them back again most stoutly charging upon the Dragoones and crying out to his Souldiers Give the Dragoones no quarter With which his so violent a charge some fell and the rest fled and at a third charge this noble Colonell facing about in the Town found and knew Major Williams in the head of the Enemies Troopes comming to charge him This Williams had formerly basely and cruelly killed Colonell Sydenhams Mother whom so soon as Colonell Sydenham saw hee spake to his men that were next to him to stick close to him for said hee I will now avenge my Mothers innocent blood or die in this place and so hee most valiantly made his way to Major Williams and flew him in the place who fell down dead under his horses feet the rest of the horse and Dragoones fled out of the Town and so escaped Sir Lewis Dives himself and some others of note being sorely wounded and valiant Colonell Sydenham returned back victoriously into Pool with the prisoners hee had taken And thus now having by Gods good guide and assistance finished with a short and succinct Survey the comfortable contemplation of this Moneths wonder of the Burning-Bush thus still Vnconsumed in the midst of all these premised fierce and furious conflagrations as namely Captain Stones his brave exploit at Eccleshall the various happy occasions of a Solemn day of Thanksgiving on the 5 of this November by Order of Parliament Brave Sir Anthony Ashley-Coopers storming and taking of Sir John Strangewayes House a strong Garrison in Dorsetshire The brave defeat given to the Enemy at Helmsley castle and the taking thereof Free Trade re-establisht in Newcastle by authority of Parliament A brave defeat given to the Enemies neer Newark in Lincolnshire Two other also given unto them the one at Axminster in the West together with a rich ship of the Enemies driven into Lime the other within 2 or 3 dayes after the former against a party of the Enemies in those parts The taking of Laughorn-castle in South-Wales And this last brave exploit performed at Dorchester by renowned Colonell Sydenham All these I say performed to the eternall praise and high honour of our Israels ever most gracious and glorious Wonder-working God whereby wee have great cause to sing and say with holy David with exulting joy and thankfulnesse of heart The Lord of Hoasts is with us the God of Jacob is our refuge And thus wee will now breifly passe on without any farther digression or interruption to the farther view and observation of Gods most powerfull and propitious preservation of this still Burning-Bush the Parliamentary Cause FIrst therefore I shall begin the serious Survey of this most rare and admirable Wonder of the Burning-Bush not consumed in this next succeeding Moneth of December 1644. with that brave defeat given to the Enemy about the time when Taunton was much straitned by a siege then about it that valiant and faithfull Colonell Norton with others being then designed for the releif thereof wherein also Sergeant Major Dewet who since hath provâ—d a most perfidious apostate and Major Wansey with the rest of Colonell Ludlows Regiment of horse designed also as a reserve to our Forces then sent to releive Taunton as aforesaid who all I say marched to Salisbury where the Enemy was quartered who upon the suddain approach of these our friends were forced to flye into a place called the Closse a cheif and eminent place of that City where the Bishops and Cathedrall Choristers and Singing-men used to live like so many lazie Abbey-Lubbers commonly called the Prebends-Closse and thither our Forces marched after them even up
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
Major Generall Skippon to bee Major Generall of the whole Army and then they proceeded to nominate the Colonells of each Regiment for the said Modell which were 21 in all whereof Colonell Holborn and Colonell Rossiter were 2 in the first place And the House then took into consideration the completing of an Ordinance for the raising of Monies to maintain the said Army which shortly after was perfectly completed in all particulars whereof more in their more proper places About January the 24 wee had most certain intelligence by Letters out of Cheshire which were read in Parliament in the House of Commons of a very great overthrow given to the Enemies forces neer Chester by ever to bee renowned Sir William Breretons forces the manner whereof was in breif thus related That the Enemy drew forth all the strength of Horse and Foot that they could get together in and about Chester and marched thence with an intention to releive Beeston castle then strongly besieged by Sir William Brereton whereof Leivtenant Colonell Jones and Sergeant Major Brookes having intelligence they fell upon them in their passage and so undauntedly dealt with them that in a short time they had totally routed the whole body of the Enemies Army both Horse and Foot slew 50 of them in the place and neer 200 wounded They took prisoners 2 Colonells one Leivtenant Colonell 2 Sergeant Majors 6 Captains 10 Leivtenants 4 Ensignes 3 Sergeants and one Corporall They took also 200 horse and 200 men prisoners with 400 Armes and much Ammunition whereby as it may bee easiled judged Chester Garrison was much weakned and disabled to hold out long the then present siege And about the 26 instant wee received also certain knowledge of a notable and brave peice of Service performed by Major Generall Craford then Governour of Ailsbury who going with but about 90 horse to seek quarter for his Souldiers and finding none one way hee wheeled about toward Thame and unexpectedly fell upon a 120 horse of the Enemies among whom was Colonell Bleyer Governour of Walling ford Castle who when they saw each other both these Champions did not take the advantage of each other but in a fair and open field drew into battalia and sent out their forlorn hopes of each side who presently charged one another and so both bodies met and both these Commanders bravely disputed the businesse a while in a fiery and steely language and with much interchangeable courage on both sides But at last our party most undauntedly routed the Enemy Colonell Craford having himself very sorely wounded Colonell Bleyer in this fight but his horse not being maimed his heeles did his Master more service than his own hands could and carryed him fiercely away half dead out of the field all the rest both horse and men being either taken or kild save only about 13 or 14 who escaped with the wounded Governour 20 were so sorely wounded that they could not bee brought prisoners into Ailsbury and not being capable of doing any further hurt they left them behinde to creep if they could to their own Chirurgeons and seek their own cure The 2 Governours as wee were credibly informed meeting together in person in this brave encounter assaulted each other in a single combate and for a while bravely on both sides maintained the duell till Bleyer received a most dangerous wound and as I said before by his horses swiftnesse escaped away Wee lost but 3 men of ours in this furious fight and so ours most victoriously returned to Ailsbury with their prisoners About the 28 of this instant the Committee of the County of Kent that brave unanimous County most happy by the noblenesse of an enobled Gentry presented a petition to the House of Commons wherein they expressed great thankfulnesse unto them for their indefatigable and constant care and paines for the good of the publike Affaires of the Kingdom unto which also they declared their singular good affection and faithfulnesse And humbly also prayed that the House would proceed in fully passing the Self-denying Ordinance for the disabling of the Members of either House to bear any Office in the Common-wealth during the time of these Warres which Ordinance though it had about this time clearly passed in the House of Commons yet received some long stop and contradiction in the House of Peeres which Petition of those Kentish Gentlemen was received with great acceptance and thanks returned to the Petitioners with promise of their best endevours to hasten it Some other particulars were also inserted in their Petition concerning some particular distempers and greivances in that County which were referred to a Committee and in speciall concerning the unnaturall Conspirators for the betraying of Dover Castle and Chattam in Kent who were then kept in durance to bee in due time called to a severe account for that most vile and trecherous design which was afterward effected with the death of divers of the cheif ring-leaders therein Finally about the 30 of this instant January wee received certain intelligence out of Warwickeshire of the singular good successe of Major Purefoy at Compton House against the Enemy as by his own Letter will more fully appear which for the Readers better content and satisfaction I have thought fit heer to insert The Copy of Serjeant Major Purefoyes Letter the brave Governour of Compton House in Warwickshire to his Colonell Colonell Purefoy SIR I Shall heer breifly relate for all passages would bee too tedious to trouble you withall how that first I desire with all my Soul that God may have all the praise and glory which is due to a God that hath now and ever shewed himself unto mee almost by miracles in delivering mee and all under my Command from very many and most eminent dangers This night about 2 of the clock a 1000 or 1200 horse and foot of the Enemies fell upon mee at Compton stormed my Outworks gained the Stables and cut down my great Drawbridge possest themselves of all my Troop of Horses and took about 30 of my foot Souldiers in their beds who lay over the Stables and all this was done almost before a man could think what to doe Wee received this fierce alarm as wee had good cause and presently made good the new Skonce before the Stonebridge and beat them out of the great Court there being about 200 entred and ready to storm the Skonce but by Gods mercy wee gave them so hot a sally that wee forced them to retreat back to the Stables Barnes and Brew-house where from the windowes they played very hot upon us I then commanded Leivtenant Purefoy and my Quarter-master having no other Officers of quality at home the rest being abroad with about 30 of my best Troopers to sally out upon the Enemy with a party of some 40. and to attempt the regaining of the Brew-house and the roomes above which instantly they did with most gallant resolution and courage Sergeant
hearing of some provisions which were going from some Malignants in those parts to Oxford hee sent out a party to intercept them who took 27 Horse load of Corn Cheese and other provisions of which they had then no little want at Oxford About the 16 instant wee were informed by Letters out of the North that about 150 of the Enemies Horse from Skipton fell upon the Parliaments quarters at Heightley where they suddenly surprizing our Guards they came into the Town and took neer an 100 prisoners and 60 Horse with their booty But as they were about to retreat Colonell Lamberts men being quartered neer hand took the alarum and came to releive Colonell 〈◊〉 men whose quarters had been thus beaten up the Colonell himself being then absent and performed their parts so â—allantly that they rescued all our own prisoners and most of the booty which the Enemy had taken killed 15 of them on the place took about 20 of them prisoners wounded and took the Commander in Cheif of the Enemies party Captain Hugher killed his Leivetenant also and pursued the rest to the very gates of Skiptâ—n On our side was lost in this service Captain Samon one of Colonell Lamberts Commanders and about 8 Souldiers About the 18 of this instant February noble and renowned Sir Thomas Fairfax being nominated and chosen to bee the Cheif Generall of all the Kingdomes forces and Armies came to London out of Yorkeshire in a private manner desiring to avoide all ostentation there were in company with him Colonell Sir William Constable Colonell Rigbey Colonell Sandiâ—s and Colonell Alured with some other Officers and for the more expeditious setting forth of this most noble Generall according to an Ordinance passed by both Houses of Parliament the Commons appointed a Committee to consider how monies cloathes and other necessary recruite for his Army might bee speedily and most conveniently procured and to enable him completely to march into the field with a fit train of Artillery c. to bee repaired and every way made fit for him as soon as money came in upon the Assessement by the Ordinance for the said Army And Sir Thomas being now come to Town within a day or 2 after the House of Commons sent for him by 4 of the Members of that House which was the respect given him and when hee came into the House as a farther addition of honour a Chaire was set for him to sit down upon but most modestly hee refused it Then Mr. Speaker told him what hee had in Command from the House to deliver unto him which was The great trust which the Kingdom reposed in him in the Command of this Army and the good opinion they had of him for his valour and fidelity giving him thanks in the name of the whole House for the many and great services hee had done for the publike in defence of Religion Laws and Liberties and encouraging him to goe on in the same as hee had begun wherin hee should much honour God and endeer his Country and Kingdom unto him which hee assured him would not bee unmindfull of him and his labour love and loyalty to it in due time But of this more hereafter About the 20 of this instant wee had certain information by Letters out of the Northern parts of the most welcome newes of the taking of the Town and Church of Scarborough which was strongly fortified together with the Haven and at least an 120 ships 32 peices of Ordnance and much other rich prize by that most active valiant and successefull Souldier and brave Commander Sir John Meldrum the manner of it being said to bee thus This noble Colonell Sir John Meldrum stormed the Town in 4 severall places with English and Scottish Souldiers who went on with such gallantry that they gained the Town and Church with the losse only of 11 of their men In the Church they took 80 prisoners and with them hee that had been Governour of Hemsley Castle But the most base and cowardly apostate Cholmley when hee perceived the Town like to bee lost sled into the Castle and was bravely pursued and one of the works thereof entred but the white Towre in the Castle commanding that work they beat our men out of it again with stones The Liver-hearted Cholmlâ—y now despairing together with the conscientiousnesse of his former guilt in his most trecherous defection from the Parliament endevoured to escape by Sea in his Pinnace or rather his running Horse as hee called it which then rode at Anchor at a little distance to help him at a strait or dead lift but such was the activity of Sir John Meldrum that with boats hee got between the Pinnace and the Land and so his cowardship was forced to confine himself into the Castle again This apostate Sir Hugh Cholmley had 5 Dunkirk Vessels with him at Scarborough who for a while gave interruption to our men in storming the Town but our Cannoneers sunck 2 of them with their Ordnance and the other 3 fled for it Before the storm Sir Hugh was summoned to yeeld the Town but like himself hee gave a base and scornfull answer and when the Townsmen would have yeelded the Town hee brought Souldiers out of the Castle and compelled them to fight in the defence of it as long as they were able But heerof more in its own proper place Only in the interim take this own Letter of Sir Hugh Cholmleyes which hee wrote to some Commander in the Kings Army but was intercepted by the way and which was as followeth SIR VVEE are now blockt up close in the Castle and divers of our Souldiers run away to the Enemy and it is to bee feared that the ill accommodation will daily decrease our number You know the consequâ—nce and beleeve mee it requires speedy supply for reasons which I may not expresse I pray you signifie where or from whence I may expect and hope for releif and whether any expectance from the Queen or Ireland or probability of a good issue from the Treaty of which particulars I desire to bee satisfied that I may not bee totally ignorant Not that the failing of any or of all these shall make mee quit this trust otherwise than becomes a Gentleman and good subject Your Colonell Wharton salutes you And I am Your humble Servant Hugh Cholmley Scar. Castle Feb. 24. Heer are 10 Colours of Scots as I imagine though not above 800 men of them but Meldrum who commands in Cheif and is the most active man here hath 6 or 700 more of the Lord Fairfaxes Foot About February the 22. wee had certain intelligence of a brave peice of service done by a party of Colonell John Heynes his Regiment which was certified to bee thus That the said Colonell receiving intelligence of a French Regiment of Horse and some other Troopes of Gorings Brigade quartered neer Newberry hee sent out a party of his Regiment from Okingham under
the command of Major Temple to beat up their quarters which party after a very hard march comming neer the Enemies quarters they understood that the said party were all drawn off But they had also farther intelligence of another party of the Enemies quartered at Ham 8 miles from Dennington Castle whither they instantly advanced and fell upon them in their quarters took there 40 good Horse and all their Armes together with about an 100 li. of Contribution money which the Enemy had gathered thereabout took prisoners Major William Maxwell Agitant Generall to Prince Maurice Captain Robert Paddon Captain of a Troop of Horse John Cox his Leivtenant and 24 common Souldiers and so returned safe with their prisoners and prizes unto Ockingbam And about the 24 of this instant wee were certainly informed by a Letter writen from Captain Peirce to Sir John Young a worthy member of the House of Commons of a brave defeat given to that base apostate Skellum Greenvill before Plimouth which said Letter containing a full relation thereof I have heer for the Readers better content and satisfaction inserted which was as followeth Sir The good successe which it hath pleased God to give our Forces lately makes mee set pen to paper thereby desiring to inform you that upon the 18 of February the Enemy having the night before made a work upon the old work at Mount Stamford with a very large line on both sides from the work The Seamen in the morning fell on them and took one half-moon which was made at the South-end of the line but the Enemies horse comming upon them forced them to retreat but with no losse on our side blessed bee God Upon which wee were all commanded to Armes Severall companies were drawn out to goe over and a Troops of Horse One being still quartered on that side to joyn with some Sea men taken on shore for that purpose all I think consisting of about 500. and all the rest of the Garrison were commanded to march out to face the Enemy on the North side and were drawn without our Line within Musket shot of their work under the hill the said hill much befreinding us so as they could not play much upon us All wee did was only sending out small parties to shoot as if wee intended to fall on that so they might draw off some of their forces from the other side of the water where our purpose was to fall on and accordingly they did draw off some of their Horse and so wee crossing their expectation fell on where wee were least looked for and about 2 of the clock in the afternoon our foot who were most of them Sea men marched up most resolutely to Mount Stamford the forlorn hope of our Horse going before and the Reserve with them in the bottome who had the advantage of some hedges which they well-lined with our Musketteers who fired upon the Enemy and they on us where and when were poured out as mighty Vollies of shot as I have ever seen or heard and whiles our foot were getting up the hill our horse and the Enemies met who most resolutely and bravely disputed the businesse not long even about half an houre and made the Enemy rather trust to their horse legs than to their own swords our horse following them amain and our foot seâ—ing what good successe the horse had went nay rather ran up to the Enemies work with their Colours in their hands and instantly made the Enemy flye for it and thus routing totally all their horse and foot bravely took possession of the whole work and pursued the Enemy in their flight above a mile hewing and cutting them amain as they basely fled Now the names of those wee took prisoners were Leivtenant Colonell Mohun a Leivtenant Colonell of Horse Major Richard Heal Baronet Heales brother Captain Maynard who had formerly taken up Armes on our side Captain Hill Captain Aston and Captain Hatchins Leivtenant Waring Leivtenant Inglet Leivtenant Ashford Leivtenant Manwaring Ensigne Halsie Ensign Battishill and of private men about an 108. Wee also took 300 Armes in the work of Mount Stamford some barrells of pouder good store of Mattocks Shovels and Faggots and some Horses on our part wee had but one man slain and that by an accident some few hurt and but one man taken by the Enemy After this brave bickering wee had a day set apart for a speciall Thanksgiving to God for this great Victory and very shortly after called a Councell of Warre to try such of them as had heretofore taken up arms on our side but were now revolted and proceeded against 3 of them viz. Captain Maynard Leivtenant Ashford and Ensign Battishill who were executed the next day and some others afterward followed And about the latter end of this Moneth of February wee received the most welcome news of the most memorable and suddain surprisall of the strong Town of Shrewsbury by Colonell Mitton that most active and loyall Commander and Colonell Bowyer assisted by Sir William Breretons and Colonell Mittons forces together with the eminent prisoners and prizes taken by those Parliament forces which was certified and ratified by severall Letters out of Shropshire sent to London with the exact and true relation of the manner of the taking of it it being a place of great concernment and one of the most considerable Vpland Garrisons which the King then held in the whole Kingdome I shall therefore give the Reader a most true though breif narration thereof extracted out of the Letters writen from the Committees of Shrewsbury to the Speaker of the House of Commons with the List of the prisoners and prizes taken therein which was as followeth Right honourable Sir IT hath pleased God miraculously to deliver the strong Town of Shrewsbury into our hands with all the Commanders Officers and Souldiers therein a List of the cheif of whom wee have sent inclosed to you The manner of taking of it was breifly thus Upon the 22 of this Moneth of February wee drew out of our Garrisons of Wem Moreton and Stoke 250 horse and the like number of foot Sir William Brereton having sent us 250 foot and 350 horse which party by our Order was commanded by Leivtenant Colonell Rincking who in the Marshalling and managing of this designe deserves much honour and Captain Willyâ—r together with Mr. Huson a Minister who also most valiantly and bravely led on the firelockes with 50 Troopers dismounted under the Command of Leivtenant Bendebne who led on their men with great courage and undaunted resolutions after whom also followed 350 foot more which by Severn side stormed the Town neer unto the Castle-wall and marched unto the Market-house and there surprized the Main-guard and then sent a party to secure the Castle-forehead-Gate which was effected without much difficulty and after a quarter of an houre the draw-bridge was let down and the gate opened where valiant Colonell Mitton Colonell Bowyer and all the
mercies of this Moneth let thy soule bee still and ever ravished and rapt up with wonder and admiration at the infinite and unfathomed depth of this Gods free love and blessed bounty to his poore despised Church and Children With which according to his faithfull promise hee still abides and so will continue even to the end of the world to sustain and support it maugre all the malicious machinations of Sathan and all his malignant Agents And therefore let us with Christian courage and boldnesse exult in the rock of our Salvation and with the undaunted Spirit and goldly resolution of renowned Luther sing and say as wee have most just cause The Lord of Hosts is with us the God of Jacob is our refuge But now to proceed AND heer wee shall again begin the comfortable contemplation of the next ensuing Moneth of Marches works of wonder to the high honour of our wonder-working God with that famous bâ—sinesse of the most admirable and rare recovery of the Town of Weymouth in the West which was thus related About the beginning of this Moneth of March 1644. wee first received intelligence by Letters from that faithfull and most valiant and vigilant Sea-Commander Captain Batten Vice-Admirall of the Parliaments Navy by Sea That hee had then lately releived Melcombe-Regis which after the trecherous losse of Weymouth the February before still held out against the Enemy by Gods speciall and mighty assistance and blessing on the famous faithfull and indefatigable endevours of renowned Colonell Sydenham notwithstanding I say that poore Weymouth had been trecherously betrayed by many of its own malignant Inhabitants into the Enemies hands That in this great straight I say and exigent of time and danger renowned Captain Batten being by divine providence come thither with his ships releived them with such provisions as at that time they most wanted and that therewith hee had landed there an 100 of his stout Sea-men and that the Enemy might make the lesse use of the Town of Weymouth Colonell Sydenham was necessitated to fire the ships which the Enemy had on Weymouth side which having the benefit of a faire winde fit for his designe hee afterward performed accordingly and not onely burnt divers ships but part of the Town of Weymouth also which in that exigent could not bee avoyded Now renowned Colonell Sydenham with his brave Souldiers and resolute Sea-men all this while maintained Melcombe with admirable gallantry and courage and at length they most undauntedly re-gained the Chappell-fort of Weymouth and therein 60 of the Enemies taken prisoners And in this furious skirmish of thus re-gaining Chappell-fort wee took besides those in the Fort one Leivtenant Colonell one Major 3 Captains 3 Leivtenants and a 100 common Souldiers with store of provisions which the Enemy had newly got together and all this with the losse of but one man of ours a remarkable mercy of the Lord unto us which did so inrage the Enemy that Goring would needs bee revenged and vowed to assault us all at once as after this hee fruitlesly endevoured wherof more anon in its due place This certain intelligence was at that time farther confirmed by 2 severall Letters of Sir Lewis Dives which had been intercepted by the Garrison of Lyme the one of them to Sir John Barkley Governour of Exeter the other to the Governor of Bristol In which Letters hee signified the taking of the said Chappell-fort by Colonell Sydenhams forces and therefore desired Sir Richard Greenvill that Skellum and base apostate to come away speedily with his promised 1500 horse and that the said Governours would hasten away the 500 foot they promised to Colonell Goring and himself for else sayes hee in his said Letters The Crown of England is in danger to bee lost if Weymouth should bee re-gained by the Parliaments Forces Now Goring in this interim being extremely vext at the losse of the Chappel-fort and considering that it was a very great prejudice to his other intended proceedings hee therefore resolved to fall again upon that Fort and that they might as they conceived the more effectually doe it it was concluded by a Councill of Warre to fall both upon that Fort and on the Town of Melcomb also at once and in severall places and this to bee done as most works of darknesse are in the midst of the night But it pleased the Lord so graciously to order it that the very same Evening that this storm was intended one of our Souldiers who had been taken prisoner by the Enemy made an escape and came into Melcombe and gave the Governour notice of the Enemies resolution and that they would fall upon them that night so that by this means our men prepared themselves to stand stoutly upon their guard and the Enemy came accordingly and assaulted the line about Melcomb in 5 or 6 severall places together and the Chappel for t also at the same time and did it with great violence and resolution but were most bravely resisted by our men till such time as the treacherous Townesmen within let in many of the Enemies forces through their back-doores and so the Enemy came on their backs and made them somewhat to retreat In which retreat the Enemy being much strengthened by the assistance of the Town-Malignants valiant Major Francis Sydenham was slain a great losse unto us But undaunted Colonell Sydenham observing this great strait and brave Captain Batten also who in this businesse deserved great honour and commendation together with his valiant Sea-men also who most willingly came on shore to hazzard their lives in this service and fought most undauntedly and for the samâ— merited much praise and reward too they both did mightily encourage their men both with their words and examples too not to shrink but to follow on close upon the Enemy and so led them up again into the very face of the Enemy and inforced the Enemy to a swift retreat back again into Weymouth with the losse of at least 250 of their men who were slain and drowned in the River Now the Enemy being thus retreated our brave-spirited Souldiers stood still upon their guard with expectation that the Enemy would have come on again but they did not for the next morning about 10 of the clock the Enemy as appeared stricken with some panick fear were all sneakt away out of Weymouth also and secretly and suddenly had marched away both horse and foot in great haste guarding their Rear with their Horse leaving their own Colours behinde them in their Fort with all the Ordnance they took from us and 2 peices more and some barrells of powder with a great overplus of Armes and Ammunition Victuall and other good booty which had been brought thither by the Enemy and indeed they took nothing away with them but only some plunder of the Town And thus after a very tedious siege and much hard service for 18 dayes and
successefull volley of shot and with such valour and gallantry that at the very first encounter and giving of fire hee put them to the rout and swift retreat killed in the pursuite Colonell Owen a Knight and about an 100 Officers and Common Souldiers took divers prisoners and Armes and 5 Colours forced the Enemy back again in great confusion over the River in which passage many were drowned and in which service wee lost onely 6 men that were slain and among them Major Jackson a valiant man and brave Commander About the 16 instant came Letters from ever to bee honoured Sir William Waller giving an account of a notable defeat given by his forces to the Winchesterian Cavaliers the manner thus Colonell Ogle Governour of Winchester for the King sent out a party to beat up Sir Williams quarters thinking to take them at unawares But contrary to their expectation they were most gallantly received by our men and Colonell Philips the Commander in chief of the Enemies party was slain in the skirmish togewith Leivtenant Colonell Gardiner and divers others taken prisoners and the rest sent back again by weeping-crosse with a flea in their eares And about the 18 of this instant March wee received farther intelligence by other Letters from Colonell Cook and renowned Sir William Waller of a very great and famous Victory obtained by the said Sir William and valiant and virtuous Leivtenant Generall Cromwell at the Devizes in Wilts against Colonell Sir James Long high Sheriffe of Wiles and his whole Regiment being the same horse which conveyed or conducted the Prince from Oxford to Bristol which said Letter making a full and exact relation thereof I have here for the Readers better content and satisfaction thought fit to insert verbatim as it was Printed and published by authority which was as followeth Noble Sir SInce Colonell Long was returned from conveying the Prince with the Bishop of Armagh and divers of the Oxford Nobility to Bristol wee had intelligence that hee was comming towards the Devizes having a gallant Regiment of Horse consisting of about 400 men hereupon Sir William Waller endevoured to get betwixt him and the Town but having a long march hee got to the Devizes before Sir William approached and was quartered there with Colonell Sir Charles Lloyd the Governour thereof for about two dayes by which time Sir William Waller made his approach On Munday the 10 of this present March hee quartered with his whole Army at Almesbury Normanton Lake Dearne and Derrington and a very strong party was commanded forth out of which were drawn divers Scouts which were sent towards the Devizes Stepstone and other parts to discover the Enemy and what strength they were of some whereof returned in the evening with intelligence that Colonell Long was in the Devizes with a Posse Comitatus or the County Forces for this Long is the Kings high Sheriffe of the County of Wilts son to Sir Walter Long who lately deceased who being in drink fell from his horse neer Chichâ—ster and broke his neck and his son hath been a very active man against the Parliament ever since hee hath begged his Wardship which put him to much travell and paines for which hee almost spurred the horse to death that had broke his Fathers neck for hee had vowed before hee came off his back to get his Wardship This intelligence caused Sir William to advance towards the Devizes that night having also advertisement that the Enemies works about the Town were very slight and when his Army were on their march about a mile from Almsbury hee drew them up into a Body and foure out of every Troop to goe on the Forlorn Hope On Tuesday morning very early our Forlorn Hope gave the Enemy an Alarm the whole Army marching all night upon which all Colonell Longs Regiment which were quartered in and neer the Devizes drew into a Body and newes being brought thereof to Sir William hee made some stay and at the first seemed rather to prepare for defence then to give an assault and divides his Horse into three Brigades the first commanded by himself quartered near Poâ—â—rn Woodington and the Devizes the next Brigade was commanded by Leivtenant Generall Cromwell and the third by Sir Hadzer Waller a kinsman of Sir Williams which Brigade joyned together and wheeled about and fetcht a large compasse that they might not bee discovered by the Enemy and fell in between them and the Bath On Wednesday morning Sir William Waller drew up his Forces to fall upon the Enemy and they having discovered that Sir William had a purpose to give them a visit Colonell Long with the Horse left the Devizes and retreated towards Bath not having notice of Generall Cromwels readinesse on that side to receive them and Sir Charles Lloyd the Governour of the Devizes with most of the Foot slighted their Works and retreated into the Castle thinking that they were not able to defend the Town Sir William hearing that Colonell Long was marching away hee pursued him very close in the Rear and when the Enemy were a little past Milchin thinking by the swiftnesse of their March to make their escape away Colonel Cromwell appeared in the Van betwixt him and Bradford which hee having notice of Colonell Long would have returned back again but could make no way of escape the passes being narrow and the Countrey so fortified with quick-set hedges that hee was as it were in a pound We took from the Enemy the 400 Horse and 300 Prisoners we took Colonell Long himself the Kings high Sheriffe their Commander in cheif Captain Web and 7 Captains more the Under-Sheriffe 7 Cornets with many other Officers Wee took also 340 Armes and of this whole Regiment which was the best as wee understand the King hath there escaped but 30. wee lost but two men on our side and but 4 of the Enemy were killed Colonell Ludlow is now thanks bee to God sole high Sheriffe of this County his competitor being now taken prisoner is in custodia Mariscallorum with the greatest part of his Commanders and Officers and his whole Regiment utterly extirpated Colonell Ludlowes approach hither is now most earnestly desired to joyn with us in regard this County in which wee hope there will bee found but little opposition though wee have been lately heavy laden with infinite numbers of barbarous villains To God bee the praise who hath so graciously looked upon our sufferings The Garrison of Long ford hearing oâ— so many losses to the Kings Army in severall places one upon the neck of another are in great distraction and almost hopelesse of subsisting having not above sixteen Horse and they are very poore judes to fetch in provisions of which it is conceived they begin to bee straitned and for their men they are most of them forced of which wee hope there will shortly bee given a very good account Wee hear Colonell Goring doth still retreat before us it is
virtuously and piously that they may prove 2 glorious and illustrious Starres not only in the firmameut of these 3 Kingdomes but even of all Christendome And about the 26 instant wee received Letters out of Gloucestershire which certified that a party of Colonell Massies horse had routed a party of the Cavaliers which were sent from Bristol by Sir Ralph Hopton toward Prince Maurice and in the skirmish had taken Colonell Roberts a great Malignant of Herefordshire besides 7 Officers and 40 common Souldiers prisoners And much about the latter end of this Moneth of March the House of Commons in Parliament took into their consideration some of their well-deserving Souldiers and their great arrears and among these cheifly that brave unspotted and ever to bee honored Commander in Armes Major Generall Skippon and thereupon ordered that his Arreares should by audit bee given in and in the mean time because hee had been long without pay they ordered that 500 pound should bee presently paid unto him in part of his Arreares And about the same time an Order past the House worthy to bee recorded to their praise and honour it being full of piety and Christian charity Viz. That out of the Monies given for Composition by some able Delinquents there should bee a 1000 pound paid to poore men that had lost their horses Waggons and Carts the Summer before in the service of the Parliament and that 500 pound more should bee paid to poore Widdows whose husbands had been slain in the service of the State And now good Reader stay heer a little and take a short revise and serious advice on this Moneths mercies and marveilous passages of divine providence and preservation of this his Parliamentary Burning Bush not Consumed although environed with most violent and vehement furious flames of Malignant wrath and rage against it as hath been most evident in all the particulars forementioned both In that most famous defeat given to the proud insulting Enemies Goring and Dives at Weymouth and Melcomb-Regis Together with the seasonable seizing on the 2 ships which by providence were put into the possession of the Parliaments friends there In the seizing upon a whole Troope of Horse being the Kings Life-guard And the brave defeat given to Prince Maurices forces at Holt-Bridge Together with a fine defeat given to Colonell Ogles forces at Winchester In that brave Victory obtained by Sir William Waller and Generall Cromwell over Colonell Long and his forces at the Devizes Together with the brave activity of our Abbington Garrison about Oxford In the most happy harmony and sweet concurrence of the House of Peers in Parliament with the House of Commons about the List of Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Colonels and Commanders and their pious care for the well-ordering of his New-Modelled Army as well with Spirituall as Martiall Discipline And finally In the Parliaments godly care for the royall and religious education of the Kings 2 young children at White-Hall Colonell Massies defeat given to the Enemy at or neer Bristol And the Parliaments most worthy respect and regard to the fidelity and good service of such as had been active and serviceable to the Common-wealth to comfort and incourage them therein Upon gracious and gratefull sight and serious consideration of all which precious premises who mee thinks can forbeare justly and ingenuously to confesse and acknowledge with holy David Thou O Lord hast made us rejoyce through thy works and wee will triumph in the operations of thy hands O Lord how great and gracious are all thy doings towards us and thy thoughts of Love and goodnesse exceeding deep But now to goe on ANd heer I shall begin this Moneth of Aprill with a most holy and happy Aprill-shewre likely by Gods blessing and gracious breathing on it to prove most frugiferous in the happy production of many fragrant flowers the ensuing Spring and succeeding Summer and to make way for a copious crop of blessings and happy Harvest to the glory of our ever-living and all-good-giving God and to the unspeakable comfort of his poore despised Church and Children and this it was About the 4 of this present Aprill a conference was held by the Lords with the House of Commons which was managed by the Lord Say at which was offered by the House of Peers to the House of Commons 1. That the Commissioners of the Great Seal might bee continued 2. They desired that a proportionable number of Lords being appointed to joyne with the Members of Both Houses of Parliament might bee equally employed in the great affairs of the Kingdome And as a farther demonstration of the earnest desire their Lordships had of the continuance of a happy union and correspondency of spirits and affections between Both Houses a Declaration of the Lords in Parliament was read wherein they declared That they would ever bee carefull to maintain the priviledges of the Commons as their own and should bee ready to concurre with them in all things for the good and safety of the Kingdom whatsoever some malicious and ill-affected persons endevouring thereby to divide between them might report to the contrary which 〈◊〉 they left with the House of Commons to remain upon Record 〈◊〉 testimony of their reall intentions to Posterity This passage together with a former of this kinde on the part of the House of Commons declaring their sincere resolutions to maintain the priviledges of the House of Peers and which their said Declaration being first read was also left with the Lords to bee Recorded by them also to all Posterity I thought fit to relate thus exactly because I considered and took notice of them both as soveraign healings of former jealousies betweene Both Houses and these their happy concurrencies as a speciall blessing from Heaven and as one of the greatest tokens of Gods love and favour to this Kingdome and most conducing to the peace thereof and to the salving and curing of the bloody oppressive distractions wherewith all things therein have been infested and almost broken in peices especially also considering that it has been all along the great and main plot of the Enemies of the Peace and Parliament of this Kingdome to breed and feed jealousies in the Houses Whereas now such happy correspondencies will bee their greatest discouragements and by this harmonious concord the expedition of our Southern Army now bravely set on foot and gone forth under renowned Sir Thomas Fairfax was most happily hastened on the sweet and blessed effects wherof you will now every day heare of more and more to the glory of God and comfort of the Kingdom as in their proper places I shall now by Gods assistance have occasion to make clear unto you About the 6 of this instant Aprill the House of Commons in Parliament received Letters from renowned active and loyall Generall Brown from Abbington concerning some late exploits performed by the forces under his Command the substance whereof was as followeth Viz. That
Worcestershire which Letter comming to my hands I have heer for the Readers better content and satisfaction inserted which was as followeth SIR I Sent you by an expresse which was carryed into Banbury the relation of a great Victory which God in mercy gave unto us against Prince Maurice his Horse And of my apprehension of a very happy opportunity for the reducing of that County to the obedience of the Parliament were some wants of ours supplyed All the Enemies horse in Worcestershire particularly Prince Maurice his Regiment Sir John Knotsfords Regiment with the County Troop commanded by Captain Wilde the Reformado Troop commanded by Captain Pitchard and the Hartlebury Troop commanded by Captain Gunter being all between 5 or 600 Horse drew up and faced Warwick upon a hill about a mile distant from the Town Warwickeshire horse being a day before drawn away towards Gloucester the remaining forces heer belonging to Warwick as also those of our Horses remaining in Warwick were immediately commanded forth Viz. 20 horse that appertained to Colonell Bridges 2 Captains of our Committee viz. Captain Milward with his Troop and Captain Halford with so many Horse as could immediately bee got ready Also 2 Troopes consisting of about 80 Horse which came before from Newport Pagnell marching towards Gloucester So that in all wee drew out a party of about 150 Horse which Major Hawksworth commanded and 200 Foot commanded by Major Bridges It pleased God that after some houres skirmishing with them ours twice charging them through and through with admirable courage the Enemy giving ground and retreating till they came to a Lane and place of advantage that our Horse charged them again Captain Pitchard was shot and taken prisoner by our Captain Halford who expressed much courage and singled out Major Pilkinton and after they had each of them discharged their Pistâ—ls fell to it with their swords Captain Halford struck off his head-peice and perriwigge with the first blow and with the next gave him a wound on his head Captain Halford seeing Major Hawksworth dangerously engaged amongst the Enemies Horse made up to his releif with his Cornet Parsons and releived him only his Cornet was shot through his neck but the wound not mortall The issue of all was this the whole body of the Enemy utterly routed about 60 prisoners taken amongst which the great Philistine Pitchard Captain of the Reformadoes being shot in foure places was taken prisoner Also Captain George Action Captain Souch Cartwright Son to Sir Philip Cartwright late Governoâ—r of Jersey with other Officers and Gentlemen of quality Amongst others that were slain besides Major Pilkinton who commanded in cheif one of the Barâ—sleyes a Gentleman of a good family in our County and divers others not yet known Wee brought off at least 140 Horse taken from the Enemy and the whole body of them scattered all to peices by 8 miles 〈◊〉 This great body of the Enemy being all their Horse appertaining to them in our County was thus broken by the gallantry of our men In this action I give not any eminent or particular mark of bravery on any one all doing so exceeding well But the valour of Major Hawksworth was so much taken notice of by the Enemy that they termed him The Devill in Buffe Were wee able to follow the blow and so keep down their now dejected spirits Our friends here of whom you have heard much would doubtlesse bee more bold and appear in our behalf and of how great consequence that may bee I forbeare to expresse Guy Mouldsworth Leivtenant Colonell to the Princes own Regiment was taken and engaged his honour to bee a true prisoner Wee understand by the Trumpeter this day that hee intends to come and resigne up himself to us This Captain Pitchard is a pernicious villain who the day before hee was taken pulled down the house of one Mr. Hunt a Member of our Committee I pray you bee a petitioner to the Parliament that hee may not bee exchanged without us hee being our prisoner as also that wee may bee permitted to secure our prisoners in Warwick castle which hitherto hath not been granted us which besides the hazzard hath occasioned great expence wee being necessitated to hire Keepers to look to them I have omitted one thing which is the wonder of the mercy that in all this service which lasted many houres wee lost not one man only our Cornet Parsons wounded The enemy had plundered the Country of 200 beasts and had robbed some Carriers of their Cloath all which wee rescued and restored Wee have had 2 Trumpeters from Worcester to know what prisoners wee have their Letters ask not after any particulars but wee know they misse many There are hitherto of all the Enemies Horse not above 50 returned to Worcester which dropt in by two or three at a time and being rid so exceeding hard it is beleived are made unserviceable Your affectionate Servant N. L. About the 22 of this instant Aprill wee received certain intelligence by Letters from about Oxford both from renowned Leivtenant Generall Cromwell from valiant and active Major Generall Brown and others of credit and repute in their Armies of divers memorable victories and brave defeats given to the Enemy at the then siege of Oxford by ever to bee honoured Sir Thomas Fairfax Generall of the Parliaments Armies over the whole Kingdom and now thus farre advanced into the field and set down before Oxford which victories being all exactly set forth in their Letters to the Parliament and to severall friends in London I shall heer for the Readers better content and satisfaction set down the most materiall things extracted and faithfully collected out of their severall Letters which were as followeth Upon the 23 of this instant Aprill there were quartered between 2 and 3000 horse about Oxford to stop the Kings Artillery and Carriages from passing out which were ready in Oxford with a Convoy to march as intelligence was given toward Rupert And Leivtenant Generall Cromwell having intelligence that they intended to passe through Shotover-Wood hee drew toward Woodstock and so thereabout toward Islip to bee ready to attend their motion in case they came that way At last hee had intelligence that about 100 horse and foot were marching toward him wherupon some of our men shewed themselves in a small party which drew the Enemy neer and Command was given by Leivtenant Generall Cromwell that all our Forces should bee in a readinesse and upon their watch all the night for fear of the Enemy which was carefully done the Leivtenant Generall himself being in his own person to encourage them all the while with them for there came intelligence that the Enemy intended to watch an opportunity to take our Forces at an advantage and so to set suddenly upon them of which our security they much presumed but found our men too vigilant for them For ere ours were looked for by the Enemy Leivtenant Generall
and sorrowfull accidents lately falne out in the Kingdome to the great greit of the best Members thereof laying down also in their prudent and provident thoughts some most probable grounds and causes of all those sad and sorrowfull losses which had notwithstanding all our undeniable precious mercies fore-mentioned befalne the Parliamentary Cause a true representation therefore still of the Burning-Bush Vnconsumed and humbly therfore tendring the conceived remedies thereof and the likely prevention of more by Gods gracious assistance if seriously and seasonably seen unto Which Petition for the excellency thereof and for the Readers better content and satisfaction together with the Parliaments most fair and favourable answer thereunto I have thought fit heer to insert which was as followeth To the Right honourable the Knights Citizens and Burgesses of the Commons House of Parliament The humble Petition of the Lord Major Aldermen and Commons of the City of London in Common Councell Assembled Sheweth THat the Inhabitants of this City and parts adjacent are generally most deeply sensible of these pressing miseries under which they and the whole Kingdom now groan And that imminent ruine which is comming upon both through the releiving of Chester the unexpressible losse of Leicester the barbarous cruelty executed there the danger of the rest of our Garrisons and well-affected thereabouts and the increasing and prevailing of the Enemy by Sea and Land like a mighty Torrent That among other causes which have had a deep influence upon this most sad posture of our condition the said Inhabitants apprehend that the not compleating of Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Army according to an Ordinance of Parliament in that behalf the want of such a Committee in that Army as may give our Commanders in cheif power and encouragement to improve all present advantages without attending Commands and Directions from remote Councels The calling back of Leivtenant Generall Cromwell and Major Generall Brown when they were pursuing the Enemy The not advancing of our Brethren of Scotland into these Southern parts The great decay of Trade and discouragements of Merchants for want of a constant convey His Majesties publishing his sense of the proceedings at the late Treaty and the Parliament not publishing their sense thereof And their resolutions against free trade by Sea to such Ports as are or shall bee in the power of the Enemy have been the cheif That great numbers of those Inhabitants have lately expressed their earnest desires by Petition and otherwise to the representative body of the City in Common Councell Assembled That this their deep sense and apprehensions might bee forthwith made known to both Houses of Parliament Their humble suit that the remedies may bee speedily considered of and effectually executed and their resolutions according to all former expressions that they will not think their lives nor any thing they possesse too dear to hazzard for your encouragement and preservation Thereupon the Petitioners for prevention of further miseries inconveniencies and the utter ruine of the Parliament of this City and Kingdome make it their humble request to this Honourable House That care may bee taken for the speedy recruiting of Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army and for his encouragement That such a Committee may bee sent with that Army as may give our Commanders in cheif of whose faithfulnesse the Kingdom hath had so large testimony power and encouragement to improve all present advantages aforesaid That the said Army or such part thereof as in your wisdome shall seem meet may bee ordered forthwith to march towards our enemies in the field as well for the regaining of Leicester if it bee possible before it bee made impregnable by fortifications as also for prevention of the Enemies further surprizing of other places of strength and destroying the rest who have appeared in defence of the Parliament and for preservation of the Kingdom That our Brethren of Scotland may bee more earnestly prest to march Southward That Leivtenant Generall Cromwell may presently have power to raise and command the Association untill such other course bee taken as may tend to the safety of those Counties and of this City and Kingdome That the Navy may bee so ordered as may encourage Merchants and advance Trade by having constant convoyes That the proceedings of the late Treaty may bee forthwith published by the Parliament and their resolution against free Trade as aforesaid And the Petitioners as in duty shall pray c. Vera Copia H. Elsynge Cler. Parl. D. Com. Die Mercurii Junii 4. 1645. Resolved c. THat the Answer to the Petitioners shall bee That the House will take the particulars of the Petition into serious consideration And doe return them Thanks for their good affections And as to their desire of leave to present the like to the House of Peeres this House leaves it to themselves and to their own discretion H. Elsynge Cler. Parl. D. Com. About the 8 of this instant June wee had credible information by Letters out of Cheshire that a party of the Enemies forces about Chester were sent out by Byron the Governour of Chester some few miles a forraging into the Country thereabout and especially to Broxton hundred with imperious Warrants to fetch in Contribution-money where they plundered all they could finde worth carrying with them and took divers of our men prisoners Wherof Leivtenant Colonell Venables hearing hee made use of this opportunity and marched forth with a party from Tarvin and having got between the Enemies and the Town hee charged them with such courage and resolution that hee totally routed the whole party and took from them 180 prisoners whereof about 20 were Captains Leivtenants and other Officers in Armes and some of a degree above Captains hee also took in this service 50 horse and about 200 Armes besides divers slain in the conflict and having thus releived his captive and plundred friends and suppressed the Enemies hee returned with honour and triumph to his quarters And about the 10 instant wee received certain intelligence of a brave peice of service performed by valiant active and loyall Colonell Rossiter and Colonell Gray against a party of the Newarkâ—rs who marched under the Command of Colonell Willâ— his own Major who marched all night and at 6 of the clock in the morning appeared in a full body and came before Houghaâ—-House which the Enemy having thus now beset wondered to see not any of our men awake in the whole Garrison to make any resistance for a while they did forbeare to assault the place fearing ours might have prepared some stratagâ—m within but some new intelligence administring other counsels and putting by that fear they almost at once forced the bridge and entred the House where they found them all fast asleep not dreading or dreaming of the approach of any Enemy Being now entred they used them not whom they found within as our King Richard of old used a Souldier of his whom hee killed because hee found him
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
the Parlour Then all the other Members of the House of Commons in order So for the middle Table and the like for the left hand Table going up towards the Lord Majors Table In the Parlour All the Assembly of Divines in order In the upper Roome over that sate The Recorder of London at the upper end The Aldermen on the left hand The Common-councell and divers Gentlemen of quality on the right After these the Lord Majors Officers that attended and divers others sate down in the same roome where the Aldermen and the rest dined The Trumpets continued sounding all the time of the Feast After Dinner and Thanks given by Mr. Marshall both Houses of Parliament the Assembly of Divines the Aldermen of the City and all the rest being assembled in the Hall they sang the 46 Psalm and after that departed And Friday June the 27 then next ensuing was ordered by the Parliament to bee set apart for a publick day of Thanksgiving for this Victory in all the Churches and Chappels in the severall Counties of the Kingdom under the power of the Parliament The House also ordered that Letters of thanks should bee writen and expedited to the renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax his Field-Officers for their extraordinary valour fidelity and judgement in this famous service against the Enemy And they likewise ordered that 2 worthy Members of the House of Commons should bestow at least 500 pound upon a jewell to bee presented to Sir Thomas Fairfax as an earnest of their love and affection to him And as for the Gentleman that brought this happy news to the Parliament from Sir Thomas in farther testimony of their great affection to their foresaid renowned Generall the Parliament most prudently ordered that an 100 pound should bee bestowed upon the first messenger 40 pound upon the second and for the other messengers that came from Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Secretary they also were all well gratified for their paines The House also about that time fell into a particular debate of the gallant great and faithfull service of that heroick and most valiant Commander Leivtenant Generall Cromwell and of the former desires of the Officers of the Horse under the Command of the Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax to have him Command them as their Leivtenant Generall and considering the great necessity of continuing him in that imployment notwithstanding the Self-denying Ordinance after a long and serious debate of this businesse they ordered that Leivtenant Generall Cromwell should continue Leivtenant Generall of the Horse under the Command of Sir Thomas Fairfax during the pleasure of Both Houses and that hee should receive pay as Leivtenant Generall from the time of the establishment of Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army and they sent to the Lords for their concurrence which was assented unto by them And upon the foresaid 19 of this instant June Both the Houses of Parliament and the prime Body of the City of London keeping the day of Solemn Thanksgiving as hath been forementioned It pleased the Lord as a farther addition to our former great Cause of Thankefulnesse and as an exact completing of our present just joy that day that that very day in the morning before the Sermons began the most welcome newes of the happy regaining of the Town of Leicester by ever to bee renowned Sir Thomas Fairfax was brought to London the particulars whereof I have heer thought fit to insert for the Readers better content and clearer satisfaction as they were related in a Letter from an eminent person there in the Army which was as followeth Honoured Sir Upon the routing of the Kings Army at Naseby as aforesaid Sir John Gell gathered together all the forces of Darbishire Nottinghamshire and the adjacent parts that possibly hee could and on Munday the 16 instant they met with â—ome of the Kings horse and took 200 of them and another party met with some of the Newarkers and fell upon them routed them took 60 horse 42 prisoners and 80 Armes On the said Munday June the 16. Sir Thomas Fairfax lay before Leicester and sent in a Summons to the Town to require the Governour to surrender it to him for the use of the Parliament and putting it to them to consider how the King was routed and shewing them what use they might make of that Clemency with divers other very gallant expressions to the summons to advertise them how much better it was for them to surrender than to force him to take it by storming To this summons the Enemy sent a negative Answer positively this that they would not surrender it whereupon Sir Thomas Fairfax called a Councell of Warre to consult about the storming of it which was soon concluded on that they should prepare all things in readinesse to round it the next day which was done with all expedition not losing any time So they sell presently to raising of Batteries and doing all things that were necessary for the storming thereof according as they had appointed and continued providing every thing that was requisite for the dâ—ing thereof to bee in a readinesse to batter it the next day and sent into the Country thereabouts for such helps as were necessary for the work which went on with great speed both night and day so desirous wee are to have a speedy end of the work that there may bee an end of these Warres if possible On Tuesday the 17 of June wee drew down our Ordnance and played with our peices against the Town wee stormed it playing with our Ordnance very hot on the Newark side which wee conceived was their greatest strength And in short time wee made a breach in their works which struck such a terrour into the hearts of the Enemy that the Governour sent to us to desire a Parley and offered to surrender upon very faire termes as upon capitulation should bee agreed upon To this request Sir Thomas Fairfax being willing to save the spilling of innocent blood as much as may bee hee assented and promised speedily to send in Commissioners for the Treaty and called a Councell of Warre and it was agreed that Colonell Pickering and Colonell Rainsborough should go into Leicester to treat with the Governour about the surrendring the said Garrison to Sir Thomas Fairfax And accordingly a safe conduct was desired for them which being sent they went to Capitulate with the Governour about the surrender thereof In the mean time Sir Thomas Fairfax was not idle nor did hee lose any time but went on providing and furnishing himselfe with Pittars Carts Hay Granadoes Ladders and all other things necessary for storming resolving to fall on at their return in case that they should not agree not knowing how things might fall out during which time there was both great pains and care taken by all in their places for the going on in the said work In the mean time wee had intelligence that the King was on Munday the 16 of June at
Sheffield that hee came from Ashby de la zonch thither with about 2000 horse or more the day before viz. Sunday night and marched that morning viz. Munday morning to a Randevouz neer unto Dudley Castle wherewith the Litchfield and Dudley horse and others that came in to their Rendevouzes the King had then about 3000 horse as it was conjectured by the Country people which saw them But to leave him in this his most unhappy flying progresse occasioned by his own unholy miscarriages and unnaturall waged warre against God and his best Subjects and to come to our present businesse All the rest of that foresaid Munday June the 16. our Commissioners were in capitulation with the Enemy in Leicester and the Army went on preparing for a storm having received no answer all that night and looking for the return of our Commissioners the next morning and so very early resolving to fall on if they had not agreed with the Enemy But upon Wednesday June 18 about 2 of the clock the Commissioners viz. Colonell Rainsborough and Colonell Pickering returned with a full conclusion that the Town of Leicester was to be surrendred and delivered up to the King and Parliaments use upon fair and fitting Articles of agreement on both sides namely that Loughborough or Hastings that pestilent Rob-carryer should have quarter for his life and liberty to depart both hee and his Officers and Souldiers that would with a safe convoy for their persons c. But to leave all Armes Ammunition Ordnance great and small bagge and baggage behinde them in the Town save only what was agreed on for the Officers in the Articles With those Articles at large expressed our Commissioners being returned unto Sir Thomas Fairfax certifying farther how marveilous joyfull the poore Town of Leicester was at the hearing of the said agreement and that they should bee rid of the Cavalierian Roysters which accordingly was performed and on Wednesday morning about 10 of the clock Sir Thomas was permitted with all his forces to enter into Leicester and take possession thereof for the use of the King and Parliament Wherein was left 14 peices of Ordnance 30 Colours 2000 Armes 500 Horse 50 barrels of Gunpowder And all other their Armes and Ammunition and provisions in great plenty with all their bagge and baggage And thus you see the Lord doth wonderfully for us still yea above the reach of mans wisdom and truely wee cannot but much admire the goodnesse of Almighty God unto us in doing so great things for us we cannot ascribe it to any but to the hand of God alone who indeed is the Lord of Hosts the God of battails and the onely giver of all Victories to whom alone therefore bee all the honour and glory and praise Amen and Amen About the 20 of this instant June the prisoners which were taken by most renowned Sir Thomas Fairfax and famous and faithfull Major Generall Skippon at Naseby fight fore-mentioned being neer upon 5000 in number were conveyed from Northampton to London and being brought into London they all marched clean through the City with all the Colours Standards and Ensignes yea even the Kings and Queenes Royall Standards about 55 in number which were all carryed in triumph in the faces of the prisoners who were thus led along to Martins-Lane end in the Strand the cheif Officers and Commanders being separated from the Common Souldiers were conducted by severall guards to Peter-House in Aldersgatestreet the Common Souldiers were disposed of in the New Military Garden guarded by the Green and Yellow Regiments of the Trained Bands of the City of London where they had liberty to discourse and talk with their Malignant friends and where and when some of them most audaciously entered many dangerous speeches other some confest and complained they were prest men and enforced to take up Armes for the King The next day of their being there which was the Lords day for they came into London on the Saturday they had 2 eminently learned and pious Divines appointed to preach unto them and such was the piety and charity of our renowned Parliamentary Worthies that 200 pound was presently allotted to provide bread and beer for them which was distributed among them the same night of their comming to Town I appeal then to the very est and most malicious malignant that is whether the usage were not farre more Christian-like than that most base barbarous and inhumanely cruell usage of our forces in Atheisticall Cornwall though Articles and conditions to the contrary were consented to by the King himself who was there present where they poore soules were very many of them stript naked and enforced to march through water and mudde thick and thin yea and some to go in that naked condition without or bread or drink some 30. some 40. some almost 50 miles Besides this how many of ours have been imprisoned at Oxford Marleborough and other places who have been tyed and manacled their necks and heeles together and many of them starved to death yea even wilfully murthered in prison as I may justly say in not being allowed sustenance or Chirurgeons to heal their greivous wounds where is you see heer our Parliament piously and mercifully provided both sustenance and Chirurgeons for their prisoners bodies and soules too blessed bee the Lord for it Much also about the foresaid time wee had certain information that our loyall and loving brethren of Scotland were now advanced and arrived at Nottingham with 7000 foot and 4000 horse expecting command for their removall and promoving of some great design for the good of the Kingdome and for the carrying on of the hopefull re-establishment of a happy and holy peace among us and that in this their advance their horse in their march on the way met with some of the Kings stragling scattered and broken Troops fled from Naseby and took at least 60 horse and their Riders neer Skipton And much about the same time wee had certain intelligence by Letters out of Dorsetshire that Captain Butler having assured information that the Kings Garrison at Corff-Castle had store of Cattle and that they turned them out to grazing every day but fearing our forces they brought them into the Castle every night hee therefore drew forth out of Wareham a party of horse and foot in the night being assisted by Captain Jordon and Captain Lawrence and lay undiscovered all the night till morning and at break of day the Enemy in the Castle having turned out the Cattle and horse to grasse Captain Butler who commanded the horse drew neer the Castle and faced the Enemy whiles Captain Jordan and Captain Laurence drew up the foot entred the Town beat the Enemy to the Castle and bravely kept them play whiles the horse drove away their Cattle from under their very walls to the number of at least 140. and took about 20 good horse and brought them all off safely
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
vast body of Horse against him and had also Musketteirs in a hedge which did flank him and somewhat front him also yet this brave Major managed the charge with such gallantry that hee routed 2 of their divisions of about 400. received the charge of the third division both in front and flank but at last being over-powered by reason of their numbers increasing upon him hee bravely retyred to the Generalls Regiment which was not farre behinde him and Colonell Desborough with the Generalls Troops sheltered him by his flank and charged up himself with about 200 horse and dispersed and scattered the Enemy and gave freedome thereby for all our horse and foot to draw into bodies whereupon the enemy fell to plain running not being able to endure the charge The Generall Leivtenant Generall and some other Officers being on the hill at this charge commended it for as brave and resolute a peice of service as any they had seen performed since the beginning of these warres Our men having thus put the Enemy to flight pursued them within 4 miles of Bridgewater And in the flight the Enemy passing through their own Garrison of Langport most mischeivously and desperately fired the Town at the Bridge end to hinder our men in the pursuite but renowned Leivt Gen. Cromwell himself and his resolute Souldiers undauntedly resolved to passe through fire as renowned Massie had before through water as was fore-mentioned after them and so through the midst of Lang-port they passed although the fire was flaming very hot on both sides of them there being about 20 houses in all burnt down And heer mee thinks I cannot but take speciall notice of the faithfullnesse of our good God in all his holy and righteous promises which to his children as they are alwayes in Christ yea and Amen so at this time in a speciall and most peculiar manner that faithfull promise of his by the Prophet Isaiah was most exactly heer fulfilled to these his Saints and Christian Souldiers When thou possest through the waters I will bee with thee and through the rivers they shall not overflow thee When thou also passest through the fire thou shalt not bee burnt neither shall the flame kindle upon thee for I am the Lord thy God the holy one of Israel and thy Saviour O the most particular and exact performance of this good word of God heer now I say to these his faithfull ones Even to wonder and admiration And thus it pleased the Lord to give us a glorious day of it by this so famous a defeat and apparent Victory Let the glory thereof bee ascribed primarily to our good God as to the Authour and giver of all Victories And in the next place to his pious prudent and valiant instruments our renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax Leivtenant Generall Massie and Leivtenant Generall Cromwell and the rest of those valiant Commanders and Souldiers who were deeply ingaged therein A true and perfect List of the slain prisoners and prizes taken from the Enemy in this famous defeat Slain Gorings Quartermaster Generall of Horse Gorings Quartermaster Generall of Foot 60 Officers that were buried about Weston whereof some very eminent men 200 that were left dead upon the place whereof many Officers 100. or very nigh drowned Wounded Goring himself had a cut with a Sword over the eare Sir Thomas Aston and 3 or 4 Knights more wounded Taken Prisoners Leivtenant General Blothridge alias Bertridge Leivtenant Generall of the Ordnance Colon. Slingsby of Horse Colon. Hunningham of Horse Leivten Col. Standish of Horse Leivten Col. Gamble of Horse 3 Majors of Horse 4 Captains of Horse 11 Leivtenants of Horse 20 Cornets of Horse Colonels Leivtenant Colonels Majors Captains and Officers of Foot have not yet sent in their Lists save onely 3 of the Captaines of Horse 60 Inferiour Officers at least 1900 Prisoners Taken besides 35 Colours of Horse 21 Colours of Foot 2 Field peices 4000 and odde Armes 3 Cart-load of Ammunition 3 Cart-load of other purchase 2000 Horse taken and above Diverse Armes both of Horse and Foot daily found in the ditches which the enemy threw away when they fled The Camp Whâ—res fled away thâ—row the hedges 700 of those that are taken petition to serve the Parliament The losse on our part 2 Reformado Captains slain Major Bethells thumbe and fore-fingers shattered Colon. Butlers Captain Leivtenant slain Colonell Cook shot on the mouth slightly on his upper lip 4 or 5 of Bethels Troop slain and about 16 of his Troop wounded and very few more killed on our side The House of Commons Ordered upon the happy intelligence of this famous Victory that 200 pound should bee given to valiant Major Bethell for his speciall service in this brave fight And two good horses to bee given to valiant and virtuous Major Harrison who brought the news thereof And especially as was most boundenly fit our most renowned Worthies in Parliament Ordered and appointed that a solemn day of Thanksgiving should bee celebrated for the Lords exceeding great mercy and goodnesse unto us the Copy of which their Order I have heer thought fit to insert as it was printed and published by their authority which was as followeth Die Lunae 14 Julii 1645. ORdered by the Lords and Commons in Parliament Assembled that Tuesday being the 22 of this instant July shall bee set apart for a publike day of Thanksgiving to Almighty God in all Churches and Chappels through the whole Kingdom under the power of the Parliament for the great and glorious Victory obtained by the Parliaments forces under the command of Sir Thomas Fairfax on the Enemies forces in the West And that on the same day the Ministers doe likewise take notice of the great mercy of God in preserving the City of London during the sitting of this Parliament from the infection of the Plague and that this order bee printed and published Ordered by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament That the Committee of the severall Counties doe take care that the Order for a publick day of Thanksgiving on Tuesday sevennight bee dispersed to the severall Parishes in the respective Counties And that the Counties doe keep the same day And that the Members of this House that serve for the severall Counties doe send these Orders to the respective Committees accordingly And now all that I shall adde for the farther illustration of the just praise and glory of God touching this famous fight and glorious Victory shall bee onely these few serious and materiall Observations upon the same First that had not God made our Souldiers forget all their wearinesse and many other former and present difficulties and so hasted this famous work the Enemy had certainly been re-inforced with at least 5000 Welsh foot whereof 1500 were already come over Severn at that time Secondly Greenvile that vile Apostate and perfidious fugitive had undoubtedly brought down as many out of Cornwall with all
upon their legges with sticks in their hands They left 300 good Armes behinde them and good store of powder and Ammunition And upon the 30 of this instant July to make this Moneth a most compleatly victorious Moneth indeed it pleased the Lord to deliver up also into the Parliaments happy possession the strong Garrison of the Town of Bathe which was related in a Letter sent from thence by an eminent Commander and actour in the same which for the Readers better content and full satisfaction I have heer thought fit to insert and impart as it was Printed and published by authority which was as followeth SIR AS I gave you an account of the taking of Bridgewater so God multiplying his mercies upon us wee having taken in Bath also I shall breifly give you an account thereof only I cannot omit something yet behinde of Bridgewater for wee have found 6 peices of Ordnance which the Enemy had hid and there is left besides what was destroyed by the fire 44 barrels of Gunpowder and 4000 weight of Match On Saturday last Sir Thomas Fairfax marched out of Bridgewater Leivtenant Generall Cromwell hath been ill but God bee thanked hee mends that night wee marched to Marstock about nine miles on the way to Sherburn where wee quartered that night and Sunday night On the Lords day wee heard that Rupert had been himself in person the day before at Bath with Sir Thomas Bridges to encourage him to keep it against us promising him releif in case he should bee besieged On Munday the 28 of July 1645. the Generall marched to Sherborn about 14 miles from Marstock Major Generall Massie was left further West And the same day viz. Munday about 60 horse most Welsh came from Prince Rupert to strengthen Bath and other Officers with them to Govern the Town because that Prince Rupert had found when hee was there two dayes before that Sir Thomas Bridges was quite out of heart to keep it for the very name of Sir Thomas Fairfax strikes a terrour to the Enemy But when they were come into Bath the Town cryed out as one man all against the Welsh No Welsh no Welsh Neither did Sir Thomas Bridges take it well that hee should bee displaced and another put in which caused a great division in the Town that the Officers and Horse would not stay to dispute it yet neverthelesse some Welsh stayed in the Town which did much displease both the Governour Officers Townsmen yea and the Garrison Souldiers also On Tuesday the Generall sent two Regiments of horse and two Troops of Dragoons under the Command of Colonell Rich to view and give account of the condition of the Garrison of Bath then held by Sir Thomas Bridges for the King The Army removed to Wells Colonell Pickering is with a party before Sherborn a nest of most mischeivous vermine under whom the Countrey hath much suffered and by whom before wee came thither some of our own messengers have been taken and our Letters intercepted and the Countrey doe wholly complain against them for very great plunderers and barbarous neighbours Wee made on towards Bath having no foot at all with us onely the aforesaid 2 Regiments of horse and 2 Companies of Dragoones and about an houre before Sunset the South side was close beset the Dragoones lay about Holliwell and wee kept them on the South and on the West parts of the Town But the North part of the Town lay open for wee came not to block them up nor had wee Forces to doe it then present there The Enemy might have gone away on the North part of the Town in despight of all that wee could doe to hinder them but God did so infatuate them that they had not power as in our former victories so particularly in this taking of Bath the hand of God was much seen for us About Sunset wee gained Holliwell and placed our Dragoones within half Pistoll shot of the Gate on the Bridge at Bath where there was some skirmishing and the Dragoones behaved themselves very gallantly In the night the Enemy within took severall Allarms and were in great fear of us I conceive they knew not our strength only before had some intelligence of the advance of our Army On this present Wednesday morning the Enemy heard of a party from Malmsbury on the North side of them but they were not considerable but they were struck with such a fear that Sir Thomas Bridges sent a Messenger very early forth of Bath to us to desire a parley which wee wondred at so wee presently held a parley with them and by Sunrising had the Garrison of Bath delivered up to us upon very good Conditions 1. All both Officers and Souldiers to have quarter for their lives 2 That Sir Thomas Bridges and all the Officers bee permitted to march away to Bristoll without let or molestation 3 That Sir Thomas Bridges and all other Field Officers and Captaines have liberty to march away with Horse and Armes 4 That all Officers under the degree of Captains march away without Arms only staves in their hands to Bristoll 5 That Sir Thomas Bridges with all the Officers aforesaid doe immediately march out of the Garrison and surrender it to Colonell Rich for the service of the Parliament 6 That all the Ordnance Armes and Ammunition bee surrendred also 7 The common Souldiers to bee left all prisoners All which was done and wee were possest of the Garrison by break of the day And truely you may think it a strange thing for horse to take a Town and no foot within 15 miles of it but you may see how God infatuates men and possesseth them with a fear that deprives them of wisdome and courage Bath July 30. 1645. A List of what was taken in the Garrison of Bath by Colonell Rich on Wednesday July 30. 1645. Left in the Town according to the Articles aforesaid 200 prisoners which were 100 Garrison Souldiers 100 Welsh that came in but three houres before into Bath 200 Muskets an 100 Pikes 6 peices of Ordnance 10 barrels of Gunpounder 10 barrels of other Ammunition a great quantity of Match and Bullet Sir Thomas Bridges his Standard Colours in the Royall Fort 5 Colours besides good store of Victuall and other provisions some Pistols and Swords all Sir Thomas his bagge and baggage besides the Armes and provisions of the Townesmen Together with divers Halbert-Roundâ—eads and other weapons This Garrison was of great consequence for the straitning of the passage to Bristoll whereof more in its more proper place And that which makes this mercy much the sweeter and spiritually comfortable to us is that as that former famous mercy of Bridgewater was given in unto us even whiles wee were a praying for that mercy upon occasion of a speciall and extraordinary Fast Day So this likewise was unexpectedly cast into our laps even in the very time and on the day of our Solemn set Monethly Fast Day even as 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
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
the younger Sir Robert Spotswood pretended Secretary of State and Son to the late pretended Archbishop S. Andrews Sir John Hay sometimes Clarke Register Sir James Dowglas Sonne to the Earl of Morton Sir David Murray Sir John Byres Sir Nathaniel Gordon Sir Alexander Lesly Serjeant Major Generall Sir William Rollock William Murray Brother to the Earle of Tullibrand Col. William Stewart adjutant-Generall Col. James Hay O Cain Lieutenant-Colonell to the Irish The Serjeant Major to the Earl of Antrim and diâ—â—rs Gentlemen Prisoners of note killed LOdwick Lindsay Earl of Crawford Generall of the Horse The Baron of Innerleigh The Baron of Tough The Baron of Cambusnethen younger And Common Souldiers as was toucht before between 2 and 3000. In all which Fight our friends of the Scots lost not one Noble man or any Officer of note save onely Lieutenant Generall Middletons Father whom Montrosse before the Fight too murthered in his bed a grave old Gentleman that never tooke up Armes at all against him All Montrosses Carriages and Ammunition were taken all his Bagge and Baggage and above 4000 Armes And that Gods due glory may yet more illustriously appeare in this famous Fight and rare Victory I shall desire the Reader to take notice of these remarkable Observations on this Fight and Victory As First Montrosse having had so long a time after this last great Victory before Lesly came yet he had not gotten many thousands together Secondly That all this time not one Minister of Scotland complyed with the Enemy either to preach to them or to pray for them Thirdly That the Lord gave us this Victory in the space of an houre Fourthly That it was by an inconsiderable party not above five Regiments of Horse Fifthly That it was onely with the losse of fifteen Common Souldiers and two Captains on our side Sixthly That it was the very next day after our Fast or day of humiliation as a precious returne of our poore Prayers Seventhly and lastly that in the conclusion of the fight a paper-book was taken among our prizes in which were the names of all that either were come in or intended to come in unto Montrosse So as all the rotten members in the Kingdome of Scotland were thereby discovered in an houre and many of them cut off in a short time in this their overthrow Our Souldiers all cried out after the victorie Give all the glory to God and none to us This relation of this famous victorie though acted in and chiefly interested on the kingdome of Scotland yet having so much of God in it and no small influence on us of England also our Scottish-Brethrens wel-fare and ours being so mutually imbarked as it were in one and the same vessell I could not therefore pretermit it insilence but most justly make this honourable mention of it in this our Parliamentarie-Chronicle But now to proceed About the 18. of this instant September it pleaseth the Lord to shew himselfe wonderfully for us at the City or Towne of Chester in giving there unto renowned Sir William Breretons forces left under the Command of that valiant active and faithfull Colonell Iones and Adjutant Generall Louthane a most admirable victorie and such singular prosperous successe upon that City as gave us extraordinary hopes and probability of the timely totall reduction thereof to the obedience of the Praliament which having beene most exactly and faithfully certified and set forth by letters from thence I have here thought fit to give the Reader for his full content and satisfaction therein the Copie of one most authentick from a speciall Commander and actor therein which was as foloweth SIr It hath pleased the good hand of Gods providence and assistance to leade us on so prosperously and successefully in these parts of Cheshire that our Leaguer at Beeston-Castle hath continually kept the said Castle in great awe so kept in the enemie also at the City of Chester on Chester-side as that they could not at any time offend us but if they durst be so bold as to sally forth it hath still turned to their owne prejudice And now lately we heard for certaine that Byron their Governour went out of Chester on the welch side and we having much longed for noble Sir William Breretons comming down to command in chiefe among us which would no doubt ere this time have been an occasion of at least doubling our forces for the better and strong managing of our affaires heere But however we being unwilling to loose any advantage which we could possibly gaine or might be happily administred to us have at this time attempted a great designe yea such an one as you will iustly wonder at especially knowing the smallnes of our strength yet to God alone be all the praise and glory we are now both able to give a very good account of it for the present and we doubt not by Gods assistance we shall be able so to do for the future But noble Sir not to trouble you any farther with a tedious preamble time being precious with us at this time especially The busines was thus On Fryday last September 19 1645. We called a Councell of Warre in the Leaguer before Beeston Castle to consult about the marching to Chester to storme that Garrison and concluded that it should be done forthwith So we stole away from the Leaguer that night the Enemie within the Castle knowing nothing at all of the businesse and drew off about 1300. horse and foot from the Siege Collonel Iones commanded the horse and Adjutant Generall Louthany the foot and the next morning before the Enemie were awake we came upon them having marched all that night through the Moores passing over the River at Hupley and so on by the way of Wareton not so much as staying at Christleton to refresh our selves lest by our stay we should loose the opportunitie or be discovered We marched that night about eight miles and passed before breake of day between Christleton and Hunnington and so on to Boughton all which we carried on so privately that the Enemy had not so much as an alarme in the City We came before the City on the North east side thereof where we made no stop but presently fell to storming and by breake of day were got upon their Works and many of us got over in severall places before they heard any thing of us we tooke their workes betweene Cowland and Boughton quite to the walles of the City the enemy still flying before us we pursued them to the inner-worke which they shut up against us but we forced open the gates at the barres and still followed them driving them into the East gate which we had prevented them of had we not been stopped by the fastning of the gate which they did to gain opportunity to flye into the city we lost in all this not above 2. men killed many wounded the enemy carried away their dead all but one body many of
their Workes All this being done with the losse of one man onely on our side and we safely returned home the next day by 12 of the Clock Praised be God for it Your Honours humble Servant George Pain Abington Octob. 15. 1645. About the 18 of this instant came certaine intelligence by Letters to the Parliament of a notable defeat given by renowned active and faithfull Col. Rossiter to the Forces of Banbury conducting those two pernicious Princes Rupert and Maurice to Newarke to the King their Uncle being there the manner whereof was to this effect The two Princes aforesaid perfidiously pretending as afterward it most evidently appeared resolutions forsooth to depart the kingdome and desirous first to see and speak with their Uncle the King had a Convoy of Banbury Horse to guard them thither in all about sixe Troops and thus they marched toward the King to take their leave forsooth of him before they would crosse the Sea and be gone And thus I say they marched on all that first night but intelligence hereof came to valiant Colonell Rossiter being then at Grantham whereupon all in that Garrison being 300. and 400 more which lay at Stamford were drawn to Melton by the said renowned Colonell to meet with them by the way but upon intelligence againe from Burleigh that the report of the Princes coming was false our Horse were ordered to march back to Grantham in which interim the Princes passed on even almost to Eelvoyre without any opposition all the way But suddenly againe Colonell Rossiter now having most certaine information that the Princes were come a little beyond Belvoyre toward Newarke the Princes then determining and deeming themselves past danger they were sending back the Banbury Horse but as they passed by Burleigh Garrison they were set upon in their reare by valiant Captaine Allen with his Troop of Horse who then tooke some of them prisoners but himselfe in person being too farre ingaged was unfortunately shot and since dyed of the wound a great losse unto us he having been a most faithfull active and couragious Commander But Colonell Rossiter being then at Melton and now I say understanding for certaine that the Princes were got to Belvoyre being very unwilling their Forces should passe so freely from him without a martiall salutation made haste after them and ordered his march with such secrecy and celerity that he was wholly undiscovered untill he fell upon them in their passage from Belvoyre to Newarke where I say he overtooke them and set upon them who thereupon faced us twice or thrice as though they would have charged us but upon our so sudden on-set they ran for it but ours following close upon them had soone routed them where we paid them to purpose tooke at least 60 Gentlemen prisoners one Major three Captains 140 Horse Prince Maurice his Trumpeter with his Banner and Trumpet in which bickering we wounded and killed divers of them some of whom men of quality the Princes themselves were forced to ride a pace for it and so escaped our hands with about 100 Horse and got to Newarke but with what a pannick feare we may easily guesse About the 20 instant we had also certaine information by a Letter out of the West from renowned Lieutenant Generall Cromwell in the Parliament of the surrendring of Langford-House a strong Garrison of the Enemies neere Salisbury unto him for the King and Parliament which was no sooner summoned than the Summons condescended to by Sir Bartholomew Pell then Governour thereof and upon Articles of Agreement between Colonell Hewson and Major Kelsey in the name of Lieutenant Generall Cromwell and the said Sir Bartholomew Pell and Major Edmond Wedale Commanders in Chiefe in the said House it was surrendred This Garrison was the 21 Garrison or strong Hold that had been taken from the Enemy this Summer and Autumn-season a sore fall of the leaf to the Royalists enough to make them starve and die the ensuing Winter and all this done by the so contemned New-Modell-Armie under the Command of the most Noble and Renowned Generall precious Sir Thomas Fairfax besides those taken in other parts by other Commanders as Pâ—â—â—efract Scâ—â—rough and others in the North. Now let any yea all the old Souldiers in England nay I may dare to say in Christendome shew us the like done so many strong Castles Forts and Garrisons taken in any part of Europe in sixe yeares as have been thus taken in this Kingdome by our young despised Souldiers in lesse than five or sixe moneths O that we could and would therefore have evermore in our tongueâ— and hearts holy Davids Quid retribuâ—â—mus What shall we repay to the Lord for them O that we would especially faithfully pay our Vowe our most Solemne Covenant in reforming our lives and building the House of this our so glorious Wonder-working God the God and onely giver of all these so many so mighty yea so marvellous if not miraculous mercies Much also about the aforesaid time we were certified by Letters from Coventry that Sir William Vaughans Regiment coming from Newark to Litchfield and thence intending for Bridge-North was opportunely met with by a party from Tamworth who falling bravely upon them soone routed them slew divers of them on the place and tooke from them at least 100 Horse and Armes the rest escaped by flight And about the 22 of this instant October came certaine intelligence by Letters out of the Northern parts of the Kingdome of a most memorable and famous defeat given to the Enemy at Sâ—erburne in the North by the Parliaments forces in those parts which for the Readers better content and satisfaction and for the more full and faithfull Narration of the thing it selfe I have thought fit to give you that valiant and active Commander Colonell Copleyes owne Letter sent to the Honourable Commissioners for the Warre in Yorkshire this brave Colonell himselfe being under God a principall and most valiant actor and instrument of the Victory which was as followeth Honourable Gentlmen MY haste last night made my Relation then sent both short and unsatisfactory This I now present is for your further and full satisfaction touching our late fight with the Enemy at Sherburne Vpon intelligence of the Kings advance to Blythe with part of his Horse we appointed a Rendezvouze on Tuesday morning purposely to have slapt his advance by Doncaster but hearing that he had a Rendezvouze that morning at Worksope and thereby fearing his advance into Cheshire we kept our Quarters and the Guard at Doncaster as usually only that we might be in readinesse I also appointed a Rendezvouze of all our Horse at two of the Clock on Tuesday evening In which interim the Enemy had advanced beyond our expectation from Worksope thorow Doncaster by day light and beat up our Guard at Cusworth about sixe or seven of the clock and in Scawsby-Keyes they quartered and so marched strait to Ferribridge
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
by Letters out of Wales that valiant and Victorious Major Generall 〈◊〉 had taken in Abarashwait a strong Garrison of the Enemies in Cardiganshire and therein a Peeces of Ordnance 200. Armes and all their Ammunition Bag and Baggage So that now not only all 〈…〉 but the rest also of Major Generall Laughâ—â—â—s association i◠〈◊〉 of all the Enemies forces and Garrisons November the 5. being the 〈…〉 day of solemn thanksgiving or the annuall 〈◊〉 of Englands former wonderfull deliverance from that unparalleld next to this present Epidemicall 〈◊〉 of the 〈…〉 and Atheisticall Malignants against this Parliament and indeed I may say all Christendome where the 〈…〉 Religion was professed the Popish-Powder-Plot I say was with great and accustomed Solemnity observed and kept throughout London and Westminster And among other things Commâ—â—rated on this dayes Solemn Celebration the Ministers were desired by Order from the Parliament to returne humble and hearty thanks to God as for the speciall deliverance as upon that day from the Popish intended Powder-Plot a full and exact History whereof I my self have written and is extant in print So likewise for Gods wonderfull preservation over and 〈◊〉 of this present Parliament now 〈◊〉 5. yeares together complete notwithstanding the many most mischeivous Plots Diabolicall Practises and most Malignant Machinations of the Enemies to have 〈◊〉 and dissolved it Also 〈◊〉 like humble and hearty thanks and 〈◊〉 should be tended and aâ—cribed to the Lord for his most gracious and mercifull continuing this great and most populous City of London in so much health and welfare especially from the noysome Infection of the Plague of Pestilence especially also in such a time when very many parts of the Countries round about it were sorely visited and afflicted with it And the like solemn thanksgiving was ordered throughout all the Parliaments quarters a most pious and Commendable act in our most renowned Parliament arie-worthies and unquestionably well-pleasing to the Lord in Christ Jesus About the 6. of this instant we received certaine intelligence by Letters out of the Northern parts of the Kingdome concerning the farther active proceedings of that valiant and experienced Commander Major Generall Poyntz whose forces were now neere unto Wâ—rton a House belonging to the Lord Caworth before which they being approached and all things prepared for a storme they first summoned the Garrison and the Enemie thereupon soone condescended to Articles of Agreement for the surrender thereof viz to march out the next morning by 10. of the clock with Armes and Baggage and the workes to be slighted This House was indeed very strong but Shelford-Quarter frighted them sorely There were taken in this Worton-House 150. Armes 40. Pikes 3. Barrels of Powder a proportionable quantity of Match and Bullet 2. vessells of strong-beer and store of other provisions After this they clapt down before Wiverton-garrison which they finding to be a very strong place also the Generall upon treatâ—â— agreed that the Enemie should march away with bag and baggage to Banbury the Governour thereof Sir Robert Terrill was a knowne Papist And thus also this strong hould was surrendred into the Parliaments possession Lastly our forces came before Welbeck the Marquesse of Newcastles House another strong hold of the Enemies where after some agitation and articles agreed upon one whereof was that Tickbill Castle should be slighted and we in lieu thereof to have this strong-House slighted also it was at last surrendred and quitted by the Enemie who marched thence to Newarke leaving us to slight the House as was agreed on and the the Country thereby was brought into much safety and security from former continuall danger About the 8. of this instant November we had unquestionable information out of Wales of the remarkable Overture and change of things almost over that whole Dominion especially in the County of Glamorganshire how the active Gentry and inhabitants therof did most unanimously unit themselves into a firme confederation for the expulsion of their plundring Enemies the â—renous Royalists out of their Countrie and for putting themselves under the protection and power of the Parliament that so they might enjoy their houses and estates free from plunder and mine And that the Reader may see upon what firme and solid grounds these their undertakings were most discreetly and advisâ—dly layd I shall give you an ample fight and satisfaction in this their owne ensuing Declaration A Declaration of the Knights Gentlemen and Freeholders of the County of Glamorgan 25. Octob. 1645. WHereas it hath pleased Almighty God of his infinite goodnesse to blesse the weake endeavours of the wel-affected Gentry and Commons of this County to free themselves from those over-mastering powers and arbitrary pressures they grâ—â—â—d under whereof they have been desirous of a long time to be freed and now by the providence of God are in some measure restored to the Law and undoubted liberties belonging to the free-borne subjects of this Kingdome We have therefore thought our selves bound to testifie before all the world our most hearty and unfeined thankefulnesse unto Almighty God for so great a mercy extended toward us And also our most humble and hearty thankes unto that supreame wise councell of this Kingdome the Parliament for their unparalleld and unwearied care of the publique and their particular favours to this our Country in sending Captaine Robert Moulton Admirall of the Seas and other Gentlemen since to assist and countenance our endeavours against the violence of the enemie of the peace and quietnesse of the Kingdome And we doe all hereby declare that albeit being formerly over mastered by forces so farre that we were not able to appeare so readily as the duty we owed to his Majesty and the great Councel required of us Yet our affections ever sided and adheared to them our firm resolution is from hence forward to hazzard our lives for their preservation who have so long adventured theirs for the good and welfare of the Kingdom and no longer to be lookers on but joynt labourers by the direction protection of the Parliament in the happy stablishing this kingdome in a happy peace as far as our exhausted abilities will extend for the preservation of the true reformed protestant Religion His Majesties royall person prosperity and dignity the â—ooâ—ing and preserving the 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 Kingdomes of England Scotland 〈…〉 the rights and priviledges of the Parliament the Laws of the Land which 〈…〉 and property of the Subject All which we will endeavour to maintaine with the 〈◊〉 of our lives And this unfeined Declaration we 〈◊〉 from our hearts and â—â—â—â—fie under our hands About the tenth of this Instant we had certaine intelligence by various Letters out of the North of the surrender of Bolton Castle to the Parliament Forces and that the defendants therein the Colonell Scroop and the rest of his Officers and Commanders had liberty to march away thence to Newark with their Horse and
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
l. per annum formerly voted to be conferred on his Excellency and his Heynes for ever might be presently setled possessed and enjoyed by him They likewise ordered That a Letter should be written to his Excellency to returne the thanks of both Houses of Parliament for his noble valour and unwearied paines in the service of the State and particularly in the storming of Dartmouth and to informe him what a great mercy the Parliament esteems this businesse of Dartmouth and how highly they respect and esteem of his Excellency and his designes and undertakings And here now I shall desire the Reader for Gods greater glory and high honour to consider seriously and most graciously and gratefully how admirable wisely powerfully and advantagiously for us the Lord carried on all these late great works in these few ensuing observations worthy our cordiall consideration As first That God all along cast such a pannick feare upon our Enemies such a Magor-Misabib into their hearts and spirits that they were a continuall terrour to themselves and that since our taking of Boviâ—-Tracy God hath given into our hands neer 1000 of the Enemies Horse and that upon the advance of a party of ours from Crediâ—â—on the Enemies fled and onely â—ix of Colonell Okeyes Dragoones put 500 of their Horse from their post at which time they fled from Plymouth leaving their Guns Arms and Ammunition behind them Secondly That Captaine Batten Vice-Admirall of the Parliaments Ships coming to block up Dartmouth by Sea as our noble Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax had ordered him liâ— upon a Ship of the Enemies bound for France wherein were many Gentlemen of quality and money and jewels to a good quantity together with many other rich 〈…〉 Thirdly which is indeed very remarkable That till our Forces came before Dartmouth in at least seven weeks space there had been little or no 〈◊〉 upon that 〈◊〉 but now our Army being there ther was such a mighty shole of Muâ—â—its taken as comfortably fed our Army and which so continued among them to the great admiration of all the Inhabitants Fourthly That in the storming of the Towne though all things answered not the appointments of the Councell of War yet there was no confusion or miscarriage in the whole worke and withall that we had very faire weather all the time of the siege and storme even to a minute till the Town was taken and then only it rained much Fifthly That notwithstanding the great strength of the Fortifications of the Town and in men and Ordnance also yet it was taken without much bloodshed we having lost but two men in all the whole worke that we could possibly heare of which was even a miraculous mercy to us considering I say that there were 〈◊〉 strong Works and Forts in it and about 100 Peeces ready mounted and manned which might have been thought sufficient to have maintained the Town and Harbour against a very potent Army Sixthly and lastly That Master Peters one of the Ministers of the Army at this time presented to the Parliament divers Colours taken in the Towne and Country and among the rest the Kings owne first Colours which he first advanced at Yorke against the Parliament with the Kings owne picture on it and a Sword in 〈◊〉 hand and a booke in the other together with a bundle of brave Letters found in the Governours House in Dartmouth some of the Princes some of Ruperts some of Gorings some of Culpeppers and their Commissions by Sea and Land besides a Popish Masse-Book and an Altar taken from the Engineer of Dartmouth who was a Dutch Masse Priest For all which so rare and remarkable free favours and mighty meer mercies so graciously conferred upon us our most renowned Parliamentary Worthies most rightly and religiously ordered a solemn day of Thanksgiving to be kept a Copy of which their Order I have here thought fit to insert which was as followeth Die Jovis Jan. 26. 1645. THe Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled do order and appoint this day fortnight being Thursday for a day of Thanksgiving for the taking in of Dartmouth and Hereford to be kept within the Cities of London and Westminster the Lines of Communication and ten miles about And this day three weeks for all other places over the Kingdome in the Parliaments power About the 26 of this instant January we received also certaine intelligence by Letters out of Stafford-shire that Captaine Stone that valiant and active Commander had sent out a party of about 100 and odde Horse to beate up the Lord Molinaux his Quarters who fell upon the Enemy at a place called Cark within seven miles of Stafford and managed their charge with such martiall resolution and dexterity that they routed 300 of the Enemies and tooke prisoners three Captaines two Cornets eight Reformadoes ten inferiour Officers about 100 Horse and divers prisoners above 100 Pistols In which conflict many of the Enemies were wounded and some slaine And thus they returned victoriously to Stafford againe with their Prisoners and Prizes And about the 28 of this instant we were certainly informed from our Army in the West that Pouldram Castle which was Sir William Courteens House a strong Garrison of the Enemies neer Exeter was surrendred to brave Colonell Hamond who commanded in chiefe upon these Conditions The Officers and Souldiers to depart to their own dwellings leaving all their Arms behind them There were about 120 in the Castle 4 Peeces of Ordnance unmounted 5 Barrels of powder with Bullet and Match proportionable but little other Provisions His Excellencies most courteous carriage and mercifull useage of those at Dartmouth notwithstanding that he wonne it by storme had a great influence and operation upon the spirits of the Enemies elsewhere and was not only a prevalent motive to these of Pouldram Castle to yeeld so soone unto his famoused mercy but made many others also shortly after to desert the Enemy for there being at least 120 Cornish men prisoners in Dartmouth notwithstanding their former even most barbarous cruelty to ours yet I say renowned and mercifull Sir Thomas Fairfax as I was credibly informed set them all at liberty and gave them two shillings a man to beare their charges And was not here a heaping of Coales of fire on their heads as our Saviour commands and commends in his Disciples and a rare way of winning of hearts even of those formerly heathenish cruell Cornish Enemies Those of them that would stay and take up Armes for the Parliament as divers did he gave them â—â—ree shillings a peece to all the Seamen in prison he freely gave their liberty and to all their Common Souldiers unwilling to take up Armes he gave Passes to go to their owne habitations nay to severall Officers of whom any of the faire conditioned Townesmen could give any good Character he also gave Passes to go to their owne homes also on promise of future faire and peaceable demeanour toward the
Commanders 〈◊〉 for the use of the King and Parliament And that which made the mercy much more sweet and remarkable was that the surrender of this Towne was a cleare and most evident returne of the prayers of Gods people who had the fast day before the Moneth of January beene pressing the throne of grace for this great mercy in particular And now this Thursday February 6. being the day of solemne Thankesgiving set a part by speciall command of the Parliament for Gods great goodnesse in the obtaining of the strong Towne and Castle of Dartbmouth whiles the Parliament was in the midst of that God-delighting dutie of Thankesgiving in Margrets-Church in Westminster there came a Gentleman belonging to renowned Sir William Brereton with letters directed to the Speaker of the House of Commons certifying that the Citie and Castle of Chester were surrendred to Sir William for the use of the King and Parliament the third day of this instant Februarie about the houres of 11 or 12. at Noone upon very faire yea indeed too faire termes and conditions to such a bloody Butcher as Byron was save only in mercy and pittie to the poore and miserably long-besieged without and much abused within Inhabitants of the City and to avoyd the utter ruine and devastation thereof which this bloody Byron had vowed rather than to surrender on termes inferiour to those now thus granted For in the present condition thereof it was exceedingly impoverished by the Enemies obstinacie and cruelty within very little provisions to be found therein save only of armes and ammunition whereof indeed was good store The particulars wherof take in this list thereof the best and fullest that was then imparted to us There were taken in the City of 〈◊〉 upon the surrender thereof 300. Peeces of Ordnance 3000. armes 20. Ships and smaller Vessells 40. Barrells of Powder and good store of Bullet 2000. Bandileers 200. Firelocks â—2 Skenes of Match 200. Horse 300. Sadles and other furniture 30. Hogsheads of Wine 17. Firkins of Butter very little Cheese 20 Wagons 17. Flitches of Bacon and a little salt-beefe for the Officers 8000. Ounces of Plate and good store of other rich treasure in Byrons quarters for Byron himselfe was permitted to carry away with him not above 50. l. in mony the Seale of the County-Palatine a 1000. Records and Evidences there were also in the City two Powder-Mills and 250. Irish Prisoners This City and that of Dartmouth were of singular concernment and very great mercies to the Parliament and their losse so 〈◊〉 the greater to the Enemie blessed be our God for it forâ— this of Chester was most Convenient for landing of the Irish-Râ—â—â— and that of Dart-mouth for the French besides the strength which the Enemie had in them which is now by this meanes much weakned and scattered and our forces also which were aâ—â— them now at libertie to be elsewhere imployed on other usefull and important avocations toward Oxford Litchfâ—ild or some such places About the 8. of this instant Februarie we had certaine intelligence by Letters from Leicester that a party of about 80. horse and 40. dragoones were sent out of Leicester under the command of Major Meeres a very valiant and discreet Gentleman by night into Ashbie de la Zouth who carried on the designe exceeding â—â—avely and marched with such expedition and privacie that they came to Ashbiâ— about 11. of the clock that night altogether undiscovered which was about 12. miles march whither being come they suddainly surprised the Centinells fell in at the Turnpike broke the chaine and entred the Towne tooke neere 100. of the Enemies Horse being the greatest part of the horse of that Garrison 30. whereof were ready Sadled and fitted to have gone forth upon some designe of theirs all of them excellent good horses and some of them worth 20. 30. and neere 40. l. a horse they tooke store of armes and more other Pillage released divers prisoners and some Country men whom the Enemie had taken for ransomes and thus having plundred the Towne in part of requitall of the many mischiefeâ— and plundring of that Garrison to the Parliâ—â—â—ts friends all these 〈◊〉 friends returned to Leicester without the least molestation the Enemie who was in the great House or Close either not 〈◊〉 the alarme or nor daring to come forth at all against them And thus I say they came safely back againe to Leicester with all their horse prize and pillage And about the 10. of this instant we received certaine information by Letters out of the West of the most prosperous proceedings of the Parliaments forces in those parts And how the Enemie did mightily desert their Colours and Commanders yea and how that some of the Commanders themselves with their Souldiers came in unto our renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfaxes party and in particular that a Commander with a party of Horse from the Princes Army came voluntarily and proffered his Service to his Excellency who was most nobly entertained by our renowned Generall And the said Commander did also assure his Excellency that as soone as oportunity did serve divers more intended to come away from the Enemie a great part whereof were North-Countrie Gentlemen who had an earnest desire to serve his Excellency And that a party of Sir Franis Drakes regiment went to visit a guard of the Enemies kept at Burrington where they tooke the Major and all his guard being about 40. Horse in number this partie of ours was commanded by Major Stephens he that formerly routed Gorings Brigade and tooke his Colours from him About the 12. of the instant Februarie our prudent and provident Worthies of the House of Commons tooke into their serious consideration the great obstructions in severall parts of the kingdome and how much it might prejudice the people in case they should not enjoy the benefit of the Lawes of the kingdome Whereupon they ordered That as formerly Commissions should be issued forth under the Great-Seale of England to the justices of Assizes and Oyer and Terminet Goale-deliveries and Nisi-prius should continue and proceede in their power in their Circuits according to former Votes and instructions A singular good worke indeed and much conducing to settlement of the peace and tranquility of the Common-wealth the long intermission whereof which could not till now be well remedied by reason of the Civill-warres among us having beene of great prejudice to the whole Kingdome And the 19. of this instant Februarie being Thursday the House had ordered a day should be set a part as a solemne day of Thankesgiving for the great mercie of God to this Kingdome for the happie surrender of the City of Chester into the Parliaments possession and that a Collection should be made in all the Churches for the releife of the Sicke mained and wounded Souldiers that lay before that place and likewise for the releife of other distressed people in and about that Citie
taken slaine and totally routed his horse many taken and dispersed and the rest gone in great disorder toward Cornwall where shortly I hope we shall meet with the remnant left of that crew and put an end to the Field Enemy in the West of England They confest they had 8 Regiments of Horse consisting of 2500 men some other of their Officers that are prisoners say 3000. Indeed they are very resolute men sought valiantly and after they were chased from hedge to hedge defended their Barracadoes and Works at push of Pike and with the butt end of their Muskets till our Foot got over a hedge and flankd them so that they were forced to quit it They were old Cornish Foot and all Greenâ—iles and Gorings old Souldiers both English and Irish who were ingaged in this service but now are scattered We have abundance of men wounded both Officers and Souldiers more than have been at any storme since the Army came forth for indeed every hedge was as it were a Bulwark to the Enemy so strong are their hedges in those parts but few of ours killed many of the Enemies both Horse and Foot Let the glory of the victory be all given to God Our first Word in this fight was Emanuell God with us and a Farre Push in our hats Their Word was We are with you and a handkercheif tyed about their right Armes but by taking some of ours prisoners the Enemy had gained the Word and Signâ—â— and therefore we changed our Word which was Truth and a handkercheif or white marke in our hats A true List of the Prisoners and of the number slaine and wounded on both sides in this fierce fight and brave victory at Torrington PRisoners taken of the Enemies 600. among whom were many of quality even 80 of the Princes Life-Guard 30 of Hoptons Life-Guard one Lieutenant Colonell 9 or 10 Captaines 6 Lieutenants one Cornet 3 Ensignes together with other Officers 200 Horse 3000 Armes Hopton himself shot in the thigh neer the belly one Letter said shot dangerously in the belly Sir John Digby wounded in the head and some others of note sorely wounded and Major Threave and Captaine Frie and other Officers slaine Of the Enemies slaine in the City by firing the Magazine 200. full 80 barrels of powder blown up in the Church which as was most credibly and for certaine informed was done on purpose by Hoptons instigation who gave 20 l. to one of their owne party to fire the same a most cruell act 20 of ours slaine in the fight and by blowing up the Magazine and no more and about 100 wounded The Lord Hoptons Commission to be Generall under the Prince Sir John Digbies Commission to be Governour of the Forces before Plymouth and other Papers of consequence taken Of the Lord Hoptons about 400 or 500 li. in money left behind at his Quarters with much plunder left in Portmantles and in other places behind them All the Enemies bagge and baggage taken and great store of provisions taken in the Town the Enemy totally routed and fled in great disorder into Cornwall and ours still in the pursuit of them The two Messengers that brought the Letters intimating this great victory were called into the House of Commons and had 40 l. given them as a gratuity for their pains in the journey And the Messenger that brought this foresaid List and other Letters in confirmation of this great victory had 20 l. given to him also And upon the 23 of this instant Febr. the House of Commons ordered that Thursday come fortnight being the 11 of March a day of solemne Thanksgiving should be kept in London and Westminster and within ten miles about for this great mercy and brave victorie at Torrington And for the Countrie it was ordered that in respect Thursday 7. night was by a former order appointed a day of Thankesgiving for the surrender of Chester in the severall Counties under the Parliaments power that on the same day hearty thankes should likewise be rendred by the Ministers of the severall Counties for this other great mercy at Torrington Upon the 24. instant the House of Parliament taking occasion by an ordinance for the discharging of the Ward-ship of the Heyres-male of Sir Christopher Wray late a most worthie Member of the House of Commons They fell upon a serious debate touching the Legality or Illegality of Wardships in generall and after some time spent therein they ordered that the Court of Wardships it selfe and all Wardships Austres les Mains Primer Seisins and all other charges incident to the said Office should be from that present day taken away And all Tenures of homage and all fines licences pardons of Alienation c. should be likewise taken away This Vote being presently sent up to the Lords House for their Concurrence their Lordships concurred accordingly therein And for the better satisfaction of the Reader I have thought fit to set downe the Copy of the order or Vote it selfe verbatim which was as followeth IT is this day Ordered by the Lords and Commons Assembled in Parliament that the Court of Wards and Liveries and all Wardship Lilerie Primer Seisins and Austres les Maines and all other charges insident or rising for or by reason of Wardship Livery Primer Seisin or Austres les Maines be from this day taken away and that all Tenures by Homage and all Fynes Lycences Seisures and Pardons for alienation and all other charges insident thereunto he likewise taken away and that all Tenures by Knights service either of his Majesty or others or by Knights service or Soccage in Capite of his Majesty be turned into free and Common Soccage This act of grace and happines to the Kingdome I conceive not to be inferiour to any of the former Acts or Votes passed by the Parliament and must needs be extraordinary acceptable especially to the Gentrie of England who by meanes of that Court were kept under in a mighty deale of homage and vassalrie in their Children and estates and they therefore now so much the more bound to doe God the more good spirituall service by how much he hath thus set them and theirs at such an enlarged libertie and freedome from this temporall service About the 26. of this instant Februarie we had certaine and full confirmation by Letters both from active and courageous Colonell Birch of the famous victorie obtained over the Enemie at Cardiffe by the Parliaments forces under the Command of valiant and faithfull Major Generall Laughorn Sir Trevor Williams and Colonell Morgan the substance whereof was as followeth Ragland-Castle in Wales having long time beene fortified by the Earle of Worcester a Papist did of late much increase in strength and committed many cruelties upon the Countie of Monmouth plundring firing and destroying Townes and Houses having the whole Countrie under their power except some few Garrisons of the Parliaments no way able to resist them Now at
to shew themselves and the enemy bestowed some shot on them but without doing any harme At last the Garrison seeing themselves betrayed and that it was bootlesse for them to stand it out any longer demanded a parley which was granted and agreement made that all their lives should be spared and those that were of the Town should returne quietly to their houses whereupon two by a ladder came over the walls The rest seeing it began againe to shoot and so brake quarter so as in conclusion they all became prisoners at discretion their lives excepted being sevenscore in number or thereabout The Souldiers got store of plunder besides which there were found 17. barrels of powder with match c. good store of victuall besides 30. prisoners or thereabout set at liberty In this Action there was but one man lost on the Parliaments side though the Enemy shot often and threw downe great stones from the wall And thus the Lord every way mightily shewed himselfe for us to the glory of his own great name the good of us his unworthy servants and the great dread and amazement of all our implacable and incorrigible enemies to him therefore alone be all the honour and glorie of all these our most memorable mercies and mighty deliverances And here I shall againe desire the godly Reader to make a short stay and to take a briefe and gratefull review of all the rare and rich mercies of this Moneth also in the Lords admirable preservation and advancement of the prosperity of this his Burning-Bush thus still not Consumed nay contrariwise still freshly flourishing and preserved both in the reducing of Belvoir castle the faire City of Chester Town and Castle to the obedience of the Parliament In the brave defeat given to the Enemie at Ashbie de la Zouch and the prosperous proceedings of our forces in the West In the establishment of the judges to ride their Circuites againe and keeping quarterly Assizes in all Countries 〈◊〉 the power of the Parliament In the famous defeat given to the Enemy at Torrington in the West and totally routing Hoptons Army there In putting down the Court of Wards the famous preservation of Cardiffe Towne and Castle and mighty victory obtained therein And the stratagemicall possession of the strong Garrison of Corff-Castle All which remarkable mercies seriously considered and gratefully preponderated O how great cause have we all with holy David frequently and frevently to enter into that his sweet Soul-Soliloquie and pious expostulation with our owne hearts What shall we re-pay and render to the Lord for all his benefits thus heaped and multiplyed upon us But take the Cup of salvation and pay our Vowes unto the Lord which we have made in the depth of our dâ—lorous daies unto him But now proceed And now we shall againe begin the most amiable and delectable progresse in the comfortable contemplation of the Parliamentary Mercies of this Moneth of March 1646. with the farther most famous successefull proceedings of our victorious Army in the West since the coming thereof into Cornwall and therein particularly their taking of Launceston a strong Garrison of the Enemies in that Countrie which being fully and truly related in a Letter by that worthy Gentlemen Master Rushworth our most noble Generall Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Secretary sent to the Speaker to the honourable House of Commons I have here given the Reader an exact and true Copy thereof which was as followeth SIR UPon Tuesday the 24 of Febr. the Generall began his march with the Army from Bedford and part from Torrington and quartered that night at Holsworth being 12 miles from one place and 15 miles from the other an extraordinary rainy day and wayes extraordinary deep Wednesday the 25 we advanced from Holsworth to Launceston being ten long miles that the Enemy might be the more amazed at the Armies entring of Cornwall Colonell Butler was sent from Holsworth with a party of 1000 Horse and 400 Dragoons on Tuesday night as farre as Stratton in Cornwall to beat up the Enemies Quarters and accordingly that night he passed the River where the Enemy had raised up a Brest-Worke at Tamarton Bridge and broke down the Bridge to hinder our passage over but presently quit the passage whereupon he forced the Horse as well as Foot that kept Guard to retreat to their other Guards and 〈…〉 to the place appointed for their drawing together upon an 〈◊〉 when he charged their Horse severall times at last it pleased God to put the Enemy to the flight He tooke about 300 Horse and 80 prisoners he had more prisoners and some of quality but the Souldiers minding their â—â—ry and booty in Horses many of the prisoners escaped this party of Horse of the Enemies being about 800 that lay to keepe Guard upon the River Tamar was commanded by Major Generall Webbe who with the rest of the Commanders were put to a disorderly Retreat with the rest of their Horses which gave them such an alarm towards the North parts of Cornwall that it forced them to draw their Horse back the rest of the Army marching to Launceston which amazed them likewise on the left hand that if their intentions were for breaking through we could not tell what resolution to take When we came within two miles of Launceston we met with their Scouts having taken severall of them we understood that Colonell Basset with Horse and Foot was resolved to keep Launceston and not to permit our entrance into the same whereupon the forlorn hope of Horse and Foot were sent to force entrance into the Towne the Enemy shut the Gates made some opposition but at last quit the Town and that disorderly we took some prisoners and killed some 〈◊〉 of them night being come on the rest escaped in the darke the Arms and Magazine in the Towne we seized upon we find the Country and particularly the place to expresse much joy at our coming though they were made believe by the Enemy that the Army would give no quarter to any Cornish man or woman which they did for the most part believe and was the cause of a great terrour upon them but our Souldiers notwithstanding the opposition they had at their entring of Launceston did not so much as plunder any one house nor did any other prejudice to the Town that we can heare of but I hope will so demean themselves in pursuance of the Generals Proclamation as we shall conquer the Cornish sooner by our civility than by the Sword Thus far into Cornwall it pleased God to prosper things with us and I hope when we come more into the heart of the County we shall not finde so many Enemies as friends Very speedily you shall receive a fuller account from Your humble Servant J. R. Launceston 26. of Febr. 1645. about nine a clock in the morning And upon the 2 of this instant March the honourable Houses of Parliament took the
Garrison of Abington into their consideration and it was ordered that monies should speedly be sent downe for the payment of it as indeed it most worthily deserved whom the Lord did most admirably assist and preserve from most dangerous and desperate ruine by a most furious assault so daily made upon them by the Enemy from Oxford whereof as this day we were given to understand and as by this ensuing Letter to renowned Major Generall Browne is most apparent even unto full satisfaction which was as followeth Honourable Sir I Had not an opportunity to send my Letters formerly written but now God hath afforded an accasion to speed away his Messenger on purpose to let you know that the last night the Enemy drew out of Oxford with a strong party of 1000 Horse and all the strength they could make of 〈◊〉 and notwithstanding all our parties abroad and our Horse Guard they came between Thrupp and Norcot to Barton House and kept covert till day light and lay still after the Ravalue was beaten and our out-Centinels called in and then suddenly arising out of their Ambushment taking the advantage our Works being caved out at the Spurr and other places forced our Guards beat them all from the Works entred above 300 men possest themselves of Abby-Guard Spur-Guard Wayne-Guard and Barne pressed hard towards the Prison where three of their men were slaine betweene Master Dues House and the Prison by which time we had taken the Alarm and our men were got together and made good the passage and then fearing least they should possesse themselves of Bore-Bridge and so let in their Horse which they had in great numbers about our Works I commanded a party toward the Bridge and lodged them in the old Redoubt at Bore-Lane end which was of much good use for us for by keeping that we kept the Town I also sent another party which did very good service at Wainyard In the 〈◊〉 time our Horse did most gallantly charge their Foot routed their Musketeers and we had doubtlesse taken most of them that were over the Work but that they were preserved by a strong body of their Pikes Major Blundell and Colonell Washburn came in unto us in good time charged gallantly through the thickest of them which so terrified them that being on all sides beset they quit their ground tumbled over the Works faster than they came in and besides them they carried away we took 13 prisoners of them There were slaine on our party but two Common Souldiers Captain Taylor Captain Maddocks Quartermaster Cox were dangerously wounded Major Blundell slightly hurt with a Halbert on the thigh Captain Keeling shot in the hand Colonell Washburn had his great bay horse slaine under him Quartermaster Arnot and Major Blundels Cornet Horses were slaine and many of our men sorely wounded The dispute was very harsh for the time but God gave our men such spirits that scorning death they resolved rather to lose their lives than the Towne and some of them fought most desperately in their shirts onely as they started out of their beds and could but snatch up their weapons and flie to their Horses Our Horse Guard that lay without Ockbridge ranne all away whether for feare of the Enemy or for feare of being called to an account for their neglect I know not they were part of Sussex Troop I desire you will please to order the Officers of Colonell Rainsboroughs Regiment to come down to look to their charge there being here but foure of tenne Commanders I am informed that the King hath sworne he will have Abbington and will fire it and that this night againe we shall be assaulted with 2500 men I doubt not if he come but he shall finde us better â—â—aided than before Sir I beseech you be pleased to hasten down some 〈◊〉 for the relief of our poore men whose necessities are great and their need of encouragement as great Sir I shall desire to approve my self to the utmost of my power Your Honours most humble Servant George Pain Abington March 2. 1645. And here good Reader I shall desire thee to take notice of Gods extraordinary providence in the preservation of this Town iâ— one especiall passage which was omitted in the Letter whereof I was credibly informed viz. That the Enemy having got the Magazine in their power or so neer it that they might have fired it yet were so confident that the Town was certainly theirs that though they might yet they therefore did not whereas I say had they doubted the taking of it they would no doubt have done it and then had irrecoverably mastered the Town our Souldiers not having above three charges of powder left them at that time and so might easily have been all destroyed and taken Besides had they taken this Town they would have first plundred it to purpose and carried away whatever was portable and worth having and then unquestionably have set the whole Town on fire as not being tenable by them as their case then stood the King at this time necessitated to draw all the Souldiers into the Field for the forming of a Field Army and not able to keep or increase Garrisons especially this Garrison at this time Therefore I say see what an admirable mercy and speciall providence and protection of the Lord was here seene to this Town and therefore what great praise and Thanksgiving is due to the Lord for the same But to goe on Upon the 4. of this instant we received the certaine intelligence and confirmation of the surrender of the strong Garrison of Ashbie de la Zouch to Leicester forces The conditions of the surrender were that Hastings alias the Lord of Loughborough together with his brother the Earle of Huntington and Colonell Perkins should have their estates unsequestred protections for their persons passes to go beyond Sea the rest of the Officers to have liberty to compound for their sequestration and passes if desired to go beyond Sea also and the Garrison to be slighted Too good Conditions indeed for such a desperate and wicked Rob-Caryer as Hastings was but that the Kingdome may be glad to be rid of such wretches The surrender was made accordingly on Munday the second instant We tooke therein 5. Peeces of Ordnance about 300. Armes little ammunition and no great store of other provisions A great mercy and mightie preservation of the peace and tranquility of all those ad-jacent Parts about it for which let God have all the due praise and glory About the 6. of this instant March we had farther certaine information of the singular good successe of our armie in the West passing on most prosperously by God Almightie guard and guidance The summe of which dayes intelligence was contained in these 2. ensuing Letters from Master Rushworth which was as followeth To the Honourable W. Lenthall Speaker to the Honourable House of Commons SIR IN my last I acquainted
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
their Castle Wall than to suffer those former inconveniences which was done thus I marched out of Hereford munday night last with 500 Horse and Foot undiscovered untill I came within Pistoll shot of Goodrich a little before day then fell on with 100 firelocks for the Forlorn and entred over the Wall neare the end of their stable the wall was very high yet got over before they had a full alarm and found in the stable about fourescore Horse and five men which Horse I took all digging thorow the wall and turning them out the men were slaine and taken the stable with hay and other provision burnt In the mean time I fell on their out-Guard in a place called the Boat-House which was within Pistoll shot of the Castle which held out two houres untill it was digged thorow then they desired quarter for their lives wherein was Major Pateson Commander of the Horse and Major Benskin and 15 Gentlemen more and Troopers whom I brought to Hereford This successe it pleased the Lord to give me with little losse which is very advantagious and especially enabling me to perform those commands laid upon me by the right honourable the Committee for both Kingdoms And this day in the way as I was comming to Gloucester to that purpose some Horse belonging to Goodrich Castle way laid me which were out on a party when I tooke the rest munday night there being with me Colonell Kirle and about 12 more but not so many ready The Enemy stood in the way which we perceiving gave them a charge their number being 14. tooke and slew 12. and the other two escaping through the River to the Castle For the Forces under the command of Sir Jacob Ashley they are now neer Worcester I question not but a speedy course will be taken with them which shall be the constant endeavour of your most thankfull Servant John Birch About the 23 of this instant March we received certaine intelligence of the famous and most happy victory obtained by the Forces of ever to be honoured Sir William Brereton valiant Colonell Morgan and Colonell Birch over the Forces of Sir Jacob Ashley which was a very hot and furious fight our Forces being twice worsted but at last by Gods mighty power and assistance the victory was given to ours at least 200 being slaine on the place 3000 totally routed and at least 2000 Arms taken The particular description of which most famous fight and glorious victory being delivered in a Letter to some Honourable Members of the Parliament by a Gentleman of quality and credit under Sir William Brereton and by their order and authority printed and published I have thought fit for the Readers better content and satisfaction here to insert which was as followeth Honourable Sir ACcording to my engagements I shall give you an account of the proceedings of our Forces in reference to our great Victory at Stow Sir William Brereton having intelligence of Sir Jacob Ashleyes march and being invited by valiant and active Colonell Morgan to follow and set upon him he forthwith marched from Litchfield with about 1000 Horse to Colshell and from thence thorow Warwick Town toward Stratford upon Avon where Sir William had intelligence that Colonell Morgan was returned back as far as Cambden by reason of his intelligence of the crossings and Counter-marches of Sir Jacob Ashley insomuch that Sir William Brereton was forced out of his earnest desire to meet and joyn with Colonell Morgan as was mainly intended to march up and down backward and forward at least 30 miles to overtake him and at last did so and then being joyned we all marched about a mile by which time the Scouts had brought us word that the Enemy was drawne up into a body neer Stow in the Old at which all our Souldiers greatly rejoyced being very desirous to engage Then we marched the whole Army in Battalia and after we had discovered them also standing in Battalia we faced them an houre before we fought both sides waiting and longing for day light Then Sir Will. Brereton and Colonell Morgan agreed without any difference in the drawing up of the Army which was ordered as followes Sir William Brereton led the right Wing of Horse which were those that came with him from Litchfield and the Gloucestershire men were placed in the left Wing Colonell Morgan himself most gallantly led the Van our Word was God be our Guide the Enemies Word was Patrick and George Upon the first charge the Enemy forced our left Wing to a disorderly retreat by over powring them so that the victory at first seemed somwhat doubtfull but Sir William Brereton most bravely going on with his right Wing of Horse and at least 200 Firelocks fiercely charged their left both of Horse and Foot and totally routed them In which brave peece of service undauâ—ted and valiant Major Hauksworth had a principall hand and was a main help utterly torout and put to flight all the left Wing of the Enemy and Colonell Morgan by this time performed his charge so bravely also and with so much courage and good successe that having rallied his men up gallantly againe against the Enemy he put them also to an absolute rout and so they pursued them into Stow killing and wounding many in the Towne both Gentlemen and Officers of quality and in this pursute Major Hawksworth his man as I was credibly enformed took the Lord Ashly prisoner and all his foot Officers were then also taken prisoners and Sir Charles Lucas as was credibly reported was then also taken in the fight but immediatly after rescued by a party of Firelocks of the Enemie and on his rescue fled into the Wood hard by for hoped safety but after the fight our forces searching the wood for straglers found there the said Sir Charles Lucas even he who formerly had done the King great service in the North and was Governour of Berkley Castle but now I say was taken prisoner againe and put into safe custody This most remarkable piece of service being thus successefully performed and Sir Jacob Ashley being taken Captive and wearyed in this fight and being ancient for old-ages silver haires had quite covered over his head and beard the Souldiers brought him a drum to sit and rest himselfe upon who being sate he said as was most credibly enformed unto our Souldiers Gentlemen yee may now sit downe and play for you have done all your worke if you â—all not our among your selves Meaning indeed that now he being thus beaten the King had never another armie in the field in the whole kingdome There were taken in this famous fight and glorious Victorie Sir Jacob Ashley alias Lord Ashley the Generall Sir Charles Lucas Col. Corbet Col. Gerrard Col. Mouldsworth Leivtenant-Colonell Broughton 3. Majors 17. Captaines 16. Leiutenants their Marshall Generall 5. Cornets 11. Ensignes 3. Quartermasters the Chirurgeon and Sir William Vaughans
Chaplaine 2000 armes at least and all their Ammunition Bag and Baggage A brave famous and most seasonable victorie it was indeed and a most hopefull way and meanes of a speedy end by Gods mercy of all the intestine warres and bloody broyles in the Kingdom to God alone be all the honour and glory thereof About the 26. of this instant March we received advertisement of the full disbanding of all Sir Ralph Hoptons forces in the West and divers other occurrents of our Armie there by Letters received from Truro to the honourable speaker of the House of Commons One of which Letters for the Readers better content and satisfaction I have here inserted Verbatim as it was printed and published which was as followeth SIR IN my last I gave you an account of the beginning to disband the Lord Hoptons Army I can now satisfie you of the conclusion of that great worke this day having put a period thereunto except two troops of the Princes Regiment under the Command of Sir Francis Mackworth which by reason of the darknesse of the night could not be conveniently dispatched and so put off till to morrow at seven of the clock by nine it will be done and presently after Proclamation is to be made for the Enemy or any belonging unto them immediatly to depart from Truro and all those Ports to be with the convoy to morrow night or else to be taken as Spies and proceeded against accordingly I have bin present at the disbanding of these Forces from the first to the last except as aforesaid and never did see a thing done with so much civility on both sides and not the least appearance of insulting of ours as if we had never bin at variance each with other not a reproachfull word used nor the value of two pence taken from any man by the Souldiers of this Armie though the country people are apt enough if they have opportunity and the enemies Souldiers straggle to revenge former injuries but the convoy so long as the Souldiers keepe with them suffer not the least prejudice to befall them the number of Brigades in all that have bin disbanded are nine viz. the French Brigade consisting of three Regiments the Lord Wentworths Brigade consisting of three Regiments Sir James Smiths Brigade consisting of three Regiments the Lord Clevelands Brigade consisting of foure Regiments Major Generall Webbs of three Regiments the Lord Hoptons Brigade commanded by Colonell Rovil the Lord Gorings Brigade of five Regiments the Princes Lifeguard consisting of nine troops and 700. men armed Sir Richard Greenvils Reformadoes the men that are dismounted are proper and lusty men Orders are given out for the Army to face about and march Eastward part of it moves to morrow the residue on Saturday except two or three Regiments that are to stay behinde for the blocking up of Pendennis and the mount the Castle of Pendennis was summoned yesterday but those within gave a peremptory answer of refusall and Master Arundel beares the name of Governour but Sir John Digby sir Henry Kilegrew Colonell Slaughter Colonell Sir Abraham Chipman and some others of desperate Fortunes over-rule the Gentleman and make him governe and command to serve their owne ends though it be to ruine himselfe On Wednesday the Generall sent this Bearer in haste with a Letter to Saint Maws who imbarqued himselfe there and went three or foure Leagues to Sea to the Parliament ships and acquainted them with a Frigot of Dunkirk that lay in the Harbour at Falmouth and much annoyed our men at Penny-com-quick a place of good shelter for our men that lye against the Castle So this morning betweene one and two of the clocke a Frigot of ours put into the Harbour being Moon-light had the honour to be saluted with twenty peeces of Cannon from the Castle but got in without any prejudice and hauled the Dunkirk who instead of yeelding gave two broad sides but our Vessel presently made up and after a little dispute Boarded Her put the Irish to the sword preserved the rest and have them Prisoners a broad It is a fine Vessell belonging to Browne Bushel commanded by Captaine Lewis and will be of singular use to cleare the Harbour if any Vessel of the Kings happen to come in having the benefit of Saint Mawes on the one side and at the mouth of the Harbour the assistance of Hilford Fort which was this day surrendred to us wherein were twenty and six peeces of Ordnance so their strong Castle of Pendennis is of little use at Sea and by Land of no great prejudice considering the narrow necke of Land it stands upon and the Line that may be drawne from Sea to Sea and may be defended with as many men as are in the Castle Leiutenant Colonell Jngoldsby going to view the Castle received a shot from some Muskettiers of the Enemies that were behind the Mud-wals of which he died within three houres being a valiant and stout man Major Cobbet also was shot in the Arme but not dangorously This is all the accompt time would give me leave to present you with concerning the Army of these parts which I thought fit to send this Bearer purposely withall that you may be certainly informed of our condition adding this that about an hundred with their Armes came this day from the Mount to Truro the head quarters many took up Armes with us the rest went to their homes I am Sir your Servant J. R. Truro March 19. 1645. The Messenger staying till this morning I can now satisfie you that the two Troops that remained of the last night are this morning disbanded I have no other newes to write but to morrow the Generals Army marches towards Exeter Truro March 20 1645. at 4 in the afternoon And March 27 the House of Parliament in way of bounden gratitude to almighty God for this great mercy of the thus reducing of well-nigh all Cornwall to their obedience and that also of subduing and overthrowing of Sir Jacob Ashleyes Army and thereby obtaining a most happy and hopefull end of our troubles they having first invited the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Common-Councell of the most famous City of London to heare two Sermons that were to be preached before them at Christs Church in London In answer thereof the Lord Major Aldermen and Common-Councell aforesaid invited both Houses of Parliament to a Dinner on the same day of Thanksgiving At which invitation Alderman Foukes delivered himself as from the whole City to the House making a Speech unto them and Master Speaker answered the same by command of the House in a congratulatory way much affection and amity being expressed mutually on both sides About the 28 instant we also received certaine information by Letters out of the West of our most noble Generals advance toward the City of Exeter and concerning the taking of Pouldram-Fort neer Exeter and of Inch-House also by Colonell Welden the Governour of
now to Barnstable which place was of no small Concernment for the full setling of the pâ—ace of those parts whereof more in its due place About the 14. of this instant Aprill we received certaine intelligence by a Letter from that most faithfull valiant and Victorious Commander Colonell Mitton to the honourable Speaker of the House of Commons concerning the surrender of Ruthin castle to him for the use of the King and Parliament A Copie of which Letter for the Readers better content and fuller satisfaction I have here thought fit to insert as it was printed and published by authority of Parliament which was as followeth To the Honorable William Lenthal Esq Speaker of the Honorable House of COMMONS SIR THe Reducing of this Castle of Ruthin hath cost me more time and Ammunition than I expected when I first laid Siege to it At last having a Mine almost in a readinesse to spring and Batteries prepared for a Demi-Canâ—n and a Culverin to play upon it It was this day agreed to be Surrendred upon the Conditions in the inclosed Articles which I was willing to accept having perfect Information by some that escaped out of the Castle that there was in it Provision upon sufficient for two moneths longer which now I finde to be true And if I should have forced it I must have hazarded many men and made the place unserviceable which is of very great use to the Reâ—â—ement of this Country it being the most convenient place for a Garrison in all North-Wales as things now stand with us Yesterday befâ—â—e the breake of day a party of the Enemy out of Denbigh Castle being about sixscore and thirty mounted Fire-locks fell upon Captaine Richard Price his Quarters within two miles of this Towne but be was vigilant and his â—couts performed their duty so well that they were drawne into the field before they came upon them which gave him opportunity to avoid them and convey the Alarum to this Towne And thereupon Colonell Carter with a standing Horse-guard which we are saine to keepe in the field constantly to secure our Out quarters and Câ—ptaine Simkies with my owne Troope which was then upon the Guard in this Towne drew out and fell betweene them and Denbigh and within halfe a mile of their Garrison met with them and charged them â—o gallantly that they broke in upon them killed seven of them as is said upon the place and in the pursuit tooke foure Captaines one Lieutenant two Cornets divers Troopers and about fourty Horse with the losse of one man of our side The Siege at Hoult hath of late beene if great difficulty and hazard to those feâ— men I have there For the drawing off of the Cheshire Fire-locks from that Service without any privity gave the Enemy an advantage to burne the Guard the Fire-locks kept which cost the Countrey much to fortifie and above forty dwelling Houses more in the Towne and exposed my men who lay in open Qnarters and were fewer in number than the Enemy within were to their power which necessitated my men to be upon continuall duty Vpon the first of April the Enemy sallied out and fell upon Major Sadlers Quarters resolving to put all my men in that House to the Sword which they had beene like to effect had not a Guard which was placed in the Moâ—â—it erected by us three dayes before relieved them In this storme I lost sixe men and fourteene wounded if the Enemie there were killed their Commander Captaine Cottingham a Papist a Lieâ—tenant and two more and many wounded There hath beene never a day since but they sallied out constantly twice or thrice a day and as constantly beaten iâ— This service and the furnishing of such Garrisons which are reduced occasions the expence of very much Powder and Match and therefore I humbly desire that the Honourable House will be please to grant that I may have a hundred Barrels of Powder and foure or five hundred Firelocks sent me and that some course may be perscribed to convey it downe speedily the carriage and Convoy of the last Powder I had cost above halfe as much as the Powder was worth And further that they will be pleased to appoint a Governor for this Castle Lievtenant Colonel Thomas Mason is a very faithfull active and godly Gentleman and the most knowing man in his profession that we have in these parts having beene a Souldier above twenty yeeres and lost his command in Ireland because he refused to bear Arms against the Parliament and if this place were worthy of him I should make bold to recommend him to their consideration This neverthelesse I leave to their Wisdoms to determine and rest Your very humble Servant THO. MITTON Ruthin the 8. of April 1646. In that brave defeat given by Colonell Mittons forces to their Denbigh Enemies were taken these prisoners and prizes following Taken prisoners Captaine Winne Captaine Hugh Morris Captaine Morgan Captaine Pickering 1 Lievtenant 2 Cornets divers Gentlemen and Common-Souldiers 40. Horse divers Armes 7. slaine upon the place In Ruthin we tooke all their Armes and Ammunition Bag and Baggage and all the Irish therein were left to be disposed of by us according to the Ordinance of Parliament Also valiant and faithfull Sir Trenor Williams as we were credibly informed by letters out of Wales did bravely set upon 100. of the Enemies neere Ragland which belonged to the crooked now made Lord Charles Sommerset Governour of Ragland-castle where I say valiant Sir Trevor routed all the said party tooke 45. prisoners whereof one Captaine and 10. other Officers and Gentlemen 30. Horse 20. Muskets 12. Fire-locks 14. slaine on the place divers sorely wounded the rest fâ—ed and dispersed And 2. dayes after this fight there came in unto Sir Trevor Williams as we were certainly informed by letters from thence from Ragland-castle 2. Colonels 2. Lievtenant Colonells 3. Lievtenants 3. Cornets and 11. other Horsemen with them all Gentlemen of the upper-Countries desiring to submit themselves to the Parliament upon the Reading of which Letters aforesaid from Colonell Mitton the House ordered according to his desire that Lievtenant Colonell Mason should be Governour of Ruthin-castle And Master Fog the Minister a very faithfull and active Gentleman for the Parliament ever since these warres began who brought the Letter was called into the House of Commons and had 50. l. given him for his paines in bringing the same and for his other brave services in the field About the 16. of this instant April we received full assurance of the cleere and totall surrender of the strong Garrison of the City of Exeter by Letters out of the West a Copy of two wherof I have here thought fit for the Readers better content and satisfaction to insert which were as followeth Sir Having beene imployed in the agitating of the treatie for the surrendring of Exeter I might crave pardon if I give you not so full
mire of the streets in the battaile and that they shall fight because the Lord is with them and that the Riders on Horses shall be confounded Hath the Lord I say done all this for us to the full and yet shall we still goe on to breake his Commandements and say in our hearts we are delivered to doe all kinde of wickednesse and abhomination Would not the Lord then be very angry with us till he had consumed us so that there should be no remnant no aescaping for us Should we not thus too justly cause that complaint of Moses against the Children of Israel to come fully against us Doe you thus requite the Lord O foolish and unwise O what will all our Victories and successes availe us and what a most miserable Conquest will it be uâ—to us that all our Kingdomes enemies are conquered unto us if our own Souls if our own Consciences be conquered and led captive at the Devills will by our inbred base lusts and unconquered corruptions O will not these thinke you gangrene our soules and bodies too and bring upon us a farre worse and Epidemicall destruction both to our bodies and soules yea I say to our whole Kingdome and Estates and make our late vâ—nquished enemies though thus smitten weake and wounded to he raised up againe against us as the Lord threatned by the Prophet if we securely and rebelliously retaine our old sins and transgressions against him O let us then most seriously yea I say frequently and servently thinke upon that known Caution of our most blessed Saviour himselfe to the Lame man whom he had healed of an old infirmity Sinne no more least a worse thing come unto thee least having been clensed from our former old Jesuiticall and Prelaticall tyrannies over our soules and consciences and Monarchicall Arbitrary oppressions and vexationâ— over our Estates and Liberties lest I say being healed and dispossessed of these Devils incarnate we grow supine and carelesse yea ungratefull and gracelesse and so God suffer those Satans to returne who finding all both in Chuâ—ch and State swept and garnisht with security and impiety they enter againe into our hearts and houses with seven other Devils worse if possible than themselves and then our last condition prove farre worse than the former Let us therefore for this purpose remember our late solemne Covenant to our God whatsoever any prophane Esaus and Sons of Belial or deceiâ—full hearted Sons of Schiâ—â—â— and Sâ—â—â—tion impiously beâ—ch or broaâ—h against it of a Nationâ—ll and Personall Reformation and let us now deale seriously as then we seemed to promise and be in good earnest with our God in a speedy and effectuall building of his House after the clearest Scripture manner aâ—d with the purest Reformed Churches of the world O therefore that our renowned Parliament would seriously and sincerely doe something herein especially for the purging of Gods House at this time from dangerous and damnable Errours Schismes and blasphemous Opinions of too audacious and most impudent Sectaries who if not timely and truly removed will like mortiferous gangreenes indeed prodigiously ulcerate and most pestilentially vulnerate even to the very heart the whole Body of Church and State for indeed no disease is so dangerous both to soule and body as that in Religion which infects the soule and offends God most of all Errour I say obstinate Errour being that stiffe-necked Strumpet which most odiously adulterates the Marriage-bed of Faith and causes the most dangerous divorce twixt Christ and his Spouse the Soule O therefore I say that our most worthy Parliamentary Patriots the Kingdomes able Phisitians would seasonably and seriously set upon this great cure by setling a Church-Government among us according to the tenour of our holy League and sacred Covenant O that these our most renowned Parliamentary Scaligers having made that honest righteous and just objection or scrutinie among themselves which Heathen Ahasuerus made to himselfe and his Nobles touching noble and well-deserving Mordecay But what honour and dignitie hath been done for him So they but what extraordinary thing what due dignity and honour have we done for our best-deserving good God that hath so admirably hastned to build the House of our State and Kingdome And would now thereupon seriously hasten effectually to build his House and casting away with true Christian courage and confidence all cursed carnall pleas and gracelesse and groundlesse false feares trust God with the issues and effects as all-sufficient to patronage and protect his owne acceptable worke as this unquestionably is maugre the malâ—ce of malignant or fraudulent opposers whomsoever Now what reasons they have hereunto yea what grounds and encouragements beyond expression they have extraordinarily to stimulate and stir up their hearts to this so noble and renowned a worke who certainly sees not Who wilfully and wickedly blindes not his eyes Yet notwithstanding a little more now at last to rub up their memories and cleare up the eyes of my Christian Brethren with a little Scripture-collyrium or Eye-salve of evidences I shall desire the godly Reader with pious patience seriously to consider and peruse these few following Textuall testimonies First have not the eyes of the Lord ever since this Parliament began in a most eminent and evident manner run too and fro throughout England Scotland and Ireland yea and into France and Denmarke too to preserve us and to prevent our enemies intended mischiefes against us and thus shewne himselfe most strong and most wise in the behalfe of them though a small remnant in England Scotland and Ireland whose hearts were perfect toward him Hath not the Lord as he promised by the Prophet turned our daies of fasting and of humiliation into daies of feasting and congratulation even the fast of our first Month and Yeare and the fast of our fourth and fifth month and yeare as I may say to be to us his English Judah joy and gladnesse and cheerfull feasts and times of great and glorious Thanksgivings O therefore O therefore I say That we would cordially and constantly love the Truth and Peace Againe hath not the Lord made good that good word of his unto us and have we not all seene and found and felt to our unexpressible joy and comfort that certainly there could be no enchantment against Gods Jacob nor any Divination against his Israelites and who are they but princely prevailers in Prayer and sacred supplanters of sinfull enormities some gleanings of both which sorts by Christ who hath strengthened them I doubt not but God hath found amongst us for even according to these times it may justly be said of Jacob and Israel of England and Scotland what and how many admirable things hath God wrought for us not suffering any weapon that was formed against us to prosper and graciously condemning every tongue that rose up in rash and wrathfull judgement against
us Nay and hath not the Lord againe on the other side made good his faithfull promise to us his people excellently set forth by holy Jeremy that all they that thirsted to devoure us are themselves devoured and all our adversaries even every one of them have tasted misery and they that spoiled us are spoiled and all for the most part that preyed upon us the Lord hath given as a prey unto us but hath mercifully as the Prophet there excellently and most pertinently to our purpose and case condition goes on restored health unto us and graciously healed us of our formerly felt and feared wounds the enemy having called and counted us out-casts even Traitors and Rebels saying in scorne and derision of us This is Sion these are the fasting and Praying Round-heads whom no man seeketh after but to deride and ruinate them Againe hath not the Lord according to his yet further most faithfull promise by his holy Prophet Ezekiel purged out from among us the Rebels indeed both English Irish French and Germane Rebels who sorely transgressed against our God and hath forced them forth out of our Country and Kingdome where they sojourned witnesse Windebanke Finch Newcastle Goring both Father and Sonne Jermine Digby Langdale and the rest and God would not let them enter into nor abide in our now most hopefull Land of rest and peace yea hath not the Lord as he further said of them by pious Isaiah accordingly made it good unto us Your Brethren the Royalists that hated you and strugled and strove to cast you out and pretending but most falsly that it was for my names sake deceitfully said Let the Lord be glorified but this our wise our righteous and good God hath contrariwise appeared unto our joy and they themselves are confounded and asham'd All this I say the Lord hath done for us all these ample and admirable testimonies we have seene and found to assure us that God is with us and therefore we ought wonderfully to be confirmed and encouraged against whatsoever men or Devils can doe against us wherefore from all these pâ—evalent premises on our enemies and precious promises made good to us we may justly say with holy Job Lo thus we have searched and seene so it is heare it O England and know thou it for thy good The Lord is wise in heart and mighty in strength who ever hardned himselfe against him and hath prospered None certainly for as the Prophet Isaiah excellently to this purpose surely the Princes and Grandees of the world even carnall and Atheisticall machivillian Statists are very fooles and the counsell of such wifest Counsellours is but base and brutish for as he goes on admirably how say yee of Pharaah so I of Bristoll Cottington and Digby I am the Sonne of the wise the Sonne of ancient Princes and Peeres But where are they now Where are those wise men What 's become of their craftiest cursed Counsell hence therefore we may clearly conclude with Jethro Moses Father in Law and with him say most certainly Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods than all the most potent and politicke Peeres and Potentates of the world for in those very things wherein they dealt most proudly and lifted up themselves most superciliously he hath admirably all along been still above them Give me leave now therefore in a word or two for conclusion to speake plainely to any to all of what ranke order or condition soever they be Who art thou O cowardly carnall man so leaning on the arme of Flesh and consulting with meere carnall reason that thou shouldest still notwithstanding all that hath been done and said and seene be afraid of man that shall dye yea thus dye as thou hast heard and seene with shame and obloquie or that thou shouldâ—t dread any Sonne of Man which shall be made as Grasse And forgettest the Lord thy God and Maker and hast manifested too evidently that thou fearest continually every day with strange pusilanimity unchristianly cowardice fond and false feares and imaginary conceited Chimera's and all this forsooth because of the furie of the oppressour as if he were ready to devoure and destroy and yet saith the Lord unto thee where is the furie of the oppressour what 's become of all his braggs and boastings even to this day O let us then put on Princely Davids Christian courage and resolution and feare and confide in the Lord alone and with his invincible magnanimity of soule and spirit say and say most justly Thou even thou alone O Lord art to be feared for who may stand in thy sight when thou art angry For thou hast made the wrath of man as it is at this day to praise thee and the remainder of his wrath thou hast wonderfully restrained as is most evident to all 〈◊〉 eyes and understanding O therefore I say againe and againe to our Honourable Parliament and reverend Assembly to the noble City of London and our famous Army since we have seene with our eyes as well as by the hearing of our eares what the Lord our God hath done to our unreasonable and incorrigible enemies on the one side and how he hath most graciously borne us as it were on Eagles wings and brought us in his infinite meere mercy thus neare unto himselfe on the other side O therefore I say to my selfe to all O that we would now at length obey his voice indeed O that we would now break off from our provoking sinnes and most seriously break our hearts for our sinnes with that godly sorrow which is unto Repentance never to be repented of And that we would cordially and conscientiously remember and keepe our solemne 〈…〉 Covenant made with our God and with one another and with a speedy and pious resolution would pay our vowes especially that to build up Gods House to set up a Church-Government most substantially that is as neare as may be in a Scripturall Modell and therein lovingly to joyne with our most loving Brethren of Scotland most worthy perpetually to be embraced by us with all due expressions of most cordiall love and endlesse amity as having been under God the maine meanes if not onely instruments of purchasing and procuring for us this present precious Parliament and so consequently of all our had and hoped happinesse and let us for shame oh for foule shame let us leave off our unchristian our ungratefull our ungracious biting of them and snarling at one another thankfully and religiously labouring to keepe the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace and pure Love for then oh then and not till then the Lord will certainly make us a peculiar Treasure to himselfe above all the people of the world To this say Amen O Lord I pray thee by the worke of thy Spirit of Grace in Christ Jesus and let All that read and heare it
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
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
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
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
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
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