Englands Parliamentary Chronicle, Chronicle · Letter 28
SIr,
It hath pleaſed the good hand of Gods providence and aſſiſtance to leade us on ſo proſperouſly and ſucceſſefully in theſe parts of Cheſhire, that our Leaguer at Beeſton-Caſtle hath continually kept the ſaid Caſtle in great awe, & ſo kept in the enemie alſo at the City of Cheſter, The manner entring in the Subu… of Cheſter … our forces.on Cheſter-ſide, as that they could not at any time offend us, but if they durſt be ſo bold as to ſally forth, it hath ſtill turned to their owne prejudice. And now, lately, we heard for certaine, that Byron, their Governour, went out of Cheſter, on the welch ſide, and we having much longed for noble Sir William Breretons comming down to command in chiefe among us, which would (no doubt) ere this time, have been an occaſion of at leaſt doubling our forces for the better and ſtrong managing of our affaires heere; But, however, we being unwilling to looſe any advantage which we could poſſibly gaine or might be happily adminiſtred to us, have at this time, attempted a great deſigne, yea, ſuch an one, as you will (iuſtly) wonder at, eſpecially knowing the ſmallnes of our ſtrength; yet (to God alone be all the praiſe and glory) we are now▪ both able to give a very good account of it, for the preſent, and we doubt not by Gods aſſiſtance, we ſhall be able ſo to do for the future. But, noble Sir, not to trouble you any farther with a tedious preamble, time being precious with us at this time eſpecially; The buſines was thus.
On Fryday laſt, September 19, 1645. We called a Councell of Warre in the Leaguer before Beeſton Caſtle, to conſult about the marching to Cheſter, to ſtorme that Garriſon, and concluded that it ſhould be done forthwith: So we ſtole away from the Leaguer that night, the Enemie within the Caſtle knowing nothing at all of the buſineſſe; and drew off about 1300. horſe and foot from the Siege, Collonel Iones commanded the horſe, and Adjutant Generall Louthany the foot, and the next morning before the Enemie were awake, we came upon them, having marched all that night through the Moores, paſſing over the River at Hupley, and ſo on by the way of Wareton, not ſo much as ſtaying at Chriſtleton to refreſh our ſelves, leſt by our ſtay we ſhould looſe the opportunitie, or be diſcovered. We marched that night about eight miles, and paſſed before breake of day between Chriſtleton and Hunnington, and ſo on to Boughton, all which we carried on ſo privately, that the Enemy had not ſo much as an alarme in the City.
We came before the City on the North eaſt ſide thereof, where we made no ſtop, but preſently fell to ſtorming, and by breake of day were got upon their Works, and many of us got over in ſeverall places, before they heard any thing of us we tooke their workes betweene Cowland and Boughton, quite to the walles of the City, the enemy ſtill flying before us, we purſued them to the inner-worke which they ſhut up againſt us, but we forced open the gates at the barres, and ſtill followed them, driving them into the Eaſt gate, which we had prevented them of, had we not been ſtopped by the faſtning of the gate which they did to gain opportunity to flye into the city; we loſt in all this, not above 2. men killed, many wounded, the enemy carried away their dead all but one body, many of note on their ſide are wounded, and we believe many ſlain, two of their … workes we have taken, and all that ſide of the Suburbs, and doubt not but in Gods good time to give a faire account of the whole City. The Enemie within, we heare, are about 1000. of whom many ſtiffe Malignants▪ we truſt we ſhall be able to goe on, in this worke ſo well begun by our God for us, if the Kings whole ſtrength come not againſt us, before we have competent ſupplies ſent to relieve and ſtrengthen us. Though money be ſcanty among our Souldiers, yet are they not permitted to Plunder the inhabitants of any thing, nor to drive away their Cattle. One part of the Enemie fled into Saint Warburge Minſter, ſome at the Eaſt-gate, and ſome at New-gate; we have gained all between the Rack and the Gate going into S. Warburge As for the North gate, we doubt not but we ſhall ſoone determine that, we have alſo taken the …oors, and the Inner-workes there, together with the Major of the Cities houſe. Where we tooke his Sword and his Mare, which, it ſeemed, for haſt to flie into the City, he had left behinde him.
Sir, I am your humble Servant. Eare-gate, in Cheſter, Sept. 19. 1645.
The Meſſenger that brought this welcome Newes to the Parliament, had 10. l. given him by Order from the Houſe of Commons.
About the 20. inſtant we were alſo for certaine informed that the King was preparing to march to O…ford to Congratulate, or … conteſt and alter…ate with his Nephew …upert, about his ſo eaſie (as he conceived) ſurrender of Briſtol into the Parliaments power. But, having at that time, ſent moſt of his horſe into … to compell men and money, but received nothing but … to both …his demands therein, his Meſſengers and Agents being in mo… danger of blowes than hope of ſupplies; they therfore returned toward his Ma…eſtie to tel what courſe entertainment they found there;A brave defeat given to a party of the Kings horſe about Kidderminſter by renowned Major Generall Poyntz. ſee alſo how it pleaſed the Lord that if ſhould …, that in their way to the king they met with a har… and … ſalutation than the former; for, Ʋaliant & vigilant Major. Gen. … having notice of this their march, and alſo that they intended to beat up his quarters, and ſo to give the King the … paſſage to Oxford; but, I ſay, this noble Major Generall, … on the way about Kidd…rminſter, and before they expected him, he bravely fell upon them and ſoone routed them, in which conflict, he tooke about 150 of their horſe, ſlew about 100. of them on the place and …, tooke divers priſoners, whereof ſome were Commanders …ooke above 200. armes and 3. Carriages the reſt ſcaped by flight. It was credibly ſaid that the King himſelfe was then in perſon with them and fled to Worceſter, with thoſe that eſcaped; This moſt active and faithfull Commander, Major Gen: Poyntz, reſolving, by Gods aſſiſtance, to make it his maine work to watch the Kings motions which way ſoever hee coaſted about the Northen parts.
And about September 22. We had certaine intelligence by Letters out of Wales, that the Towne and Caſtle of Cardiffe in Wales were ſurrendred to the Parliaments forces there, which buſineſſe in briefe, was effected thus.
The hard preſſures,Cardiff Town and Caſtle ſurrendred to the Parliaments forces. now, impoſed upon thoſe Brittanes among the Mountaines (for now that they begin to open their eyes, I will give them that ancient title) made them now at laſt to looke toward their true preſervers, the Parliament, the Country therefore unanimouſly ſtood upon termes of their owne defence againſt the ravenous Royaliſts oppreſſive power, and ſo ſent to our Noble Generall Sir Tho. Fairfax, beſeeching his aſſiſtance, upon faithfull aſſurance from them all, of reall complyance and ſubmiſſion to his Commands, whereupon, he preſently ſent Colonell Herbert with a conſiderable partie unto them; upon whoſe approach, the Clubmen of the Country (for, into ſuch a poſture and body they were gathered) cheerfully came in unto him and joyned in a body with him, and preſently the Town and Caſtle of Cardiff, as aforeſaid, were ſurrendred all unto him; in which there were between 16. and 20. peices of Ordinance ſmall and great, 3. or 400. armes, 10. barrells of powder, and much ammunition and other proviſions.
About Septemb. 24, we had certaine intelligence by Letters out of the Weſt, that the Devizes, both Town and Caſtle, were alſo yealded up to renowned Lieutenant Generall Cr…well, The Devires Towne and Caſtle taken by valiant Leivtenant Generall Cromwell.who firſt ſent a Summons to the Governour thereof, but received a flat denyall; Whereupon the valiant Lieutenant Generall Cromwell, wiſht the … to looke to himſelfe, the Governour replying, bad him … it and take it, or elſe …e was never like to have it. Hereupon the undaunted Lieutenant Generall, no more diſputed the matter in words, but with Swords, roaring Ordnance, and thundring threats from the Canons mouths, which ſoone ſhook the Caſtle, and therewith changed the Governours former ſeeming reſolutions, into a deſire of a Parley about a ſurrender, which the Noble Lieutenant Generall granted. But then he deſired thoſe Articles and Conditions before offered, which now the Lieutenant Generall refuſed to grant; yet (as he ſaid, becauſe he deſired not to ſhed blood) he was content to give liberty to all Gentlemen and Commanders to ride away to any of the Kings Garriſons within thirty miles, or to have liberty to go beyond Seas, or to returne to their owne peaceable habitations, and the Common Souldiers to march away without any Armes, but not with the Officers, nor to the Garriſons whither they meant, but whither elſe they would, either to their owne homes, or to ſome other Garriſons. To this they were glad to agree, and ſo delivered up the Town, with all the Arms and Ammunition. There were in the Caſtle five Peeces of Ordinance; Proviſions for a yeare, 20 Barrels of Beefe, 200 Flitches of Bacon, much Wheat and Mault, the Caſtle well fortified, 300 men in it: Yet the Lord (ſtriking the Enemies hearts within, with feare and terrour) cauſed them thus eaſily to ſurrender … us: And the Meſſenger that brought the Newes hereof to the Parliament, had 10 l. ordered to be given unto him.
And about the 26 inſtant, we had further certaine information by Letters out of the Weſt, … Houſe in Wiltſhire, ſurrendred to the Parliament.of the taking of Lacock-Houſe in Wiltſhire, which was ſurrendred to Colonell Dev…tux, and others of our Forces, that beſieged it, upon faire Conditions, viz. That the Governour, Officers and Souldiers, ſhould march away with their owne proper Armes, and that the Houſe, with all the other Armes, Ammunition, and Proviſions therein, ſhould be ſurrendred to our Forces. And much about the ſame time, the Houſe of Commons received a Letter from Col. Generall Laughorne, Dated at Haverford-Weſt, which informed the ſaid Houſe, of the ſingular good ſucceſſe which it hath pleaſed the Lord to give their Forces in thoſe parts,All Pembrokeſhire reduced to the Parliaments obedience. againſt the Enemy, and that they had fully cleared all the County of Pembroke. Upon the reading whereof, the Houſe entred into ſerious debate thereon, and for the more cheerfull further proſecution of the Service of the State in thoſe parts, the Houſe ordered that 2000. l. ſhould be charged in courſe upon the receipt of the Excize, with conſideration alſo for forbearance thereof, for the ſpeedy ſupply of the Forces under the command of the ſaid Col. Generall. And for the encouragement, and at a gratuity to the ſaid Noble,The Parliaments gratitude to Colonell Generall Laughorne. … and Faithfull Colonell Genrall Laughorne, the Houſe ordered, That the Eſtate of John …arlow of …, Gentleman, who had been long in actuall Armes againſt the Parliament, ſhall be ſetled by Ordinance of Parliament, upon the ſaid Col. Generall, and his Heires. The Houſe alſo Ordered, That the Miniſters of the ſeverall Churches and Chappels in London, Thankſgiving to God for theſe ſo great mercies.Weſtminſter, and … of …, ſhould the next Lords day give thanks to Almighty God, for the happy ſucceſſe of our Forces, in clearing the whole County of Pembroke, for the ſurrender of the …, and of Lacock-Houſe alſo in Wiltſhire; and it was ordered, That the Lord Major of the City of London ſhould give timely notice thereof accordingly.
About the 28. inſtant, came certain intelligence by Letters out of Cheſhire, to the Parliament, of a very great and notable Victory which our good God was graciouſly pleaſed to give to their Forces under the Command of valiant,The famous Victory obtained by Major Gen. Poyntz. at Routon Heath, neer Cheſter. active, and loyall, Major Generall Pointz, againſt the Forces of the King, within three or foure miles at the …, of the City of Cheſter, the manner whereof was in briefe thus; The King reſenting the great danger he was in, of the utter loſſe of Weſt…heſter, which, in all probability, was like ſuddenly to come to paſſe, if ſpeedy reliefe came not unto them: Our Forces which beſieged them, ſince the taking of the Suburbs thereof, having by their batter…es made a breach in the Wall,The King prepares to relieve Weſtcheſter. and purpoſing …. The King, I ſay, having knowledge of this their danger, reſolved with what ſtrength he poſſibly could make, preſently to advance thither, and with between … and 5000 Horſe and Dragoones, part whereof he had drayned out of many of his Garriſons, made all the ſpeed he could to come timely to their help. In which interim, Major Generall Poyntz, who indeed hath deſerved much honour for his conſtant activity in the whole Service, and reſolution (as I told you before) moſt diligently to attend the Kings Motions, having intelligence hereof, and renowned Colonell Roſſiter with his Horſe, being come up to Generall Poyntz, Major Generall Poyntz, his admirable activity to follow & prevent the King.and the Scottiſh and Cheſhire Horſe being joyned with them, they all thus conjoyned together, marched away with extraordinary expedition for Weſtheſter, and went on without any poſſible intermiſſion, day and night, to get before the King, and withall in his way, took in a ſtrong Houſe, with a Draw-Bridge moated (which ſtood in the way of his march) in leſſe than an houres ſpace. And after a very hard march, as I ſaid, day and night, on the 24 of Septemb. in the morning, his van curriers diſcovered the Enemy upon a Moore or Heath, within three or foure miles at moſt of Cheſter, called Rowton-Moore. Whereupon (notwithſtanding his former tedious,Major Generall Poyntz, his remarkable march to prevent or overtake the King. and even overtyring marches of neere upon 300 miles, not reſting above a day in a place together with divers difficulties which he was forced to paſſe through, and all this to prevent, or at leaſt overtake the King, yet, I ſay, notwithſtanding all theſe) he immediately drew into order, and advanced upon them (though all his forces were not then come up together) for he ſuppoſed and hoped to take the Enemy at unawares, it being probable they could have no intelligence of his being ſo neare, though it proved otherwiſe, for his Letters (written that night to the Commander within the out-Lines of Cheſter, giving notice of his advance) were intercepted, and the Enemy being poſſeſſed of the advantage of ground, and in order confronted our Van led by Colonell Hugh Bethell in the middeſt of a Lane betwixt two Moores,The fight begun fiercely. covered with the armed men of both Ba…taliaes, where was given a very ſharp and gallant charge by both parties, for after Piſtols were diſcharged at half Pikes diſtance, they diſputed the matter with their Swords a full quarter of an houre,The Enemy put to a retreat. neither yeelding ground to other, till at length the Enemy was forced to retreat, whom our men purſuing, were reencountred by a freſh reſerve at the Lanes mouth, and they were likewiſe diſcomfited; and a third, but being over powred were in the end forced to retreat through the Lane… uncapable of receiving a Reſerve to ſecond them:O…rs ſorely put to it. here we had ſome loſſe, the Enemy purſuing to the Lanes end, but were beaten back, for there was ſpace for our Reſerves to advance; Colonell Bethell and Colonell Graves were then ſore wounded, after this the Generall perceiving the Enemy lay upon his advantage,Col. Bethell and Col. Graves ſorely wounded. onelyonly skir…ed him with ſome flying parties, while he held correſpondency with his friends in Cheſter Suburbs, whoſe ſigne was the diſcharge of two peeces of Ordnance, when they would iſſue out with Horſe and Foot to join… with him, upon whoſe appearing the Enemy quitted their ſtation, and the Generall with a party advanced to take the moſt convenient ground, giving command in Colonell Parſons, Quartermaſter generall of the Army (Colonell Sandies who performed the duty of Commiſſary Generall of the Horſe,Ours much … by the Enemy. during the aforeſaid march, being then imployed to the Committee of both Kingdoms) to order up the reſt, which was opportunely done, for they joyned with the Auxiliary forces of Horſe and Foot in the enemies ground, and were drawn into many ſmall Diviſions and Reſerves, being much overnumbred by the Enemy, who accompted themſelves 5000 Horſe, and Generall Poyntz not above 2500 Horſe, beſides two ſmall bodies of Foot, who were diſpoſed in the two outmoſt intervals of Horſe; upon the very inſtant of this juncture the Enemy advanced with their whole Body, and the Generall (leaving the charge of the reſerves to Colonell Parſons) tooke care of, and led up the Van Diviſions, with which,Major Generall Poyntz, his Horſe wounded on the head. after a round volly of ſhot from the Foot, he joyned battell, charging the Enemy in Front and Flanck, where his horſe was deeply wounded on the head, being continually ſeconded with reſerves as often as there was occaſion, the reſt being kept intire followed at a due diſtance; The prevailing Generall put the Enemy to a totall rout,The admirable courage of Major Generall Poyntz. and although the purſuit was as hot as could be expected from ſuch wearied Horſe, thorow narrow durty lanes, and over ditches, the Enemy rallied in a great moore wide of Cheſter, in two vaſt bodies, a great diſtance aſſunder; the firſt (not without ſome diſpute) were again routed, and the other likewiſe, who retreated upon the Warwick Regiment with ſuch violence,The Enemy routed, mixed with, & troubled ours. as bore them away confuſedly, intermixed with the flying Enemy, up to the out-Works of the Suburbs, the Musketeers within were never the leſſe liberall of their Gunſhot, but the Divine providence appeared much in the diſtribution of the impartiall Bullets, few or none lighting upon our men, though many of the Enemy were found there expiring.
A Body of horſe all the while of theſe laſt diſputes appeared fixed on the top of a hill,The Enemy appeared again in a body on a hill. a little diſtant on that ſide Cheſter, wherein the King was very confidently reputed to be, for confronting whereof, a party of Foot winged with Colonell Lidcot, and Colonell Bethels Regiments, were drawn into a convenient Cloſe in the bottom, as a grand Reſerve; but the night by this time falling, the body on the hill appeared not, and thoſe in the bottome returned to their comrades ſaſiated with ſlaughter, priſoners, and booty of the vanquiſhed Enemy: While theſe things were thus agitated in the field, the remainder of Foot left with Colonell Lowthian in the Suburbs were not idle, for the Enemy made a ſtrong ſally upon them out of the City,The Enemy ſallyed out of the City, are repulſed. and were more ſtrenuouſly repulſed, the number of the ſlaine, of the priſoners and horſe taken, is not yet knowne, but is generally conjectured 800 ſlain, 1500 men and 2000. horſes taken, there was brought in that night the underwritten liſt, of the conſiderableſt men taken and ſlaine in the fight which was as followeth: Sir Thomas D…bridgecourt, Sir Thomas Gore, Colonell Thomas Weſton, ſonne to the Earle of Portland, and 6 more Colonells; 7. Leivtenant Colonells; 5. Majors; 19. Captaines, to one whereof the Queene had given a Scarffe to weare for her ſake; 14. Leivtenants; 7. Cornets; 19. Gent. of his Majeſties Life-guard; 20. other Gent. 5. Trumpeters; 4. Quartermaſters. There were ſlaine in this fight (as we were credibly informed) 2. Lords, whereof the one for certaine was the Lord Bernhard Stuart, the Kings kinſman,Priſoners and prizes taken. The ſlaine. The Lord Bernhard Earl. of Litchfield. Earle of Litchfieild; Sir Bryan Stapleton (a new made Knight the Kings Agent for the bringing over of 10000. men out of Ireland; one Colonell; one Leivtenant Colonell; with about 400. more Officers and Common Souldiers. Between 800 and 1000. others taken priſoners; Great ſtore of armes, much good pillage, and many more horſe and men taken in the purſuit, whoſe exact number and conditions could not ſo ſuddenly be certified.
After the reading of Colonell Parſons Letter in Parliament (whoſe relation, as aforeſaid, I have principally followed) the Houſe of Commons entred into ſerious Debate of the proſecutions of this great victorie; And ordered that certaine Members of that Houſe ſhould be forthwith ſent down to Sir. Tho. Fairefax, then at …, to informe him and the Armie of this good ſucceſſe which it had pleaſed the Lord to give our forces, under the command of Major Gen. Poyntz, and of the condition of the North, and to deſire a ſupply of forces to be ſent thither upon a deſigne, not, then, fit to be revealed in publike.A day of deſerved thankſgiving appointed by order of Parliament. They alſo ordered that the Thurſday then next enſuing ſhould be appointed a day of Thankſgiven for this great victorie, in the City of London, Weſtminſter, and Lines of …; and the Thurſday 7 night following for all the Counties within the power of the Parliament. 500. …. Sent as a token to renowned Major General Poynz.And … an encouragement to that worthy and Gallant Souldier … Gen. Poynez, they ordered that 500. l, ſhould be beſtowed … him as a teſtimonie of the affection of the Houſes toward ….
And that which made this excellent victorie the more ſweet and remarkable to us was, that it was given us, Even as a return of prayers or as a bleſſed prevention of prayer to ſet an edge of Spirituall zeale on our hearts in prayer, it being obtained and given in unto us by the wiſe and gracious power and providence of our good God and bountifull and ever bleſſed Father upon the 24. of this inſtant Septem. which was that Moneths publike ſolemne faſt-day. Othe…, who would not faithfully wait, reſt and rely on ſuch and ſo liberall a God, who is readier to give than we to aske?
And this September the 29. according to the Ancient annu…ll cuſtome of the renowned City of London, Alderman Adams choſen Lord Major of the City of London.there was an election of their New Lord Major of the ſaid City for the yeare enſuing, at the Guild-Hall in London, where, and at which time the Citizens, whom it concerned, adviſedly and moſt unanimouſly choſe Alderman Adams, a pious, prudent, Gentleman and grave Citizen to be their Lord Major. In whoſe moſt happie choice this renowned City is moſt like (by the mercy of God) to be as happie and honourable every way after this yeare of his Major … as ever it was by any of his former famous and faithfull Pr…deceſſours. And about this foreſaid time, the Commons aſſembled in Parliament received an Ordinance from the Houſe of …, for making of a new Baron of the Exchequer, which was read and paſt there and returned backe immediately to the Lords and fully paſt there alſo,Religious Mr. Tomlins made a Baron of the Exchequer. in the blanck whereof the Houſe of Commons nominated and inſerted for that place, Richard Tomlins, Eſquir, a Councellour of the Inner-Temple a faithfull, worthy and pious Patriot, as in a ſpeciall manner, his fidelity was formerly manifeſted to injurious perſecuted pious Maſter Pri…e, for whom (in thoſe dangerous dayes) he was of Counſell and ſtood cloſe unto …, did moſt aboundantly declare. And about this time alſo … Parliamentary States prudently and providently tooke into their ſerious Conſideration, not only the choice of ſome new and truly well deſerving Serjants of Law to be now neceſſarily made Judges viz. Serjeant Rolles to be a Judge in the Kings-Bench Serjeant … a Judge in the Common-Plea's and Serjeant … another of the Barons of the Exchequer. Other well deſerving. Gentlemen of the Law made Judges by the Parliament.But alſo for the future avoyding and prevention of thoſe ungodly corruptions which have been formerly in thoſe places, it was moſt piouſly and prudently ordered that 1000. l. Per annum ſhould be allowed to each Judge out of the Reve… to be paid … of Fees, Liv…ries and ſuch like former allowances. A happie and holy Common-wealth … moſt like to be eſtabliſhed, when both worthie, learned, pious and prudent Governours, Judges and Magiſtrates fearing God and hating Covetouſneſſe, are thus choſen to fit at the Helme of Authority and Judicature, and alſo ſuch courſes taken, as may in all likelihood, and equity (by Gods Grace eſpecially) reſtraine wonted corruption and briberie, and fairly induce them to doe Iuſtice to all without partiality and avarice; which the Lord in mercy grant unto us, that Iuſtice now at length may run about like Rivers in our ſtreets as the Prophet ſpeakes, Amen and Amen.
About the end of this September, we received certaine intelligence, that Barclay Caſtle in Glouceſterſhire was ſurrendred to valiant and active Colonell Morgan, and Colonell Rainsborough, the taking whereof, being a place of ſuch ſtrength, and the manner of taking of it, worthy an exact relation, I have therefore thought …,Barkley Caſtle ſurrendree to valiant Colonell Morgan and Colonell Rainsborough. for the Readers better content and ſatisfaction therein, to inſert the Letter of a ſpeciall actor and Commander in that ſervice and ſiege, which was as followeth:
SIR; Ʋnderſtanding that you deſire to be acquainted with the true manner of our taking in of Barclay Caſtle, which it ſeems you have not yet had a full Relation of, I have therefore here ſatisfied your deſire, and given you a full and faithfull account thereof, which was thus; The … was difficult, the Caſtle ſtrong, and the Enemy within, eſpecially … Goveenour, Sir Charles Lucas, … obſtinate at an Enemy could be, yet … our Forces were joyned with thoſe of Sir Tho. Fairfaxes, whereof valiant Colonell Rainsborough had the Command, we made … long ſtay, but …ell preſently upon their out Workes; then our men moſt gallantly marched up unto their Guard in the Town, which was a ſtrong Work indeed, out of which we beat them, and preſently tooke it: In which … many of our men were drowned, and ſome few ſlaine; but having thus gotten into that Work, we planted our great Guns againſt the Tower, and battered it much, and they returned the like roaring reſolutions to us, with cuſe ſhot of bullets, …, and ſuch like matter, and kild ſome of … men, amongſt whom John Freeman Lieutenant to Major Dobſon …, me, he had three … given him at one time, in the breſt, flanke, and …. Our men notwithſtanding this, went on …, ſealing … with much reſolution, which occaſioned Sir Charles to deſire a …, and offer … to depart. There were three of our great Guns …, which were planted againſt the Tower of the Church. The … had planted a … upon the top of the Tower, but our men made such batteries that they were glad to take it downe: Ʋpon the top of the Tower the Enemy placed a Flag of… defiance (as they … it) which … of our Regiments boldly and bravely got up the walls and tooke … ▪ but whilſt he was vapouring … the top of the Tower, a part of the Tower he ſtood on (being much broken and battered by our Gun) … him, ſo that he fell downe, and was killed with the ſtones that fell upon him, and two more that came after him, to help him, were killed likewiſe. The buſineſſe was the more difficult and dangerous by reaſon that what our men did was open, and at mid-day. Ʋpon the Enemies … order was taken to divide the plunder of the Caſtle, and it was concluded, that if our Captaines would depoſite 500 l. in money, which ſhould be divided among the Souldiers, to each five ſhillings, they ſhould … the plunder of the Caſtle; the which five of our Captaines did, namely, Major White, Captaine Stevenſon, Captaine Piagot, Captaine … and one more, and ſo paid the Souldiers, and tooke the … was very much Beefe, Bacon, Butter, Cheeſe, Meale, Wheate, … and a great quantity of other things, 300 flitches of … roome, many Cattell, inſomuch that it is thought, that there was victuals for 300 men for five months. This illuſtrates the … of God in … it was ſo ſoone taken, the ſtormes were ſo hard and ſharp, and the …dders weighty to reare for ſcaling. During the ſiege, many of the Enemy thought to have got out of the Church into the Caſtle at the … our men, although there were many croſſe Breſt-Workes in the Church-yard, made ſuch haſt, and came in with ſuch courage and reſolution, that … got between the Enemy and the Caſtle, and did much execution upon them. The Enemy in the Caſtle all the time much annoyed our men, but the Lord in the end (bleſſed be his holy name for it) gave us the victory, and the Country is much ſ…eed from that moſt inteſti… oppreſſor Sir Charles Lucas. Thus you have the manner of ſubduing the great Enemy, according to my beſt knowledge and intelligence. And ſo let all thine Enemies, O God, periſh, and be put to ſhame and diſhonour.
And now, good Reader, I ſhall here deſire thee, with my ſelf, to make a little ſtand and ſtay, againe deſervedly to looke upon and contemplate with thy moſt ſerious thoughts and gratefull heart, the moſt rich and rare Parliamentary mercies, and the various Victories, and triumphaut trophies of honour, even the moſt reall demonſtrations of the truth of this moneths remarkable Wonder, The Burning-Buſh unconſumed.of The Burning-Buſh (ſtill) unconſumed, yea, mightily, and even miraculouſly proſpered and preſerved, maugre the miſchiefe of all the fierce and moſt furious flames of Antichriſtian and Atheiſticall wrath and rage, round about it, as is moſt evidently and eminently apparent, both in our renowned Parliamentary Worthies prudent and provident care to undeceive the miſ-led people in Wales, by an excellent Declaration againſt the Royaliſts foule and falſe ſlanders. In the happy recovery of the City of Briſtoll from Rupert and his ravenous Royaliſts. In renowned and religious Major Generall Skippons being made Governour of Briſtoll: Shrewsburies defeat given to the Enemy at Bridge-North, and the remarkable preſervation of Lieutenant Colonell Phips out of the Enemies hands. In Gods admirable mercy to our diſtreſſed Brethren of Scotland, almoſt overrunne and ruined by Montroſſe, but returning his intended miſchiefe upon his own head. In giving ſuch a memorable acceſſe unto, and hopefull entrance into the City of Cheſter, by our poſſeſſing of the Suburbs thereof. In that brave defeat given to the Enemy at Kiddarminſter, by valiant Generall Poyntz. In delivering up unto us the Towne and Caſtle of Cardiffe in Wales, and hopefull reduction of the hearts and affection of the Welch to the Parliament. In the rendition of the Devizes and Lacock-Houſe Garriſon in Wiltſhire, and the reduction of all Pembrokeſhire to the obedience of the Parliament. In the famous defeat given by our forces to the Enemy at Rowton-Moore. And in the eſtabliſhing of pious and prudent Magiſtrates and Judges; Together with the ſurrender of Barkley-Caſtle, into the power of the Parliament. At the ſerious ſight and deep and due conſideration and contemplation of all theſe rich and rare Parliamentary Mercies, Not a month, a week, nay hardly a day, void of one mercy or other unto us.O who can chooſe but ſtand amazed and wondring at the unfathomed free favour, and unbottomed bounty of our good God unto us? O wonderfull, what, never a monethmonth? never a week? nay I may almoſt ſay, never a day, for ſo many months together, but a Victory, or a rich and rare Mercy, granted unto us, and conferred upon us? O then let there never be a monethmonth, never be a lip, a heart, or a tongue, empty of; but, contrariwiſe may they ever be moſt full of the high and moſt honourable praiſes of our great and good God, Pſal. 68. 19. Pſalm. 32. 7.even the God of our ſalvation, who thus dayly loads us with his loving kindneſſe, and thus conſtantly encompaſſes us with ſongs of deliverances. But now to go on.
October. 1645.And here now I ſhall begin the ſerious and ſacred obſervation and contemplation of the marvellous mercies of our wonder-working, God, in the progreſſe of this monethmonth alſo, with that brave defeat given to our Enemies Forces, by that valiant and vigilant Commander Colonell Moore, A brave defeat given to the Enemie by Colonel Moore Governour of Gaunt-houſe.Governour of Gaunt-Houſe, a Parliamentary Garriſon, which lies within about eight miles from Oxford, from whom we had credible information, that about the beginning of this inſtant October, this valiant Colonell being gone forth with a party of about 200 Horſe, met with a party of about 500 Horſe of the Enemies at Kidlington, and that he (notwithſtanding the great diſ-proportion and unequality of their number to his) skirmiſhed moſt couragiouſly with them well-nigh three houres together, and at laſt, by Gods aſſiſtance, put them to the rout, and purſued them, even to the Gates of Oxford. In which brave bickering and purſuit, they tooke priſoners, Maſter Sackvile, the Earle of Dorſets ſecond ſonne, Leivetenant Colonell Simth, one of the Kings Pages, and Prince Ruperts Chaplain, 2 Gunners, one Trumpeter, and about …0. Common Souldiers. And that, upon the ſame day, our quickſighted ſouldiers tooke 2 Barges laden with Coales, Cheeſe, ſlate and other commodities, as they were going up the River to Oxford. Farleigh-Caſtle in Somerſetſh. taken.And about the ſame time, alſo, we received certaine intelligence out of the Weſt, that Farleigh-Caſtle in Somerſetſhire (whereof Colonell Hungerford, brother to Sir Edward Hungerford, was Governour) was then, for certaine, ſurrendered up to the Parliaments forces; the Commanders wherein being allowed to have onelyonly horſe and armes to march forth withall and the Common-ſouldeirs to depart without either. About the ſecond of this inſtant we received Letters out of the Northern parts of the kingdome from Colonell Overton, Sandal-Caſtle in Yorkeſhire taken.which were read in the Houſe of Commons, dated from Sandall-Caſtle in Yorkſhire▪ by which it was for certaine ſignified, that the ſaid Sandall-Caſtle (after the ſpace of 3. weekes Seige) was ſurrendred to Colonell Overton, upon Articles agreed on between him and Colonell Bon…vant, then Governour of this Caſtle; viz. That 12. of the prime Officers in the Caſtle ſhould have liberty to march forth with their Horſes and Swords, and to carry with them a ſpare ſuite of Cloaths, and the reſt of the Souldiers to depart only with the cloaths on their backes, and Staves in their hands. The Governour and Gentlemen, being allowed each of them a Horſe to carry them away to Welbeck-houſe, as they deſired, but their Horſes to be returned by their Convoy; and all the Ammunition and proviſions of warre, in the Caſtle to be left to Colonell Overton, which was accordingly performed.
About the 4. inſtant, we were alſo certainly informed, that valiant and victorions Leivten. Wincheſter Towne and Caſtle taken by victorious Leivten. Generall Cromwell.Generall Cromwell, being without much difficultie or diſturbance entred into and fully poſſeſſed of the Towne of Wincheſter, and having new round begi… the Caſtle, and planted his Ordinance againſt it, was reſolved to ſtorme it; which the Governour thereof, Colonell Ogle perceiving, he was at firſt content to have a parley about the ſurrender of it; But in the meane time ſome troopes ariving thither, with noble and ever to be renowned Sir William Waller, whoſe this Caſtle was, and who was now come to the Leivtenant Generall to aſiſt him as occaſion might require; the Enemie within, falſly ſuppoſing that this was releife, ſent to them, they preſently tooke downe their White Flaggs, and refuſed to proceed in the proffered parley, hoping now their ſaid ſuppoſed reliefe would breake in unto them, but indeed none appeared, as they hoped, in which interim, which was all that inſtant Lords-day, The liſt of what was taken from the edemie in Wincheſter Caſtle.the noble Leivtenant Generall having forborn them, but now finding them thus to baffle with him, on the Munday morning following, he played violently upon the Caſtle with his great Ordinance, and made a breach ſo wide in the Caſtle-wall, that many men might enter in a breſt; heereupon the Leivtenant Generall reſolved to proceed to ſtorm the Caſtle, and to make the Enemie repent his foreſaid dallying with him; and yet, loath to purſue a courſe of vengeance and unwilling to make an effuſion of blood, if it might be avoyded, he therfore thought fit, once more, to ſend them in Articles fit for him to require and for them fairely to yeild unto, before he proceeded to the extremeſt rigour; which, in breife were gladly condeſcended unto by the Governour, & the Caſtle with all the Armes, Ordnance and Ammunition, and other proviſions therin ſurredred into the poſſeſſion of the noble Leivtenant Generall. The were taken in the Caſtle, 7. Peeces of Ordnance, 17. Barrells of powder, 2000. waight of Musket bullets, 800. waight of Match, 700. Muskets (beſides Pikes, Halberts and other ſuch like weapons) and at leaſt 100. Horſe; 38. Hogſheads of Beefe and Pork, powdred; 1500. waight of Cheeſe, 800. pots of Butter, 140 quarters of Wheat and Meale, 7000 waight of Bisket, 112. Hogſheads of ſtrong Beare, 3. Hogſheads of French-Wines; 10. quarters of ſalt, 20. buſhells of Oatemeal, 70. dozen of Candles, 30. loade of Wood; 40. quarters of Charcoale, 30. buſhels of Sea-coales, and 4. quarters of Freſh-beefe ready killed, and 14. ſheep. All this fore ſaid mighty ſtore of proviſions of all ſorts thus left in the Caſtle unabuſed and unembezelled by the Enemy, Viſrount Ogle, the la…e Governour (a reſolute and deſperate Souldiers, with 200 gentlemen, Officers and their Servants, 680. horſe and foot) marched away to Wood-ſtock, The ſtrength of Wincheſter-Caſtle.and ſo for Oxford. The unexpected ſo ſoon ſurrender of this place, was ſo much the more remarkable (to the great praiſe and glory of our wonderworking God) not only in regard of all that ſtore of proviſions, but alſo in that the Caſtle it ſelfe was exceeding ſtrongly fortified, completely manned, and plentifully furniſhed (as you have heard) with all kindes of proviſions; for the fortifications, were of the ſtrongeſt militarie Architects in the Kingdome; for, when our men had made tha… foreſaid breach in the wall (which produced the parley) they had 3. workes more to have ſtormed, each-higher than the other, before they could have entred the Caſtle, beſide ſuch a deſperate reſolute Souldier as the Governour was held and knowne to be. All theſe ſerious circumſtances, conſidered, it makes I ſay, this Gods merciemercy to us the more glorious; and gives no little perſwaſion that certainly, now the hearts of the ſtouteſt Royaliſts begin (by the power of our God) to faint and faile them; bleſſed, for ever bleſſed be the Lord for it. And, thus now, renowned, Sir William Waller is fully repoſſeſſed of his new Houſe. But to proceede; About the 8. of this inſtant October our moſt prudent Parliamentary Senators tooke into their circumſpect conſideration, the coming in of Malignants or Delinquents to their party;The Parliaments intended mercy even to Malignants and Delinquents. and that though, of neceſſity the Sword muſt be ſtill and ſtiffly held-up, yet out of a pious and zealous deſire to haſten a period to theſe unhappie Civill broyles, and to mixe clemencie with all their actions; they thought good to propound an other day of grace or favour unto them; to wit, till the 1. of December, then, next enſuing, by which time, all that were or ſhould be capable of this mercy might come in and compound for their Delinquencie; for which purpoſe, a Committee at Gold-Smiths-Hall in London was appointed and a Vote in Parliament paſſed to that effect. And withall, that all ſuch perſons of what ranke or quality ſoever that did thus come in and compound for their Delinquencie, ſhould alſo after this their compoſition ſue-out and paſſe their Pardon under the Great-Seale of England or elſe their former Compoſition to be voyd and of none effect unto them; but they to be apprehended and proceeded againſt as Spies. This indeed being a moſt wiſe and excellent way, both a little to pull-downe their proud Spirits in the neceſſitated acknowledgement of their moſt foule offences,The Excellent wiſedome and juſtice of the Parliament, mixed with their foreſaid merciemercy. and to…ly (upon rols and record) as a blacke ſpot and indelible ſline upon them to poſterity, of their being ſuch perfidious and pernicious betrayers and deſtroyers (as much in them was) of their own deare native Country, to the utter rvine of themſelves their wives and children, by ſlavery and tyrannie over their bodies and Soules.
About the 10▪ inſtant we were certainly given to underſtand of the powerfull and propitious hand of Gods good providence and merciemercy unto us, in giving in that ſtrong and moſt peſtilent and pernicious den of theeves and robbers, I meane Bazing-houſe, in, Hampſhire into the Parliaments poſſeſſion by the martiall valour and induſtrie of renouned and victorious Lieutenant Generall Cromwall together with the brave Commander Colonell D…Albeire, Bazing-Houſe taken.the ſubſtance of the manner of the taking of it, being fully related by victorious Lieutenant Generall Cromwells letter brought by Colonell Hamond to the honourable Speaker of the Houſe of Commons and there read, I have here thought fit (for the Readers better content and ſatisfaction to Inſert the ſame, which was as followeth.