Englands Parliamentary Chronicle, Chronicle · Letter 4 – Letter 6

Englands Parliamentary Chronicle · Chronicle · Letter 4 – Letter 6

p. 57Honourable Sir,

THough our other employments in and about the Army, may excuſe us in point of news,The Copy of a Letter ſent to the honourable Speaker of the Houſe of Commons, relating the whole fight at Newberry, 28 Octob. 1644. yet being eye-witneſſes of this late fight, and knowing your kinde acceptance of ſome preſents, though without the circle, and eſpecially to expreſſe our joy for this ſucceſſe which the Lord of Hoſts, upon his own day has vouch…afed us; Wee preſume to preſſe in with the crowd, and to make it more clear, ſhall give you the preceding circumſtances. After a weeks tedious, but ſpeedy march of my Lord Generals Infantry, and one nights refreſhment at Redding, in two dayes farther progreſſe, wee drew up before Newberry, as neer the Town as the Enemies Cannon would ſuffer; This was upon Fryday the 25 of Octob. The King in Newberry.The King kept within the Town, guarded by his Artillery, but his body of Horſe and Foot drew out into Speenfield, the midway betwixt the Town and Caſtle, both to make his Army more numerous, and alſo to embattle them in a place of extraordinary advantage. That day afforded nothing ſave an interview, (the interpoſing river hindring our deſired fight) on their ſide appeared rather a declining to bee ingaged, either that their numbers were not equall, or from an expectation of Ruperts advance with 3000 Horſe or Dragoones, and the return of the Earl of Northampton, The Enemies ſtrength at Newberry, was 8000 foot and 5000 horſe.from Banbury with a 1000. The Enemies ſtrength is reported to have been 8000 Foot, and 5000 Horſe; which albeit a gallant Army, yet upon our drawing into battalia, they durſt not take the field, but to counterpoiſe our numbers with his Stratagems, hee fell mainly to fortifie the Town, eſpecially the avenues, and having raiſed his batteries and lined the hedges, hee ſtood upon his guard, and with ſome great p…ices, where hee p. 58ſaw the biggeſt bodies and moſt advantage, hee ſent liberally ſome of his bullets among us,God, heer, took more care for his ſervants, than the King did of his beſt Subjects. which killed 2 or 3 Horſe, but hurt not their Riders. For many houres ſome parties of Horſe skirmiſht betwixt both the Armies; in which play wee had the beſt on our part, but one of our men fell; of theirs 4 or 5. of which, one had been knighted. It being impoſſible to ingage them without much hazzard, that night, the greater part of our Army marched unto Cheveley. The horſe commanded by Sir William Waller, and Sir William Belfore; the foot by Sergeant Major Generall Skippon, whilſt the other encamped before the Eaſt-end of the Town, and was ordered by the Earl of Mancheſter, Our Army was neceſſitated to quarter al night in the open field.at one ſame time they had all agreed to ſtorm the Garriſon on both ſides. That night and the next wee quartered in the open field, but neither the coldneſſe of the weather, nor want of uſuall proviſion, any whit diſanimated the Souldier, the earneſt expectation of fight ſwallowed up all other extremities; Howbeit, moſt of them had 3 dayes proviſion prepared by Command in his ſnapſack. By day-break, upon Sunday, the horſe and Foot commanded by Sir William Waller, and Major Generall Skippon, Ours took 2 or 3 cart loads of the Kings proviſion, and 100 horſe and foot of the enemies.were upon their March, and in 4 houres had ſurrounded Dennington-Caſtle, and made their approach toward the Weſt of Newberry. By the way wee intercepted 2 or 3 Carts of the Enemies proviſion, intended, they ſaid, for his Majeſty, but in reſpect an unworthy race about him, were to have ſhared therein, and that our men more needed it, wee diſpoſed of it to our ſelves; To recompence which, they fell upon our Rear from the Caſtle and took 10 or 12 of ours priſoners. Upon this March wee received the report that Newcaſtle was taken by ſtorm▪ and the Ʋlſter Rebells in Ireland, totally defeated; happy news unto us, and of a double uſe to our engagement. It was one of the clock ere the Train and Rear came up, and neer 3 ere wee could bee put into Battalia.The fight begun. With extraordinary ſhouts, and other teſtimonies of courage and joy, the Weſtern-body advanced, and the forlorn Hopes of horſe quickly began the fight, which with as much eagerneſſe was ſeconded by the foot,The fight maintained for at leaſt 3 houres ſpace, with admitable courage & fiercenes on both ſides. ſo as, for 3 houres at leaſt, the fight was maintained with as much reſolution and bravery on our ſide, and deſperateneſſe on the other, as hath been ſeen ſince the commencement of theſe Warres; the Cannon and ſmall ſhot on both ſides firing with as quick a motion as was poſſible to bee done by Souldier…, and amongſt the foot, to ſpeak impartially, his Excellencies Regiment did moſt eminently well, p. 59of whom eſpecially and of the reſt, wee can ſpeak very juſtly, we neither ſaw man nor party, horſe or foot, either to deſert his duty or diſhearten his fellow. About the midſt of the fight the Earl of Cleveland, and ſome other of the Enemies prime Commanders rode among our Souldiers,The Earl of Cleveland & others taken priſoners. asking them, Wherefore they would fight againſt their own men? but being demanded the word and not knowing it, divers of them were knockt down from off their horſes, and the Earl of Cleveland himſelf, and ſome other Officers were taken priſoners. And after a long and hot diſpute, wee beat the Enemy firſt from their works, and then from their Ordnance, 9 in number;9 of our brave peices of Ordnance, which had been loſt in Cornwall, heer, now recovered. our men fought like devils, as the Corniſh Souldiers cryed our, running away. Our forces were no ſooner poſſeſt of the Ordnance, (which were a part of thoſe which wee loſt in Cornwall) but our Weſtern ſparks, with exceeding great joy, hug'd and kiſt them, and cryed out; Now will wee ſhew them a Corniſh hop; and on the other ſide, many of the Cavaliers moſt fearfully threw down their Armes and ran away, crying out, Devils, Devils, they fight like devils; for, ours gave no Quarter to any whom they knew to bee of the Corniſh. In which fierce fight and brave deportment of ours, wee loſt a few men, and with or among them, Captain Cawler, a brave Gentleman of Glam…rganſhire, who by an honourable and triumphant hazzard, bequeathed the thing adventured to us with his life alſo, an expreſſion ſufficient fully to entitle himſelf, True to his Charge, notwithſtanding his captivity in Cornwall. The day was of ſo much diſcontent to the King, that wrapping up his loſſes with the night,The King …ed out of Newberry with only one Troop of horſe. an houre after mid-night, hee marched (or rather fled) out of the Town, with an attendant Troop only, toward Wincheſter, and ſent up his Cannon, Carriages, and Baggage, to the Caſtle, where (at day-break) wee ſaw them placed. Upon the firſt intelligence of their departure, Colonell Cromwell followed the body of the Enemy, a houres before day, the iſſue of which, as yet, wee hear not of. Our men are full of Spirit, and extraordinarily heightned with this Victory. The Enemy hath little to ſupport them but their Rodomants. In the mean time, as an addition and ſignall of good ſucceſſe, wee have (as I toucht before) the Earl of Cleveland priſoner, taken by a Leivtenant of Colonell Barkleys, General Gorings brother ſhot dead in the fight.who wonders how Generall Goring eſcaped our hands, but his Brother paid his account, being ſhot dead as hee charged, and moſt of his Troop were cut off, and Major Trevillian, and divers other, whoſe bodies are ſeen, but names, as yet, undiſcovered. Above 200 were ſlain on the ground, and 300 taken p. 60priſoners,Priſoners t…ken at Newberry fight. wherof theſe, in ſpeciall, by name; The Earl of Cleveland, Captain Philpot, Leivtenant Harper, Leivtenant Roan, Cornet Whealand, Quartermaſter Ironmonger, Quartermaſter Campion, Quarter maſter Nicholas, Mr. John Percie; all theſe of the Earl of Clevelands Brigade, and 38 Troopers of the ſame Brigade. Taken priſoners of Sir Ralph Hoptons Regiment, Captaine Elmes, a Captain of Horſe, Mr. Simon Court, Quartermaſter to Hoptons own Troop; Edward Philips, Henry Dimmo…k, Hugh Pope, Gent. of Arme…, and divers other Troopers. Colonell Philpot, Captain Mildem…y, Captain N…vet, Mr. Richard Niſton, Mr. John Curtis, Mr. Edward Archer, and divers other Gentl. of Armes, and Reformadoes, beſides (as I ſaid before) 300 Common Souldiers.

The King flying out of Newberry reviles the Major.And it was credibly reported by good teſtimony, that at the inſtant of his Majeſties flight from Newberry, hee complained of the Major, Towneſmen, and Inhabitants of Newberry, ſaying, that they were moſt peſtilent Roundheads, and that they were not ſo loyall as his ſubjects of Cornwall, who uſed to give him intelligence upon all occaſions. There were alſo taken, at leaſt 2000 Armes at this fight, and the Kings, and Generall Forths Coaches,Prizes-taken at & about Newb. and divers ſumpture-horſes laden with rich prize; and upon the conſideration of this great and good ſucceſſe of this our Army at Newberry, and the other of our brethren of Scotland, at Newcaſtle; An Order was agreed on by both the Houſes of Parliament, An Order of Parliament for a day of publik Thank…giving to God … brave def…at, & happy Victory.that publick Thanks ſhould bee given to God in all Churches in London and Weſtminſter, on Tueſday then enſuing, which was the 5 of November, being the day of ſolemn annuall thankſgiving for Englands deliverance from the moſt horrid and exorbitant Popiſh Gun-powder-Treaſon, which ſacrifice of Thankſgiving for theſe 2 foreſaid Victories, was, on the ſaid day accordingly performed.

But, Oh our unhappineſſe, that ever it ſhould bee juſtly ſaid of us,A juſt check to our improvidence in not improving this braveadvantage as we might have done. as it was of Hanniball that great Carthaginian Conquerour and ſcourge of the Romans! Vincereſcis Hannibal, Ʋtivictoriâ neſcis. O that wee ſhould not onelyonly not proſper in this Victory, according to the admirable advantage, which God had put into our hands, but that wee ſhould ſuffer the Enemy to rally and recrute their Force…, and as it moſt unhappily fell out (Quo fato, aut q…â fraude, neſcio,) at Dunnington-caſtle, ſhortly after, where they greatly and moſt groſſely recovered much of their loſſes, and our, then▪ famous and formidable Army was (to our ſhame and ſorrow bee it ſpoken) moſt ſtrangely baffled and abuſed, even to their faces, wee p. 61ſtanding ſtill and looking on; But enough and too much of this, and now to proceed.

About the 28 of this inſtant alſo came certain intelligence, by Letters from Newcaſtle, to the Committee of both Kingdomes, that the Caſtle, within the Town of Newcaſtle, was for certain taken by our noble brethren of Scotland, and that all within the Caſtle, who had fl…d in thither,The Caſtle in the Town of Newcaſtle taken by our brethren of Scotland. at the taking of the Town, ſurrendred both the Caſtle and themſelves to the mercy of thoſe our very mercifull brethren of Scotland, wherein were taken ſeverall priſoners of quality, and who they intended ſhould all have legall tryall both Engliſh and Scottiſh; but their own Native Scots they ſpeedily ſent away into Scotland, and the Engliſh (to bee adjudged by the known Laws of England) they ſent to London. The names of the moſt eminent men taken,The names of the priſoners taken in the Caſtle. then, in the Caſtle, were theſe, Sir John Marley, the atheiſticall Major and Governour of the Town, a moſt peſtilent and deſperate malignant and enemy to all goodneſſe; the Lord …raford, the Lord Maxwell, the Lord Ree, 3 Lords of Scotland, and all 3 moſt deſperate incendiaries, together with divers others, prime Commanders and Officers in armes.

Much alſo about the ſame time, wee were moſt certainly informed by ſeverall Letters out of Lincolnſhire, that his Majeſty had ſent directions to all the Commanders of his Garriſons at Newark, Belvi…-caſtle, and others thereabout, with ſpeciall command ſpeedily to joyn into a conſiderable body, and to march for the releif of Crowland, and then to fall into the Aſſociated Counties, which accordingly, and inſtantly they put in practiſe, and for which purpoſe, they met together in a great body,A moſt famous defeat given to the Enemies at Bever Vale, by Sir Jo. Gells, & Sir Tho. Fairfax his forces. and came into the Vale of Bever, from whence they intended to march ſpeedily toward Crowland; But, loyall, active, and valiant Sir John Gells, and Sir Thomas Fairfaxes forces, being timely informed thereof, appointed alſo ſpeedily to meet together, and to fall upon the Enemy in the ſaid V…le of Bever, which, accordingly they performed, with ſingular good ſpeed and good ſucceſſe, and bravely ſurprized the greateſt part of them, took Major Pudſey, and 2 Colonells, about 800 horſe,800 horſe and 400 priſoners taken at Bever-Vale. and 400 priſoners, and by this means moſt happily fruſtrated both the certain releiving of Crowland, and eſpecially prevented that moſt deſperate and dangerous deſigne (as it might unqueſtionably have proved) of breaking in, like a furious overflowing flood, into the Aſſociated Counties, a mercy moſt worthy our extraordinary thankfulneſſe to the Lord our God, the p. 62moſt gracious and vigilant Watchman of the Engliſh Iſrael.

And about the 30 of this inſtant October, wee were credibly aſſured by Letters from Wareham in the Weſt, that that moſt valiant and faithfull Commander Colonell Sydenham, had fallen upon Sir Lewes Dives Forces at Crew, in Dorſetſhire, and had a brave bickering with them, where hee wounded his Leivtenant Colonell, took an 100 horſe, 40 priſoners, above a 100 Armes, and routed and put to flight 400 horſe and foot.Colonell Syden…ams good ſervice in the Weſt And the ſame Letters alſo farther certified, that Sir Anthony Aſhley-Cooper, with 1500 horſe and foot from ſeverall Garriſons thereabout in Dorſetſhire, had then taken the field to encounter with Sir Lewis Dives, who was endevouring to fortifie ſome places in thoſe parts; whereof more in its due and proper place.

The good news from our Armies reſted not heer; for, about the 30 alſo of this inſtant, came certain intelligence to the Parliament, ſignifying,Leverpool in Lancaſhire ſurrendred up to Sir Jo. Meldrum under the hand of that pious, prudent, and victorious Commander Sir William Brereton, that Leverpool in Lancaſhire, was delivered up to brave, and ever to bee honoured Sir John Meldrum. The Engliſh Souldiers therein, ſome 2 or 3 dayes before having combined together, came away out of the Town, and drove away with them the Cattle that was thereabout, and the Iriſh ſeeing themſelves left, only with ſome few Engliſh Commanders, they alſo being in great ſtraits, and knowing no quarter would bee given them, if they ſtood it out, they therefore alſo voluntarily came forth of the Town,The manner how Leverpool was taken. and caſt themſelves at Sir John M… drums feet, and had their lives granted them thereupon, before the Ordinance of Parliament againſt the Iriſh, came to his hands or knowledge. And heerupon the Commanders alſo were enforced inſtantly to ſurrender the Town, wherein were taken priſoners, Sir Robert Byron, Governour; Colonell Cuthert Clifton, Robert Bambridge, Major;Priſoners taken & the goods of the Town recovered by Sea. Hugh Anderſon Leivtenant Colonell, 14 Captains, …nd many other Officers in Armes. Moſt of the choice Goods which were in the Town, they had ſhipped in ſmall Barks and Boats, thinking to have ſtoln away in the night time, by our Ships, to Beu-Morrice; but ſome of the well-affected in the Town, having given timely notice thereof, our ſhips manned out long boats, and took all their ſaid Goods from them, to a very conſiderable valew.

Nay, yet, Gods goodneſſe to the Parliament, and his extraordinary bleſſing on their forces reſted not heer; for, much about p. 63the foreſaid time wee were certainly informed, by Letters from Newcaſtle, to the Committee of both Kingdomes, that noble and renowned Generall Leven, carryed on buſineſſes ſo prudently, in the capitulation between his Excellency and the Governour of Tinmouth-caſtle, Tinmouth-caſtle ſurrendred unto Generall Leven, with 38 peices of Ordnance in it, and great ſtore of o…her Armes & Ammunition.that the ſaid Caſtle was (Octob. 27. 1644.) ſurrendred to his Excellency, and that therein hee found 38 peices of Ordnance, 50 barrels of powder, 500 Muskets, a great number of Pikes, and great ſtore of ſhot and other ſorts of proviſion. And heerin, now (in breif) wee may ſee the great goodneſſe of God thus admirably completing our comforts to us, by ſeverall moſt wiſe providentiall degrees; for, though the Town of Newcaſtle was taken, and in our full poſſeſſion, yet it was of little uſe unto us till the Caſtle therein was ſurrendred; and though both this Town and Caſtle were taken, yet they were not of any conſiderable and deſired uſe for publick Trade by ſhipping, till Tinmouth caſtle was ſurrendred,The moſt wiſe & providentiall degrees of Gods completing his mercies to us. which commands the ent…ance into that River, ſo as, no Ships can paſſe it but with great hazzard; but now (Gods name bee ever glorified) all let… and obſtructions to a free Trade into that Town are quite taken away, and any ſhips may paſſe and repaſſe moſt freely and fearleſly; and the Ordinance of Parliament (formerly inhibiting all commerce and Trading with Newcaſtle, whiles it was in the power of the Royaliſts) was ſhortly after by Both Houſes of Parliament repealed, and full power and licence now granted of free Trading thither againe by authority of Parliament.

And now upon the 31 of this inſtant October, being the laſt wedneſday of this MonethMonth, wee had the Parliamentary monethly Faſt ſolemnized, before and cloſe upon which, the Lord did moſt graciouſly give us, both, admirable preventions of our prayers, and ſingular returns of them,This Moneths day of humiliation was alſo (moſt juſtly) turned as much into a day of exultation. Reverend Mr. Caſes baptizing of the ſurrender of Newcaſtle, with the name of G…d, a Multitude. after prayers, even all along (ſave only in that unhappy ſelf-failing of our forces at Dunnington-caſtles and Bazing-houſes, releif, by our own undoubted remiſſeneſſe, if not worſe,) whereby, I ſay, our ſaid day of Monethly humiliation, was, (and that moſt deſervedly) turned as much into a day of gratulation, rejoycing, and praiſing the Lord our God, as of Faſting and Praying to God, both for that famous Victory and …urrender of the Town of Newcaſtle, to our loyall and lowing brethren of Scotland, which, (as learned, reverend and truely religious Mr. Caſe juſtly ſaid) wee may moſt worthily baptize and Chriſten, with the name of G…d, a Multitude, for, after it, wee received a multitude p. 64of Mercies from the bountifull hands of our good God; for, preſently upon that ſurrender fell out all the ſucceeding memorable mercies, which have been in this moneths paſſages forementioned; as namely, the laſt famous Victory or defeat given to our Enemies, the Kings Forces, at Newberry; the taking of the Caſtle, in Newcaſtle-Town, and of Tinmouth-caſtle, ſhortly after; the happy and remarkable unbloody ſurrender of the Town of Leverpool, in Lancaſhire; and the famous defeat given to the Newark forces, by our moſt valiant and vigilant Forces of Leiceſter and Lincolnſhire, all fore-ſpecified. Heer, therefore, good Reader, I ſhall deſire thee together with mee, to make a ſhort ſtand and ſtay, to ſee and admire this Moneths moſt admirable wonder, alſo, of the Burning-Buſh, not only, not Conſumed, but even in the midſt of moſt furious flames and conflagrations,The Burning-Buſh not conſumed. as it were growing green, ſtill, and waxing more and more fair and flouriſhing:

Witneſſe,1. I ſay, moſt conſpicuouſly and undeniably, that further diſcovery of that deſperate and dangerous plot and deſigne,A brief & moſt grateful …ecap… tulation of all the memorable mercies of this monethmonth of October. cloſly and craftily carryed on for our inevitable ruine and deſtruction, had it taken on our Army in Cornwall, in the Weſt, but marveilouſly prevented by Gods good providence, infuſing ſuch courage and faithfulneſſe into the hearts of our Commanders and Souldiers.

Witneſſe alſo,2. the moſt ſucceſſefull proceedings of the affaires of our beſt beloved brethren in the kingdome of Scotland; together with the many miſcheivous Array-men, ſurpriſed in the Northern parts of our kingdom by the well-affected-people of thoſe parts, and putting them into the power and cuſtody of renowned Generall Leſley.

Alſo the taking of Radcaſtle, 3.in Northwales, by Sir Thomas Middleton; together with the Parliaments moſt pious and prudent completing and publiſhing of that bleſſed Ordinance for Ordination of Miniſters, in and about London, in a moſt pious and Apoſtolicall way and order.

Witneſſe alſo that brave and moſt famous defeat given to the Enemies,4. by that moſt renowned and ever to bee honoured and loved Commander, Colonell Maſſie, at Beechley, where the ſaid brave Colonell was admirably preſerved both from death and danger; Together with the ſurpriſall of the Iriſh ſhip at White-haven in Cumberland; the brave prize taken by renowned Colonell Syden…am, Governour of Pool in the Weſt; and another alſo by moſt valiant p. 65and loyall Colonell Lambert in the North.

And witneſſe Gods ſpeciall providence and particular love and regard of the good,5. not only of this Church and State in generall, but alſo of his peculiar treaſure, and holy hidden ones in ſpeciall, viz. in the redemption and deliverance from a long and tedious captivity in the North, of one of his moſt faithfull ſervants and ſufferers, for his Truth and Goſpel, namely, Dr. John Baſtwick, lately, then, a priſoner in Knaresborough caſtle in Yorkſhire; Together with the farther brave performances of noble and renowned Sir Thomas Middleton in North-wales; 6.And all the reſt of the moſt remarkable and memorable Victories, I ſay, of our moſt worthily ever to bee honored and beloved brethren the Scots, at Newcaſtle, and the other moſt memorable ſucceſſes of our Armies, as is fore-mentioned; all which being put together, and ſeriouſly conſidered doe abundantly make good the truth of this our Nations wonder,The Burning-Buſh not conſumed. in reference unto Moſes his great wonder of his Burning-Buſh not conſumed, and therefore gives us juſt occaſion in admiration and contemplation thereof, to break forth into a juſt & ingenuous confeſſion of the faithfulneſſe of Gods promiſe to his Church and children by the Prophet Iſaiah, by whom the Lord tells his people.Iſa. 54. 16, 17.Isa 54:16Isa 54:17 Behold, I have created the Smith that bloweth the coale… in the fire, and that bringeth forth an inſtrument for his work; and I have created the waſter to deſtroy. But, no weapon that is formed againſt thee, ſhall proſper, and every tongue that ſhall riſe againſt thee in judgement thou ſhalt condemn. And as the Lord ſayes in the 15 verſe of this foreſaid Chapter:Ibid. ver. 15. Behold, they ſhall ſurely gather together, but not by mee: Whoſoever, therefore, ſhall gather together againſt thee, ſhall fall, for thy ſake. And thus, hath the Lord moſt faithfully done for us, in theſe our dayes, even for us, as ſinfull and undeſerving a people as were his Iſraelites of old; And therefore, let us in holy exultation, with the pious Prophet David, ſing and ſay to the Lords everlaſting praiſe and glory.Pſal. 18. 31. 46Ps 18:31Ps 18:46 O who is God, ſave only the Lord, or who is a rock, ſave our God? The Lord liveth, and bleſſed bee our rock, and let the God of our Salvation bee exalted and praiſed for ever. But now to proceed, and goe forward to the farther progreſſe and proſecution of our juſt admiration of this our Nationall wonder, in the next ſucceeding MonethMonth of November, 1644.

ANd firſt I ſhall begin with a brave exploit performed by the forces of that valiant Patriot, Novemb. 1644.and brave Commander Colonell p. 66Ridgeley, a principall and prudent Commander in the Earle of Denbighs Army about Staffordſhire, who about the beginning of this MonethMonth of November, underſtanding that the Enemy in thoſe parts began to ſtirre apace,A brave exploit performed by Captain Stones, one of valiant Col. Ridgele yes Officers in armes, againſt the Enemy about Eccleſhall and to moleſt the peace and people of the Country thereabout; and eſpecially that the Enemy from Tongue-caſtle, and Linſhall Garriſon, were got about Eccleſhall, and had there gotten and taken away all the Cattle and horſe that they could light upon in thoſe parts, to the number of about 200 at leaſt; Hee therefore, I ſay, ſent out Captain Stones a brave Officer in Armes of his Regiment, who with a conſiderable party, being upon their March, by his Scouts diſcovering which way the ſaid Enemy moved, haſted after them, and having overtaken them, hee moſt valiantly advanced up unto them, and with his men fell moſt courageouſly upon them, and preſently put them to the rout, took 27 of them priſoners, ſlew 2 or 3 of them on the place, and wounded many, among which priſoners, hee took Sergeant Major Fleetwood, Sir Richard Fleetwoods Son, and one Almand, a moſt deſperate and active Cavalier, who had done much miſcheif in thoſe parts, who alſo was ſorely wounded, and reſcued all the 200 horſe and Cattle from them, and reſtored them to their right Owners, at their return home. And about the ſame time Captain Wagſtaffe and Captain Wakefield, with part of Colonell Chadwicks, and Colonell Leighs Troops, went forth together in their aſſignations about Hampton, and in their March, hearing that ſome of the Enemies were quartered thereabout, they marched up unto them, fell upon them in their quarters, took about 13 or 14 of them priſoners, and brought away above 20 good horſe to Stafford with them.

And although I breifly mentioned a mixture of Thankſgiving together with our laſt day of the monethly Humiliation, in the concluſion of the monethmonth of October laſt, for the late, many, and great Victories given by our good God to the Parliaments forces; yet now give mee leave, good Reader, heer to acquaint thee, that our ever to bee honoured and moſt pious Worthies in Parliament, Ordered by ſpeciall appointment that the 5 of this inſtant November, which was the former anniverſary-day of publick Thankſgiving,This 5 of November a day of publik thankſgiving for divers great and famous victories. for our moſt happy deliverance from the Popiſh Gunpowderplot, ſhould alſo bee a particular day of ſolemn Thankſgiving to the Lord (and was accordingly performed) for our moſt memorable Victory at Newberry; for the taking in of the Town of Newcaſtle, p. 67and the Caſtle therein alſo, together with the taking of Tinmouth caſtle, the yeelding up of Leverpool to Sir John Meldrum, and the brave defeat given to our Cavalierian adverſaries in Lincolnſhire: Which ſaid day of Thankſgiving for all theſe rare and famous Victories, was very ſolemnly kept thorow-out the Cities of London and Weſtminſter, with Sermons in all Churches both forenoon and afternoon,The great triumph in the City of London, on this ſolemn day of thankſgiving. with ringing of Bells, ſhooting off Ordnance at all the Forts round about the City, and making many and mighty bonfires at night. And to adde to all this dayes triumph, as the Lord Major, accompanyed with the Aldermen and Sheriffes his Brethren, together with the ſeverall Companies of the ſaid City of London, then attending him, came back from the Sermon at Pauls Church, through Cheapſide, there was (juſt in the place where once that abominable monument of Idolatry, the Croſſe ſtood) a frame of firre-wood ſet up, and upon it divers Popiſh pictures, and Romiſh Reliques, Bookes, Beads, and Crucifixes were ſet on fire and bravely burnt to aſhes, making a moſt beautifull bonfire, as they all paſt along Cheapſide by it. Praiſed bee the Lord, who cauſed us thus juſtly to rejoyce.

About the 8 of this inſtant November, wee received credible information out of the Weſt, by a Letter from a Commander of note and quality, of the ſtorming and taking of a ſtrong Garriſon of the Enemies, which was Sir John Strangewaies Houſe in Dorſetſhire, and had been a very ill neighbour to our renowned Garriſon of Lime, which ſervice was moſt bravely performed by that valiant and loyall Patriot, Sir Anthony Aſhley Cooper, Commander in cheif for the Parliament, in that County, a Copy of which Letter, relating the gallant ſervice performed therein,The Enemies Garriſon at Sir Jo. Strangeways Houſe in Dorſetſtire, ſtormed & taken by Sir Anthony Aſhley-Cooper. for the Readers better content and ſatisfaction, I have heer inſerted.

Sir, &c.

Wee marched from Dorcheſter to Abot…bury, where Colonell James Strangewayes and all his Regiment were in Garriſon, they held both the Houſe and the Church which joyned to the Houſe; It was night before wee ſummoned it, and they in a ſcorn refuſed the ſummons of Sir Anthony Aſhley-Cooper, a very active and noble Gentleman, our Commander in cheif, whereupon hee ſent his Major Generall with a conſiderable party againſt the Church, who preſently aſſaulting it took it, and all the men in it priſoners, without the loſſe of one man of ours. After this wee ſummoned them in writing, the ſecond time, to yeild on fair quarter, or elſe to expect no mercy, if they forced us to ſtorm them. To this alſo p. 68they diſdained to return an Anſwer; upon which denya… wee▪ fell on,The ſtorming of this Garriſon continued 6 hours together and after as hot a ſtorm as ever I heard of, for ſix houres together, it pleaſed God, at length to give us the place, when by no other means wee could get it, wee found a way by deſperately flinging in fired turf-fagots into the windowes; and the fight, thus, grew ſo hot, that our ſaid Commander in chief (who to his perpetuall renown behaved himſelf moſt gallanly in this ſervice) was forced to bring up his men within Piſtoll ſhot of the Houſe, and could hardly, then, get them to ſtay and ſtand the brunt, yet in all this time (God bee praiſed) wee loſt but 3 men, and ſome few wounded. Now, when as by the foreſaid hot aſſault, half of the houſe was on a light fi…e, and not to bee quenched, then at length, Colonell James Strangewayes called out for quarter, which our Commander in cheif was reſolved no man in the Houſe ſhould have, in regard they had ſo deſperately and diſdainfully ſcorned his ſummons, and alſo in regard that the Cavaliers cuſtome was obſerved to bee to keep ſuch paltry houſes and pilfring Garriſons againſt any of our Armies, that they might therby bee ſure to doe us miſcheif, and (by reaſon of our obſerved clemency) to have their lives at laſt granted to them; But ſome of our Commanders upon one ſide of the Houſe, contrary to the minde of our ſaid Commander in cheif, and againſt the opinion of all the Officers, in his abſence, had given them quarter, which being granted them, wee inſtantly ruſhed into the Houſe, which being of a light fire, and their Magazine in it (I beleive rather accidentally, than as ſome reported,Between 30 & 40 of our men blown up with powder in the taking of this houſe. purpoſely and trecherouſly) it ſet on fire 4 or 5 barrels of Gunpowder, and blew up between 30 and 40 of our men, yet the Lord bee bleſſed, my ſelf and the reſt were even miraculouſly preſerved. Wee took priſoners, Colonell James Strangewayes, Sir John Strangewayes his Son, Governour of this Garriſon, his Major, and 3 Captains; and not 3 of his whole Regiment, but were either killed or taken, and the Houſe was wholly burnt down to the ground, and wee thereby freed of a peſtilent and pernicious neighbour. Colonell Bruen and Mr. Crompton, behaved themſelves very worthily in this action, and Captain Starre incomparably bravely.

Yours, C. A.

November the 12, wee were for certain informed by Letters out of the North, that a party of the Enemies horſe advanced from Skipton and Knaresborough in Yorkeſhire, and fell upon the Parliaments p. 69guard before Helmeſley Caſtle, intending to have raiſed that ſiege. Whereupon 240 of the moſt noble and renowned Lord Fairfaxes Horſe under the Command of Major Sanderſon, were ſent to releive them,A brave defeat given to the Enemy at Helmſley caſtle. but our valiant Forces before Helmeſley had quite routed the Enemy before their ſaid help came unto them, and purſued the Enemy over Black-Hambleton, and took priſoners, 1 Captain, 5 or 6 Leivtenants, one Cornet, one Enſigne, a Quartermaſter, and 44 Troopers; there were about; or 6 ſlain on the place, and very many ſore wounded; ours alſo took 80 Horſe, together with a great quantity of Meal, Salt, and other proviſions deſigned for the releif of Helmeſley. All which was performed without the loſſe of any, ſave only Captain Leivtenant Frampton, Leivtenant Shepperſon, and 3 common Souldiers.

About the 16 of this inſtant, both the Houſes of Parliament paſſed an Ordinance for the re-eſtabliſhing of free Trade again at Newcaſtle, Free Trading with Newcaſtle re-eſtabliſhed by the Parlia.which now lately had beer moſt happily reduced (by Gods bleſſing on the valour and magnanimity of our loyall Brethren of Scotland) to the obedience of the Parliament, which ſaid Ordinance, for the Readers fuller ſatisfaction and content, I have heer thought fit to inſert, verbatim, as it was Printed and publiſhed by Authority of Parliament.

Die Jovis, Novemb. 14. 1644.

VVHere as the Lords and Commons aſſembled in Parliament, by an Ordinance of the 14 of January, 1642. did for ſeverall reaſons in the ſaid Ordinance mentioned, prohibit all ſhips and other veſſels to carry proviſion of victuals, armeſ or money unto Newcaſtle, Sunderland, and Blyth, or make return of any Coales or Salt from either the ſaid places, under pain of ſeizure of the ſaid ſhips, veſſels, and their l…ding: And whereas by the good providence and bleſſing of Almighty God, and the endevours of our brethren of Scotland, the Town and Port of Newcaſtle upon Tyne, and Caſtle of Tinmouth, are lately reſcued out of the hands of the Enemy, and reduced to the obedience of the King and Parliament: The Inhabitants of which places, by reaſon of the rapine and ſpoile of the Enemy, have been brought to extremity of want. It is this day Ordered by the ſaid Lords and Commons that the ſaid Ordinance bee repealed and annulled, And the ſaid Lords and Commons doe hereby repeal and annull the ſame.

Joh. Brown, Cler. Parliamentorum.

About the 20 of this inſtant came certain intelligence by Letters out of Yorkeſhire to London, that the Caſtle of Helmeſley in p. 70that County, which had been then beſieged (as was forementioned) by the right honourable and thrice noble Lord Fairfaxes forces, was now at length ſurrendred to his Lordſhip, upon Articles of agreement.Helmſley caſtle in Yorkeſhire taken by the thrice noble Lord Fairfax. Whereupon, the ſaid Caſtle with all the Ordnance, Armes, and Ammunition therein, except what armes the Commanders and Officers marched out withall, according to the agreement. In this Caſtle were about 200 men, 9 peices of Ordnance, 300 Muskets and Pikes, 6 barrells of powder, and much money, Plate, and other good plunder; and many of the common Souldiers turned to the Lord Fairfax, whereof at leaſt 40 went preſently to aſſiſt at the ſiege of Scarborough.

And about the 24 of this inſtant November, wee were informed by Letters out of Lincolnſhire, of the good ſucceſſe againſt the Enemy there, of that brave and moſt valiant active Commander, Colonell Roſſiters Regiment of horſe, and Colonell Fleetwoods Regiment of horſe, Commanded by valiant and virtuous Major Harriſon, who reſolved to face the Town of Newark, to try what ſtrength of horſe they had left,A brave defeat given to the Enemy in Lincolnſhire, by Major Harriſon ſince the laſt loſſe of neer about 800 horſe upon a rout: But in their way, they alſo reſolved to attempt the beating up of one of their quarters, within a mile of Newark, which accordingly they did, and took there, an 160 horſe, and 80 priſoners, Major Heren, Captain Creſſey, 3 Cornets, 3 Leivtenants, and divers Gentlemen, and afterward faced the Town of Newark, the enemy not daring to adventure out; wherupon they victoriouſly returned and brought their priſoners and prize ſafely with them to Lincoln.

And about the 28 inſtant, wee received certain intelligence by Letters out of the Weſt, that the valiant Souldiers of Lime marched out of that Garriſon to meet the Enemy at Axminſter, who came thither to fortifie that Town, thereby to have ſtraitned the quarters of Lime; But they being as vigilant as valiant, and diſcovering the Enemies drift,A brave defeat given to the Enemy at Axminſter, by Lime forces. and unwilling to bee noſed by ſo bad a neighbour, fell upon the ſaid Enemy, as they ſtood upon a poſture of defence, fitted and reſolved (as it ſeemed) to entertain the charge of our forces, but in the end, were bravely routed by the Lime Souldiers, who in the encounter killed Major Walker, a deſperate and wicked Cavalier, 2 Captains, and 2 Leivtenants, and mortally wounded Sir Richard Cholmley (Son in Law to the Lord Pawle…, and brother to Sir Hugh Cholmley of Scarborough, that diſloyall apoſtate Run negado) who commanded in Cheif this party, p. 71and ſome Letters, ſince, have certified that the ſaid Sir Richard is dead of his wounds; In which incounter alſo the brave Lime forces took 4 peices of Ordnance, great ſtore of Armes, many priſoners, and drove the reſt into a Church, which was not then taken, when this Letter came to our hands. This moſt valiant Governour of Lyme deſerves to bee had in high honour and remembrance for his former famous ſervices alſo, eſpecially for his ſo manfully defending that poore Town againſt Prince Maurice, and the Lord Pawlet, A rich ſhip driven into Lime Haven by a ſtorm.and other mighty menacing powers, as hath at large been forementioned. And ſhortly after this brave defeat, it pleaſed the Lord that a ſuddain ſtorm ariſing at Sea, a ſhip of Apſome was driven into the Haven at Lime, and there ſeized on, which was eſtimated to bee worth many thouſand pounds, a part whereof was ordered by the Parliament to bee imployed for the uſe and ſervice of Lyme, and the reſt for the other Weſtern parts, the goods in the ſaid ſhip being found to belong to divers rich Malignants of Exeter and Apſome, and moſt of them conſiſting of ſpeciall good Linnen cloath. And beſides that foreſaid Victory at Axminſter, and rich prize ſo put into their hands in their haven; wee had certain information that this moſt valiant and active garriſon of Lime, within 2 or 3 dayes after fell upon another party of the Enemies,Another brave defeat given to the Enemy by Lime Garriſon. and did good execution on them, and took priſoners 3 Leivtenants more, with 50 other Officers and Souldiers, took an 160 Muskets, 10 Halberts, 3 barrels of powder, one Cornet Colours, 2 foot Colours, and 5 Drums, and that Colonell Bret; Knight and Baronet, was heer alſo dangerouſly wounded, and, as was reported ſince, dyed of the wounds hee then received, and that Major Hinkley was for certain dead of his wounds in this skirmiſh received.

About the 30 of this inſtant November, wee were certified by Letters from Sir Thomas Middletons quarters, that Colonell Beal (who went with Foot forces out of London, by Sea, intended for Angleſey, and ſo for Sir Thomas Middleton, in North Wales,) landed his forces in Milford-Haven, in Pembrookeſhire, in South-Wales, where joyning with the Pembrook-men, hee marched into Carmarthenſhire, where the Enemies had a ſtrong Garriſon,Laughorn caſtle in South-wales taken by Colonell Beal. called Laughorn caſtle, which this brave Colonell won from them, the exact particulars of which Service being brought to London, in a Letter dated at Pembrook, I have heer thought fit to extract and ſet down the ſubſtance thereof, to the honour of that gallant Colonell, and the other p. 72Commanders aſſiſtant to him therein, which was as followeth. Wee made our approach to Laughorn caſtle, and having ſoon gained the Town, in the Town gate wee planted our Ordnance, and firſt gave the Enemies a fair ſummons to ſurrender the ſaid Garriſon for the King and Parliament, which they utterly refuſing, wee preſently made our batteries againſt the Caſtle gate-houſe, and that not without the happy advantage of a great breach, and ſo with an unanimous conſent of our forces fell to hot ſtorm, and undermining of the walls, both which were performed with ſuch fervour, courage and expedition (and that only with the loſſe of not above 5 of our men, but at the leaſt 33 of theirs within, as was afterward confeſſed, by ſome of their own Commanders) as that the Enemy ſeeing us in ſuch good earneſt and wiſely fore-ſeeing the eminent danger they werein, if they now delayed any longer, they preſently ſounded a parley, which notwithſtanding our advantages being granted them, though at firſt they began with us on high termes, yet were forced ſpeedily to ſurrender only upon quarter for their lives, and the Caſtle thus ſurrendred into the Generalls poſſeſſion, wherein were 4 peices of Ordnance, 160 armes, 4 barrels of powder, and great ſtore of other proviſion, they having loſt in this aſſault ere it was ended, 33 of their men, and many wounded, whereof 4 were Captains.

Much alſo about the foreſaid time came certain intelligence by Letters from Pool in the Weſt, that Sir Lewis Dives being at Dorcheſter, with 200 horſe and Dragoones, ſent a party to face Pool, who made a daring ſhew and bravado, upon ſight of whom brave Colonell Sydenham prepared valiantly to oppoſe them, but after only a daring ſhew and bravado,A brave exploit performed by Col. Sydenham againſt the Enemy at Dorcheſter. they vaniſhed like a vapourous cloud, and marcht away inſtantly to Dorcheſter: But renowned Colonell Sydenham impatient of the empty flouriſhes of a vapouring Enemy, that night drew out a party of between 50 and 60 horſe double piſtolled, and with them marched (like a gallant Gentleman indeed) himſelf in perſon, deſirous to ſhew Sir Lewis Dives ſome action, and in the night hee came to Dorcheſter, and fell upon the Enemy in their quarters, firſt charged the out-guards, calling to his men to fall on couragiouſly, which they did moſt gallantly,The admirable courage & valour of Colon. Sydenham and his Souldiers. beat his whole Regiment quite through the Town, and then gave them a ſecond charge, and beat them back again, moſt ſtoutly charging upon the Dragoones, and crying out to his Souldiers, Give the Dragoones no quarter. With which his ſo violent a p. 73charge ſome fell and the reſt fled, and at a third charge this noble Colonell facing about in the Town, found and knew Major Williams in the head of the Enemies Troopes, comming to charge him; This Williams had formerly baſely and cruelly killed Colonell Sydenhams Mother; whom ſo ſoon as Colonell Sydenham ſaw, hee ſpake to his men that were next to him, to ſtick cloſe to him, for, ſaid hee, I will now avenge my Mothers innocent blood, or die in this place; and ſo hee moſt valiantly made his way to Major Williams, and flew him in the place, who fell down dead under his horſes feet, the reſt of the horſe and Dragoones fled out of the Town and ſo eſcaped; Sir Lewis Dives himſelf and ſome others of note being ſorely wounded, and valiant Colonell Sydenham, returned back victoriouſly into Pool, with the priſoners hee had taken.

And thus now having by Gods good guide and aſſiſtance finiſhed with a ſhort and ſuccinct Survey,A grateful ſummary review of the various ways of the Burning Buſh not conſumed. the comfortable contemplation of this Moneths wonder of the Burning-Buſh, thus, ſtill, Ʋnconſumed in the midſt of all theſe premiſed fierce and furious conflagrations, as namely, Captain Stones his brave exploit at Eccleſhall; the various happy occaſions of a Solemn day of Thankſgiving 1on the 5 of this November, by Order of Parliament; Brave 2Sir Anthony Aſhley-Coopers ſtorming and taking of Sir John Strangewayes 3Houſe, a ſtrong Garriſon in Dorſetſhire; The brave defeat given 4to the Enemy at Helmſley caſtle, and the taking thereof; Free 5Trade re-eſtabliſht in Newcaſtle by authority of Parliament; A 6brave defeat given to the Enemies neer Newark in Lincolnſhire; Two other alſo given unto them, the one at Axminſter in the Weſt, 7together with a rich ſhip of the Enemies driven into Lime; the other within 2 or 3 dayes after the former, againſt a party of the Enemies, in thoſe parts; The taking of Laughorn-caſtle in SouthWales; 8And this laſt brave exploit performed at Dorcheſter, by renowned 9Colonell Sydenham. All theſe, I ſay, performed to the eternall praiſe and high honour of our Iſraels ever moſt gracious and glorious Wonder-working God, whereby wee have great cauſe to ſing and ſay with holy David, with exulting joy and thankfulneſſe of heart,Pſal. 46. 11.Ps 46:11 The Lord of Hoaſts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge. And thus wee will now breifly paſſe on without any farther digreſſion or interruption, to the farther view and obſervation of Gods moſt powerfull and propitious preſervation of this ſtill Burning-Buſh, the Parliamentary Cauſe.

p. 74FIrſt therefore,Decemb. 1644. I ſhall begin the ſerious Survey of this moſt rare and admirable Wonder of the Burning-Buſh not conſumed, in this next ſucceeding MonethMonth of December, 1644. with that brave defeat given to the Enemy, about the time when Taunton was much ſtraitned by a ſiege, then, about it, that valiant and faithfull Colonell Norton, with others, being then deſigned for the releif thereof, wherein alſo, Sergeant Major Dewet (who, ſince, hath prov…d a moſt perfidious apoſtate) and Major Wanſey (with the reſt of Colonell Ludlows Regiment of horſe deſigned alſo as a reſerve to our Forces then ſent to releive Taunton, as aforeſaid) who all, I ſay,A brave defeat given to the Enemies at Saliſbury by Sergeant Major Dewet. marched to Saliſbury, where the Enemy was quartered, who upon the ſuddain approach of theſe our friends, were forced to flye into a place called the Cloſſe, a cheif and eminent place of that City, where the Biſhops and Cathedrall Choriſters, and Singingmen, uſed to live, like ſo many lazie Abbey-Lubbers, commonly called the Prebends-Cloſſe, and thither our Forces marched after them, even up to the gates, and firſt brake open the Sand-gate (the Enemy having made faſt and baricadoed all the gates) and then our horſe alſo forced open the Cloſſe-gate, whereupon the Enemy diſperſed themſelves, many of them betook themſelves to the Angell at the Cloſſe-gate, others to another houſe at the Sand-gate, but our men ſeeing them thus houſed, fired both of them, and in the mean ſeaſon moſt bravely skirmiſhed with the Enemy, without, but the fire taking on the foreſaid houſes, they within them were forced to ſurrender themſelves priſoners to us.Colonell Cooke & Leivtenant-Col. Hook, with others taken priſoners. Whereupon our men helped to quench the fire, and ſo obtained a very conſiderable Victory; for, they there took priſoners Colonell Francis Cook, Leivtenant Colonell Francis Hook, 2 Captains, Leivtenant Relſoll, 2 Cornets, 3 Quartermaſters, one Mr. Alexander a Gentleman of quality, and 40 common Souldiers; beſides an 163 good horſes, 200 armes, ſome Match and powder and other good purchaſe; one Captain and divers others were ſlain on the ground, one Sergeant Major ſorely wounded, and divers other Officers and Souldiers, who by the opportunity of the night eſcaped our hands. This ſervice was moſt gallantly performed on our part, for wee had but 2 of ours ſlain on the place, ſome few wounded and Captain Feiler hurt, and this was all the loſſe on our part, bleſſed bee the Lord for it.

About the 6 of this inſtant December, there was a great diſpute in the Houſe of Commons about the calling home of all the Members p. 75of Both Houſes of Parliaments, from their Offices and imployments both in the war & otherwiſe, that ſo the Houſes being completed with their Members,The ſelf-denying Ordinance for calling home al the Members of both Houſes of Parliament. here might be a more ſuddain & ſurer diſpatch and tranſaction of buſineſſes, and for clearing the publicke prejudice concerning perſonall reſpects to themſelves; And heerin alſo they ſeriouſly took into conſideration, the ſlow proceedings of our Armies abroad, and the not proſecuting of advantages (when God in mercy gave them into our hands) tending much to the prolongation of this moſt unhappy Warre, and withall reſenting that thoſe differences which were then among our Commanders, were (commonly) moſt where the command was greateſt: For theſe and ſuch like weighty conſiderations, I ſay, the Houſe of Commons put this great and moſt weighty buſineſſe to the Vote in their Houſe; and the very ſame motion was alſo made by an honourable perſonage in the Houſe of Peeres, and many Votes and ſuffrages paſſed about it pro and con; But at laſt it was agreed on, and a Vote paſſed clearly, with a moſt unanimous conſent, and, as I take it, Nemine contradicente, by the Houſe of Commons in Parliament Aſſembled, The ſubſtance of the Ordinance, or Vote it ſelf.to this effect; That no Member of either Houſe of Parliament ſhall (during this warre) enjoy or execute any Office or Command Military or Civill, which hath been granted to or conferred on any Member of either Houſe, or by any authority derived from either Houſe; and that an Ordinance bee brought in accordingly. This Ordinance or Vote was afterward, accordingly Printed and publiſhed by authority, and was very fitly called, The Self-denying Ordinance, whereof more hereafter in a more proper place. And for the more ſerious and religious managing and eſtabliſhing of this great Vote, and the other weighty affaires of the Kingdome, depending hereon,A day of Humiliation ordered to bee ſet apart for both Houſes in private, to ſeek the Lord, touching this great Vote. and hence iſſuing, our moſt renowned Worthies of the Houſe of Commons, Ordered that Wedneſday the 10 of December, then next enſuing, ſhould bee ſet apart for the keeping of a private Faſt by both Houſes of Parliament, ſo to ſeek the Lord, and implore a bleſſing from Almighty God upon their farther proceedings in the grand affaires of State to bee agitated and negotiated on this vote; And reverend and religious Mr. Marſhall, Mr. Sedgewick, and Mr. Hill were intreated to Preach and carry on the work of that day with them. And was not heer a work hopefull indeed to end well, which was ſo well begun? A Jove owne principium. Certainly, if God hath made it known unto us, That hee is found of thoſe that ſeek him not;Iſaiah 65. 1.Isa 65:1 much more unqueſtionably, p. 76will hee bee found of thoſe that ſeek and ſeriouſly enquire after him; And ſo truely wee have bleſſedly found it, as I ſhall make moſt clear to the godly Reader, by many moſt remarkable and memorable teſtimonies and demonſtrations thereof in their ſucceeding proper places. But, to goe on.

About the 10 of this inſtant, wee were credibly aſſured by Letters out of Lincolnſhire, that a brave Party of the Parliaments forces in thoſe parts, led by valiant and virtuous Colonell Rainsborough, under the Command of the Earl of Mancheſter, having much battered Crowland with the Ordnance which they brought by Water in long Boats againſt it,Crowland taken by Col. Raineſborough. the Enemy, at laſt, was forced to a parley, which was aſſented to, upon the concluſion whereof, it was agreed by both parties, that the Enemies forces ſhould march out of the Town, the Commanders and Officers with their Swords and Piſtols, but the common Souldiers to leave all their Armes behinde them, as alſo all the Ordnance and Ammunition therein to bee left for the Parliaments uſe, which accordingly was performed; And thus this place of ſo great concernment, that at this time many hundred, by Land and by Water, were fain to bee imployed againſt only a few men within it, and yet receiving many checks and affronts many times by ſallies out of the Town; was now thus at laſt ſurrendred again into the Parliaments poſſeſſion. This Town had been twice loſt and recovered by us, which had it not, now, might have proved a kinde of ſcurvey Dunkirk to the Parliament, both by land and water too, had the Enemy continued in it, and thereby better manned and fortified it, as they might and would have done, had they not ſo ſoon been thus beaten out of it.

December the 12, wee were certainly informed out of the Weſt, of a ſingular good peice of ſervice performed by that moſt valiant,A brave defeat given to the Enemy at …ed…ury by renowned Col. Maſſie. active, and faithfull Commander Colonell Maſſie, who hea…ing that a party of the Enemies Horſe from Briſtol, had ſome deſigne about Chippingham in Wilts, hee ſent out his Scouts, who diſcovered them to bee, that night, quartered at Sedbury in Glouceſterſhire, ſome 9 miles from Briſtol, and the juſt middle way from Briſtol to Chippingham: Whereupon, hee preſently advanced with a conſiderable party, from Malmesbury, ſome 10 miles from Sedbury, and with accuſtomed undaunted courage falling on the Enemies quarters, hee there ſurpriſed and took an 160 of their horſe, 100 armes, 50 priſoners, together with 12 Captains, Leivtenants, p. 77and other Officers, the reſt of the Enemies leaving their deſign for loſt, fled back again with haſte into Briſtol.

And about the 14 inſtant came certain intelligence by Letters from Oſweſtre from Sir Thomas Middleton, of ſome conſiderable action and good ſervice performed by our forces thereabout, the ſubſtance whereof was to this effect. That now at length the long looked for Colonell Beal, was (bleſſed bee God) come ſafely to Sir Thomas Middleton, into Mountgomery-ſhire, and that Colonell Carter with our Horſe and Dragoones to the number of 450 were ſent under the Command of Captain Farrar into Cardiganſhire to meet them,Good ſervice done by Sir Tho. Middletons forces about Mountgomery-ſhire. who, in their return had, upon the borders of Mountgomery ſhire, a skirmiſh with about a 1000 of the Enemies, where the Country was ſummoned in by Sir Richard Price, and Mr. Pughe of Mathavern, they met in the night in a very narrow paſſage, where the Musketteirs played for an houre together upon them, but no good could bee done; Whereupon Captain Farrar led up the Horſe in a full Carreir upon them, which put them all to a preſent and confuſed flight, our forces purſued them 3 miles together, and ſlew at leaſt 20 of them in the purſuite, whereupon the Enemy cryed quarter, quarter, and had quarter given them; wee there took 60 priſoners, among whom were 12 Officers, and an 100 armes, wounded divers of them and put all the reſt to flight.

The next morning Captain Farrar ſent a Troop of Horſe, and a company of Dragoones under the Command of Captain Luke Floyd, to ſummon Mathavern-houſe, where the Enemy kept a Garriſon, where Mr. Pughe having had notice of our comming toward this houſe, preſently upon our appearing hee flew away and left the Houſe, whereupon wee inſtantly entred the Garriſon, took what was in it, and then burnt it down to the ground to keep them from returning again to it, to doe us any farther miſcheif.

About the 16 inſtant wee had credible information by Letters out of the Weſt, that Colonell Holborn, Major Generall of the forces ſent to releive Taunton (at this time much ſtraitned by the Enemies) being upon his March in Dorſetſhire, A brave defeat given to the Enemy in the Weſt by Col. Holborn.and upon the deſigne, the Enemy had intelligence thereof, and drew themſelves into a body to meet him in battalia, and Major Generall Holborn having alſo intelligence that they were come as farre as Chard, hee marched thither, with an intent to give them battaile: But the Enemy diſcovering our forces drawing nigh them, and ſeriouſly p. 78bent to encounter them, fled out of the Town in great haſte, and left above an 100 armes behinde them, diſperſing themſelves in a diſorderly retreat, but our forces purſued them, and took a whole Troop of their Horſe, the Captain, Leivtenant, Cornet, and all both Officers and Souldiers, Horſe and Armes, beſides 20 other priſoners, whereof 5 were Officers, together with all their Hay, Oates, and other proviſions, which they brought with them for their releif there.

And about the 18 of this inſtant wee received certain knowledge of divers plots and treacherous deſignes of the Enemies for the betraying of ſeverall Townes and ſtrong Holds (their old trade of trechery) into the Enemies hands; but, how our good God (the moſt vigilant Watchman over his Engliſh-Iſrael) moſt graciouſly diſcovered and diſappointed them in their devilliſh deſignes and perfidious practiſes therein;Plots & conſpiracies of the Enemies diſcovered and prevented. Stafford Town and Caſtle in danger. Dover…caſtle. Abbington. as namely, the great danger of loſing the Town and Caſtle of Stafford, by the either unfaithfulneſſe, or negligence, or both, of Colonell Chadwick, Governour of the ſaid Town and Caſtle, but by Gods goodneſſe, and by valiant, virtuous and faithfull Sir William Breretons vigilancy timely prevented.

Another plot and moſt dangerous and deſperate deſigne for the betraying of Dover-caſtle. That of Abbington alſo, wherin renowned, valiant, and faithfull Major Generall Brown, moſt bravely befooled that ſpurious ſpark, and gliſtring Glow-worm of Oxonian wit, and baſe treachery, apoſtate Dig…i….

Another plot againſt Reading, Ail…bury. Reading. Plymouth.and Ailesbury; And another plot againſt Plymouth alſo, to have betrayed the Iſland there, into the Enemies hands; All theſe much about one and the ſame time, but all of them as ſeaſonably diſcovered and prevented, as they were ſecretly and deceitfully plotted. But eſpecially that moſt notable and craftily contrived St…tagem (which I may not heer by any means omit) acted by Mr. Roger le Strange (a ſtrangely audacious and deſperate Cavalier) for the betraying of Lyn-Regis, Lyn-Regis in great danger to have been betrayed.in Norfolk, into the Enemies hands, which being a place of great concernment and in regard of moſt neat and cleanly carriage, of the buſineſſe, in the diſcovery and prevention of the plot, a very remarkable peice and worthy of ſerious notice, I have, therefore, heer for the Readers better content and fuller ſatisfaction, thought good exactly to impart it, as it was truely related and atteſted under the hand of that worthy and moſt loyall Gentleman Captain p. 79Lemon, the faithfull diſcover (under God) and preventer of the plot, which was, as followeth.

Mr. Roger le Strange, third Son to Sir Hamond le Strange, ſent to Captain Thomas Lemon of Lin, An exact relation of the crafty contrivement & d…ſcovery of the plot to betray Lyn-Regis.to Appleton-Hall, to the houſe of one Mr. Paſton a Papiſt; and at his comming to him with a deſign intended by him againſt Lyn, for which hee ſaid hee had a Commiſſion from his Majeſty to ſurprize the Town of Lyn, which Commiſſion hee preſently ſhewed him, and told him that if hee would undertake to bee aſſiſtant to him and raiſe a party within the Town to effect the deſigne, that hee ſhould have a 1000. li. for his pains, and whatſoever preferment hee would deſire, either in the Town or in his Majeſties Navy: And farther hee told him that the King did value the ſurpriſing of this Town as half his Crown,The Kings eſteem of Lyn-Regis. and that within 10 dayes, after certain notice that the Town was reduced, his Majeſty would ſend a ſufficient power to their releif, and that thoſe forces ſhould bee under the command of the Lord Goring. To which plot the ſaid Captain Lemon for his own ſecurity (having taken the Covenant) and well weighing, on a ſuddain, the peace and good of the Common-wealth, for the preſent, hee ſeemingly gave conſent,Captain Lemon ſeems to conſent to the plot the night then comming on hee departed from him, with promiſe to come to him again the next day, to adviſe farther of the deſigne, but preſently haſting to Lyn, hee went to the Governour Colonell Valentine Walton, The Governour of Lyn made acquainted with the buſineſſe.and acquainted him with it, who after long debate, reſolved the next day, that at the time appointed hee ſhould goe to the ſaid Appleton-Hall, and take with him a Corporall of his, clad in a Sea-mans habit, who ſeemingly, ſhould bee a partaker with him to effect their deſigne; and comming thither, the ſaid Mr. Strange demanded of Captain Lemon, what hee was that came with him, who anſwered that hee was a man for their turne, and immediately upon it, the ſaid Corporall himſelf anſwered very diſcreetly, that hee was a pooreman living in Fiſhers-end in Lyn, and kept an Ale-houſe,The brave carriage of the buſineſſe. and that hee was 40 pound the worſe for the Round-heads; whereunto Mr. Strange replyed, It is no matter, for when the deſigne is accompliſhed, thou ſhalt have a 100 li. for it, and a Cannoneers place, which the Corporall, ſeemingly, was exceeding well pleaſed with; But, the better to know where the Commiſſion was, Captain Lemon ſaid, Mr. Strange, this my friend, by the way as wee came, demanded of mee what ſecurity you had, if in caſe the plot ſhould bee diſcovered, to ſave them from the gallows, p. 80if it might bee; Captain Lemon, therefore ſaid, hee told him you had the Kings Commiſſion, which hee deſired to ſee. Whereupon Mr. Strange went immediately to a hole in the canapy of his bed and produced the Commiſſion and read it to him, and having read it hee put it into his pocket. In the interim came Leivtenant John Stubbin, Leivtenant to Major Moll, with 5 Souldiers more,Leivtenant S…ubbin & 5 or 6 more with him ſent from Lyn by the Governour, came in a diſguiſe to perfect the work. all in the habit of poore Sea-men, apparelled like ſhipbroken men (with a Warrant to attatch ſuſpicious perſons) who came begging to the doore, and ſomewhat boldly getting within the Court-yard of the ſaid houſe, being ſo ordered by the Governour, who as ſoon as they were up to the doore of the Houſe, the Gentlewoman of the houſe came running up to Mr. Strange, and told him there were 6 or 7 poore Souldiers come from Lyn a begging, Mr. Strange preſently ſent them down a ſhilling, and wiſhed them to bee gone, and Miſtris Paſton went downe, to barre the door, which, Captain Lemon ſeeing, winckt upon the foreſaid Corporall, there preſent, to lay hold on Mr. Strange, which inſtantly done, hee gave a ſtamp with his foot, by which the Leivtenant knew what hee had to doe, whereupon Mr. Strange ſeeing hee was betrayed, conveyed his Commiſſion to Captain Lemon (out of the frying-pan into the fire) then the Leivtenant not taking notice of the perſon of the Captain as known to him,Mr. Strange findes himſelf betrayed. or as ſet purpoſely to enſnare Strange, did firſt attach Mr. Strange as an Enemy to the Common-wealth, and demanded his name, which hee refuſed to tell, then hee required his Commiſſion, but hee denyed to have any; Heerupon the Leivtenant ſeeing Captain Lemon, demanded what hee was, and what hee did there conſulting againſt the State, telling him hee was a ſtinking knave, and ſearched him for the commiſſion, and finding it in his pocket, took it from him, and ſet a guard over him, and another over Mr. Strange, and would not ſuffer them to ſpeak each to other, by the way from Appleton-Hall to Lyn, whither they were brought priſoners to the Governour with the Commiſſion; all which was done by order and conſent of the Governour and Captain Lemon, before Mr.Mr. Strange & his Commiſſiō taken and ſent up to the Parliament. Strange his apprehenſion, which ſaid Mr. Strange was immediately brought up to London, and committed to ſafe cuſtody, and the Commiſſion ſent up to the Parliament, the Copy whereof I have heer alſo inſerted, which was as followeth.

p. 81His Majeſties Commiſſion granted to Mr. Roger le Strange for the betraying of the Town of Lyn-Regis into the hands of the Enemy.

Charles Rex,

The Copy of the Commiſſion.VVEE having received from our truſty and well-beloved, Roger le Strange, declarations of the good affection of divers of our well-affected Subjects of our County of Norfolk and Suffolk, and particularly of our Town of Lyn, as alſo ſome overtures concerning the reducing of our ſaid Town of Lyn, Wee have thought fit forthwith to return our Royall thanks unto our ſaid well-affected Subjects; and particularly to give our ſaid truſty and well-beloved Roger le Strange, theſe encouragements to proceed in our ſervice, principally in the work of reducing the ſaid Town of Lyn.

1. That in caſe that attempt ſhall bee gone through withall, hee the ſaid Roger le Strange ſhall have the Government of the place.

2. That what engagement ſhall bee made unto the inhabitants of the ſaid place in any other perſon capable of contributing effectually to that ſervice, by way of reward, either in employment in his Majeſties Navy or Forts, or Money, not exceeding the ſumme of 5000 pounds, the ſervice being performed, ſhall bee punctually made good unto them.

3. That they ſhall in this work receive what aſſiſtance may bee given them from any of our mereſt Garriſons.

And laſtly, that when ever our ſaid Town ſhall bee reduced unto our obedience, Wee ſhall forthwith ſend thither … a conſiderable power, as ſhall bee ſufficient to releive and preſerve them, Wee being, at preſent, even without this, fully reſolved to ſend a conſiderable power to encourage our faithfull Subjects in thoſe parts, and to regain our rights and intereſts therein.

By his Majeſties Command George Digby. Given at our Court at Oxford, this 28 of November, 1644.

And much about the foreſaid time wee had certain intelligence of the releiving of that brave, courageous and pious people in the good and ſtrong Garriſon of the Town of Iounton-Dean, Iounton-Dean in the Weſt releived.whereof, that ever to bee honoured faithfull Gentleman and moſt courageous Commander, Colonel Blake was Governour, and where p. 82Prince Maurice and his thouſands were after a long ſiege moſt ſhamefully beaten away, and many precious ſoules in the ſaid Town preſerved from the bloody rage and intended cruelty of thoſe blood-thirſty and luſtfull Enemies, thoſe ſcelerous ſons of violence; a moſt renowned peice of Gods providence and mighty mercy to thoſe Weſtern parts, never to bee obliterated out of theirs and our moſt gratefull remembrance. Since which wee alſo were moſt certainly informed by Letters out of thoſe parts,Colon Holborns activity & brave ſervice in the Weſt. that Major Generall Holborn, marched with a party to the Lord Pawlets Houſe, where hee took 30 horſes, many priſoners and divers armes, and made himſelf Maſter of that Garriſon. From whence hee marched to the Houſe of one Mr. Arundell a notorious Papiſt, at a place called Chadwick, where hee beat the Enemy out of that pernicious neſt, and took ſome of them priſoners. After this alſo hearing that divers of the Enemies forces were got into Sir John Pooles Houſe, hee marched toward them, but the Enemy hearing of his approach that way, fled to Exeter; And the like did another party of the Enemies at Mr. Crewes Houſe, ſetting it on fire, they fled away; Thus this moſt active and valiant Commander ferretted the Enemies out of their ſculking holes in thoſe parts, and procured much ſecurity to the inhabitants thereabout.

December the 20. the Parliament taking into their ſerious conſideration that the time was neer approaching for the annuall chuſing of Officers in the moſt famous City of London, according to their anniverſary cuſtome,Care taken by the Parliament for the chooſing of good Officers in the City of London. and well knowing that the good government thereof doth cheifly depend upon the faithfulneſſe and integrity of publick Officers, eſpecially in theſe times of ſo much trouble and danger; It was therefore Ordered in Parliament, that no perſon ſhould bee elected to bee of the Common-Councell, or into other Offices in the City of London, who have not voluntarily contributed upon the Propoſitions, according to an Ordinance in Parliament, of the 29 of November, 1642. or who have otherwiſe teſtified their diſ-affection to the Parliament, or who have not taken the ſolemn League and Covenant; And that no ſuch perſon ſhall have any voice in ſuch elections, or any elſe who have been impriſoned or whoſe eſtates have been sequeſtred for Malignancy againſt the Parliament; And the right honorable Thomas Atkin Lord Major of the City of London, and the Aldermen in their ſeverall Wards were required to ſee the due execution thereof.

p. 83About the 23 inſtant, wee had certain intelligence from Northhampton of ſingular good ſervice done in thoſe parts by Captain Redman, who with a party of Northampton horſe marched out; and fell upon a party of the Enemies horſe,Captain Redmans brave ſervice neer Northampton. but then newly come from Oxford, to doe ſome miſcheif in thoſe parts, of whom divers were taken priſoners by the ſaid valiant Captain Redman, and the reſt ſoundly beaten; among thoſe that were taken priſoners were Sir John Feunick, Sir Thomas Strickland, the Lord St. Paul, a Frenchman, and 15 more, ſome were ſlain and many wounded, the reſt ran (like brave Oxonians) to ſave themſelves, but they left behinde them at leaſt 30 horſe, and a rich Sumpter, together with good quantity of Armes, and Ammunition. And at the ſame time wee were certainly informed that Knaresborough caſtle in Yorkeſhire, Knaresborough-caſtle in Yorkſhire taken.was ſurrendred to the thrice noble and renowned Lord Fairfax, and in it good ſtore of Armes, powder, and Ammunition, with ſome Ordnance and other good booty, viz. eſpecially ſome hundred pounds in ready money, and about 1500 pounds worth of Plate, ſilver and guilt.

And about the 26 of this inſtant December, wee were certainly informed by Letters from Radcaſtle, that thoſe 2 moſt loyall and renowned Commanders Sir Thomas Middleton and Colonell Mitton, had taken a ſtrong Garriſon of the Enemies, neer Mountgomery called, Abby-cumhire; Cumhire Abbey a ſtrong Garriſon of the enemies in Mountgomery ſhire taken by Sir Tho. Middleton.This Houſe had formerly been a Romiſh-Abby, and was ſtrongly built of ſtone, upon their firſt comming before it, they ſummoned it, but upon the Enemies denyall to ſurrender, Sir Thomas Middletons, and Colonell Mittons old Souldiers, aſſiſted by Colonell Beal, and Leivtenant Colonell Carters ſouldiers, who were then, lately, come to them out of South-Wales, and with brave reſolution fell upon the Enemy, and ſtormed and took the Houſe in a ſhort time; where they took priſoners, Colonell Barnard, Governour of the Caſtle, Hugh Floyd, Eſquire, a Commiſſioner of Array in thoſe parts, and High-Sheriffe of that County, and one of thoſe that were excepted by the Propoſition for Peace at Ʋxbridge, to have no pardon, 2 Captaines of Foot, one Captain of Horſe; a Captain Leivtenant, 3 Leivtenants, a Foot Colours, one Cornet of Horſe, 4 Sergeants, 8 Corporalls, 2 Trumpetters, 4 Drums, 60 common Souldiers, 3 barrels of powder, 60 firelocks, 40 Horſe, 40 horſe armes, beſides 200 Muskets, and ſome other armes and ammunition. By the taking of which ſaid ſtrong Garriſon, the Counties thereabouts are freed from p. 84much danger of their cruell Enemies, who had before uſed many of the inhabitants with much ſeverity.

About the 28 of this inſtant wee received credible information by Letters out of Staffordſhire, that Captain Stone the valiant Governour of Eccleſhall caſtle, having intelligence that ſome parties of the Enemies were abroad out of Tongue caſtle, Captain Stones brave defeat given to the Enemy at Tongue-caſtle.hee thereupon marched out of Eccleſhall, with a party of horſe, found them, and fell upon them, and in the fight ſlew divers of them, took priſoners the Governour of Tongue caſtle, divers Officers, 200 common Souldiers, and 50 horſe, with ſome other good booty. And by Letters out of the Weſt wee were farther informed, about the ſame time, that Major Dewet performed a brave exploit upon the Enemy at Weſt Dean, Another by Major Dewet.which was thus related. Sir, our brave-ſpirited Major (but ſhortly after this a baſe apoſtate from us) marched with his men from about Malmsbury, toward our Garriſon by Weſt-Dean, and by the way, hee fell upon a quarter of the Enemies at Ruſhall, neer Ʋphaven, where there were quartered about 36 of Captain Paddons Troop, who entituled themſelves, The Wiltſhire Troope; where after ſome hot and teſty diſpute, he took priſoners, Leivtenant Borrow, Leivtenant of Horſe, commanding the Troop, George Warner, a Reformado Captain, a Leivtenant of Foot, 2 more Reformado Officers, 6 Troopers, 20 good horſe and armes, and other good prize for his Souldiers, without the loſſe of any one man or horſe on his ſide. And about the ſame time, wee had farther certain intelligence of another brave exploit performed againſt the Newarkers, And another by Col. Thorney.by valiant Colonell Thorney, and the Nottingham Forces, who took a conſiderable Garriſon from the Enemies, neer Newark, viz. Sir Roger Coopers Houſe, and in it Sir Roger himſelf, and his brother, and 50 priſoners with their armes and ammunition.

And about the 30 of this inſtant December, an Agent of the moſt illuſtrious Queen of Sweden, The moſt noble Queen of Sweden deſires Aſſociation, with the Parliament of England.was admitted with honourable reception into the Parliament, the repreſentative Body of the Kingdome of England, with his Letters to the Parliament, from the ſaid moſt Royall Princeſſe, which were, then, opened, and after the tranſlating of them out of the Latine-tongue, in which they were writen, they were read in Parliament; The effect and ſubſtance of which, was, That the ſaid thrice noble Queen of Swethland, with her Nobles and whole State deſired to aſſociate themſelves, and to keep faire and loving correſpondence with the Parliament p. 85and State of England, and to enter into the Solemn League and Covenant with them, for the mutuall defence of the true Reformed Proteſtant Religion. A rare mercy, indeed, thus to ſee another Proteſtant Kingdome deſire to joyn with us in this bleſſed work of ſetting the Lord Chriſt upon his Throne; as our moſt loyall and loving brethren of Scotland have done, to the high honour and glory of God and good of his Church. And with this ſo ſweet a mercy I ſhall heer moſt fitly cloſe up this moneths moſt famous bleſſings on this Burning-Buſh, the Parliaments honeſt and upright Cauſe.

And heer now therefore, good Reader, let mee intreat thee to make a little ſtay, and therein to ſtand amazed at this even ſenſeaſtoniſhing Parliamentary-wonder,The Burning-Buſh not conſumed. to ſee and conſider in this one Moneths contemplation thereof, this Burning-Buſh, thus ſtill Ʋnconſumed, I mean, the Parliaments juſt Cauſe and quarrell, in the middeſt of ſo many devouring flames of bloody bickerings, and perfidious plots and trecheries as have been fore-mentioned, to ſtand upright ſtill undeſtroyed; yea, contrariwiſe more and more flouriſhingly and fairly corroborated and fixed at the root, the bleſſing of him that dwells in the Buſh, thus, admirably (ſtill) preſerving and protecting it from conſtantly contrived and intended ruine and deſtruction. Upon the ſerious ſight and pious pondering whereof, O what great cauſe, have wee, with holy David, to break forth into a holy and hearty extaſie of joy and admiration, as wanting words to expreſſe ſufficiently, the many and mighty mercies of our God,Pſal. 367, 8. & 32. 7. and to ſing and ſay: How excellent, O Lord, is thy loving kindeneſſe, how powerfull is thy protection therefore the children of men put their truſt under the ſhadow of thy wings. They are abundantly ſatisfied with the fatneſſe of thy houſe; and thou doſt make them drink of the rivers of thy pleaſure. And thou, O Lord, art hee alone that doſt encompaſſe us, ſtill, with ſongs of deliverance. But now to proceed, and ſet forward to the farther ſight and contemplation of the ſucceeding wonders, in and upon this our thus Burning Buſh, in this enſuing MonethMonth of January, 1644.

ANd firſt,January. 1644. I ſhall begin, heer to remember my Reader, that, as God had lately before begun to cut off (in a Judiciary way) one moſt peſtilent plotter and dangerous Malignant Incend…ary, who (had not Gods gracious providence prevented) intended to have ſorely and miſcheivouſly increaſt the f…ames, and utterly to p. 86have burnt down this onelyonly-God-protected Parliament Buſh, I mean,Sir Alexander Carew beheaded, for treaſon. Sir Alexander Carew, who was executed on Tower-Hill, in the preceding monethmonth of December, for his intended treaſonable plot againſt Plymouth: So, now, alſo on the ſecond of this inſtant January, being Thurſday, Sir John Hotham, (though much means was uſed to ſave his life; yet ſuch was the admirable and commendable integrity and inflexible impartiality of the Houſe of Commons in Parliament to doe juſtice, where ſentence was once paſt, that even hee) was that foreſaid day brought by the, then, Leivtenant of the Towre,Sir John Hotham beheaded for treaſon. Alderman Pennington, to the place of execution, where hee juſtly ſuffered deſerved death for his moſt trecherous intentions and endevours againſt the Parliament, to have betrayed Hull into the hands of the Enemy. Where alſo, his Son Captain Hotham, Captain Hotham alſo, Son of Sir John Hotham, beheaded on Towre-Hill.another complotter with his foreſaid Father, in the ſame deſign, was alſo beheaded, as a juſt reward to ſuch pernicious Parracides and conſpiring Catilines, who, thus, would have rejoyced in the ruthleſſe ripping up of the bowels of their deareſt Mother, their native Country. And heer alſo I may moſt fitly hint and ſuggeſt to the Reader, another remarkable paſſage of like divine providence, to the effect aforeſaid; namely, that on the 4 of this inſtant, it pleaſed our moſt wiſe God to put it into the hearts of our moſt noble Peeres in Parliament,A remarkable paſſage of Divine providence. The Directory for pure worſhip Voted in Parliament, & the Common-Prayer Book aboliſhed. that they ſhould not only moſt ſweetly concurre with the Honourable Houſe of Commons, in the amendments of the Directory for Gods pure Worſhip, and paſſe the ſame; and therewith to ſubjoyn an Ordinance of Parliament for utterly taking away, and quite aboliſhing of the Book of Common-Prayers: But that alſo the ſaid moſt noble and pious Peeres (unwilling to part the Refiner from his Mettle, I mean, the Arch-Prelate of Canterbury, from his purged Common-Prayer-Book) that therefore, I ſay, the Lords in Parliament ſhould preſently ſend 2 of the reverend Judges to the Houſe of Commons, with the meſſage of their concurrence and reſolution to proceed,The Arch Prelate of Canterb. to be now effectually brought to his Condemnation. now, effectually to the ſentencing and condemnation of the Arch-Prelate of Canterbury, one of the prime and Metropolitane heads and complotters againſt Church and State; which, indeed, after this, was followed to the full, untill they had brought that baſe and bloody Biſhop, yea, that moſt abominable and unparallelled hypocrite to his juſt execution, in the cutting off of his moſt traiterous head alſo, at the Towre-Hill, whereof more anon in its more proper place. But, heer, by p. 87the way, I ſhall deſire the Reader religiouſly to take notice of one remarkable note,A remarkable note. and obſervation heerin, namely, of the day on which it pleaſed the moſt wiſe providence of our God to order and appoint this ſeaſonable concurrence of Both the Houſes of Parliament together for confirmation of thoſe 2 great works of Piety and Juſtice, viz. That it was juſt on the 4 of January; That very day 3 yeares, on which unhappy King Charles came in perſon into the Parliament with a multitude of armed Ruffians to effect ſuch a bloody and deſperate deſign as (had it taken effect) had made as bloody a peice of work, as ever this Kingdom beheld, and as had thereby eſtabliſhed that peſtilent Prelate, with his Common-Prayer-Book, and therewith, eſpecially, the Popiſh faction (only masked under thoſe poore Vizards) to a long and luſtfull tyrannizing over the bodies and ſoules too of Gods dear Servants, the Lord knows how long and lewdly. And now, ſay, …ood Reader, doſt thou not already ſee in this remarkable paſſage … providence, a moſt beautifull and bountifull bleſſing of him that dwelt in the Buſh, upon this his Ʋnconſumed Burning Buſh, the Parliament? But to proceed.

About the 6 of this inſtant January, wee were certainly informed that the Garriſon of Wincheſter, being much ſtraitned of proviſions by the Parliaments forces quartered neer them, the Enemy (there) went out to drain the Country of Cattle, and to plunder the people, and had got much plunder and Cattle from them, but before they could get into Wincheſter with their prey,Divers brave exploits performed by the Parliaments forces againſt the Enemies. Colonell Morleyes Troop met with them, gave them a martiall ſalute, routed them, and reſcued all the Cattle and plunder which they had got, and took divers of the Enemies priſoners. Wee had alſo intelligence from Ailsbury about the ſame time, that they in that brave Garriſon having notice of a party of the Kings Horſe that were in the Country, taking up plunder, they made out to finde them, and at laſt diſcovering them, fell valiantly upon the Enemy, ſurprized 30 or 40 of them, ſtript them of their plunder, and brought the priſoners to Ailsbury. And, that, ſhortly after this, Colonell Martin, the valiant and vigilant Governour of Ailſbury, went forth and happily lit upon a whole Troop of Horſe, which was ſaid to bee the Princes, and ſingular good Horſe they were, indeed, and well armed; All which, I ſay, hee totally ſurprized, and brought ſafely into Ailsbury. Alſo, that courageous Colonell Holborn had had ſome brave skirmiſhes in the Weſtern p. 88parts, with Gorings Horſe, and notwithſtanding that the addition of ſtrength came not unto him, as was promiſed, and which hee expected; yet hee moſt valiantly attempted to fall upon the Enemy in their quarters, bravely beat them, and took divers of the Enemies priſoners, and about 200 Horſe, and had not a croſſe accident falne out and prevented him, hee had certainly taken the Town of Bridgewater.

And about the 8 of this inſtant January, wee had unqueſtionable information and aſſurance of a brave prize of Briſtol ſhips taken at Sea, by Captain Coachman, a valiant and faithfull Sea-Captain,Cardigan Town & Caſtle taken by Col. Laughorn in Wales; and a brave prize at Sea. teſtified in renowned Captain Swanleys Letter to the Earle of Warwick, as a poſt-ſcript of the ſaid Letter, wherein, eſpecially, Captain Swanley, certifies the foreſaid renowned Earl of Warwick of a brave Victory obtained by Major Generall Laughorn, viz. his taking of the Town and Caſtle of Cardigan in Wales, with above an 100 Commanders and common Souldiers in it, and all the armes and ammunition therein, and of the ſurprizing of …ivers eminent perſons, the Kings Iriſh-Commiſſioners, together with the Kings broad-Seal to treat with the barbarous and bloody Rebells of Ireland, (King Charles his beſt Popiſh Subjects) about concluding a peace with them, of all which, for the Readers better ſatisfaction, I have heer inſerted the foreſaid Letter it ſelf, under Captain Swanleyes own hand.

The Copy of a Letter ſent to the Right Honourable the Earl of Warwick, from Captain Richard Swanley.

Right Honourable,

SInce my laſt of the 20 of November, by Captain Green, in the Dogger Beat, Major Generall Laughorn, keeping the field with ſuch Forces as the indigency of the County gave a poſſibility of ſubſiſtence, pretending for Carmarthen, and lying ſtill, working by double policy to draw the hearts of the Inhabitants of Cardiganſhire to the State, and the force of Carmarthen with their adherents, into the ſaid Town for their d…fence and the indempnity of their adjacent Garriſons, opportunely roſe and advanced from his quarters to the Town of Cardigan, whither the Country formerly invited him, and made a party to aſſiſt the Generall to complete the deſigne inagitation, and the Town (being faced at a diſtance) willingly ſurrendred and complyed. The Caſtle (being a conſiderable place, ably manned, having the Ordnance of the convert p. 89Frigot, there ſhipwrackt) moſt obſtinately ſtood out, till a Demiculverin of braſſe, belonging to the Leopard, was rounted, and played 3 dayes upon them, forcing a breach, which was gallantly entred and made good by our party, and the Caſtle ſtormed; wherein were an 100 Commanders and Souldiers, with their armes and good plunder, not forgetting the Converts Ordnance, thus returned by divine providence, and works of mercy in a Commander, adding honour to …cts of Chivalry; invited the Generall to give the Steward life, who contemned quarter. The Town and Caſtle reduced, and the Country in the major part (as conceived) well affected; our Army advanced toward Newcaſtle, the Enemies next Garriſon; which (as conceived) will bee ſlighted or quitted by the Enemy, and that County brought to a right underſtanding of their duty and Parliamentary juſt honour and proceedings. To God bee rendred the due praiſes of his mercies. Veſſels of late have been deſigned to the well-affected Garriſons in Ireland, but none (in regard of contrary windes) returned; and ſhipping to ply up the Channell, as high as Miniard, have alſo been Commiſſionated to give intelligence and aſſiſtance to our Forces in thoſe parts. Sir Thomas Middletons Ma…azine of Amm…nition ſince diſpoſed of to Leverpool. Nothing, that by integrity and action may adde life to the publick good, ſhall, by Gods aſſiſtance, bee wanting, and my faithfull indevours ſhall comply with your Honours great truſt, whoſe happineſſe ſhall ever conſiſt, my very good Lord, to bee

Your moſt humble and faithfull Servant, Rich. Swanley. Jan. 1. 1644.

Poſtſcript. My Lord, In the night of this date, arrived Captain Coachman, in the True-Love, from Leverpool; I have herewith preſented Colonell Moores Letter from thence, who brought in the Content-prize with the paſſengers, as per liſt. I have included a paper that from Dublin, came to band to whom I can yeeld no complyance for want of Ammunition. Pray take preſent order to ſupply mee with Ammunition, and all ſtores, otherwiſe I ſhall burthen the State and bee diſabled to doe Service.

A Liſt of Paſſengers Names taken in the Content-prize bound for Dublin, by Captain Coachman, in the True-Love.

The Lord Brabiſon.

Sir Henry Titchburn.

Sir James Ware.

Mr. Robert Price.

Mr. Tho. Williams.

Mr. John Smith.

Mr. Alex. Nugent.

Mr. Rich. Holland.

Mr. Patr. Pue.

With their Servants.

p. 90All which are to bee ſent to the State, being of conſiderable force, with the firſt conveniency in the Honour, by Captain Seaman.