altogether like the Pharisee that prayed in the Temple but really often would he mourn in secret and many times did his eyes in publike distil tears at the Nations stubbornness To take him in the whole he was a Man better fitted to make a Prince of then the People was to receive him this we see sufficiently in the management of the Government to his Death But afterwards the sudden disaster which befel his Posterity was so admirable that it cannot be imputed to any thing else but Digitus Dei A Catalogue of Honours conferr'd on several Persons by Oliver Cromwel Lord Protector in the time of his Government His Privie Council HEnry Lawrence Lord President Lieut. Gen. Fleetwood Major Gen. Lambert Philip Lord Lisle Nathaniel Fiennes Commissioner of the Great Seal John Desbrow Edward Mountague Generals at Sea Sir Gilbert Pickering Sir Charls Woolsley Col. William Sydenham Edmund Earl of Mulgrave Walter Strickland Esquire Philip Skippon Major Gen. Col. Philip Jones Richard Major Esquire Francis Rouse Esquire John Thurloe Secretary of State The Members of the other House alias House of Lords 1. LOrd Richard Cromwel 2. Lord Henry Cromwel Deputy of Ireland 3. Nathaniel Fiennes 4. John Lisle Commissioners of the Great Seal 5. Henry Lawrence President of the Privie Council 6. Charls Fleetwood Lieut. Gen. of the Armie 7. Robert Earl of Warwick 8. Edmund Earl of Mulgrave 9. Edward Earl of Manchester 10. William Lord Viscount Say and Seal 11. Philip Lord Viscount Lisle 12. Charls Lord Viscount Howard 13. Philip Lord Wharton 14. Thomas Lord Faulconbridge 15. George Lord Euers 16. John Cleypole Esquire 17. John Desbrow 18. Edward Montague Generals at Sea 19. Bulstrode Whitlock 20. William Sydenham Commissioners of the Treasury 21. Sir Charls Wolsley 22. Sir Gilbert Pickering 23. Walter Strickland Esq 24. Philip Skippon Esq 25. Francis Rous Esq 26. John Jones Esquire 27. Sir William Strickland 28. John Fiennes Esquire 29. Sir Francis Russel 30. Sir Thomas Honywood 31. Sir Arthur Haslerigge 32. Sir John Hobart 33. Sir Richard Onslow 34. Sir Gilbert Gerrard 35. Sir William Roberts 36. John Glyn. 37. Oliver St-John Chief Justices of both Benches 38. William Pierrepoint Esquire 39. John Crew Esquire 40. Alexander Popham Esq 41. Philip Jones Esq 42. Sir Christopher Pack 43. Sir Robert Tichborn 44. Edward Whalley Com. Gen. 45. Sir John Barkstead Lieut. of the Tower 46. Sir Tho. Pride 47. Sir George Fleetwood 48. Sir John Huson 49. Richard Ingoldsby Esq 50. James Berry Esquire 51. William Goff Esq 52. Thomas Cooper Esq 53. Edmund Thomas Esq 54. George Monke Gen. in Scotland 55. David Earl of Cassils 56. Sir William Lockhart 57. Archibald Johnson of Wareston 58. William Steel Chancellor of Ireland 59. Roger. Lord Broghil 60. Sir Matthew Tomlinson 61. William Lenthal Master of the Rolls 62. Richard Hampden Esq Commissioners of the Great Seal and their Officers NAthaniel Fiennes John Lisle William Lenthal Master of the Rolls Officers attending HEnry Middleton Serjeant at Arms. Mr. Brown Mr. Dove Judges of both Benches John Glyn Lord Chief Justice Peter Warburton Richard Nudigate Justices of the upper Bench. Oliver St-John Lord Chief Justice and Edward Atkins Matthew Hale Hugh Windham Justices of the Common Bench. His Barons of the Exchequer RObert Nicholas John Parker and Roger Hill Serjeant at Law Erasmus Earl Atturney General Edmund Prideaux Sollicitor William Ellis Serjeants at Law called by him to the Barre RIchard Pepes 25 January 1653. Thomas Fletcher 25 January 1653. Matthew Hale 25 January 1653. William Steel 9 February 1653. John Maynard 9 February 1653. Richard Nudigate 9 February 1653. Thomas Twisdon 9 February 1653. Hugh Windham 9 February 1653. Unton Crook 21 of June 1654. John Parker 21 of June 1654. Roger Hill 28 of June 1655. William Shepard 25 October 1656. John Fountain 27 November 1656. Evan Scithe Viscounts CHarls Howard of Glisland in Cumberland created Baron Glisland and Lord Viscount Howard of Morpeth the 20th of July 1657. Baronets JOhn Read Esquire of Bocket Hall in Hertfordshire created Baronet the 25 of June 1656. John Cleypole Esquire created Baronet the 16th of July 1657. Thomas Chamberlayn of Wickham Esquire made a Baronet the 6th of October 1657. Thomas Beaumont of Staughton-Grange in Leicestershire Esq created March 5. 1657. John Twisleton Esq of Horsemans-Place in Datford in the County of Kent created Baronet of the same March 24. 1657. Henry Ingolds by Esq created 31 of March 1658. Henry Wright of Dagenhams in Essex Esq created Baronet March 31. 1658. Edmund Dunch Esquire of East-Wittenham in Berkshire created Baron of the same place April 26. 1658. Griffith Williams Esq of Carnarvon made a Baronet the 28 of May 1658. Knights when and where made SIr Thomas Viner Lord Mayor of London at Grocers-Hall Feb. 8. 1653. Sir John Copleston at White-Hall June 1. 1655. Sir John Reynolds at White-Hall June 11. 1655. Sir Christopher Pack Lord Mayor of London at White-Hall Septemb. 20. 1655. Sir Thomas Pride at White-Hall Jan. 17. 1655. Sir John Barkstead at White-Hall Jan. 19. 1655. Sir Richard Combe at White-Hall Aug. 1656. Sir John Dethick Lord Mayor of London at White-Hall Sept. 15. 1656. Sir George Fleetwood of Bucks Sir William Lockhart at White-Hall December 10. Sir James Calthrop of Suffolk Sir Robert Tichborn Lord Mayor of London and Sir Lislebone Long Recorder December 15. Sir James Whitlock at White-Hall January 6. Sir Thomas Dickeson of York March 3. 1656. Sir Richard Stainer at White-Hall June 11. 1657. Sir John Cleypole Baronet at White-Hall July 16. 1657. Sir William Wheeler at Hampton-Court Aug. 26. 1657. Sir Edward Ward of Norfolk at White-Hall Novemb. 2. Sir Thomas Andrews Alderman of London at White-Hall Novemb. 14. Sir Thomas Foot Alderman Sir Thomas Atkin Alderman Sir John Huson Colonel Decemb. 5. Sir Jaâ—… Drax at White-Hall Jan. 6. Sir Henry Pickering Sir Philip Twisleton White-Hall Feb. 1. Sir John Lenthal at White-Hall March 9. Sir John Ireton Alderman of London Sir Henry Jones at Hampton-Court July 17. 1658. Sic transit Gloria mundi FINIS
sent them with a stately Tent and six fair Brass Ordnance for a Present to the King then at Sterling where all being joyned their Army consisted of 20000 men most raw or else but parboil'd having seen no Wars but what their own Country produced and being more acquainted with their fields then fights knew better how to handle a Spade then a Speare But though many of them were thus especially the new-raised Forces yet all were not so for Scotland being always numerous in people supplyed the neighbour-Nations with auxiliarie Forces so that many Regiments of them were always in the service of the Swede French Dutch and other Nations But now upon report of Wars in Scotland they repaired home to serve in their own Nation at this time against the English The Scotch Army being grown numerous was still augmented by Forces newly raised in all parts of the Nation where the King and States had any command yet more were desired to that purpose the Earl of Eglington an eminent person was sent into the VVest with some other Commanders to raise Forces these coming to Dunbarton began to put their Commissions in execution but Colonel Lilburn having notice of it sent them a party of Horse which suddainly snapt the Earl himself his Son Colonel James Mountgomery Lieutenant-Colonel Colborn c. whom they carried away prisoners to Edinburgh The Lord General Cromwel had now got strength to walk abroad notwithstanding the relapse he fell into after his first sickness and had it not been that he was of an extraordinary strong constitution the Ague which last of all seised upon him might have shook him into the grave But the Parliament in England seeing how frequent these distempers were upon their General and doubting the air of Scotland might be the cause of it the Council of State first of all sent him two eminent Doctors Dr. Wright and Dr. Bates to use their utmost skill in his recovery and presently after dispatched an Order into Scotland which gave him liberty to leave the business of the Army and repair into England until his health and strength was recovered Upon receipt of this he made a return of thanks by a Letter to the Lord President of the Council which ran thus My Lord I Having received yours of the 27 of May with an Order of the Parliament for my liberty to return into England for change of ayr that thereby I might the better recover my health all which came unto me whiles Dr. VVright and Dr. Bates whom your Lordship sent down were with me I shall not need to repeat the extremity of my last sickness it was so violent that indeed my nature was not able to bear the weight thereof but the Lord was pleased to deliver me beyond expectations and to give me cause to say once more He hath plucked me out of the Grave My Lord the indulgence of the Parliament expressed by their Order is a very high and undeserved favour which although it be fit I keep a thankful remembrance yet I judge it would be too much presumption in me not to return a particular acknowledgement I beseech you give me the boldness to return my humble thankfulness to the Council for sending two such worthy persons so great a journey to visit me from whom I have received much encouragement and good direction for recovery of health and strength which I finde by the goodness of God growing towards such a state as may yet if it be his good will render me useful according to my poor ability in the station wherein he hath set me I wish more steadiness in your Affairs here then to depend in the least upon so frail a thing as I am indeed they do not nor own any Instrument this Cause is of God and it must prosper Oh that all that have any hand therein being so perswaded would gird up the loyns of their minds and endeavour in all things to walk worthy of the Lord So prays My Lord Your most humble Servant O. CROMWEL Edinburgh June 3. Although sickness had a long time kept under the body of this noble General yet his courage was no way diminished by it for no sooner was he able to stir abroad but with eager desire of action he consults with the chief Officers of the Army to carry on the War The result of these Councils was to contract the Army by drawing in the out-guards or petty Garisons which were of little force and onely served for Perdues to give notice of the Enemies motions To Hamilton marcht Commissary-General Whally with eight Regiments of Horse and brought off a Troop of Dragoons and 60 Foot which were there placed afterward several other places were deserted by the Forces that kept them The Army being thus drawn into one body were supplyed with 33 Waggons and Carriages for the Train from Barwick and near upon the same time arrived by Sea Captain Butler in the Success a stout ship formerly taken from the French this was the Ship that wafted along the Golden Fleece and safely swom into Leith with a rich Cargazon of about 80000 l for to pay the Souldiers This money was presently distributed out to the Horse and Foot which mightily elevated their resolution to the present Expedition All things being now ready for this Champaigne the Lord General Cromwel ordered the Armies advance to Red-hall which was cheerfully done on June 24. 1651. At this place they onely tarried until the Souldiers had wholly quitted their Quarters and then marched off to Pencland hills a place which was well known to the English ever since the first enterance of the Army into Scotland when they took the confidence from thence to look big on the City of Edenburgh but now being in a braver condition then they were before having cut through the greatest difficulties of the VVar and advanced their Blood-red Cross on the top of the most impregnable places that durst withstand their invincible Force having made a breakfast of the South of Scotland they intended the North for a Dinner Therefore to make hast now their stomacks were up the Lord General Cromwel caused the whole Army to pitch their Camp on Pencland hills in such a comely Order and admirable Figure so that Julius Caesar himself could he have kept death off at the swords point and thereby survived to this Age might have turned Scholar and learnt the Rudiments of Modern Discipline by the Example of this excellent Commander How amiable was it to behold the towring Tents of the superiour Officers in various Figures and spreading Colours overlooking the Huts of the inferiour Souldiers like so many Pinacles in a well-built City that aspire over the humble Cottages administring a pleasant object to the delighted Traveller Here Military Discipline resembled the Civil Power all knowing their Duty and performing their Parts whilst General Cromwel the Head observed the Actions of every Member in this great Body with one hand stretched forth to reward the sober
were made to prosecute the War that so peace might be obtained on better Terms Whilst they are thus providing to run the hazard of one blow more it will not be much amiss to give a rough draught of Naval Combats An ancient Philosopher laughed heartily at the folly of those that durst be so bold to venter themselves at Sea within two inches of death for profit If to sail in a ship so much deserves laughing at what folly then nay madness is it to fight when all the Elements conspire to make an end of the Combatants For the Timber which is the material substance of a Ship may be accompted Earth out of which it is produced and easily giveth way to penetration by the impartial Bullet which seldom hits the Hull without Execution making those Planks fly into splinters and become the instruments of death which before were looked upon as a defence and safe-guard from the Enemies shot The infinite number of great Guns belching forth fire and smoak so that the superficies of the water seemeth to concorporate with its contrary Element whilst the serenity of the Air is obfuscated by Clouds of Smoak the Combatants mean while eagre to grapple with each other are lost in a fog In one place is to be seen a ship converted into a Bon-fire and her men fearful to fry fling themselves voluntarily into a cooler kinde of death In another place is a Vessel depopulated of all her Inhabitants without Masts Yards Tackle or any other thing that is necessary for her guide and thus she floats about in a desperate condition Here are men wanting ships and there are ships wanting men and nothing is more studied then how to alter the natural verdure of the Sea with the sanguine Purple of humane slaughter Thus Confusion rides in Triumph and death at one instant appeareth in various shapes a neglected match or accidental spark being got into the Powder in a trice conquers the Conquerors and makes them fly who before were pursuers The water as that bears the Berthen so it claims a great share in destroying for at the redoubling sound of the thundring shot the Billows being backt with a puff of winde dance a Currant to this doleful musick and readily attend the destruction of those Vessels that are batter'd betwixt winde and water This being the Theotick of Sea-service let us now see the Practick as it was acted by the two mighty Antagonists The two Generals Blake and Monk with the English Fleet had now danced attendance at the Dutch doors for two months together in all which time Van Trump was preparing the utmost strength that possibly could be made by the indefatigable industry of the States General Their Navy being new rigged and tallowed was set afloat consisting of 120 sail of Men of War The most of these lay at the Wielings the rest in the Texel And now to incourage and raise up the resolution of the Sea-men that so they might atchieve mighty matters a Proclamation is made that all the shipping they could take from the English being Men of War should be their own besides some thousands of Gilders to those that durst take the English Admiral and a proportionable sum for him that could take the Vice-Admiral or his Flag these promises with an addition of Brandy-wine tipt the Dutch mens tongues with valour Van Trump having now all things in readiness set sail in hopes to return a compleat Victor thereby to wipe off the stain which formerly had been flung upon his reputation July 29. 1653. the English Scouts discovered 95 Men of War to come bravely sailing from the Wielings they soon knew them to be Enemies and therefore gave notice that the whole Fleet which then lay about three leagues off to Sea might make up but the winde facing the English kept them from the Engagement until six a clock in the evening when about thirty nimble Frigats the rest being still at Stern began the encounter and so continued until night parted them This first dayes fight did onely whet their appetites to the ensuing slaughter for all this night the Durch bore away towards the Texel where joyned with them 25 sail of stout men of War these were the prime ships of their Navy wherein they chiefly relied Their Fleet being thus re-inforced by this conjunction Van Trump immediately endeavoured to put all in a fighting posture to engage the next day but the night proving foul the wind in a rough note threatned the poor English with destruction either on the Flats or else on a Lee-shoar To prevent these disasters Monk with the English Fleet set sail and stood out to sea this sight made the Dutch to suppose a flight insomuch that one of their Captains desired Van Van Trump to pursue For said he these Schellums dare not stand one Broad Side from your Excellency you may see them plainly running home and therefore my Lord miss not the opportunity This was not the first time that Trump had seen the English at Sea and therefore returned the Captain this short Answer Sir look to your Charge for were the Enemy but twenty Sail they would never refuse to fight us So it fell out for the weather proving fair and calm the English contracted their Fleet together and in a Body tack'd about to meet the Enemy Neither was Trump behindhand to meet his resolute Adversary but with as much speed as care he brought his Navy into such a form as sufficiently manifested the excellent skill he had in managing Maritime Affairs The Morning to this fatal day proved somewhat gloomy so that it seemed the Sun was ashamed to behold the ensuing slaughters About five a Clock in the morning the Dutch having the Weathergage began the sight somewhat at a distance but it was not long before both Fleets were desperately engaged board and board Now as a modern Poet expresseth it The Slaughter-breathing Brass grew hot and spoke In Flames of Lightning and in Clouds of Smoke Till the discolour'd Billowes dide in Grain Blusht to behold such Shambles of the Slain Never was fight upon the Sea better managed and maintained then this The Andrew which deserved Saintship for the service luft aboard Trumps own Ship but was quickly haled off by a Fire-ship which stuck like a Plaister to her side so that in a trice the Tackle blazed like a Torch and had it not been for the wonderful courage of some few Sea-men she had then undoubtedly perished The like disaster fell upon the Triumph a second-rate Ship which sometimes encountred many at once but still triumphed over all till at last a great Flemish Ship set her on fire which began to rage in such a terrible manner that it wrought the greatest confusion imaginable in the distracted Company some of them chusing the Flood before the Flame leaped over-board and were drowned The example of those few that ended their lives in this desperate condition made the rest double their diligence
exemplary No sooner was this considerable place reduced to obedience but Cromwel immediately marcheth Northwards with all speed possible to disperse that black cloud which threatned to send a scotch Mist upon those parts of England Being at Gloucester he acquaints the Parliament with the necessities of the Armie which was no sooner done but immediately supplies were sent to the great encouragement of the Souldiery Cromwel having joyned with Lambert who then attended Hamiltons Motions and retarded his Marches their united Forces made an Army in all of 8600 strong too weak in outward appearance to grapple with 21000 men but considering the courage and resolution of the Souldiers they were sufficient to do the business as it proved at last Cromwel finding an opportunity to correct the Scotch for their insolent rapine resolves to do it and drive them home or die in the attempt At Preston in Lancashire his forlorn consisting of 200 Horse and 400 Foot first engaged after them Cromwel himself brought up the main Battle in as good a posture as the Ground would bear which being inclosure and mirie Ground was inconvenient for Horse he fought them through a durty Lane and forc'd them to seek shelter in the Hedges near at hand which proved but a poor defence against the rage of Cromwels men After four hours dispute they were driven into Preston with the victorious Souldiers at their heels who presently cleared the streets The Duke finding the place too hot for his cold Constitution retreates over the Bridge with as many Horse and Foot as could follow him but his shirking away would not serve the turn they must first give an account of their business before the pass could be granted which at last they had signed sealed and delivered At the Bridge was the greatest piece of service where extraordinary courage was shewn on both sides but especially Cromwel and his Men imitating the Discipline of the ancient English with Swords in hand rushed into the thickest of their Enemies pelting them to death at a distance they looked on rather as a signe of cowardise then courage the Scotch not being well acquainted with that manner of Discipline did not like this rough handling and therefore betake themselves to their heels accounting that the safest way to save their lives but this shift fail'd them for Cromwel was as nimble in pursuit as resolute in fight Lieutenant-General Bayly finding smart blows on his back when he dared not turn his face being driven into Warrington Town there capitulates to deliver himself and four thousand with him prisoners at War which was immediately done VVe should here remember the Exployts of Hamilton himself if he had done any but more like a Duck then a Duke and General of an Army he flees away to Vttoxeter whither being pursued he was there taken prisoner by Col. Waite and about 3000 Horse with him He being soon after brought to London and not long after that to a Tryal for his Invasion this was one of his Plea's to his Charge That he was invited But he found very sorry entertainment for after he had been thus shamefully beaten he with others was adjudged to lose his head This great Battle was very considerable in many respects as to the Victory it self 2000 being slain on the several places and near upon 10000 prisoners taken one hundred Colours with all their bag and baggage then it conduced much to the carrying on the Parliaments Designes at that time and withal left no hope of relief for those stout hearts that so obstinately defended Colchester whose designes although they were against the times yet 't was an Honour for the Nation that it could produce such Men. Cromwel after this Victory being yet reeking hot with the slaughter of the Scots at Preston posts away to acquaint Monro who was then come into England as a reserve to the Duke with a considerable Force what was become of Hamilton and his great Army which was reputed so formidable that it 's very name terrified at a distance Monro having notice of his coming had learnt so much wit in Germany whilst he was in great Gustavus his service as to fight with none but them that were of his match and knowing the English would be too hard for him he withdraws back again into Scotland where presently after he was disbanded Cromwel having thus rid the whole Nation in general of a great fear and eased the North in particular of that sad burden they groaned under by the Plunder and Oppression of the Scots Army prosecutes his Victory to the utmost entring into Scotland it self In his vvay he reduced Barwick and Carlisle to their former obedience both being delivered on composition Before his entrance into Scotland he drew the Army to a Randezvouze on the Banks of Tweede and caused Proclamation to be made at the head of every Regiment of Horse and Foot that on the pain of death no Cattle nor Goods should be forc'd from the Scotch people by any of his Souldiers in their March without an especial order but that in all things they should demean themselves civilly in their March and Quarters not giving offence to any such care had this great Captain to observe the same Discipline in Scotland which before was established in England So taking his way directly for Edinburgh he was met by many of the Scotish Nobility and Gentry from the Committee of Estates with congratulatory Orations in honour of his worthy Atchievements acknowledging that his presence would conduce much to the settlement of their distracted Kingdom Being thus arrived at Edenburgh he was received with great demonstrations of joy and lodged in the Earl of Murray's House to him resorted the Lord Chancellor of that Kingdom the Earls of Leven Arguile Cassil the Lords Burley Wariston and David Lesley with many other persons of honour both of the Nobility and Gentry The Lord Provest with several eminent Citizens came to welcome him thither and present their service to him When these Visits were over he desired the Committee of Estates to seclude out of publick Office all that had any hand in or did in the least promote Hamiltons late Invasion To which the Committee condescended making this request withall being fearful of themselves and doubting new stirs might arise after the departure of the English Army that the General would leave some Forces with them which might be ready to quell any Insurrections promising that when they had raised a Force sufficient for their own defence then they would dismiss them and return them again to their own Country This was yeelded unto and Major General Lambert an experienced Souldier with three Regiments of Horse was appointed for the service Now things standing in this posture to the content of both parties the Scots invited Cromwel and the chief Officers of the Army to the Castle of Edenburgh whither they all went in Coaches and were highly treated at a Banquet prepared for them At their departure the great
Souldier he vvas that vvould not be complemented out of his Garison nothing â—ut force must do the fear With him vvere about 3000 Horse and Foot most of them English Observing the Rules of War Cromwel sent them a Summons vvhich was slighted and looked upon rather as a formality then that he did believe to have the Town upon it This taking no effect the Lord-Governour orders all things for a quick dispatch of the Siege Aiscough's ships block them up by Sea on the Land the vvhite Flag vvas taken in and the Red Ensigne displayed before the Town to denounce blood and destruction vvithout a speedy rendition This did not much frighten the besieged vvho expected succour from Ormond and besides they vvere unanimous in this resolution To expire vvith the Town vvhich they did shortly after for now a strong Battery being planted it quickly levelled the Steeple of a Church so that it could not properly be called a Steeple-House on the South side the Town and a Tower by it The next day the Battery continuing after two or three hundred shot made the corner Tower between the East and South-wall vvas beaten down and two breaches made vvhich vvere quickly entred by Col. Husons Ewers and Castle 's Regiments of Foot the breaches being not wide enough to admit the Horse to enter vvith them Here the height of Valour vvas shewn on both sides they grappling vvith each other at the Swords point the Assailants fighting for the Town and the Defenders for their Lives vvhich indeed vvill make a coward fight though he fear to look upon the blows he gives the breaches vvere not more couragiously assaulted then valiantly defended the Enemy within gallantly charging those that entered driving them back again vvith more speed then they came in Cromwel all this vvhile standing at the Battery and perceiving his Mens retreat draws out a fresh reserve of Col. Ewers his Foot and in person enters vvith them once more into the Town The example of their General vvith the shame of the former repulse so animated the Souldiers that none vvere able to stand in their vvay and having now got sure footing in the Town they spare none but put all they met vvith to the Sword But though the town vvas thus vvon it vvas not vvholly subdued for Ashtons men desperately disputed every corner of the streets making the Assailants vvin vvhat they had by inches and at last the streets proving too hot they betook themselves to the Churches and Steeples and other places of shelter in St. Peters Church-steeple were got about one hundred vvho there resolved to sell their lives at as dear a rate as possibly they could but they vvere all soon blown up vvith Gun-powder onely one man escaped by leaping from the Tower the Wind being favourable to him he onely broke his leg by the fall which the Souldiers seeing took him up and gave him quarter In other places they were summoned to yeeld which they refusing presently strong Guards were put upon them to prevent their succour that so they might be starved out vvhich device vvas so effectual that it made them soon yeeld to the Conquerers Mercy vvhich vvas but small for all the Officers vvith the tenth man of the Souldiery vvere presently killed and the rest thrust on ship-board for Barbadoes The Governour had his share also making an end both of his Life and Government together This Town vvas the most considerable that ever Cromwel came before if we respect the stout resistance made by its Garison and how much the having of this place might conduce to the reducing of all Ireland and though the attempt was bloody Cromwel himself giving command not to spare any one that should be found in Arms yet Cruelty could not be laid to his charge for like a Politick State-Physitian he here opens one Vein to preserve the vvhole Body of the Nation from a lingering War and by this course likewise he vvrought such a terrour in the Enemy that ever after he made but short vvork of any Siege and in small time reduced the whole Nation The report of this great slaughter quickly flies away to Trim and Dundalk the two next Garisons which put them into such a pannick fear that they quitted the Towns in Trim their haste vvas so great that they left their great Guns behinde them on the Platforms Not long after this service vvas over the Lord-Governour knowing this stroak vvas as it vvere given upon the Lungs and that a sprightly prosecution would quickly beat the Enemy out of breath he resolves to make use of the present opportunity Now his quarters vvere so much enlarged by his good success Northwards to the end he may get Elbow-room on both sides of Dublin he marches the Army Westward to attacque Wexford In his March a place called Killingkerick about 14 miles from Dublin vvas quitted and a company of Cromwels Army put into it so likewise was Arcklo-Castle the seat of Ormonds Family Besides these many other places in their March submitted Octob. 1. the Army fac'd Wexford and required the Governor Col. David Synnot to make a speedy surrender thereof His answer was very doubtful as to his intentions which occasioned many papers to pass betwixt him and the Lord Cromwel This delay of the Governour was purposely used to protract time until the the Earl of Castle-haven had entered into the Town 500 Foot to strengthen the Garison The Governour having received these recruits resolves now to stand to it as long as he could seeming to contemn the Force that lay against him Near the South-East end of the Town is seated the Castle upon that Cromwel bends his greatest Force knowing that the gaining thereof would be the Towns reducement Which fell out to be true For many Peals of great shot were not plaid upon it but the Governors stomack fell down to a rendition The Souldiers being now possest of the Castle and shewing themselves from thence struck such a terrible Fear into them in the Town that they quitted the Walls which Cromwel's Souldiers perceiving in a trice they clapt to their scaling Ladders and stormed without any great resistance Being thus entered the Tovvn none vvas suffered to breath that vvas found in Arms and so cutting their vvay through the Streets they came to the Market-place where the Enemy as if the blood had returned to the heart now at the last gasp most manfully fought for some time This sharp encounter lasted not long before they were quite broken and all that were found in Arms put to the Sword The reducement of this place was of great consequence to the Conquerers being a Port-Town and very convenient to receive supplies from England From thence the Army march to Rosse a strong Town situate upon the Barrow and far more considerable for Navigation then Wexford the River admitting a Ship of seven or eight hundred Tun to ride by the Wall Of this place Major General Taaff was Governour who had
summons to the Town which at first was slighted but they taking a resolution to storm Commissioners were sent to treat who agreed upon Articles to deliver up the Town and march away with their Arms. The taking of this place much refreshed the Army who were tired with tempestuous weather Yet here they tarried not long but removed to Callyne a Garison of the Enemy about six miles from Kilkenny where they joyned with Ireton Reynolds and Zankey making up in all a considerable Body The chief strength of Callyne consisted in three Castles that were in the Town these the Souldiers stormed one after another and carryed them all putting all to the Sword they met with this so terrified those that kept a House about a Musquet-shot from the Town that immediately they sent to desire liberty to march away to Kilkenny which was granted When the Souldiers had sufficiently recruited their Knapsacks with the provisions taken in the Town they marched back again to Featherd by the way the two Castles of Knoctover and Bullynard were reduced presently after fell in Kiltennon Arfennon Coher and Dyndrum very considerable places in taking the latter Col. Zanckey received a shot through the hands The Lord Governour Cromwel had now wholly subjugated all places of advantage except Limerick Waterford Clonmel Galloway and Kilkenny these were strong and required much time however he resolves upon the last but considering that the strength he had would not be sufficient to carry on the designe he sent for Col. Huson to march speedily up to him with his Forces which he did and by the way took the Castle of Loughin afterwards he joyns with the Lord-Governours Army near Goram a populous Town strengthned by a strong Castle which was commanded by Col. Hammond a Kentish man to him was sent an invitation to deliver up the Castle but he trusting to the Valour of his men which were Ormonds own Regiment returned a very resolute answer thereupon the great Guns quickly roared out their perswasions which made him beat a Parley when 't was too late for no other conditions could now be obtained but these That the common Souldiers should have their lives and the Officers be disposed of as should be thought fit These sharp conditions being yeelded unto the next day Hammond his Major and the rest of the Commission-Officers all but one were shot to death and the Priest that vvas Chaplain to the Catholicks in the Regiment hanged This place being thus vvon preparations were made for the besieging of the City of Kilkenny This Garison required a more then ordinary Force to master it for besides the Souldiers of the ordinary Garison there to it had resorted all those that had yeelded upon Articles the small Castles and Towns in that County Yet this did not at all discourage Cromwel vvhose imaginations comprehended all things that vvere not impossible and he scorning that this one place though never so strong should be a dam to stop the current of his Victories March 22 1650. he dislodged the Army sending first of all a small party of Horse before upon discovery quickly after came up the Body vvithin a mile of the City there he made a stand and sent the Governour Sir Walter Butler and the Corporation a summons to deliver up the City for the use of the Parliament of England The next day an answer vvas returned but not satisfactory thereupon the approaches vvere made neer to the Wall and a Battery of three Guns planted to play upon the best place that could be to annoy the besieged and vvithal to open an entrance to the Besiegers All this vvhile they vvithin vvere not idle but perceiving where the Lord Cromwel bent his greatest strength they provide there to make the greatest opposition by raising two Retrenchments on the inside strongly pallisadoing them and placing some pieces that might play to the best advantage but above all there vvas a crew of choice men that promised much Cromwel hating delay vvhen his business required dispatch caused the Guns to play vvhich had not made fully one hundred shot before a breach vvas opened VVhile this vvas in doing Col. Ewers vvith 1000 Foot vvas ordered to endeavour the possession of one part of the City called Irish Town and the better to facilitate the enterprise Cromwel gave the signe for the Souldiers to fall into the breach which they had no sooner done but they were beaten out again with loss and so disheartned by it that the storm was left off yet for all that Col. Ewers carried the Irish Town with small loss which made satisfaction for this affront There being on the other side of the River another small Town or Suburbs to the main City it was thought fit to send eight companies of Foot to possess it which was done without any opposition The gaining of this encouraged them to endeavour to force a passage over the Bridg into the City but it proved to the same effect as at the breach before But these desperate attempts made the Governour reflect upon his condition and the rather because the Garison in Cantwel Castle whom Butler had sent for desired Passes of the Lord Cromwel to go beyond Sea to serve forraigne Princes ingaging to act nothing prejudicial to the Parliament of England which was granted them That was one thing that discouraged him but chiefly this that he must not onely defend himself but withal must be his own relief there being no Army in the field sufficient to do it and withal the longer he held out the worse it would be for him These things considered made him hearken to a Treaty which being once commenced they soon concluded to deliver up the City and Castle upon these terms 1. To deliver up the City and Castle to the Lord Cromwel with all the Arms Ammunition and publick store 2. The Inhabitants of Kilkenny to be protected in their Persons Goods and Estates from the violence of the Souldiery and they that were desirous of removal to have liberty three Months after the date of the Articles 3. The Governour Officers and Souldiers to march away with bag and baggage 4. The City to pay 2000 pounds as a gratuity to his Excellency the Lord Cromwels Army Thus was the City of Kilkenny which had been the seat of the supream Councel and the Centre where the lines of all their pernicious devices met the productions whereof had so malevolent an influence upon poor Ireland brought under obedience in six days time for no longer the Siege lasted chiefly by the industry and indefatigable pains of the Lord Cromwel who ever was a partaker with his Souldiers in their hardships and never flincht from them at any time when need required his personal valour insomuch that at many places he laid by the dignity of a great Commander to act the part of a private Souldier Here he tarried no longer a time then was requisite to settle the Affairs of the City which having done he then marched
the Army to Carrick from thence to proceed upon farther Action Ormond Castle-haven and the Bishop of Clogher being now very sensible of the desperate condition their Affairs were reduced to had a meeting at Baltamore in Westmeath with the Gentlemen of that County to confer about some better way to support that cause which hitherto they had so poorly defended The chief heads of this Debate were 1. Whether they were able to raise such Forces as might be sufficient to fight the Lord Cromwel now they conceived his Men were much weakned by the Winter and taking in of so many Garisons Or 2. In case they were not able to fight then with all the Forces they could make to fall into the English quarters and there to burn and destroy what they could 3. If these two ways were not feisible then whether it were not most convenient for them all to joyn in some propositions of Pacification for the whole or every one for himself to make his particular Application This last was hearkned to by some but the chiefest of them knowing their own guilt thought it not likely for them to get good conditions now necessity compelled them to be Supplicants and therefore to mischief the English in their quarters was looked upon to be the safest way for them all to spin out time til they could get a fit opportunity to make an escape out of the Land The Lord Cromwel having well refresh'd his Army after the Siege of Kilkenny sits down before Clonmel another strong place Garison'd by 2000 Foot and sixscore Horse No sooner was the Leaguer planted but Col. Reynolds and Sir Theophilus Jones were sent with 2500 Horse Foot and Dragoons to be beforehand with Ormond Castlehaven and those with them that intended an irruption into the English Quarters but they shifting from place to place to avoid fighting Col. Reynolds to keep his men from idleness joyns his Forces with Col. Huson and with two great Guns and a Morter Piece besieged Trim. Another Party of 1400 Horse and Dragoons and 1200 Foot under the Lord Broghil were sent to fight the Bishop of Ross who with 5000 intended to relieve Clonmel The Bishops Mitre being metamorphosed into an Helmet he thought verily to scare the Lord Broghil vvith the strangeness of the sight being such a thing as he had never seen before a Bishop that should be the Shepherd of a Flock now to head an Army of VVolves but the Lord Broghil getting to them in little more time then one could say tvvo or three Creeds vvholly dissipates them killing upon the place betvveen 6 and 700 taking 20 Captains Lieutenants and other Officers and to bring up the Rear the Bishop himself vvas taken vvith the Standard of the Church of Munster The Lord Broghil having him novv in his power he carries him to a Castle defended by the Bishops Forces and there hangs him up before the walls in the sight of the Garison which wrought such terrour in them that they delivered up the Castle upon Articles These successes of Parties abroad did much encourage those that besieged Clonmel who now on all sides prepare to handle that Garison as before they had done other places And indeed the Lord General used more then ordinary industry in reducing this Town in regard he had been informed that its defendants were very unanimous and that they were choice men well armed and every way sufficiently provided to make a stout resistance and besides it was governed by an active Irish-man one Hugh Boy O Neal who had set all hands in the Town on work to cast up new Countre-scarps on the inside of the old walls and to do whatsoever else might serve for the defence of the place and had so travers'd the ground with Re-intrenchments that it seemed altogether impossible to gain it by Assault nothing but Hunger as was thought could reduce it to obedience but the active gallantry of the Lord Cromwel would not admit of that course he us'd not to stand dallying before a place as the Germans French and other Nations trifling out precious time and expending vast sums to little or no purpose and besides upon many weighty considerations this service required a quick dispatch chiefly in regard of his Expedition into England whither he had lately been sent for by the Parliament there to serve them in some other way He therefore without delay orders all things for a Storm intending to try whether that would not either drown the Enemy or cool their courage who were so hotly set upon the defence The Governour being summoned to a Rendition and returning no satisfactory Answer the great Guns were planted which were managed so well that they quickly opened a breach which breach upon a Signal given being couragiously entred by the Assailants they within were not wanting to entertain them with a manful resistance and to forbid their march any other way then over their own bodies but Cromwel's men who us'd not to be thus check'd in the career of their Successes notwithstanding the Enemies valorous obstinacie made good their ground and maintained a Fight for four hours together which proved so hazardous that the victory hovering betwixt both it was hard to say on which side it would light there being a great slaughter on both sides till at last the Lord Cromwel assisted by that good Providence which always attended him decided the controversie by forcing the Enemy to quit the place and betake themselves to flight wherein though they were very much favoured by certain hills near the Town yet could they not avoid the rage and fury of the victorious Souldiers who in pursuit paid them home in their own coyn Concerning this Fight I finde it thus written by an eminent Commander in the Army and an assistant in this encounter We found in Clonmel saith he the stoutest enemy that ever was found by our Army in Ireland and it is in my opinion and very many more that there was never seen so hot a storm of so long a continuance and so gallantly defended neither in England nor Ireland The Reduction of this place though at a hard hand inclined many more to yeeld which they did in a short time after without striking a stroke These Atchievements being obtained and care taken to secure what had been gotten the Lord General addresses himself to his journey for England having been in Ireland about ten months viz. from the middle of August 1649. to the next May following 1650. a time inconsiderable respect had to the work done therein which was more then ever could be done in ten years before by any King or Queen of England Queen Elizabeth indeed after a long and tedious War there at last drave out the Spaniards that came in to the assistance of the rebellious Natives but could never utterly extinguish the sparks of that Rebellion And not onely did the shortness of the time render the work admirable but the nature of the work it self it being
against a most obstinately-desperate bloudy enemy people that had put themselves out of all hopes of favour or mercy by acting the most bloudy Tragedie that ever hath been seen or related in that their universal Massacre of the English yet recent in memory There remained now onely Limerick Waterford and some few inconsiderable Garisons to be reduced which being done they might finde leasure to hunt the wilde Irish who were fled for refuge among their Boggs This was left to the charge of Ireton whom the Lord Governour having constituted Lord Deputy he takes leave of Ireland and committing himself to the Sea arrived safely after a boisterous passage at Bristol where he was received with a thrice-repeated Volley of great Guns and other suitable demonstrations of joy Hence without tarrying he posts for London drawing neer Hounslow-Heath he is there met by the Lord General Fairfax accompanied by many Members of Parliament and Officers of the Army with multitudes that came out of curiosity to see him of whom Fame had made such a loud report Hence after mutual salutations congratulations and other testimonies of high respect he proceeds on and passing neer Hide-park-corner he is saluted with great Guns and several Volleys of small Shot by Colonel Barkstead's Regiment which was drawn up in the High-way for that purpose Continuing thus their march multitudes increasing to behold him the Lord Cromwel is conducted to the house called the Cock-pit neer St. James which had been appointed and prepared for him Here he was visited by the Lord Maior and Aldermen of London and by many other persons of quality all of them expressing their own and the Nations great obligations to him for his great Services in Ireland After some time of respite and refreshment he attended his charge in Parliament where the Speaker in an elegant Speech gave him the thanks of the House Which being ended the Lord Cromwel gave them an account of the present state of Ireland and of the condition of their Forces both in Field and Garison with what designes they were now upon what strength the Enemy had and what Garisons were then in their power The Parliament being thus assured of the hopeful condition of Ireland began now wisely to provide for the security of the peace of England which was now in danger of disturbance partly by open Hostility and partly by the under-hand dealing of some pretended friends Portugal protects Prince Rupert's Fleet notwithstanding the League France domineers at Sea making prize of all the English they could bring under their power About this time the Parliament sends Dr. Dorislaus as an Agent to the States of the United Provinces for the begetting and continuance of a right understanding and fair correspondence betwixt the two Republicks where not long after his arrival he was basely slain by six Assassinates who rushed into his lodgings at the Hague in disguise and escaped unpunished although the States pretended they had used their utmost endeavour to take them In Russia the English Merchants were much affronted by that Duke by reason of his adherence to the House of Stuarts Virginia and the Caribes Islands revolted from their obedience to the Parliament being very hot for Monarchy and the Liturgie Nearer home Scilly Jersey and the Isle of Man stand out and miserably infest the Seas with their Piracie But above all the Scots were the most formidable who seemed to set their wits on the tenters that so they might embroyl England in new troubles and thereby have opportunity to work their ends upon it To this end a Treaty is commenced betwixt them and their King at Breda a famous Town in the Netherlands belonging to the Prince of Orange Here they propose 1. That his Majestie recal and disclaim all Commissions and Declarations granted by him to the prejudice of the Covenant 2. That he acknowledge their present Parliament and the two last Sessions thereof and allow of the Acts made therein 3. They remonstrate the Motives contained in the eleventh Instruction meaning Vxbridge-Treaty 4. That as soon as he comes into Scotland and before his admission to the exercise of Royal power he shall swear subscribe and seal the National Covenant and the Solemn League and Covenant Their King having assented and promised in verbo Principis to perform these things the Commissioners had order to let him see the Coronation-Oath he was to take which he approving they were to invite him into Scotland assuring him that he should be entertained there with all due respect To all which things the King at last condescended partly by the perswasion of the Prince of Orange at whose cost and charges the Treaty was both begun and continued and partly upon hopes that by this means he might gain the easier footing in England The Scots being now impatient of the enjoyment of their King presence he in order to their satisfaction herein hastes from Breda towards the Hague and from thence to Scheveling where he took shipping and not long after landed notwithstanding several snares laid for him at the Spey in the North of Scotland The Parliament in England were not ignorant of these things they having faithful Scouts abroad in the world who failed not to give them timely notice of the machinations of their enemies in all quarters And taking the matter into consideration in the House a great debate there was VVhether the war for that there must be a war betwixt us and our dear Brethren was taken for granted should be Offensive or Defensive As to the later the Defensive part they were very sensible of the havock the Scots had formerly made in the North of England when they came in as friends so that should they be suffered to come in as enemies nothing could be expected to follow but ruine and desolation wheresoever they came Hamilton's Invasion likewise stuck in their stomacks and the devastations that accompanied it Besides it was considered that to let them give the first blow had been to make our own Country the seat of war and thereby an opportunity would be given to discontented spirits here which then were not a few to joyn with the enemy Upon these and other weighty considerations the Parliament resolves upon an Offensive war and to alarm them in their own Quarters This Resolution was thought most advantageous in many respects as 1. Scotland the Enemies Country must needs be much impoverished by being burdened with two Armies when it could not well maintain one and England would be quit of much fear and calamity incident to quartering of Armies Besides in all encounters it is good policie to keep an adversary at the arms end 2. By invading Scotland the Souldiery would be much encouraged in respect of the benefit might accrue to them by the spoils of their enemies Hereby also the Territories of this Commonwealth were likely to be enlarged 3. The Scots Levies were not yet finished nor their Army completed so that a sudden march might nip them
the Commonwealth of England and hath exercised actual Hostility by commissionating Pyrates to spoil the ships and goods belonging thereto to these not the least violence or injury should be offered either in body or goods or if any should happen that upon complaint made redress and satisfaction should immediately be had Wherefore they desire all persons to abide in their habitations assuring them to enjoy what they had without disturbance No sooner was this penned but copies thereof were sent into Scotland and the Country-people that kept Market at Berwick had their pockets stuffed with them to carry home and disperse among their neighbours What good effects this course produced we shall see hereafter when the Army enters their borders The Lord General having used this expedient to undeceive the Scots and to procure their good opinion of him and his Army considered that all would not be convinced thereby the Sword not the Pen must perswade many of them wherefore he leaves York and hastes to Northallerton and thence the next day to Darnton As he pass'd by this place the Train of Artillery which was quartered here saluted him with seven Pieces of Ordnance Coming next to Newcastle the Governour Sir Arthur Haslerig received him with noble entertainment Here the Lord General and the Officers of his Army in a solemn manner implored a blessing from heaven upon their present Expedition After which upon due consideration of the affairs of the Army he setled a way for their supply from time to time with provisions This business being dispatched and the general Rendezvous appointed the Lord General leaves Newcastle and posts for Berwick His Forces being all come up he caused a general Rendezvous of them to be on Haggerston-Moor four miles from Berwiek July 20. 1650 the whole Army was drawn into the Field which was no sooner done but the General himself came among them being received with shouting and other signes of joy Having well view'd them he caused both Horse and Foot to be drawn up in Battalia Which being done there appeared a gallant Body of Horse consisting of 5415 bestrid by as many stout and couragious Riders eight complete Regiments of Foot consisting with their Officers of 10249 with the Train of Artillery which consisted of 690 so that the Army in the whole consisted of 16354. A sight most lovely and very desirable to see such an Army of men gallantly accoutred and provided with all necessaries who for approved valour are not to be equal'd commanded by a General whom no example ancient or modern can parallel for Courage and Conduct in a word he was honored in his Army and they happie in their General Being thus in Battalia the General marcheth them about an hundred paces towards Berwick and so dismisseth them to their quarters on the brink of Tweed where we shall leave them for the present expecting their further advance HIS WARS IN SCOTLAND OCcasion might here be taken to admire at the long continued separation that hath been betwixt England and Scotland that notwithstanding they are cohabitants of the same Island yet they should continue distinct Kingdoms for so many Ages together For whereas divers Kingdoms having inferious Dominions in them soon subjected them to their own Rule as in Spain where many Kingdoms are concorporated into one and in our own Nation where the Saxon Heptarchy was long since reduced into a Monarchy yet England and Scotland could never be united under one Head till the Crown of England devolved upon King James Many attempts have been made by several English Kings to reduce Scotland to their obedience Edward the second a King whose greatest honour was to be the son of an Heroick father and father to an incomparable son unfortunately fought the Battel at Bannocks in Scotland where as Holinshed relates was lost Gilbert de Clare Earl of Gloucester 40 Barons 700 Knights and Gentlemen and about 40000 others This defeat was great even the greatest that ever the English received at one time from that Nation But in hopes to wipe away this blur and to salve up this wound the King raised two great Armies for that purpose but with no better success for the first of his Armies was lost for want of courage to fight the last for want of food was forced to retire and in their retreat lost all their Ammunition But what else could be expected from a pusillanimous King who was observed in the former Battel to be the first that fled for it could not be expected that the Souldiers should stand they being bound to follow their leader To reckon up all the Rencoùnters that have happened betwixt the two Nations would be too tedious and stretch this discourse beyond its intended length Yet I shall wade a little in these plashes before I plunge into the Ocean of Cromwels Conquests Henry the seventh a wise and valiant Prince was much disturbed by those two Impostors Perkin Warbeck and Lambert Simnel Warbeck's quarrel was espoused by the Scots but to little purpose for a Peace was soon concluded betwixt the two Kings on condition that Warbeck should be sent packing and that James the fourth the Scots King should marry the Lady Margret King Henry's daughter Great debate was in the Council about this Match some were against it alleadging that in case the Kings issue should fail England would become subject to Scotland But to this the King wisely returned That the weaker must ever bow to the stronger and England being the stronger Scotland must submit This was but discourse for it could not be then imagined the King having two hopeful sons Arthur and Henry that the Lady Margret should be the Royal Stem from whence should spring those Noble branches which were to over-spread both Nations as it afterwards came to pass in King James But notwithstanding the Alliance made by the said Marriage in the days of King Henry the eighth while he was busied with his Wars in France the Scots invade England and were encountred by the Earl of Surrey at Flodden Field where the success remained doubtful a great while but at last the Victory fell to the English who that day slew the Scots King the Bishop of St. Andrews 12 Earls 14 Barons and 12000 Gentlemen and common Souldiers onely with the loss of 1500. at so easie a rate was this great Victory purchased By this and several other Blows King Henry got many of the Scotish Nobility into his custody And considering how their frequent incursions did impede and frustrate his designes abroad he thought it expedient to use a means to beget amity betwixt the Nations to which end he propounded a Match betwixt his son Edward and Mary the young Princess of Scotland This motion found so good acceptance at first that it was concluded upon and ratified by Act of Parliament with a special Instrument under the hands of the Scotish Nobility who by this means having gotten their liberty from restraint soon after quit themselves of their
which he seeing called out and told him That if he had been one of his Souldiers he should have been cashier'd for firing at that distance But the truth is these daring actions in Generals savour more of valour then discretion Bullets distinguish not betwixt the meanest private Souldier and the most puissant General if he come in their way Hence it was that the people would not suffer David to go out in person 'T was upon an over-bold discovery of Popinham's strength that Gustavus Adolphus the Scourge of the Austrians was killed and with him the hopes of those great things expected from him The Head of an Army such is the General being once cut off the Body especially in an enemies Country must needs languish and pine away The Scots having done their business which it seems was onely to breathe their horses they returned back again to their Quarters Aug. 19. part of the English Army stormed Red-Hall and took it it being a Garison situate within a mile and a half of Edinburgh having about 80 Foot to defend it This was done in the sight of the Scots whole Army yet not a man stirred towards the relief of the place Aug. 26 the Scots sent to the Lord General desiring a Conference betwixt some of themselves and some Officers appointed by him Which being granted and a convenient place appointed the Lord Wariston Secretary of State Sir John Brown Colonel Straughan and Mr. Dowglas a Minister with certain others attended for that purpose The main business of their Meeting was to wipe off a pretended aspersion cast upon them and spread over both Armies intimating that they kept themselves in Trenches and holes not daring to fight And the better to clear themselves of these calumnies they let the English know That when opportunity served it should be seen that they wanted not courage to give them Battel The next morning the Scots as if they meant to be as good as their words which had they been they had cross'd a very ancient Proverb strike up for a march seeming either to bend their course for Sterling or as if they would in good earnest according to the purport of the Embassage they had sent the day before lest it should not be known fight the English No sooner are they on their march but the Lord General prepares to meet them thinking that although they had often dallied with him before yet now surely they would be serious and shew some fair play The common souldiers were possest with the like apprehensions being over-joy'd at the very thoughts of fighting and in order thereunto they presently take down their Tents lay aside their Knapsacks and disburthen themselves of every thing whatsoever that might be an impediment to their activity Being thus prepared the English approach the Scots Army verily intending to engage them but it seems they had no minde to come to it but rather to shelter themselves in some new lurking hole notwithstanding their late confident disclaiming of any such practice Accordingly when the English drew neer the Enemy they found a great Bog and a deep Ditch to make such a separation as for the present cut off all possibibility of conjunction with them and consequently of engaging them without running such hazards as were not necessary at that time The Lord General seeing he could not come at them in person sent a thundring message to them by the mouth of his Cannon All that night both the Armies continued in Arms and the next morning being the 28 of August the great Guns roared on both sides for about the space of an hour But the English Lord General seeing that this would do no good and knowing that it would but waste precious time to no purpose to stand pelting at an Enemy at that distance he therefore drew off from thence to try some other conclusion if by any means he might get the Enemy into a fair field where the business might be disputed on equal terms In order to which marching towards their former Quarters on Pencland hills no sooner were they there arrived but news came that the Scots were upon their march to possess Muscleborough and Preston-pans whereby to cut off provisions from the English Army The souldiers hearing this begin to bestir themselves and again taking down their Tents take up their Arms holding it to be high time so to do considering that now they must either fight or starve To prevent the Enemies designe the Lord General advanced that night with his whole Army towards Muscleborough it being very stormy tempestuous weather without any molestation from the Enemy Being there they are supply'd from the ships and many of them being infirm and diseased by reason of hard duty and unseasonable weather 500 were sent on board which yet did not clear the Army of those distempered ones The Enemy all this while dogging the English in the Rere watched all opportunities to distress them But the Lord General taking into consideration the sad condition of his Army occasioned by sickness and indisposition of body resolves to retreat with them to Dunhar and there by Garisoning it to lie securely for some time till they might recover strength and receive convenient recruits both of Horse and Foot from Berwick In pursuance of this resolution the Army Aug. 30. set forward toward Hadington And by that time the van-Brigade of Horse had taken up their quarters the Scots by a nimble march were fallen in the rere and put them into disorder But wanting courage to prosecute the advantage and withal a cloud overshadowing the Moon gave the English Horse an opportunity to inextricate themselves of that Labyrinth wherein they had like to have been entangled and to recover the main Body Being at Hadington in danger to be assaulted daily by the Enemy the Lord General caused a strict Watch to be kept to prevent the worst For the Scots were sufficiently sensible of the crazie condition of the Army and thought they had now an opportunitie to distress them they acting the Offensive part that and by degrees they should weary them out and at last utterly destroy them and to that end conceiving that now they had a more then ordinary advantage about midnight Aug. 30. they attempted the English quarters on the west-end of the Town But notwithstanding their confidence they were soon set further off The next day the Lord General draws out into the open Champaign on the South-side of the Town resolving notwithstanding the indisposition of body in his Army to venture all upon the event of a Battel But the Scots having no minde to that sport therefore after three hours tarriance in expectation of their coming all in vain the English prosecute their fore-intended march for Dunbar The Scots being re-inforced with the addition of three Regiments yet again came in the Rere of the English and seeing them lodg'd in Dunbar gathered upon the adjacent hills like a thick cloud menacing such a showre to the
English as would wash them out of their Country if not out of the world and to make sure work imagining they had them now in a Pound they being well acquainted with the Country set a strong Guard upon the Pass at Copperspeith a place where ten stout men may obstruct the passage of fourty thereby to intercept or hinder all provisions or relief from Berwick or perhaps to hinder the English from running away lest any thing should be wanting to compleat their imagined neer approaching Victory For as a late ingenious * R H. his discourse of England Author hath it writing upon this subject The Scots from those high hills that encompassed this sickly remnant and which they had possessed themselves of look down on the English as their sure prey But as the same Author goes on how much better had they done had they levelled those mountains which surrounded their wretched enemies and which proved such sleight defences against a vertue backt with necessity and so made them an easier passage to their homâ—… by reason of their sickness did very â—…ant it And no marvel the Scots were thus confident For besides that they were stout and hearty in their own Country and upon advantageous ground in all which respects the English were at a loss they doubled the English in number they being 6000 Horse 16000 Foot whereas the other were but 7500 Foot 3500 Horse Two to one is great oddes and yet as the case then stood they must either fight manfully or tamely give up themselves a prey to their insulting Enemy which the English not having been accustomed to do knew not how to begin now Neither did all these straights difficulties and disadvantages in the least dismay the Lord General who as a Rock remained immoveable in this Sea of dangers and who considering that the present necessity required more then an ordinary courage and that this must be his Master piece or Misfortune after he had well view'd the Enemy and found that they had drawn down about two thirds of their Left wing of Horse to the Right causing them to edge down toward the Sea shogging also their Foot and Train to the Right a posture not well to be understood unless it were by this means to make short work and to catch the English as it were in a Purse-net saw that it was no time to use many words and that small debates must produce great actions and therefore after a short consultation had with his chief Officers it was concluded to take such a course as might let the Enemy see it was in vain for them to go about to abridge them of their liberty by any power or policie that they could use The better to do this the Lord General drew forth six Regiments of Horse with three Regiments and a half of Foot to march in the Van the Horse were commanded by Major-General Lambert and Lieutenant-General Fleetwood the Foot by Commissary-General Whalley and Colonel Monk To second these were Colonel Pride's Brigade and Colonel Overton's Brigade Two Regiments of Horse moreover brought up the Rere with the Cannon All things being thus in a readiness the Souldiers desired nothing more then the coming of the time when they should fall on that so they might shew their Valour to purpose It was resolved Sept. 3. to fall on by break of day but by reason of some impediments it was delayed till six of the clock at which time Major-General Lambert Lieutenant-General Fleetwood Commissary Whalley and Colonel Twisleton all stout resolute Commanders gave a furious charge upon the Scots Army who stoutly sustained the same and gallantly disputed the business at the swords point The English Foot in the mean time fired roundly upon the Enemies Foot but with more courage then success for being over-powred they were forc'd into some disorder notwithstanding they soon recovered their ground being reinforc'd by the Generals own Regiment And now the Fight grew hot on all sides The English Horse flew about like Furies doing wonderful execution insomuch that the place soon became an Aceldama or field of bloud The Foot were not behinde in their capacities for the Pikes gallantly sustained the push of their Enemies and the Muskets seemed by their often firings to have a designe to alter the property of the Climate from the Frigid to the Torrid Zone Neither were the English more free of their Powder then the Scots especially Lawyers Regiment of Highlanders were of their Bullets until their Horse being totally dispers'd and enforc'd to quit the Field left the Foot exposed to all dangers which they seeing began to shift for themselves as well as they could throwing away their Arms and betaking themselves to their heels a poor shift it being better to fight a day then run an hour To be short the English at last so far prevailed as to give a compleat Overthrow by the utter routing of that Army which had but lately triumphed in a confident assurance of Victory This was the work of one hour but it ended not here for the Rout begetting a Run the fugitives were pursued eight miles from the place Of the Enemy were slain in all about 3000 many prisoners of quality taken besides 10000 private souldiers with 15000 Arms all their Train of Artillery great and small the Leather-Guns not excepted and for standing Trophies of this great Victory 200 of their Colours were sent up to the Parliament at London who caused them to be hung up in Westminster-Hall where they remain till this day As Sea-sick passengers in a boisterous Ocean receive as it were new life and spirit upon safe arrival at their desired Port so the English Army who had been tossed up and down in a strange Country and almost spent by hard duty and the unsutableness of the Climate were now revived by this miraculous Victory And the Lord General seeing their courage to be up resolved it should not flat for want of exercise and therefore the better also to improve this Victory and to secure what he had gotten he dispatches away Lambert with six Regiments of Horse and nine of Foot to attaque Edinburgh the Metropolis of Scotland and secure Leith that so the English ships might thence readily and without obstruction yeeld necessary supplies to the Army The Lord General himself remained some small time at Dunbar to dispose of prisoners and to order other matters as the occasion required And the prisoners being so numerous that it seemed to be as much trouble to retain them as it was to take them the Lord General discharged neer upon 5000 of them most sick and wounded the rest much about the same number being conveyed to Berwick by four Troops of Colonel Hacker's Horse Having given this account of the captives a word or two of those that escaped by flight Their General it seems was one of that number and none of those that made the least haste neither or else he could not have been
at Edinburgh by ten of the clock that morning whereon the Battel was fought outstripping his Lieutenant-General who got not thither till the afternoon But if they had made less haste they might have come before they had been welcom unless they had brought better news the Garison and inhabitants being very much dampt at their report as also those of Leith insomuch that Edinburgh was presently quit by its Garison and Leith resolved to receive the Victors not knowing how to keep them out But though the English had thus possessed the Town of Edinburgh the Castle remained untoucht which being esteemed impregnable and commanding the Town the Scots hoped that the English would soon finde their new quarters too hot to hold them and so much the rather for that the said Castle besides its natural strength was well manned had a considerable Artillery on the walls and store of all sorts of provisions Colonel William Dundass being its Governour However the same day the Scots deserted the Town the English under Lambert took possession of the same as also of Leith in both which places they found several Pieces of Ordnance many Arms and considerable provisions which were too heavie for the Scots to take with them because of their haste But how well the new Garison of Edinburgh agreed with their neighbours in the Castle we shall hear afterwards Upon this the Lord General coming up with the remainder of the Army the Scots were in despair of nestling there again and therefore made Sterling their next refuge whither resorted those that had escaped at Dunbar to help to piece up their shattered Army that so in a second Encounter they might endeavour to recover their lost credit To this purpose also recruits were raised by the Committee of Estates in all places under their power their Officers are likewise new molded new ones being taken in and old ones laid aside according as they saw occasion this change being not in inferiour Officers only but among the great Commanders likewise for old Leven was laid aside albeit David Lesley were continued But this their rallying and recruiting chopping and changing signified little for as if they had been postest with a like spirit with those infatuated Jews in Jerusalem when that City was closely begirt by the Romanes notwithstanding that the English had given them that sore blow at Dunbar driven them from their Metropolis and were still improving those advantages the Scots in stead of joyning heart and hand in defending their Country against so prevailing an adversary split themselves into so many fractions and factions that it would require some curiosity to discriminate them The most notable were these Straughan and Car in the West who declared against the Kings party and were called Remonstrators another party were for King and Kirk as David Lesley Major Gen. Holborn and those in Fife and a third sort were purely for the King these with Middleton keep the High-lands This Kingdom being thus divided was not likely long to stand For animosities growing higher and higher among themselves little care was taken to repress the English who ranged at pleasure about the Country And the Lord General having his Head-quarters at Edinburgh and observing what course the Scots steered lay not idle but having refreshed his men Sept. 14. he drew out the greatest part of his Army for Sterling and faced the Castle having at first some thoughts to storm it but finding that the Horse could not well second the Foot he desisted for that time and returned back to the Head-quarters Whither being come order is given for carrying all the Boats in the Frith to Leith for prevention of the Scots Ferrying over into Fyfe to joyn with the Enemy there And since according to the Proverb of Idleness comes no goodness therefore to keep his men in action and that they may the better acquaint themselves with the Country the Lord General his work going on well before Edinburgh-Castle of which a particular account shall be given in its place marcht away six Regiments of Foot and nine of Horse and Dragoons for Glasgow a City of a pleasant site upon a River navigable for small Boats which usually bring up provisions from Patrickstown ten miles thence where ships of good burden may ride In Glasgow the streets and houses are more neat and clean then those of Edinburgh it being also one of the chiefest Universities in Scotland By the way of Linlithgow the Lord General sent a Paper to the Committee of Estates to try once more what might be done by fair means a copie whereof was likewise at the same time dispatched away to Colonel Car and Straughan to the same end Little else was remarkable in this Expedition then the taking of a small Carison neer Kelsith a place famous for being the Stage whereon somtime the valiant Montross had acted such great things as even shook the foundations of the Kirk and had subverted it if the English had not in time stretched out their hand to support the same This heroick Champion notwithstanding he wrought such great things with small Forces ever encountring considerable Armies with a handful so that not one of his men could be exempted from continual duty yet could not avoid the frowns of adverse fortune wherein nevertheless although his body were captivated his spirit remained free bearing up above the highest affronts of his enraged enemies who loaded him with all the ignominy that Malice it self could invent first inflicting on him a most reproachful death and next mangling his dead body the quarters whereof they caused to be hung up in several places for publike view On the Tolbooth at Glasgow hung one of his legs which the English remembring what he was took down and buried privately Now the Lord General retires to Edinburgh the season admitting of no considerable action but onely what necessity required And a necessary work they went about in suppressing a company of sturdy knaves called Moss-Troopers who daily plaid their pranks with great boldness and by the treachery and connivence of the Country-people murdered many of the English Souldiers especially straglers nay their confidence grew so high as to steal some of the Train-horses belonging to the Army To that end a Proclamation was published by the Lord General to this effect THat finding many of the Army were not onely spoiled and robbed but also others barbarously butchered and slain by a sort of Outlaws not under the discipline of any Army and finding that all tenderness to the Country produced no other effect then their compliance with and protection of such persons therefore considering that it is in the Countries power to detect and discover them and perceiving their motion to be ordinary by their invitation and intelligence of Country-people therefore he declared That where-ever these enormities should be committed for the future life should be required for life and a plenary satisfaction for the goods thus stollen of those Parishes and places where the
fact should be committed unless they did discover and produce the offender Presently after the publishing of this Proclamation Colonel Monk with a commanded party of Foot four Pieces of Ordnance and a Mortar-piece was sent to hunt these Beasts of prey And upon information that Derlton-House near Hadington was one of their Nests Monk and Lambert bent their Force towards it and approaching it an evening by the next day they had planted their Battery whence they plyed the House with great Guns the Mortar-piece also being not unoccupied but all wrought little effect till at last one of the Granadoes falling into the house broke the Iron bar of the inner gate and forced it open throwing the Draw-bridge into the Moat it also killed the Moss-Troopers Lieutenant This rough handling made them cry out for Quarter profering to quit the House so they might save their lives But these beggers not being admitted to be chusers at last submit to mercy Their number was thirty and their Captain one Waite who with two others of the most desperate of them was presently shot to death and the rest made prisoners This place being thus reduced Monk takes with him 600 Foot for Roslane Castle where at first he found opposition but upon second thoughts it was yeelded to mercy From these less considerable atchievements the English proceed to greater For the heat of their courage made them insensible as it were of the coldness of the weather so that in stead of lurking in Winter-quarters as is usual in such a season in warmer climates too they stir abroad to finde out the Enemy And now they draw near to that grand party in the West of Scotland sometimes commanded by Car and Straughan who had withdrawn themselves from the obedience of King Kirk and State publishing a Declaration containing the Reasons of their so doing which was to this purpose THat that which is obvious in the first place among the sins of the Land is the late proceedings with the King That they would distinguish betwixt their duty and their sin their duty was to use all lawful ways for reclaiming the King and to own his interest accordingly as he owned and prosecuted the Cause that it was their sin and the sin of the Kingdom that the King had walked in the ways of his fathers opposition to the work of Reformation and yet that they should receive him notwithstanding his peace made with the Irish the Commission given to James Graham meaning Montross for invasion of Scotland and after all this to assure him by Commissioners the exercise of Royal power upon his bare profession to joyn in the Cause and Covenant without any further proof of his repentance or convincing evidences of the reality of his professions That the Treaty was continued with him after his dealing was discovered in the actual invasion of the Kingdom That the King himself did still continue the Malignant party in the Kingdom cleaving to them and following their counsels and this not done onely in the Kingdom of Scotland but also abroad by keeping correspondence with the Lord of Ormond and the Earl of Newcastle That he refused to signe the Declaration offered to him by the Committee of Estates and General Assembly until it was extorted from him and he of necessity enforced to take it That he still pursued the same designes since the Treaty as before endeavouring to have the Malignants of the Kingdom in power and trust as it appears in his frequent conversing and correspondence with them notwithstanding they were discharged the Court by Act of Parliament By these things it is manifest that the King hath not prosecuted the Cause of God but rather in opposition to the work of God and the Covenant They therefore according to the Declaration of Kirk and State the 13 of August 1650. disclaim all the sin and guilt of the King and his house both old and new and declare that they cannot own him nor his interest in the state of the quarrel betwixt him and the enemy against whom they were to hazard their lives This Remonstrance was sent to the Committee of Estates then at Sterling the 25 of November 1650. where it bred great divisions and dissentings amongst them Much debate there was what to do in it to approve thereof would adde many more fractions to their already-broken State and make all desperate to shew an utter dislike of it would put the Remonstrators upon securing themselves lest if they should fall under the lash of their own Estates they might be worse handled then by being in the power of the English But at last they agreed upon a Declaration which was drawn up and voted to be sent to the Commissioners of the Kirk wherein they declared That the said Remonstrance as it related to the Parliament and Civil Judicatories was scandalous and injurious to his Majesties Person and injurious to his Authority and that it held out seeds of division and was of a dangerous consequence and withal dishonourable to the Kingdom in so far as it tended to a breach of the Treaty with the Kings Majestie at Breda approved by the Parliament and General Assembly that it strengthened the hand of the Enemy giving him wherewithal to justifie his unjust invasion and weakned the hands of many honest men Lastly that through the subtil contrivance thereof many religious Gentlemen Officers and Ministers have been thereby ensnared This was backt by the Assembly of the Kirk who signified their concurrence with the Estates in dislike of the Remonstrance but so nevertheless as if possible to bring Car and his party over by fair means to which end many Papers pass'd betwixt them and all means were used to compose differences The English Lord General observing these Western dissenters to agree with him in many particulars sent them several invitations to come in to him Who being proud of so many courtings from all sides grew so high thereupon as to think themselves strong enough to defend their own Cause against all opposers But as if Divisions had not already sufficiently torn that Nation this Party who had lately made so great a rent therein soon after subdivide themselves Straughan withdrawing himself and in a small time closing with the English So that Car commands all now himself and how he behaved himself in his command we shall presently see Upon this Party the English Lord General had a special eye they quartering near who if they could not be made friends might prove dangerous enemies and bad neighbours At last after many fruitless endeavours used to draw them over to him he resolves notwithstanding the difficulty of marching at that time of the year it being December to force them to it or to do worse Which was strangely effected in a short time after For about the end of November Major-Gen Lambert and Commissary-Gen Whalley with five Regiments of Horse were ordered by the General to march from Peebles to Hamilton on the South-side of
Cloid himself in the mean time marching from Edinburgh on the North-side where he tarried the greatest part of a day but having good intelligence where Lambert and his party were and the weather being very bad he returned back Whereof when Colonel Car had notice as also that Lambert had taken up his quarters at Hamilton he conceived that now a fit opportunity was offered him of making sure work with him he being disjoyned from the Body of the Army and supinely sleeping as he dreamed without any thoughts of an enemy With this confident perswasion Car sets upon a sudden March in the night with about 1500 Horse and before day making more haste then good speed he furiously breaks into Lambert's Quarters and finding no opposition at his first entry he was emboldened to go up to the middle of the Town where a Captain with about 40 souldiers having taken the Alarm had suddenly mounted these being favoured by a tree that lay cross the street gave a check to their carreer till the whole Garison was alarm'd The suddenness of the business did somewhat amaze the English but having soon recollected themselves they resume their wonted courage being also very much animated by the example of their Officers forwardness And to make their work the more perfect part of their Forces being left in the Town to engage the Enemy and to secure the Rere the residue drew out that if possible they might surround the Enemies whole party who making a timely discovery of this designe very cunningly fac'd about and fled Though this encounter lasted not long yet of the Scots were slain near upon 100 and as many taken prisoners some few of whom might well be accounted many considering their quality for among them was Car himself his Lieutenant-Colonel and Captain-Lieutenant This Victory was not so well won but it was as well followed for the chase continued as far as Ayre where also were routed a party of 150 which was the chief remains of the Remonstrators This Success came very seasonably and the more considerable it was by how much the more difficult it would have been to engage them against their will for they knowing the Country well and having the people on their side could march about at pleasure when the English durst not follow without a great part of their Army for fear of Lesley who then lay at Sterling with the Scotch Army ready to make use of all advantages that might serve for his purpose Immediately upon this followed the Rendition of Edinburgh-Castle the most considerable strong hold in all Scotland It is seated upon a very high Precipice over-looking and commanding all places about it insomuch that many times the English Souldiers in their Quarters were galled with the Shot sent from the great Guns into Edinburgh When the Lord General came first before it which was immediately after the Rout at Dunbar he sent in a Summons to the Governour Colonel Will. Dundass which wrought no effect presently after several Papers were sent in to invite the Ministers to come forth to their several charges but they refusing so civil an offer the Lord General then seriously considered with his chief Officers which way to reduce by force both them and it knowing that if it should continue thus in the Scots hands his own work would be very much retarded thereby Accordingly the place being viewed nothing could be seen to encourage the attempting of it by storm But as there is many more ways then one to win so every one of these ways that carryed probability with it was debated At last a resolution was taken That seeing this impregnable place could not be beaten down endeavours should be used to blow it up to that end Miners both Scotch and English were sent for to carry on the work In order to this resolution about the end of September the Galleries were begun in the night which was no sooner perceived by those in the Castle but they very angerly fired upon it with five great Guns and several vollies of small Shot which nothing hindered the English whose indefatigable pains wrought through the earth until at last coming to the main rock it put them to a stand finding it not to be of that mould they imagined Yet could not this dismay those whose resolutions far surmounting the difficulty of their present design for finding the mattock did not perform its part they by other means made holes in the stones and filling them full of Powder made them fly by firing But the Lord General taking notice how tedious the mining work went on and withal considering the uncertainty of the wished event when finished therefore to make a quick dispatch he gave order for raising a Mount not far from the Castle upon a rising ground whereon to plant a Battery that so the Enterprise might be carryed on above ground as well as beneath The sight of this very much amazed Dundass the Governour who now perceived what a vanity it was to withstand the English industry Yet to quit himself of that great trust reposed in him by his superiours and withal to cherish the hopes of his Country-men whose eyes were generally upon him he did the utmost to answer the expectations of those that thought this bone might go near to break Cromwels teeth who herein were much deceived for it could do no more then whet his appetite and make him long for the possession of this strong Fort since the greater the opposition be the more is a great spirit raised thereby The Battery being now raised to a convenient height in spite of all impediments by the unwearied labours of the Souldiers and all things necessary prepared four Mortar-Pieces and six battering Guns were drawn from Leith and quickly mounted against the Castle Now the word of command was onely wanting which the Lord General deferred to give until he had sent to the Governour once more willing him to yeild by fair means and save the labour of being inforc'd by foul The Summons was sent the 11 of December and spake thus That he being resolued by Gods assistance to use such means as were put into his hands for to reduce the Castle did for the preventing of farther misery demand the rendering of the place to him upon fit conditions The Governour having received the same made answer That he was intrusted by the Committee of the Estates of Scotland for the keeping of the Castle and that he could not deliver it up without leave from them and therefore desired ten days time to send to them and receive their answer upon receipt whereof the General should receive his resolute answer But the Lord General knowing delays to be dangerous and that time was pretious and not to be lost in vain he makes this suddain reply That it concerned not him to know the Obligations of them that trusted him but that he might have honourable terms for himself and those that were with him but that he could not give
notwithstanding he was bereft of half himself for his wife was slain by a Granado that broak into the Castle and his Souldiers were so frighted being frequently wounded by them that at last laying by the duty of Souldiers they commanded their Commander and inforc'd him to do what he did But these unruly fellows being conveyed according to Articles into Fift found to their cost that they had leaped out of the frying-Pan into the Fire for about seventy of them were clapt up to answer for their misdemeanours Where they lay some time until the Kirk and States were at leasure to call them to an account The crowning of their King was now the main business in agitation amongst them this had been delayed long by the Kirk and States who gave him some time to repent of all his Fathers sins and his own transgressions which he at first refusing it had like to have set him besides the saddle this backwardness in him made the Kirk afraid to trust in his hands the reins of Government wherefore they set themselves wholly to teach him mortification and rules of the new Creature withal making him understand how impossible it was to obtain a Crown except he took up the Cross and followed them But the English vigorous prosecution of their designes quickned them forward to expedite this business which they of themselves were backward enough in A head they saw was requisite to compose that enmity which was among them and bring in those families in the Highlands that declared purely for Royalty to joyn with them in repelling the Prevalency of the Common Enemy which was the term bestowed on the English Army for now it was declared lawful to make use of all persons that became Souldiers at this time of need contrary to the Remonstrators opinion who would not admit of any to serve in the Army but such as could give sufficient testimony of their godly lives and conversations so that in their judgments none were to be made choice of let the case of necessity be never so urgent unless they could overcome by the Spirit if a house be on fire nay more a kingdom no water must be made use of but that which is clean rather should it burn down then one drop of foul be cast into it These Conceits in Scotland made such a fracture amongst the Clergie of that Nation as to this day could never be cured again But to return whence we digressed The first of January was appointed to be the day whereon the King should be crowned great preparations were made to invest him in his Royal Power at Scone it was performed with the greatest Pomp and Magnificence that the present condition of the Nation could afford the Nobility attending in their Robes and the Marquess of Argile as Speaker from the Parliament made a Speech he having ended the Ministers began with an Exhortation how to use that which they were going to put in his power then the Covenant being tendered to him was immediately subscribed Argile setting the Crown upon his head which was too heavy for one to bear the people shewed great demonstrations of Joy by their chearful acclamations of God save King Charles the second This News was quickly spread through all the Garisons in Fife where was seen the like content signified by the thundering report of great Guns and lighting of Bon-fires This solemnity being over the main designe now was to raise such an Army as might not onely secure what they had still in possession but drive the English quite out of those places lately lost to bring this to pass Commissions were granted for raising Horse and Foot and new Commanders brought in Middleton he was made Lieutenant-General of the Horse c. The Lord General all this while was no idle Spectator but took such notice of these passages as might enable him to make his own use of them and let them know that greater Forces then they were able to raise could not make him lose his hold nor inforce one foot of ground from him Therefore to make sure work and get into his hands all those Garisons of the Scots which were on the South-side the Frith he commanded Colonel Fenwick with his own Regiment and Colonel Sylers to reduce Hume Castle and bring it under obedience The Governours name thereof was Cockburn a man much governed by fancie as you will see Fenwick no sooner received this Order but immediately he applyed himself to the work and having drawn his men up before it sent a Summons to the Governour in these words His excellency the Lord General Cromwel hath commanded me to reduce this Castle you now possess under his obedience which if you now deliver into my hands for his service you shall have terms for your self and those with you if you refuse I doubt not but in a short time by the Lords assistance to obtain what now I demand I expect your answer by seven of the Clock tomorrow morning and rest Your Servant GEORGE FENWICK The Governour to this returns a quibling Answer Right Honourable I Have received a Trumpeter of yours as he tells me without a Pass to render Hume Castle to the Lord General Cromwel please you I never saw your General As for Hume Castle it stands upon a Rock Given at Hume Castle this day before seven a Clock So resteth without prejudice to my Native Country Your most Humble Servant TH COCKBURN Here may be perceived how ignorant the Governour was of Cromwels Atchievements Which ignorance of his must needs be either pretended or wilful for it could not be that he should know no more when the whole world had heard so much but 't is probable he thought a part of his Army which wanted his presence had not the same faculty in conquering that he himself had when in person and therefore took the boldness after the return of his Answer to salute Colonel Fenwick with these Verses I William of the Wastle Am now in my Castle And awe the Dogs in the Town Shan't gar me gang down This is Mars mixt with a Tincture of Mercury If the Superfluity of his Pen had been able to rout two Regiments what might his Sword have done But Colonel Fenwick having placed a Battery against the Castle returns him Heroick Verse for his resolute Rhymes for the great Guns being one Mortar-piece and a Culvering quickly made the feathers fly especially a Granado that fell in the middle of the Castle which did them great mischief But yet they held out until a small breach being opened and the English ready to enter the Governour beat a Parley But Fenwick now was resolved to hearken to no Composition but onely quarter for life which was accepted of so the Governour with his Garison 78 Commanders and private Souldiers gang'd forth of the Castle which was presently possest by Captain Collinson with his Company It had been long now since the Lord General himself had been in the field for though
Action was that which chiefly corresponded to his Nature yet the sharpness of the season made him continue in his Winter-quarters for some small time longer in which time parties were sent abroad to enlarge their Quarters and clear the passage between England and Edinburgh Timptallon-Castle was a place which many times had cut off passengers and much molested the Country by frequent excursions for the reducing of which Colonel Monk that gallant Commander was sent with about three Regiments of Horse and Foot When first he came before it finding the Scots very refractory he caused the Mortar-pieces to play for 48 hours which did them little hurt until that six battering Guns being planted they played their parts so well that the Governour was enforst to yeild seeing no other conditions would be granted to Mercy and all those that were with him The Scots King having now got some power into his hands used his utmost endeavours to gain reputation amongst his Subjects by visiting all the Garisons in Fife and putting them in a posture to hinder the English from landing on that side the Frith But having experience of the Lord Generals courage and knowing that Forts would prove weak withstanders of his Forces should they make an attempt therefore he drew from Sterling those Horse and Foot which could be well spared and joyning with them the new-raised souldiers he quartered them all along the VVater-side for better security After this business was ended away rides he to the High-lands to compose differences for that place was not free from dissentions perswade those rough-hewn Fellows to rise unanimously in defence of their craggy habitations This progress vvas no sooner ended but the sitting of the Scotch Parliament at St. Johnstons vvas begun vvhere the chief consideration vvas still to recruit their Army vvith new supplies of men This Meeting produced an Act Ordinance or great Gun to terrifie those that should slip away from their Colours vvithout leave from their Captains and vvas followed by the Clergie to shew how ready they were to promote these designes with an exhortatory Declaration stufft with raising rhetorick against the English which was sent into Fife and the High-lands perswading all to rise at this time of need This produced little for the common people must not stir unless their Lords or Leards beat the Drum But these Grandees were now busily snarling one at another about superiority in the Army every one endeavoring to be in the chiefest place of command and if any one were advanced he that came next behind pulled him by the skirts to hinder his preferment By this means the Scots great undertakings went on but slowly But to return and make an inspection into the English Affairs We find the Army in and about Edinburgh under a cloud of sorrow mourning for the Eclipse of that great Luminary which erst while had shined so bright in their Hemisphere whose influence had many times melted the waxen Whings of his ambitious Enemies but now as all men are subject to be so this great General by sickness was confined to his Chamber and utterly dis-abled for the present to act in person with the Army should any new occasion call them forth of their Winter-Quarters This did not so much depress the spirits of the English Souldiery who were exceeding sensible of their unspeakable loss should Cromwel their fortunate Leader be now snach't away from them in the midst of their hopes as it heightned the Scots who were very much elevated with the fancy of his death believing the slightest report of it to be real truths because it corresponded with their desires imagining to themselves assurance of Victory and sufficient Revenge when death had conquered him who many times before had made them feel the force of his Steel This conceit was so deeply grounded in their imaginations that no report to the contrary could supplant it but it must be so because so they would have it so apt are men to believe any thing that serves for their purpose according to that saying Quod volumus facile credimus But this Chimaera soon vanished into nothing for a Scotch Trumpeter being sent out of Fife to Edinburgh about the restoration of a Ship laden with Goods which the English Frigats had taken sailing from Brunt-Island to Fife after his message was delivered he very confidently aver'd to the Souldiers That their General was dead and that they did well in hiding it but all the world should never make him believe otherwise This report was much wondered at and the more because the Reporter did it with abundance of confidence endeavouring to perswade all to chirp after his note But he could not long persist in his opinion for this Novelty being handed about from one to another at last it came to the Lord Generals ear who much admired such a thing should be and he not know it therefore to dispossess the Trumpeter of that conceit he caused him to be brought into his presence where coming he now saw that although sickness had for some time sorely handled this noble General yet now his recovery was so far advanced and that Nature had now gotten so much mastery over his distemper that in all probability he would walk forth in a small time to take the air and visit his neighbours at Sterling if not in Fife At the return of the Trumpeter to those that sent him he quickly blew away this false report which went so currantly in the Scotch Army and assured the falsity of it The Parliament in England having ever a watchful eye on the Affairs in Scotland with singular providence provided sufficient supplies both of Men Money and Provisions of all sorts for Horse and Man dispatching them away continually to the Army so that it might be said That never was an Army better provided for then this nor ever did Souldiers better deserve encouragement then these About this time arrived at Leith Admiral Dean one of the English Generals at Sea with large supplies from London amongst other conveniences he brought 27 great flat-bottom'd Boats which were for transportation of the Army over into Fife that so thereby a quick dispatch might be made of this work so far advanced already But the time of year would not admit of much action for although it was April here yet the Rays of the Sun were not of force sufficient to penetrate the congealed Clouds and raise any verdure on the ground so that the Cavalry could not march unless they carried their fields behind them or else in Carts But this which hindered the English furthered the Scotch and gave them leasure to scrape together as many men as possibly could be got Out of the High-lands marcht Middleton with a considerable Force of Horse and Foot and the Town of Dundee out of a great respect to their King and to shew their forwardness in prosecuting the cause advanced for the service a brave Regiment of Horse at their own charges and
and valiant the other to punish the cowardly and vitious It was not here as usually it hath been practised in forraign Armies as that of the Duke of Lorain where the first question to a new-listed Souldier was this Canst thou plunder or in some others where the Van by Rapine and destruction make Skeletons of the Rear While the Army lay thus incamped the Lord General in his Tent feasted his Officers and several of their Ladies as the Lady Lambert and Major General Deans Lady with several other English Gentlewomen who came from Leith to view the Souldiers in their Tents and afterwards returned back to the places from whence they came The Army continued not long in this posture for General Cromwel seeing the weather invited and intelligence of the Scots being at Falkirk requiring a speedy advance he therefore drew forth the Army to meet them which we shall muster in their March and set down the names of the particular Colonels with their Regiments both of Horse and Foot which were actual in this Expedition that so the remembrance of these worthy Commanders may be preserved The Regiments were these HORSE 1. The Lord General 's 2. Major General Lambert's 3. Lieut. General Fleetwood's 4. Com. Gen. Whalie's 5. Col. Tomlinson's 6. Col. Twisleton's 7. Col. Hacker's 8. Col. Okey's 9. Col. Lidcot's 10. Col. Berry's 11. Col. Grosvenor's 12. Col. Alured's 13. Col. Lilburn's 14. 6 Troops under Maj. Husbands FOOT 1. The Lord General 's 2. Major General Lambert's 3. Major General Dean's 4. Leiut General Monk's 5. Colonel Fairfax's 6. Colonel Pride's 7. Colonel Goff's 8. Colonel West's 9 Colonel Cooper's 10. Colonel Ashfield's 11. Colonel Daniel's 12. Colonel Read's Six Troops of Dragoons and sixteen pieces of Ordinance This brave Cavalry and gallant Infantry in prosecution of the present design first marched to New-bridge from thence to Lithgow Now the two Armies being not far from one another it was conceived a speedy ingagement would follow seeing General Cromwel's courage prompted him to seek his Enemies and the numerousness of the Scots Army might be a perswasion to them not to fear a Fight But it seems they intended nothing less for the King having drawn his Foot into Torwood incamped there and railed them in with regular Fortifications the Horse in great Bodies lying about them for security and these again being fenced with the River and with Bogs so that it was an impossible thing for the English to drive them out of this fastness which they had betaken themselves to Yet however the Lord General would try whether provocations might draw the Scots to a fairer field and therefore marched his Army in Battalia so near their main Body that their Tents might perfectly be discerned and so stood from twelve at noon till eight at night expecting the Scots approach but they having more mind to spin out time then to put all to the hazard of one Battel refused an ingagement But because it should not be said the English came there for nothing therefore the Scots sent them some thundring Messengers from the concavity of their great Guns which wrought this effect that the Lord General Cromwel drew off his Army with a resolution not quite to desert the service but rather to go back some few paces that so he might return again with the greater force or else attempt the Scots Quarters in some other places and by that means inforce his Enemies to seek to him for relief of their Friends This resolution being taken up the Lord General drew off his Army to Glasgow and after some small refreshment of his wearied Souldiers he marched away again directly on the East side of the Town and so continued in excellent order marching on for five or six miles towards Hamilton this was to amuse the Scots and bring them into security but upon the suddain hoping to get some advantage over the Scots upon the remove of their Camp to Kelsith he wheeled about and quickly after took up his Quarters at Monkes-Land within four miles of their Army But though they still declined ingagement refusing to meddle with the English otherwayes then by small parties that sometimes flew out when they conceived any advantage might be gained yet many of these Land-Pickaroons were often met withal and sent home again well Bastinado'd for their boldness This spinning out of time in this manner so exasperated the Lord General Cromwel that he resolved to fall upon part of their Forces that were placed to keep Kalendar-House Accordingly July 15. he caused two battering Guns to be planted they began to play about eleven of the clock that day and about seven at night they had acted their parts so well that the wall no longer being able to indure the force of these fiery Engines fell down in many places and yet for all this the Governor very stoutly made good his charge believing that the whole Scotch Army his friends who were in sight would never let him perish for want of relief and therefore resolved to stand it out to the utmost The Lord General seeing his Summons wrought little effect to the obtaining of his ends sent ten Files out of every Regiment to pull them out by force seeing they would not yeild for fear these stout Lads being provided with Faggots presently dis-burdened their backs in the Enemies Moat and so springing over into the breach carried all before them so that in half an hour the House was wholly possest and the Governor with sixty two Souldiers hurried away into another world having refused when they might to live in this The Scotch Army all this while moved not but as passive Spectators beheld this Tragedy without offering to send one hand to help their friends in distress as if this business nothing concerned them The Lord General seeing how cowardly the Scots were in that they suffered their Garisons to be snatched away from under their Noses resolves to sit yet more close upon their skirts and bid fair for Fife thereby to cut off those supplies of provisions that inabled them to trifle out time and protract the VVar. This design had many times been discoursed of by the General and his Council of VVar but never before fell out so fit an opportunity as was now presented VVherefore Colonel Daniel's Regiment of Foot having four Companies more joyned with them and four Troops of Horse all under the command of that valiant Souldier Col Overton were designed for this service these lying at Leith it was given out they were intended for England by Sea but upon a sudden all provisions being in a readiness the Boats and Pinaces also fitted for Service Colonel Overton marched with his Forces out of Leith to Queens Ferry and there having imbarqued his men Thursday July 17. in the evening this Brigade set forward and the next morning very early being furthered by the wings of Sails and Oars this little Fleet flew over the Frith into Fife and landed at the North-Ferry in
great consusion he with his men gave a camisado on the Church but that valiant Commander Lambert highly prizing the worth of his men immediately came in with a new supply of Horse to their rescue Massey now seeing that to fight would be meer folly being much over-matched thought a timely retreat the onely way to secure his men which he performed with so much bravery that sometimes facing then fighting and so falling off himself brought up the Rear and never left his station until his men were got farther off into safety This encounter at last fell heavy on himself for he not fearing his flesh and despising the force of his Enemies rencountered great difficulty in getting away having received a shot in his hand The Bridge being thus won all imaginable industry was imployed to make it up so that in a small time Lieutenant General Fleetwoods Army marched over which still pressing forward they laid a Bridge of Boats over the River Teame on the west side of Severn which gliding along at last emptieth it self thereinto about a mile beneath Worcester General Cromwel in the mean time caused another Bridge to be laid over the Severn on his side that so the Enemy might be the more straitned Upon this the Scots having taken the alarm rise from their Leaguer at St. Jones and with the greatest part of their Horse and Foot marched on to oppose the Lieut. Generals passage The Lord General seeing this resolves to draw off the Enemy and so divert his design or else inforce him to fight on great disadvantage therefore himself in person led over the River on that side of Worcester which he had undertook to attaque two Regiments of Foot Colonel Hookers of Horse and his own Life-Guard In the mean time Fleetwood with the assistance of Colonel Goff's and Major General Dean's Regiments of Foot marched on to a hedg-fight for the Scots looking upon this as the safest way had lined the hedges thick with Musqueteers so that the Bushes must first be beaten before these Birds could be taken This was not long in doing for the English falling on perform'd a brave fight from hedge to hedge the Scots on the other side not losing any thing that could be kept but manfully maintaining their ground until Colonel Blake Gibbons and Marshes Regiments came in to lay more load on their shoulders then they retreated to Pawick Bridge where again they were ingaged with Col. Hayns Col. Cobbets and Col. Matthew's Regiments in another hot dispute but at length seeing they could not prevail they provided for their own security by running into Worcester And now desperation animating their courage knowing that to continue in this pound would make them in a pitiful pickle therefore having already tried their fortune with Lieutenant General Fleetwood they imagining him to have commanded the greater force they hoped to make a more fortunate sally against General Cromwel therefore upon the sudden they sallied out against him with all the Horse and Foot they could but as it proved with sad success for though at first they shewed such activity in their Arms that General Cromwels men were forced alittle to retire yet presently the multitudes of fresh men coming in so turned the scales that the Scots were wholly routed flying away in great confusion to save themselves the Horse flew amain back again towards the North but the Foot not able to keep company ran into Worcester with some of the Victors at their heels Whilst in the mean time General Cromwel to make sure work with a few Regiments of Foot ran up to the Royal Fort and being ready to storm his clemencie was seen in venturing his person through the showers of shot and offering the Scots quarter if they would presently yield But they being infatuated refused the profer which caused their too late repentance for the Lord General falling on quickly possest the Fort and all the Artillery that was therein The City being now won the souldiers suriously fly through all the streets doing such execution that nothing could be seen for some time but blood and slaughter until at last the sack of the Town and plunder of Prisoners having satisfied their appetites they fall to securing of Prisoners which both in fight and flight amounted to about 10000 the Ilain neer 3000. so that neer all was lost onely some few Horse excepted which escaped out of the Battel but these found their flight to stand them in little stead for Major General Harison with a fresh party fiercely pursued in their Rear whilst the Country people fronted and flanked them like little Beagles which when a Mastiff is once beaten will not let him pass without a snarle at his tail and fiercely pursue him whom before they durst not look in the face This Battle put a period to the Good Fortune of the Stuarts Family and on the other side crowned General Cromwels Atchievements with an absolute security of all his former Conquests the influence whereof though acted in England was great in Scotland their chief Nobility Gentry and private souldiers being thus cut off that Nation could no longer be able to hold up its head but quickly after must needs be brought under obedience to the Commonwealth of England as it fell out soon after The Parliament at London having speedy notice of this prosperous success received it with grateful acceptation But that which abated somewhat of their Triumphs was That the King could not be numbred among the Captives nor found among the Slain but was slip'd away into some by-place for he seeing that all the Enemies aim was onely to smite him and that they did not fight so much against small or great as against the King of Scots finding the battel to go hard on his side he left caring for others to provide for himself knowing full well that should he be taken his Quarter would be Quartering and that without the help of an Astrologer it might easily be prognosticated what Death he should die Therefore trusting more to horse then men and fear adding wings to his flight he hastened with all speed towards Lancashire but by the way doubting that much company would do him little good but rather be a means to cause his sooner discovery leaving the Road he wandered for some time about England till at last finding a fit opportunity he returned back again into France Thus this object of worldly Mutability having ventured at all could enjoy no more then the heavy Load of his own Misfortunes having been onely Tantalized with the Golden Apples of sweet Soveraignty but never suffered to satisfie his appetite with their fruition for coming into Scotland his Government was cut out to him by shreds as pleased the Kirk and States of that Kingdom and being a stranger he must be carved to not suffered to serve himself for fear of surfeits like Zancha Panza's Doctors that slipt away the dishes out of respect to his health whilst in the mean time
they went about to starve him Even so these State-Doctors dieted this poor Prince for some time feeding him with hopes and expectations of his desire and then at last give him no more but onely a Nut without the Kernel a Crown without a Kingdom so that his Commands were presently countermanded by a stronger and made invalid by General Cromwels sword who never left hunting him from place to place till at last he was forc'd to flee into Flanders for shelter where he now remains The Lord General Cromwel having given this deadly blow at Worcester September 3. 1651. which laid the Scots hopes low in the dust and thereby raised to himself a full assurance of the security of all his former Conquests tarried no longer in that City then to see the Walls of it levelled to the ground and the Dikes fill'd with Earth that so the disaffection of the inhabitants might be bridled from attempting to secure any future Enemy And now leaving this Golgotha he hastened away to offer his victorious Palms at the Parliaments feet Accordingly September 12. approaching neer to London the Speaker with the Members of Parliament and the Lord President of the Council of State with the Lord Mayor Aldermen and some hundreds more of Quality met him with demonstrations of extream affection to congratulate all his Noble Atchievements and Worthy Exploits here they comment on his Valour making large notes on his Victories the more because he had done much in a small time bringing that about in fifteen Months which was rather judged to be the work of so many years having in this time quite dispelled those Vapours fearful to the Parliament which were exhaled by the Rayes of Regality and once more made the serenity of Peace to shine in our Hemisphere Thus the Lord General was received in Triumph having before sent his Trophies the Scotch Prisoners with great acclamations and conducted to his house neer White-hall And after some small repose there he and his valiant Lieutenant-General went to take up their places in the Parliament where the Speaker in a congratulatory Oration acknowledged the Obligation of the State to them for their indefatigable industry The same day the Lord Mayor of London to compleat the rejoycing and shew his gratitude in behalf of the City feasted the General and his chief Officers This being ended with mutual returns of thanks the Lord General took his leave and returned back again to consider what was farther to be done for the settlement of the nation This is his next Work And what he did in order to the accomplishing thereof we now come to shew The End of His Personal Wars HIS ACTIONS In the PROTECTORSHIP THE English Nation having by a Civil War banished Monarchy with an Exit Tyrannus presently institute an Oligarchy which to give them their due acted in their Infancy like Hercules in the Cradle stifling all those Serpents that offered to hiss against their Authority and with such vigor prosecuted they their designes that both Ireland and Scotland were inforc't to yeild obedience to their commands The Authority of this Power being thus miraculously extended it grew at length dreadful to the neighbouring Nations especially the Dutch a people who of all others were most sensible of the growing greatness of the English Commonwealth they knowing full well that two neighbouring States of equal greatness could never long agree being still jealous of each others actions which jealousie causing misconstruction would at last break forth into open hostility Examples are frequent in this kinde Rome and Carthage so long contended till the one was ended They first fell out about the Island of Sicily and so by degrees this fewd extended it self through all those Nations where either side had any dominion But at last a peace being patched up it continued until the second Punick War wherein Carthage was made a Puny indeed and brought under subjection to Rome Another Example we have in that most noble Republick Venice whose first Founders being hunted by the barbarous Huns out of Italy were fain to shelter themselves by flying unto some little barren Islands which lay in the Adriatick Gulph where necessity putting an edge upon industry caused these people to begin an admirable Structure which since hath been increased to such a magnitude and splendor that it may well be termed The Worlds Wonder for the excellent Architecture multitude of Bridges rare Arsenal or Magazine but above all the Policie of this State far surpasseth all others in Government and may well be a pattern for direction and imitation to any people in the world Venice thus gradually ascending to eminency grew so great as to challenge the superiority over all the watry Element about it as well it might being situate therein and therefore Neptunes Minion This City being on one side of Italy on the other side lay Genoa situate neer the feet of the Apennine Hills a Commonwealth too and therefore aspiring high grew emulous of the Venetians greatness which made those two Republikes grow at enmity The first occasion of their falling out was about a Church allowed them both for exercise of Divine Service in Ptolemais commonly called Acoe in Syria this Church being too little to hold both people of such great spirits there grew a hot Dispute whose it should be which came to this issue That it must be theirs that could get possession which prov'd to be the Genoeses who to maintain their Mass armed the Church with Fortifications not for example to after-Ages and so kept it wholly to their own Use Thus began the Quarrel which continued for many years chiefly by Sea till at last the Genoeses received such dangerous shot betwixt winde and water that they were fain to cry Quarter and ever since vail to Venice acknowledging it their superiour Even so was it between these two mighty Republikes England and the United Provinces The Dutch fearing that current of Traffick would be stopped which they had so long enjoyed by reason of Englands Domestick and Forreign Wars themselves mean while having Peace with all Nations except Portugal whereby they increasing their Trade by an un-interrupted fishing in the British Seas and still greedy in their unsatiable appetite of ingrossing all to themselves without either Right or Reason grew at last highly conceited of their own abilities both as to Policy and Power Their Policy was seen in giving assistance to the Enemies of the English Parliament whilst in the mean time their Embassadors tickled the Council of State and Parliament into a belief of their Masters real affections and hearty wishes for their prosperity But these unworthy actions being privately suspected it was not long before they were publikely detected This put the Dutch to their Trumps and made them arm out a considerable Navy to execute a designe upon the Isle of Scilly which then was in possession of the Scotch Kings Forces But the Council of State in England having timely notice of this project
to save themselves and Ship which was at last performed so that the medley growing great and the fury of the Sailers and Souldiers having banish'd all fear they boldly board one another The Rainbow an English Ship having a long time striven to make prise of others was at last like to be surprised her self had not the Oak seeing the danger of her fellow bore in to the Rescue but this charitable deed reduced the Oak to Ashes she being destroyed by a Fire-ship Yet for all this the English no whit daunted maintained the Fight with such an obstinate Gallantry that the Dutch though high in resolution were low in hopes of the Victory And well they might for what can be expected when men fight for fear of punishment as here many did not so much regarding the honour of Conquest as the Eyes of the two Lords sent on purpose in a nimble Frigat to observe every Captains Actions This bloudy Battle now continued with eagerness but more uncertainty from five in the morning till ten about which time Van Trump fighting in the midst of the English Fleet had a Pass-port sent him for another world being shot with a Musquet-Bullet into the left Breast near the Heart What can live when the Heart is dead Trump was the Life of the Action by whose example all was guided and directed no sooner was his Life spent but the Hearts of his men were broken a general Consternation suddenly possest the whole Fleet so that the Sea-men had more minde to carry home the news of their renowned Generals death then to take vengeance on the English for killing him This unfortunate shot made the Dutch now the Head was lost for preservation of the remaining part of the body at first to disengage themselves still fighting in a defensive posture and then about three a Clock in the evening to clap on all the Canvas possible and haste to their own Ports It had been happy if all could have made the like speed but that was forbidden by the English who had sunk and fired 27 of their Men of War and killed them upwards of 2000 men besides six Captains and 1000 Prisoners taken but the loss of losses was the General Van Trump to conquer whom alone had been a Victory sufficient to deserve a Triumph hereby the States of Holland were deprived of as able a Sea-man as ever sailed the Ocean he was a man serious in deliberation but when resolved truly valiant in Action which was sufficiently manifest in that eminent service he performed for the safety and honour of his Country against Don Antonio d'Oquendo in the year 1639 when with a small Fleet he fought the Spaniards in the Downs and without any great trouble brought that great Armada to nothing wherein was imbarqued 23000 Souldiers besides Mariners This he did with so much generosity that when the Spanish General durst not set to Sea from under the protection of Dover-castle for want of Powder Trump offered to supply him therewith and afterwards to fight him He was ever observed to be a zealous Assertor of the Orange Interest both at home and abroad this made him so eager to foment and drive on the War between England and Holland because the posterity of King Charles Father-in-law to the Prince of Orange were excluded from Government Some Obligations he had received from the said King as Knighthood at Dover anno 1641. and gifts at the same time which sufficiently manifested the Bounty of the Donor This is certain that the fall of this great man did very much conduce to the future Peace between the two Republicks which quickly after followed Trump's death was not without loss on the English side for no less then six Captains with 400 Souldiers and Sea-men took leave of this to bear him company into the other World besides these there was wounded six Captains and 700 of the inferiour sort but for shipping the loss was so small that it may cause wonder for no more miscarried then the Oak a Ship of about 30 Guns and a small Fire-ship besides but yet the rest of the Navy were so much wounded that they made home to repair Breaches and recruit for another Expedition Thus the English Mastiff baited the Belgick Lyon till she made him run roaring home for shelter Whilst these Successes were given abroad discontent rages at home among the most sober sort of people caused by the strange Actings of the Parliament who had now sate six moneths and hatched little more then the Act for Marriages which was made more to vex the Clergie then please the Laity This was but a branch of the Ministers maintenance the body being Tythes was with might and main endeavoured to be hewen down to the ground but the event answered not the intent for a Committee being purposely appointed to consider of this weighty business and make report to the House the Legality of it both by the Laws of God and man was so largely and clearly proved before them that after a full hearing and serious consideration of the whole matter the Committee returned an Affirmative report for Tythes but yet for all this many of the Members being desirous to lay open a gap for confusion did very stifly argue against the Ministerial Function making it little better then Antichristian and Burdensome to the people Of this humour there were no fewer then 60 of the Members and for the Ministry 84. these last were the Major part which very wisely fearing the Minor would undermine them by watching all opportunities to accomplish their designes did resolve to break-up house-keeping which motion being made by a Member Munday December 12. it was readily assented unto so that the Speaker adjourned to White-hall and delivered up the Powers they had received to General Cromwel again As the Magnitude of Hercules body was once drawn by the dimension of his foot so the policy of Cromwel may be seen in the Actions of this pack'd Parliament as may be perceived by a rational Answer to these following Queries 1. Whether the Parliament did not make way for Cromwel ' s future greatness in taking away the Engagement under pretence of liberty for tender consciences that scrupled the taking of it 2. When Cromwel earnestly desired the several Members of this Parliament to remember Tythes and the Universities whether he meant the extirpation or confirmation of them 3. Whether some of this Parliament-Members violent endeavours to level the Law in its practice and the Gospel in the preaching thereof was not a designe of Cromwels to render the Members odious to the vulgar that so his own Government might be the more acceptable to the people 4. Whether it was an Act of Grace or Gratitude in the Parliament to make Cromwel a Member of that which he had made a Body 5. Whether the picking of this Parliament was intended more for publick good or private designes The Lord General having now got the Civil and Military Powers into his
importance and might much conduce to the taking in of Dunkirk it self as afterwards it proved The French and English having beleaguered this strong place did not lie long before they reduced it to a surrender upon Composition so that it was delivered up wholly into the possession of the English But presently after the French being withdrawn into winter-Quarters came a strong body of Spaniards and made a fierce Camisado upon the Fort hoping to give the English little joy in their new Conquest but it fell out quite otherwise for the assailants were stoutly repulsed and inforc't to flee having lost in the attempt several brave Commanders The Protectors forraign affairs standing in a posture answerable to his desires his domestick designes at the same time did likewise very well correspond thereunto for the Parliament having sate near nine Months had in this time past many Acts which crowned the Protectors hopes so fully that more could not have been desired by him nor well granted by them For first out of a deep sence of his loss should such a design as bold Syndercomb's take effect they made provisions for the security of his Highness Person wherein it was Enacted High Treason for any to attempt compass or imagine the Protectors death This Act having pared the claws of cholerick humours at home in three whoops more the Title of Charls Stuart c. was utterly defunct And besides this to answer the end for which they were called round sums of money were granted to carry on the Spanish War notwithstanding his Highness late Conquests in the Indies that so the Protector might with more facility bang the legs of that long-limb'd Enemy The Acts made for this purpose were these that follow  Per Mens An Act for an Assesment upon England for three Months at the rate of 60000 l. On Scotland for three Months at 05000 l. On Ireland for three Months at 05000 l. On England Scotland and Ireland for three years   England to pay 35000 l. Scotland 06000 l. Ireland 09000 l. An Act for continuing of Tunnage and Poundage   An Act for preventing the multiplicity of buildings in and about the Suburbs of London and within ten miles thereof a whole years Revenue to be presently payd for dwelling or out-Houses that had been reared upon new Foundations since the year 1620.   An Act for Excise of merchandize imported Hobby-Horses Childrens Rattles and old shirts not exempted   These with many more being at once presented to the Protector for his consent were by him passed at which time he made this short Speech to the Parliaments Speaker I perceive that among these many Acts of Parliament there hath been a very great care had by the Parliament to provide for the just and necessary support of the Commonwealth by these Bills for levying of money now brought to me which I have given my consent unto and understanding it hath been the practice of those who have been chief Governours to acknowledge with thanks to the Commons their care and regard of the Publike I do very heartily and thankefully acknowledge their kindness herein The Protectors thanks for this could do no less then animate the Parliament to compleat the great work they were about for settlement of the Nation This business had been dayly debated and was almost brought to perfection when on a sudden a Petition was ushered into the House by a worthy Citizen of London to have his Highness one Tittle higher in his Title Hereupon the great Machine of Englands Government called the Petition and Advice was hastened away to the Protectors view with a desire that his Highness would be pleased to magnifie himself with the Title of KING Alas what thing more averse to his nature could be presented to him then this It was not to sit in high places that made him undertake the Government but rather to be a Servant to his Countrey Monarchie he knew was as odious to the Army as according to the proverb comparisons among the people and therefore he could not look upon this otherways then as a Temptation to try the strength of his resolution against that which before had like to have wrackt the peoples Liberties which said he undoubtedly had fallen out had not he stept into the sea of bloud and with invincible Arms preserved the Ship of State from those Piratical inchroachers that were ready to board her Yet to do nothing unadvisedly nor without mature deliberation his Highness took time to return the Parliament this positive answer to their liquorish desire which he with much meekness gave them in the Painted Chamber in these words That he could not undertake the Government with the Title of King Upon this the Parliament voted that Protector should be the stile of the chief Magistrate All things being now brought to maturity in the Petition and Advice and nothing wanting to make it a Law but onely the Protectors condescention a Committee was sent to desire a Conference with his Highness which he granted and appointed the place of meeting to be in the Painted Chamber May 25. 1657. his Highness attended by his chief Officers came accordingly and there the Speaker Sir Thomas Widdrington presented him with the Parliaments Petition and Advice the substance whereof was as followeth 1. That his Highness under the Title of Lord Protector would be pleased to exercise the office of chief Magistrate over England c. and to govern according to all things in this Petition and Advice also that in his life-life-time he would appoint the Person that should succeed in the Government after his death 2. That he would call Parliaments consisting of two Houses once in three years at farthest 3. That those Persons who are legally chosen by a free election of the people to serve in Parliament may not be excluded from doing their duties but by consent of that House whereof they are Members 4. In the fourth was shewn the qualifications of Parliament-Members 5. In the fifth the Power of the other House 6. That the Lawes and Statutes of the Land be observed and kept and no Laws altered suspended abrogated repealed or new Law made but by Act of Parliament 7. For a constant yearly revenue ten hundred thousand pounds to be settled for maintenance of the Navy and Army and three hundred thousand pounds for support of the Government besides other temporary supplies as the Commons in Parliament shall see the necessities of the Nations to require 8. That the number of the Protectors Council shall not be above one and twenty whereof the Quorum to be seven and not under 9. The chief Officers of State as Chancellors Keepers of the great Seal c. to be approved of by Parliament 10. That his Highness would encourage a Godly Minstery in these Nations and that such as do revile or disturb them in the Worship of God may be punished according to Law and where the Lawes are defective new
petty Play to after-Labours For no sooner did the quarrel begin between the two Re-publikes England and the United Provinces but Blake was the first that resisted their arrogancie in the Downs and ever after continued a fortunate Vindicator of his Countreys Priviledges from the incroachments of insulting Neighbours The last part he ever acted in a Sea of blood was against the Spaniards at Sancta Cruz here with 25 Sail he fought as it were in a ring with seven Forts a Castle and 16 ships many of them being of greater force then most of those ships Blake carryed in against them yet in spite of opposition he soon calcined the Enemy and brought his Fleet back again to the Coast of Spain full fraught with honour But what Commander is able to repel the stroaks of Death This is he that doth conquer the Conquerours and level the Honours of the mightiest Monarchs with the meanest Captains there is no withstanding his force for all must fall Blake himself is compel'd to strike the top-sail and yeeld now death hath got the weather-gage of his crasie body so that being no longer able to hold out he expired at the entrance into Plymouth He was a man wholly devoted to his Countreys Service resolute in his undertakings and most faithful in the performance with him valour seldom mist its reward nor cowardize its punishment When news was brought him of a metamorphosis in the State at home he would then incourage the Sea-men to be most vigilant abroad for said he 'T is not our duty to minde State-Affairs but to keep Forreigners from fooling us In all his Expeditions the wind seldom deceived him but most an end stood his friend especially in his last undertaking at the Canary Islands To his last he lived a single life never being espoused to any but his Countreys quarrels As he lived bravely he dyed gloriously and was buryed in Henry the Seventh's Chappel yet enjoying at this time no other Monument but what is reared by his Valour which Time it self can hardly deface The Lord Protector having now ensured his own Greatness he thought it good to confer Titles of Honour upon his Children and to that purpose sent his Son Henry into Ireland with the Title of Lord Deputy This young Gentleman in his Government ruled with so much discretion that in small time he had brought that disordered Nation into the most hopeful condition of a flourishing State But a grand Catastrophe afterwards falling upon the Cromwels Government his Authority reverted into the hands of a subsequent Parliament The time of the prorogation of the present Parliament being expired the Members appeared again at Westminster the 20th of January 1657. and did presently receive into the House their fellow-Members which the Protector had before secluded from sitting in the first Session of this Parliament This they did upon the fourth Article of the Petition and Advice by which no Members legally chosen should be excluded from performance of their duty but by consent of Parliament In this interval of the Parliaments sitting the Protector had provided his Peers which were to make up the other House who accordingly took Seats in the Lords House but with so much regret to the House of Commons whose complexion was quite changed from what it had been formerly that now they would not own the work of their creation but looked upon it as a by-blow a thing by chance or a Pageant Parliament set up on purpose to mock them In this surly humour the Protector let them run on for near a fortnight together till at last they made his Highness wince with handling his Prerogative-Royal which he being not able to endure in a fume flew from White-Hall to the House of Lords and having sent for the Commons before him he told them That it concerned his interest as much as the Publike Peace and Tranquillity to terminate this Parliament and therefore he did now put an end to their sitting Thus he blew them away with a sudden puff of winde from his mouth But now comes into play a terrible Plot no less place then London was to be fired and in the hurly-burly of confusion that it would make must the Tower be taken the Mews seized and all the Souldiers about the City be sacrificed to the fury of The Protector being well acquainted with these kinde of machinations knew very well how to stifle them in the birth and therefore he sent presently for the Mayor Aldermen and Common-Councel of the City of London to forewarne them of the approaching danger and to Commissionate their Militia to raise Forces for security of the City and by their vigilancy to counter-plot these Plotters Upon this many persons were apprehended a High Court of Justice erected and Sir Henry Slingsby Dr. Hewyt Mr. Mordant and many inferiour fellows who were to have been Commanders in the execution of this design were brought to Trial. Sir Henry Slingsby and the Doctor were both condemned to loose their Heads upon Tower-Hill and six others of the meaner sort were adjudged to be hanged drawn and quartered but of these onely three suffered one in Tower-Street another in Cheapside and the third before the Exchange in London For the procuring of Sir Henry Slingsby and Dr. Hewyts Pardon great endeavors were used the Ministers of London petitioned the Protector for the Doctors life and many great persons for the Knights But the Protectors ears were deaf to all intreaties made in their behalf so that nothing could satisfy his anger but the lives of those two considerable persons Prodigies in nature as they are seldom seen so when they happen are sure presages and fore-tokens of alterations that shall fall out in the place where they do appear At this time June 2. 1658. arrived an ominous Whale in the River of Thames not to do Homage to his Highness this was a fond conceit as one would have it but rather to forewarn him of his end which not long after happened This fish contrary to its nature which is to return to Sea when it sents the fresh water came swimming up the River against the tide as far as Greenwich where it was taken and found to be fifty eight foot in length and every way proportionable Flanders being the Scoene of War wherein the united Forces of England and France did intend this Champaign to act mighty matters in the beginning of May D'Aumont a French Marshal hoping to get a good bargain turns Merchant and trucks for Ostend Mony as it over-turns all things was at this time made use of to corrupt the Noble blood of the Souldiers of that Garison and make them turn Traytors to this their trust but the sequel will shew how far honesty is above treachery The Chief Factor that drove on this bargain was one Colonel Spindeler he having acquainted the Governour of Calice that Ostend was to be sold this Monsieurs mouth presently watered at the motion and therefore acquaints the Court how
gap and on the other side seeing the gallantry of his own Regiment who although they could no longer gain ground yet still kept their station notwithstanding they were exposed to the enemies assaults he caused a considerable Brigade of fresh men to re-inforce those that had first born the brunt of the Battle This Reserve through Gen. Lockhart's care coming in time to the relief of their tired fellows made no long delay but fell into the Spanish foot with the butt-end of their Musquets who not being able to withstand their courage left the Field and fled towards Fuernes The French Horse seeing the good success of the English Foot did likewise make a charge upon the Spanish Cavalry who being disheartned with the routing of their Infantry thought it their safest course to run after them But the French shewed excellent valour in pursuit for the day being won none durst stand in their way the poor Spaniards were sadly handled by them and hew'd down on all sides Being extreamly scatter'd in their flight both the English and French were put to the trouble of gleaning for Prisoners which at last were found to be 800 Officers and about 2000 private Souldiers How many were slain is uncertain for the Conquerours not being willing to loose time in numbering them made hast hack again in triumph to their former siege To particularize in setting forth the gallantry thus expressed on the English side in this encounter would cause me to exceed my wonted brevity let it therefore suffice to give an instance thereof in the personal valour of two only viz. Col. sones and Major General Drummond a Scotch-man who were most eminent therein these two Gentlemen came at first to Dunkirk only to satisfy their curiosity but this fight hapning in the time of their stay it raised in them a noble resolution to be no longer idle Spectators but brave partakers in their Country-mens labors For Col. Jones his part he at the first onset charged on foot with Lieutenant-Colonel Fenwick and after mounting a Horse fell so desperately on the Spaniards that being too far engaged amongst them he was made their Prisoner but afterwards being exchanged the Protector made him Knight and Baronet in recompence of his valour Major General Drummond's spirit being little inferiour to the best in the Field behaved himself with much bravery which was so much the more by how much the less he was concerned in the Quarrel no obligation inducing him to venture his life except it were the present engagement of some friends that bound him through respect to them to partake of their dangers which afterwards proved his own death for in the beginning of the fight his Horse was shot under him and presently after having mounted a second he was by an unhappy push of a Pike dismounted again yet still prosecuting the service more then minding his own safety he received a desperate wound that brought him to the grave But now to return The Army having vanquished the Relievers did renew their attempts with extraordinary vigor upon the Town of Dunkirk The Marquess de Leda Governour thereof seeing how hardly he was beset could not contain himself within the narrow compass of his own Walls but having a desire to beat up the French mens Quarters he suddenly sallied out of the Town with a strong Party but alas all proved to no purpose the Fates cannot be withstood neither was he free from errour in the attempt For as if in a natural body upon apprehension of danger the vital spirits retire to the heart life is preserved but if they forsake that and depart to the extremities death ensues so this Don being the life of the rest as indeed all Generals and Governours are to their Armies or Garisons sallying out in person that should have been encouraging those in the Town procured his own death and the miscarriage of his design therein shewing more valour then discretion For upon his death a cold damp seized upon the Dunkirkers who seeing what prodigious Balls of fire were flung out of the English Morter Pieces into the Town were sorely terrified thereby and so much the more in regard of their not being accustomed to such stratagems his Holiness the Pope having prohibited the use of Granado's amongst his Catholikes to prevent burning of Churches Considering therefore that the longer they stood out the harder would be their termes And seeing all hope of relief by Land was lost the Sea secured against them and daily discouragements arising every way therefore to prevent further inconveniences the Spaniards desired a present Capitulation which being easily granted it was agreed that the Town should be surrendered upon these following Articles 1. That the Town should be yeelded up with all the great Guns their stores of Victuals Magazine of Arms and Ammunition without any imbezelment 2. The Officers and Souldiers to march out with Drums beating Colours flying two Pieces of Ordnance and their Baggage 3. That they should have the liberty to march with a Convoy to conduct them to S. Omers 4. The Inhabitants to remain indemnified in their Persons and Goods and to enjoy their former Customs and Priviledges for two years and not to be molested touching the exercise of their Religion These Articles being ratified by the King of France this strong Town of Dunkirk was delivered up into the hands of the English by the King of France and Cardinal in Person upon Tuesday June 25. 1658. The Spaniards at the same time quitting it there marched out one thousand horse and foot and seven hundred more that had been wounded in the siege followed after as their strength gave them leave The English having possession of the Town found in it 140 great Guns all Brass except eight with Ammunition and Provision sufficient to maintain it for a great while longer then it was kept The Naisby Frigat riding Admiral of the English Fleet in Dunkirk road at that time when the Town was delivered up Cardinal Mazarin's curiosity was whetted with reports of this stately Ship insomuch that he desired to give her a visit which General Mountague undestanding he invited the Cardinal and other French Lords aboard they all most readily accepted of it and returned many complements which the French are never unprovided of for the singular favour offered them The time appointed being come the Cardinal in his Pontificalibus with a great Train of Noble-men went in Boats to see the Ship at his lanching forth the English Frigats in the bravest equipage they possibly could be put saluted him with the roaring noise of great Guns so continuing firing as he past by them Approaching near the Naisby the English General with many Officers and Gentlemen met him in their Boats and conducted him aboard His Eminency and the rest being landed in this floating Island the General treated them with a noble Banquet at which the Cardinal shewed so much abstemiousness that of all the varieties provided for his entertainment he tasted