Englands Parliamentary Chronicle, Chronicle · Letter 12 – Letter 14
Noble Sir,
SInce Colonell Long was returned from conveying the Prince, with the Biſhop of Armagh, and divers of the Oxford Nobility, to Briſtol, wee had intelligence that hee was comming towards the Devizes, having a gallant Regiment of Horſe, conſiſting of about 400 men, hereupon Sir William Waller endevoured to get betwixt him and the Town; but having a long march, hee got to the Devizes before Sir William approached, and was quartered there, with Colonell Sir Charles Lloyd, the Governour thereof, for about two dayes, by which time Sir William Waller made his approach.
On Munday the 10 of this preſent March, hee quartered with his whole Army at Almesbury, Normanton, Lake, Dearne, and Derrington, and a very ſtrong party was commanded forth, out of which were drawn divers Scouts, which were ſent towards the Devizes, Stepſtone, and other parts, to diſcover the Enemy, and what ſtrength they were of, ſome whereof returned in the evening with intelligence, that Colonell Long was in the Devizes, with a Poſſe Comitatus, or the County Forces, for this Long is the Kings high Sheriffe of the County of Wilts, ſon to Sir Walter Long, who lately deceaſed, who being in drink, fell from his horſe neer Chich…ſter, and broke his neck, and his ſon hath been a very active man againſt the Parliament, ever ſince hee hath begged his Wardſhip, which put him to much travell and paines, for which hee almoſt ſpurred the horſe to death that had broke his Fathers neck; for hee had vowed before hee came off his back to get his Wardſhip. This intelligence cauſed Sir William to advance towards the Devizes that night, having alſo advertiſement, that the Enemies works about the Town were very ſlight, and when his Army were on their march about a mile from Almsbury, hee drew them up into a Body, and foure out of every Troop, to goe on the Forlorn Hope.
On Tueſday morning very early, our Forlorn Hope gave the Enemy an Alarm (the whole Army marching all night) upon which all Colonell Longs Regiment, which were quartered in and neer the Devizes, drew into a Body, and newes being brought thereof to Sir William, hee made ſome ſtay, and at the firſt ſeemed rather to prepare for defence, then to give an aſſault, and divides his Horſe into three Brigades, the firſt commanded by himſelf, quartered near Po…rn, Woodington, and the Devizes, the next Brigade was commanded by Leivtenant Generall Cromwell, and the third by Sir Hadzer Waller, a kinſman of Sir Williams, which Brigade joyned together, and wheeled about, and fetcht a large compaſſe, that they might not bee diſcovered by the Enemy, and fell in between them and the Bath.
On Wedneſday morning, Sir William Waller drew up his Forces to fall upon the Enemy, and they having diſcovered that Sir William had a purpoſe to give them a viſit, Colonell Long, with the Horſe left the Devizes, and retreated towards Bath, not having notice of Generall Cromwels readineſſe on that ſide to receive them, and Sir Charles Lloyd the Governour of the Devizes, with moſt of the Foot ſlighted their Works, and retreated into the Caſtle, thinking that they were not able to defend the Town: Sir William hearing that Colonell Long was marching away, hee purſued him very cloſe in the Rear, and when the Enemy were a little paſt Milchin thinking by the ſwiftneſſe of their March to make their eſcape away, Colonel Cromwell appeared in the Van, betwixt him and Bradford, which hee having notice of, Colonell Long would have returned back again, but could make no way of eſcape, the paſſes being narrow, and the Countrey ſo fortified with quick-ſet hedges, that hee was as it were in a pound.
We took from the Enemy the 400 Horſe, and 300 Priſoners: we took Colonell Long himſelf the Kings high Sheriffe, their Commander in cheif, Captain Web, and 7 Captains more, the Under-Sheriffe, 7 Cornets, with many other Officers. Wee took alſo 340 Armes; and of this whole Regiment, which was the beſt (as wee underſtand) the King hath, there eſcaped but 30. wee loſt but two men on our ſide, and but 4 of the Enemy were killed.
Colonell Ludlow is now (thanks bee to God) ſole high Sheriffe of this County: his competitor (being now taken priſoner) is in cuſtodia Mariſcallorum, with the greateſt part of his Commanders and Officers, and his whole Regiment utterly extirpated. Colonell Ludlowes approach hither is now moſt earneſtly deſired to joyn with us, in regard this County, in which wee hope there will bee found but little oppoſition, though wee have been lately heavy laden with infinite numbers of barbarous villains. To God bee the praiſe, who hath ſo graciouſly looked upon our ſufferings. The Garriſon of Long ford hearing o… ſo many loſſes to the Kings Army, in ſeverall places, one upon the neck of another, are in great diſtraction, and almoſt hopeleſſe of ſubſiſting, having not above ſixteen Horſe, and they are very poore judes, to fetch in proviſions, of which it is conceived, they begin to bee ſtraitned: and for their men, they are moſt of them forced, of which (wee hope) there will ſhortly bee given a very good account.
Wee hear Colonell Goring doth ſtill retreat before us: it is thought hee intends to joyn with Colonell Barkley the Governour of Exceſter; and Sir William Waller is marching towards Colonell Holborn at Taunton, and intends to draw out what ſtrength hee can out of Sommerſetſhire to joyn with him, and ſo to loſe no time to purſue after. So with my due reſpects and humble ſervice, I reſt.
Your faithfull and affectionate Servant. Southampton March 18. 1644.
Here followeth a Copy of Sir William Wallers own Letter.
Sir,
COlonell Cook and Captain Butler have writen at large unto you, and therefore I ſhall onelyonly confirm it, that with Gods gracious aſſiſtance wee have routed the beſt Regiment the King had in the Weſt; of 400 Horſe, there eſcaped not 30. the Colonell, Sir James Long, eight Captains, and 7 Cornets were taken, and moſt of the other Officers, with about 300 priſoners. This fell out in Wiltſhire, between Troughbridge and Stepſtone. Wee are now marching towards honeſt Holborn, with whom (by the grace of God) wee will joyn, or ſtick half way.
William Waller. March 18. 1644.
A Liſt of what was taken.
Col. Sir James Long, the high Sheriffe.
The Ʋnder-Sheriffe.
8 Captains.
7 Cornets.
400 Horſe.
340 Armes.
300 Priſoners.
Goring purſued by W. Waller
About the 20 inſtant, Letters from Abbington informed us, that the brave Garriſon there ſeemed to bee in a perpetuall motion againſt the neſt of Oxonian humming Hornets; and that, as on other dayes,The activity of the brave Garriſon of Abbington under valiant Major General Brown. ſo on the 14 of this inſtant March, valiant and vigilant Major Generall Brown drew forth a party of about 300 Horſe, toward Chiſlington-Bridge, part of which were brought to Wheatley-Bridge, and Melton to hinder Oxford Market, and about 10 of the clock, they joyned and ma…ched to Hedington, where they took 4 or 5 Carts laden with proviſions for Oxford; They of Oxford alſo fell down another way and took 2 Carts going for Abbington; but in the return of Colonell Browns party, they were happily met withall, and after a ſhort, but ſharp and hot skirmiſh, they of Abbington had the better, ſlew 7 or 8 on the place, took between 30 and 40 priſoners, the chief Commander of the party, Cornet Gardener was alſo taken, and our friends Carts, and all the Market folk, whom they had taken priſoners, reſcued; 3 of the priſoners then taken, were Iriſh, and therefore preſently executed according to the Ordinance of Parliament; and thus they returned without the loſſe of one man. And the Houſe of Commons in Parliament (about this time) taking into conſideration the fidelity and valour of this brave Garriſon of Abbington, (whoſe ſucceſſefull actions have,The Parliaments juſtly high reſpect to Abbington Garriſon. indeed, crowned them with the Laurell-boughes of perpetuall fame and honourable memory, under the command of their wiſe and moſt valiant Governour, Major Generall Brown) they Ordered that the Committee of Both Kingdomes ſhould ſign a Warrant, preſently, for a 1000 pound to bee forthwith iſſued out and diſpoſed of for the good and encouragement of that Garriſon of Abbington.
And on this March the 22 a conference was had between both Houſes of Parliament, touching the ratification of the roll of Sir Thomas Fairfax his Officers or Colonells for the New-Modelled-Army at which Conference there was now at laſt a moſt happy concurrence of the Peeres with the Commons, The happy concurrence of the Houſe of Peeres with the Commons about the Liſt of Sir Tho. Fairfaxes Commanders of his New Modell Army.in approving the Liſt (a buſineſſe which had hung in much ſuſpence and had much retarded the ſetting forth of the Army, and thereby much ſadded the hearts of the beſt affected, and onelyonly gladded the hearts of the Malignants) this Liſt, I ſay, of Sir Thomas his Commanders was now moſt happily conſented unto by the Peers, without any alteration at all, which was ſo acceptable to the Houſe of Commons, that upon the report thereof to their Houſe, they appointed a Committee to prepare a Meſſage to the Lords to congratulate their happy concurrence, and to aſſure them of the reall affection and endevours of the Houſe of Commons to ſupport their Lordſhips in their Honours and Priviledges; And this being certainly ſo (as indeed it was) it did for the preſent, and will for the future, take off that reproach which the Malignants and incendiaries about the Town gave out;A malicious ſlander of the Malignants happily thwatted to their ſhame. That the Commons did endevour and uſe meanes to diminiſh the priviledges of the Peeres; Whereat, I ſay, our pernicious Malignants much rejoyced, and impiouſly hoped it was ſo indeed, but were thus moſt happily fruſtrated of their wicked expectation therein; Ever magnified bee our good God and gracious Father for it.
And now the Liſt being thus paſt and perfected, the New-Modelled Army was expedited ſhortly after into the field, to Gods high honour and our unſpeakable comfort, as, in due time and place, ſhall bee abundantly manifeſted. The ſaid Liſt of Commanders being a thing of ſo high concernment, I have heer therefore thought fit to inſert it, for the Readers better content, and for the honourable memory of the Perſons and the Thing it ſelf.
Sir Thomas Fairfax Commander in cheif.
Major Generall Skippon.
Officers of the Horſe.
Colonell Middleton
Colonell Sidney
Colonell Graves
Colonell Sheffield
Colonell Vermudon
Colonell Whaley
Colonell Sir M. Leviſay
Colonell Fleetwood
Colonell Roſſiter
Colonell Sir Robert Pye.
Officers of the Foot.
Colonell Crayford
Colonell Berkley
Colonell Aldridge
Colonell Holborne
Colonell Forteſcue
Colonell Inglesby
Colonell Montague
Colonell Pickering
Colonell Welden
Colonell Rainsborow.
And this alſo is very obſervable by us, that (for the more happy advance of this New-Army,) it pleaſed the Lord to put into the hearts of our Parliamentary-Worthies, that among all the other neceſſary proviſions both for the haſtening and the happifying alſo of Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Army into the field,Order taken by the Parliament as well for the ſpirituall as the Martiall Diſcipline of the Army. they took ſpeciall care of the Spirituall Diſcipline thereof, by ſufficient and able Preachers to goe along with them, as well as of the Martiall Diſcipline by honeſt and valiant Commanders, the Houſe of Commons, therefore, Ordered that the Aſſembly of Divines ſhould nominate and preſent to Sir Thomas Fairfax, ſuch pious and learned Preachers as they knew every way fit and able for that ſervice. And is not ſuch an Army like to thrive (think you) where piety and probity, as well as courage and magnanimity is ſo piouſly and prudently endevoured?
About the 24 of this inſtant, the Lords in Parliament were pleaſed to bring the eare of the godly education of the Kings Children at Whitehall, The Parliaments care for the godly education of the 2 young Princes at White-Hall, by the Earl of Nort…umberlandinto their thoughts and ſerious conſideration▪ and thereupon to make the moſt Noble Earle of Northumberland Governour and his virtuous Lady Governeſſe of them, and to Order an Annuall allowance for their encouragement therin of 3000 pound. A worthy act, indeed, and may juſtly bring to our thought… the brave and bleſſed education given to young King Edward … 6. and to Queen Elizabeth of ever happy memory, the recover… (under God) of the Goſpel out of Eg…ptian dark Popery, and who were the glory of our Engliſh nation for theſe many yeers. And wee doubt not (as wee pray) but thoſe 2 moſt noble and honourable perſonages will make it their ſtudy and care to have thoſe 2 young Princes inſtructed and brought up ſo virtuouſly and piouſly that they may prove 2 glorious and illuſtrious Starres, not only in the firmameut of theſe 3 Kingdomes, but even of all Chriſtendome.
And about the 26 inſtant,Colonell Maſſie gives the Enemy a defeat nee… unto Briſtol. wee received Letters out of Glouceſterſhire, which certified that a party of Colonell Maſſies horſe had routed a party of the Cavaliers which were ſent from Briſtol by Sir Ralph Hopton toward Prince Maurice, and in the skirmiſh had taken Colonell Roberts a great Malignant of Herefordſhire, beſides 7 Officers, and 40 common Souldiers priſoners.
And much about the latter end of this MonethMonth of March, the Houſe of Commons in Parliament took into their conſideration ſome of their well-deſerving Souldiers, and their great arrears, and among theſe, cheifly, that brave, unſpotted and ever to bee honored Commander in Armes, Major Generall Skippon, and thereupon ordered that his Arreares ſhould by audit bee given in,Fidelity and good ſervice rewarded & encouraged by the Parliament. and in the mean time, becauſe hee had been long without pay, they ordered that 500 pound ſhould bee preſently paid unto him in part of his Arreares. And about the ſame time an Order paſt the Houſe, (worthy to bee recorded to their praiſe and honour) it being full of piety and Chriſtian charity; Viz. That out of the Monies given for Compoſition by ſome able Delinquents, there ſhould bee a 1000 pound paid to poore men that had loſt their horſes, Waggons and Carts, the Summer before, in the ſervice of the Parliament, and that 500 pound more ſhould bee paid to poore Widdows whoſe husbands had been ſlain in the ſervice of the State.
And now, good Reader, ſtay heer a little, and take a ſhort reviſe and ſerious advice on this Moneths mercies and marveilous paſſages of divine providence and preſervation of this his Parliamentary Burning Buſh not Conſumed, The Burning-Buſh not c…nſumed.although environed with moſt violent and vehement furious flames of Malignant wrath and rage againſt it, as hath been moſt evident in all the particulars forementioned, both, In that moſt famous defeat given to the proud inſulting Enemies Goring and Dives at Weymouth, and Melcomb-Regis; Together with the ſeaſonable ſeizing on the 2 ſhips which by providence were put into the poſſeſſion of the Parliaments friends there. In the ſeizing upon a whole Troope of Horſe being the Kings Life-guard; And the brave defeat given to Prince Maurices duplicate page duplicate page forces at Holt-Bridge. Together with a fine defeat given to Colonell Ogles forces at Wincheſter. In that brave Victory obtained by Sir William Waller, and Generall Cromwell, over Colonell Long and his forces at the Devizes. Together with the brave activity of our Abbington Garriſon about Oxford. In the moſt happy harmony and ſweet concurrence of the Houſe of Peers in Parliament, with the Houſe of Commons, about the Liſt of Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Colonels and Commanders; and their pious care for the well-ordering of his New-Modelled Army, as well with Spirituall as Martiall Diſcipline. And, finally, In the Parliaments godly care for the royall and religious education of the Kings 2 young children at White-Hall; Colonell Maſſies defeat given to the Enemy at or neer Briſtol; And the Parliaments moſt worthy reſpect and regard to the fidelity and good ſervice of ſuch as had been active and ſerviceable to the Common-wealth, to comfort and incourage them therein.
Upon gracious and gratefull ſight and ſerious conſideration of all which precious premiſes, who (mee thinks) can forbeare, juſtly and ingenuouſly to confeſſe and acknowledge with holy David, Thou (O Lord) haſt made us rejoyce through thy works, Pſal. 92 4, 5.and wee will triumph in the operations of thy hands. O Lord, how great and gracious are all thy doings towards us, and thy thoughts of Love and goodneſſe exceeding deep? But now to goe on.
ANd heer I ſhall begin this MonethMonth of Aprill with a moſt holy and happy Aprill-ſhewre, Aprill. 1645.likely, by Gods bleſſing and gracious breathing on it, to prove moſt frugiferous in the happy production of many fragrant flowers, the enſuing Spring, and ſucceeding Summer; and to make way for a copious crop of bleſſings, and happy Harveſt to the glory of our ever-living, and all-good-giving God, and to the unſpeakable comfort of his poore deſpiſed Church and Children; and this it was.
About the 4 of this preſent Aprill, a conference was held by the Lords with the Houſe of Commons, which was managed by the Lord Say, at which was offered by the Houſe of Peers, to the Houſe of Commons.
1. That the Commiſſioners of the Great Seal might bee continued.
2. They deſired that a proportionable number of Lords being appointed to joyne with the Members of Both Houſes of Parliament, might bee equally employed in the great affairs of the Kingdome. And, as a farther demonſtration of the earneſt deſire their Lordſhips had of the continuance of a happy union and correſpondency of ſpirits and affections between Both Houſes, a Declaration of the Lords in Parliament was read,A moſt ſingular ſign of Gods love and good will to this poore Kingdome, even the moſt happy harmony of Both Houſes. wherein they declared; That they would ever bee carefull to maintain the priviledges of the Commons as their own, and ſhould bee ready to concurre with them in all things, for the good and ſafety of the Kingdom, whatſoever ſome malicious and ill-affected perſons (endevouring thereby to divide between them) might report to the contrary; which … they left with the Houſe of Commons, to remain upon Record, … teſtimony of their reall intentions to Poſterity.
This paſſage (together with a former of this kinde, on the part of the Houſe of Commons, declaring their ſincere reſolutions to maintain the priviledges of the Houſe of Peers, and which their ſaid Declaration, being firſt read, was alſo left with the Lords to bee Recorded by them alſo to all Poſterity.) I thought fit to relate, thus exactly, becauſe I conſidered and took notice of them both, as ſoveraign healings of former jealouſies betweene Both Houſes, and theſe their happy concurrencies, as a ſpeciall bleſſing from Heaven, and as one of the greateſt tokens of Gods love and favour to this Kingdome, and moſt conducing to the peace thereof, and to the ſalving and curing of the bloody oppreſſive diſtractions wherewith all things therein have been infeſted and almoſt broken in peices; eſpecially alſo conſidering that it has been all along, the great and main plot of the Enemies of the Peace and Parliament of this Kingdome, to breed and feed jealouſies in the Houſes; Whereas, now, ſuch happy correſpondencies will bee their greateſt diſcouragements, and by this harmonious concord, the expedition of our Southern Army, now bravely ſet on foot and gone forth under renowned Sir Thomas Fairfax, was moſt happily haſtened on; the ſweet and bleſſed effects wherof, you will now every day heare of more and more, to the glory of God and comfort of the Kingdom; as in their proper places, I ſhall now by Gods aſſiſtance have occaſion to make clear unto you.
About the 6 of this inſtant Aprill, the Houſe of Commons in Parliament received Letters from renowned, active and loyall Generall Brown from Abbington, concerning ſome late exploits performed by the forces under his Command, the ſubſtance whereof was as followeth, Viz. That hee having had intelligence that ſome proviſions were at Chalgrove, a Townſome 7 miles diſtant from Abbington, going to Oxford, ſent a party of Horſe thither, where they took one Beard, Divers brave exploits performed by renowned Generall Browns forc…s at Abbingtona Wine-Cooper, who had then brought 6 peices (or Pipes) of Sack from London, to convey them to Oxford, but both Wine and Cooper were thus prevented from going thither in ha…e. Theſe forces alſo being then advertiſed that ſome other Carriages were going to Oxford, they purſued them, and within a mile of Oxford overtaking them, took a Waggon laden with Sugar and other good proviſions for that Garriſon, and ſo brought both Sack and Sugar ſafe to Abbington. They alſo took ſeverall packs of … loath going thither, which, with the horſes they ſent ſafe to Abbington. And preſently upon this, notice being given of a party of the Enemies quartering at Thorp, about 3 miles from Farrington, a Major was ſent out from Abbington, with a party of Horſe, but the greateſt part of the Enemy had eſcaped before this Majors approach; onelyonly an Iriſh Major (being lockt up in his Chamber) refuſing quarter, was thereupon ſlain, 5 or 6 others were taken priſoners, and 19 good Horſe ſeized on. The ſame Letters alſo certified farther, that one Captain Engliſh, a notorious Villain, on the Kings ſide, then a priſoner, taken by the forces of Abbington, and there impriſoned, endevouring to make an eſcape through a hole, neer unto a Vault, hee fell into the ſaid Vault,Capt. Engliſh choakt in a Vault at Abbington. and was therein choaked; ſo that inſtead of getting looſe hee ſtook faſter than ever before. Alſo upon ſome intelligence that the forementioned party of Horſe, was neerly ingaged with the Enemy, the Major Generall ſent about 600 Foot out of Abbington, who marched 8 miles that morning, and conducted the prizes gotten in unto Abbington; and at their return, the moſt generous and noble Major Generall gave 12 pence a piece to each of the Foot to encourage them, and the Cana…y Sack and other proviſions taken, were diſpoſed of, and diſtributed to the reſt.
About the 8 inſtant wee were credibly informed by Letters from the Committee at Redding of the brave ſervice performed by that famous and faithfull Souldier,Renowned Major Generall Skippon ſingular good ſervice in reducing his Souldiers to the New-M…delled-Army. that brave Commander and pious Patriot of his Country, Major Generall Skippon, in the quiet and peaceable reduction of his Souldiers, there, to ſerve under the Command of renowned Sir Thomas Fairfax, now the moſt prous, piudent, and valiant Generaliſſimo, of the Parliaments New-M…delled Army; who, being at Redding, made a moſt excellent, pious, and pithy hortatory Speech to all his Souldiers, and delivered it with ſuch grave Emphaſis, Martiall courage, and prudent ſweetneſſe, as gave generall ſatisfaction and full content unto them all, inſomuch that 5 Regiments of the Renowned End of Eſſex, late Lord Generall, his Forces, and 5 Companies of the Lord Ruberts were moſt ready and willing to ſerve under Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Command, and not a diſſenting Souldier, or Commander, or diſcontented Country man was diſcovered among them all, but they all expreſſed their clear and chearfull approbation and good liking of this the Parliaments thus reducing of the Army, being all reduced into 3 Regiments, and were all drawn in…o 3 ſeverall Churches, and there enrolled; and divers who had formerly been Officers in the former Army, were, now, very willing to bee Liſted as Common Souldiers in this New-Modell, which was now in great forwardneſſe to goe forth into the field; Yea, and the late Lord Generals Troop of his Life-guard, freely offered themſelves of Sir Thomas his ſervice and Command; moſt happy preſages of much good to follow when Souldiers ſo joyfully and freely undertake to undergoe the yoke of neceſſary Martiall Command and Service. The truth of all which premiſes is farther and fully confirmed by the foreſaid renowned Major Generalls own Letter to the Honourable Speaker of the Houſe of Commons, which, for the Readers better ſatisfaction and content, I have heer thought fit, as moſt worthy to bee inſerted, which was as followeth.
To the Honourable William Lenthall Eſquire, Speaker of the Honourable Houſe of Commons Aſſembled in Parliament at Weſtminſter; Theſe preſent.
Deſervedly honoured Sir,
YEſterday and this day, by Gods continued help and bleſſing, all His Excellencies Horſe are reduced and ſetled into Colonell Graves, Sir Robert Pyes, and Colonell Sheffields Regiments, except Colonell Dalbeirs and Beurs Regiments, which are commanded to Glouceſter. All the Officers that are laid aſide, did with all readineſſe and ſubmiſſive obedience obſerve the commands of the inferior Officers, having liſted themſelves again as private Troopers; So that hitherto (bleſſed bee God) this great, and I hope uſefull work for the publick hath been carryed beyond our expectation that have been employed about it. To morrow, if the Lord will, I ſhall reduce and ſettle Colonell Weldens, and Colonell Holborns Regiments of Foot, which were with Sir William Waller, and n…w quarter at Ockingham; And I ſhall further endevour with all diligence and faithfulneſſe, whatſoever ſhall advance the publick ſervice. Thoſe Regiments of horſe which were his Excellencies and Sir William Belfores, doe moſt humbly …rave (as I doe on their behalf) that they may have that which Colonell Graves ſayes was promiſed to them. I have not elſe to trouble you with now, but begging pardon for my being ſo often troubleſome to you (the conjunction of things now forcing the ſame) and humbly crave to bee eſteemed
Your moſt faithfull Servant, Ph. Skippon. Beconfield, the 14 of Aprill, 1645. 9 at night.
Alſo about the 10 of this inſtant, wee had certain intelligence out of Scotland (for I intend to take in the Martiall performances of our loyall and loving brethren the Scots, ſo farre forth as they have neer intereſt and dependence on thoſe of our own Kingdom and State) wee had, I ſay, certain intelligence out of Scotland, that after a former ſurprizall of neer upon 800 horſe load of proviſions which were going to that deſperate rebell Montroſſe, the ſaid Montroſſe and his Popiſh or rather Atheiſticall co-partner in blood and villany,A brave victory obtained by Major Generall Ʋrrey againſt the Lord Montroſſe in Scotland. Mac O Donnel, an Iriſh Caniball, with their whole body came to Duncall, whether Major Generall Ʋrrey, with the forces under his command purſued him; but upon his March Montroſſe was fled, as if hee intended for Saint Johnſtons, but afterwards turned toward Aberdene, Major Ʋrrey ſtill purſuing him, whereupon Montroſſe wheeled about (now, indeed) toward St. Johnſtons, ſo that Generall Ʋrrey fearing hee would enter Dundee, ſent to the Town to ſtand upon their guard againſt the Enemy, aſſuring them they ſhould not …ail of his ſpeedy help, which accordingly they found.
About the Evening Montroſſe fell upon the Town and burnt the Suburbs, but was bravely entertained by the honeſt-hearted Towneſmen, who valiantly kept the Market place, where they had ſome hot bickering with Montroſſes forces, where the Towneſmen loſt not above 10 men, but ſlew many of the Enemie in the place, during which encounter, Generall Ʋrrey came up with his forces, as hee promiſed, and fell upon the Enemy in the Town, ſlew 400 upon the place, and took neer as many priſoners, 4 great barrells of powder (being all they had there) took all their field peices, their bagge and baggage, and diſperſed the Enemy, and had at this time, utterly ſpoyled and ruinated them, had not the darkneſſe of the night hindered his purſuite of them. The Honourable Houſe of Commons taking into conſideration this proſperous ſucceſſe which it pleaſed the Lord to give our brethren in Scotland, which was of much concernment,A Solemn day of Thankſgiving appointed & kept in London, &c. for this great victory. not only for the hoped peace of that Kingdome, but of this alſo, they therfore Ordered that publick Thanksgiving ſhould bee made for the ſame, the (then) next enſuing Lords Day, in the ſeverall Pariſh Churches in London and Weſtminſter, and within the Line of Communication; and a Committee of the Lords and Commons addreſſed themſelves to the Scottiſh Commiſſioners, to congratulate them in that happy and ſeaſonable Victory.
About the 14 inſtant, among divers other uſefull Ordinances of Parliament, there was one paſſed by the Houſe of Commons, for exempting the Univerſity of Cambridge from all Military Taxes and other Contributions to the publike Service: That nothing contained in any Ordinance or Ordinances of Parliament, Cambridge is by the Parliament highly priviledged, & Learning like to bee highly honored and advanced.for, or concerning the impoſing, levying, or paying of any aſſeſſements, taxes or charges whatſoever, as well already made and charged, as hereafter to bee made and charged by any former Ordinances, ſhall not bee extended to charge the ſaid Univerſity, or any the Colledges or Halls therein, or any the Rents or Revenues belonging thereunto, nor to charge any Maſter, Fellow, or Schollar of any the ſaid Colledges, or any Reader, Officer, or Miniſter of the ſaid Univerſity or Colledges, for, or in regard of any Wages, Stipend, or Profit due to them, or any of them, in reſpect of their places and employments in the ſaid Univerſity; any thing in the ſaid Ordinances to the contrary, notwithſtanding. Provided, that the Tenents who enjoy Leaſes from the ſaid Univerſity and Colledges, doe claime no freedome or exemption,Malignant ſlanderers mouthes againſt the Parliament ſtopped or advantage by this ſaid Ordinance. Heer, therefore, that old Prelaticall ſlander of the Malignant Enemies, is already clearly confuted, who maliciouſly and falſly give out, as if the Parliament were or would bee haters, and diſcountenancers of Learning and parts, whereas they ever a…med at the advancement thereof by a moſt neceſſary Reformation and cleanſing of the Univerſity from its old ſtale, and ſtinking lees, and corrupted and corrupting dregs of Popery, Arminianiſm, ſuperſtition, profaneneſſe, and even open atheiſme, as was too evident, in ſo many Prelaticall, Popiſh, and Arminian creatures therin, ſuch ſuperſtitious, idle-addle-headed Governours, ſo many formaliſts, and politicians in Divinity, meer Atheiſts in converſation, who conſtantly infected the better wits and ingenous Spirits, inducing and drawing them by their moſt prevalent pernicious examples to their own wayes and wicked practiſes: But, now the Fountain being purifyed and cleanſed, the ſtreams muſt needs run abroad more clear into Church and Common-wealth, by Gods bleſſing on the means.
About the 16 of this inſtant Aprill, wee had ſuddain and certain intelligence out of Kent that about 3 or 400 mad-headed and diſcontented Malignants, part of the raſcality of that County were gotten into a body, and had put themſelves into a ſecond open Rebellion, and had taken Sir Percivall Harts houſe neer Farningham, and had got divers horſe and Armes,A ſecond rebellion in Ke…t, but ſoon ſuppreſſed by valiant Colonell Blunt. which might threaten ſome danger to that flouriſhing County; but by the ſpeedy proviſion and care of the Committee and Gentry of that County, the Serpent was cruſht in the Egge; for they had inſtantly ordered and authorized noble Colonell Blunt, (who, indeed merited much honour in this Service) to raiſe forces in the County for the ſuppreſſing of them, who uſed ſuch induſtry, wiſdome, courage, and fidelity therein, that hee had ſoon raiſed a body of about 2000 horſe and foot in one afternoon, and part of the next morning, and with quick expedition marched after them with 4 field peices toward Lunnington Houſe, and having found them out, reſolutely ſet upon them, and had ſoon utterly routed and diſperſed them, took 50 of their principall Ring-leaders, who were clapt up in ſafe cuſtody, till they might bee proceeded againſt by Martiall-Law. And thus (praiſed bee the Lord) this ſpark of rebellion, not being neglected was as timely quenched, as it was ſoon kindled.
Much about which ſaid time, wee were certainly informed by Letters out of Hampſhire, that a party of renowned Colonell Nortons horſe from Southampton being upon a deſign to fortifie Rumſey and ſo to ſtraiten the Enemies Garriſon at Wincheſter; which the better to effect, a party of his horſe, I ſay, under the Command of Major Stewart were drawn out to face Wincheſter, A brave …ef at given to the Enemy at Rumſey, by valiant Colon. No tens forces.and ſo to keep the Enemy in play, whilſt Rumſey was thus fortifying; which was done accordingly, and after ſome ſmall skirmiſhing, Major Stewart retreated with the loſſe of 4 or 5 of his men, and as many of the Enemies; upon his retreat the Enemy advanced; but now Major Stewart, being ſeconded by a freſh party from Rumſey, ſet again upon them, routed, and purſued them, killed Leivtenant Coard and 6 or 7 more on the place, took Captain Heath, Cornet Barnes, and 4 or 5 other Officers, and about 30 horſe and their Riders priſoners, and brought them ſafe to Rumſey, and afterward ſent them to Southampton. In this ſervice, Major Stewart received a ſhot in the thigh, but not mortall, only a badge of honour unto him, praiſed bee the Lord for it.
About the 18 inſtant, wee had clear intimation and knowledge of divers of the Lords and Peers of the Kingdom, who having formerly deſerted the Parliament,Divers of the Lords at Oxford come in unto the Parliament and ſhown themſelves in open oppoſition, or, at beſt, in ſlie and faithleſſe tergiverſation from the Cauſe of God, maintained by this preſent Parliament; yet now at the length, the Lord (as wee hope) having opened their eyes of underſtanding to ſee their errour, and perſwaded their hearts (as wee truſt) to cleave to his Truth, in ſincerity and cordiall loyalty; and therefore now, I ſay, divers of them were come in unto the Parliament from Oxford, and took their Oath, and the Solemn Covenant to bee true and faithfull to the ſervice of the Parliament, to the uttermoſt of their abilities, both with their lives and fortunes.
Firſt, there came in about the 10 of this inſtant, 3 Earles, and 3 Lords;The Earles & Lords names that are returned from Oxford to the Parliament. Viz. The Earl of Bedford, the Earl of Clare, and the Earl of Leiceſter; the Lord Pawlet, the Lord Conway, and the Lord Rich. And ſince that, 5 more came in, and took the ſame Oath and Covenant, Viz. the Earl of Weſtmerland, the Earl of Tenet, the Earl of Monmouth, and the Lord Savill. The reſt wee pray and truſt, will alſo in the Lords due time ſee their foul errours, and ſeeing, bee aſhamed, and ſin no more in that kinde.
And about the 20 of this inſtant Aprill, wee received certain intelligence by a Letter from a Member of the Committee of Worceſter, then reſiding at Warwick, concerning a great and brave defeat given to Prince Maurice his forces in Worceſterſhire; which Letter comming to my hands, I have heer for the Readers better content and ſatisfaction inſerted, which was as followeth.