Gods Ark Overtopping the Worlds Waves, Parliamentary chronicle · Floating text 23 – Floating text 28

Gods Ark Overtopping the Worlds Waves · Parliamentary chronicle · Floating text 23 – Floating text 28

p. 187May it pleaſe your Honour.

VPonUpon Thurſday, the 21 th. of this inſtant March, 1643. (our Brigade being quartered at Midhurſt) our Major Generall Browne, received Orders from Sir William Waller, to advance toward Wincheſter, to a Towne called Trafford, which accordingly he did, with incredible ſpeed, almoſt at an houres warning, and that night arrived there, which we found to be a ſmall Village, not above ſeven or eight houſes to quarter all our men, there we met with much hardſhip, ſtaying for Orders till the Lords day following; Upon Monday the 25. we marcht forwards to joyne with Sir William Wallers maine Body, which accordingly we did, and that night were appointed to Quarter at Westmean, three miles diſtant from the maine Body, where wee found a Partee of the Enemies Horſe, when our Quarter-maſters p. 188entred the Towne, which occaſioned ſome action, though not much conſiderable, we onelyonly tooke a Quarter-maſter priſoner; The next day, which was Tueſday, we lay ſtill, onelyonly our Scouts brought in ſome Priſoners, 6 Troopes incountring with 16 of the Enemies, put them to flight, and brought away 3 of them priſoners; The day following we diſcovered the Enemy, who tooke ſome few of our men that were ſtragling from their Colours, and ſoone after appeared in a great Body upon the hill, on the left hand of the Towne,The Enemies plot to ſurpriſe us at Church prevented. intending (as ſome Priſoners confeſſed) to take us at Church, it being the Faſt day, but it pleaſed God, who foreſaw the Plot, to prevent the danger, directing us to keepe the Faſt, the Wedneſday before, when we lay ſtill at Midhurſt, ſo that we were provided to entertaine them, and drew our men into a Body neere the Town; which done, Orders came to march away, which accordingly we did, in the Forlorne-Hope, expecting the enemy every houre to fall upon us, ſo that wee were forced to make a ſtand, a mile or more from the Towne in extreame danger, till Sir William Wallers Forces came up from Eaſtmean to joyne with us, then we marcht along till we came neere to Cheeriton, to a place, called by ſome, Lamborough-field, where we quartered all night, the Enemy lying upon Sutton-Common, and ſome part of them neerer to us, ſo neere, that the Sentinels could heare one another talke.

Upon Thurſday morning, a commanded Partee was ſent to view the Enemie, which they did, and encountered with a Forlorne-hope of the Enemies, and behaved themſelves very bravely, ſo that day was ſpent in skirmiſhes, where much gallantry, and true valour was ſhewed by our Horſe, eſpecially two men, whoſe names I do not well remember,A brave skirmiſh between us and the Enemy. to the perpetuall honour of the Actors, and great admiration of the Spectators; by whoſe meanes a conſiderable Partee was once engaged, and the Enemy came on with a great Body, which appearing, we diſcharged one Gun, which did ſuch execution in our ſight, that they all fled.

This day a Councill of Warre was called by both parties, both by us and the Enemy, as ſince we are informed, and the ingagement was ſuch,A Councill of War called on both ſides. that of neceſſity they muſt give battaile, or retreat with much diſhonour, the next morning we prepared for the Worke, and having ſought to God for aſſiſtance, we did addreſſe our ſelves to the Service; in the firſt place, a Forlorne-hope was drawn out of our Brigade, foure Files out of a Company, led on by Captaine Tomſon, p. 189a ſtout man, who were ſent to take poſſeſſion of a wood, which lay on the right hand betweene us and the enemy, which they obtained with eaſe in the Enemies ſight; but ſuch was their policy, that they fore-ſeeing the neceſſity of our gaining the wood, if ever we gave battell to them in that place, planted their Drakes on the farther ſide of the Wood, which they diſcharged upon our men ſo thicke, that the place was not tenible, though the greateſt part of Musketeers, and ſome others, were drawn up to them, ſo that they were forced to retreat in one houres ſpace,The fight fiercely begun. which gave great encouragement to the Enemy, who preſently came on with their maine body of horſe, very powerfully, and were met as couragiouſly, yet being of the greater number (for our whole body was not then together) forced ours to a diſorderly retreat, at which time the day was doubtfull, if not deſperate,The day at this time very doubtfull. our Foot all the while was engaged on the left wing, to drive the Enemy from the hedges, where our men played their parts gallantly, and drove them from hedge to hedge by degrees, till they had forced them to the top of the hill; our Horſe doing little for the ſpace of an houre after their retreat, onelyonly ſome Parties incountring with each other; at which time our Noble Major Generall Browne, (who was ever known to be a valiant man, and muſt be lookt upon as a ſpeciall inſtrument in the worke,)Major Gen. Browne bravely charges the Enemies horſe. drew off 100 men from the hedges, and in his own perſons led them on to charge the Horſe, which they did moſt gladly, & couragiouſly, and forced the enemies horſe to wheele about, whereupon our body of horſe came on againe, and that very manfully, at which time they charged quite through the enemies body, and put them to a rout, ſo that they were forced to retreat to the top of the hill, where they firſt appeared, this was about two of the clock in the afternoon, at which time they began to retreat,The Enemies put to the rout retreat. and ſent their carriages away, their body of foot followed after, the horſe and ſome few foot onelyonly, being left to face and to fight with us; at the laſt it pleaſed God to raiſe up the ſpirits of ſome few, not above 300 and to put ſuch courage into them as to adventure out of the cloſings, to charge the maine body upon the plain, which they did ſo reſolutely, that they put them al to flight, our horſe purſued them 2 miles at the leaſt,The Enemy put totally to flight. til the enemies horſe overtook their own foot, who cried out (as the countrey people ſaid) Face them, face thē, once more face them; which they did, but to ſmall purpoſe; for our horſe came up, & at the firſt charge they were all routed again & fled, our horſe purſuing them til they overtook the foot, routed p. 190them likewiſe, and diſperſed them ſeverall waies, ſom fled to Baſing ſome to Alton, and ſome to Wincheſter, & by the way they cryed out the Kingdoms loſt, the Kingdoms loſt, &c. and when they left Alsford where they had long quartered, they ſet the towne on fire at both ends, which doubtleſſe had burt to the ground, but that our men came in and put it out, there was only fou…eor five houſes burnt.

Thus it pleaſed God (who alone is the giver of all Victory) to vouchſafe us not onelyonly a deliverance (which we ſhould have owned as a mercy) but a glorious conqueſt. As for the inſtruments, I dare not challenge any of neglect in this dayes ſervice, to ſpeak the truth, both Horſe and foot quit themſelves bravely.

We tooke priſoners in the fight Sir Edward or Sir John Stowell, Priſoners taken.Major Gener: of a Brigade, a man of great eſtate: Col. Beard Colonell of a Regiment of Horſe, and of a Regiment of Foot, who was employed in Ireland: Lieut. Col. Kingſton, Captain Price, Capt. Chidleigh, Captain Iackeſon; Cap. Seamer, Enſigne Cowper, Lieut. Kite, Enſigne Mellis, Enſigne Marſh, Enſigne Midley Cornet Conſtable, Cornet Ducket, Iohn Morſey Phiſitian; Together with many other Captaines and Commanders, beſides common ſouldiers, the certaine number I know not; whereas we have not loſt 40 men that we know of; one of our men that was taken priſoner (but left behind by reaſon of his wounds) told me himſelfe, they had not taken 20 priſoners in all; and, I know not of 20 ſlain; the moſt conſiderable loſſe on our part, is the Col. Tompſon (a brave man) is ſhot with a Drake, and his Leg is cut off, we are in great hopes of his recovery; Major Boſwell is deſperately wounded, Cap. Melton is taken priſoner, ſome few are wounded, but I hope not mortally, the certaine number of the ſlaine I cannot report; thoſe that ſpeake moſt ſparing ſay 500. they told us in Alsford, that they fetch'd off cart-loads of dead men, and ſome they buried, and ſome they carryed with them,The Lo. Iohn brother to the Duke of Lenox, ſlaine in this …ight. the Lord Iohn the Duke of Richmonds brother is ſlaine, and Generall Ruthen as ſome informed (though the Malignants are loath to part with ſuch a ſouldier, or to heare of his death) but it is certaine he eſcaped ſafe to Reading.

On Saturday morning I ſpake with the Meſſenger, who came from Sir Will, Waller to our Major Generall with Orders, for wee ſtayed at Alsford, 14 miles behind Sir William Waller, who affirmed that the Horſe and Foot were totally routed, not a body of 200 Foot to be found, of the great army, conſiſting in all of 12000. that p. 191we had taken ſeven pieces of Ordnance, many carriages, and that Sir William would ſet upon Wincheſter immediately, being within a mile and a halfe of it then, I truſt in God he is by this time poſſeſt of it. Many paſſages I am forced to omit for brevities ſake, both in and after the fight: wee had both the ſame word, God with us: but ſee what it is to diſſemble with a God of truth. Our next word was, Ieſus helpe us; ſo he did: and then the laſt word was, Glory be to God. Give me leave to end here, and let this day be ever in our thoughts, and the word be ever in our mouthes, a day wherein God was ſeene in the high places of the field, a wiſe, mighty wonder-working God, there is not an Atheiſt that can owne thee, and not acknowledge it to be digitus Dei; 'Tis God alone that hath done the worke, to him alone be all the praiſe; The reſt is this,

March 30. 1644. Gentlemen, I am your humble ſervant, E. A.

The Queens Regiment being there, and Prince Maurices forces; moſt of the Iriſh neither giving nor taking quarter.

And thus haſt thou ſeene (good Reader) to Gods eternall glory, and thine and all Englands unexpreſſible joy and comfort how the Lord hath by his almighty power and unſearchable rich grace and wiſedome, done that for us which he promiſed by the Prophet (take notice of this Scripture,Zach. 8, 19.Zech 8:19 and the concluſion of that verſe) Thus ſaith the Lord of hoſtes: The faſt of the fourth MonethMonth, and the faſt of the fifth MonethMonth &c. ſhalbe to the houſe of Iudah, joy and gladneſſe and chearefull feaſts; Therefore (marke this) love the Truth and Peace. Even ſo truely the Lord hath moſt directly dealt with us;This moneths Faſt day repayed, within 2 or 3 dayes after, with a bleſſed Feaſt day. For this very Moneths Faſt-day being a day of moſt juſt and great ſorrow and humiliation for our ſad loſſe at Newarke Siege, it pleaſed the Lord our good God, that the very next and immediately enſuing Lords-day proved a jubile and joyfull-day; that our then laſt Wedneſdayes faſt and Prayers were turned into a feaſt of moſt joyfull and gladſome praiſes of the Lord, in our ſo admirable and ſo immediate repairation of that former loſſe,A returne of Prayers. by this ſo great and glorious a victory, which was on the Fryday immediately following Wedneſday before. As if the Lord had ſeemed (be it ſpoken with holy reverence) to be ſorry for our ſorrow, and to ſympathize with our ſadneſſe, and loth (as it were) to let us lie under the burthen of our heavineſſe 2. or three dayes together, leſt our ſpirits might have beene too much p. 192depreſſed with griefe and ſorrow. O who can then forbeare, but hereat breake forth into Moſes his bleſſed extaſie and rapture of joy, exultation, and admiration, of this our Gods ſo free, ſo forward, and ſo ineſſable goodneſſe,Exod. 15. 11.Exod 15:11 and with him ſay and ſing. O who is like unto thee, O Lord, our God, among all gods, O who is like unto thee! Glorious in holineſſe, fearefull in Praiſes, doing Wonders. The enemy being thus put to flight, and enforced to leave the field (as aforeſaid) ſome part of their infantry with the carriages began to march away a pace, their horſe and the reſt of their foot ſtanding for ſome ſmall time, onelyonly facing of us, being left to ſhift for themſelves as well as they could▪ but whiles they ſtood thus facing of us, ours fell on againe upon them and routed both their horſe and foot;The purſuite of the Victory. and no ſooner was the field cleared, but ours having intelligence that moſt of the carryages were gone to Wincheſter, and that the Commanders that eſcaped were fled to Baſing-houſe, The Enemies flye to Winchester, Baſting-houſe and Andover, &c.and likewiſe ſome horſe and moſt of the infantry toward Andover, Sir William Waller with a part of his Army marched in purſuit of the carriages toward Wincheſter, Sir William Belfore purſued the infantry, and valiant Sir Arthur Haſlerigge the commanders. Who being thus cloſely purſued (before they came to Wincheſter) the ordnance with litle or no guard,How the Enemies Ordnance eſcaped from being all taken. ſtrooke through a by-lane and leaving Wincheſter, got to Baſing and ſo to Redding, it being in the night, and ſo the eaſier for them to eſcape, and the harder for our forces to diſcover the way they went; yet we took ſome of their carriages which were going to Andover; and purſuing the flying enemy to Alſford, about 200. of the Iriſh received the terreſtriall reward of their bloody merits.

Now when Sir William Waller came to Wincheſter the Mayor Sir William Waller is come to Wincheſter.and Aldermen ſubmitted (diſſemblingly) to him, declaring themſelves for the King and Parliament, deſiring to be preſerved from violence and plunder which was accordingly granted them, and notwithſtanding a ſmall and inconſiderable number of the Kings forces, then in the Caſtle, our men having refreſhed themſelves, it was not thought fit that ſo brave an army ſhould ſpend, no, not an hours time, about ſo poore and petulant a deſigne as the reducing of that caſtle onelyonly, but rather with all vigilancy and valiancy to purſue the victory, and fall on ſome other ſervice of farre greater importance;Glouceſter fully relieved with neceſſaries. and though they were certaine that Glouceſter was in part relieved, yet they deemed it would be a good piece of ſervice to ſcoure thoſe coaſts thereabout, which Sir William Waller performed accordingly, p. 193and that moſt noble and loyall hearted gentleman Sir Will. Belfore with a party of horſe marched up as far as Saliſbury without any reſiſtance.

In this fight the Kentiſh-men behaved themſelves moſt bravely like their ancient famous and unvanquiſht predeceſſours,The Kentiſh mens brave behaviour in this fight. even as if they had been again to ſtruggle with the Norman Conquerour, for a whole Kingdome, or their ancient Liberties, Lawes and Priviledges; and to their laſting fame (during the whole fight) gave not a foot of ground to the proudeſt enemy.The admirable valour alſo of the City Regiment. And ſo alſo did the City Regiment, to their eternall renowne and indelible honour, like ſo many ancient Romane Conquerours; who of their voluntary accord went upon the forlorne-hope, beat the enemy with impregnable courage, from the hedges, which they had lined with ſtore of musketeers, and gained the paſſage to a wood which ſtood our forces in great ſtead (as was forementioned in the deſcription of the fight) and ſoon after by Gods providence turned the ſcale of the daies honour (which before hung on equally indifferent termes) and put the enemy to the rout. And here before I conclude the relation of this famous victory,Obſervations upon the Victory. give me leave, good Reader, for thy fuller content and delight herein, to give thee theſe few materiall obſervations thereon.

Firſt, that the enemy made himſelfe ſo ſure of routing Sir Will. 1Waller, as that their commanders had Commiſſions, ready ſigned, in their pockets, to raiſe forces in Kent, a County which is (as I toucht before) reſolved to ſacrifice it ſelfe, to deſtroy thoſe accurſed Cormorants, and defend their ancient rights, which William the Conquerour could not gaine from them; and are therefore reſolved that Popiſh Queene Mary ſhall purchaſe them at a deere rate, if ſhee overcome them.

Secondly, that the word which the enemy had, and which the 2Parliament forces had, was one and the very ſame; GOD WITH US. And God indeed the moſt righteous Judge, ſhewed who took his ſacred name in vaine, they or we; and for whom, he graciouſly ſtood, by the ſucceſſe of the battell.

Thirdly, how miſchievous and wicked the enemy is in his courſes 3(if God did not curb and prevent them) in that when they ſaw they could not keep the Towne of Alsford, but that their Iriſh were put to the ſword, they ſet the Towne on fire in two or three ſeverall places; but it was happily and ſeaſonably quenched by the care and induſtry of the Parliaments forces.

p. 194Fourthly, that they were ſo inhumane and cruell, that the poore 4Countrymen whom they compelled to take armes for this fight, they moſt mercileſly drove up with their horſes, and by ſhooting at them and beating them, either forced them to fight or to be ſlaine and dye.

And leſt our malignants might report (as indeed they did at London and elſe where)Malignants lying mouthes ſtopt, with the undeniable truths concerning this Victory. that Sir R. Hopton had ſoone ſo rallyed his forces the next day, both horſe and foot, that Sir William Waller and Sir William Belfore du…ſt not purſue him, let the wiſe and impartiall Reader judge the truth thereof by theſe ſubſequent materiall occurrences, which, de facto, were thus.

1Firſt, at VVincheſter the Mayor of the Towne, the very next morning ſent word to Sir VVilliam VValler, that the gates of the City were open for him, and his comming expected, there being onelyonly 100 in the caſtle whom an hundred of ours might eaſily keep in.

2Secondly, that the keeper of the priſon in VVincheſter was ſo poſſeſt with feare of Sir VVilliams comming, that he preſently ſet open the priſon doores, and ſet 80 priſoners at liberty (taken as 'twas ſuppoſed, at Rumſey) who came all to Sir VVilliam VValler.

3Thirdly, that the enemy fled in ſuch feare and confuſion, that 50. priſoners of the Parliament ſide (whom they had taken in the fight) were by the enemies ſuffered to eſcape and return to their colours.

4Fourthly, that upon an alarum which they had at Andover, they fled and left the Towne to the Parliaments forces whither Sir VVill. Belfore comming,The Lady Hopton and a traine of 200. taken by Sir Will. Belfore together with mony & plate. he heard that the Lady Hopton (wife to Sir R. Hopton) was at or neer Newbery, he thereupon ſent out a party and ſurprized her, and with her tooke 200 priſoners wherof 80 were horſe and great quantities of Plate and money: yet what plate, goods or Jewels did properly belong to her and her attendants was permitted the next day, to be friendly conveyed to Oxford with her, ſhe being uſed with all reſpect and civility by Sir William VValler and Sir VVilliam Belfore; ſo was not the Honourable Lady Fairfax uſed at Bradford in Yorkeſhire, though afterwards ſhe was onelyonly and barely ſent home.

5Fiftly, the taking of the ſaid Lady Hopton, ſo neer Redding, put the garriſon at Redding into ſuch an affright and terrour that on the 3. of March the ſaid enemy quitted that great garriſon Town, and the like in other garriſons alſo about Oxford and thoſe parts.

6Sixtly, that Sir VVilliam VValler purſued the enemy to Saliſbury, p. 195entred that Towne, and tooke there neere upon 500 Armes, and made all the Cathedrall men run for feare of after-claps.

Seventhly,Whitchurch in D…rſetſhire taken with Sir John Mills & a 100 Gentlemen more. and laſtly, that Sir William Waller reſted not there 7neither, but ſent out a Partee of about 1000. Horſe and Dragoones into Dorſetſhire, and at a Towne called White-Church, tooke ſir Iohn Mills, and 100. Gentlemen more, who were met there together to raiſe men for Hopton; Which partie went preſently after to VVeymouth for farther deſignes. And now falſe and foul mouth'd malignants judge, even ye your ſelves whether Hopton was not ſoundly beaten, to ſuffer all this without leaſt reſiſtance, all this while and ſo long away?

One thing more of moment,The Iſle of Wights memorable and commendable Act of love to ſir VVilliam VVallers army. I may not here pretermit for the honour of the inhabitants of the Iſle of Wight, neer Portſmouth, viz. That ſince this routing of Hoptons forces, as aforeſaid, they not only ſupplyed Sir William Wallers army in a very large manner with victualls (which was then very welcome) refuſing to take one penny of pay for the ſame; but farther of their owne voluntary accord (as hath beene ſince, credibly enformed) raiſed 300 ſtout able men and ſent them to Sir William together with large expreſſions of their chearfulneſſe and forwardneſſe, farther to aſſiſt him, with their lives and fortunes, as their ſhould be an occaſion offered.

Now the Honourable Houſe of Commons in Parliament, taking into their ſerious conſideration, this ſo happy ſucceſſe of their Forces under the Command of Sir Wil. Waller, and Sir William Belfore, as aforeſaid,A day of publike thankeſgiving ordered to be kept in all Churches for Gods great mercy in this ſo famous victory. againſt the Forces of the King, under the Command of Sir Ralph Hopton; In acknowledgement of Gods ſingular great mercy herein; Ordered, that on Aprill the 14th, being the Lords day, Publike Thanksgiving ſhould be in all Churches and Chappels on the Southſide of Trent, within the power of the Parliament; and that the like thanksgiving ſhould be on the Northſide of Trent, 14 dayes after, which was to be the 28th of April, then next enſuing, which Order of Parliament, for the Readers better content, and ſatisfaction, I have thought fit, here to inſert, as it was Printed and publiſhed by their Authority.

p. 196Die Lunae, 1 April, 1644.

An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons in Parliament Aſſembled; appointing a Solemne day of Thanksgiving, &c.

THe Lords and Commons in Parliament aſſembled, having certaine information, of the great mercy of our good God, in the happy ſucceſſe of the Forces of the Parlioment, under the Command of Sir William Waller, and Sir William Belfore, on Friday, March 29. 1644. Doe in their acknowledgement of Gods merciemercy herein, Order, That upon the Lords Day, which will be on the 14 of this inſtan-April, Publike Thanksgiving be given in all Churches and Chappels, on the Southſide of Trent, within the power of the Parliament, unto the Lord of Hoſts, that giveth all Victory, for the ſeaſonable, and extraordinary bleſſing, whereby the Army under the Command of Sir Ralph Hopton was totally routed, with the loſſe of very few of the Parliaments Forces: And all Miniſters, in their reſpective Churches and Chappels, are hereby directed and Commanded to give notice thereof, and to Exhort and excite their people to acknowledge and improve this great bleſſing in a Spirituall way, that as this merciemercy was beſtowed in returne of our Prayers and Humiliation, upon the late and ſolemne Faſt, the Wedneſday before this Victory: So, God may have the ſole honour and glory of it, in our praiſes and thanksgivings: and that the like thanksgiving ſhall be made on the Northſide of Trent, 14 dayes after, which will be on the 28 of this inſtant April.

Ordered, that this Ordinance of publike Thankeſgiving be forthwith Printed, and Publiſhed. And that the Printer of the Houſe doe bring in a convenient number to the Members of the Houſe, to be ſent into the ſeverall Counties. Hen. Elſynge. Cl. Parl. D. Com.

And heer,A moſt gratefull Summary recapitulation of all the Parliamentary Mercies of this MonethMonth. now, good Reader, let me deſire thy godly and Chriſtian patience and permiſſion, a little to make a pauſe, and caſt Anchour againe, at the end of this Moneths happy voyage; briefely to reviſe and ſurvey the precious Merchandizes, and happy Incoms of Gods goodneſſe to our Engliſh Nation, in protection of his Holy-Arke, p. 197the Parliaments Cauſe, So conſtantly and cruelly moleſted, toſt and turmoyled by the ſwelling waves, and inſolent ſurges of wicked and ungodly Adverſaries, which will be moſt conſpicuouſly evident to all.

In the taking of Biddle-Houſe in Staffordſhire, by Sir Thomas Fairfax, 1and Colonell Ridgeley; Hilſey-houſe in Buckinghamſhire, and the ſurpriſing of the Princes Troop by Northampton Forces.

In Colonell Lamberts brave victory at Bradford, in Yorkeſhire; 2The notable defeat given to Hastings at Hinchley, in Leiceſterſhire, where, and when the Solemne Covenant was ſetling, and taking in thoſe parts; together with another moſt brave defeat, given by the foreſaid valiant Colonell Lambert, to Newcaſtles Forces; as alſo Sir William Conſtables good ſucceſſe; and Colonell Waights alſo at Burleigh-houſe.

In the notable Sea-ſtorme, wherein about 1500 Iriſh Rebels were 3caſt away; and the Land Storm alſo, which God raiſed againſt thoſe bloody Iriſh-Raſcals at Pool, and VVareham in Dorſetſhire; together with the ſingular good ſucceſſe of Colonell Norton againſt the enemies at Southampton.

Sir VVilliam Belfores good ſucceſſe againſt the enemy neere Baſing-houſe 4in Hampſhire, The Prince Palatines taking of our Covenant in Holland; and the whole Kingdome of Sweathlands voluntary Meſſage, and deſire to enter into Amity and Confederacy with our Parliament againſt the Adverſaries of the true Protestant Religion.

Sir VVilliam Conſtables victorious taking of Tadcaſter in Yorkſhire; 5The ſingular good ſucceſſe of the Parliaments Declaration for calling in Delinquents from Oxford; and how God turned that wicked Apoſtacy of Greenvile into a mercy unto us; Together with the pious care of the Parliament, for the godly inſtitution of the Kings Children at S. Iameſes; and the ſingular good ſucceſſe of the Parliaments Forces, at Bredport, and Burley-houſe neere Lyme.

The moſt victorious proceedings, and magnanimous atchivements 6of the Parliaments Forces in South-VVales, by renowned Captaine Swanley, who moſt happily prevented much-intended evill there, and reduted the whole County of Pembrooke to the obedience of the Parliament.

The yet farther good ſucceſſe of the Parliaments ſide by Sea, in 7valiant Captaine Jordanes chaſing the Earle of Marlebrough, the p. 198Kings Admirall, from his intended Deſignes, and winning divers Ships, and valuable Prizes from them; Together with Glouceſters good poſture, and condition; And Colonell Beares and Colonell Maſſeyes victorious achivements over the Enemies.

8In our loyall Brethren of Scotlands ſafe paſſage over the River Tyne, without reſiſtance, and the feare and terror of the Lord put into the Enemies hearts, that they durſt not ſet upon our brethren, but being enforced to wait on the Scottiſh Forces day and night in the Fields, loſt many hundreds of their Army, to the great weakning thereof, and enforcing of them to a haſty retreat to Durham.

9In the brave defeat given to the Enemy at Collyton, neere Lyme, by valiant Captaine Pyne; and the excellent reformation of the Cathedrall at VVeſtminſter.

10And laſtly, in this laſt fore-mentioned moſt famous defeat, and glorious Victory, which God in his great mercy gave Sir VVilliam VValler, and Sir VVilliam Belfore, at Alsford in Hampſhire, againſt Hopton, and his formidable Forces, who had even already ſwallowed us up in their deepe hopes and greedy expectations; but, wherein, God admirably fruſtrated their high-built-hopes, and daſht in pieces their deepeſt deſignes.

In juſt and ſerious Contemplation, and Conſideration, then of all thoſe precious premiſes, who can deny, but that he hath moſt evidently and undenyably ſeene,Gods Arke over-topping the Worlds Waves ſwelling. in this Monethes moſt proſperous and ſucceſſefull Voyage, Gods Arke Over-topping the worlds waves ſwelling, and although the outragious waves of wicked men, Atheiſts, Papiſts, and perverſe Malignants, gave the Arke (eſpecially in this Alsfords bickering) many ſore bruſhes againſt its ſacred ſides to overturne it;Pſal. 93. 3, 4.Ps 93:3Ps 93:4 So that we might ſay, with holy David. The floods were lifted up, O Lord, the floods did lift up their voice, (as in thoſe Oxonienſia Seſquipedalia verba) the floods did lift up ther waves: But the Lord was mightier than the noiſe of their many waters; yea, than all the mighty waves of the Sea. And therefore let us all with moſt cheerfull hearts and voyces, with that ſacred, ſugered Singer of Iſrael, aforeſaid, in holy exultation, and gracious gratification, Say, and Sing. Let God ariſe, and let his enemies be ſcattered, and let all thoſe that hate him, Pſal. 68. 1, 2, 3Ps 68:1Ps 68:2Ps 68:3flee before him. As ſmoake is driven away, ſo drive thou them away, O God: as wax melteth before the fire, ſo let the wicked periſh at the preſence of the Lord. But let thy righteous p. 199ones ſtill be glad and rejoyce; yea let them exceedingly r…j…yce in thy Salvation. And now to proceed.

ANd here now to hoyſe up our ſailes again,April. 1644. and begin the next Moneths Voyage; ſee what ſingular and ſoveraign good fruit we are all ready fraught with (in the very firſt ſetting forth) to the farther praiſe and glory of God (a work moſt pleaſing to heaven, and all true holv and heavenly minded Saints) namely, how it pleaſed the Lord to put into the hearts of our moſt pious Patriots and precious Parliamentary Worthies,A moſt excellent Ordinance of Parliament for the better ſanctifying of the Lords day. the care of the more holy & ſtrict ſanctification of the Lords Day, about the beginning of this monethmonth of April to paſſe and publiſh a moſt excellent Ordinance of Parliament, wherein were many ſweet, holy, and holeſome Orders and Penalties agreed on, and confirmed, to be put in exact excution, and inflicted upon all manner of Offenders againſt the ſame: And among them this one clauſe was alſo added. That the Ordinance formerly made, for the burning of all books of giving Liberty for prophane paſtimes and Lawful recreations, forſooth, (as our impious Pontificians wickedly termed their wickedly termed their Bacchanalian ſports) ſet out by the Arch-Prelate of Canterburies licenſe and allowance,A fair gale of winde to carry on our floating Arke in the voyage. ſhould all be put in execution throughout the whole Kingdome, under the Parliaments power and Authority. And was not here a bleſſed blaſt and faire gaile of wind, breathed out from heaven it ſelfe, upon this Arke of God, to carry it on ſucceſſefully in this Moneths troubleſome Voyage, through the ſwelling Seas of this ſo ſorely diſtracted and diſtreſſed Kingdome?

And about the 2 of this inſtant April, came certain Intelligence by Letters out ofSir Iohn Gell that famous & commander gives the enemy a brave defeat at Munkbridg. Derbyſhire to London; That, that brave, active and faithfull Commander in Armes, Sir Iohn Gell, after the raiſing of the Siege at Newarke, had ſuch a Vigilant eye upon the Enemie, that he ſent forth a partee which fell upon one of their quarters, at a place called Munk-bridge upon Dove-river, not many miles from Derby, where they killed 22 on the place, routed the reſt and drave divers men and horſe, into the ſaid River, where they were drowned; took an 140 horſe, and 80 priſoners.

Much alſo about the ſame time, came credible information by Letters out of Yorkeſhire to London, that Colonell Bellaſis, Governour of Yorke, marched out thence, toward Bradford, where his Victorious Antagoniſt, brave Colonell Lambert, lay with his Regiment, p. 200which, Bellaſis intended and hoped to have an oportunity to ſet upon and ſurpriſe.Abrave defeat given again to Colonell Bellaſ…s by Victorious Colonell Lambert. But the Vigilant Colonell having timely intelligence of his comming, ſallyed out of the Town to meet the Enemy; after a little facing one another, Colonell Lambert warily perceiving that the Enemy were too numerous a partee for him to encounter with, thought it not ſafe to advance beyond his Works, whereunto he diſcreetly retreated, and there maintained the fight very valiantly, and beat off the aſſailants with their loſſe, having kil'd and wounded ſo many that the Enemy was forced to a haſty retreat, which the Valiant Colonel ſoon perceiving, purſued them therein, at leaſt 6 miles, in which Action Colonell Lambert took 200 horſe and furniture, and a 100 Foot, and took Colonell Bagſhaw, a notorious Lancaſhire Papiſt, 8 Captains and other Officers and Commanders.

About the 8th. of this inſtant, we had certain Information by Letters from Gloucester to London, that the ſupply of powder and other Military Ammunition and Proviſion,How the Ammunition for Glouceſter was conveyed thither from VVarwick. which had long lyen about Warwick, expecting an oportunity to be conveyed to Glouceſter to Colonell Maſſey, was now at laſt come ſafely thither, and it is worthy the obſervation, in what manner it was effected, which in briefe was thus. It was ſent by parcells at 3 ſeverall times; the firſt time, ſeverall barrels of Powder, Match, Flax, Brimſtone, and ſome quantity of Money, were ſent by honeſt Carriers, with their pack-horſes, about 14 in number; which were conveyed with a guard of 60 Horſe:A ſtrange miſtake by night both by the Enemy and our Forces, yet the Ammunition got ſafe to Glouceſter. In the night time the Forlorn Hope (as they paſt along) eſpied a fire in ſeverall places in a ſmall compaſſe, as they conceited, which (out of ſodaine fear) they took to be the Enemy; The Enemy alſo eſpied the ſame fire, and conceived that the Parliaments Forces were there. The Parliaments Forces upon their fear, wheeled about quite out of the way: the Enemy by reaſon of their fear, haſtily retreated from them; but the honeſt Carriers (not knowing, or once dreaming, but that the convoy of the Parliaments Forces was before them) drove on their Horſes till they came to one of Colonell Maſſeys outmoſt Garriſons, where the Ammnition was joyfully received, and preſently convoyed into Glouceſter; but the convoy turned to VVarwick with (onelyonly) hopes (which bleſſed be God afterward proved true) that the Ammunition came ſafely to Glouceſter. The ſecond time alſo all that was ſent came ſafely to them, without danger or diſturbance. The third time, when all p. 201that was appointed for Glouceſter was ſent away, was alſo moſt ſafely conveyed by Colonell Beare, who went with his Valiant Troopes without fear of the fierceſt Enemie; who now had need looke about them that they be not frighted with a worſe feare than an Ignis fatuus, Glouceſter greatly enabled to oppoſe the adverſaries by the ſafe coveyance of the Ammunition to it.for now Glouceſter was hereby enabled not onley to be moſt ſecure within it ſelfe, but alſo to offend, and greatly to diſturb their pernicious neighbours: For ſince this, the Country (as 'twas credibly reported) came in unto Colonell Maſſey very much, and deſerted Mr Dutton and the reſt of the Commiſſioners of Array, in thoſe parts, and tooke the Covenant to ſerve the King and Parliament.

About the 10. alſo, of this inſtant April, came certaine intelligence by letters from ſeverall perſons of quality and note in the London brigade dated from a Town called Wickham within a mile of Waltham in Hampſhire, that on the 6. of April 1644. Major Gen. Browne that brave, famous and victorious London Commander, in his march from Southampton toward Waram, had intelligence that Colonell Whitehead being ſet down before Waltham houſe aforeſaid with about an 100 men,Waltham houſe taken by Col. Whitehead with the aſſiſtance of the London Brigade. there being alſo the like number within the ſaid Houſe to keepe and maintaine it; who hearing that the London Brigade paſſed by that way, he ſent unto Major Generall Brown to deſire his ayd in taking thereof with the quicker diſpatch: Whereupon the London Brigade marched toward the ſaid Houſe and planted their Ordnance againſt it; but upon the valiant Majors drawing up his men to make an aſſault, Propoſitions were ſent forth from thoſe in the Houſe to the Major Generall, which at laſt were aſſented unto,Propoſitions to ſurrender the Houſe yeilded unto. being to this effect. That the commanders and officers then in the Houſe, might paſſe away with their horſes and their ſwords by their ſides, and the common-ſouldiers onelyonly with a rod or ſtaffe in their hands. Which articles were accordingly performed on both ſides, the enemies leaving behind them all their armes and ammunition and good ſtore of proviſion and rich plunder, all which was divided among the ſouldiers to their great refreſhment and encouragement. After which the brave London Brigade marched away,God honoured the London Brigade with Victory, both going forth and comming home. leaving the Houſe to Colonell Whitehead to demoliſh and pull it downe, if hee conceived it requiſite or convenient. And thus it pleaſed God to honour this London Brigade with this other victory, making them ſucceſſefull and victorious both in their going forth, and in their comming home. To God alone be all the praiſe and glory thereof.

p. 202And about the foreſaid time alſo, we had credible information by letters out of Yorkeſhire to London, that that noble Son, Sir Thomas Fairfax was joyned with his moſt renowned Father, the ever to be honoured Lord Fairfax, The Forces of Sir Tho. Fairfax, and the Lord Fairfax his Father, conjoyned together.and that they joyntly were full 2500. foot and 4000. horſe, a moſt gallant power, and like to make a moſt notable diverſion of Newcaſtles army. And that about the ſame time great ſtore of Corne and other proviſions of all ſorts were ſent from Hull and other places to our brethren the Scots army; The effects of which happy and honourable Union of this famous fathers and ſons forces, we ſhall have occaſion to make mention of in its proper enſuing place. In which interim we were credibly informed that the moſt noble Lord Fairfaxes forces had taken Cawood-caſtle, Cawood Caſtle and Axholm Iſland taken.neere Yorke, belonging to the Arch-biſhop of that Sea, with divers of the Marqueſſe of Newcaſtles forces, and much armes and ammunition therein; and they had again poſſeſſed themſelves of the Iſle of Axholme, with an 160 horſe and 80 foot therein, beſides much armes and ammunition.

About the 12. alſo, of this inſtant April, came certaine intelligence out of Wales of the happily continued and brave exploits and ſingular good ſervice of that moſt worthy and valiant Patriot and Sea-commander,More of Captain Swanleys good Service in South VVales. Captain Swanley which was confirmed by letters, ſent to noble Sir William Brereton, which letters made mention of all Pembrookeſhire, Carnarvanſhire and Mountgomery, all theſe 3. Counties to be (by Gods ſpeciall bleſſing on his brave endeavours there) joyned in an aſſociation for the King and Parliament, and that they had taken all the chief Townes and caſtles of thoſe Counties, and in them the number of 49 pieces of ordnance; And that if the Lord vouchſafe them a good preaching miniſtry,Want of pious preachers in Wales a great hindrance of their reducing to the Parliament. of Paſtors after his owne heart, 'tis very probable, that thoſe old (now brutiſh) Brittains, may become pious Proteſtants; for they begin now, to be very much diſcontented at the comming over of ſo many of the blood-thirſty Iriſh rebells.

Much alſo about this foreſaid time, came certain information out of the Eaſtern-parts of the Kingdome, that the affairs of thoſe parts, and eſpecially about Lincolnſhire, went on very proſperouſly, by Gods bleſſing on the forces of that moſt noble and pious Patriot and ſucceſſefull Commander in chiefe, the right honourable Earle of Mancheſter who had (under the command of valiant Colonell King regained and repoſſeſſed themſelves of thoſe Townes which the enemy p. 203had lately before taken,Crowland regained by the Earle of Mancheſters Forces under the command of Valiant Col. King. and particularly, Crowland alias Croyland, a moſt Malignant Town, but a place of very great conſequence, which was ſurrendred to the ſaid valiant Colonell King. The articles agreed on, betweene the ſaid Colonell and Captaine Styles (a peſtilent Malignant, and of the right Canterbury-cut, Commander of the forces in the Towne) were; That the ſouldiers in the Towne ſhould have quarter for their lives; ſhould march out with their ſwords,Articles of agreement for delivering up the Town. but leave all the armes and horſes in the Towne unto the Colonell, which were accordingly performed, and no violence offered them by any of our forces; notwithſtanding their moſt perfidious dealing with ours, ſo lately at Newark. There were taken in the Towne, 80 horſe and 300 armes.

About the 16. of this inſtant April, 1644. The learned, grave, and pious Gilbertus Ʋoetius,Hollands honourable atteſtation of famous Mr. William Prynne his learned Labours in the Parliaments Vindication. profeſſour of Ʋtrick, one of the united Netherland Provinces, declared his judicious and learned teſtimony of that moſt famous, and ever to be moſt juſtly honoured Philopatriae, Mr William Prynnes moſt elaborate Book entituled, The Soveraigne Power of Parliaments, in foure Parts &c. Which teſtimony he ſent in his Letter to Mr Walter Strickland (the Parliaments Agent in the Netherlands) dated Vltrajecti, Non. Feb. 1644. In theſe words. Accepi nuperrime commodato librum Gulielmi Prinne tam din mihi deſideratum; et Rationes omnes cum responſionibus, tam ſolide et erudite pro Parliamentis, contra adverſarios inſtruct as atque explicatas deprebendi, vt non videam quid ultra deſiderari poteſt. Debebat tractatus ille latine & Gallice exſtare, vt Reformatis Theologis ac Politicis in Europa legi poteſt. The ſence and ſubſtance of which honourable Atteſtation is this in Engliſh. That he did highly eſteeme of the long deſired labours of Mr. William Prynne, with his ſolid and learned arguments in defence of the Parliament againſt the common adverſaries thereof, and held it very fit, that the ſaid Bookes, containing four parts, ſhould be tranſlated into the Latin and French tongues, that ſo they might be read of all the reformed Divines and Stateſ-men in Europe.This paſſage of Hollands honourable Atteſtation of Mr. Prynnes Book, a Parliamentary mercy. This paſſage I have here moſt deſervedly added, as a Parliamentary-Mercy of the Lord, in thus raiſing this faithfull and heroick-hearted Patriot from his (once) being, as it were buryed alive in the grave of a moſt unjuſt and barbarous forreigne Perpetuall Baniſhment, thus to vindicate the moſt honourable reputation of our moſt renowned Engliſh Parliaments.

About the 18. of this inſtant, out moſt pious, prudent, and provident p. 204Parliamentary Statiſts, taking into ſerious and deliberate conſideration, the good affection which the Swedes beare to this Kingdome, which they have ſeverall waies expreſſed to this our preſent Parliament; they therefore held it very fit, that faire correſpondencie ſhould be continued betwixt them and us;Fair correſpondency between the Swedes and our Kingdome and Parliament. and thereupon agreed on an Ordinance, with the conſent of the Committees of both Kingdoms, to ſend, with their Agents, to the Sweeds, to declare their reciprocall amity, and mutuall affection to them: As likewiſe into Zeland, and other the united Provinces, who had likewiſe declared their good affection to the proceedings of the Parliament, & have endevoured to prevent the bringing over of Armes and Ammunition into this Kingdome to be imployed againſt them.The like alſo with the united Provinces.

And about the 19 of this inſtant, came certaine intelligence to the Parliament, by Letters from the moſt noble & renowned L. Fairfax, that moſt famous,The moſt famous and admirable victory obtained by the Right Honourable Lord Fairfax, at Selby, in Yorkeſhire. faithfull, and never ſufficiently honoured, pious Patriot of his Countrey; intimating the admirable good ſucceſſe, wherewith it pleaſed the Lord God of Hoſts to Crowne him, ſince he, and his moſt magnanimious and virtuous Sonne, Sir Thomas Fairfax, joyned their Forces together; and eſpecially touching that famous and admirable Victory which they obtained at Selby, in Yorkeſhire; For the Readers better ſatisfaction wherein, and the fairer & cleerer Demonſtration of the very truth wherof, I have here thought fit to give thee the Copy of the ſaid Letter, verbatim, as it was by Order and Authority of Parliament, Printed and publiſhed. Which was as followeth.

A Letter ſent from the Right Honourable, the Lord Fairfax, to the Committee of both Kingdomes: concerning the great Victory, lately obtained (by Gods bleſſing) at Selby in Yorkeſhire.

My Lords,

ACcording to the Orders ſent to mee and my Sonne from your Lordſhips, we have now joyned our Forces together; and though the Enemy held all the paſſages from the Eaſt-riding to the West, and by that meanes intercepted divers of our Letters, and thereby became acquainted with our appointments, and ſo endeavoured to prevent them which forced me to decline Selby, and make a paſſage over the p. 205River, tenne miles below it, in Marſhland, where my Men and Carriages being paſſed with ſome difficulty, on Sonday and Monday laſt, I inſtantly marched with the whole Army, conſiſting of two thouſand Horſe and Dragoones, and two thouſand Foot, or thereabouts, to Ferry-Bridge, and ſo to Selby, where Colonell Iohn Bellaſyſs (commanding in chiefe in Yorkeſhire) then lay, with an Army of fifteene hundred Horſe, and 1800 Foot, as themſelves confeſt, though reports made it much more numerous.

VponUpon Wedneſday, our Forlorn-hope of Horſe beat in a partee of the Enemies Horſe, and followed them into the Towne, taking divers of them priſoners, and the day being farre ſpent, I quartered the Army within a mile of Selby that night, and drew them out againe early the next morning, and then with the Foot in three Diviſions, one led up by my ſelfe, a ſecond by Sir Iohn Meldrum, and a third by Lieutenant Colonell Needham, fell upon the Towne, to ſtorm it in three places altogether, where the Enemy received us with much courage, and made ſtrong reſiſtance for two houres, or thereabouts; but in concluſion, my owne Foot Regiment forced a paſſage by the River ſide, and my Sonne with his Regiment of Horſe ruſhed into the Town, where he was encountred by Colonell Bellaſyſs, and the Enemies Horſe; but they being beaten backe, and M. Bellaſyſs himſelfe wounded, and taken priſoner, and our Foot entred on al ſides the Town, the Enemy was wholly routed; and as many as could, ſaved themſelves by flight, ſome towards Cawood, ſome towards Pontefract, and the reſt towards Yorke, over the River by a bridge of Boates laid by themſelves; We purſued them every way, and tooke in the Towne and chaſe, the priſoners, Ordnance, Armes, Ammunitions, and Colours mentioned in the Liſt incloſed.

Of my owne men, I loſt in the fight divers gallant Commanders and Souldiers, and very many ſore wounded; And indeed, all my Army, both Commanders, and Common ſouldiers, behaved themſelves with as much courage as ever I obſerved in men.

All which we muſt acknowledge to God alone, who both infuſeth courage, and gives Victory where he pleaſeth: I ſhall now, I hope, be able to raiſe more Forces in the Countrey, and improve this Victory that God hath beſtowed on us, to the beſt advantage. This being all for the preſent, untill further occaſion, I reſt

Your Lordſhips moſt affectionate and humble Servant, Fer. Fairfax. Selby, 12 April, 1644.

p. 206A Liſt of the Officers taken Priſoners, the 11. of April. 1644

Colonell Iohn Bellaſyſe.

Colonell Sir Iohn Ramſden.

Colonel Sir Thomas Strickland.

Lieutenant Colonell Tyndall.

Lieutenant Colonell Forbes.

Major Heskit.

8 Commanders of Horſe.

14 Captaines of Foot.

4 Lieutenants of Horſe.

20 Lieutenants of Foot.

6 Cornets.

11 Enſignes.

9 Quartermaſters.

Elias Walker, Maſter of the Magazine.

Richard Ludlow Provoſt Marſhall;

And divers Serjeants, Trumpets, Corporals, Drums, and others Officers.

Divers ſlaine, and lay ſtrewed in the way to Yorke for four miles together; others that fled to Pomfract, were purſued as far as Ferry-Bridg.

Foure Braſſe Pieces of Ordnance.

Seven Barrels of Powder.

Sixteen Bundles of Match.

Two thouſand Armes or above.

Many Horſe and Foot Colours taken, but as yet ſixteene or ſeventeen come in. And ſixteene hundred common Souldiers. Above five hundred Horſe. The Pinnance taken at Gainſbrough; All their Bag and Baggage, and many Ships and Boats upon the River. And foure hundred more priſoners were taken at Homcough neere Selby and ſome commanders among them. And was not here, good Reader, the Arke of God mightily elevated and borne up (maugre all the malignity of this terrible Storme of wrath and rage in the enemy) above all the ſwelling waves and boyſte…ovs billowes of the enemies fierceſt fury? Gods Arke, here, mightily carryed up, above all theſe ſwelling and bluſtring billows.Did not the Lord ride gloriouſly in triumph on the Chariot of his innocent and upright Ark, and curb the pride of theſe proud ſwelling ſurges, and cauſe his bleſſed Arke, I ſay, ſafely to float above them all? Yes certainly, it muſt needs be confeſt, even by our adverſaries themſelves, who (to their ſhame & ſorrow) felt and found it ſo. Now then, the L. Fairfax, preſently after the fight and victory obtained as aforeſaid,This brave victory thus obtaned, the Lord Fairfax was now maſter of the Field. ſent a letter to the Parliament and therein deſired to be directed by them how to diſpoſe of the priſoners he had taken, 400 of them being by him ſent to Hull, and the reſt ſent after. He alſo declared to the Parliament, that by Gods great mercy in this brave Victory he was now become maſter of the Field in all Yorkeſhire. And upon the receipt of this letter and the happy intelligence p. 207of this ſo renowned victory, it was preſently Ordered by the Parliament, A Day of Solemn Thankſgiving appointed.that the next enſuing Tueſday (which was in Eaſter-Weeke) ſhould be a ſolemne day of thankeſgiving throughout London and Weſtminſter unto almighty God for this great victory. The Copy of which order comming to my hands, I have here alſo inſerted, which was as followeth.

Die Mercuri, 17. April, 1644.

IT is this Day Ordered by the Commons aſſembled in Parliament. That the Miniſters in the ſeverall Churches and Chappels within the Line of Communication, and Pariſhes within the Bills of Mortality, do give notice to their Pariſhoners, of the great Succeſſe it hath pleaſed God to give the Parliaments Forces in Yorkeſhire, and Pembrookeſhire; And to acquaint them that the Houſes have appointed, and ſet apart Tueſday next, for a publike Thankeſgiving, to be given to Amighty GOD for his great Bleſſings and Succeſſes.

H▪ Elſynge, Cler. Parl. D. Com.

Very ſhortly after all this the Parliament 8000. pound ordered, preſently ſent to the moſt Noble Lord Fairfax.Ordered that 8000 l. ſhould be immediately ſent away to the ſaid moſt noble and renowned Lord Fairfax, as an encouragement to the Souldiers, to goe on the more cheerfully in their preſent deſignes. Now the hopefull conſequence of this great blow, was (by Gods good providence and aſſiſtance) more undoubtedly, than the victory it ſelfe: For, now this noble and renowned Lord Fairfax, was not onelyonly (as himſelfe worte) Maſter of the Field in all Yorkeſhire; The moſt hopefull conſequent advantages of this great Victory.but hee was thereby alſo enabled to advance even to the Teez-ſide without interruption, to aſſiſt our loving brethren of Scotland, and now alſo Newcaſtle muſt either fight with the Scots before the Lord Fairfax come to them, or elſe retreat (as afterward ye ſhall heare he did) and what a diſadvantage to the Enemie this muſt needs be, any may 1moſt eaſily judge; For, now no other way had he left, or elſe, if he ſtayed, he muſt be intrapped in a pound. Another great advantage was now got by this famous Victory; namely, That the paſſage was now layd open between the Weſt Riding and Hull, ſo as the trade of cloath might now again be continued to the great comfort 2and encouragement of all thoſe parts.

p. 208And here let me give the Reader this one more note and obſervation, worthy our moſt ſerious thoughts and commemoration;Two dayes of Solemn Thankſgiving in one & the …ame MonethMonth. that by this ſo renowned and famous a victory, it pleaſed the Lord to give us two moſt ſpeciall and choyce occaſions, of two moſt ſolemne and ſet dayes of Thankeſgiving to the Lord in one and the ſame MonethMonth, over the whole Kingdome; for two ſuch famous and memorable victories over our fierce and furious enemies, as that of Alſford and this at Selby: ſuch a rare and ſweet mercy as we have not (till now) enjoyed ſince theſe unhappy and unnaturall warres began among us; our ever moſt gracious and glorious wonder-working God, be ever praiſed and magnified for the ſame. But now to go on.

About the 20. of this inſtant April, came certaine intelligence by letters to the Parliament and Scotch-Commiſſioners, from our loyall and loving brethren of Scotlands army in Yorkeſhire; Newcaſtles Army ſorely put to it. Our brethren of Scotland draw up cloſe to Durham.That Newcaſtles army having been forced to retreat from Hilton toward Durham, our brethrens army drew to Eaſington, being the midway betwixt Hartlepoole and Durham, where they found reaſonable good quarter for their horſe, reſolving to abide thereabout till they made the enemy either fight or fly. Thoſe quarters they kept till about the 10. or 12. of April, when as (after a faſt kept the day before) they marched to a place called Quarrendon-Hill, The Marqueſſ of Newcaſtle deſerts and flyes from Durham.but two miles from Durham. The enemy ſeeing them draw ſo neere, and obſerving alſo his ſouldiers to decreaſe upon the approach of danger, hee drew as many forces as could be ſpared out of Newcaſtle and Lumley-caſtle to uphold his ſtrength of foot; but finding all would not doe, and not a litle plunged & perplexed at the news from Selby, and that the noble Lord Fairfax had obtained ſuch a full, conſiderable, and compleat victory, which was on the 11. of April; He upon the 13. of the ſame was now enforced to remove his whole force and ſtrength, and that in great haſt too, and left Durham to our Brethren of Scotland; and leaving behind him his troubleſome luggage and proviſion and great quantity of victuals, and directed his march Weſtward. The noble and vigilant Generall Leſley omitted no time in purſuite of him, but upon the firſt notice (without any reſpect to the ranſacking their for ſaken quarters) raiſed his Leaguer from Quarrendon-Hill and marched after him to Ferry-Hill and ſo to Darnton, General Leſly purſues him.which is as far South as the enemy could reach by that time, onelyonly a litle Eaſtward of, him and 14 miles on this ſide Durham; and thus followed on their reſolution, being meerely guided by the enemies march, following p. 209them which way ſoever they went, whom they now intended to follow cloſe, or rather march along with, either till they had advantage to fight with them or ſhould meet the noble Lord Fairfax to encloſe him.Newcaſtles great loſſe without any fighting. And if there be any truth in reports; Newcaſtle loſt at this time, and upon the laſt ſtraits and diſtreſſes which he was put unto, one halfe of his army without fighting; and ſhortly after all this, the fugitive Marqueſſe quitted alſo Lumley-caſtle, and ſo betooke himſelfe to the City of Yorke, intending to make that his City of refuge,Newcaſtle is got into the City of Yorke. or rather skulking den, as long as he could. Whither at laſt (as intelligence came to London about the latter end of April 1644) he was moſt ſecurely arived with the remainder of his forces, both horſe and foot; and whither our valiant and vigilant brethren of Scotland followed him, being about the ſame time, at a place called Burrough-bridge ſome twelve miles from York, Northerly; being now by this time ready to joyne with the ever honoured and right noble Lord Fairfax.

And it was enformed to the Parliament about the 22 of this inſtant that Rupert that Prince of Plunderland was got to Beavercaſtle, Prince Plunderer at Bevercaſtle.and advanced toward the North to joyn (as 't was ſtrongly conjectur'd) with Newcaſtle, if not prevented: Whereupon the moſt noble Earle of Mancheſter, The noble Earle of Mancheſter follows him cloſe.went preſently to Stanford with about 4000 gallant horſe and 5000 foot, intending to follow him cloſe, and to ſit upon his skirts as ſoone as any advantagious opportunity was offered. And upon this information an expreſſe was forthwith ſent from the Parliament and the Committee of both Kingdomes with an order unto him, to advance with all his forces and to attend this Prince Robbers removes, and by waiting for all advantages, if it were poſſible, to force him to fight (which 't was conceived, was not ſo eaſie a matter to do, as to haſten him to filtch) and therewith an order was made immediately for a ſpeedy ſupplying of the ſaid noble Earle with Carriages and all other military neceſſaries.

About the 25. of this inſtant, came letters to the Parliament from Sir Will. Sir Wil. Waller gives the enemy a brave defeat about Baſing houſe.Wallers army, intimating that this ever to be renowned generous Generall having intelligence that a conſiderable convoy of the enemies, was going with much Cattell and other neceſſary proviſions, for the further ſupply of their garriſon at Baſing-houſe; he ſent out a convenient party of his horſe, who ſuddenly encountred them, ſeized on their cattell and carriage, tooke of the p. 210enemy, neere the ſaid garriſon, one maſter Gunner, 3 Serjeants, 3 Corporalls, 40 common ſouldiers, a 1000 ſheep, and other fat cattell, together with a conſiderable ſumme of money which they had gathered in the adjacent Counties to have helped to pay their garriſon.

And about the 26. of this inſtant, came letters out of the North aſſuring the Parliament that the moſt noble Lord Fairfax and his famous,The moſt noble Lord Fairfax & our brethren of Scotland conjoyned into a body. faithfull and thrice noble ſon Sir Thomas Fairfax were conjoyned with our loyall brethren of Scotland, and that having a very brave army they had drawne their forces on each ſide the river of Ouze, neer unto Yorke, and had cloſely begirt the ſaid City, whereby they not onelyonly ſtopt the paſſage of any perſons from comming to the Earle of Newcaſtle by water, but by land alſo, having made good all the bridges, and were in great hope, in Gods good time, and by the Lords gracious aſſiſtance, to be victorious maſters of the ſaid City.

About the 28. alſo of this inſtant, came letters from Northamptonſhire informing us that a party of ſome 30 foot men, with firelocks were ſent out from Serjeant Major Whetham Governour of Northampton, to collect money in that County, neer Banbury; they had onelyonly a Clerke of a company with them, who commanded that party,30. Northampton ſouldiers ſurprized and taken priſoners by Banbury garriſon. which about Eaſter-day 1644. lay at Sir Iohn Draytons houſe, at Cannons-Aſhby, 6 miles from Banbury: But a party of the enemies about 200, and 20 horſe with them, from Banbury-caſtle having intelligence of their being abroad there, marched into the Town; which our Forces having notice of, got quickly into the Church, for their better-ſafety and defence, whether the enemy purſued them, and ſoone got in by faſtning a pettard to the Church door, which inſtantly forced it open; whereupon our men got into the Steeple, which they bravely maintained 2 houres together, but at laſt the Enemy beginning to fire it, they yeilded themſelves upon compoſition, and were all carried priſoners to Banbury ſave onelyonly one, whom being ſorely wounded, they left behinde; who, ſince got back again to Northampton, and there declared theſe things as aforeſaid.All our Northampton ſouldiers impriſoned in a barne at Banbury. Our men in this action, killed one of theirs with a ſtone from the Steeple, and wounded 2 or 3 others, but the Enemy got all their Muskets, and about 7 pounds in money, and impriſoned all the Souldiers in a Barn in Banbury. The next day the Committee and Governour of Northampton, hearing hereof ſent for p. 211an exchange of theſe priſoners, which being refuſed; Major Lidcot who commanded the horſe in Northampton (it was that ſame Lidcot that gave the Earl of Northampton a touch on the forehead, that knockt him off from his horſe, at the fight neer Stafford, where and when the ſaid Earl was ſlain) This brave Major, I ſay, being much diſpleaſed at their refuſall of the ſaid exchange, preſently after led forth about 5 or 6 Troops of Horſe, with 50 fire-locks, to Banbury who being undauntedly led into the Town on foot, moſt fiercely entred the ſame,Northampton forces are moſt bravely revenged on Banbury garriſon. bravely ſet al our foreſaid priſoners at Liberty out of the Barn, and then moſt furiouſly marched into the very body of the Town, where a partee of the Enemy oppoſed them, but ours moſt bravely beat them into the Caſtle, took 33 of them priſoners, whereof 2 were Enſigns and 2 Corporalls, releaſed 10 men more whom the Enemy had preſſed and intended to ſend to Oxford for his Majeſties ſervice, ſlew 5 or 6 of the Enemies in the fight, and took beſides 40 horſe, & as many Muskets, and ſo returned back unto Northampton, with the loſſe onelyonly of one man, who adventured too far and was taken priſoner. Thus were they well revenged on their Enemies for their former loſſe, having ſodainly and ſouldier-like put themſelves thus upon ſuch a deſperate and moſt dangerous adventure.

And much about the concluſion of this MonethMonth of April 1644. we were certified by Letters out of Scotland, that our faithfull and loving brethren of that Nation, were not a little encouraged at the prudent and pious progreſſe of our Aſſembly of Divines in England at Weſtminſter, The chriſtian amity & fidelity of our brethren of Scotland toward us of England.they having ſent Letters to ſome Members of the ſaid Aſſembly, and to their own Divines, to the ſame eff…ct; intimating therein, That England could give them no greater content and incouragement to gain their beſt aſſiſtance and love, than this their willingneſſe in joyning themſelves with them in the Solemn Covenant, thereby to ſet up a thorough Reformation in all their Churches according to the Word of God. And together with thoſe Letters, they ſent likewiſe a letter, ſent by the Juncto at Oxford to the Noble Earl of Argyle and other Lords of the Councill of Scotland, The ſubſtance of a letter ſent by the Iuncto at Oxford to the Lords of the Councell of Scotland.which were much to this effect, in briefe.

Firſt, therein manifeſting their impious explanation of the Act of Aſſociation of both kingdomes, which (as they ſaid, with Ieſuiticall Spirits) was conſented to by the Lords Subſcribers thereunto, and others that were priſoners with them at Oxford (as p. 212though the Act of Aſſociation had not been made with the joynt conſent of his Majeſty, and the Parliament of both Kingdomes, but between a private Juncto and ſome aſpiring Papiſts, ſtupid Atheiſts, Paraſiticall Ieſuite Priests, and damnable Iriſh Rebels, then at Oxford:)Foul and falſe imputations laid on the Parliament at Westminster, by the Oxford juncto. Withall, they further averred, That the Lords in Parliament at Weſtminſter, were not then above 25, and that the major part of the Commons were then, with them, at Oxford, that there were nothing but tumults in London, and unruly Voting, which was the cauſe that they themſelves had deſerted that pretended Parliament, (as then, they audaciouſly and maliciouſly called and counted it) and what, ſaid they, in this Letter, Will ye, my Lords, get but a knock with a pollax, or a Sequeſtration-laſh? But all this was but the Preface to this their learned Epiſtle. Their ſubject matter follows, in ſuch modeſt ſtraines as theſe. We do conjure you,O the wretched Rhetorick of the Oxfordians to argue themſelves & their poſterity into perpetuall ſlavery. my Lords, by your common allegiance and ſubjection to the King, by the amity and affection betwixt the two Nations, by the Treaty of Pacification, and by all Obligations both Divine and Humane, to uſe your utmoſt endeavours to prevent the effuſion of ſo much blood as muſt needs follow the invaſion of this Kingdome (this you muſt conſider was before our Scottiſh brethrens comming in unto us) by your intended Armies, preparing for the pretended Parliament at Weſtminſter. Thus you ſee, good Readers, that our impious Oxonians ſeem to be very ſenſible and tender, of the effuſion of blood, which, they ſay, the comming in of the Scottiſh Nation will occaſion,Notorious and Devilliſh hypocriſie in this Oxford Juncto's jugling. though they know very well, that their former comming in, was, by Gods mercy a great means to prevent it, and ſo alſo may this; but they are too willing to forget, or at leaſt to ſilence, what horrid cruelties are dayly committed by their bringing over of ſuch multitudes of Iriſh Rebels, or that this damdable Plot of theirs, can be any Invaſion of our Kingdome, ſince theſe are, forſooth, the Kings honeſt Catholik Subjects. O groſſe and egregious daubing and diſſimulation!

Now,Our brethren of Scotlands wiſe and provident anſwer to the Oxonian Letter. the Lords of the Councill of Scotland, having received this Letter, ſpent no long time about it, but the very next day (O the mercy of our God, thus to cleare up their pious and prudent judgement herein) diſpatched an anſwer to that Letter, much to this effect. That they conceived their Lordſhips at Oxford were not ſo great ſtrangers to their proceedings, as not to know that their expedition into England was not intended, till all other meanes were p. 213firſt aſſayed and diſappointed. That they will not deny the invitation of the Parliament to ayde them; and that not onelyonly out of pittie to ſee England bleed, but out of ſenſe of the danger of their owne Religion and Lawes, they had thus, as a maine cauſe, taken up Armes at this preſent; that they hold not the invitation of the Parliament any wayes invalid, or null'd, becauſe they at Oxford are wanting thence, or others are gone beyond the Seas, (having either wilfully deſerted the Parliament, or been expelled thence for their Delinquency;) but, how this Parliament hath ſought earneſtly for Reformation of Religion, for redreſſe of grievances, and the happy ſettlement of the great affaires of that Kingdome, and which was indicted by his Majeſtie for theſe ends, & is ratified by a ſpeciall Act of Parliament, not to be raiſed without adviſe and conſent of both Houſes, as null and void; and that thoſe who ſtay in Parliament are not a ſufficient number without them at Oxford, is more than they can apprehend. And as they are more deepely affected with unfeined griefe, for theſe unhappy differences betweene his Majeſtie and his Subjects, and more ſenſibly touched with the ſufferings of their Brethren, than deſirous to judge of the Lawes and practiſes of another Kingdome: So they doe hold themſelves in duty obliged to their Countrey, to clear that Kingdome of that unjuſt aſperſion of invaſion; Theſe things, with ſundry other excellent expreſſions were contained in this Letter, or anſwer to the former, as by the Letters themſelves, Printed and publiſhed, at large appeared.

And heere, now, good Reader, I ſhall again deſire to caſt Anchor, to put in,A Summary moſt gratefull recitall of all the excellent Parliamentary Mercies of this MonethMonth. and make a ſhort ſtay in the happy Harbour of this Moneths Voyages concluſion alſo, a little to refreſh and recollect thine and mine own ſerious thoughts in the moſt gratefull Contemplation and Recapitulation of all the eminent and excellent Parliamentary Mercies, as ſo many ſpecious and precious Merchandizes, ſafely brought home in the Succeſſefull adventure of the Arke of God, in this Moneths Voyage, which may conſpicuouſly appeare to the eyes and underſtanding of any, of all intelligent and impartiall Readers.

Firſt, In that moſt fragrant Aprill Primroſe, or odoriferous virtuous 1Violet, I meane, that moſt excellent Ordinance of Parliament for the better ſanctifying of the Lords day.

In thoſe brave Defeates given to our Adverſaries; The one at p. 2142Munck-bridge, by Sir Iohn Gell; the other given to Colonell Belluſyes, by victorious Colonell Lambere in Yorkeſhire.

3In the remarkable meanes of Conveyance of the Ammunition from Warwick to Glouceſter; And how thereby they were enabled to fright and ſecret their neighbouring Enemies; Together with the taking in of Waltham-houſe by Colonell Whitehead, with the good aſſiſtance of the London Brigade, which God made victorious both going and comming.

4In the happy Conjunction of the Lord Fairfaxes Forces, with his moſt valiant and virtuous Son, Sir Thomas Fairfax, whereby their eminent deſignes, were (by Gods merciemercy) greatly advanced, which was immediately begun in the taking of Cawood Castle, and the Iſle of Axholme.

5In the farther good ſucceſſe and ſingular good ſervice of Captaine Swanley in South-Walles; And the regaining of Crowland a place of great concernment, by the noble Earle of Manchesters Forces.

6In the Hollanders Honourable atteſtation of precious Maſter Prynnes learned Labours, in his Invincible Vindication of the Parliaments Power and Priviledges; Together with the moſt comfortable correſpondency betweene our Kingdome and Parliament, and the Kingdome of Swethland; and alſo States of the Vnited Provinces.

7In that moſt Famous and admirable Victory, obtained by the right Honourable and moſt renowned Lord Fairfax, at Selby in Yorkeſhire,

8In the proſperous purſuit of Newcaſtles Atheiſtiall Army, from Durham to Yorke, by our valiant and vigilant brethren of Scotland, the moſt noble Earle of Mancheſter, and moſt worthily thrice Honourable Lord Fairfax: who all uniting and joyning themſelves together into a body about Yorke, neceſſitated Newcaſtle to be encloſed and coop'd up within the walles of the ſaid City.

9In the brave Defeat given by renowned Sir William Waller to the Kings Cormorants at Baſing-houſe; Together with that other, given by Northampton Forces to their Adverſaries at Banbury.

10And laſtly, in the Lords moſt gracious fruſtrating and foolifying that moſt p…rnicious Oxonian Plot, to have diverted, or rather, perverted the Chriſtian Amity and Fidelity of our loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland, in their pious purpoſes, aud reſolutions to p. 215come into our Kingdome, for our timely and needfull aſſiſtance.

All which precious premiſes rightly regarded, and moſt ſeriouſly conſidered, eſpecially, that moſt remarkable Conqueſt at Selby; and this the Lords moſt gracious turning of Oxonian Achitophels crafty and cruell Counſell into folly; O who can but moſt juſtly and ingenuouſly acknowledge, that in all, in any of theſe rare and rich Parliamentary-mercies, the Lord hath moſt comfortably cauſed his bleſſed Arke triumphantly ſtill to over-toppe the high ſwelling waves and rough riſing billows of Papiſts▪ God Arke, over-topping the worlds Waves ſwelling.Atheiſts and miſchievous malignants. So that we may in ſtrong and long experienced confidence in God conclude, with holy David: Yet (truly) the Lord is good to his Iſrael, and to all ſuch as are of an upright heart. Pſal. 73. 1.Ps 73:1Great c…uſe have wee therefore with magnanimous Martyn Luther, in our greateſt ſtraits and ſeeming diſtreſſes, to ſay and ſing; God is our refuge and ſtrength a very preſent help in time of trouble. Pſal. 46. 1, …, 3.Ps 46:1Ps 46:3Therefore we wil not fear▪ though the earth be removed, and though the mountaines be hurryed or caryed into the midſt of the ſea, and though the waters thereof roar and be troubled.

But now to goe on,May. 1644. and to lanch forth again into the next Mouths adventure. And firſt to begin with the certain intelligence, which about the beginning of this MonethMonth of May, came to London by Letters from Plymouth, that that traiterous Skellum, and baſe Apoſtate, Sir Richard Greenvile came within two miles of Plimouth to a place called S. Butolphs, with ſome Forces of Horſe and Foot, whereof Plymouths Commander in Chiefe,A brave defeat & repulſe given to the Enemies at Plymouth. Lieutenant Colonell Martine, having timely intelligence, upon the 18th. of April laſt paſt, between 4 and 5 of the Clock in the morning, iſſued out with 17 Colours of Foot, and 3 Troops of Horſe, the Forlorne Hope being Comma…ded by Captain Owen, who not knowing the way, came upon the Enemies Scouts unawares, who would have fired upon them,A great providence at our Souldiers firſt adventure. but (by a ſpeciall providence of God) their Carbines would not off; whereupon Captaine Owen ſafely advanced with his Souldiers to the Quarters of his Enemies-Foot-Souldiers; fell upon them all pell-mell, and at laſt forced them to retreat, and to make what haſte they could to ſanctuary in the Church, in the ſaid Towne,The Enemies beaten into the Church. from the Steeple whereof the Enemy fired very violently upon our men, and many of them ſhot from divers places round about the Church, and others from the Houſes; but their ſurie was p. 216ſoone abated, for our men fell in upon them moſt courageouſly and tooke two whole companyes of them compleat,Ours obtain a brave victory. with their colours and drums, 2 barrels of powder, beſides ſtore of match, with 40 horſe; there were alſo about 20 of the enemies ſouldiers drowned in their flight endeavouring to ſwim over Salt-Aſh in Cornwall. Our men heard (ſince this defeat) that Greenvile himſelfe was in the Towne; whereof had they had true and timely notice, in all probabillity, they had then ſurprized him.

On the Fryday following, which was about April the 20. or 21. in the morning,The enemies horſe face Plymouth againe. the enemies horſe againe faced our workes; upon which …odain attempt, our men could not be kept in, but out they would upon them; at which time about 60 of ours ſallying forth, purſued them as far as Plympton-bridge neere which place their maine ſtrength lay, but ours were ſo provident and circumſpect as not to adventure too fare, but had given them ſuch a brave alarum, as put them to a nonplus, what to doe; But ours, I ſay, not intending to hazard themſelves ſo unequally, unleſſe a very faire advantage had been offered,Ours make a very fair and ſafe retreat. made a very faire and ſafe retreat; our forlorne hope, in this ſally being led by valiant Captain Holme, who fell upon one of their workes, killed two in it, and one brave Cavalier of quallity beſides, who with his horſe was ſlaine by a ſhot from a piece of ordnance, and many other alſo were ſlaine about that time by ſeverall ſhots from Mount-Go…ld. And thus was Plymouth bravely cleared, for the moſt part, ſome three miles about, whereby they had a fit opportunity to cut downe two woods neere the Towne, and ſupplyed themſelves well with fuell, which had beene one of their former greateſt wants.

Much alſo about the ſame time, we were credibly advertiſed by an expreſſe from Glouceſter that, that ever moſt renowned Governour Colonell Maſſey ſent forth a party thence,A brave defeat given to the enemy by valiant & active Colonell Fox. which joyned with the forces under the command of Colonell Fox, and ſome other ſmall parties from the garriſons of Warwicke and Coventry, and entred Euſum, where they tooke 80 of the kings Cormorants priſoners, with much proviſion and many armes; and at the ſame time they obtained a very good booty at Wych and other garriſons of the enemy in Worceſterſhire from whence they brought away diverſe priſoners and performed all this with the loſſe only of 4 men of theirs who were taken ſtraying from their companies and carryed priſoners into Worceſter.

p. 217And about the third of this inſtant May, 1644. this active and reſolute Commander Colonell Fox went forth from Tamworth, accompanyed with not above 64 men; and that night came to Budeley a very conſiderable garriſon Towne of the enemies.Budely in Worceſterſhire ſurprized by valiant Col. Fox. At his comming to the firſt Court of guard in the Town, he boldly commanded them (it being in the night) to make way for ſome of the Princes Regiment who deſired to quarter in the Town, that night; which was immediately granted unto him, both by that and the ſecond guard at the chaines; and ſo being thus come to the entrance into the Towne, his men ſlew 5 or 6 of the Sentinells and thereby poſſeſſed themſelves of the Town, and ſet a guard at divers of the doores, where the commanders, officers, and men of quallity lay, all which he tooke with moſt of their common-ſouldiers, there being about an 120 in all.

From thence he went to a great Mannour-houſe, Sir Tho. Littleton ſurprized by Col. Fox.not farre from the Towne, where he ſurprized Sir Thomas Litleton a Parliamentman and ſome other gentlemen, tooke thence 4 brave Flaundersmares, and great ſtore of proviſion, all which with 40 moſt gallant horſe of the Kings Cormorants, and as many priſoners together with Sir Thomas, hee brought into Coventry the very next morning; about which time all the neighbouring Cormorants and garriſonſouldiers thereabout were raiſed up in armes with an intent to have reſcued their friends, thus taken captives and carryed away from them; but bleſſed be God they came a day after the fair, and according to that old proverbe; When the ſteed was ſtoln then they would have ſhut the ſtable doore; for all the priſoners and prizes were ſafely houſed in Coventry.

About the 6. of this inſtant May, Mr. Goads relation of the moſt happy and proſperous progreſſe of the thrice noble and renowned Earl of Manchest…r in Lincolnſhire.came a moſt full and exact relation, teſtified under the hand of that learned and truly religious miniſter of God, Mr Goad Chaplain to the right honourable and moſt renowned Earl of Mancheſter concerning, the proſperous proceedings and victorious atchievments of this moſt vi…tuous and valiant Generall eſpecially of the famous winning of Lincolne, and ſo conſequently the regaining of all that whole County; and of the frighting and forcing of thoſe moſt odious and enormous devouring Cormorants from all their Augean-ſtalls aud holds therein, which relation for the Readers better content and fuller▪ ſatisfaction therin, I have thought fit here to inſert, together with ſome ſmall addition out of another very authenticke and unqueſtionable author, which p. 218came to my hands which were as followeth: After the moſt renowned and ſucceſſefull Earle of Mancesters army had marched toward Huntington, and from thence to Oundell and the Townes adjacent, the Lord Generall himſelfe met it at a place called WaterinHeath where the Rendevouz was appointed to be, from whence we marched to Stamford, and quartered there till we were in ſome meaſure furniſht with ammunition fit for a neerer advance toward the enemy.The manner of the Earle of Mancheſters march. During our abode at Stamford intelligence was carryed to the enemies, being then at Grimſthorp and Sleeford with a purpoſe to fortifie thoſe two places, being chief inlets into Holland and thoſe parts; but my Lord ſpeedily ſending out a party though but ſmall, whereof the enemy hearing before ours did approach them, they quitted Grimſthorpe, not having made any workes at all about it: My Lord being farther advertiſed that the enemy lay almoſt all over the County of Lincolne raiſing money and levying men by the Commiſſion of Array, and miſerably plundring the Country, his Lordſhip forthwith ſent out another party under the command of the Lieutenant Generall Cromwell conſiſting of about 2000 horſe and dragoones, upon whoſe advance they quitted Sleeford (where they had begun a regular fortification, and might have proved great offence to us) whereupon they contracted themſelves retreating in great fear and confuſion toward Newark and the other ſide of Trent, where at a generall Rendevouz, at, or about Mansfield, they met with all Newcaſtles horſe,An 100 troops of Newcaſtles horſe plunder the Country on the other ſide of Trent. who together with them made up about an 100 troopes, who quartered on that ſide Trent, to the almoſt undoing of that part of the Country. Now his Lordſhip being much affected with the diſtreſſe of the Country, and perceiving that the vagabond-like Enemie declined to fight with him, and were onelyonly inclined to plunder,The Earle of Mancheſter advan… to Lincolne. he advanced to Grantham and▪ from thence to Lincoln, reſolving by the Almighties aſſiſtance to attempt and take that place whereby he might either really weaken thoſe Enemies of God and this Kingdome, or elſe neceſſitate them to fight with us. We came to Lincoln on Fryday the third of this MonethMonth, i… the afternoone,Sir P…reg…in Barty taken priſoner and brought to my Lord of Manchester. on which day in the morning Colonell Sir Peregrin Bartie (high ſheriffe of this County, the Earle of Lindſeyes brother, and ſometime Governour of this City) was brought priſoner unto us by a party of ours. We drew up our whole army in the face of the City on the brow of the hill neer Lanwicke, and perceiving the enemy had made the entrance into that part which is called the old p. 219Towne very ſtrong,Lincoln ſummoned by my Lord of Manchester. my Lord ſent a trumpet to them, with a fair demand of the place for the King and Parliament, whereunto a very uncivill anſwer was returned, reproaching us with the defeat at Newarke, hoping we ſhould be ſerved here, as there.

The next day we ſent out a party of our Horſe towards Gainſbrough, and tooke ſome Priſoners, who told us of a great body of Horſe,Reſolution to ſtorme the Town. to the number of 5 or 6000. that were comming againſt us, under Colonell Gorings Command, which made my Lord reſolve to ſtorme them that afternoone, and to that intent, the ſcaling Ladders were brought forth, and the Foot made ready to ſet on; but ſecond and better thoughts ſtayed us till next morning, we having intelligence, that they were farre enough off from comming to their reliefe for that night.

My Lord,Colonel Cromwell ſent out with 2000. horſe to oppoſe Col. Goring from relieving Lincoln. in the meane time, ſent 2000 Horſe, under the Command of Lieutenant generall Cromwell, to meet the Enemy, and to ſtop them from comming to relieve the City; and thereupon the Foot were by Order drawne off from about the Hill, which the Enemy perceiving, it cauſed them to inſult, hooping and hollowing againſt us, thinking we were affraid to ſet upon them; but the next morning they were forced to ſing another note in another tune. For, that night Order was given for the Foot to lye on the ſeverall quarters of the Hill,Preparation to ſtorm the City of Lincons. round about their Workes, and to bee all in a readineſſe, to fall on from every quarter when they heard the great Ordnance goe off, which was betweene 2 and 3 in the morning, there being accordingly, 6 Pieces together let fly. And my Lord had a little before commanded 2 Regiments of Foot, viz. Colonell Ruſſells, Colonell Ruſſels and Col. Mo…ntague lead on moſt bravely to the on-ſet.and Colonell Montagues to draw down toward the Gate and Draw-bridge, which they accordingly did, with admirable alacrity and reſolution, being led on by thoſe two moſt valiant and religious Colonels, who through the might of God, ſo undauntedly approached the Enemy, that after a very ſhort diſpute, even within leſſe than a quarter of an houre, terrour ſeized on the enemies ſpirits, and our men ſeized on their workes,The lower town taken. and ſo with incred…ble courage poſſeſt themſelves of the low Town, the enemy flying to the upper Towne and caſtle.The Enemie in their retreat endeavoured to fire the Lower Town. Ours tooke divers of the enemy, in this brave bickering, without the loſſe of any on our ſide, which we humbly acknowledge to Gods glory, to be a great mercy. Upon the enemies retreat, they endeavoured to have fired the low Town, but ours purſuing cloſely prevented their miſchievous intention in a great p. 220part and helped moſt induſtriouſly to quench thoſe houſes which they had fired. We purſued no farther at this preſent, reſolving by Gods helpe to have ſto…med the other part of the Towne and caſtle the next morning by breake of day (though the common ſouldiers ſeemed to be impatient, even of that ſhort and needfull delay) but by reaſon of much rain, which fell that night and all the next day and night, we were neceſſitated to deferre this worke till Monday following; in which interim the Lord gave us the Sabbath day wherein we might ſeeke him for his bleſſing in ſo great a buſineſſe.

Now the Enemy having by their Horſe (whom Colonell Cromwell ſtrongly waited on with our whole Body of Horſe) enforced us thereunto it was conſulted on,A ſecond full reſolution to ſtorm the Town and Caſtle as was formerly intended. whether the former reſolution of Storming the next morning ſhould hold or not, it was preſently agreed againe, that by the help of our God, the Lieutenant Gener…l ſhould with our Horſe, attend the Enemies Horſe, as aforeſaid, & our Foot ſtorm the Towne, which was done accordingly; wherein we received merveilous merciemercy from God, who gave much wiſdome and valour to our men, as was then manifeſted, for that (at moſt) in one quarter of an houre (as was fore-ſhowne) wee gained their Workes, every Diviſion beating backe the Enemy, and entring the places allotted to them, to the admiration of the wiſeſt and ableſt of our enemies, who did confeſſe, that though they knew our intentions to ſtorme them that night, and therefore had drawne out all their Forces, being 21 Foot Companies, and 2 Troops of Horſe, beſides the helpe of many of the City,The furious aſſaults on the Enemy in the upper town & Caſtle. to make good their Works againſt our aſſault; yet they were not able to ſtand out againſt the fierceneſſe of our men, whom (as they ſaid) they thought to bee ſtarke mad to come on in ſo deſperate a manner; at which (as then) ſo now on this ſecond on-ſet they were ſo amazed, and terrified, that they fled to hide themſelves; but their purſuers found them out, though they were crept into their Cathedrall, many of them; For our men never left running and purſuing of them, untill they came to the top of the hill,The indefatigable paines and, courage of our men about the Caſtle. which would have been enough to have tyred a very Horſe, where being under the Caſtle-workes, ours ſet up the Scaling-ladders, which they in the Caſtle ſeeing, left their Firing, and fell buſily to throwing downe of great ſtones upon us, from over their Works and Walls, by which we received more hurt than by all their former ſhot, yet all would not daunt our men, but up to the top of the Ladders they got, which proved p. 221100 ſhort (many of them) to reach to the top of their Wall…s and their Workes,The ſcaling Ladders ſet up againſt the Caſtle wals. they being, moſt of them, as high as London walls, but yet they made ſhift to get up; which the Enemy perceiving, they had no ſpirit now left in them▪ but betooke themſelves to their heeles from the walls,The Town & Caſtle obtained. and our men cloſe following them, having all got over the walls and works; ſhouting, and hollowing, and following them as faſt as they fled, but they not knowing whither to runne, cryed out for Quarter, ſaying, they were poore Array-men, and forced thither to fight.

We ſlew above 50 of them at this onſet,The ſlain & the priſoners taken. about 20 of whom were ſlaine in the Caſtle-yard, where they made the moſt reſiſtance. In all, we killed and tooke Priſoners of the Common Souldiers, about 800; Officers, and Gentlemen of quallity and worth, about 200; in all, neere about a 1000 men. Wee tooke all their Horſe and Armes, 8 Pieces of Ordnance; good ſtores of all ſorts of proviſions in the Magazine; ſufficient for a long ſiege.

Conſidering the greatneſſe of this ſucceſſe,The loſſe on our ſide, very inconſiderable. our loſſe was not conſiderable; for, albeit the Colonels, and other ſuperiour Officers were in the face of all the dangers, performing equall ſervice with the meaneſt Souldier (who undoubtedly, received much life and courage from the undaunted reſolution, and fearleſſe forwardneſſe or their Commanders) yet, I ſay, we loſt not any Field Officer; onelyonly two Majors wounded,Two Officers ſlain, & but 10 Common Souldiers. one Captaine, viz. Captaine Ogleſby, and Lieutenant Saunders ſlaine; and about 10 Common Souldiers at the moſt, ſlain; moſt of which were ſlaine with ſtones throwne downe upon them from the Caſtle-walles.

For this great victory, and mighty preſervation, though wee would not rob men of their due praiſe; Yet, we deſire (as moſt fit) to make our boaſt of God, all the day long, who hath beene our helpe,The ſingular piety of the moſt noble & renouned Generall. and our ſtrong God, and hath greatly appeared herein.

And bleſſed bee the Lord, that put into the heart of our moſt noble Generall, as to ſeeke God earneſtly for his helpe, before wee undertooke the Worke, ſo far denying himſelfe, as to give himſelfe no reſt or refreſhing, till (calling together moſt of the chiefe Commanders) he had returned ſolemne praiſe and glory unto God,A brief Liſt of the Commanders & Officers in Armes taken priſoners. for the great helpe which he vouchſafed us.

Now for the greater declaration, and manifeſtation of the praiſe and glory of our Wonder-working God, I have thought fit to give the Reader a Summary Liſt of the Commanders and Officers taken p. 222Priſoners in this famous Victory. Viz. Sir Francis Fan…, Governour of Linc…lne. Colonell Sir Charles Daliſon, Colonell Midlemore, Colonell Bandis, 2 Lieutenant Colonels; 2 Serjeant Majors; 21 Captaines; 18 Lieutenants; 14 Enſignes; 18 Serjeants; 6 Gentlemen, 4 Drums, one Trumpet, one Over-ſeer of the Workes, one Maſter Gunner, two Gunners Mates. All theſe wee ſaw taken at the preſent, and are with the leaſt, there being more found afterward in corners, whoſe names and number were not inſerted into this Liſt of Priſoners.All the Common ſouldiers taken were willing to fight for the Parliament. And take this note alſo by the way, for a Concluſion; that all the Common Souldiers, after they were taken, did cheerefully deſire to ſerve the Parliament, making many Proteſtations, and ſerious Vowes, of their readineſſe and fidelity to venture their lives for our Cauſe. And now to proceede.

About the 9th, of this inſtant May, it pleaſed the Lord to put into the hearts of our ever to bee moſt highly honoured, praiſed, and priſed Parliamentary Worthies, (for the honour of God, and better advancing of the worke of Reformation,An Ordinance of Parliament for the demoliſhing of all Organs and ſuperſtitious monuments, &c. in the Lords moſt pure and unblended Worſhip of God) to cauſe an Ordinance of Parliament to be Printed, and publiſhed, for the ſpeedy demoliſhing, and taking down of all Organs, Images, and all manner of Superſtitious Monuments in all Cathedrall and Pariſh Churches, and Chappels, throughout the Kingdome, and Dominion of Wales; which for the excellency thereof, I have thought fit here to inſert, verbatim, as twas publiſhed for the godly Readers better content, and pious delight, which was as followeth.

Die Iovis, 9 Maij. 1644. An Ordinance for the further demoliſhing of Monuments of Idolatry, and Superſtition.

THe Lords and Commons aſſembled in Parliament, the better to accompliſh the bleſſed Reformation, ſo happily begun, and to remove all offences, and things illegall in the Worſhip of God; doe Ordaine, That all repreſentations of any of the perſons of the Trinitie, or of any Angel, or Saint, in or about any Cathedrall, Collegiate, or Pariſh Church, or Chappell, or in any open place within this Kingdome, ſhall be taken away, defaced, and utterly demoliſhed; p. 223And that no ſuch ſhall hereafter be ſet up, And that the Chancell ground of every ſuch Church or Chappel, raiſed for any Altar or Communion Table to ſtand upon, ſhall be laid down, and levelled: And that no Copes, Surpliſſes ſuperſtitious Ʋeſtments, Hoods, Roodlofts, or Holy-water Fonts, ſhall be, or be any more uſed in any Church or Chappell within this Realme; And that no Croſſe, Crucifixe, Picture, or Repreſentation of any of the perſons of the Trinity, or of any Angel or Saint ſhall be, or continue upon any place, or other thing uſed, or to be uſed, in, or about the worſhip of God; And that all Organs, and the frames, or caſes wherein they ſtand in all Churches and Chappels aforeſaid ſhall be taken away, and utterly defaced, and none other hereafter ſet up in their places; And that all Copes, Surpliſſes, Superſtious Veſtments, Roods, and Fonts aforeſaid, be likewiſe utterly defaced, whereunto all perſons within this Kingdome, whom it may concerne, are hereby required at their perill, to yeeld due obedience.

Provided that this Ordinance, or any thing therein contained, ſhall not extend to any Image, Picture, or Coat of Armes, in Glaſſe, Stone, or otherwiſe, in any Church, Chappell, Church-yard, or place of publike Prayer, as aforeſaid, ſet up or graven onelyonly for a Monument of any King, Prince, or Nobleman, or other dead perſon which hath not been commonly reputed or taken for a Saint: but that all ſuch Images, Pictures, and Coats of Armes, may ſtand and continue in like manner and forme, as if this Ordinance had never been made. And the ſeverall Church Wardens, or Overſeers of the Poore of the ſaid ſeverall Churches and Chappels reſpectively, and the next adjoyning Iuſtice of the Peace, or deputy Lieutenant, are hereby required to ſee the due performance hereof. And that the repayring of the Walles, Windowes, Grounds, and other places which ſhall be broken, or impaired by any the meanes aforeſaid, ſhall be done and performed by ſuch perſon and perſons, as are for the ſame end and purpoſe nominated and appointed by a former Ordinance of Parliament, of the eight and twentieth of Auguſt, 1643. For the utter demoliſhing of Monuments of Superſtition or Idolatry.

Ordered by the Lords in Parliament Aſſembled, that this Ordinance ſhall be forthwith Printed and Publiſhed. Iohn Brown, Cler. Parliamentorum.

p. 224Much about which foreſaid time, came certaine intelligence out of Wales to London, Capt. Swanley takes Carnarvan Town & Caſtle, & other good prize.that God had ſtill exceedingly bleſſed and proſpe…ed that moſt induſtrious and valiant Gentleman, Captaine Swanley, in all the parts of South-Wales▪ and that he had lately taken the Towne and Caſtle of Carnarvan, together with great ſtore of Priſoners, many Armes and Ammunition; as alſo that he had taken divers more Iriſh, which were landed in thoſe parts, whom becauſe they were good Swimmers, he cauſed to uſe their naturall Art, and try whether they could tread the Seas as lightly as their Iriſh-boggs and quagmires, and binding them backe to back, caſt them overboard to ſwimme or drown, and to waſh them to death, from the blood of the Proteſtants that was upon them.

And about the ſame time we were certainly enformed, that the moſt gallant and active Governour of Glouceſter, Col. Maſſyes conſtant activity.Colonell Maſſey, looſing no time to annoy the Enemie, nor omitting any opportunity to advance and advantage the Kingdomes Cauſe, intercepted a Letter going from Wales to Oxford, the contents whereof, ſignifying, that if aſſiſtance came not, all Wales would be utterly loſt. And he alſo having intelligence of ſome preparations for that deſigne on the Enemies ſide to be put in action by Colonell Mynne, Col. Mynne beaten in his Quarters.he inſtantly and reſolutely fell upon Mynnes quarters, took divers Priſoners and Horſe, and brake the necke of that deſigne.

And about the ſame time, it pleaſed the Lord, very graciouſly to defeat our Adverſaries devilliſh deſigns, in the diſcovering of a moſt treacherous plot for the betraying of Glouceſter into the enemies hands,A Plot to betray Glouceſter diſcovered. which was acted and agitated by one Edward Stanford Eſquire, a knowne Papiſt, who plotted with an honeſt and loyall-hearted Gentleman, Captaine Backhouſe, a Captaine of Horſe under Colonell Maſſey: In whom this Papiſt conceived he had a deep intereſt, by reaſon of former ancient, and intimate acquaintance. To whom this Stanford aſſured a reward of 5000 l. for effecting the Treaſon;5000. l. profered for a reward to betray Gloucester. But Captaine Backhouſe moſt loyally and politickly deceived the ſaid Popiſh Traitor, and by ſpeciall aſſent, and good liking of Colonell Maſſey, exchanged divers Letters, about the firme contriving and carrying on of the buſineſſe, and ſo brought the Popiſh Agent into ſuch a Fooles, or Knaves Paradiſe, as that he received 200 l.200. l. paid in hand of the 5000. to Capt. Backhouſe. in hand of the ſaid moneyes from Stanford, and held out the acting of the buſineſſe at leaſt 3 moneths in treaties about it; and things ſo fell out in that interim, that partly Captaine p. 225Backehouſe ſeemed to be neceſſitated to put it off, but principally themſelves were not fitted for action therein: So that in the upſhot they found themſelves wound into a dangerous nooſe, had it gone on,The …ſucceſſe of their plot from themſelves. and ſo voluntarily themſelves left it off. All this being at large related in print by Captain Backhouſe himſelfe, with the interchangeable letters that paſt betweene them; wherein was a cleare and full diſcovery of the whole plot to the juſt ſhame of thoſe bloodthirſty traitors, and the moſt deſerved honour of that moſt loyall and faithfull commander Captain Backhouſe.

May the 10. the moſt renowned and ever to be highly honoured Citizens of London obſerving a long and tedious obſtruction in the Parliament about the re-eſtabliſhing of the State-Committee of both Kingdomes, The Citizens of London petition the Houſe of Peeres for the re-eſtabliſhment of the State-Committee.which in its former ſetlement had produced much good to the affaires of the Kingdome; and finding that the City Malignants began in their common diſcourſe, to ſeem to have great hopes of an utter diſſolution thereof; and moſt juſtly, much fearing the ill conſequences that were likely to follow thereon, and conſidering that the main rub and remora thereof was in the Houſe of Peeres; The religious, reſolute, prudent and provident Citizens therefore petitioned: Firſt, their owne City Common-Council, and the Common-Councill in the name of the whole City (lamenting the not farther continuing of this Committee for both Kingdomes) petitioned the whole Houſe of Peeres for a moſt happy and ſpeedy concurrence with the Houſe of Commons (eſpecially now when an unanimous correſpondency betweene them) even in this conjuncture of time, might redound much to their honours, and the ſingular good of the Kingdome, it having in 3 moneths time, almoſt ruined our adverſaries,The reſult & iſſue of the Cities petitioning the Houſe of Peeres. in their deepeſt deſignes againſt us, as affaires then ſtood: To which petition the Lords returned a very reſpective anſwer, with great thankes for their love and care for the publike good.

And upon the 15. of May following, the two Sheriffs of London with ſeverall of the Aldermen and Common-Councill, being the repreſentative body of the City of London, The Citizens of London alſo petition the Houſe of Commons.preſented to the Houſe of Commons in Parliament an humble petition expreſſing to that honourable Houſe their thankefullneſſe for the great and undefatigable paines which the Houſe had now for ſome yeares paſt, taken in the ſervice of the publike: Telling them withall, that they were very ſenſible of the great diſcouragements they had received by ſome late obſtructions; yet did humbly deſire them to looſe no time in ſetling p. 226the Committee of both kingdomes; aſſuring them that the City was reſolved to obey the orders and directions of the Houſe of Commons; The reſult & iſſue of the Cities …tion to the Houſe of Commons.and that with the Houſe of Commons they would live and dye; as by the petition it ſelfe it was more at large expreſſed. The Houſe of Commons hereupon by their Speaker, inſtantly returned many thanks to the City for their continued affection to the publique, and to that Houſe in particular, and becauſe a Petition ſo full of affection and reſolution for the good of the publique, might appeare to poſterity; They ordered it to be entred in the Journall-Book of the Parliament; and the anſwer thereunto,Singular ſympathy 'twixt the Houſe of Commons and the City of London. which was framed in expreſſions ſo ſuitable to the Petition, as that it was exceedingly for the honour of the City; and for the terrour of the enemies of this great Cauſe, who eagerly ſought and were in great hope at this time to have divided the one from the other. The ſubſtance of this anſwer was delivered by Maſter Speaker, as aforeſaid, on the very day of the delivery of the ſaid City Petition; and upon the Saturday following (their Petition having been delivered but the Thurſday before) being May the 18th, it was by expreſſe Order of the Houſe delivered in writing by divers members of the Houſe, at a Common Councill in Guild-Hall, ſitting there of purpoſe to recieve the ſame:The happy event of the City Petition in the principall expectation from both Houſes of Parliament. Yea, and upon the 20th or 21 of May, next enſuing, the Lords ſent to the Houſe of Commons this ſo long deſired Ordinance for ſetling the Committee of both kingdomes, with the alteration only of one word in it, and the addition of two words more than were in it before; and thus this weighty matter (ſo long in diſputation and expectation) was now comfortably compoſed and yeelded unto, to the great content of the well-affected, and to the adverſaries of the Cauſes great vexation and diſcouragement. But yet within a day or two after, the Houſe of Commons moved the Houſe of Lords againe (by way of a reply to former Propoſitions therein) with ſolid reaſons why they could not concur with the Lords to have an additionall number of 15.Secrecy is the Key of certainty. to mannage the State-affaires with ſecrecy which is the key of certainty, (this having been the great blocke and obſtruction in this weighty buſineſſe) and matters of high concernment being beſt carryed on when the number is the leaſt:The State-Committee for both Kingdomes eſtabliſhed. So that at laſt, the Lord was pleaſed to direct the heart of the Peeres to a full and clear ſetlement of this great buſineſſe according to the deſire of the Houſe of Commons, and long longed expectation of all the Well-affected Party, and to the heart vexation of Malignants, who hoped for an unhappy inteſtine diviſion, hereby, among our ſelves.

p. 227Much alſo about the ſame time came certaine intelligence by letters from Colonell Maſſey of more ſingular good ſucceſſe which God had then given unto him againſt his neighbour enemies, eſpecially againſt that great Papist, Col. Maſseyes brave defeats given to the Enemies at Newnam, Westbury, and Little Dean.Sir John Winter the Queenes Secretary whom (together with the moſt barbarous and bloody Iriſh-Rebells) his ſo pious Mistreſſe imployed to ſettle the Protestant Religion: I ſhall forbeare (for brevities-ſake) to give an exact and particular relation, how this moſt renowned Colonell, by a brave martiall ſtratagem, laid a train of powder and a granado at the end of it, which did good execution to the purpoſe on the enemies; the ſuccinct number of the priſoners and the place where they were taken, were as followeth:Newnam defeat. Priſoners taken at Newnam (which was Sir Iohn Winters head-quarter) 3 Captaines; 3 Lieutenants; 4 Enſignes; 12 Serjeants;The priſoners and prizes taken. 4 Corporalls; 4 Drums; one Cannoneer; one Engineer; one provoſt Marſhall; 1 Chaplaine of the army; 4 double barrells of powder; 60 skaines of Match; one Fawknet; 3 Hambrough guns; 4 Pieces of Ordnance; 130 Common-ſouldiers, beſides good ſtore of Armes.Wesbury defeat. Taken alſo at Weſtbury, the ſame day (which in the relation was about May the 7.) the whole garriſon with officers and ſouldiers,The priſoners and prizes taken. one Capt. one Lieut. one Enſigne; beſides other officers; 60 ſouldiers; beſides 9 ſlain; 2 barrells of powder, and 12 skaines of match. At Litle-Deane alſo the day before; ſlaine,The defeat at Little Dean, & the priſoners and prizes taken. Lieut. Colonell Congrave the Governour thereof; Captaine Wigmoore, 70 others alſo ſlain there and at that time; and 15 priſoners taken. And thus have you briefely ſeene, how that ever moſt worthily to be ever honoured and valiant Commander Col. Maſſey made notable advantages of that proviſion which was ſo lately before ſent unto him: And how to give this brave Commander his due praiſe or how to crown his browes with ſufficiently flouriſhing green Laurells, I confeſſe, I am not able, my expreſſions being indeed too low to ſet forth ſo high deſerts, and the preſent generation is ſo envious, that if I could and ſhould give him but ſo much right as I conceive him moſt worthy of, and ſhould not ſay as much of the reſt,Col. Maſſyes juſt Encomium. they would, I fear, ſtorme againſt me, though I deſire to exclude or extenuate no mans worth, nor would diſparage any in commending active Maſſey; I will onelyonly therefore ſay thus much, in briefe, and that moſt truely; Many garriſons have done bravely but Maſſey at Glouceſter hath exceeded them all. And truly that brave Commander Colon: Mitton of Wem garriſon, may challenge a p. 228ſecond place, in our higheſt and lowdeſt praiſes and expreſſions; and why not renowned Lime garriſon the third place which hath alſo done bravely to deep admiration, as hath beene already and ſhall be yet more fully ſet forth in it's proper place;The juſt commendation of divers other garriſons. All all the reſt, I ſay have done ſingularly well, to Gods glory and their honour be it ſpoken: As Captain Ludlow at Warder-caſtle; Col. Norton, Colon. Sydenham and the reſt at Pool, who have done as much as no man could expect more; yea Warwicke garriſon, Alesbury and Northampton, and the reſt who have all done moſt heroickly and honourably; and if they have come ſhort of any others, I hope they have meant as well as the beſt, but peradventure had not the like opportunities thereto; But to proceed.

About the 12. of this inſtant came credible information out of the Weſterne parts from the garriſon of Lyme, Lyme ſtormed & the enemy bravely repulſed.that revived Prince Maurice (not this ghoſt, though he be ghoſt-like, in reguard of his infirmity) ſtormed the Town of Lyme a third time, and was now alſo beaten off with great loſſe, above 80 of his men being ſlain in one ditch and 60 in another, and the reſt of his army purſued even to their own workes; and that Lyme garriſon brought off 2 Pieces of the enemies ordnance, within the command of their works, though the enemy ſlew many of the poore Country-men to compell them to fight to have ſaved the 2 pieces of ordnance, but all in vain.

And now upon Monday the 13. of this inſtant his Excellency the Parliaments Lord Generall of all their Forces, advanced toward Oxford, his Carriages went the day before, and he in perſon followed the next day early in the morning, which was Tueſday the 14th, upon which day at Black-Fryers in London, was a day of humiliation kept in the behalfe of the Weſtern affaires;A day of Humiliation ſet a part to ſeeke the Lord upon the advance of the L. Gen. Army. at Saint Brides a Day of Thankeſgiving for the Victory at Lincoln, together with prayers and Solemn Supplications for the good ſucceſſe of the Noble Earl of Mancheſters Army; and ere his Excellency left London he earneſtly deſired that a day might be ſet a part to ſeek the Lord for him and his brave Army; which was accordingly performed in a moſt high and ſolemn manner, by the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, Shriffes, and Common-Councill of the City of London at Chriſts Church, on Fryday the 17th of May: A thing which had not been done before in all the time of theſe unhappy wars, ſince they firſt began, and therefore we have the greater ground of hope of a happy iſſue and good ſucceſſe, and that God will in mercy be found of p. 229thoſe that ſeeke him firſt, and which deſire to go forth in his name and in his ſtrength alone.

And about the 16th. of this inſtant May, Devonſhire & Cornwall diſaffected to the Iriſh.we were certainly enformed at London that the Counties of Devon and Cornwall began to be ſenſible of and diſpleaſed at the concourſe of the Iriſh comming into thoſe parts, declaring that rather than they would beare with it any longer, they would with an unanimous conſent, as one man, riſe againſt them and expell them out of their Countries; and thus we may hope that the kingdome will at length be beaten into a condition of having their eyes of underſtanding opened to ſee and believe thoſe truths of their haſtning danger which they before ſo long withſtood, to their late and long juſt miſery, and that now at length they will come back, although it be by weeping-croſſe, which they might have avoyded, had they not either through envy or ignorance fought againſt thoſe who with the hazard of their lives have thus long preſerved the Kingdome; and untill this unhappy difference and inhumane diſcord and bloody war was plotted and managed by Romiſh-Ieſuits and moſt ambitious and proud-Prelates; Amoſt juſt objurgation of England from Devon & Cornwalls great folly in deſerting the Parliament.no ſtory can make report of ſo much baſeneſſe of the Engliſh Nation (eſpecially after ſo much illumination) as to take up armes againſt their owne Parliament, choſen by themſelves, and which hath been in all ages the preſervation of the ſubject: But to proceed.

Whereas the Malignant-Spirits and moſt malicious adverſaries of our Kingdome are continually working and contriving how to ruine themſelves and the whole Church and State, and had for this end (by their active agents in Scotland, A moſt wicked & devilliſh plot to undoe Scotland alſo with England by the Popiſh Royallists there, by way of diverſion to recall our brethren of Scotand from aſſiſting us.the Marqueſſe Huntley, the Lord Montroſſe, Craford, Muſgrave and others) attempted an inteſtine inſurrection in the Kingdome of Scotland, about Aberdene the moſt malignant Towne in all that Kingdome; hoping thereby by way of a divertive warre, to bring off our brethren of Scotland from Newcaſtles and Yorkes ſiege, to looke to their owne Kingdome of Scotland, which they intended thus to diſtreſſe and diſturb with civill broyles and certain ruine, if poſſibly they could, like moſt deſperate and villanous vipers: But, our wiſe and moſt worthy Brethren of the nation had moſt prudently foreſeene (by heaven inſpired wiſdome & providence) this machinated malice and probably enſuing miſchiefe of theſe their ſuſpected enemies; and did therfore with all convenient circumſpection endevour to ſhut faſt their p. 230own doors, before they adventured to look abroad:The Noble Earl of Argyle ſtirs againſt the Popiſh inſurrection begun in Scotland. And therefore the moſt Noble, prudent, and potent Earl of Argyle who had engaged himſelfe for Marqueſſe Huntleys fair and peaceable demeanour in their abſence, though Huntly was a known Papist, and who being a Papiſt held faſt, ſtill, that old Popiſh principle; That no faith is to be kept with Hereticks. And therefore in this time of the Scots abſence in England, he having firſt begun this ſeditious inſurrection, with but an inconſiderable ſtength; The ſaid Noble Earl of Argyle (by Gods aſſiſtance) having ſodainly raiſed a fair Army,The Earl of Argyle breaks the neck of this Plot, and puts the Marqueſſe Huntly to flight. ſoon ſtifled that abortive birth, and wicked deſign; the whole Country, as one man, riſing with the foreſaid Noble Earl, and couragiouſly ſetting upon them, put them all to flight, and brake the neck of this their helliſh hope and expectation, ere they could grow to any great Maturity.

And ſince that the foreſaid Montroſſe and his Popiſh and Atheiſticall mates, making head again in Scotland, and intending to get Dumfreiz into their poſſeſſion again: It pleaſed the Lord to raiſe up the Spirits, not onelyonly of that moſt Noble Scottiſh Peer aforeſaid, the Earl of Argyle, The Earl of Calender alſo riſeth with about 8000. horſe and foot to ſuppreſſe this inteſtine inſurrection.but alſo of the Valiant Earl of Calender, and others well-affected to this cauſe of God, who ſoon raiſed a power of about 8000 horſe and foot, and quickly repelled the pride and expelled the perſons of Montroſſe and his miſchievous confederates out of Scotland, took from them all their Ordnance and many Armes and much Ammunition, and forced them to flye into Cumberland, and thoſe parts and ſo to Carlile; whether they were alſo purſued by the ſaid noble Earle of Callender, and (as about this 16 or 18 of May we had credible information) he beat them out of that Towne of Carlile and forced them to fly into the Caſtle, where they were all then ſtraightly beſieged,Montroſſe forced to flye into the Caſtle of Carlile. and in a fair way to be all ſurprized and taken therein. Thus we ſee how our great and glorious God carries on the worke, lifts up his Arke ſtill above all the ſwelling Surges and billowing waves of Malignity, to him be all the honour and glory thereof: And this alſo I thus thought fit here to make mention of, as having ſuch clear and neer reference to the preſent weighty affaires of our own Nation and Kingdome.

About the 20th of this inſtant May a true and perfect Relation was made to the Parliament (by Captain Iones and Captain Player, who came out of Lime, the Saturday before) of the moſt valiant and reſolute carriage of the Governour, Captain Seeley (a ſecond p. 231Maſſey) and his brave Souldiers, in defending that Town againſt Prince Maurice who by ſtorming of the Town,The preſent ſtate of Lyme related to the Parliament by Cap. Iones & Cap. Player. by loſſe, by ſallies out of the Town, and by running away, from firſt to laſt hath loſt 2000. of his men, Col. Bluet, Col. Strangewayes and divers perſons of great note, were ſlaine; the ditches and trenches were ſeverall times filled with the dead bodies of the enemy, and Prince Maurice loſt his owne colours and two battering pieces; he ſent a trumpet to fetch off the body of Colonell Strangewayes, and tooke one away whom they ſaid was the man: Theſe two Captaines likewiſe informed that the enemy had made above a 1000 great ſhot againſt the Towne, and yet had ſlain with them but one old man, that was making his will, juſt as the bullet hit him (the like at Glouceſter where but one old woman and a pig was kill'd with a Cannon) and that they had conſumed at leaſt 200 barrels of powder in ſhooting in the great and leſſer guns: That when the ditches were fill'd with dead bodies of the enemy, Prince Maurice ſent for a parley, the Governour refuſed it,The brave & moſt reſolute carriage of the Governour of Lyme to Pr. Maurice. and ſent him word he would make a breach 20 yards where he would deſire it, and give him leave to come and take the Towne if he could, but the Prince refuſed his offer and ſent him word that he would make a breach himſelf and hang the Governour over the wall, the Governour ſent him a priſoner home and bad him tell Maurice; England that had fed him and his brother with bread, they in requitall came to conſume with fire and ſword; but he hoped to ſee them both rewarded with a Halter, or made ſhorter by the head. One of Maurices Capt. whom the Town took being mortally wounded deſired to receive the Sacrament (a rare devotion in a cavaliere) and being upon receiving of the Sacrament, was demanded whether P. Maurice was alive, he poſitively aſſured he was; though he had been long and then continued very ill of an infirmity, and preſently after the Cavalier dyed. There were 400 foot of Sir Arthur Haſteriggs then come into the Town of Lyme, and a 100 more under the command of Captain Chaſe of Chicheſter, a valiant and faithfull commander: If Maurice pleaſed to abide any longer againſt Lyme (as he did) he was like to find (as he did) as harſh entertainement as ever he did formerly.

Much about the ſame time letters came to the Parliament from the Earle of Warwick informing them of the taking of a good prize by ſea going to the Queen at Exeter intended to have put in at Dartmouth, which had a convoy of four Stateſ-men of war, under the p. 232command of Van Trumps Reare Admirall, not farre from Callis; Captaine Owen being Rear-Admirall to the Earle of Warwicke, A brave prize taken at Sea by the noble Earle of Warwicks Ships.and having three more brave Ships, met with the ſaid Ship, and Holland Men of Warre, and demanded the prize, which, not being condeſcended unto, he gave them a broad ſide or two; whereupon the States Men of Warre (it was conjectured according to their inſtructions from the States, though not from Orange) preſently left the prize to the Parliament Ships, who brought her into the Downes, and the prize and Ship was eſtimated at 8000 l. at leaſt, (And ſurely it might appeare that the prize was the greater, by reaſon of ſo great a Convoy) in proviſions of Warre, and other things which her Majeſtie ſent for over.

About the foreſaid time alſo, came certaine intelligence to London, that the Committee for the County of Kent, lighted upon an excellent example of honour to God, for the mercies they received in that County, and ſo conſequently to the whole Kingdome; in that they had deſigned the 21th day of this inſtant May, An excellent patterne of gratitude in the County of Kentfor a generall Day of Thankeſgiving, over all Kent, for their deliverance from the late Rebellion, raiſed through their whole County. I ſhall here give the Reader a true Copy of their Warrant thereunto, that it may remaine on record, as a Monument of their Gratitude to the God of heaven, to all Poſterity.

A true Copy of a Warrant ſent from the Committee of Kent, to all the Miniſters in that County, for the Celebration of the 21th. day of May, a day of Thankeſgiving, for their deliverance from the late Rebellion, and for other mercies to that County.

WHereas the goodnes of God hath been wonderfully manifeſted toward this County, in the ſpeedy ſuppreſſion of the late rebellion, and the ſeverall defeats and diſappointments of the Enemy approaching this County with great Armies, all threatning the ruine and deſtruction of the whole County. The Committee therefore hold themſelves obliged to invite the County (while there is opportunity) to a general acknowledgement of theſe unexpected, and undeſerved mercies; and have therefore Ordered and appointed Tueſday the 21th. of May, p. 2331644, to be obſerved by all the Inhabitants of this County, as a day of thankeſgiving to Almighty God, for ſo great deliverance, and lengthning our tranquillity in the middeſt of a deluge of warre: And all the Miniſters in this County are heereby required, in their reſpective Churches, to obſerve the ſaid day of thankeſgiving, and to exhort and excite the people, to acknowlege and improove the ſaid multiplied deliverances in a ſpirituall way, that God may have the ſole honour, and glory of them all, in all our praiſes.

To the Miniſter of, &c. You are to publiſh this Order, in the Church, on the next Lords day.

And heere I cannot omit one thing, but muſt crave leave of the Reader to mention it; namely, the renowned worth, and high valuation we all ought to have, of that ever to be honoured, and moſt honeſt hearted Patriot of his Countrey, the Earle of Pembrooke, who not long ſince moſt nobly and heroically engaged his perſon,A juſt & moſt deſerved teſtimony of the right noble Earle of Pembrookes love & loyalty to the Parliament. purſe, and credit, in the raiſing of monies, for the ſervice of that famous Garriſon Towne of Lyme, and other parts in the Weſt; and how he offered moſt freely to morgage his whole Eſtate, to raiſe monies for the preſervation of thoſe Townes in the Weſt, that ſtand ſo firme and faithfull to the Parliament. And that on the 17. of this inſtant, he did publikely declare himſelfe to be ſo farre, and ſo fully ſatisfied in the moſt couragious and wiſe proceedings of the Houſe of Commons, that he for his particular, was faithfully reſolved to live and dye with them; and hath all along moſt clearely evidenced his conſtant loyalty to the Parliament, and cauſe of God, without the leaſt ignoble thought of baſe deſertion, or tergiverſation from it, from the firſt to this very preſent. A rare example and true trophie of Nobility in him.

About the 22th, of this inſtant May, we had certaine intelligence,Cawood Castle and all in it ſurrendred to the Parliam. by Letters out of Yorkeſhire, that Cawood Caſtle in that County was ſurrendred up to that moſt valiant and virtuous Commander Sir Iohn Meldrum, for the uſe of the King and Parliament, about 4 of the clocke in the afternoone; wherein were 25 Armes, 4 Pieces of Ordnance, 4 barrels of Powder, all the bagge and baggage; therein alſo was delivered up, Lunſdale the Governour thereof, and all the Commanders ſurrendred themſelves into our hands, upon onelyonly Quarter for their lives; The Common Souldiers p. 234to goe home, taking the Covenant; which was performed accordingly, Sir George Duncombe, who contributed much to the ſurrender of this place, tooke the Covenant, and came in to the moſt noble Lord Fairfax. This was the ſame Duncombe that was the moſt active man in raiſing the King Forces in Yorkeſhire, to ſet on foot this, not Brittiſh, but brutiſh warre, for which good act, his Majeſtie knighted him; and the reaſon why he now became out of love with the Kings ſervice (as himſelfe ſaid) was, becauſe his Majeſty, contrary to his promiſe and faith, imployed Papiſts in Command, whom, at the beginning (to the deluſion of the people) he ſeemingly baniſht from the Court at Yorke.

And by Letters of the 24th of this inſtant, wee were certified, that the foreſaid moſt couragious,The Iſle and Fort of Ayremouth taken alſo by Sir Iohn Meldrum. and valiant Commander, Sir Iohn Meldrum, had the Iſle and Fort of Ayremouth delivered up unto him, with all the Armes, Ordnance, and Ammunition therein: So that by this meanes, a cleare and free paſſage was opened even from Hull to Owz-Bridge, which, till now, the Fort at Ayremouth and Cawood-caſtle did interrupt. It was alſo further certified, in the ſame Letters, that Shovels, Pickaxes, Spades, and other materials, were brought in aboundance to the Leaguer at Yorke; and above 10000 Countrey-men came in, ſome voluntarily, others by compulſion to helpe to make their approaches neere the City to batter it.

Much alſo about the ſame time,The Kings Forces durſt not bid battell to the Parl. L. Generall at Wantage. we were certainly enformed by Letters from Abington, that the King with his two great Armies, Commanded by Forth and Hopton, durſt not bid battell to the Parliaments moſt noble Lord Generall, the Earle of Eſſex, on Wantage Downes, where his Excellencie drew in Battalia to ſalute them; but that they fled backe (not daring, neither, to goe Weſtward) to Abington: whereupon my Lord Generall ſent out a Partie of 3000 Horſe and Foot, Commanded by that thrice noble, and worthyly honoured Commander, the Lord Roberts, Field-Marſhall, and the Horſe, by Sir Philip Stapleton, Lieutenant Generall of the Horſe, who came in with ſuch courage, and brave reſolution, that 5000 of the Enemies fled in diſorder, and left the Towne to the Lord Roberts, Abington taken by the noble Lord Roberts.who on the Lords Day, May 26, entred Abington, in the morning, the moſt noble Lord Gen, being to quarter there that night. The Enemy tooke ſuch a flight on this purſuit, that they haſtily marched from Abington, with moſt of their Artillery and p. 235Magazine to Oxford, but yet 80 Wagons, and 5000 Foot and Horſe paſſed by Oxford toward Iſlip, the way to Worceſter, Commanded by Sir Ralph Hopton. This Partie alſo was ſoone diſ-heartned by 18 Troopes under Command of that valiant, active and undaunted Gentleman, Captaine Temple, who was ſent from Newport Pannell with thoſe Horſe to diſcover the Enemy,Valiant Cap. Temples brave exploit on the enemies at Iſlip. but not to engage himſelfe. But this brave not ſpirited Gallant would be in action, and fell upon 3 Troopes of the Enemies quartered at Iſlip, whereof Aſtons owne Troop was one, and tooke there 50 Horſe, Sir Forteſcue (not that faithleſſe wretch which you may imagine) & 17 more Priſoners, 8 packs of Kerſey from Exeter, and 150. l. in ready money, and gave ſuch an alarme to the enemy, that thoſe Horſe fled from Iſlip to Oxford, gave Hopton the alarme, in his March to Iſlip, that all of them cryed out, Eſſex is come; Eſſex is come; whereupon the gates of Oxford were ſhut up, and they would not ſuffer, even Astons owne Troop, for a while, to enter. Such a terrour and amazement ſtrooke the hearts of theſe graceleſſe, guilty, and Conſcience-wounded Enemies of God and goodneſſe.

About the ſame time alſo,The moſt noble L. Generals mercifull Proclamation. his Excellencie being in thoſe parts about Oxford, and finding the Countrey extreamly pillaged, and impoveriſhed by the Kings Cormorants; he moſt wiſely and mercifully cauſed Proclamation to be made in his Army, and in the Countrie about, as followeth.

ROBERT Earle of Eſſex, &c. Captaine-Generall of the Army, imployed for the Defence of the Proteſtant Religion, King, Parliament, and Kingdome.

WHereas theſe Countries have beene very much afflicted and oppreſſed by the Euemy, and we are now come to relieve them of their hard bondage. It is therefore my expreſſe will and pleaſure, and I doe hereby straitly charge and command all Officers and Souldiers of Horſe, Foot, and Dragoones, belonging to the Army under my Command, that they, and every of them, doe forthwith after Proclamation hereof made, forbeare (notwithſtanding any pretence whatſoever) to plunder or ſpoile any of the goods of the inhabitants of theſe Countries, or to offer any violence, or other prejudice unto them upon paine of death, without mercy,

Given under my hand and Seale, May the 26. 1644. Eſſex.

p. 236Say, now, then (malicious Malignants) was not this a better and more juſt Proclamation, than that which came to the poore Inhabitants of thoſe parts,A Parallel of that Proclamation with the Oxonian Edict lately publiſhed from Oxford. round about from Oxford, Commanding all their Corne and Victuall, upon paine of Fire and Sword. And was it not (thinke you) better accepted of the ſaid people, than that Oxonian Edict, that in all thoſe Countreys all his Majeſties Souldiers ſhould have free Quarter for Horſe and Man; So that the Inhabitants were eaten up by ſuch oppreſſion, and perforce made Slaves and Bondmen to the baſe luſts and wills of all the Dam-me, curſed crew, whoſe inſolencies were hereby incredible, and the relation of them very fearefull and grievous to modeſt and tender-hearted Chriſtians.

About the 27th of this inſtant, there were Letters drawne up (ſuch was the prudence & providence of our ever to be honoured and renowned Parliamentary Statiſts, A moſt prudent & pertinent Meſſage ſent by our Parliament in England to the Parliament in Scotland.to conſerve and corroborate the bleſſed union & amity between the two Kingdomes of England and Scotland) to be ſent to the Parliament in Scotland, from both the Houſes of Parliament in England, expreſſing the obligation they ſtood bound in, to the Kingdome of Scotland; the high eſteeme they have of their brotherly love, for their aſſiſtance to this Nation; deſiring alſo that they may be united as well in Councills, as in Forces; And returning them hearty thankes for their care of the Army in Ireland, for which they ſent them word, they had provided 30000 l. and alſo had ſent downe 20000 l. to their Army, now with us in England, requeſting them to accept their endeavours, though their abilities anſwered not their deſires.

Much alſo about the ſame time came credible Information by Letters out of Glouceſterſhire, Beverton Caſtle in Glouſterſh. taken by Col. Maſsey.that, that moſt valiant, vigilant, and couragious Commander, Colonell Maſſey, had taken Beverton Caſtle in Glouceſterſhire, about 12 miles from Glouceſter, and within a mile from Tedbury; which was ſurrendred to him, on no other Conditions, but onelyonly for quarter for their lives: Wherein hee tooke 60 Priſoners, with all their Ordnance, Armes, and Ammunition.

And,Malmesbury taken by Col. Maſſey. with the ſame ſucceſſe, he tooke the old Towne of Malmeſbury, wherein were 300 men, and two Sonnes of the Earle of Barkeſhire; and 28 Officers, 400 Armes, 7 or 8 Pieces of Ordnance, beſides Powder, Match, and other Ammunition and proviſion; The Governour of the Towne, Colonell Howard, being p. 237at the firſt ſummoned to deliver up the Town for the uſe of the King and Parliament Aſſembled at Weſtminſter, returned an anſwer, That he would keep it for the uſe of the King and Parliament Aſſembled at Oxford: but upon this Anſwer Col. Maſſey fell cloſe to the work, and after 13 houres hot fight, he, (as aforeſaid) forced the Governour to make a recantation of his errour, and to cry for mercy for his folly. And from thence he preſently marched into Wiltſhire, Chippenham Garriſon in Wilts taken by Col. Maſſey.and poſſeſſed himſelf of the Garriſon of Chippenham, the Souldiers therein having onelyonly Quarter for their lives. And thus we ſee how admirably ſucceſſefull the Lord of Hoſts hath made this Loyall and moſt active Commander in all his Valiant and Magnanimous undertakings.

Whereupon, ſhortly after, The two Honourable Houſes of Parliament, taking into conſideration the good ſervice of this famous and Renowned Colonell,Col. Maſſey advanceth into wilts with 2000. men toward the Devizes. and that in purſuance of his foreſaid good ſucceſſe, he was marched on with about 2000. men to the Devizes thereby to open a paſſage for the bringing in of cloth to London out of the Weſt country: An Order was forthwith agreed on for ſpeedy ſupplying him with money and other neceſſaries: And another Ordinance of Parliament was alſo reſolved on, for the rewarding of this Noble Colonell, for his ſo great and good ſervice done to the Kingdome; and (that his never-dying honour might not too long be unrecompenſed) therefore to confirme and ſettle a 1000. l. a year,A moſt Noble and Renowned act of the Parliament in rewarding the good Service of Col. Maſſey. of Sir John Winters eſtate (an arch Papiſt in armes againſt the Parliament, and one of the Queenes great favourites) on him and his heires for ever. A ſingular and moſt highly commendable act, greatly redounding to their own juſt praiſe, and to the encouragement of the reſt of the valiant and active Souldiers and commanders of the Parliaments Forces and Garriſons.

About the 30th. of this inſtant May, it pleaſed the Lord, to let us, the happy inhabitants (O that our Malignants alſo could ſee their happineſſe therein!) of the moſt famous and ever to be renowned City of London, ſee and know,Englands great wonder, to Gods great glory, May 30. 1644. that he had a purpoſe to doe us good, and to raiſe us now, out of our late low eſtate, and thereby to give us ſtill more and more juſt cauſe to magnifie and omnifie his great name, in bleſſedly advancing all meanes and wayes for the good of his deſpiſed and diſtreſſed Church and Children; and to ſpread the banner of the Lord Jeſus Chriſt triumphantly in the field againſt his too too long over-prided and inſulting …oes. For, about p. 238this time, notwithſtanding that by Gods admirable mercy and good providence we had now, already in the field 6 or 7 very conſiderable armies, as firſt, That of our moſt noble and renowned Lord Generall, his Excellency the Earle of Eſſex in the Weſterne parts of the Kingdome; Secondly, that of our moſt loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland. Thirdly, that of the ever moſt worthily honoured Lord Fairfax and his moſt renowned Son, Sir Thomas Fairfax. Fourthly,Above 6 brave Armies at one time in the Kingdome on the Parliaments ſide. that of the no leſſe renowned truly noble, and to be ever honoured Earl of Mancheſter, all theſe three laſt mentioned armies in the Northern parts of the Kingdome about Yorke. Fifthly, that of the magnanimous and moſt courageous Sir William Waller in the Weſt alſo. Sixthly, that of the moſt noble and active Earle of Denbigh, about Staffordſhire and thoſe parts: Beſides, that brave commanders forces in Lancaſterſhire, I mean valiant Sir Iohn Meldrum, and other leſſer forces in divers other parts and places of the Kingdome. That notwithſtanding all theſe, and many, if not moſt of all theſe in great meaſure raiſed out of the moſt famous City of London, yet I ſay, about this time (to the glory of our wonder-working God be it ſpoken, the honour of the ſaid great City, the joy of Gods people, and the extreame terrour of the malignant,The true muſter of the City forces & of Weſtminſter at this …. Papiſticall and Atheiſticall adverſaries of the great and glorious Cauſe of God) there was a generall muſter of all the City forces, yet remaining within the line of Communication (beſides 6 Regiments of the City forces, then abroad, upon the publique ſervice) which were found to be no leſſe than 12 regiments of foot of the London Train'd bands, containing 40 companies. Alſo Sir Iames Harringtons regiment being the Train'd bands of Westminster and that liberty, containing 8 companies; Colonell Hudſons regiment being that of Southwarke, containing alſo 8 companies; Alſo 4 regiments of Auxiliaries, containing 20 companies within the City. Colonell Willoughbies regiment being the Auxillaries of the Hamlets, containing alſo, 8 companies; In all 48. All the companies of each ſeverall regiment, being more than 6 Companies in a Regiment were taken for a guard for the City and Parliament. The reſt being 12 Regiments, 6 Companies in a Regiment, marched, about Noon, on Thurſday May 30. 1644. to Hyde-Parke, where Tents were pitcht, and Ordnance planted; and whither the Right Honourable Sir John Wollaſton, then Lord Mayer of London, together with the Right honourable the Lady Majoreſſe, and other Ladies and Gentlewomen, in about 30 Coaches p. 239went to ſee this famous Muſter performed, and where met them divers of the Lords and … of Parliament, who were there entertained in great State, together with all the brave Colonels and Commanders. The other 12 were thus diſpoſed of: 7 Companies to Guard the Works and Forts upon the Northſide of the River; 2 Companies to Guard the Southern ſide; 1 Company for Weſtminſterh The other 2 Guarded the City, one Company thereof, at the Exchange; the other Company, halfe at the Towerhill, and the other at Pauls. The names of the Colonels whoſe Regiments went forth, were theſe: The Right Honourable the Lord Mayors of the City of London; Col. Atkins; Col. Penningtons; Col. Adams; Col. Warners; Col. Towers; Col. Haringtons; Col. H…ſons; Col. Towes; Col. Willoughbies; Col. Shepheards; and Colonell Harſnets.

This, good Reader, is here mentioned not to cauſe our hearts to be lifted up with pride, by the Reediſh-props of the arme of fleſh; No, God forbid it: God the ſearcher of all hearts knowes I am for from it, and ſhould much grieve if any ſhould make ſuch a ſiniſter uſe of it, but unfeinedly deſiring, in the words, and with the ſpirit of the prophet Hoſea, to …y out and confeſſe, that Aſhut ſhall not ſave …, Hoſea 14. 3.Hos 14:3we will no… ride … horſes; nor will wee ſay to the workes of our hands, ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherleſſe findeth mercy, No I ſay, I only doe it to ſhew forth the admirable power and great pitty of the Lord toward us, who thus graciouſly raiſed us up, and Remembred us in our …oweſtate, Pſal. 136. 23.Ps 136:23for his mercy endureth for ever. But now to go on.

About the 3… of this … May, we had certain intelligence, that Ruſſell-Hall in Staffordſhire was ſurrendred to the noble Earle of Denbigh who managed the worke there with ſingular martiall prudence and proweſſe:Ruſſel-hall in Staffordſhire taken, & good prize therein, by the Earle of Denbigh. There was taken in it, Colonell Lane, and divers other commanders, at leaſt … other priſoners, and all the … in the Houſe; They tooke there alſo above 10000 l. worth of goods and wares that had beene plundered and pillaged from the carriers, comming from London and other parts, going toward Lancaſhire; this being obſerved to have beene one of the moſt thee …ing garriſons of the royall Cormorants, in all that County, in that they had ſometimes taken 7 …ore packs at a time from the Country;This garriſon was a moſt notorious thieviſh place. ſo that … piece of ſervice hath much advantaged the ſecurity of the Country there about, both in reguard they may have more free and fearleſſe p. 240paſſage for the time to come, to Coventry and London; and alſo in reguard that a greater part of the goods thus taken will be reſtored to the proper owners.

And much about the ſame time we were for certain enformed by letters from Plymouth that the garriſon therein ſallying forth, with a conſiderable party fell upon the enemies quarters at a place called Milbrooke, A brave prize taken by Plymouth garriſon.2 miles from thence, where they tooke 9 pieces of ordnance a 150 priſoners, a 100 cowes and 300 ſheepe. In which encounter 10 of the enemies were ſlain and 6 of ours; And Colonell Martyn the brave Governour thereof did then alſo certifie that hee was in a good poſture of defence, onelyonly that he deſired ſome farther ſupply of proviſion to be ſent unto him; for which purpoſe 3 barks were ſpeedily laden with victuals and all other neceſſaries for reliefe of the ſaid brave Towne and faithfull inhabitants thereof.

Much alſo about the ſame time came certaine information by letters from Nottingham to London, that, that valiant and faithfull Governour of Nottingham caſtle Colonell Hutchinſon whom neither the power,The Garriſon of Notingham gave Newarke Garriſon a brave defeat. nor the promiſes of the atheiſticall Marqueſſe of Newcaſtle could ever make to ſtartle from his loyalty and ſincere obedience to the Parliament, had lately ſent forth a party of horſe toward Newarke, where they encountred with a party of the enemies horſe under the command of Captain Thimbleby and Captain Cartwright and after a hot skrimiſh and brave bickering, forcing them to fly, they tooke in the purſute between 50 and 60 horſe, and about 20 officers and gentlemen priſoners, among whom was Captain Cartwright and a Captain Lieutenant whom the acute Rhetorick of their ſwords perſwaded to keepe them company to Nottingham-caſtle, the foreſaid Captain Thimbleby being ſlain in the fight.

And finally about the end of this MonethMonth of May, came certain Newes of divers letters intercepted, dated at Lyme, May 24., under the hands of Porteſcue (formerly a Parliamenterian) Aſhburnham, Limes undaunted Valout teſtified by its adverſaries themſelves.her Majeſties bed-chamber friend, and ſome others of that ſtamp: who informed their great maſters, Briſtol and Heath, by thoſe letters, that, that villanous Town of Lyme had deſtroyed more brave gentlemen of the Weſt and men of honour, than had been loſt in all the Weſt ſince theſe wattes began: But that they were reſolved once more to ſtorme it for a farewell, and would diſpute it line by line, and worke by work, yet feared they ſhould be forced to leave the ſiege, elſe the Country people (they ſaid) would cut their throats, p. 241they were ſo bent for the Parliament at Weſtminſter: And ſhortly after according to the tenour of the foreſaid Letter,The Enemy bravely beaat Lime. they aſſaulted this brave Towne, whereupon the Towne-Souldiers ſuffered them to make a breach in their Workes, and then ran away from the defence of the Worke, as if indeed they had fled away from the Enemy; but by that time that 3 or 4 hundred of the Enemies were entred the breach, they inſtantly made uſe of the advantage, and cut off, and tooke every man of them Priſoners, with their Armes, and Ammunition, and had the ſlaughter of the Enemy from other of their Works; and thus by Gods great mercy beat off their Enemy, and reſted ſafe and ſecure for this time alſo.

And here,A gratefull & ſummary recitall of all the foreſaid Parliamentary mercies of the monethmonth paſt. now, having thus happily finiſhed this Months Voyage, I ſhall deſire to caſt Anchour, and put to ſhore, and make a little ſtay, deſiring the Chriſtian Reader, with me, to make a briefe review, and ſuccinct recitall of all the rich Merchandize of this Moneths Voyage, the better to raiſe up our ſoules to a juſt and gratfull valuation and admiration of them.

As, Firſt, the brave defeat and repulſe of the Enemies at Plymouth; 1And Colonell Foxes valiant and active performances, and taking of Budely-houſe in Worceſterſhire.

The moſt ſucceſſefull progreſſe of the moſt renowned Earle of Mancheſters Forces in Lincolnſhire, and taking of the Towne and 2Caſtle of Lincolne.

The Pious Ordinance of Parliament, for the demoliſhing of all 3Organs and Superſtitious Monuments of Popery in Churches and Chappels, or elſe where; together with valiant Captaine Swanleys yet farther brave exploits in Wales; And Colonell Maſſies at or about Glouceſter.

The brave Citizens of Londons Petition for the re-eſtabliſhment of the State-Committee, and the happy reſult thereof; Together 4with more of renowned Colonell Maſſies brave performances about the adverſe Garriſons neere Glouceſter.

Lyme Stormed, and its Enemies bravely repulſed; The renowned Lord Generalls advance of his Army Weſtward, and a day of 5Humiliation ſet a part in London, to ſeeke the Lord for a bleſſing on it; And Devon, and Corwalls defection from the bloody and barbarous Iriſh.

A moſt devilliſh deſigne and peſtilent plot to have undone Scotland 6and England too, by a divertive Warre, but moſt bleſſedly croſt p. 242and prevented, with the diſcomfiture and diſgrace of thoſe that plotted and acted it.

7A brave and briefe deſcription of the ſtate of that famous Garriſon at Lime; Together with a brave prize taken at Sea, by the moſt noble Earle of Warwicks Ships: And Kents pious pattern of gratitude to God for its great deliverance.

8The truely Noble Earle of Pembrookes love and loyalty to the Parliament atteſted; Cawood-caſtle; And Ayremouth Iſle and Fort taken by valiant and virtuous Sir Iohn Meldrum, in the Northerne parts of the Kingdome.

9The moſt renowned Lord Generals proſperous progreſſe and advance with his Army into the Weſt; Valiant Captain Temples brave exploit at Iſlip; The gratulatory Meſſage ſent by the Parliament in England to the Parliament in Scotland; More of renowned Colonel Maſſeys admirable activity, and the Parliaments moſt worthy gratifying of his good Service.

10And laſtly, Englands great wonder to Gods great glory, in the famous Muſter of ſo many thouſand Souldiers in and about the City of London, all compleatly Armed, notwithſtanding ſo many Armies abroad in the Field, before it; The taking of Ruſſell-houſe, that notoriouſly theeviſh Garriſon; Together with the brave defeate given to Newarke, by Nottingham Garriſon; And the brave condition of that famous Towne of Lime, notwithſtanding the long and tedious Siege againſt it.

All which being rightly regarded,Gods Arke borne up, above the worlds ſwelling waves. and ſeriouſly laid to heart, have we not ſtill great and juſt cauſe to ſee, and ſay, that God hath moſt triumphantly carried and borne up his holy Arke, the Parliaments bleſſed Cauſe, above all the raging and roaring billowes and ſwelling ſurges of the turbulent Ocean of this our greatly diſtracted and diſturbed Nation; carrying it on, I ſay, moſt ſmoothly with pleaſant gales of good things beſtowed; and preſerving it moſt happily from malice and miſchiefe threatned.

And therefore how great cauſe hath England in almoſt infinitely bounden gratitude to confeſſe with holy David, and ſincerely to ſay;Pſal. 119. 68.Ps 119:68 Lord thou art good, and thou doeſt good. And therefore alſo, to exult and rejoyce in the Lord our God; yea, and as good David ſaith,Pſal. 44. 8.Ps 44:8 To make our boaſt of God all the day long; and to praiſe his name for ever and ever. With a Selah. Eſpecially, ſince (as the holy Spirit of God himſelfe declareth, in Hannahs ſweet Song.) There p. 243is none holy as the Lord, 1 Sam. 2. 2, 3.1 Sam 2:21 Sam 2:3for, indeed, there is none beſide him; neither is there any Rocke like our God. Talke no more, therefore, ſo exceeding proudly (ô yee Atheiſticall Malignants and Popiſh, Iriſh-Rebels) let not ſuch arrogancie come out of your mouth: for, the Lord is a God of knowledge, Iob 9. 4.Job 9:4and by him actions are weighed. Yea, and as holy Iob ſaies. He is moſt wiſe in heart, and mighty in ſtrength; Who hath hardned himſelfe againſt him, and hath proſpered?

ANd now I ſhall againe put out our bleſſed Barke to Sea,Iune. 1644. hoiſe up our Sailes, and launch forth into the Deepe, and proſecute this our next enſuing Moneths Voyage: wherein we ſhall ſee how the Lord, ſtill carries on his glorious Arke, the Parliaments Cauſe, above all the furious Floods and raging Waves of its outragious and impious Adverſaries.

And in the firſt place I ſhall deſire to remember the Reader, how it moſt graciouſly pleaſed the Lord to bring off his bleſſed Arke from a very dangerous, and death-threatning Shelfe of devouring Quickſands, Lime moſt notably releived and the Seige wholly & happily raiſed.and moſt ſafely and ſecurely to ſet it afloat againe, carrying it on with moſt pleaſant and proſperous gales; I meane the happy and honourable releiving, and raiſing of the Seige of that long beſeiged, and greatly ſtraightned, famous Towne of Lime in Dorſetshire, a moſt full, exact, and true relation wherof, ſent in a Letter to a friend at London; and comming to my hands, I have thought fit here to inſert, for the Readers better content and ſatisfaction, which was as followeth.