Englands Parliamentary Chronicle, Chronicle · Letter 31 – Letter 34

Englands Parliamentary Chronicle · Chronicle · Letter 31 – Letter 34

p. 297Honourable Gentlmen:

MY haſte laſt night made my Relation then ſent,Col. Copleyes Letter touching the moſt famous defeat given to the Enemy at Sherburne. both ſhort and unſatisfactory. This I now preſent, is for your further and full ſatisfaction, touching our late fight with the Enemy at Sherburne. Ʋpon intelligence of the Kings advance to Blythe, with part of his Horſe, we appointed a Rendezvouze on Tueſday morning, purpoſely to have ſlapt his advance by Doncaſter, but hearing that he had a Rendezvouze that morning at Workſope, and thereby fearing his advance into Cheſhire, we kept our Quarters and the Guard at Doncaſter, as uſually, only that we might be in readineſſe, I alſo appointed a Rendezvouze of all our Horſe, at two of the Clock on Tueſday evening. In which interim the Enemy had advanced, beyond our expectation, from Workſope thorow Doncaſter by day light, and beat up our Guard at Cuſworth, about ſixe or ſeven of the clock, and in Scawsby-Keyes they quartered, and ſo marched ſtrait to Ferribridge the next morning, and thence to Sherburne, where they met with a Countryman, who told them that our men were prepared for their coming as ſo indeed a party of ours were, of about 800 Foot and ſome Horſe, upon whom the Enemy fiercely falling (being but a handfull to them) they ſoone routed the Horſe, beat Colonell Wrens Regiment, at the North ſide of Sherburne, The Enemy ſurprizeth our Forces in Sherburne, both Horſe and Foote.and tooke all the Foot Priſoners, diſarmed them all preſently, and laid their Armes in a great heap in Sherburme ſtreet, till they could get Carriages to take or ſend them away, for their further uſe▪ But, we having certain intelligence hereof, marched thither with all ſpeed, and being now come to Sherburne, we drew up our Horſe, and ordered them into bodies for Charges and Reſerves. But here, firſt we fell into a great ſtrait, for we durſt not march thorow Milford, fearing the Enemies with their Dragoones, (for, we heard they had ſuch, but they had none) might have put us into diſorder; but above the Towne, through the hedges, which alſo was ſome inconvenience,The difficulties our Forces met about Sherburne. we were forced (whom we came neare Sherburne, and the Enemy drawing out againſt us) to draw over a narrow way, through an impoſſable Brooke, which we knew not of, having much adoe thereby to bring our bodies againe into order, which truly might have occaſioned the loſſe of the p. 298day unto us, had not the Enemy been ſomwhat too late (being buſie with their Armes and Priſoners taken in the Towne, as God had wiſely diſpoſed of it for us) in drawing out of the Towne. So, thus, then, by Gods aſſiſtance, I brought up againſt every of the Enemies bodies (as neer as I could) a body of ours,Both parties meet together in the Field. and reſolutely faced them in the Field, both parties ſtriving who ſhould be ſooneſt in Battalia. But here let me give thee (good Reader) a ſight of Sir Marmaduke Langdales Speech, made to his Souldiers in the Field, before the Fight began, which came to my hand, and was unqueſtionably a true Copy of the ſubſtance thereof; and this it was:

Gentlemen:

YOu are all gallant men,The ſubſtance of Sir Marmaduke Langdalet Speech to his Souldiers before this fight. and have done bravely, but there are ſome that ſeeke to ſcandalize your gallantry for the loſſe of Naſeby Field, but I hope you will redeem your reputation, and ſtill maintaine that gallant report which you ever had. I am ſure you have done ſuch buſineſſes, as never have been done in any war with ſuch a number, your march from Oxford, firſt beating of Roſſiter, and the reliefe of Pomfret, the like I believe was never done; And I hope you are Gentlemen, and that you will ſtill maintaine it, and redeeme that which you have loſt; For mine owne part, I will not have you upon any deſigne, but where I will lead you my ſelf.

And thus now, I ſay, he led them on into the Field.

Now the Enemy being alſo much fluſht and incouraged with their late good ſucceſſe againſt us,The fight begun. charged valiantly upon us, and ours anſwered them with as brave gallantry as could be; at firſt the left wings on both ſides were routed,The Enemy routed and put to flight. but in the concluſion, our Reſerves coming on ſo ſeaſonably and couragiouſly, the Enemy was forced to flie, and we, by Gods bleſſing, got the day, though I muſt confeſſe, divers of our Horſe (as I toucht before) were routed at firſt, and the miſchiefe fell moſt upon my Regiment,The Lord Digby wounded in the Fight, and foure Piſtols fired on Sir Marmaduke Langdale. The Enemy purſued three miles. who charged the onelyonly gallant men (the Reformadoes) that the Enemy had. One of their chiefe Commanders (the Lord Digby by name) was wounded, as we were credibly informed, and Sir Marmaduke Langdale himſelf alſo had foure Piſtols fired upon him, but whether he was wounded or not, was then uncertaine unto us. But the Victory was clearly ours (ever magnified and praiſed be our great and gracious God) and we ſolely kept the Field, and purſued the Enemy at leaſt three miles together, Many priſoners were taken, we believe 400 at leaſt, p. 299Sir Richard Hutton was ſlaine upon the place, whoſe Corps his kinred (having protection thereunto) buried in the place he formerly had deſired to be laid in. I have here ſent the Liſt of their ſlaine and prime priſoners taken by us,Scarcely ten of our men ſlaine. which you ſhall receive by Colonell Lilburne. Many of our men were wounded, but hardly ten ſlaine. This was certainly a great buſineſſe, and a rare mercy unto us, for the Enemy made themſelves abſolutely ſure to have been in the City of Yorke that night,The importance of this buſineſſe. or the next day at fartheſt; but now they are ſcattered (bleſſed be the Lord for it:) And that which was not the leaſt part of our Victory, we recovered againe all our men and Arms which they had before taken from us in Sherburne, All our men and Arms recovered that were taken before.as alſo the prevention of the Enemies intended march to Montroſe in Scotland, which (with the taking of Yorke in the way) was the maine deſigne which the Enemy eagerly aimed at, in this their thus undertaken march. Not unto us Lord, not unto us, but to thy name alone, we give (as moſt due) all the honour and glory hereof. Honourable Gentlemen, your deſire of a full relation, hath made me thus tedious, for which I crave your pardon. I ſhall preſent your Order to the Officers and Souldiers, in the expreſſion of your good acceptance of: this our Service, and your farther intended care for us; And for the preſent I reſt

Your moſt humble Servant Chr. Copley. Octob. 16. 1645.

A Liſt of the prime Priſoners, and of the Prizes taken at this Battell at Sherburne, on Wedneſday, Octob. 15. 1645. about foure of the Clock in the afternoone.

COl. Sir Francis Anderſon.

Col. Bulmer.

Col. Chayton.

Col. Carnaby.

Lieut. Col Matthew Wentworth.

Lieut. Col. Gordon.

Major Graythorn.

Captaine Leneon, Maſter of the Ordnance.

Capt. James Cholmley. wounded.

Capt. Marſhall. wounded.

Capt. Pudſey. wounded.

And foure Captains more.

Capt. Lieut. Salter.

Lieut: John Turner, and divers other Reformadoes.

Maſter Duke Tunſtall, a great Papiſt.

Mr. Clavering.

Mr. Lowither.

Col. Sir Francis Carnaby ſlaine.

Col. Sir Richard Hutton ſlaine,

and 40 more.

Mr. Slingsby ſore wounded.

p. 300Col. Clavering and Carnabyes Colours taken, with divers other Colours.

Lord Digbyes Coach, and the Kings Surgeon in it; but eeſpecially his Cabinet, wherin were divers Letters, ſome wherof of great cōſequence, written in a new Character, & the Character alſo found, which could open all.

Much gallant Pillage.

We loſt not ten men, but many wounded.

The Enemie were about 1600 intended for Montroſſe, ours about 2250.

About ſixe hundred of the Enemy gone towards Skipton.

300 or 400 Troopers taken, & about ſix hundred Horſes.

40 ſlaine, and many wounded.

The Counteſſe of Nidſdale taken, and ſome other Ladies.

About October 24 we received certaine intelligence by Letters from the moſt renowned Generall, Sir Thomas Fairfax, his Excellency, to the Parliament, as alſo by other unqueſtionable informations out of the Weſt,The admirable and almoſt miraculous taking in of Tiverton Towne and Caſtle. of the taking of the Towne, Church and Caſtle of Tiverton, by his Excellencies Forces in thoſe parts; the manner whereof, in briefe, was thus faithfully related: Upon Thurſday, Octob. 16. Major Generall Maſſie was ordered by the Generall to advance to Tiverton, and ſo to quarter beyond the River with his Brigade, which accordingly he did, and ſoone poſſeſt himſelfe of the Towne of Tiverton, Major Generall Maſſie enters Tiverton.forcing the Enemy out of it, only thoſe that had got into the Church and Caſtle to keep thoſe places as long as they could. It was then conceived hard for us, nay almoſt impoſſible for us to hinder the Enemies Horſe from marching Eaſtward, if they would have attempted it with their whole ſtrength, except Lieutenant Generall Cromwell (with his whole Brigade) did come up timely to us. On Friday the 17 inſtant, the Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax himſelfe,The Generall fits downe before the Caſtle & Church. ſate downe before Tiverton Caſtle and Church, to take them in, and ſummoned the Enemy to deliver them up; of which being denyed, we planted our battering-Peeces againſt them, which worke went forward that day and the next.

On Saturday, Octob. 18. our batteries being finiſhed, by the afternoon. Upon the Lords Day, Octob. 19. the Generall cauſed ſeverall great Peeces to be planted on the Batteries, againſt the Caſtle, very early in the morning, ſo that they were ready to play by break of day, and all our Canon began to play about ſeven of the Clock that morning, againſt the Caſtles; and the Enemy from p. 301thence anſwered us with their Peeces, but (bleſſed be God) did no execution upon any of us. But, ſee the admirable and all-directing power and providence of our wonder-working God, for us, namely,The admirable providence of God, here, that one of our Canoneers ſhootes a ſhot at adventure, and breakes down the Draw-bridge of the Caſtle. that after ſome ſhot which we had made againſt them, one of our Canoneers, by one ſhot from his Peece of Ordnance, moſt gallantly and admirably (if not almoſt miraculouſly) in a moment performed this moſt difficult buſineſſe for us; for, at that one ſhot, it pleaſed the Lord ſo to direct the Bullet, (juſt like him, 2 Chron. 18. 33. which drew a bowe at a venture, and ſhot his arrow at King Ahab, ſo that he dyed, as the Lord had ſaid by the Prophet) ſo, I ſay, the Lord did ſo direct this bullet, ſhot at a venture, that it brake the Chaine of the Draw-Bridge quite in Peeces, whereupon the Draw-Bridge, preſently fell downe, and thereby made the paſſage open for our entrance into the Caſtle, which moſt happy opportunity, our Souldiers ſeeing, inſtantly laid hold thereon, and without any Order from the Generall, choſe rather couragiouſly to fight, than to ſtand ſtill and look on, when God gave them ſo fit and faire an occaſion; which their reſolution tooke ſo good effect, that they ſoone poſſeſſed themſelves of all,The Caſtle & Church entred by … Souldiers. preſently entred the Caſtle and Church, in which on flat we had only foure men ſlaine: And though we entred thus, yet, ſuch was the milde, moderate, and gentle carriage of the Generall, and ſuch his deſire to ſpare the effuſion of blood, that, I ſay, notwithſtanding they tooke it by ſtorme, yet he himſelf gave command that Quarter ſhould be given to all that were alive,The Generals clemency. which was accordingly performed. We tooke in the Caſtle, Sir Gilbert Tal…, Governour of the place, above 20 other Officers and Gentlemen of note and quality,The Priſoners and prizes taken in the Church and Caſtle. and among them, one Maſter Kemp, a grand Malignant Prieſt, above 200 Common Souldiers, foure Peeces of Ordnance, thirty Barrels of Powder, 500 Armes, and ſtore of other Ammunition, Proviſion and Treaſure, good prey for the Souldiers paines, who ſo well deſerved it. The Workes of this Caſtle (as the Generall himſelf teſtified) were as ſtrong and regular as ever he ſaw, and this Garriſon of ſingular good uſe, both in order to the ſtraitning of Exeter, as alſo for ſecuring of any thing for his Army, whiles it ſtayes in the Weſt. O how are we therefore bound to our ſo great and glorious wonder-working … who thus felicitates and facilitates our great and moſt dangerous endeavours, for the effecting and finiſhing of his gracious Worke of Reformation among us! ever magnified and bleſſed p. 302be his holy name, which exceeds all praiſes, for ever and ever.

About the 26 inſtant, we had alſo certaine intelligence out of Wales of the excellent and moſt hopefull condition of things in that Principality, The good condition of Wales for the Parliament.viz. That the whole County of Pembrokeſhire was totally reduced to the obedience of the Parliament, and the greateſt part of Glamorganſhire; where generally the Inhabitants ſhewed themſelves very forward and active for the Parliament, ſo as five or 6000 had taken up Arms againſt the Common Enemy of their true peace and welfare, and many of them had joyned themſelves to valiant Colonell Morgan, and had done great good Service already in thoſe parts, and had taken Sir John Strangewayes, a great ſtickler for the Royall Party. Carmarthen Towne and Caſtle taken.And that the Towne and Caſtle of Carmarthen were ſurrendred to valiant, victorious and faithfull Major Generall Laughorne, for the uſe and ſervice of the King and Parliament: And that the Inhabitants all there about had unanimouſly and publikely made Declaration of their reſolved fidelity to the Parliament, and had to that purpoſe ſubſcribed many hands and names, in the behalf of the reſt, according to their ſpontaneous conſent and agreement, in a Declaration to the ſaid Major Generall in theſe words:

WE whoſe names are ſubſcribed,The Declaration of the County of Carmarthen. in the name of our ſelves and all the Inhabitants of this County, do abſolutely declare for King and Parliament, and will with our lives and fortunes, aſſiſt the Forces raiſed by the Parliament, againſt any other whatſoever, that ſhall ſeeke to invade theſe Countries, and do deſire to be received into the King and Parliaments protection, according to the Declaration of Major Generall Laughhorne. And as for Contribution, we alſo willingly ſubmit thereunto, proportionably to our neighbour Counties.

Octob. 11. 1645.

About the 28 inſtant we were further certainly informed by Letters out of Wales, that the Towne and Caſtle of Monmouth were taken by valiant Colonell Morgan, Monmouth Towne and Caſtle taken by Colonell Morgan.with the aſſiſtance of the Clubmen of thoſe parts, under the conduct of Sir Trevor Williams, being 1500 Foot and 200 Horſe; the manner of the taking of them, in briefe was thus:

Upon Colonell Morgans advance that way, with all thoſe and his owne Forces, and his neare approach to the Towne, the Enemy voluntarily (but out of juſt ſtrong feare of him) quickly qui… ted p. 303the Towne, and drew all their Souldiers into the Caſtle (for, the Kings recruits ſince his ſore loſſe at Naſeby, had drained his Garriſons halfe drie) whether they betooke themſelves for their preſent beſt refuge. And as ſoon as Colonell Morgan came to make demand of the Towne, the Townſmen and Inhabitants preſently gave him all he could deſire of them, and faire admittance to …. As ſoone as he was entred the Towne, he ſent Summons to the Caſtle,The manner of taking the Caſtle. but received a flat deniall, whereupon he ſummoned in the Country, to bring in Spades, Shovels, Mattocks, Baskets, &c. which was expeditiouſly and in ſhort time performed by them: The next day he began to mine, and to ſalute the Enemy with ſome ſhot, and this preſently produced a Parley, and the Parley ſoone brought forth Conditions, upon which the Caſtle was delivered up to the valiant Colonell. There were not in all above 130 within the Caſtle.The prizes taken in the Caſtle. We tooke in it ſeven Peeces of Ordnance, 400 Muskets and Pikes, ten or twelve barrels of Powder, 25 Barrels of Brimſtone and Salt-Peter, together with good ſtore of other Ammunition and Proviſion. The truth of all this was conſumed by Colonell Morgans owne Letter to the Parliament, after the reading whereof, the Commons ordered that thankes ſhould be returned to Almighty God, for all theſe great mercies in thoſe parts,The Parliaments gratitude to God for theſe great mercies, and thanks to Col. Morgan. the next Lords Day, in all Churches and Chappels in and about London and Weſtminſter. And further Ordered, That a Letter of thankes ſhould be returned to the ſaid valiant Colonell Morgan, for this and all his other gallant and faithfull ſervices for the State, ſince his having command of Glouceſter, and that the ſaid Colonell Morgan ſhould have the command of all the Forces of the County of Glouceſter. And as for the Government of Monmouth, it was conferred upon Sir Trevor Williams, a worthy, religious, and gallant Gentleman, A fit and faire-way indeed, by gratifying the well-deſerving, to ingage their hearts and affections more and more to the State and Kingdome.

And much about the foreſaid time the Letters taken in the Lord Digbies Coach at Sherburne conflict (as hath been toucht before) were read at a Conference of both Houſes of Parliament: The Letters taken in the Lord Digbyes Coach at Sherburne in Yorkſhire, read in the Parliament.In divers whereof, to the Marqueſſe of Ormond in Ireland, his Majeſty much bewailes his low and decaying condition, ſince Naſeby Battell, and adviſes him, if he can, to make a Peace with his Iriſh Catholique Subjects, or at leaſt a Ceſſation: But however, though he hazard the loſſe of that Kingdome, that he ſhould come away p. 304in perſon,The ſubſtance of 3. or 4. of thoſe Letters. unto him, withall the forces Armes and Ammunition, that he could get and command from thence, leaving the reſt, (namely, the Proteſtants on the Parliament-ſide) and the Rebells, to diſpute the buſineſſe together. And to incourage the Marqueſſe therein, he promiſed him, that if he did proſper, he ſhould be preferred to all the dignity that poſſibly could be conferred upon a ſubject; but if his Majeſties undertakings ſucceeded ill (as twas moſt like they would, being altogether againſt God and his Truth) hee and the reſt of his followers would have the honour to die nobly in a good cauſe.

In another Letter upon occaſion of Prince Ruperts adviſing him to a treaty with the Parliament; his Majeſtie checks the ſaid Prince for it, wonders he was ſo much miſled; tels him, that to condeſcend lower than his termes at Ʋxbridge, would be as bad as a ſubmiſſion, which, he would never doe ſo long as he lived. And, in another Letter dated at Newarke, October to the King declares the grounds of his comming to Newarke rather than any other Garriſon, it being moſt unlikely to be beſieged; Colonell Generall Poyntz being (as the Letter ſaid) much broken with purſuing him: That he had the greateſt ſtrength thence to break out upon occaſion, and to get to Montroſſe, who by an expreſſe, gave him to underſtand, that his Condition, and late …ent was not ſo bad and ſo great as was reported, but that he was in a good condition, and by an addition of forces from Kalcan, who were coming to him, he ſhould be able to aſſiſt the King, &c. In all which premiſes, we may all ſee, with what poore and vaine hopes, meere Egyptian-Reeds, the King reſts on and feeds himſelfe; and thereby, thus, more and more hardens his heart from hearing or yeilding any fit and faire accommodations with his people and Parliament, About the 30. of this inſtant October, we had certaine intelligence by a Letter under the hands of famous and faithfull Colonell Mitton, Colonell Iones and Adjutant Louthian, that the enemie being induſtrious to releive that Garriſon of Weſt-Cheſter, and knowing that the loſſe of that would be the ſurrender of all the other; A brave defeat given to the enemy neer Denbigh Caſtle, who intended to relieve Cheſter.They had, therefore, drawn a party out of their Garriſons of Worceſter, Ludlow, Bridgenorth and other Garriſons thereabout, 2400 viz. 1700. Horſe and 700. foot and Commanded by Sir William Ʋaughan, being all in one body neer Denbigh-Caſtle, which was about 22. miles from Cheſter. Whereupon, our forces calling a p. 305Councell of War, what was beſt to be done, whether to ſuffer the Enemie to come neerer, or to go out and right with them they concluded to goe out, and ſo drew forth about 1400. horſe and 100 foot, leaving the Workes ſufficiently man'd before Cheſter; and on Saturday they came to the enemie neere Denbigh Caſtle, ſent a forelorne hope under the command of Captaine Otter, the Body being commanded by gallant Colonell Generall Mitton, the Horſe led up by Colonell Jones, the Foot by Adjeant Louthian, who fell on the enemy with as much gallantrie as could be expected, there being under their command ſome Lancaſhire horſe, ſome of Warwickeſhire and Shropſhire, &c. each Officer and Souldier deſerving honour for their reſolution and action; among which Major Hanksworth of Warwick … Major Sanders of Derby did very gallant ſervice: in ſhort, we wholly routed the enemie, tooke betweene five and ſix hundred horſe, and above foure hundred foot, ſlew above an hundred on the place, and purſued them ſix miles, doing great execution all the way, ſo as in the evening there was not above one hundred left together of the enemie. The particulars could not then be related; this Meſſenger came on Tueſday night, and had fiftie pounds given him for the intelligence; And the Parliament alſo ordered that letters of thankes, ſhould be ſent from that Houſe to Colonell Mitton, and the reſt for this and all their other faithfull Service to the ſtate.

And not long after the foreſaid time we had yet farther information by Letters from thoſe parts, that renowned, religious and victorious Sir William Brereton, was now ſafely arived (as had beene long and earneſtly deſired by the Countrie, there) at the Leaguer, before Weſt Cheſter, and that valiant and vigilant Colonell Iones having certaine notice that Sir William …, Another brave defeat given to the Enemy at Holt-bridge, where Sir William Byren was taken priſoner.the bloody Lord Byrons brother, knowing well the wants and ſhalts of his ſaid brother Governour of Cheſter, had therefore got together what proviſions hee poſſibly could make and ſcrape up together, and all the forces he could raiſe to the number of about 400. neer Holt, with an intent thus to releive the City of Cheſter on the Welch-ſide thereof. But I ſay, brave and active Colonell Jones, knowing hereof, choſe rather to march out unto him by the way, than to be more dangeouſly moleſted neere the City walls where he lay, and ſo leaving a ſufficient guard about the Towne in the Leaguer, went forth, p. 306and met him on the way, bravely encountred him, wherein the fight, having ſoon routed him, he tooke Sir William … himſelfe, their Commander in Cheife, Priſoner, with about 50. other priſoners and horſe, ſlew divers on the place, took divers horſ-loades of their proviſion, wherewith they intended to have relieved the City; and thus, by Gods goodnes hindred this deſigne alſo; thus, by Gods merciemercy, haſtning our hopes of the ſooner ſurrender of the ſaid Towne unto us.

And about the 31. inſtant, came the moſt Excellent newes (with which I ſhall conclude this moſt Memorable MonethMonth alſo).Another moſt famous defeat and brave victorie over the Lord Digby, and Sir Marmaduke Langdale, in their march into Scotland, to joyne with Montroſſe. of a moſt famous defeat and remarkable routing of the forces of the Lord Digby, and Sir Marmaduke Langdale, in their hoped and intended hot and furious march into Scotland to joyne with Montroſſe his forces there, for a farther great miſchiefe to that poore kingdome, and ours alſo (had not the Lord graciouſly prevented it) afterward, upon their ſucceſſe in this intended deſigne of theirs. Which famous defeat was brought to the Parliament, by Sir William Adiſon, who came to London out of the North and brought the true intelligence thereof; the particulars whereof were as followeth: The Lord Digby, and Sir Marmaduke Langdale having ſent to Boulton and others of their party in Lancaſhire, Cumberland and other places to come in unto them and joyn with them in their March toward Scotland, where they intended to joyne with Montroſſe, as aforeſaid, They marched from Skippon Northward, and endevoured to have paſſed by Kirby-Linſdale, but Colonell Briggs having intelligence of this their deſigne,The Lord Digby croſt in his way and forced to goe another way. made good a paſſe againſt them, whereby he forced them to turne by the way of the Sands about Partmake to get into Cumberland, their Cheife guide being Sir William Hudleſtone (a new made Oxford-Knight and deſperate Malignant) who alſo ingaged what party he could to their aſſiſtance and brought them to Millum-Caſtle, which was his own Houſe, on the Sea-Coaſts.

About which time there was ſome foure or five ſhips ſeene upon thoſe coaſts, and thereupon conceived that they were laden with Iriſh to joyne with Digby about White-Haven, but they proved ſome of our own Navy. It ſeemes that Digbies deſigne was to have gone into Scotland, to have joyned with Montroſſe; which deſigne, he (it ſeemes was much encouraged in by Sir Marmaduke Langdale and Sir VVilliam Huddleſtone) who is growne p. 307ſo great a man with Digby of late, that he is confident to be added to the new moddell of Lords.

Thus by their activity they had gotten together about one thouſand horſe under the command of the Lord Digbie, and Sir Marmaduke Langdale, and with them were upon their march towards Montroſſe.

Lieutenant Generall David Leſley with about two thouſand was upon his advance towards them, and lay betweene them and M…troſſe, to hinder their conjunction with Digby; in the meane while the well-affected Gentry of Cumberland were forced to flye for their ſecurity; the enemy plundering, and uſing great cruelty all the way as they paſſed: inſomuch that the country people made a great acclamation againſt them.

Generall Leſley ſent out a Brigade of about 1100. horſe, under the command of Major Generall Van-drusk, to purſue the enemy; and a Regiment of Engliſh horſe alſo were deſigned after them to gaine a paſſe, in caſe the enemy came back to hinder their retreats.

Major Generall Van-drusk with the Scots Brigade purſued the enemy ſo cloſe, that they diſcovered them in their march, and endeavoured to force them to engage, which the enemy endeavoured to avoyd; Major Generall Van-drusk divided his then, and made good ſeverall paſſes; but by reaſon of the lowneſſe of the tide, Digby and Langdale got away over the Fords; over which, Van-drusk followed them: the enemy fled over another water, and ſo over three or foure ſeverall places one after another, ſo long till the flowing of the Sea came in after they had paſſed the laſt Ford, and before Van-drusk could with his body get over, the waters were ſwelled too high to purſue further; whereby Digby got an opportunity with his forces to eſcape them.

In the mean while the Lord Balmerſnoth with what forces he could raiſe out of the Frontiers of Scotland, prepared to oppoſe Digby, who with his party, (Digby it ſeemes having intelligence thereof,) occaſioned his retreat, and ſo wheeling about eſcaped his forces, and avoided ingagement at that time, but all this while Digby increaſed, and gathered forces; and was 1000 at the leaſt and committed many …, and villanous plunderings, with his men in all places where he came, ſparing neither friend nor foe; yet all this while Digby and Langdale avoided all p. 308our forces, and it ſeemes had guides that were perfect in the waies where he was to march, ſo that he eſcaped every partes all this while; but yet we met with him afterwards with a ſmall party, and it pleaſed God to make them ſo farre powerfull againſt them as to rout and ſpoile them.

Sir John Browne, a very gallant active man, undertooke with a ſmall party of between 4. and 500. to ſeeke out Digby and his nimble brigade, that had ſo many qui…es, and turnings, and if it were poſſible to force them to engage: which he performed with great wiſdome and valour.

Sir John Browne divided his ſmal party, about 150. were ſent to make good a paſſe, whilſt the reſt being not above 300. marched out towards the enemy, Sir John Browne having then Intelligence that the Lord Digby, Sir Marmaduke Langdale and the reſt, in number about 1000. were about Carlile ſands, thether he haſted after them, and Digby (it ſeemes) having Intelligence of forces coming againſt him, (but it is probable knew not the number, for he) fled from them, neerer to the Sea, whether Sir John Browne followed them, and it pleaſed God to give him an opportunity to fall on the enemy, the thing that Sir John much deſired, and the tide being up Sir John Browne gained a paſſe, which is a kind of paſſe over a place which he got and made good; and though he was ſo few, and the enemy ſo many, yet Sir John Brown was reſolved to ingage, and to runne that hazard, truſting in Gods al-ſufficiency, and accordingly drew up.

But Sir John Browne, though willing to hazard his own perſon, yet he ſent away his Coullers to Generall Leſly, with ſome other things that could not do much helpe but hinder the fight; and ſent word to Generall Laſly, what a reſolution he had to force Digby to engage; and what an opportunity he had to doe it; which though ſo few, yet with thoſe he had he would runne the hazard, his number being then not full 500. but well mounted, and Armed.

Upon their approach the Lord Digby tooke an alarme in his quarters, and underſtanding that the party were but ſmall, drew into a poſture to fight with them, divided his forces into two bodies, one of which ſtayed with him, and the other Commanded by Sir … Langdale; Digby ſtayed with his party, and Langdales came up towards Sir John Browne, and they faced each other a while, the enemy being then ſurrounded by the waters.

p. 309Sir John Browne ſent Captaine Leſly on the forlone hope, who drew up; and being met by the enemie charged them very gallantly, the reſerve charged up to him ſeaſonably with Sir Iohn Browne; and all of them in their ſeverall places, (according to their degrees) did all very much and in ſhort time brake thorow their body and routed them; Their reſerve ſome, of them, came up, but moſt fled; And in this action Sir John Browne himſelfe deported himſelfe with as much gallantry as any man in the world could do, the whole body being not diſcouraged, though in number ſo much overmatched.

For the particulars of thoſe that were killed, and taken, I refer you to the liſt, where all the particulars are certified, according to Sir John Brownes own letter.

The Lord Digby had a cleare rout as ever was given to any; The Lord Digby himſelfe, with Sir Marmaduke Langdale and others of his chiefe Officers that eſcaped fled over to the Iſle of man in a Cock-Boat: The Iſle of man is a malignant Iſland, between Cumberland and Ireland; the Earle of Derby is the Governour thereof for the King: and of others that eſcaped there are divers taken ſtraglers, and their Horſe and Armes, but in a body there are none heard of, ſave onelyonly about 200. that are fled towards B…m; and a party are ſent to ſtop them from getting in thereto, if they can, but of them that are fled that way of the Enemies many of them are fore wounded.

A Liſt of what was ſlain, and what was taken by Sir John Brown at the routing of the Lord Digby and Sir Marmaduke Langdale at Carlile Sands.

On the Enemies part.

ONe hundred ſlaine upon the place.

Many wounded.

Taken Priſoners.

DIgby his Quartermaſter Generall.

1 Colonell of Langdales Brigade.

2 Lieutenant Colonels.

3 Captains of Horſe.

Divers other Officers.

Many Priſoners.

Taken beſides.

TWo Hundred Horſe and Armes.

The Lord Digbyes owne Standard.

Sir Marmaduke Langdales Standard.

3 Colours of Horſe.

p. 310On our part.

SIr John Browne ſhot thorow his ſide, but not mortally, for he is able to fit upon his Horſe back.

Captaine Leſley wounded.

30 and odde ſlaine, amongſt whom ſome Officers, but none of note that I hear of.

50 or there abouts wounded on our ſide in all.

Digby and Langdale with 1000 Horſe, were totally routed by Sir John Browne, with a party of about 500. and Digby and Langdale fled to the Iſle of Man in a Cockboat.

And upon the intelligence hereof, an Order paſſed both Houſes of Parliament, to this effect: It is this day Ordered by the Lords and Commons in Parliament aſſembled, That the Miniſters in the ſeverall Congregations in the Cities of London and Weſtminſter, and Lines of Communication, do upon Wedneſday next, being the 5 of November, take notice of the great mercy of Almighty God, in preſerving and continuing this preſent Parliament, now full five yeares compleat, notwithſtanding all the deſignes and machinations of the Enemy againſt them; And likewiſe to make moſt thankfull mention of Gods great mercy in the defeating of the Lord Digby and Sir Marmaduke Langdales Forces in Scotland, by Sir John Browne of Fardell Knight: And that the Lord Mayor be deſired to give the ſeverall Miniſters timely notice of this Order.

And now, good Reader, let me intreat thee (as there is very great reaſon) here to make a little ſtay, and even to ſtand amazed in the ſerious and moſt gratefull re-view and re-cogitation of the ſtill continued and multiplied mercies of our moſt good and gracious wonder-working God, in this MonethMonth alſo, to his bleſſed Burning-Buſh, The Burning-Buſh unconſumed.ſtill, I ſay, both unconſumed, and alſo made moſt proſperouſly to ſtand and flouriſh in the midſt of all the rough and outragious conflagrations and combuſtions of Malignants power and policie, might and miſchievous machinations, to have utterly … & deſtroyed it, root & branch, had not God, I ſay, the great and gracious, the moſt wiſe and vigilant Watchman, over his poore maligned Engliſh-Iſrael ſtood for them, as hath been mightily 1manifeſted in its glorious preſervation and propagation; both, in the brave defeat given to the Enemy by Col. Moore Governour of G…nt-Houſe, the taking of Far…igh Caſtle in Somerſetſhire, and of 2Sandall Caſtle in Yorkeſhire. In the happy ſurrender of the Town and Caſtle of Wincheſter, into the Parliaments power; and the pious p. 311reſolutions of our Parliament to deale mercifully with Malignants and Delinquents, notwithſtanding their intended mercileſſe cruelty towards us; and yet herein alſo the Parliaments prudence and providence for the ſafety and welfare of the Kingdome. In the 3moſt happy taking of Bazing-Houſe, that pernicious denne of theeves, and thus cleanſing that foule and filthie Augean-ſtall; together with the taking of Chepſtow Towne and Caſtle by Colonell Margan. In the cleared integrity of the Parliament, touching … of new Members unto them; the brave defeat given to the 4Enemy by our Abington Forces; together with that other brave 5defeat given by valiant Colonell Roſſiter to Banbury Forces neare Newarke. In the taking of Langford-Houſe neer Salisbury; and the ſoundly beating of Sir William Vaughans Forces by Tamworth Garriſon. In the famous defeat given to the Enemy at Sherburne 6his York-ſhire, by valiant Colonell Copley; and the admirable, and almoſt miraculous taking of Tiverton Town and Caſtle. In the 7happy overture of things in Wales, for the reducing of that Principality to the Parliaments obedience; and the taking in of … and Monmouth Towns and Caſtles to the Parliaments party. And laſtly, In the diſcovery of Digbies Letters, the brave defeat 8given to the Enemy neer Denbigh Caſtle, coming to relieve Cheſter; And that other brave defeat given to Sir William Byron on the like intention to relieve Weſtcheſter, where he was taken Priſoner: Together with that laſt, not leaſt, famous defeat given againe to the Lord Digby and Langdale, in their miſchievouſly intended march into Scotland to Montroſe. Upon the moſt weighty and worthy gratefull conſideration of all which moſt memorable and admirable Parliamentary mercies, and mighty bleſſings; O what infinite cauſe have we, O in what innumerable and indiſſoluble bonds of obliged gratitude are we everlaſtingly bound to bleſſe the Lord,Iſa. 25. 9, 10, 11.Isa 25:9Isa 25:10Isa 25:11 our thus great and gracious wonder-working God? And with the pious Prophet to be inlarged in our hearts and tongues with abundant expreſſions of joyfull confeſſions and exultations in our God, and to ſing and ſay, in this our day, Lo, this is our God, we have waited for him, and he hath ſaved us; This is the Lord, we have truſted in him, and now he hath made us to be glad and rejoyce in his mighty ſalvations, for he hath trodden downe Moab (our moſt proud and politick adverſaries) under his feet, even as ſtraw is trodden downe for the dunghill. Iſa. 28. 29.Isa 28:29This alſo cometh all forth from the Lord of Hoſts, who is wonderfull in counſell, and moſt excellent in working. Go on, O Lord, p. 312we pray thee ſtill to make thy great name more and more glorious, Pſal. 9. 19, 20.Ps 9:19Ps 9:20and let not men prevaile; Let ſtill theſe irreligi…us Royaliſts be judged in thy ſight; Put them ſtill in feare, O Lord, that they may know they … men. So ſhall we thy people, and the ſheep of thy paſture, give thanks … to thee, and bleſſe thy name (as we do this day) for ever and ever. … now to go on.

And here,November. 1645. now, we will begin the yet further moſt gratefull contemplation and admiration of the moſt memorable Parliamentary Mercies of this next enſuing MonethMonth alſo of Novem. 1645. with a moſt notable evidence and teſtimony of the moſt prudent and provident care and vigilancy of our Parliamentary Senators, for the good and welfare of the Kingdome, every way, in two memorable Ordinances of Parliament, Two excellent Ordinances of Parliament.ratified by the Lords and …. The one giving power to the Committee of Goldſmiths-Hall in London, to tender the Solemne League or Covenant, to all perſons comming unto them out of the Kings Quarters to compound for their Delinquency; And the other for the enabling of the Commiſſioners of the Great Seal, and the other Committees in their ſeverall Counties, to tender an Oath to all ſuch perſons of what degree or quality ſoever, that ſhall come into the Parliaments protection. Both which Ordinances, together with the foreſaid Oath, I have thought fit, for the Readers better content and ſatisfaction, here to inſert, as they were printed and publiſhed by authority of Parliament, which were as followeth:

Die Sabbathi 1 Novemb. 1645.

An Order of the Lords and Commons in Parliament Aſſembled, giving Power to the Committee of Gold-Smiths-Hall, to tender the ſolemne League and Covenant to all ſuch Perſons that come out of the Kings Quarters to compound for their Delinquency.

ORdered by the Lords and Commons in Parliament Aſſembled; That the Committee of Goldſmiths-Hall ſhall have Power to tender the ſolemne League and Covenant to all perſons that come out of the Kings Quarters to that Committee to compound, either upon Maſter Speakers Paſſe or otherwiſe, and to ſecure ſuch as ſhall refuſe to take the Covenant, untill they ſhall conforme thereunto.

Joh. Brown Cler Parliamentorum.

p. 313Die Sabbathi 5. April. 1645.

BE it Ordained by the Lords and Commons in Parliament aſſembled, That all and every perſon of what degree or quality ſoever, that hath lived or ſhall live within the Kings quarters, or beene syding, aſſiſting, or adhering unto the Forces raiſed againſt the Parliment, and hath or ſhall come to inhabit or reſide under the power and protection of the Parliament ſhall ſweare upon the holy Evangeliſt in manner following.

I A. B. doe ſweare from my heart, That I will not directly nor indirectly adhere unto, or willingly aſſiſt the King in this War, or in this Cauſe againſt the Parliament, nor any Forces raiſed without the conſent of the two Houſes of Parliament in this Cauſe or Warre. And I doe likewiſe ſweare that my comming and ſubmitting my ſelfe under the power and protection of the Parliament, is without any manner of deſigne, whatſoever, to the prejudice of the proceedings of the two Houſes of this preſent Parliament, and without the direction, privity, or advice of the King, or any of his Councell, or Officers, other than what I have now made known. So help me God, and the Contents of this Booke.

About the 2 of this inſtant November, wee received certaine intelligence by Letters from the Northern parts, about Newark, that the King being then in Newark, and extreame ſtricktly eyed and watched by faithfull & active Major Generall Poyntz, Shelford-houſe ſtormed and taken by valiant Major Gen. Poyntz.and that he could not ſtir any whither, but ſtill the Major Generall was on his back moleſting his deſignes, and eſpecially, he, at this time, lying about Shelford Houſe, his Majeſtie fearing the Major General intended at laſt, to lock him up within Newark walls, and ſo at length to block him up for a ſiege; The King therefore would very faine have beene nibling with him, watching opportunity to diſlodge him (if it might be) from ſo neere an offenſive neighbourhood, had therefore a purpoſe (at leaſt made a ſhew thereof) to ſet upon the Major Generall, in his quarters. But the ſedulous and watchfull Major Generall being too circumſpect to be ſo caught aſleepe upon his Couch of Security, and having timely notice of a party of the kings out of Newark approaching p. 314toward him, had his forces in a fit and defenſive poſture; which alſo the enemy by their Scouts underſtanding, immediately they turned their courſe back againe to Newark and durſt doe nothing upon them. Whereupon the noble and moſt active Gen…rall reſolved that now he would doe ſomething on the Enemie, and that to purpoſe too; and thereupon fell cloſe upon Shelford-Houſe, a ſtrong Gariſon of the Enemies) ſent a Summons to the Governour which was flatly denyed,Shelford-houſe ſummoned. by reaſon that they expected (and made no doubt of) ſpeedy reliefe by Newark horſe; which as was briefly toucht before, failed them, they onelyonly making a ſhew as if they would have helped them, but preſently faced about and very peaceably departed to Newark. And now alſo the Major Generall having received an additionall ſtrength from valiant and active Colonell Roſſiter, he preſently, on the foreſaid deniall, ſtormed the Houſe and very reſolutly got over the works,The Houſe taken. which was, indeed gallantly defended by the enemy, and diſputed moſt hotly on both ſides for about halfe an howres ſpace, at the ſwords point; the Enemie (ſtanding upon their honour, fortunes, and ſtrength of their works) choſe rather to die in their obſtinacie than to aske for quarter, upon which their deſperat pertinacy (there being about 180 of them in the houſe) moſt of them ſuffered by the edge of the ſword,A ſore ſlaughter made in the Houſe by the Enemies obſtinancie. for we ſlew above 140. and gave quarter, not to above 30. or 40. at moſt, among whom was the Governour, Sonne to the Earle of Cheſterfield, who had received many dangerous wounds, and ſome (twas believed) mortall. Now this ſtrong Garriſon being thus ſubdued, we had thereby much fairer oportunity and accommodation for the beſieging of Newark; but yet for the preſent, Major Generall Poyntz his deſigne was next for Worton, whereof more in its more proper place.

Much about the ſame time we had credible information by Letters out of the North, Digbyes late ſcattered forces being rallyed again, are againe met with and miſerably mangled and brought to nothing.that ſince the routing of that brave upſtart Commander the Lord Digbies forces upon C…rlile-Sands, forementioned, His ſcattered forces which remained after that rout, being afterward rallyed together againe into a body, they marched toward Dumfreez in Scotland but were happily met with all againe; ſome of them by Sir Iohn Browne of Fordell, who fought with them, put them to flight and took 100. more of them. Another party of them that fled toward Beeſton-Caſtle, were incoun…ed by Colonell Brigges, and the Lancaſhire forces and 200 p. 315more were taken by … alſo. Likewiſe above … of them flying through … withall, by Major Generall Van-… ▪ So that the … party of 1600. of the Kings prime horſe under the Conduct of Digby that … now turned … Generall …-man, was thus … ſpoiled & taken; only Digby himſelf, and La…gdale, the Lord … Sir William … and not to more (as was credibly informed) had the unhappy happines to prolong their ſhame and-miſerie, by eſcaping in a ſmall Frigot, or Cock-boat, or ſome ſuch like ſmall veſſell, to the Iſle of Man, there to condole their diſtreſſe with their as unworthy and ignoble unſucceſſefull Copeſmate the Earle of Darby, Governour of the ſaid Iſle.

And about the 3. Inſtant we were credibly informed, by Letters out of Wales, that valiant and Victorious Major Generall … had taken in Abaraſhwait, Abaraſhwait, a ſtrong Garriſon of the enemies in Cardiganſhire taken. Thanks returned to the Lord, on this 5. of November for the happy preſervation and Continuation of this preſent Parliament. Thankes and praiſes alſo returned to the Lord by order of Parliament for the City of Londons preſervation from the plague of Peſtilence.a ſtrong Garriſon of the Enemies in Cardiganſhire, and therein a Peeces of Ordnance, 200. Armes, and all their Ammunition, Bag and Baggage; So that, now, not only all … but the reſt alſo of Major Generall Laugh…s aſſociation i… … of all the Enemies forces and Garriſons.

November the 5. being the … day of ſolemn thankſgiving, or, the annuall … of Englands former wonderfull deliverance from that unparalleld (next to this preſent Epidemicall-… of the …, and Atheiſticall Malignants againſt this Parliament, and indeed I may ſay all Chriſtendome where the … Religion was profeſſed) the Popiſh-Powder-Plot, I ſay, was with great and accuſtomed Solemnity obſerved and kept throughout London and Weſtminſter; And among other things, Comm…rated on this dayes Solemn Celebration, the Miniſters were deſired by Order from the Parliament to returne humble and hearty thanks to God, as for the ſpeciall deliverance (as upon that day) from the Popiſh intended Powder-Plot (a full and exact Hiſtory whereof, I my ſelf have written and is extant in print) So likewiſe, for Gods wonderfull preſervation over, and … of this preſent Parliament, now … 5. yeares together complete; notwithſtanding the many moſt miſcheivous Plots Diabolicall Practiſes and moſt Malignant Machinations of the Enemies to have … and diſſolved it. Alſo … like humble and hearty thanks and … ſhould be tended and a…cribed to the Lord for his moſt p. 316gracious and mercifull continuing this great and moſt populous City of London in ſo much health and welfare, eſpecially from the noyſome Infection of the Plague of Peſtilence, eſpecially, alſo in ſuch a time, when very many parts of the Countries round about it, were ſorely viſited and afflicted with it; And the like ſolemn thankſgiving was ordered, throughout all the Parliaments quarters, a moſt pious and Commendable act in our moſt renowned Parliament arie-worthies, and unqueſtionably well-pleaſing to the Lord in Chriſt Jeſus.

About the 6. of this inſtant, we received certaine intelligence by Letters out of the Northern parts of the Kingdome, concerning the farther active proceedings of that valiant and experienced Commander,Worton Garriſon ſurrendred Major Generall Poyntz, whoſe forces were now neere unto W…rton (a Houſe belonging to the Lord Caworth) before which they being approached, and all things prepared for a ſtorme, they firſt ſummoned the Garriſon, and the Enemie thereupon ſoone condeſcended to Articles of Agreement for the ſurrender thereof; viz: to march out the next morning by 10. of the clock, with Armes and Baggage, and the workes to be ſlighted. This Houſe was indeed very ſtrong, but Shelford-Quarter frighted them ſorely. There were taken in this Worton-Houſe 150. Armes, 40. Pikes, 3. Barrels of Powder, a proportionable quantity of Match, and Bullet, 2. veſſells of ſtrong-beer, and ſtore of other proviſions.Wiverton Garriſon taken. After this they clapt down before Wiverton-garriſon; which they finding to be a very ſtrong place alſo, the Generall, upon treat…, agreed that the Enemie ſhould march away with bag and baggage to Banbury; the Governour thereof, Sir Robert Terrill was a knowne Papiſt; And thus alſo this ſtrong hould was ſurrendred into the Parliaments poſſeſſion. Laſtly, our forces came before Welbeck, the Marqueſſe of Newcaſtles Houſe, another ſtrong hold of the Enemies where after ſome agitation and articles agreed upon (one whereof was that Tickbill Caſtle ſhould be ſlighted,Welbeck-houſe ſurrendred. and we in lieu thereof to have this ſtrong-Houſe ſlighted alſo) it was, at laſt, ſurrendred and quitted by the Enemie, who marched thence to Newarke, leaving us to ſlight the Houſe, as was agreed on, and the the Country thereby was brought into much ſafety and ſecurity from former continuall danger.

About the 8. of this inſtant November, we had unqueſtionable information out of Wales of the remarkable Overture and change p. 317of things, almoſt over that whole Dominion, eſpecially in the County of Glamorganſhire, how the active Gentry and inhabitants therof did moſt unanimouſly unit themſelves into a firme confederation for the expulſion of their plundring Enemies, the …renous Royaliſts, out of their Countrie, and for putting themſelves under the protection and power of the Parliament, that ſo they might enjoy their houſes and eſtates free from plunder and mine; And that the Reader may ſee upon what firme and ſolid grounds theſe their undertakings were moſt diſcreetly and adviſ…dly layd, I ſhall give you an ample fight and ſatisfaction in this their owne enſuing Declaration.

A Declaration of the Knights. Gentlemen and Freeholders of the County of Glamorgan, 25. Octob. 1645.

WHereas it hath pleaſed Almighty God of his infinite goodneſſe to bleſſe the weake endeavours of the wel-affected Gentry and Commons, of this County, to free themſelves from thoſe over-maſtering powers, and arbitrary preſſures they gr…d under, whereof they have been deſirous of a long time to be freed, and now by the providence of God are in ſome meaſure reſtored to the Law and undoubted liberties belonging to the free-borne ſubjects of this Kingdome.

We have therefore thought our ſelves bound to teſtifie before all the world our moſt hearty and unfeined thankefulneſſe unto Almighty God for ſo great a mercy extended toward us. And alſo our moſt humble and hearty thankes unto that ſupreame wiſe councell of this Kingdome the Parliament for their unparalleld and unwearied care of the publique, and their particular favours to this our Country, in ſending Captaine Robert Moulton Admirall of the Seas, and other Gentlemen ſince to aſſiſt and countenance our endeavours againſt the violence of the enemie of the peace and quietneſſe of the Kingdome. And we doe all hereby declare, that albeit being formerly over maſtered by forces ſo farre, that we were not able to appeare ſo readily as the duty we owed to his Majeſty and the great Councel required of us. Yet our affections ever ſided and adheared to them, & our firm reſolution is from hence forward to hazzard our lives for their preſervation, who have ſo long adventured theirs for the good and welfare of the Kingdom; and no longer to be lookers on, but joynt labourers, by the direction & protection of the Parliament, in the happy ſtabliſhing this kingdome in a happy peace, as far as our exhauſted abilities will extend, for the preſervation of the true reformed proteſtant Religion, His Majeſties royall perſon, p. 318proſperity and dignity, the …oo…ing and preſerving, the … of the … Kingdomes of England, Scotland …, the rights and priviledges of the Parliament, the Laws of the Land, which … and property of the Subject.

All which we will endeavour to maintaine with the … of our lives. And this unfeined Declaration we … from our hearts, and … fie under our hands.

About the tenth of this Inſtant we had certaine intelligence by various Letters out of the North, of the ſurrender of Bolton Caſtle to the Parliament Forces:Bolton Caſtle in the North ſurrendred. and that the defendants therein, the Colonell Scroop, and the reſt of his Officers and Commanders, had liberty to march away thence to Newark with their Horſe and Arms, and the other inferiour Officers and Souldiers onelyonly with their Swords. There were taken in this Caſtle about 100 Muskets 50 Pikes, two Barrels of Powder, and good ſtore of other Proviſions.

And much about the ſame time we had certaine information by Letters from Glouceſter, A brave defeat given to the Enemy neer Canon-Froom, and a notable Engine taken from them.that that valiant and moſt active Governour of Glouceſter had intelligence of a deſigne againſt Canon-Froom by the Enemy in Hereford, for the ſtorming and ſurprizing of it, with a ſtrange Engine which they had provided for that purpoſe, and brought along with them; marching thus forth out of Hereford with about 400 men, with their Governour, they only faced the Houſe, and after that wh…led about toward Malvern Hils, to meet with additionall Forces from Worceſter, f…lly to beſiege it, whereof the Governour of Canon-Froom having knowledge and conſidering his preſent diſ-furniſhment of things neceſſary to defend the Gariſon againſt a ſiege or aſſault, he ſent to valiant Colonell Morgan to Glouceſter, Col. Morgan frights away the Enemy.praying his aſſiſtance, who preſently came forth to help him with 500 Horſe and 200 Foot, and marched to Ridley, where he joyned with 300 of Corſtane men, but the Enemy having notice thereof (lying then about Ledbury) poſted thence quite away,The Engine is left behinde. but had left behinde them the ſtrange Engine (which ſorely frighted our men at Froom) guarded with two or three Troops of Horſe from Hereford, till they returned. In the intrim thoſe that had faced Canon-Froom, as was toucht before, falling in at Ledbury, in their way to Malvern, to refreſh themſelves there, a Quartermaſter of Canon-Froom, with about twelve onelyonly of their Horſe, accidentally being forth to view the Coaſts and coming through the Towne, not knowing of the Royſters being p. 319there, fell upon them all, and ſeeing themſelves ſuddenly engaged cryed out Fall one, Fall ane, ſlew two on the place, and brought away five priſoners, paſt by the Engine without much ado, the Enemy It ſeems being amazed at the ſudden onſet, and unprovided, ſome drinking, and others careleſſe of any ſuch attempt, cried Horſe, Horſe, and went away in a diſtracted manner, where they ſurprized the Engine within a mile and half of the place, drove away the Troops that were with it, ſeized on it, with the two Captains, and many priſoners, and brought all, with their Ladders and other Inſtruments provided for the ſtorme, to the Garriſon of Canon-Froom; upon the coming in whereof, ſuch a ſhout was made, that all the Country rang of it. The Engine was ſuch a one, as the like hath not been known ſince theſe wars: The Royſters called it a Sow. The Engine was called a Sow.It was carried upon great wheeles, and to be drawne with Oxen, it was made with rooms or lofts one over another, muſquet proof, and very ſtrong, out of which were holes to play and ſhoot out.The deſcription of it. It was ſo high, that it was above all the Works at Canon-Froom, ſo that they could diſcharge over the Works; beſides which, a doore opened to bring them into the Works, out of which went a Bridge for their entrance. The Gariſon was then in ſuch a condition, that had they not been thus diſappointed, in all probability this Engine had effected their intended deſigne; but, God be praiſed, it was prevented. On the Lords day following, Novemb 9. Maſter Jackſon a Miniſter in Glouceſter, having information thereof in the morning (before Sermon) gave publique thanks in the Pulpit, for ſo great a deliverance, and unexpected, and unlikely preſervation.

About the twelfth of this inſtant a Meſſenger from the Right Reverend Aſſembly of Divines at Weſtminſter, was tendred to both … of Parliament, therein acquainting them, that according to an Order ſent unto them from the Parliament, Novemb. 20. 164…. they had now fully peruſed the Pſalmes, Maſter Rouſes Pſalmes approved of by the Aſſemb…y of Divines.tranſlated into Engliſh out of the Originall Hebrew Tongue, by learned and much honoured Maſter Rouſe, conceiving them very fit to be publikely made uſe of thorow the Kingdome: and that they had likewiſe peruſed the Pſalmes tranſlated by Maſter Barton, a reverend and learned Miniſter of the City of London, who (they acknowledged) deſerved much commendation for his great paines and abilities therein alſo; but conceived the other moſt fit for publike uſe, which were accordingly authorized by the Parliament, whereof more in its due place.

p. 320And about the 14 of this inſtant Novemb. we were certainly informed that Colonell Sir Thomas Aſton (lately before made Lord Aſhton, forſooth) who in the beginning of this Parliament was a mighty ſtickler for the Prelates, and a chiefe Agent to get hands to Petitions for ſupporting of the Biſhops Hierarchie,A brave defeat given to the Lord Aſhton, and himſelf ſlain therin. and was one of their grand Champions of a Laick, as they term'd them, to write in defence of them:) That this Aſhton, I ſay, came with a party to ſeeke ſome additionall reliefe for the King his Maſter about Dudley Caſtle, and thoſe parts, of whoſe deſigne valiant, active, and loyall Colonell Stone, Governour of Stafford, having intelligence, ſent out a party, and encountred him in the way, who ſoone routed all his party, which was in number about 100 Horſe or more, tooke at leaſt 80 of them, ſlew ſome on the ground, ſorely wounded the ſaid Lord Aſhton, who within a ſeven night after (as was for certaine informed) dyed of his wounds (yet he lived to ſee his darling Epiſcopacy and many baſe apoſtatizing Biſhops to die and fall before him, a juſt increment and addition to his other wretchedneſſe,) the remainder of his Horſe which was about twelve or ſixteene at moſt, fled for their lives to Worceſter, to carry newes of their Leaders good ſucceſſe and faire recruit in that deſigne. And much about the ſame time we were alſo credibly informed that Major Blundell of Reading, with a party of Horſe, met with a party of the Kings, the moſt of them being Gentlemen of his Life Guard,About forty of the Kings Life Guard ſurprized by Major Blundell of Reading. neer unto their Garriſon at Wallingford, where they were moſt jovially revelling in their Nectar-Cups, all whom he there ſuddenly ſurprized, being about 40 of them, and carried away with him priſoners to Reading, without any reſiſtance.

Upon the 17 of this inſtant November, the anniverſary commemeration of the happy and bleſſed inauguration or coronation of that moſt peerleſſe and precious Princeſſe of ever bleſſed memory, eternally to be renowned pious, magnanimous and Heroick Queen Elizabeth, was ſtill, even to this day, moſt ſolemnly celebrated in the famous and faithfull City of London, The juſt and glorious commemoration of rare and renowned Queen Elizabeth on the 17 of November.and in ſome places Sermons preached on her moſt happie memoriall, and thus inceſſantly hath continued, notwithſtanding her ſo long deceaſe above 40 yeares; In which regard, this (me thinks) is a moſt remarkable note, and worthy moſt Chriſtian ſerious obſervation with all true Engliſh Proteſtants and ſincere Chriſtians, (and which I deſire the godly Reader to take ſpeciall notice of, as moſt pertinent to theſe times) that, notwithſtanding, I ſay, her ſo long deceaſe, p. 321ſhe ſhould ſtill ſo conſtantly and cheerfully be ſo highly honoured, and ſo zealouſly remembred (being as it were moſt deeply ingraven with indelible Characters of gratitude and joy) in the hearts of the heartieſt ſurviving Subjects of this Kingdome, yea, and their poſterity after them, and that for ſo many yeares together after her death, verifying that faithfull word of the Lord, Them that honour me, 1 Sam. 2. 30. Pſal. 112. 6.1 Sam 2:30Ps 112:6I will honour. And that of the holy Prophet David, The righteous ſhall be had in everlaſting remembrance. Whereas her immediate Succeſſour King James (which makes the wonder indeed remarkable) a Prince, I confeſſe, learned and wiſe (after the worlds eſteeme,) yea, and bred and brought up in the Proteſtant Religion all his daies,A briefe, but bad and ſad mention of King James his life and death. and in his raigne in Scotland held a preciſe Puritane, but managing his whole Reigne in the Kingdome of England in ſuch an unreſolved way (to ſay no more) for God and true piety, and in ſuch a doubling condition twixt Proteſtantiſme and Popery, as extreamly encouraging Popiſh Jeſuites and tyrannicall Prelates in both their impious and Antichriſtian waies and wiles, even to the (then) brewing, and (now, and of late times before) broaching of all theſe moſt bloody and pernicious moderne miſchiefes, now (moſt juſtly) fallen upon us, even now, I ſay, in his moſt unhappy Sons daies, and all for our ſo jugling dealings with our God, in (then) turning true piety into meere policie and machivilianiſme, and in our now of late more evident baſe backſlidings from our firſt Love, the Lord Jeſus.

See therefore, I ſay, (good Reader) how our moſt wiſe and juſt God hath contrariwiſe verified that righteous ſaying of his, They that deſpiſe me ſhall be lightly eſteemed. 1 Sam. 2. 30. Prov. 10. 7.1 Sam 2:30Prov 10:7And that of the wiſe King Solomon, The name of the wicked ſhall rot. For, ever ſince King James his deceaſe, his memory hath periſhed among his people, who …ver ſince the time of his death to this very day,King James quite forgotten in the hearts of his people. hath had one yeares annuall commemoration of his name and memory, but is extinct and dead in the hearts of his people, as his Corps lies dead and putrifying in the Urn of his Sepulchre. Whereas, had King James and King Charles his Son, been ſincere and cordiall indeed to their (but meerly pretended) Principles, King James and King Charles not true to their Principles.of true piety and the Proteſtant Christian Religion, O how happy had England been? O how glorious and illuſtrious had the name and memory of theſe two Princes been to the preſent age and its poſterity! Had, I ſay, theſe two immediate Succeſſours of that pious Princeſſe lovely Elizabeth, been as truly zealous for God in the ſuppreſſion of Popery p. 322and Papiſts, King James, King Charles, and Queene Elizabeth paraleld together in point of Reformation.as ſhe was (who, conſidering ſhe was but a woman, and began the Work of Reformation firſt of all, and had therefore a hard pull of it, the light of true Religion then breaking forth with much difficulty, and in a glimmering light and weak twinkling condition, yet was carried on by her, and through Divine aſſiſtance, brake forth through the clouds of many and mighty oppoſitions, eſpecially I meane in Doctrine, to a moſt faire and hopefull condition.) O, I ſay, had they cloſely and faithfully followed this worke, how had it, long ere this time, flouriſhed (by Gods gracious aſſiſtance, who loves truth in the inner parts) and growne up to tall growth, in Diſcipline alſo as well as Doctrine, and in all probability, been brought to a great perfection? But, alas, ſee (in briefe) the unhappy difference; She was ſtill guided by her moſt wiſe,Queen Elizabeths rule. grave, and faithfull Counſellors (who were all▪ for the moſt part, brave Statiſts, and ſolid Common-Wealths men) and by her Parliaments, by which meanes, and by whoſe wiſdome and providence, not onelyonly the Proteſtant Religion was ſtrongly eſtabliſhed, but the Trade of the Kingdome, abroad and at home, mightily increaſed, and her happy Subjects marvellouſly inriched: Whereas,King James and King Charles rule. both King James and his Sonne King Charles, by their ſtrange jugling and dallying with Religion, and now at laſt palpably and down-right fighting againſt God (though, ſtill, as covertly as they can) led therein by looſe, lewd, and upſtart Lords and Counſellours, Prieſts and Prelates, who ſtrove ſtrenuouſly to have made their luſt our Lawes,Parliaments made the Kings Stauking Horſes to get Subſidies. rejecting to be ruled by their Parliaments, but making theſe onelyonly their Staulking-Horſes, to get money for the ſometing of their illegall deſignes, and their diſſolving them, without any redreſſe of grievances, thus introducing all kindes of oppreſſion upon the Subjects Eſtates, bodies and ſoules, by meer and monſtruous Arbitrary Tyranny: Thus, I ſay, making not onelyonly themſelves, but alſo their formerly famous and flouriſhing Kingdomes,Arbitrary Tyranny. (as much as in them lay) moſt unhappy every way, being moſt miſerably impoveriſhed, and almoſt totally and moſt ruthfully ruinated,The Power of godlineſſe to be beaten downe. and all this, I ſay, by jugling with Religion (in the prime place) and dal…ying and diſſembling with the Lord, who (though we our ſelves may be herein eaſily deceived) cannot be mocked,Popery or prophaneſſe to be ſet up; in Germanies blood. and all this to beat downe the power of godlineſſe, and to ſet up Popery or Atheiſme and Prophanaſſe; for confirmation of all which, witneſſe, O witneſſe, the Oceans of Chriſtian blood ſhed all over deſolate Germany, and in ſpeciall the ruruine p. 323of the Palatinate, and King James his Off-ſpring, all which let England judge, if England might not have timely ſaved in King James his time, if King James had pleaſed, witneſſe the blood of moſt wofully ruinated Rochell, Roc…els and the Iſle of Rees blood.and all the brave Engliſh blood ſpilt in the Iſle of Ree, in King Charles his daies, witneſſe, O witneſſe, the late moſt lamentable Iriſh Maſſacree of almoſt 200000 Engliſh innocent ſoules there,Irelands blood. farre worſe than ſo many doggs deſtroyed. Yea, witneſſe all the (ſtill) freſh gaſhes and bleedings, or rather guſhing ſtreams, nay floods of blood, of Scotland and England to this day:England and Scotlands blood. To ſay no more of other ſecret ſtreames of blood which Heaven, the moſt righteous revenger thereof, will certainly reveal and vindicate in his due time) and all this for the impious enjoyment of a curſed Spaniſh Match, Other blood not yet revealed.and the ſatisfying of the luſt of a Popiſh Lady, a proud Prelaticall and Atheiſticall inconſiderable party of conſcienceleſſe Cabinet-Counſellors, The Authors of all this.and jugling Junctoe's (of whom the Law takes no notice) whoſe onelyonly aimes, intereſts and ingagements herein, have been to ruinate Religion in the power and purity of it, and to open a wide guſhing ſluce to Popery and Atheiſme, and baſe ſlavery of bodies and ſoules,The crafty colour of all this. upon the poore miſerable abuſed and ſeduced Subject, and all, under the ſpecious (but moſt fallacious) vales and vizards of Proteſtantiſme, unity and univerſall conformity. Pardon, good Reader, I pray thee, this ſomwhat large digreſſion, if ſo I may call it, yet, certainly, a very neceſſary one, and whereunto I have been thus farre tranſported by my ardent zeale and fervour for God and my diſtreſſed Country, eſpecially being thereunto fairly led by occaſion of this 17 of Novembers happy commemoration of that precious Paragon of her age and ſex, eternally to be renowned Queen Elizabeth. But now to proceed.

About the 20 of this inſtant November, we had certaine intelligence by Letters out of the Weſt, that a Barke going from Falmouth toward Foy, A brave prize taken at Sea by Plymouth Garriſon.laden with Kerſeyes to the valew of 1500 l. was (by ſome neglect of the Marriners, and a great miſt which happened at Sea) driven into a creek, neer Plymouth, from whence a Boat was ſent to demand and know whom they were for, the Marriners thinking themſelves to be in his Majeſties Quarters, anſwered, They were for the King. Hereupon our boat left them, and acquainting the Governour of Plymouth therewith, he ſent forth ſeverall Boats, with Musketeers to take the Barke, which they did, after ſome reſiſtance, and ſome few ſlain on both ſide, p. 324and ſo brought it ſafely into Plymouth, to be made uſe of for the King and Parliament.

And about November the 24. we alſo received certaine information by Letters out of Glouceſterſhire of a brave defeat given to the Enemie in thoſe parts, which alſo was confirmed by another Letter, eſpecially from Malmsbury, the ſubſtance whereof was as followeth: That upon occaſion of planting and fortifying a Garriſon for the Parliaments partie by renowned and active Colonell Morgan, the valiant and faithfull Governour of Glouceſter, at Sir Henry Fred. A brave defeat given to the enemie in Glouceſterſhire, where Major Duet, that French Renegado was ſlain.Thynnes Houſe, at Kempsford, in that Countie; the Enemy belonging to Rad-Court and Farringdon, being enraged at it, and much offended that they ſhould have a troubleſome neighbour ſo neere them, to ſtraighten and curb their former accuſtomed excurſions into the Countrie for contribution-money and plunder: They therefore came forth with a party of about 30. horſe to impede and diſturbe their workes begun. Whereupon Captaine Moore (who had the Command of Malmsbury foot, left at Letch-lad by Colonell Morgan) drew out 60. Musketeers, with which he bravely flankt the Enemie, ſlew 2. of them, ſhot their Captaine in the thigh, and ſo made retreat; but this their Commander ſwore in a rage, that they would ere long be avenged upon our forces, and thereupon they preſently fetched in unto them Major Duet (that French-Renegado and baſe apoſtate from the Parliaments ſervice, who, ſince his defection, had beene a Scourge and vexation to thoſe parts, though moſt Commonly with loſſe to himſelfe) who came that very evening with 100. foot and 120. horſe, purpoſing to have ſurpriſed ours in their workes, and now to be revenged on them, for his friends former repulſe; but valiant and vigilant Captaine Moore timely diſcovered them, ſent out another partie of Muſketters, and the Glouceſter-horſe thereabout, having taken the Alarm, drew forth alſo to the Encounter, ſet fiercely upon the Enemy,Major Duet ſlai…e. put them to the rout; purſued the chace, mortally wounded Major Duet himſelfe, unhorſt him, threw him into the dire, where, within 4 or 5 houres after, he was found dead (a juſt hand of God now, at laſt, upon ſuch a diſloyall and faithleſſe apoſtate from the honeſt Cauſe which he firſt undertooke) they alſo ſlew another Captain and 20.The priſoners and prizes taken. more Common Souldiers, upon the place, tooke 30. priſoners whereof one was a Corner, and 5. of the Kings Life-guard, 40. horſe, and 60 fire-armes, And thu… p. 325having by Gods great mercy (to whom alone be all the praiſe and glory thereof) chaced them cloſe to Rad-cot-Bridge even almoſt to their very workes, they returned victoriouſly ſafe to their Garriſon, without the loſe of any one man of theirs ſlaine, only 2. or 3. wounded, but not mortally.

Finally, about the latter end of this November it pleaſed the Lord to put into the hearts of our moſt prudent and provident Parliamentarie-Statiſts, for the more luculent and cleare manifeſtation of their hearts integrity to manage all matters for the greater honour of that great and ſupreame Court of Parliament, A Notable teſtimonie of the Parliaments integrity touching Protections and Bribes.and the fairer evidence of their own perſonall ſincerity in and about the ſame; to take into their ſerious debate, the great prejudice which many have received by protection of Members of Parliament, and their ſervants or attendants, and therefore, how the ſame might be remedied for the future. The reſult whereof came, at laſt, to this iſſue, that they appointed a Committee of New elected Members, who were to meet certaine dayes, weekly, with power to heare and examine complaints of ſuch as have ſuffered in that nature. And alſo to receive ſuch complaints as ſhall upon juſt ground be brought againſt any Member of Parliament for taking of Bribes or for any other act of injuſtice whatſoever. Certainely ſuch acts of juſtice as theſe (eſpecially being faithfully and effectually carryed on) will make this (already) moſt famous Parliament much more famous and illuſtrious to all poſterity, and cannot but moſt juſtly ſtop the mouths of all malicious-hearted Malignants and others who have or ſhall endevour injuriouſly to ſcandalize their honourable proceedings.

And here, now, againe (good Reader) let me deſire thee to ſtay a while to make a moſt gratefull review, & there in to admire the rare and remarkable Parliamentarie-mercies of this monethmonth alſo, in the cleare and moſt demonſtrative ratification of this admirable wonder of the Burning-Buſh ſtill unconſumed, The Burning-Buſh unconſumed.and rarely kept and recovered from the many menaced diſtractions of it, by the inceſſant aſſailant furious flames and conflagrations flaſhing continually round about it, as hath beene moſt apparently ſeen and ſet forth, both in the Parliaments provident care and Circumſpection for the ſafety and welfare of the Kingdome and City of London, 1.in thoſe two excellent Orders againſt Delinquents. 2.In the taking in of Shelford-Houſe; And miſerably taring in peeces of the Lord Digbies late ſcattered forces againe rallyed into a p. 3263body. In the ſurrender of Abaraſhwait, a ſtrong Garriſon of the Enemie in Cardiganſhire into the Parliaments power; And the gratefull recordation of the Parliaments happie preſervation from the malicious machinations, of the plotting Enemies therof, 4ſince the beginning of it to this preſent. In the taking in of Worton-Garriſon, Wiverton and Welbeck-houſe; And the ſpontaneous falling off of all Glamorganſhire from the Kings pernicious party. 5In the ſurrender of Bolton-Caſtle in the North to the Parliaments forces; And the brave defeat given to the Enemy at Cannon-Froom, and ſurpriſall (then) of a notable Engine for batterie 6called, a Sowe. In the notable defeate given to the Lord Aſhton and his forces, where himſelfe was ſlaine. And the brave prize taken at Sea from the Enemie, by Plymouth Garriſon. 7In the brave defeat given to Major Duet, that French renegado 8and baſe Apoſtate, where he himſelfe was ſlaine. And laſtly, In the remarkable teſtimonie of the Parliaments integrity, ſhining forth in that excellent order of theirs againſt Parliaments protections and taking of bribes. All which graciouſly and gratefully conſidered can amount to no leſſe, than a moſt cordiall and comfortable acknowledgement and confeſſion of the Lords unchangeable free grace and unexhauſtible bounty to us his moſt unworthy people of England, even to admiration and aſtoniſhment to all our neighbour Nations round about us; And that therefore they may and muſt moſt juſtly cauſe, yea compellus, with thankfull thoughts,Pſal. 60. 12.Ps 60:12 hearts and tongues to confeſſe and ſay with holy David, Through the Lord alone we have done thus valiantly, and he it is that …ath thus graciouſly and gloriouſly trod downe our Enemies. Iſaiah, 41. 10. 11.Yea, He it is that hath bidden us not to be afraid of our moſt potent or politick Enemies, ſince he is with us; and that we ſhould not be diſmayed, becauſe he is our God and mightie defence, who thus hath ſtrengthned us, holpen and upheld us, with the right hand of his power and righteouſneſſe. And now (therefore) behold (and beholding, O admire it) all thoſe▪ that were incenſed againſt us are aſhamed and confounded; they are even become as nothing and they that ſtubbornly ſtrove with us are mightily deſtroyed and periſh before us. Pſal. 116,Ps 116O, then, what ſhall we returne to the Lord for all theſe great and amazing mercies to us? O what are we able to repay to our God for all theſe free and utterly undeſerved favours thus copiouſly confered upon us? O let us all faithfully and thank fully take the Cup of Salvation and praiſe the name of the Lord our God, and readily and really pay our vowes to this wonder-working God of our Salvation.

p. 327But now to proceed to the yet farther progreſſe of the contemplation and admiration of the continued wonder of the Burning-Buſh unconſumed, December. 1645.nay rather, more and more dreſſed and made to flouriſh in the midſt of the flames of this MonethMonth alſo of December, 1645. And here we ſhall firſt begin with ſome of our loyall and loving Brethren of Scotlands actions about Newarke, whether they being now come in to our aſſiſtance, with a very conſiderable Army of Horſe and Foot, to help to beſiege this ſtubborne, rebellious, and very pernicious Towne, to bring it under the Parliaments obedience.

About the beginning of this inſtant December, Newark beſieged, and Muſchamp Bridge and Fort taken by our Brethren of Scotland.the Scottiſh Commiſſioners received Letters from his Excellency, Generall Leſley, Earle of Leven, fully informing the particulars of his taking of Muſchamp Bridge, by his Forces, viz. That about the 6 of November laſt, his Army being advanced within about a mile or two of Newark, the Generall cauſed a Line to be drawne cloſe to Muſchamp-Bridge, and there placed ſome Musketteers, intending to croſſe the River and ſtorme the Fort upon the other ſide; but the Enemy apprehending the deſigne, reſolved to cut off the Bridge, and upon the 28 in the morning before breake of day, they ſallyed out upon the Scots, and attempted the cutting off the Bridge, but were moſt reſolutely and bravely beaten from it by the Muketeers with little loſſe to our friends, which the Enemy perceiving, ſet fire to the Draw-Bridge, but the Scots falling ſtoutly on them againe, beat them back, and very cloſely purſued them, and made them forſake all their Works, and ſo our valiant Brethren became maſters both of the Bridge and ſtrong Fort, and now have very cloſely beſieged that part of the Towne. Upon the reading of which Letter in Parliament, the thanks of the Houſes were returned to the Scottiſh Commiſſioners, and a vote paſſed, That his Excellency Generall Leſley, for the better and more orderly managing of the Siege againſt Newarke,General Leſley made Commander in chiefe of all the Forces both Engliſh and Scottiſh before Newark. ſhould command in chiefe all the Forces, as well Engliſh as Scottiſh, before Newarke. Which Vote was fully and freely aſſented unto by both Houſes of Lords and Commons, where now we will leave them till another opportunity, with our prayers for their proſperity in this great work and proceed.

About the fourth of this inſtant December, a Letter, Petition, and Declaration of the County of Brecknock in Wales, was preſented to the Houſe of Commons, and there read, declaring their firme reſolutions to comply with, and wholly to ſubmit unto the commands p. 328of the Parliament, The County of Brecknock in Wales comes in to the Parliament.which Declaration, bearing date Novemb. 23. 1645. for the fulneſſe and excellency thereof, and for the Readers better content and ſatisfaction, I have here inſerted verbatim, as it was printed and publiſhed by authority; which was as followeth.

WE the Gentry and Inhabitants of the County of Brecknock, whoſe names are ſubſcribed, do declare and profeſſe, That we are fully ſatisfied in conſcience, that the two Houſes of Parliament now ſitting at Weſtminſter, are the true and undoubted lawfull Parliament of England, and the ſupreme Court of Judicature of the Kingdome; To whoſe judgement and determination we do and will in conſcience of our Loyalty, and not by terrour or conſtraint, ſubmit our ſelves, our lives and fortunes.

We are alſo perſwaded and confeſſe, That the Armes taken up and continued by authority of Parliament in this defenſive Warre, are raiſed and continued in their owne juſt defence, and for the juſt defence of the Proteſtant Religion, the Perſon and Honour of the Kings Majeſty, the Priviledges of Parliament, and the liberty of the Subject; And that the Forces raiſed or to be raiſed within the Kingdome of England, or Dominion of Wales, without their conſent, are raiſed and imployed for deſtruction of Parliaments, fomenting and eſtabliſhing Popery, Prelacy, and an illegall Arbitrary Government.

In apprehenſion whereof, we do unanimouſly reſolve, and firmly ingage, and undertake that we, with all perſons under our power and command, will from henceforward, to the extreameſt hazard of our lives and fortunes, adhere to, and aſſiſt the Forces raiſed or to be raiſed by authority of Parliament, againſt all other Forces raiſed or to be raiſed againſt them, or without their conſent; and we ſhall willingly and cheerfully joyn with Maior Generall Laughorne, and thoſe three aſſociated Counties whereof he is Maior Generall, and with the County of Glamorgan, with whom we are already aſſociated; and contribute our utmoſt aſſiſtance and endeavours proportionably to the ſaid reſpective Counties, in ſuch way as Maior Generall Laughorn ſhall thinke fit, and meeteſt for the Service of the Parliament.

And from this reſolution and engagement we ſhall not ſwerve or recead, by adhering to the contrary party, or imbra…ing a deteſtable neutrality, either by perſwaſion dread, or any other motive whatſoever.

After the reading and debate of this Declaration and the other Pape…s from the County of Brecknock, it was referred to the Committee of Glouceſter to draw a Letter in anſwer to the ſame, and p. 329informe them how that the Houſes of Parliament had granted their requeſts, and do cheerfully accept of them, and commend their ſubmiſſion and declarative reſolutions as aforeſaid, &c.

And about the ſixth of this inſtant, there came Letters to the Speaker of the Houſe of Commons certainly ſignifying the ſurrenner of Latham Houſe in Lancaſhire, a ſtrong and pernicious Garriſon which had much infeſted that County, which, having been the buſie, yet cowardly Earle of Darbies Houſe, had been held and maintained againſt the Parliaments Forces for the ſpace of two yeares at leaſt, by the Counteſſe of Darby, (the ſaid Earles Lady) that ſtout Virago, who proved the better Souldier of the two, and had ſo long, indeed, bravely maintained the ſame againſt us, and was now enforced to yeeld it up onelyonly for want of bread and drinke, for they had above ſixe weekes drunke nothing but water, but had ſtore enough of other proviſions, and about 200. Common Souldiers.Latham Houſe taken. The Governour alone was to depart with his Horſe and Armes, and ten pounds in money; the Officers above the degree of a Lieutenant, only with their Swords: All the reſt onelyonly with ſtaves in their hands, and to depart to the Kings next Garriſon, or home to their houſes if they pleaſed, and the Houſe, with all therein, Ordnance, Armes, and Ammunition, to be delivered up for the uſe of the Parliament. In which there was taken eight Peeces of Ordnance, ſix Murtherers, 500 Arms, with ſtore of other Proviſions and Ammunition, with great plenty of rich prizes and pillage. By the reducing of this Houſe, the whole County of Lancaſhire is now totally ſet at liberty, and cleared of all its Enemies; and Colonell B…oth, and the other Forces which lay before it, advanced thence toward Cheſter to joyne with Sir William Breretons Forces before Weſtcheſter.

About the eighth of this inſtant, we alſo received certaine intelligence by Letters out of the Weſt, that his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Forces had taken in Fulford Houſe, a ſtrong Garriſon alſo of the Enemies on the other ſide of Exeter, with all the Armes and Ammunition therein.Fulford Houſe taken. By the taking of which Garriſon the way was made fully open to Plymouth, ſo that our Army there had a free paſſage to advance for their relief, which not long after was alſo happily effected, whereof more in its more proper place.

And now about the 20 of this inſtant December, Letters were read in the Houſe of Commons, both from Colonell Morgan, and p. 330Colonell Birch, fully relating the particulars of the taking of the Towne and Caſtle of Hereford; the ſubſtance of both which Letters, together with other unqueſtionable information whereof, I have here, for the Readers better content and full ſatisfaction therein, ſet downe a true and exact Narration, which was as followeth.

Colonell Birch having been not long before in London, Hereford ſurprized and taken by a brave ſtratagem.was by Order from the Committee of both Kingdomes, ſent poſt to his Forces at Briſtoll, for the effecting of ſome deſigne againſt the City of Hereford, (which ever ſince our Brethren the Scots raiſed their ſiege thence, was growne very jocond, proud and ſecure of all danger) from thence he marched to Glouceſter, to adviſe with Colonell Morgan about the deſigne, but finding the way, which was at firſt intended, altogether fruſtrate, and the Governour of Glouceſter at that time not very well, Colonell Birch went with Sir John Bridges neer to Hereford, and ſent for thither two Gentlemen with whom Sir John had treated before about matters tending to this buſineſſe, who were then out of Hereford, fearing to come into the Town; and there Colonell Birch was fully ſatisfied concerning the Enemies ſupine ſecurity, and the apparent negligence of the Guards of the Towne, being, I ſay, moſt fearleſſe of any approaching danger to them.

And now Colonell Birch conſulting againe with Colonell Morgan, whom now he found in perfect health, and moſt active to promote the worke;Col. Morgan and Col. Birch provide to promote the deſigne. preſently Colonell Morgan provided about 1100 Horſe and Foot to joyne with Colonell Birches 900 Foot, and his own Troop, being about 50 more Horſe, which were quartered about Glouceſter, to be ready at an houres warning, whenſoever they ſhould be called, and ordered to furniſh themſelves with knap-ſacks and proviſions for a long march; and ſo about Munday, Decemb. 15. they began to march from Glouceſter, at which time, the ſnow being almoſt knee deep, they were conſtrained to march in file one by one, both Horſe and Foot, and ſo to keep one track, intending to reach to Hereford that night; but,The Souldiers ſore march the firſt ſetting forth. I ſay, the ſnow was ſo deep, and the weather ſo extream cold, that the Foot Souldiers had a very hard march, inſomuch that three of them died by the way, the Foot being to beat their way thorow the ſnow. Here Colonell Morgan and Colonell Birch were conſtrained to make an hault before they had marched within ſix miles of Hereford, but their forlorne hope had marched p. 331within two miles thereof, and were ſo neer ingagement, that they came not off without ſome difficulty: But the two gallant Commanders finding that they were diſcovered (the better to colour their buſineſſe) marched back halfe way to Glouceſter with part of their foot, and lodged them at Ledburie, 10. or 12. miles from Hereford, and others of their horſe marched almoſt to Glouceſter. After which, having reſted their foot (and the Enemie now conceiving that they were marcht back and quite gone) ſuddainly, on Wedneſday, December the 17. about 9. of the clock they marcht againe toward Hereford, The whole armie come neer unto Hereford.the ſame way and in files, as before, and came by midnight within twice Musket-ſhot of Hereford, and there reſted the whole body of the Armie, being 2000. Horſe and foot effective. Now here I muſt remember you, that Colonell Birch, as you heard before, had been in theſe parts 4. or 5. dayes before to lay the deſigne, and to view the ground with thoſe worthie Gentlemen fore mentioned, Sir John Bridges and the others; At which time, it pleaſed the Lord to put an excellent prize and oportunity into their hands, which they accordingly, (by Gods aſſiſtance) wiſely made an excellent improve ment of, and which tooke alſo moſt anſwerably. For about that time Scudamore, the Governour of Hereford had ſent out a warrant under his owne hand to the High Conſtable of an adjacent Towne for Labourers to be ſent into Hereford, to breake the ice about the City; now this warrant they had happily laid hould on, and taken, from the high-Conſtable, the ſubſtance of which warrant was thus:

THeſe are ſtraightly to Charge and Command you to ſend to my Garriſon at Hereford out of your hundred,A Copie of the warrant which helped to win Hereford. a hundreth able men, with ſpades, Shovells, Pickaxes, and other neceſſaries fit for Pi…ners, for his Majeſties Service, whereof you are not to ſaile, as you will anſwer the contrary, at your utmoſt perill.

Barnabas Scudamore Given under my hand this 14. of Decemb. 1645.

Now the Governour of Glouceſters Secretarie had made a returne to this warrant, as from the high Conſtable of the hundred, expreſſing; That he had now ſent the Conſtable of ſuch a Towne with 6. men to worke, the reſt were to follow. And upon this ground Colonel p. 332Birch had plotted and contrived the worke as followeth;The manner of managing the buſines with the Conſtable and his warrant. He had provided 6. faithfull and reſolute men, in the forme of Labourers, and one more with them (a ſtout and reſolute Livetenant) to be as a Conſtable with this warrant to bring thoſ… his Towneſmen to worke in the City; To whom (for their preſent encouragement) he had given a good ſumme of money in hand and had promiſed them a larger reward on their faithfull performance, which accordingly they all did, as now you ſhall heare. Theſe 6 men and their Conſtable, together with 150. firelocks, in the darke of the night, lodged neere the Gate of the City in one of the burnt houſes, within Piſtoll ſhot of the bridge, even as neere as the ground would poſſibly admit; In all which time, ours with carefull Spies and Scouts kept back all intelligence from the Enemie, So that they never diſcovered or ſuſpected us, after our firſt retreat toward Glouceſter▪ Now I ſay, theſe Firelockes, were for the better managing of the buſineſſe, left to Colonell Birches Leiutenant Colonell Hammond; who, indeed, carryed the buſineſſe bravely and behaved himſelfe moſt gallantly therein; and the maine body of foot, Colonell Birch himſelfe led, and Colonell Morgan the horſe, but the forlorn hope of horſe, which were firſt to enter, was Commanded by brave Captaine Temple. Theſe things being thus deſigned, in the morning after that the trevalley was beaten, and upon the firſt letting-downe of the draw-bridge, The draw-bridge is let down.3. men came out of the City, not diſcerning any body (the Firelocks lay ſo cloſe) and now the Conſtable, with a hedgebill on his ſhoulder and the other 6. Souldiers, like homely Countrie Labourers, with ſpades and Mattocks, came forth to their worke; and the 3. foreſaid men went along on their way, ſeeing none elſe, till they came beyond the hill, and then perceiving our men, they ſpake pretty loud to themſelves, What doe all theſe men here? Whereupon they were inſtantly ſurprized and ſnapt-up, and ſo could not ſtir back to give any notice of ought they ſaw. And now the Conſtable and … Labourers were come to the Draw-bridge, where the guard began to examine them; The Conſtable told the Centinell, that he was come to doe his worke with thoſe workmen according to his warrant from the Governour, which they preſently deſired to ſee; the Conſtable ſhewed it him, and ſo he and the reſt looking on it, to read it, the 6. men came cloſe to them, and were now on the top of the bridge, and as they were reading the warrant p. 333the Conſtable with his hedge-…ill knockt down the Centinell who inſtantly fell down dead at his feet,The Conſtable knocks down the Centinell. the other Labourers killed 2. more of them and ſo all theſe 7. kept the others in play buſ…ing at the Bridge, to over maſter them, all which Leiutenant Colonell Hammond ſeeing who ſtood on the top of the hill to watch the Event,The Firelocks ruſh out and haſte to the City. and ſo gave the ſigne to all the Firelocks, by houlding up and ſhaking his Hat unto them, even all the 150. that lay coucht in the houſe; whereupon, out they all ruſhed, and came ſpeedily, but yet orderly to the Bridge where they found the Conſtable and his Labourers, cloſe at their work, indeed, and ſo the Fire-locks making way for the horſe, and the horſe cloſe following them, over the Bridge they got, and into the Town they entred, Captain… Temple and Sir John Bridges marched on in the forlorn hope of horſe, Leivtenant Colonell Hammond with the forlorn hope of Firelocks, and Captaine Aldern with the reſerve of foot; and thus I ſay, they entred bravely; Captaine Temple with his horſe-troope doing ſpeciall good ſervice, making his way to the mainguard, where his horſe was ſhot under him, and he fought ſo ſtoutly that his ſword alſo was broken in his hand to the very hilt, and three of his Troopers onelyonly being ſlaine, which was all the loſſe that we ſuſtained of our men in this whole worke and ſome wounded. The Commanders both of horſe and foot, I meane eſpecially both Colonell Morgan and Colonell Birch, did moſt excellent ſervice, from the firſt to the laſt of this brave ſervice, and ſo did the reſt of the Commanders and Officers, and went on ſo gallantly and undauntedly (notwithſtanding that they and their Souldiers had layen out all that cold night) that they quickly ſeized on all the guards,The Towne fully entred, and obtained. inſomuch that at laſt many of the Enemie had got through the market place up to their chambers, and thence diſcharged their Muskets and Piſtolls upon our men (and many of the Malignant Towneſmen did the like out of their windowes) which ſo enraged our men that they ſlew 8. in the ſtreets; but when the Enemie ſaw our men come in ſo faſt and in great numbers, they cryed out for quarter. By this meanes the Souldiers fell to…ndering and rifling, and tooke what they could catch, from which the Governour of Glouceſter Colonell Morgan could by no meanes reſtraine them, for they accounted all their own in regard they entred the City by an ouſlat and had ſo much oppoſition; And thus by 12. of the clocke that p. 334night they had fully got the whole City and taken moſt of their priſoners. This merciemercy was wonderfull unto us let the Lord have all the honour and praiſe thereof, who made in ſo ſucceſfull unto us in all the particulars of it from the firſt to the laſt.

A Liſt of the priſoners and prizes thus taken in Hereford, by Collell Morgan, Governour of Glouceſter, and Colonell Birch, now made Governour of Hereford. THe Lord Brudenell, the Biſhop of Hereford, by name, Doctor Cooke, Sir Fra. Howard, Sir Marmaduke Floyd, Sir Henry Beding-field, Sir Walter Blunt, and 2.Lords and Knights 21. in number. more of the Blunts, both Knights alſo and Papiſts, Sir Rich. Kenniſh, Sir Richard Weſton, Sir Thomas Lunsford, Sir George Vaugham, Sir Gyles Mumpeſſons, Sir John Stepney, Sir Fra. Lloyd, Sir Philip Jones, Sir Edw. Morgan Sir Nicholas Throgmorton, Sir Richard Baſſet▪ Leivtenant Colonells and Majors, 10. in number, beſides Judge Jenkins.Sir Henry Spiller, Sir Roger Bodingham, Lievtenant Colonell Price, Leivtenant Col. Jones, Lieutenant Colonell Lewes, Lieutenant Colonell Tooley, Many Gentl. of Quality.and Lievtenant Colonell Jefferies; Major Mathewes▪ and Major Sayer, Major Lewis, Major Roberts, At leaſt 2000. Papiſts.Major Price; and alſo Judge Jenkins. Captaines, 9. Secretarie Barnes; 4. Leivtenants 3. Cornets one Enſigne, one Quarter-maſter; one Commiſſarie 2. Gentelmen of worth and quality, beſides Mounſeiur Peter Morlet, French Gent. 3. Chirurgeons; together with many other Officers and Troopers of worth and quality; and by the relation of the Towneſmen, there were at leaſt 2000. Papiſts of all conditions then in the Town, who had fled hither for their ſecurity, ſince the taking of Chepſtow and other places there abouts. We tooke there alſo 12. peeces of Ordnance, but as for the reſt of the Magazine and Ammunition, there was not then a full account given thereof it being then ſo ſcattered and diſperſt in the Towne.

Of what conſequence this Towne is unto us, may appeare in that the whole Countie of Hereford is (by thus obtaining of this City) brought into the obedience of the …arliament; The great conſequence of the obtainning this City.and not onelyonly ſo, but all South-Wales, and a good Omen for the reducing of Ragland Caſtle, all proviſions and intercourſe being ſtopped out of Wales alſo to Worceſter and Ludlow, and the Enemies of p. 335other Garriſons thereabout, being by this meanes in a faire way of reduction, to the Parliament, this next Spring, by the gracious aſſiſtance of our good God.

Colonell Morgans Secretary,The Meſſengers of this good newes to the Parliament rewarded. who firſt brought the intelligence of this ſo gallant peece of ſervice to the Parliament, had 50 l. given him for his paines therein; and Colonell Birches Meſſenger had 20 l. given to him alſo, by Order from both Houſes of Parliament.

And the Parliament taking into ſerious conſideration,Orders of Parliament voted and confirmed upon this great providence of God. the extraordinary providence, and unexpected (much more immerited) mercy of God, in thus gaining this ſtrong City, and that with ſo little loſſe of blood, made thereupon theſe ſeverall Orders following:

Firſt,1 That on the next Lords Day bounden thanks ſhould be rendred to Almighty God, for this great mercy, by the Miniſters in their ſeverall Congregations throughout London and Weſtminſter, and the Lines of Communication.

Secondly,2 That Colonell Birch ſhould be Governour of Hereford, and the Committee of both Kingdomes to ſend him his Commiſſion, and that his Regiment ſhould be recruited to 1200 men, according to his own deſire.

Thirdly,3 That 6000 l. ſhould be charged on the Excize, and forthwith paid in, to be at the diſpoſall of the Committee of both Kingdomes, for the payment of his Forces, and to diſcharge his engagements to his Souldiers, for their activity and fidelity in this deſigne.

Fourthly,4 That 1600 ſuits of cloathes, knap-ſacks, ſhooes and ſtockings, ſhould be ſpeedily ſent to the Common Souldiers of the Garriſon of Glouceſter, that had ſo great a hand in the performance of this great and good ſervice in thus taking of Hereford.

And fifthly▪ 5and laſtly, The Houſe of Commons religiouſly and piouſly conſidering this buſineſſe to be the worke of God alone, and that his hand was chiefly viſible in it: They therefore to improve this mercy to Gods farther and future honour and glory, tooke into their moſt ſerious conſideration the ſetling of able and faithfull Preachers, both in Glouceſter and Hereford, and for that purpoſe there was an Ordinance t…ice read and committed for the uniting of ſeverall Churches in the City of Glouceſter into one only Congregation, and allowed among them 300 l. per p. 336annum, Great gratitude expreſſed by the Parliamen…, both to God and man, for this great mercy.to be paid to the reſpective Miniſters of them, out of the Revenues of the Dean and Chapter of that City, a…d the diſpoſall of them to be in the power of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common-Councell of that City, and the vacant meeting-places in the City to be ſet apart for a Library, an Engliſh-Schoole, a Magazine for Armes, and other publique uſes, for the honour of that famous and faithfull City. Alſo, that a confirmation ſhould alſo be made of all the Lands, Liberties, and Franchiſes heretofore granted under the Great Seal of England, unto this ſaid City and Corporation. And likewiſe for the better encouragement of the Souldiers of that City, the Houſe Ordered that 30 l. a week ſhould be paid to the Officers of the Trained Bands, that do ſervice at the Main-Guard thereof, there being neer 200 that do conſtant duty there. And ſhortly after alſo Lieutenant Barrow, (for, ſo was his name, that ſo neatly and notably acted the Conſtables part, whereby we thus became poſſeſſours of Hereford, being come to London, was admitted into the Houſe of Commons, where he made a narrative of the whole buſineſſe to the Houſe, and afterward being ordered to withdraw, the Houſe ordered that 100 l. ſhould be forthwith iſſued out of Haberdaſhers-Hall to the ſaid Lieutenant Barrow, Lieutenant Barrow, the pretended Conſtable, rewarded by the Parliament.for his preſent ſupport, and further ordered, That the ſumme of 50 l. per annum ſhould be conferred on him and his heyres for ever, for this his gallant undertakings in that ſervice, to be truly paid him out of the Eſtate of Sir Henry Lingen, a notorious Delinquent neer Hereford. A rare and ſingular act of encouragement to ſtir up the hearts of honeſt and active Souldiers to cheerfull induſtrie and fidelity in this the Parliaments moſt juſt and righteous Cauſe. And now put all theſe together, and then ſay, was not here an ample and pious retribution of bounden gratitude, both to God and men, his Inſtruments for this great goodneſſe and mercy to us? yes certainly, and therefore moſt worthy to be recorded to Poſterity, for the Parliaments indelible honour. But now to proceed.

About the 23 of this inſtant December, we had certaine intelligence by Letters out of the Weſt, Canon-Tean, a ſtrong Fort, taken at Exeter.that our moſt renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Forces had taken Canon-Tean, a ſtrong Fort or Block-Houſe of the Enemies, by which meanes they had the command well-nigh of all the River of Ex; it was gained by ſtorme, and they found among thoſe of the Enemies ſlaine in the enterprize, a Lieutenant Colonell, and two Captaines, and divers p. 337Common Souldiers, and that after the taking thereof, there came voluntarily in unto Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Forces thereabout, a Cornet of the Enemies, with 30 good Horſe, who had revolted from them. Alſo by other Letters out of the Weſt, we were certainly informed, that a party of his Excellencies Forces there had taken in another ſtrong Garriſon of the Enemies, lying upon the ſaid River,Callyntine Houſe taken. Weſt of Excetor, called Callyntine Houſe, and therin between thirty and forty Horſe, as many priſoners and their Armes; by the gaining of which place the Enemy is much more ſtraitned than before, and the paſſage upon the River is quite blocked up.

And about Decemb. 26. the Houſe of Commons received Letters from the Northerne parts of the Kingdome, of the rendition of the ſtrong Garriſon of Skipton Caſtle, which had been long beſieged by our Forces, the Enemy having had faire Conditions and clear performances of the ſame,Skipton Caſtle ſurrendred to the Parliament. viz. To march away with their Arms, either to Newarke, Oxford, or Hereford, of the taking whereof, it ſeems they then had not had information or knowledge. Now upon the reading of this Letter, the Houſe referred the further conſideration thereof to the Committee of the North. This ſurrender of Skipton Caſtle in Craven, was, no doubt, of very great conſequence; for by this meanes, not onelyonly all York ſhire, is cleared and happily reduced to the obedience of the Parliament, but alſo all Northumberland, The Freedome of almoſt all the Northerne parts.Cumberland, Weſtmerland, and Lancaſhire, the Enemy not having any one Garriſon in their hands in all thoſe parts of the Kingdome, neerer then is Newark. A wonderfull mercy indeed, and moſt worthy our deereſt and deepeſt engagements of … gratitude to the Lord our moſt bleſſed and bountifull Fountaine of all our good. And, O that the ſweet and ſerious conſideration hereof might raiſe and rouſe up our ſouls to an earneſt and ardent de…ire and endeavour for the building of Gods Houſe who thus even in the firſt place haſtens the building of ours.

And about the latter end of this MonethMonth of December, the prudent and provident Senators and Common-Councell of the moſt renowned City of London, The ſingular providence of the City of London, and of the Parliament for the defence and ſafety of the ſaid▪ City.with a joynt and moſt unanimous conſent among themſelves, at a Common-Councell h…ld in their Guild-Hall, reſolved, that in regard of the many deſignes of the Enemy againſt the ſaid City, 500 Horſe ſhould be forthwith raiſed for the … thereof, and to prevent any audacious …tinies or inſurrections that might probably happen, by reaſon of the multitude … Delinquen…s and Royaliſts, which were then la…ly come out p. 338of the Kings Quarters; And that the Guards of the City ſhould be doubled, and that every one ſhould contribute according to their ability, toward the maintenance thereof. And the Commons in Parliament, likewiſe referred it to a Committee to conſider how the priſoners in the Tower of London might be ſecured, removed, or confined to their Chambers, and that they might be prevented from giving or holding any correſpondence unto and with the Enemy: And the ſaid Committee was likewiſe to conſider, in like manner, of all the other Priſons in London, and to prevent intelligence between them alſo and the Enemy. And immediately after it (for the more fully enabling of the ſaid renowned City, to terrifie and over-awe their open and ſecret Enemies) the Houſe of Commons paſſed an Ordinance for the eſtabliſhing of a Court-Martiall in the ſaid City of London, for the triall of Spies and other noxious Delinquents, who ſhall come out of the Kings Quarters, to lurke and watch for opportunities of doing miſchiefe, and named ſeverall Commanders and Gentlemen who were to be Members of that Councell.

And here, now, good Reader, be pleaſed againe to make a little pauſe, ſeriouſly to ponder and conſider in thy moſt thankfull heart, the unexhauſtible over-flowings in bounty and bleſſings, and the unwearied out-goings of thy wonder-working God, in this Moneths mighty mercies alſo, and moſt memorable benedictions on this his bleſſed Burning-Buſh ſtill unconſumed, The Burning-Buſh not conſumed.ſtill marvellouſly preſerved and maintained in a moſt fair and flouriſhing ſtate and condition, maugre the many and mighty flames of the firy and reſtleſſe rage of the Royaliſts, continually menacing and moleſting the ſame, as hath been moſt copiouſly diſcovered, both in our moſt loyall and loving Brethren of Scotlands faithfull and valiant aſſiſtance 1in the beſieging of Newarle, and their brave winning of Muſchamp Bridge and Fort there: And the voluntary ſubmiſſion of the County of Brecknock in Wales, to the obedience of the Parliament. 2In the obtaining of that pernicious den of robbers, I mean that ſtrong Garriſon of Latham Houſe in Lancaſhire, and Fulford 3Houſe in the Weſt. In the moſt remarkable and happy ſurpriſall of the Towne and Caſtle of Hereford, by a notable ſtratagem, wherein the hand of God was moſt admirably evident. In delivering 4that ſtrong Fort of Canon-Tean; and that ſtrong Garriſon of Callyntine-Houſe at Exeter into the Parliaments poſſeſſion, and thereby 5ſtrengthning ours, and weakening the Enemies hands. In the p. 339happy rendition of Skipton Caſtle, alſo a ſtrong hold of the Enemies into our hands, whereby almoſt all the Northerne parts of the Kingdome were ſet at liberty. And ſixthly and laſtly, In putting into the hearts of our Worthies in Parliament, and the loyall Citizens of London, prudently and providently to foreſee future probable contingent dangers, and carefully to forecaſt to prevent and avoid them. All which rare and remarkable Parliamentary Mercies, gratefully and graciouſly put together, give us great cauſe with holy David to ſing and ſay,Pſal. 62. 7, 8.Ps 62:7Ps 62:8 In God the Lord alone is our ſalvation and our glory, the rock of our ſtrength, and our ſure refuge is in God. O therefore let us truſt in him at all times, and poure out our hearts before him, in all holy and humble acknowledgements, that God alone is a refuge unto us. But to go on.

And now I ſhall againe begin the ſerious ſurvey of the rich and rare mercies of God to this his Burning-Buſh the Parliaments Cauſe, January. 1646.in this enſuing MonethMonth of January, with a memorable paſſage of fidelity in the Governour of Plymouth Colonell Kerre, who having been moſt vehemently tempted by Sir John Digby, Brother to the traiterous George Lord Digby, who then commanded in chief thoſe Forces of the Kings, which ſo long had beſieged this brave and loyall Towne of Plymouth, this young treacherous Royaliſt, I ſay, having by Letters, Meſſages, and mighty promiſes of a reward of 10000 l. in money, and high preferment in the Kings Army, endeavoured to intice the noble and loyall Governour to betray and give up this brave Towne into the Enemies hands: He contrariwiſe moſt loyally diſdaining ſuch baſe and treacherous underhand-dealings, returned that traiterous Knight this noble Anſwer, which for the honour of this brave Gentlemans ſo faithfull reſolution, I have thought exceeding fit, here to inſert, which was as followeth:

SIR,

YOur motion to treaſon I have ſeen, and deteſt it, it is below my ſpirit for a perſonall injury (ſuppoſed onelyonly by an Enemy) to take a Nationall Revenge, and for a punctilio of honour to take advice from Hell, and to betray my truſt; I am ſorry that one ſo ingenious as your ſelf ſhould … your naturall parts onelyonly to do miſchiefe, yet I have no reaſon to …der much at your perſwaſion to treachery, becauſe I have had experience of the indeavour of your Family to corrupt others alſo; I remember the Gunpowder-plot, and withall, the Letter which not long ſince your p. 340Brother wrote to my Lord Roberts, tending to the ſame ſubject, and his negotiation with Major Generall Browne at Abington: Surely theſe principles came from Spaine, but you ſhould have told me alſo that Spaniſh Proverbe, To love the Y reaſon, and hate the Traytor.

Sir, if my counſell may take with you, then I beſeech you to conſider of the evill counſell which you and your party have given to his Majeſty, whereby the Kingdome, eſpecially thoſe parts under your power, are become almoſt a deſolation. And when you have thought upon the ſad effects of theſe wars, then let your heart tell you this truth, that much of the blood and rapine in this Country muſt lye upon your account, and guilt may inforce you to ſeeke for termes of Reconciliation, firſt with God, then with the Repreſentative Body of the Kingdome, whom you have ſe highly offended: Let not this advice from him whom you call Enemy, be deſpiſed, as you hope for mercy, and the reſpects of him, who according to the Nationall Covenant reſolves to be,

Aſſuredly your Servant, JAMES KERRE.

How the young Gallant did bluſh (if at leaſt he had any ſhame in him) at the peruſall of this Letter, I leave to all the ingenuous Readers to judge. It was a brave letter indeed, and moſt worthy to live in Cedar, or to be engraven in indelible Marble, and out live them both to this brave Gentlemans eternall honour; which being ſpeedily after made known to the Parliament, was (and that moſt juſtly) moſt gratefully reſented by both Houſes, and he rewarded with the preſent gift of 500. l. and moſt loving aſſurance of farther preferment on the firſt and ſitteſt oportunity. And preſently after this, the Lord, to ſhew his deteſtation of all ſuch diſloyall traiterous enterpriſes, as a puniſhment of this particular impious inſtigation to this treaſon, crowned the loyall Governour of this Town of Plymouth with a fair occaſion of juſt revenge, and put a fit oportunity into his hands of ſingular good ſucceſſe againſt this Treacherous Enemie, which had there long beſieged them,Plymouths ſingular good ſucceſſe againſt their beſieging Enemies▪ Canterbury Fort taken. which was intimated by Letters to a worthy Member of the Houſe of Commons in Parliament, in their taking of 2. Forts from the Enemie, which had been a great annoyance to thoſe our loyall friends and by which victorie they then got more elbow-roome and liberty to enlarge their quarters than before, the particulars whereof were as followeth. Our men, after a ſmall diſpute, tooke from the Enemie Canterburie-Fort, p. 341and in it 17. Priſoners; And afterward marched to Saint Bendeaux, Saint Beudeaux taken.where after a hot skirmiſh of an houre and a halfe long, our men tooke the Church-yeard, which was ſtrongly fortified and the Church alſo, and in it, 140. Priſoners, among whom was Major Stukeley, a Major of horſe, Major Salt, Capt. …rice, Captaine, Edmonds, Capt. Lap, Capt. Baker, 3. Leivtenants, 3.The priſoners and prizes taken. Enſignes, 8. Serjeants, 55. Horſe, 2. Barrels of Powder and 100. mens Armes (beſides the Armes taken in Canterbury-Foot) with Match and Bullet proportionable; there were 10. of the Enemies ſlaine,The ſlain on both ſides. and 7. of ours, whereof Major Heynes was one, and about 20. more of our men wounded. And thus the Lord was graciouſly pleaſed to ſhew favour unto us, that we might juſtly raiſe up our hearts with thankfulneſſe unto him.

About the 6. of this inſtant Januarie, we had again Letters from our noble Generalls Armie in the Weſt, certifying that his Excellencie Sir Thomas Fairfax and Leivtenant Generall Cromwell made a generall Rendevouz, and afterward advanced into the Enemies quarters, reſolving either to enforce them to fight, or at leaſt to remove more remotely toward Corn-wall into the quarters from whence they came;A brave victorie obtained by our Forces at Bovy-Tracy in the Weſt. And thereupon, a party was drawn up farther Weſt which fell upon them in their quarters at Tracie, and beat them out of them, and out of the field alſo; and in the purſuit of them, we took 4. Colonels, 3. Leiutenant Colonels, 5. Majors, 11. Capt. and other Officers,The priſoners and prizes taken. 7. Colours, whereof one having the Crown, and C. R. upon it; 400. horſe at leaſt, 300 Arms, 140 Priſoners, 150. head of Cattell, and ſtore of other proviſions, deſigned for the releife of Exeter which, thus, now (bleſſed be the Lord) came ſhort of it. After this, our renowned Generall purſuing his victory came to Ilminſter, which he alſo took, with all the ammunition, in it,Iminſter taken. where ſome Commanders of the Enemie had much a doe to ſave themſelves, but by throwing good ſtore of money out of windowes into the ſtreets among our Souldiers, which whiles they gathered up, the ſaid Commanders and Officers in a darke night (as it was then) eſcaped by a back way, & ſaved their lives, whiles our men were tardy to purſue them. After this alſo our forces advanced to Aſhburton, Aſhburton taken.but the enemy having received a hot alarm by thoſe that eſcaped, as before mentioned, they ſpeedily quitted that place alſo (being then their head quarter) in great Confuſion, and amazement, ſending their foot one way and their horſe another, but our forlorne hope purſued them ſo faſt through the p. 342Towne of Aſhburton that we took above 20 horſe, and 9 or 10 priſoners there, and tooke the Towne, with all the Armes and Ammunition in it. Then the Generall advanced to Totnes, where the Enemy had a Foot Quarter, as having been the Princes Head Quarter,Totnes taken. where his Life Guard lay, and where indeed we thought the Enemy would have diſputed our paſſe; but our Forces following on cloſe upon them, ſoon frighted them thence alſo, tooke that ſtrong Garriſon, with all the Armes and Ammunition in it: yea, and immediately after this alſo our Army marching and advancing on ſtill,Okehampton taken. reduced Okehampton, a ſtrong Garriſon of the Enemi…s, to the obedience of the Parliament, where we alſo tooke (as was credibly related to me) two Colonels, five Captaines, 20 Horſe, and many priſoners. And it was credibly informed and aſſured, that ſince that overthrow given to the Enemy at Bovie-Tracy, aforementioned, we have taken from them at leaſt 1000 of the Enemies Priſoners, many of whom were Commanders and Gentlemen, of no ſmall repute in the Princes Army.

And hath not the Lord, here, admirably appeared for the comfort and hopefull flouriſhing condition of this his Burning-Buſh, his juſt and upright Cauſe? yes certainly, even to the amazement of our Enemies and to the ſtopping of the black and foule mouths of Malignant envy it ſelfe; for ever glorified and omnified be our wonder-working God for it. But to proceed.

About the tenth of this inſtant, two Letters were read in the Houſe of Commons from the Commiſſioners for the Parliament, reſiding in Ireland, the one dated the 19 of Novemb. 1645. from Belfaſt, the other the 22 of Decemb. laſt, from the ſame place, relating the great and ſingular good ſucceſſe which it pleaſed God to give to our handfull of Forces under the conduct and command of Sir William Cole, The moſt brave victorie over the Rebels in Ireland at Sligo.Sir Charles Coot, and Sir Francis…Hamilton, againſt the Rebels in Ireland, in the Province of Cannaught and Ʋlſter, and particularly and eſpecially of that moſt memorable and remarkable deliverance and great victory over them at Sligo▪ And upon reading of the ſaid Letters, the Houſe ordered that the next Lords Day the Miniſters in their ſeverall Churches within London and Weſtminſter, ſhould returne humble and hearty thankes to Almighty God for this great Victory. And that the Reader may the better ſee what cauſe we have in an extraordinary manner to congratulate and give thanks with our Brethren, for the ſame, and for the Readers better content and ſatisfaction, p. 343as alſo becauſe this Victory hath no ſmall influence upon, and reference unto the great and preſent affaires of our own Kingdome, as in the ſequell you will clearly ſee, I have therefore here thought it very fit and pertinent to our preſent hiſtory, to inſert the particulars of that brave and famous Victory, which was as followeth:

On Sunday the 17 of October laſt, the Iriſh Rebels having ſurrounded Sligo with 1000 Foot, and 300 Horſe, the Garriſon ſeeing little hope of the advance of the Ʋlſter Forces (who were then neer them at Bandron) though unknowne to them, conceived it abſolutely neceſſary to hazard the fighting with the Rebels with their owne ſtrength, and Sir William Coles Troops, rather than to ſtarve themſelves and loſe their out Garriſons which were blocked up, the Enemy lying between them; Captaine Richard Coot and Captaine Richard Cole commanded our Horſe being two hundred, who charged the Rebels Horſe very reſolutely, and fell in to the ſword pell mell, and beat them among the diviſions of their owne Foot, and routed them, which Lieutenant Colonell Saunderſon ſeconded with the Foot, and Sir Francis Hamilton came alſo with his Troops in the nick of time, and had the execution of the Rebels for five miles, their Foot taking flight upon giving ground of their Horſe. In the purſuit their Commander and Preſident of that Province was ſlaine (the titular Archbiſhop of Tuain.) Our men tooke one hundred and fifty of their Horſe, with Piſtols, all their Baggage, Tents and Ammunition; there were two Wagons with rich Spoile, and many in them, they tooke ſeverall of their Standards and Colours, 24 Drums, and Officers of note, in number 48 who are now priſoners in Sligo, about two hundred of their men lay killed in the place, and many more had been, if plunder had not been preferred before execution by our Foot; we had but one killed of Sir William Coles Troop, and ſome Horſemen hurt, and ſome Horſe.

There were of the Iriſh Rebels taken Priſoners at Sligo as followeth:

Great Morogh ve Divo O Flabeety, Lieutenant Colonell to Richard Bourk, Couſen German to the Earle of Clanrickard and his next Haire. John Garye, Lieutenant Colonell to Sir Tibbot Bourk, eldeſt Sonne to the Lord of Maye. Richard Bourk, Major to Richard Bourk the Earle of Clanrickards Heire, and Sonne to Sir William Bourk, Brother to the late Earle of Clanrickard. Captaine William O Shaghuiſe brother to Sir Roger O Shaghuiſe. Captaine Garret Dillon, p. 344Sonne to Sir Lucas Dillon, who ſaith that his Father was ſhot in the thigh. Captaine Ro. Caſtallogh.

Killed. Edward Brown, Captaine of 100 Musketeers out of Galloway, brother to Jeffery Brown the Lawyer. Three Lieutenants of Foot.The ſlaine Two Cornets. Three Engines. Killed alſo the Titular Archbiſhop of Tuain, the Rebels preſident of Cannaught, a principall incendiary in that Kingdome, in whoſe pockets were found Letters and other papers of great importance, and for his own particular an Order from the Councell of Kilkenny, for leavying the arreares of his Biſhoprick, together with ſeverall other priſoners of inferiour quality both of Horſe and Foot, and 22 or 23 were drowned.

And here now I ſhall deſire the Reader (by way of introduction, to what I have further to ſay touching this Iriſh Victory, and eſpecially ſome of the Papers taken from this foreſaid Archbiſhop of Tuain) to take ſpeciall notice of the admirable wiſdome and providentiall mercy of the Lord unto us therein,Gods good providence in the apprehenſion of certain Papers and Letters from the Archbiſhop of Tuain. viz. That in regard of the wonderfull great and good ſucceſſe, which the Lord hath lately given to our Forces in the Weſt of our owne Kingdome, and the King finding what bad ſucceſſe he hath of late had (as well as all along, indeed, for the moſt part) in all the parts of the Kingdome, both Weſt and North, now therefore ſent Letter after Letter to the Parliament, for the procuring of a (pretended) well grounded Peace, and the way (nay, forſooth, the only way, in the opinion of the ſubtill Oxonians,) that muſt lead thereto, he propounded to be by a Treaty nay, when that could not ſerve, by a Perſonall Treaty in himſelf, proffering himſelf to come in perſon to our Parliament. The danger of Treaties with our Malignant adverſaries.But our prudent Parliament, who by much experience knew very well of what danger and diſadvantage ſuch Treaties have been, and this alſo of the Kings perſonall coming (in this juncture of time) would be, both to foment pernicious delayes and abuſive deſignes,Yea of a Perſonal Treatie with the King himſelfe. for raiſing deſperate parties to ſpoile us all, reſolved therefore moſt peremptorily to go a neerer way to worke, to wit, by drawing up Bils, and to preſent them to the King, to have them immediately ſigned and made Acts. But now that the Reader, I ſay, may ſee how fairely the King meant,Remarkable miſchiefe, and impiety diſcovered in the Kings party. both in ſending Letters thus for a Treaty of Peace, yea, and proffering himſelf in perſon to treat of Peace, I have here thought fit to ſet downe the ſubſtance of one of his Letters, ſent to the Parliament for this purpoſe, verbatim, and moſt faithfully, p. 345as it was printed and publiſhed, and therewith alſo a Declaration, of his compacting with the Rebels in Ireland, againſt God, our Religion, and his Engliſh Proteſtant Subjects, yea the whole Kingdome and Parliament: And then, I ſay, the impartiall Reader may ſee how croſſely and craftily (yet moſt accurſedly) things were carried underhand, even with extream Atheiſme and impiety; and now, I ſay, for the full clearing hereof, take here firſt a true Copy of the Kings Letter to our Parliament, expreſſing his even greedy ſeeming deſire of Peace with his Parliament and his Proteſtant People; and then you ſhall have the other Letter or Declaration ſent into Ireland, and then be amazed and confounded in thy thoughts at ſuch hideous and horrid, yea even helliſh diſſimulation.

Upon Friday, Jan. 16. another Trumpet (for you muſt know by the way, as I touched before, divers former Trumpets and Meſſages had been ſent) came from the King with a Letter directed to the Speaker of the Houſe of Peers, pro tempore, the ſubſtance of which Letter was.

C. R.

HIs Majeſty doth expreſſe his great wonder,A Copy of the Kings Letter to the Parliament. that whereas he had ſent a gracious Meſſage on the 26 of December laſt, the ſubject whereof was for a Treaty for peace, that the Parliament ſhould returne no Anſwer to that Meſſage ever ſince. He much admired what ſhould become of his Trumpeter▪ whom he ſent unto them in December laſt, having heard … newes of him ſince his departure from Oxford unto London: He ſeemes to be very carefull of the Government of the Church, and deſireth that it may continue as in the dayes of Queen Elizabeth and King James of bleſſed and perpetuall memory: yet he expreſſeth, that becauſe the Act it aboliſhed for the uſe of the Booke of Common Prayer, he is not altogether averſe that the Directory ſhall paſſe as it is now uſed in ſome Churches of London, and this He is content to condeſcend unto for the eaſe of tender conſciences, He maketh no queſtion but that He ſhall give both his Houſes of Parliament a full content for the choyce of the Lord Admirall and other Officers of State if He finds his Houſes of Parliament inclinable to a Treaty for peace, in which he intendeth to aſſiſt in Perſon, He expreſſeth a ſpeciall care to ſatisfie the Scots in their arreares, and to diſcharge the expences of the City, and for the buſineſſe of Ireland He doubteth not but He ſhall give His Subjects of England perfect ſatisfaction.

Subſcribed. Given at our Court at Oxford, Jan. 15. 1645.

p. 346This is the ſubſtance of his Majeſties Letter, which though communicated by former pens, was read in the Houſe this day, and it is the rather here inſerted, becauſe you may ſee how croſſe it is to His Majeſties Letter ſent to Ireland, and ſealed with his highneſſe Signature and Royall Signet, which Letter, together with other papers of great concernment, were found in the pocket of the Archbiſhop of Tuain, ſlaine at Sligo in Ireland, the tenour of which Letter was as followeth:

C. R.

CHARLES by the grace of God King of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith: To our truſty and right well beloved couſin, Edward Earle of Glamorgan, greeting.

VVE repoſing great and ſpeciall truſt and confidence in your approved wiſdome and fidelity, do by theſe (as firmly as under our great Seale, to all intents and purpoſes) authorize and give you power to treat and conclude with the Roman Catholicks in our Kingdome of Ireland, if upon neceſſity any thing be condeſcended to, wherein our Lieutenant cannot ſo well be ſeen, as not fit for us, at the preſent, publikely to owne: We therefore charge you to proceed according to this our Warrant, with all poſſible ſecrecy, and for whatſoever you ſhall engage your ſelf upon ſuch valuable conſiderations, as you in your judgement ſhall thinke fit, we promiſe in the word of a King and a Chriſtian, to ratifie and performe the ſame that ſhall be granted by you, and under your Hand and Seale, the ſaid Confederate Catholicks having by their ſupplies teſtified their zeale to our ſervice, and this ſhall be in each particular a ſufficient Warrant to you.

Given at our Court at Oxford under our Signet and Royall Segnature in the twenty yeere of our reigne, &c.

It was therefore ordered by the ſaid Earle in the Kings behalf,

1 That all the profeſſors of the Roman Religion in Ireland, of whatſoever degree or quality ſhall enjoy the free and publique uſe of the Roman Catholike Religion.

2 That the profeſſors of the ſaid Roman Religion ſhall enjoy all the Churches within the Kingdome of Ireland, other than ſuch as are now actually enjoyed by his Majeſties Proteſtant Subiects.

3 That all the Roman Catholick Subiects of Ireland ſhould be exempted from the iuriſdiction of the Proteſtant Clergy.

p. 3474 … whereas there was an Act made … Parliament holden in Dublin in the ſecond yeare of Queen Elizabeth, entituled, An act reſtoring to the Crowne the ancient Right and Juriſdiction over the State Eccleſiaſticall; and for the aboliſhing of all forraigne and Popiſh power repugnant to the ſame. And whereas there was another Act for the Ʋniformity of Common Prayer and Service in the Church, and Adminiſtration of the Sacraments, and ſundry m…cts laid upon the profeſſions of the Roman Religion: it is accorded and granted that a Parliament ſhall be called in Ireland, and that an Act ſhall paſſe for the reliefe of his Maieſties ſubiects; and that neither of the ſaid Statutes, nor only branch, Article, clauſe or ſentence in them, neither in any other Statute made either by his Majieſty or any of his Predeceſſors, touching the free and publique uſe of the Catholique Religion ſhall extend or be of my force to prejudice the profeſſors of the Roman Church for any matter or cauſe whatſoever.

And theſe things and ſome other of the like nature being granted by the King, according to his promiſe made in the word of a Chriſtian and a King, the Confederate Catholicks did oblige themſelves to bring in the number of 10000 men, who are to be armed there, one half with Muske…s, the other with Pikes, to be ſhipped to ſerve his Majeſty in England, Wales, Scotland, at his Majeſty ſhall appoint.

Thus have I ſet forth the Kings Letter to the Parliament on the one ſide, and his Letter or Declaration to the moſt bloody and barbarous Rebels of Ireland on the other ſide: And now how the King is able to reconcile theſe two vaſt contrarities, and to give the Kingdome and Parliament full ſatisfaction (as in that Letter to them he ſaies he will) concerning the affaires in Ireland, let the world judge, and God and his owne ſoul be witneſſe. Therefore the Parliament (as by Gods mercy to us they have done all things hitherto, for the moſt part, with much moderation and …) did very … (I think) preſent to his Majeſty in the… Letter or Declaration ſent unto him,The ſumme of the Parliaments Anſwer to the Kings Letter for a treaty for a pretended peace. on their knowledge of theſe things, that the war in Ireland being fomented and prolonged by his Majeſty, to the utter ruine almoſt of the Kingdome of England and Scotland, that untill ſatisfaction and ſecurity be … given to … Kingdomes for the ſame, his Majeſties coming to London could not be convenient nor aſſented unto. Thus, I ſay, the Parliaments providence (next under the infinite wiſdom and mercy of our good God) hath ſtill wonderfully diſcovered p. 348and diſappointed all the peſtilent plots and dangerous deſignes of our adverſaries, and (maugre all their malicious machinations and craftieſt combinations) made all our Parliamentary great, grave, and godly affaires, go on with wonderfull ſafety and ſecurity, ever magnified and praiſed be the Lords moſt glorious mercies for it. But now to proceed.

About the 14 of this inſtant January, we received certain intelligence by Letters out of the Weſt, that the Enemy in thoſe parts continued in a moſt diſtracted condition, flying ſtill before us, and our men looſing no advantage and opportunity to purſue them. And that they no ſooner had heard of our Forces approach toward Plymouth, but (as they were in their Garriſons and Holds before Plymouth about Plympton) they immediately forſook them to provide for themſelves by a ſhamefull flight,Plymouth totally relieved and relinquiſhed by the Enemies. and were no ſooner fled, but our men became maſters of their Works. There were found in Plympton, upon this the Enemies haſty flight, ſeven peeces of Ordnance, which in that confuſed haſte they were not able to draw off, there were alſo taken divers barrels of powder, and great ſtore of Armes and Ammunition; and it much joyed the Garriſon of Plymouth, to ſee a full deliverance come ſo ſoone and ſo unexpectedly,Plymouth made good advantage of the flight of their Enemies. and that in the depth of ſnow and dead of Winter, whereas according to ordinary reaſon there could, in ſuch a time, no reliefe be expected. But the Garriſon of Plymouth, to be ſure, made good uſe of the flying condition of their Enemies, for immediately they ſallyed forth after them, and tooke about 60 of them, one whereof was ſaid to be a Commander of note, and one of the moſt active againſt the Parliament in thoſe parts.

And as the Garriſon of Plymouth was active, ſo our renowned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax, with his moſt loyall and active Forces would looſe no time or opportunity, but tooke all occaſions of the Enemies feares and flights, and following them cloſe made them quit Sir Francis Drakes Houſe,Sir Francis Drakes Houſe taken. which they had made a ſtrong Garriſon, and our men took poſſeſſion of it. And then Sir Thomas commanded a conſiderable party to march to Dartmouth, who with much willingneſſe undertooke the march, and the Town being ſummoned, the Enemy not onelyonly refuſed to ſubmit, but ſent out a party to fire ſome out houſes,Dartmouth ſummoned. ſuppoſing that they might▪ be beneficiall to us during the ſiege; but our Forces routed the party, took 40 Horſe, and divers priſoners, and ſlew the Lieutenant Colonell that commanded the ſaid party. And in the meane time p. 349Sir Thomas Fairfax ſent to Captaine Batten, Vice Admirall of the Parliaments Ships in the Weſterne ſtode,Captain Batten Vice-Admiral helps to beſiege Dartmouth Sy Sea. to come up to Dartmouth …, becauſe he would ſtorme it both by Sea and by Land, whereof more in its more proper place.

January the 16 a Petition was … to the Houſe of Peers, in the name of the Lord Mayor, Alde …men, and Common-Councell of the City of London, The City of London petitions the Parliament about Church-Government.for the ſpeedy ſetling of Church Government in the City, and over the whole Kingdome, (as the day before they had preſented one of the ſame to the Houſe of Commons) and upon the preſenting of the Petition, Alderman Gibbs made a Speech to their Lordſhips, and after ſome conſideration of the Petition, the Lords returned them a moſt acceptable anſwer which Petition together with the Anſwer thereunto, from the Lords, for the Readers better content and ſatisfaction, and the honour of that moſt famous and renowned City, in ſuch a pious Act and Petition, I have thought fit here to inſert them, which were as followeth.