Gods Ark Overtopping the Worlds Waves, Parliamentary chronicle · Letter 4 – Floating text 18

Gods Ark Overtopping the Worlds Waves · Parliamentary chronicle · Letter 4 – Floating text 18

p. 78A true Relation of the great Victory obtained by Gods merciemercy and providence by the Parliaments forces in Lancaſhire, under the Command of Colonell Rigby, ſent in his own Letter to the honourable William Lenthall Eſquire, Speaker of the Houſe of Commons in Parliament.

Honoured Sir,

THat I may give you an account of our proceedings at Thurland, you may underſtand that Sir John Girlington having drawn Forces into his Caſtle of Thurland, he began to plunder the Countrey, p. 79and to commit robberies and murthers, and thereupon for the ſuppreſſion of him and his adherents, I repaired thither, and after ſeven weeks ſtrait ſiege of the Caſtle, it was delivered unto me, to be demoliſhed upon agreement, to ſuffer him and all his in the Caſtle, to paſſe away with their lives, and goods: During moſt part of the ſiege, the greateſt part of the Forces of Weſtmerland lay within our view, and daily threatned us; but God confined them to their own Countie, and every day more and more inclined the hearts of the Commons of Weſtmerland to decline any attempt upon us, though wee then lay in an Out-Angle of our County, far from ſupplies, and whileſt theſe things were in ſuſpence, a deſigne was ſet on foot by all the malignant Gentry of Weſtmerland and Cumberland, and by Roger Kirby, and Alexander Rigby of the Burghe, two Lancaſhire men, to raiſe all the Forces of Cartmell and Fournes, part of Lancaſhire, to joyn with Cumberland and Weſtmerland, to ſurprize Lancaſter and Hornby Caſtles, and to aſſault us on all ſides, and to raiſe our Siege, and then to proceed further into Lancaſhire, and (as upon credible information I beleeve) to joyn with Latham-houſe, and all the ill-affected in our Countie, to our generall devaſtation. And for this end, they drew together part of Cumberland forces into Fournes, and with them the ſtrength of that place, to about the number of ſixteen hundred, intending the next day to March into Cartmell towards us, and there to adde to their forces, and in their way, they took and impriſoned divers of the beſt affected, and cauſed the reſt of them to flie out of the Country, who poſting to us, I forthwith took five hundred foot, two Drakes, and three ſmall Troops of horſe, parcell of my Forces at Thurland, and with them in one day, I marched almoſt thirty miles, over mountaines, and through Sea-ſands, and waters, within two miles of the Enemie, and the next morning being the Lords day, wee found the Enemy in the field, ſtanding with a body of horſe, and another of foot, in a poſture to receive us, upon a ground choſen for their own advantage: and when we were within half a mile of them, wee committed our ſelves to Gods protection, and began our work with publike prayers for his bleſſing upon us: And thoſe done, wee ſpeeded unto the Enemy, with ſuch reſolution and courage in all the Captains, and common Souldiers, as by their deportment, I might have rather deemed, that they had made haſt to have ſaluted their friends, than to have encountred their enemies: the enemies word was (In with Queen Mary) ours was (God with us) and at our firſt p. 80appearance, God ſo ſtruck the hearts of theſe our enemies with terrour, that before a blow given, their Horſe began to retreat, our foot gave a great ſhout, our Horſe purſued, theirs fled; their foot diſperſed, and fled; they all truſted more to their feet, than their hands; they threw away their Armes and Colours, deſerted their magazine drawn with eight Oxen, and were totally routed in one quarter of an houres time; our horſe ſlew ſome few of them in the purſuit, and drave many of them into the Sea; wee took their Colonell Hudleſton of Millam, two Captains, and an Enſign, and about foure hundred Priſoners, ſix foot Colours, and one horſe Colour; and their Magazin, and ſome horſes, and more armes than men: and all this without the loſſe of any one man of ours; wee had onelyonly one man hurt by the Enemy, and onelyonly another hurt by himſelfe with his own Piſtoll, but neither mortally; upon the cloſe of the buſineſs, all our men with a great ſhout cryed out, Glory be to God; and wee all, except one Troop of horſe, and one foot Company, which I left to quiet the Countrey, returned forthwith towards our ſiege at Thurland; moſt of our horſe-men without alighting from our horſes, and moſt of us all, without eating or drinking; ſo that early the next day wee came again to Thurland, where wee found our ſiege continued, within view of more than treble forces from Weſtmerland; this worke in Fournes had that influence upon all the Caſtles, and all the Gentry of Weſtmerland, and Cumberland, who then lay within our ſight at Kirby-Loynsdale, that within two dayes after, the Caſtle was by the Negotiation of Sir Philip Muſgrave, then commanding in chief in Weſtmerland and Cumberland, agreed to be rendred unto me, to be demoliſhed, which is accordingly done: And though I endeavoured to have preſerved all the combuſtible materials therein from fire, yet I could not therein prevaile with the common Souldiers without great diſpleaſure.

My humble▪ ſuit now is, to have the order of the Houſe of Commons for my indempnity, for demoliſhing of the Caſtle: And becauſe Colonell Hudleſton (who yet hath a Regiment in Yorkſhire, in or neer Hallifax) is as I heare Serjeant Major Generall of Cumberland; and the moſt conſiderable man in Cumberland, and our next neighbour to Lancaſhire, and one whom without further danger to the peace of our Countie, I cannot conceive can be kept priſoner here, I have therefore preſumed to ſend him unto you, under the care and cuſtody of Mr. Robert Fog, of whoſe induſtry and fidelity, p. 81both you and we heer have had much experience: Sir, that God may bleſſe, and proſper all your deſignes, and proceedings for his glory, and the peace of this Kingdome, is the daily prayer of

Your moſt humble Servant, Alex▪ Rigby. Preſton in Lancaſhire, this 17. of Octo: 1643.

Ordered by the Commons in Parliament, that this Relation be forthwith printed and publiſhed.

Hen: Elſynge, Cler. Parl. D: Com.

About the 25^th alſo of this inſtant November, came certain information from famous Pool in Dorſetſhire, of the brave atchievements and famous performances of thoſe renowned active ſpirits in their moſt valourous taking of the Town of Warham in that Countie, which was alſo ratified by a letter to a worthy Member of the Houſe of Commons in Parliament to this effect. The moſt loyall and reſolute Commanders and Officers in this garriſon of Pool, in proſecution of ſome former fortunate adventures and moſt valourous reſolutions, wherein God had extraordinarily proſpered and preſerved them, ſent out a partie of about 200 Musketteers,Pools brave performances. under the Command of Captain Lay▪ a man of whoſe fidelity and valour the Parliament had had much experience, who diſpoſing his men into ſuch boates & lighters as belonged to the Town, went by water to W…rham▪ a Town about ſeven miles diſtant from Pool, weſtward, drawing neer the Main-land, but navigable home to the very Town in ſuch veſſells as they made uſe of. The firſt oppoſition they met with was by certain Musketteers of the enemies,Captain Layes undaunted reſolution at the Town of Warham. who played on them from a breſt work, made on the paſſage, a mile before they came to the Town; where the ſaid valiant Captain immediately commanded a partie aſhore, which being perceived by the enemie, they inſtantly threw down their armes, ran away crying our, heeles, heeles for the Town▪ So that the Town having by this means an alarm,Warham prepares to encounter the Poolians. were all in a readineſſe to receive the Poolian…, before they could poſſibly approach them, and had drawn ſeverall ambuſcadoes into the hedges to annoy them, which way ſoever they came, and withall making good the bridge-foot (as they conceived) which was the main hiding place to come into the body of the Town. But this courageous and reſolute Captain being too wiſe for ſuch untuter'd freſh-water Souldiers, before he came neer the Town, had landed an p. 82indifferent ſtrong partie, which being divided into two parts were at one and the ſame time to enter the Town in two places at once, and the reſidue were to follow preſently at the main landing place, all which was exactly obſerved according to command and direction; but by the way, the enemies ambuſcadoes, ſtill, at adventures playd upon our men, retreating amain into the Town, but did little hurt, for the night not being very light, and our men having command to keep their matches cloſs,The Poolians politick carriage in approaching the Town. and not to diſcharge till they came to the Townes end, where they might have ſome inducement to beſtow a volley of ſhot to purpoſe; this was a notable meanes that the enemie knew not well how to ſhoot to annoy them. Our men, thus, courageouſly coming on, the enemie left all their defenſive breſt-works, and rallyed themſelves into a body in the midſt of the Town, and all with one voice crying out,Pool-men enter the Town of Warham. Now come on yee Roundheads, if yee dare; and our men came timely up together into the ſeverall quarters of the Town; the enemie having no way to eſcape but by a gate behind them, which could not poſſibly be blockt up by our men; but ours being come up moſt bravely together, gave them a handſome volley of ſhot, at which the enemie unanimouſly without farther diſpute betook them to their heeles,The enemies flie. Priſoners taken. and throwing down their armes, fled away, and it being in the night ſeaſon, many eſcaped out of that Poſtern-gate; but about 200 of them were taken priſoners, and much ammunition and armes, beſides many fat beeves, ſheep, and other proviſion, which was then provided for the next dayes Market,Prizes taken. with good ſtore of other pillage, and the Souldiers, who before had reſolved to be in no Drapers debt for new-cloathes, borrowed as much cloath as would ſerve their turn of other kinde neighbour-Cormorants, who at the firſt word gave them no deniall therein, and thus by the time that they had made a diligent ſearch through the whole Town for their enemies which were left behinde,The Poolians victorious and ſafe return. they got much other fraight for their veſſells, and ſent home alſo a good quantitie of hay and provender, with their other prizes, to welcome home brave Captain Sydenham with his horſe, who was then likewiſe gone Eaſtward from Pool to Winborn to demand that Town alſo; but his main purpoſe was to keep the Warham alarm from them, at Winborn, and ſo to farther Captain Layes deſign, which as aforeſaid he bravely effected and returned ſafely to Pool.

About the 28^th of this November alſo it pleaſed our good God ſo to order and diſpoſe of things by the wiſdome and providence of our ever to be honoured Worthies in Parliament, that the moſt noble and p. 83renowned pious and valiant Earl of Warwick was by an unanimous conſent of both Houſes voted to be Lord high Admirall of England, The Earl of Warwick made Lord high Admirall of England.an honourable title fit to be inveſted on ſo honourable, truſtie and noble a perſonage; and indeed I cannot exactly ſay, whether the title more honours him, or he the title; but, this I am ſure of, the title is moſt like to be more honoured, and the Kingdome the better ſecured by him, whoſe actions are and ever have been moſt like himſelf, honourable, pious, and faithfull.

Much alſo about the aforeſaid time came credible information by ſeverall Letters to London out of Warwickſhire, The brave exloits of the moſt valiant and faithfull Governour and garriſon of Warwick Caſtle.that Serjeant Major Bridges, Governour of Warwick Caſtle, had ſent our ſeverall parties of horſe from the Caſtle at ſeverall times, which brought in from within two miles of Banburie out of the Lord Sayes grounds at leſt a 1000 ſheep, which the Banbury garriſon had ſtoln from the poore inhabitants of the Countries and places adjacent; And alſo that they had ſurprized an hundred horſe of the enemies, taken a Serjeant Major, and ſome other Officers, and to the great comfort and content of the Inhabitants of Glouceſterſhire, had lighted upon an high Sheriff, commonly called the Task-Maſter Generall; who had layd many heavie impoſitions and taxes upon the Country-people of thoſe parts, making their lives grievous unto them. Alſo, that underſtanding that a company of ragged Welch-vermine were come into Worceſterſhire, and intended to neſtle and fortifie themſelves in Caughton-Houſe, belonging to Sir Robert Throgmorton, a great Papiſt, the ſaid brave Governour ſent thither about 80 Musketteers, who ſpeedily poſſeſſed themſelves of the Houſe, fortified it very ſtrongly; and, ſince that, ſent fifty horſe thither, beſide, to make the ſaid Houſe a more ſtrong and complete garriſon for part of his Souldiers, the better to free and ſecure thoſe parts from the plunderings and rapines of the enemies forces. And, certainly, had all the Parliament Commanders been as faithfull, courageous, and active, as this moſt valiant Commander was, and as the ever to be renowned Colonell Maſſie, governour of Glouceſter, Colonell Wardlow, governour of Plimouth, and the governour of Pool, valiantly to watch and lay hold on advantages, as theſe have done from time to time, the enemie had been in a lower eſtate and condition than now they are, and wee might have put a more ſpeedie period to this warre: But wee muſt moſt wiſely aſcribe the event of all things to the all-diſpoſing hand of our moſt wiſe God, who thus orders it, giving over ſome to cowardize, and others to treachery, that ſo he p. 84may the more wea… us from relying too much on the arme of fleſh, and cauſe us to truſt more unto, and to ſee far more in the Creator, than in any creature-props and ….

About the 30^th alſo of this foreſaid November, The valiant & brave performances of Sir Wil. Brereton & Sir Thomas Midleton.came certain information to London by Letters out of Cheſhire, that Sir William Brereton, that moſt famous and ſucceſsfull pious Patriot, and Sir Thomas Midleton, that moſt loyall and valiant Commander went on very ſucceſsfully in thoſe parts, and that after they had taken Hol…-Caſtle, the draw-bridge over the river Dee, Harden-Caſtle, and the Town of Rexham, by which meanes they made ſtop of all proviſions out of Wales going to the relief of Cheſter, Sir Thomas Midleton went out with a partie into Flintſhire, and that the Town and Caſtle of Flint preſently were ſurrendred unto him; and after that, that the Town and Fort of Moſtin and foure pieces of Ordnance in it were alſo ſurrendred to him; whereby they garriſon'd their men in all the Townes about Cheſter, the Country coming in unto them, as alſo many Gentlemen of note and qualitie, and that with very much freeneſs.

About the foreſaid time alſo our moſt renowned Parliamentary Statiſts paſſed an Ordinance of Parliament for the better encouraging of all Merchants,An Ordināce of Parliament granting Letters of Mart, to Merchants and Seamen, againſt the enemies of the Parliament. Maſters of Ships, Mariners and others, (to be approved of and appointed thereunto, by the moſt noble Earl of Warwick, Lord high Admirall of England) that ſhould ſet forth any ſhips or pinnaces to Sea, wa…likely appointed, equipped and manned, at their own proper coſt and charges, that in recompence of the ſame and their adventures therein, they ſhould have and enjoy to their own proper uſes, all ſuch ſhips, ammunition, goods, moneys, and Merchandiazes which they took or ſurprized by ſea or by land; intended or deſigned againſt the Parliament and their adherents in this Kingdome, or for the relief of the rebells in the Kingdome of Ireland, or that had carried, or whom they ſhould take carrying any ſupplies to the intents aforeſaid: And alſo that ſo much money ſhould be paid to them or their aſſignes, by the Treaſurer of the Navie, for the time being, as ſhould enable them reſpectively to victuall their ſhips and pinnaces for ſo many moneths as they ſhall employ them at Sea in this ſervice, accounting twenty …lings to each man for moneths victualls, and not exceeding forty … to every hundred tu…s burthen of their reſpective … every voyage. Thus wee … and mercy of our good God to counſell … our moſt honoured Worthies to … p. 85fare of the Kingdome both by ſea and by land, ever magnified and praiſed be his holy and great Name for it.

And thus having,The Arks ſafe arrivall at the end of this Monethly voyage. by Gods providence and gracious aſſiſtance, carried on the hiſtoricall Narration of Gods Ark, even the holy Cauſe of our pious Parliament, in all this Moneths victorious Voyage, and having now thus happily arrived to the end thereof: I ſhall heer now deſire the godly Reader to give me leave, a little while to caſt anchor and to make a ſhort ſtay of recapitulation of, and profitable rumination on,The holy-Merchant-like improvement of this Moneths voyage to Gods glorie. the rare and rich mercies of this Moneths voyage, thereby to ſee what holy merchantlike improvement wee can make of this our voyage for the honour of our good God, in briefly obſerving and admiring the menacing moleſtations and ſhrewd bruſhes and diſturbances which the advers waves and boyſterous billowes, rocks and ſands of moſt wicked and ungodly proud & preſumptuous enemies of this Ark, labouring to overtop or overturn it: yet now, by the Lords almightie and irreſiſtible power and ſweet protection,A Summarie recitall of all the rare and rich mercies of this Moneths voyage. all thoſe proud waves were broken, the rocks removed and the devouring ſands ſecurely evaded.

Both in the good hand of God, firſt, Uniting and aſſociating the Counties of Hampſhire, Suſſex, Surrey and Kent, and ordaining renowned Sir William Waller, 1.Commander in chief over them.

Secondly,2. In the Parliaments pious care and providence for the welfare of forein-Engliſh Plantations.

Thirdly,3. In cauſing a conſiderable number of Engliſh-Iriſh-Proteſtant Souldiers (tranſported out of Ireland, and landed at Briſtoll, to fight againſt the Parliament) to revolt from the Kings deſignes by them, and really and readily to turn to the Parliaments-ſide againſt the Parliaments enemies.

Fourthly,4. In that brave defeat given by the Parliaments forces in Shropſhire and Cheſhire, to that proud and unſucceſsfull upſtart Lord Capell.

Fifthly,5. In the moſt ſucceſsfull, pious and renowned Earl of Mancheſters ſpoyling and bereaving of that pernicious Town of Newark, of their proviſion; the taking of Bullingbrook-Caſtle; the declining and periſhing condition of proud and Popiſh Newcaſtles armie; and the notable defection of the Gentrie of …orkſhire, and other Northern-Counties from the Kings partie.

Sixthly,6. In the admirable contrary effects which the wiſdome of the Lord our God cauſed the accurſed Ceſſation of armes in Ireland to p. 86bring forth, which mainly appeared in the Parliaments perfecting and producing their former long intended new Broad-Seal of England, and the hopefully happie effects thereof.

Seventhly,7. In renowned Sir William Wallers brave prize taken about Newbery; The moſt excellent effects, which the loſs of Stamford-Mount at Plymouth produced; And renowned Colonell Rigbies famous victorie at Thurland.

Eighthly,8. The brave atchievements and victorious performances of the little Town, yet greatly renowned Garriſon at Pool in Dorſetſhire.

Ninthly,9. The happie re-eſtabliſhment of the renowned Earl of Warwick in the place of Lord high Admirall of England, for the ſingular ſecuritie and ſafety of the Kingdome, as well by ſea as by land.

Tenthly,10. The brave exploits of the valiant Governour and Garriſon of Warwick Caſtle.

Eleventhly,11. The moſt ſucceſsfull proceedings and brave atchievements of thoſe two renowned Colonells and Commanders Sir William Brereton and Sir Thomas Midleton.

Twelfthly,12. and laſtly, the moſt prudent and provident Ordinance of Parliament, granting out Letters of Mart by Sea, for the better hindrance of the accurſed deſignes of our Oxonian adverſaries in the rebellious and moſt bloudy Kingdome of Ireland.

And now tell mee, good Reader, doſt thou not ſee plainly, by all theſe premiſed paſſages, and apparent prints of Gods providence, The Lord ſitting as a moſt prudent and propitious Pilot at the Stern of his Ark,Gods little flock preſerved thus in his Ark, gives all the honour to God alone. and graciouſly and gloriouſly carrying it on ſafely and ſecurely through the midſt of all theſe moleſting and raging waves of wicked men, and all their moſt deſperate and devilliſh deſignes againſt it; whereby wee may and muſt, moſt juſtly, and ingenuouſly acknowledge with the ſweet Pſalmograph, the holy Prophet David; Thou, O Lord, art our ſafe and ſecure hiding-place; Thou alone doſt preſerve us from troubles; Thou doſt encompaſſe us with ſongs of deliverance. But to proceed.

The firſt thing wherewith I ſhall begin this MonethMonth of December, December. 1643.ſhall be that happie and bleſſed buſineſs to this Kingdome, of fully confirming and ſetting on foot the new Great Seal of England. But before I come to the preſent relation of what was more fully ſetled and confirmed therein; Give me leave, good Reader, to acquaint thee with what formerly paſt about it in Parliament, A New Great Seal of England.namely, That about the midſt of October laſt, when as the Commons debating on the ſpeedie p. 87putting it in execution, they conſidered a collection of certain Acts, then read, ſetting forth the power and uſe of the great Seal of England, and reviewed their former votes touching the abſence of the other great Seal at Oxford; the ſubſtance of which former votes having relation to what was then farther agreed upon, I have thought fit heer to inſert.

Reſolved on the Queſtion.

1. That the great Seal of England ought to attend the Parliament.

2. That the abſence of it hath been a cauſe of great miſchiefes to the Common-wealth.

3. That a remedie ought to be provided for thoſe miſchiefes.

4. That the proper way is by making a New great Seal.

And they then proceeded to ſome farther votes touching the ſame, which were to this effect.

Reſolved on the Queſtion.

That the great Seal at Oxford be diſanull'd, and what ever act or thing hath paſſed under it ſince it was carried away from the Parliament, to be voyd and of none effect; and that an Ordinance of Parliament be forthwith drawn up to that purpoſe.

By which Vote thoſe late thundring Proclamations againſt the Parliament and well-affected Subjects of the Kingdome, and the many new honours conferred on, &c. and many others at Oxford for their good ſervice in withholding his Majeſtie from his Parliament, and foſtering this unnaturall rebellion againſt the Parliament & Kingdome, thereby occaſioning the death of many thouſands of his Majeſties, good and loyall ſubjects; will fall flat to the ground.

Alſo reſolved on the Queſtion.

That Commiſſioners of both Houſes of Parliament be forthwith appointed, viz. Three of the Houſe of Peeres, and ſix of the Houſe of Commons (if the Lords ſo think fit) to have the truſt of the new great Seal, which is to reſide with the Parliament for the uſe of the Parliament and Kingdome.

And, laſtly, reſolved on the Queſtion.

That the Houſe of Peeres be forthwith deſired to nominate ſuch members of their Houſe to joyn with a proportionable number of the Commons Houſe, as Commiſſioners for the ſaid New great Seal, and that all buſineſſes proper to the Seal be diſpatched by them, or by order of both Houſes.

All which was accordingly ratified not long after, as was manifeſted in the Ordinance of Parliament for the great Seal forementioned. After which long and ſerious agitation, conſultation, and debates in p. 86duplicate page p. 87duplicate page p. 88both Houſes of Parliament, The New Great Seal of England confirmed.& a Declaration from both Houſes now fully reſolved on, and the Lord Ruthen, Earl of Kent, being with full approbation of both Houſes choſen and made a Commiſſioner thereof, in ſtead of the Earl of Rutland (firſt choſen) who upon ſome ſcruples of conſcience objected by him, was acquitted of that ſervice, and the Ordinance of Parliament accordingly altered: The new great Seal was now, I ſay, delivered to the Commiſſioners of both Houſes of Parliament for the putting thereof into due execution, viz. To the Earl of Kent, and the Earl of Bullingbrook, The names of the Commiſſioners.for the Houſe of Peers; M^r Saint John, Sollicitor Generall, M^r Serjeant Wilde, M^r Prideaux, and M^r Brown, for the Houſe of Commons. The ſolemn and exact manner of delivering whereof to the honourable perſonages aforeſaid, I have alſo thought fit heer to inſert, for the Readers better conte… and delight heerin, as I have received it from good hands, which was thus.

The great Seal was carryed up by the Speaker of the Houſe of Commons, The manner of the Solemnity of the delivery of the New great Seal of E…gland to the Commiſſioners.accompanied with that whole Houſe to the Houſe of Peers, who delivered it to the Speaker of that Houſe, and made a ſhort ſpeech at the delivery of it, deſiring the ſaid Seal might be delivered to the Commiſſioners, and the Oath for the due execution of their places thereabout be tendered to them in a full Parliament, before both Houſes, which was done accordingly; The Speaker of the Houſe of Peeres, viz. The Lord Gray of Wark, ſwearing the two Lords, and the Clerk of that Houſe, John Brown, Eſquire, ſwearing the other foure Commiſſioners; which done, the Seal was delivered to them, and they preſently carried it to Maſter Brownes office, and put it into an iron-cheſt, with three different locks, as was formerly appointed, and the ſaid Commiſſioners ſhortly after appointed a Sealing-day to put the ſaid Seal in execution, according to the Ordinance of Parliament, without any farther let or obſtacle; the happie and bleſſed effects whereof, wee ſhall in their due time, by Gods good providence and gracious aſſiſtance, ſee and give the Reader occaſion to underſtand of in their convenient and proper places.

Upon the 30^th of November laſt, our moſt honourable Commons in Parliament paſſed an Order which was printed & publiſhed the ſecond of this inſtant December, The Solemn-League or Covenant to be farther preſſed where not yet taken.That the Miniſters of the ſeverall pariſhes within the bills of Mortalitie, ſhould on that next enſuing Lords-day, in the afternoon, tender the Solemn-League and Covenant in the ſeverall Churches and Chappells within the bills of Mortalitie to ſuch as had not then taken it, with other very materiall Clauſes therein contained, p. 89which for the Readers better ſatisfaction and content therein, I have thought fit heer to inſert, as it was printed and publiſhed, which was as followeth.

Die Iovis, Novem. 30^th, 1643.

An Order of the Commons aſſembled in Parliament, concerning the returning in writing to the Houſe of Commons, the names of ſuch Miniſters and other perſons, within the bills of Mortalitie, as ſhall not take the Solemn-League and Covenant before Wedneſday next.

IT is this day ordered by the Commons in Parliament aſſembled, that the Miniſters within the ſeverall pariſhes within the bills of Mortalitie, doe on the next Lords day, in the afternoon, tender the Solemn League and Covenant in the ſeverall Churches and Chappells within the bills of Mortalitie, to ſuch as have not yet taken it. And that the Miniſter and Church-wardens of every pariſh be required, on wedneſday next to return to the Houſe of Commons, the names of all ſuch, in their ſeverall pariſhes, as have not taken, or ſhall then refuſe to take the Covenant. And the Miniſters, Lecturers, Curates in the ſaid ſeverall pariſhes that have not yet taken the Covenant, are required then to take it; And if any of them refuſe or further delay the taking of the ſame, then the Church-wardens of thoſe pariſhes are required to return to this Houſe, in writing, the names of ſuch Miniſters, Lecturers and Curates that ſo refuſe. And the ſeverall Miniſters in the ſaid ſeverall pariſhes, are to give notice of this Order publikely on the next Lords-day in the afternoone. And this Order is to be printed and publiſhed and ſent to the Miniſters of the ſeverall pariſhes aforeſaid.

H. Elſynge, Cler. Parl. D. Com.

And now that wee are again fallen moſt fitly on this ſacred ſubject of the holy-League and Covenant, although I have ſpoken ſomewhat of it in the cloſe of my Second Part of our Parliamentarie Chronicle, touching the taking thereof, firſt by the Commons in Parliament, and are now in order of the progreſs thereof fallen again (I ſay) upon it, as it was enjoyned to all ſorts in the Citie of London: yet, give mee leave now, good Reader, heer alſo, to acquaint thee, briefly, how it paſt and was taken in the Houſe of Peeres in Parliament, which comes now to be handled in the next place, for the preſent.

p. 90On October, The Houſe of Peers take the ſolemn League and Covenant.the 15^th, being the Lords day, the Houſe of Peeres, according to a former appointment, in a very full appearance (contrary to the calumnious and ſlanderous report of that Oxonian-Minter of untruths, Aulicus, the Kings lyer in chief, as acute Britanicus …tly ſtyles him) took the Solemn-League and Covenant, in Weſtminſter-Abbey, after the morning Sermon, which was preached by D^r Temple, a reverend and able Divine, and a member of the Aſſembly, his text being out of Nehemiah, 10. 29. The Sermon being ended, the Lords aſſembled themſelves together, and each of them, with much alacritie and chearfulneſs ſubſcribed unto the ſaid Covenant, in order as they are heer mentioned, viz. The Earles & Lords that took the Covenant at weſtminſter.The Earles; 1. Pembrook; 2. Eſſex; 3. Warwick; 4. Suffolk; 5. Saliſbury; 6. Denbigh; 7. Bullingbrook; 8. Stamford. The Lords; 9. Say and Seal; 10. Howard; 11. Gray of Wark; 12. Wharton; 13. Rochford. Beſides, ſeverall other Lords who were not then preſent, but had formerly declared themſelves for the Covenant, viz. The Earles of Northumberland, Lincoln, Nottingham, Rutland, Mulgrave, and the Lord Dacres; Alſo, the Earle of Mancheſter, the Lord Fairfax, Lord Willoughby of Parrham, Lord Roberts, and Lord Gray of Groobey, who were forth in the Parliaments ſervice. Certainly, the entring of ſo many honourable Peeres of this Realme into ſo ſolemn a League and Covenant, for reformation & extirpation of Poperie and her ſiſter Prelacie out of this Kingdome, muſt needs much amaze and amuſe not onelyonly our London Malignants, but alſo all the Court Paraſites and Papiſticall and Prelaticall Machivilians at Oxford, who, no queſtion, gnaſht their teeth, and did even gnaw their tongues with malice and envie, when they heard of ſuch a generall and unanimous taking of this Covenant, both by the Nobility, and by the Communaltie of the Kingdome.

In the ſame MonethMonth alſo of October, 1643. on ſeverall dayes appointed thereunto,Commanders in Armes, Knights and Gentlemen alſo take this Covenant. there were great confi…ences of Martiall Commanders, Knights and Gentlemen of qualitie, who moſt cheerfully and freely took this Covenant, as others had done, reverend and learned M^r Caryll of Lincolnes-Inne preaching one day at S^t Marga…ets-Church in Weſtminſter unto them; and likewiſe other grave and godly Divines to others of them, on other dayes appointed thereunto. And when the whole Citie of London, The Covenant ſealed in the City of London, with the Loan of an 100000…& all within the bills of Mortalitie took this holy Covenant, according to the Ordinance of Parliament, in October laſt (as hath been forementioned in that monethmonth) they were ſo forward and cheerfull therein, that upon a motion thereunto made, they ſealed the Covenant with the loan of an 100000… to the Parliament for the p. 91helping forward of our faithfull, loyall and loving brethren of Scotlands advance to help the Lord and us againſt the mightie and miſchievous enemies of this Kingdome, and our moſt precious Religion, Lawes and Liberties.The main end of this holy League and Covenant. Their main, if not onelyonly ayme therein being the honour of God, and ſettlement of Religion, ſound doctrine and diſcipline in the Church of God, the redemption of our King from Cavalerian and Popiſh thraldome, and therein his beſt good and inveſture into all his moſt juſt rights and Prerogatives, and the vindication of our Lawes and Priviledges, our juſt inheritance, which with honeſt Naboth, wee would not, wee might not ſell away, eſpecially for Popiſh and tyrannicall ſlavery, on any conditions: yet ſee (notwithſtanding the pious Parliaments, Peeres and Peoples honeſt aymes, loyaltie & integritie heerin, as aforeſaid) how thoſe venomous Spiders of Oxford ſuckt poyſon out of thoſe fragrant flowers and Herb of grace,Oxford Spiders ſuck poyſon out of the herb Grace. moſt Satanically ſlandring & abuſing this holy Covenant, & the honeſt Covenanters; Which was moſt evidently ſeen in a moſt impious and audacious paper, under the title of a Proclamation againſt the Covenant, which thoſe vipers at Oxford moſt villanouſly and trayterouſly uſing and abuſing the Kings name therein, ſet forth and publiſhed to open view; which ſaid Proclamation coming to my hands, I have thought fit heer to inſert, that the world may ſee how atheiſtically bold they are to abuſe all ſacred and moſt holy things at their own impious and Plutonicall pleaſure, which was as followeth.

By the King.

His Majeſties Proclamation, forbidding the tendering or taking of a late Covenant, called a Solemn-League and Covenant for Reformation, &c.

WHereas there is a printed paper, entituled, A Solemn-League and Covenant for Reformation and defence of Religion, and happineſs of the King, and the peace and ſafety of the three Kingdomes of England, Scotland, and Ireland, pretended to be ordered by the Commons in Parliament on the 21. day of Sept. laſt, to be printed and publiſhed. Which Covenant, though it ſeemes to make ſpecious expreſſions of piety and religion, is, in truth, nothing …lſe but a traiterous and ſeditious combination againſt us, and againſt the eſtabliſhed Religion and Lawe… of this Kingdome, in purſuance of a tra…erous deſigne and endeavour to being in forein force to invade p. 92this Kingdome. Wee doe therefore ſtraitly charge and command all our …ing Subjects of what degree or qualitie ſoever upon their allegiance, that they preſume not to take the ſaid ſeditious and traiterous Covenant. And we do likewiſe heerby forbid and inhibite all our Subjects, to impoſe, adminiſter or tender the ſaid Covenant, as they and every of them will anſwer the contrary at their utmoſt▪ and extremeſt perills.

Given at our Court, at Oxford, this ninth day of October, in the 19^th year of our Reign. God ſave the King.

Oxford, printed by Leonard Litchfield, Printer to the Ʋniverſitie of Oxford, 1643.

Thus you ſee how theſe accurſed and moſt corrupt Counſellers at Oxford do moſt baſely abuſe the Kings name to countenance their wicked wayes, and moſt deſtructive deſignes againſt God and goodneſſe; moſt blaſphemouſly calling & counting that moſt holy and religious Covenant and League of loyaltie to God and the King, a Combination of treacherie and perfidious rebellion. But, yet, notwithſtanding this and all the reſt of their Muehivillian plots and practiſes,GODS Ark carried on proſperouſly notwithſtanding all advers bluſtring blaſts againſt it. thus, to ſink, overtop and over-turn Gods ſacred Ark, his glorious Cauſe, and work of Reformation; Our moſt wiſe and good God moſt powerfully and prudently breathed on this his holy Ark, moſt bleſſed & proſperous gales, carried on the work moſt ſucceſsfully, and notwithſtanding, I ſay, all the adverſe bruſhes and bluſtrings againſt it, this bleſſed Covenant was, ſince that, freely and cheerfully taken, both by the reſt of the Lords and Commons in Parliament, who had not formerly been preſent at the firſt taking of it; and by the Judges, Lawyers, Clerkes, and Gentlemen of all ſorts and ranks whatſoever, Miniſters and people, in Citie and Country; yea and divers both Earles, Many deſerted Oxford & took the Covenant.Lords, Knights, Gentlemen, and Officers in armes, Souldiers and others, who have, ſince, deſerted the Kings partie and left Oxford, that ſink of muddie ſlime, and cage of unclean birds, have heartily (as wee hope) and freely taken this Covenant, and entred with the reſt of Gods people into this holy League, to live & die in this our moſt bleſſed and glorious Cauſe. But now to proceed:

About the 6^th of this inſtant December, came credible intelligence by Letters to London, from out of Glouceſterſhire, that whereas the enemies reſolutions were grown very high and lofty to garriſon and entrench themſelves round about the Citie of Glouceſter; yet, that they have been bravely lopt and cut down,The brave exploits of renowned Colonell Maſsie at Glouceſter. by the vigilancie, valour and prudent circumſpection of that moſt famous & ever to be renowned Commander Colonell Maſſey. As firſt, Colonell Vavaſor being appointed Governour of Tewksbery, iſſued out his Warrants in that name, to the adjacent p. 93parts, commanding in proviſions and pioners for the ſtrengthning of his garriſon and eſtabliſhment of his government there: But by two troops of horſe ſent out of Glouceſter, he was ſo diſanimated & frighted that his government ſoone diſſolved,Colonell Vavaſor beaten from Tewksbery. and Tewksbery was quite quitted by them, and he thus freed of ſo troubleſome a neighbour as he intended to have been.

After this, Colonell Sir John Winter, the Court-Papiſt, and one of the Queens white-boyes, entred upon the government of Newnham with ſuch forces as the Lord Herbert could afford him, horſe and foot; but by a partie ſent out by this active and reſolute Colonell Maſſie, after ſome of Winters forces had got a good purchaſe of ſtoln Cattle into their filching fingers, and were entred their garriſon at Newnham ere Colonell Maſſeys troops could reach them, after a complement of thanks given to one Major Adams, a grand ſheep-ſtealer in thoſe parts for his extraordinary care in that piece of the every which he had new brought in unto them;Sir John Winter frighted from Newnham. but, I ſay, ere the ſaid complement was fully ended, the Glouceſter troops moſt reſolutely arrived at this Towns end, which being ſo ſodain, changed the cloſe of the foreſaid complement into a fearfull alarm & cry, Wee are all loſt, wee are all loſt. So that with the loſs of two of their colours, and 7 or 8 men ſlain, they quitted that government, alſo. Beſides, after this, the enemie took courage on the other ſide of Glouceſter, to erect new governments at Tedbury & Wotton; which cauſed that valiant and vigilant Governour Colonell Maſſey to march that way alſo, with what forces he could poſſibly make againſt them; but two troops of his horſe which were ſeen before, by the enemie, were ſo formidable and terrible to them at Tedbury, that with the loſs of ſome 14. or 15. of their Souldiers ſlain and taken priſoners, the whole regiment, government and governours, with Horatio Carey, fled thence and were diſſipated, ſcard & ſcattered, with ſuch a panick feare and trembling, as hardly to return again in haſte to that government. Upon this good ſucceſs, this moſt worthy and unwearied Col. Maſſey took the opportunitie to march to another Garriſon at Wotton, Wotton garriſon alſo diſſolved & diſcomfited by Col. Maſſey.where the enemy (being, and that with good reaſon, jealous of him) expected his coming upon them alſo, who accordingly hearing of his coming upon them indeed, drew themſelves into a body upon a hill to face our brave Colonell, but on his neerer approach they retreated haſtily to their Garriſon, at night, where, ſomewhat late, Col. Maſſey valiantly coming on & ſetting on them, found the enemy all mounted, yet gave the word & ſo fell on them, and put them all to flight toward p. 94Briſtoll, with great terrour, of whom he took onelyonly 11 or 12 priſoners, …lew ſome 5 or 6, but all the Officers, being well mounted, and by reaſon of the extraordinary darkneſs, it being alſo a very rainy night, made their eſcape, and left that government alſo for Col. Maſſey to quarter in, that night. After all this the gallant Colonell marched back to Glouceſter, contrary to the hopes of Sir John Winter, aforeſaid, and the reſt of that …action in the Citie of Glouceſter, A plot againſt the Citie of Glouceſter, prevented.who had ſecretly and treacherouſly ſent to all quarters of the Forreſt, Monmouth and Herefordſhire to march preſently to Glouceſter, on hope, by the aſſiſtance of a fly partie (aforeſaid) in the Town, now in the Governours abſence, to have ſurprized the City, as by the ſequell may eaſily appeare. For, that very night, the Governour had intelligence that the enemy in the Forreſt was advanced three miles toward Glouceſter, and upon their march thither, (he then not thinking on or hearing of any ſuch purpoſed plot by the enemy) who thereupon,The manner of diſcovering the plot. who thereupon, commanded a Captain at one of the clock at night to draw 50 or 60 Musketteers from off the guards, and to advance that way, ſome three miles off to make good a Houſe upon the paſſage to the Citie; but ere the ſaid Captain came to M^r Cooks Houſe at Heighham, he encountred the enemy both foot and horſe drawn up in a broad lane, upon whom he commanded fire to be given, and ſodainly ſlew one of the enemies Captains, and 3 or 4 Souldiers more,Sir John Winters plot defeated. at the very firſt charge: But the enemy ſo ſodainly and unexpectedly meeting with this partie, ſent out, as aforeſaid, by this prudent & provident Governour, ſodainly retreated to Huntley, where Sir John Winter, in perſon, much amazed at that change, with all ſpeed alſo marched away, in ſuch a confuſed manner, at the approach of about 14 or 15 of the Governours horſe, that they fell in among them alſo, ſlew 7 or 8 of them, & carried 9 or 10 of them priſoners to Glouceſter, and ſo that plot, was by Gods mercy, thus, happily prevented, and the enemie diſcomfited.

About the 10^th of this inſtant December, came credible information by Letters and other intelligence from Plymouth to London, A brave defeat given to the Lord Digbie at Ply…uth.that upon that Lords-day was a ſeven-night before, about 2 or 3 of the clock in the morning, the enemie (under the command of the Devill and Lord Digbie, then chief Commander there) gave an aſſault on the Town, and ſet upon the weakeſt Forts thereof, and at laſt took, by force, the Fort called the Lorde-fort, The Town forced to a retreat.and forced the Town and Souldiers to a retreat. But upon this alarm, the whole Town was readie ſtanding on their guard, and by break of day made a …ally out with very great courage againſt p. 95the enemy, being 2000 foot and 800 horſe, with undaunted ſpirits and reſolution, either to recover their …o…s or loſe their lives; and ſo fell moſt furiouſly upon them,The enemie put to a retreat. but the enemie unwilling to endure ſuch a fierce & ſodain ſhock, quickly retreated, and our men ſoon regained their work and Ordnance, and upon the enemies diſorderly retreat, our horſe came on very valiantly, ſeconded and maintained by the Musketteers, and ſo moſt bravely routed the enemie; ſo that ſome fled into the water,The enmie ſoundly beaten. and mud, and myre, and whatſoever way ſeemed beſt to make an eſcape and ſave their lives; of whom 25 were found dead on the place,The ſlain and priſoners taken. 40 priſoners taken & 80 horſe, beſides many armes and ſeverall barrells of powder and other prizes. God, undoubtedly fought for them, for the enemie was, at leaſt, ſix for one of ours, the moſt brave and valiant Governours horſe was twice ſhot under him, yet he moſt undauntedly came ſafely off by Gods good providence, and returned home moſt victoriouſly, for this time, ſecure from the danger of the enemie, praiſed be the Lord for it.

Much alſo about the ſame time came certain intelligence by Letters from Northampton, A brave defeat given to the enemie at Dunſcot neer Tociter, by the Northampton forces.that a partie of horſe iſſued out of the garriſon at Northampton, in the night time, to fall upon the enemies quarters, at a place called Dunſcot, a mile and half from Tociter, whither being come, they valiantly fell upon their grand-quarter, killed 15 or 16 on the place, took 17 priſoners, and wounded divers, took 35 horſe, & gave them alarms in moſt of their quarters round about, and ſo retreated without the …o…s of one man. And this defeat ſo aff…ighted the enemie, that when ours …ent out a partie of but 10 or 12 horſe, they would make them all quit a Town where they quartered, yea though fire were but given on the Sentimells, in ſo much that they were conſtrained to remove their quarters more toward Banburie; Such a ſpirit of fear and terrour poſſeſt them upon this onelyonly defeat.

About the 14^th of this inſtant came alſo moſt certain information to London, The moſt famous defeat given to the L. Craford at Alton is Surrey.by Letters and other infallible teſtimony, of the great and famous victory (through Gods good providence) obtained by the Parliaments forces under the command of renowned Sir Wil Waller againſt the Kings … under the command of the Lord Graford at Alton in Surrey, which being in ſpeciall, related by a Meſſenger; ſent by Sir Will. Wa…er himſelf to the Parliaments Committee for the ſafety of both Kingdomes, and to divers of the Houſe of Commons, and by them ordered to be printed & publiſhed, I have been thought fit to give the Reader the relation thereof, from the ſaid Copie, together with ſome p. 96ſmall additions of another authentick relation thereof, which came to my hands, which was as followeth.