CHAP. I.

THis our never sufficiently honoured En­glish The due desert of Englands de­ceased Generall the Earle of Essex. Generall, his Excellency the Earle of Essex deserves a record written [Page 2] in letters of gold, and a tomb carved out in precious stones, with this inscription upon it, for after Ages to read;

Where I leave him amongst the Angels and glorious host, and descend from his celesti­all, to this terrestriall actions, in some mea­sure to speak of what he did most gallantly perform in the time he was late Lord Ge­nerall of England, which was in the yeare 1641. and upon the third of July in the said year his Excellency rode through London The Earle of Es­sex made Gene­rall of England in the yeere 1641. to take a view of his voluntarie Citizens and Apprentices of London that had listed them­selves under him, and were met to be mus­tered in the new Artillery, whither their renouned Generall no sooner came, but was entertained with shouts of joy, flinging up their hats into the ayre, and crying with a loud voice, (We will live and die with you my Lord;) and he answered, And I by the help of God, am ready to do the like with you. Never was Generall better beloved by his Souldiers then he was, many of them to this day with heavy hearts shake their heads and cry, Adieu brave Devereux adieu; This renouned Generall had no sooner received his instruction from the Parliament, but he marched into the field, and hearing of the Kings Forces near Worcester plundering and spoiling the Countrey, he marched up to them fell suddenly upon them, and ut­terly [Page 4] routed them, the 12. of September, The Kings forces routed, and Worcester taken 1642. and afterwards tooke the City of Worcester, and hearing the Kings scatter­ed Forces got a head neare unto Shrewes­bury in Shropshire, he marched after them and drove them before him untill they saw their own advantage of time and place, pitched there maine body upon a place call­ed Edge-hill, neere Keynton, where our no­ble Edge hill sight. Generall drew up to them, and most gallantly charged them in his own person, and after a fierce battell, the Enemy were wholly routed, and most confusedly retreat­ed with great losse, where was taken the Kings Standard, the L. Willoughby, Sir Prisoners taken Edward Stanley, Col. Vavasour, Col. Luns­ford, with many hundreds more; in which sight was slain the Earl of Lindsey, the Kings Generall, the L. Aubeny, Sir Ed­mond Verney the Kings Standard-bearer, with divers other Officers of quality, and many hundred common souldiers, Octob. the 22. 1642. in this battell the Earl of Es­sex fought so gallantly, shewing so much courage and fidelity, that his very enemies did acknowledge it. The winter was no sooner over past, that Artillery might bee drawne, but his Excellency againe tooke field and marched up to Reading and straightly besieged it, and after a small time tooke it, Aprill the 18. 1643. and after­wards Reading taken, Aprill 18. 1643 Glocester relie­ved. Cirencester ta­ken. Newbery sight. marched to Glocester, and relieved it, then to Cirencester, and took it, and drew up the whole Army, and gave the [Page 5] Kings Army battell at Newbery, and utter­ly routed them, kill'd five Lords and many hundreds more; in this fight our noble Ge­nerall did in his owne person charge the enemy, to the great encouragement of his Souldiers, and after he had performed this service, he marched for the relief of the op­pressed West Countrey, and beat up the enemies quarters before him, tooke the town of Barnstaple in Devonshire, and the Castle of Taunton-Deane with all the am­munition, the 22. of June 1644. and after­wards marched up to Mount Stamford and tooke it with all the ammunition, as also the town of Plympton, with the Garrison of Saltash and Launceston, with four or five more small Garrisons. And againe he marches forward and takes Greenvill-house, and Newbridge with all the ammunition, the 14, of July 1644. and afterward took Tadcaster in Cornwall, and Foy, with many Ships in the Harbour: These with many more, did this renouned Generall his Ex­cellency the Earle of Essex performe, al­waies bearing a tender respect to his soul­diers to see them well provided for: And this was and is noble Essex's honor, that he was mercifull to man and beast, him­selfe free from cowardice, or covetousnesse, pride, or contention.

CHAP. II.

IF art could invent, or wisdom delineate The due praise of Alexander Lesley Earl of Leven. the height of perfection that is to be found in the most noble parts of military Disci­pline, then renouned Lesley would be the admiration of all the world, who now hath [Page 8] the commendation of the greatest part of Europe, the Low-Countreyes, and divers parts beyond Seas, at this day eccho forth his praise, and with a sorrowfull looke and pale face bid him Adieu brave Lesley adieu; but the love he bare to Religion, his King, and Countrey, ingaged him to steere his course towards these Kingdoms, and com­ing to the Court of England, was courted Lesleyes salu­tation and cour­ting at the Court of England. and consulted withall, and being found neither knave nor foole, was presently dis­countenanced and so departed into his owne Countrey of Scotland, and was there re­ceived with much triumph and joy; they knowing he was free from cowardice, or co­vetousnesse, (which is often the losse of [Page 9] Armies, and Garrisons, if I be not mistaken, Oxford, Banbury, and Bristoll will wit­nesse) yet neither profit or penury could incline him or decline him from doing or suffering to his uttermost in the cause of Religion: Lord-Bishops, and all that de­pend upon their Episcopall Hierarchy, will remember renouned Lesley, who was under God the two-edged Sword that cut them, and their wild branches off at the root; wit­nesse the yeare 1640. in which time he en­tred England with an Army of twenty thousand men, and upon the first entrance routed the Queens Regiment of Horse and Foot, and all the rest fled, finding a paire of heels to be of more use for security, then a paire of hands: but notwithstanding this advantage, our Brethren were desirous to treat with His Majesty, who condescended thereunto, and hearing the reasonablenesse of their Propositions, condescended there­unto, and so in peace they did depart not long after; but in the yeare 1642. a civill Warre arising amongst our selves, and the Parliaments Army not able to suppresse the enemy, were necessitated to desire the assistance of our Brethren of Scotland, who were as ready to help us as we were readie to desire their help; their sensiblenesse of our misery was exprest in tears, as may ap­peare by the relation of our Messengers, the Lord Wharton, Sir Henry Vane, M. See their Spee­ches in print. Solicitor S. John, M. Marshall, and M. Burroughs, and that which puts a seale of [Page 10] confirmation to these, and other relations of their love, and willingnesse to help us, is their coming into England so suddenly after, and at such an unseasonable time as they did, it being mid winter that they marched in snow and water to the mid leg for a hundred miles together; and their noble Generall his Excellency the Earl of Leven most resolutely fell to the work, al­though in an enemies Countrey, having be­fore him the Earl of Newcastle, with an Army of 20 thousand strong, yet he drove them before him, killing and taking pri­soners many of them daily, and upon a sud­den he wheeled about with his Army, and tooke Cockit Island, with the town, Jan. Cocket Island taken, Ian. 20. 1643. 20. 1643. and afterwards marches up to the enemies quarters, and beats them up, tak­ing in also the strong Garrison of Alnwick, Febr. 14. 1643. and afterward hastned his march further into the enemies Countrey, and takes in the Town of Morepeth, Febr. 22. 1643. and marches againe up to the enemy, and beats up his quarters, and takes the strong Garrison of Tinby, March 19. Tinby taken, March 19. 1643. 1643. and afterwards marches forward and takes Sunderland, with great store of Am­munition; Newcastles rage being risen, drawes up his whole Army, as intending to give battell to the Earle of Leven, but no sooner did he draw up, but Newcastles popish ragged Regiments ran away, and our Brethren of Scotland marched forward, and tooke the strong Garrisons of Durham, [Page 11] and Lomby, Aprill 14. & 15. 1644. they Durham and Lomby taken, April 14 & 15 1646. marched yet forwarder, and beat severall parties of the enemies, and tooke Morepeth Castle, with all the Ammunition, the 2. of June, 1644. and having notice of the re­nouned Earl of Manchester's marching up towards them, they with much rejoycing hastned to meet him, whom they longed to see the face of, and having met him, with much joy saluted him, and so joyned both their Armies together, and drove the Popish Earle of Newcastle and all his Army into York, and there besieged him, Prince Ru­pert York besieged. being at that time in Lancashire, hast­ens to raise their siege, making his boasts how he would beat the Scots, and would know of what mettle those fresh-water soul­diers were made, which (e're he departed) he very well knew to the deare price of 4500. mens lives upon the place, called Marston-Moore never to be forgotten by The battell at Marston-moore. Prince Rupert, nor the Earl of Newcastle, and after the spoile of the battell was taken, they marched up to Yorke and tooke it, York taken. with all the Ammunition, and when this was performed, the Earle of Manchester marched Westward, and the Earle of Leven Northward, and tooke Gateshead 12. of August 1644. and straightly besieged New­castle Newcastle be­sieged. upon Tine, prepared mines, and all accommodation for storme, offered faire terms but were not accepted, then stormed the towne and tooke it the 20. of October, Newcastle ta­ken Octob. 20. 1644. 1644. with much Arms and Ammunition, [Page 12] and afterwards tooke Tinmouth Castle, marched up to Carlisle and took it also, and Carlisle taken. afterwards besieged the strong Castle of Scarborough, and took it, with the Castle of Rabi, and the Castle of Canon-Froome; and since have been assistant in the taking of Newarke: And for the gallant service Newark taken by the assistance of our brethren of Scotland. of this noble Generall the Earle of Leven. let true-English-men give him true honour and praise, let that tongue cleave to the roof of that mouth, that is so ungratefull, and uncivill, as to foment divisions betwixt us and these our Covenanted-Brethren.

CHAP. III.

IT were great ingratitude to let passe, or The due praise of Robert Earl of Warwick. bury in oblivion the many glorious things [Page 14] that this our high Admirall of England Ro­bert Earl of Warwicke hath performed both [Page 15] by Sea and Land, since the year 1642. which both his and our adversaries at home and abroad know to their griefe; he was unto our Kingdome (under God) as a bul­warke of defence, a rock of refuge, a castle and tower to flie unto; a strong and mighty wall to defend us from the malicious pride and cruelty of France, Spain, Denmarke, and all the world beside; and had not brave renouned Warwicke stood to us and guarded our coasts, we and our Kingdome had long e're this been a prey to our enemies at home and abroad; But God be praised, The E. of War­wick made high Admirall of En­gland in the yeer 1642. who put it into the hearts of our Parlia­ment-Worthies, to make so good a choice, and they had no sooner made choice of him in the moneth of June, in the said year 1642. but he went forth with a godly zeale into the mighty deeps, and there secured The Navy at Sea secured. the ships and tooke them into his own pos­session, for the preservation of our Reli­gion, and defence of the King, Parliament, and Kingdom; and he was no sooner set­led, the ships rigged and tacklings mended, but he had notice of a ship neer Falmouth under the command of Sir John Penning­ton, to whom he sent one of the twelve Whelps, to fetch her in, which was per­formed accordingly, and the men brought prisoners; another party of Ships contain­ing a Squadron, he sent to guard the Chan­nell near Hull, where were divers Vessels taken and secured, and many Harbours possessed by the said Ships, as also a Pin­nace [Page 16] of the Kings shot through and through, and sunk by this Squadron of Ships, the 28. of June: and afterwards they took divers barques laden with Cavaleers near Hull, the Earle with a party of Ships surprized a ship coming from France, with divers Commanders, July the 3. The Nep­tune and two Whelps more tooke divers ships that were coming from Holland to as­sist the King, July 26. 1642. and in August his Excellency the Earl of Warwicke sent a Squadron of ships, which secured Ports­mouth and divers other Harbours, with many ships in the Harbours, August 24. An Irish ship with many Irish souldiers was taken, and the men secured, as also a Frigot taken about the same time that was laden with Ammunition going to the King, Septemb. 26. 1642. Captain Ke­telby and divers other Commanders were taken in two ships by the Earle of War­wicke near Tinmouth, Octob. 15. 1642. Portsmouth by the assistance of this noble Portsmouth ta­ken. Earl at Sea was taken, Novemb. 8. 1642. Three ships pretended to be laden with Pip­pins coming from France, upon search, were found to be laden with Armes, but covered with Pippins, which were taken 24. of De­cem. 1642. A Dunkirk ship taken in the Harbour of Arundell, Jan. 5. 1642. A Bristoll ship laden with Armes was taken in the Harbour of Liverpoole, Jan. 8. A ship also taken that was sometimes under the command of Sir John Pennington, Febr. [Page 17] 7. 1642. valiant Captaine Swanley, with a Squadron of the Earles ships being in North-Wales, suddenly secured Milford Haven, and beat off 12. ships of Irish Re­bells that had intended to land there; the noble Lord of Warwicke took a Welch ship laden with Armes and Ammunition intended for the Lord Hopton, March 26. 1643. one of the Kings best Men of War was taken by the Earle of Warwicke, Aprill 28. 1643. And in the moneth of May, this faithfull and religious E. took Holy Iland with the Castle and Works. Two Lin ships taken by the Antelop that were laden with Ammunition for Newcastle, June 26. 1643. Three ships more taken by our noble Admirall that were going to the King with Arms and Ammunition, 18. of July. The Fellowship one of the Kings great Men of Warre was taken with much Arms and Ammunition, August 9. 1643. The Lion with a small Pinnace laden with powder, was taken by this faithfull Earle of Warwicke, August 22. 1643. Foure Flemish vessels taken, with some Letters of dangerous consequence, Septemb. 12. 1643. A great ship taken in Dartmouth, laden with ammunition, the 14. of October: and five small vessells taken at Wareham in Dorsetshire the 24. of November. Also a great ship laden with Ammunition going to the King, taken by the Earle of War­wicke, Decemb. 25. 1643. Foure great Bristoll ships likewise taken by our noble [Page 18] Admirall, Jan. 12. 1643. and five ships of the Kings beaten at Milford Haven, and two small vessels taken, Feb. 1643. Also two great French ships taken neere Way­mouth laden with ammunition for the King, March 8. 1643. The Endeavour a great ship taken going to the King with three more neere Sunderland, and a great ship laden with Ammunition going for the reliefe of Carlisle, March 1644. Melcomb-Regis re-taken, Aprill 16. 1644. and Carmar­then Carmarthen Ca­surprized by the Earle of Warvvick. Castle surprized by the Earles ships, May 19. 1644. Lime and Pembrokeshire relieved, and three ships surprised in the moneth of June 1644. Also five ships taken in the West and his Excellency the Earle of Essexe's Army relieved by a Squadron of the Earle of Warwicks ships July 1644. Also a ship taken laden with Arms from Holland going to the King, August 1644. Also three ships taken in Liverpoole by the Earl of Warwicke, Septem. 1644. In South Wales eight ships taken with much Ammunition, October 1644. Likewise a ship taken near Portsmouth going to the King in Novemb. 1644. Three ships also taken near Newcastle, Decem. 1644. Also foure small Barques with ammunition taken by the Earle of Warwicke in Jan. 1644. And a great ship with three other small vessells taken neere Padstow in the moneth of Febr. 1644. Five small vessells taken neare Scarborough, and three others neere Weymouth, by the noble Earle of War­wicke, [Page 19] in March 1645. Divers ships beaten that came with reliefe to Sir John Winter, and some sunk, in the moneth of April 1645. Likewise a ship coming from France, laden with arms, intended for the King, taken in May 1645. Also a great ship taken by the noble Earle of Warwick upon the Irish Coast, laden with Dunkirkers, and Irish Rebells, in June 1645. Like­wise foure ships taken neere Carlisle by the assistance of our loving and faithfull Covenant-keeping Brethren of Scotland, in the moneth of July 1645. In the West at severall times there hath been taken nine ships, August 1645. Also two ships taken neer Scarborough, with three small vessells in Wales, laden with ammunition, and Pembroke relieved, in the moneth of Septem. 1645. Haverford West by the as­sistance of the Earle of Warwick was taken, Octob. 12. 1645. A great Barque laden with Kerseyes going towards the King to cloth his souldiers, was taken near Ply­mouth, the 20. of Novem. 1645. Likewise a great ship laden with Ammunition taken in the North Coasts by this noble Earles ships, in Decemb. 1645. Also he took a ship laden with Deale and other timber, that came from Normandy, and two Irish Frigots laden with Irish Rebels in the moneth of Jan. 1645. Likewise six ships beat, and one sunk, that came to relieve Pouldram Castle, also Plymouth relieved, [Page 20] and three small vessells taken neere Dart­mouth, with two neare West Chester, in the moneth of February, 1645. A French Ship also that was laden with armes and ammunition taken, and a Dunkirk ship also taken, laden with armes near Felford Haven, by the noble and renouned Earle of Warwicke, in the moneth of March, 1646. There were likewise many small ships, pinnaces, shallops, hoyes, boats, and other vessells taken in severall Harbours, Havens, and Roads in the West, in Aprill 1646. Likewise a small ship taken neere Axmouth, the 23. of May, 1646, and two ships taken neare Dorsetshire the 15. of June, 1646. As also three small Pinkes taken in Cornewall with the shallop that relieved Pendennis Castle, and some great Commanders prisoners, in the month of July, 1646. Likewise a gallant ship taken that came from Burdeaux, laden with wine and meale, intended for the relief of Pen­dennis Castle, August 25, 1646. Also a ship of the Dunkirkers manned by Irish Rebells, set upon two of our English Mer­chants, and surprised them: and by the vigilancy of this our noble, active faithfull Admirall, were both re-taken, and the Dunkirk ship also with thirty Irish Rebels in it that were throwne over board, as a just recompence or Reward, for their for­mer villany, in the moneth of September, 1646. These with many more gallant [Page 21] pieces of service, hath this renouned Wor­thy performed, for which England is in­gaged thankfully to remember, and highly to honour him, who God hath thus wonder­fully honoured, Robert Lord Rich, Earle of Warwicke, Lord high Admirall of Eng­land.

CHAP. IIII.

THis bright star of Englands Horison The due praise of the Earle of Manchester. had no sooner girt his sword about [Page 24] him, but whole Troups, Regiments and Armies out of the associated Counties of Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridge, and Huntington were ready to attend him with their lives in their hands, and at his first sight they gave him such a shout as made [Page 25] the aire to eccho, to the admiration of standers by: and no sooner had he saluted his gallant Army, but presently falls to action, and marches to Lin Regis in Nor­folk, where he straightly besieged them, and with much hardship and valour gained the towne in the moneth of June, and after­wards marched towards a potent Army, as any was in England, commanded by the Earle of Newcastle, but no sooner had he entred the enemies Countrey of Yorkshire, but a Brigade of the enemy ingaged with him, whom he totally routed and triumph­antly marched forward towards the maine body of the enemy, who were neer Horn Castle, whom this noble and renouned Earle and his Army had no sooner espied, but with a resolute concurrence fell to charge them in the Van, Flanke, and Reare of their Body, who were presently brought into a confused rout, in which fight there was taken of them 55. Colours, 200. Horse, Colours and pri­soners taken. and 1500. Prisoners, all this was performed in the moneth of August, 1643. and in the moneth of September, this noble Generall pursued his victory in taking of the enemies strong Garrisons, as Horn Horncastle, Gainesborough and Lincolne taken. Castle, the City of Lincolne, the strong town of Gainesborough; by this time the enemy begins to get a head, which this religious and renouned Earl no sooner heard of, but with speed he hastened to­wards them, and in his march took Croy­land and Burleigh-House, and after a hard [Page 26] march, yet couragiously encountred the Popish Army neare Winsby, and utterly routed them, and took 22. Colours, 1100. Foot, and 500. Horse, and much Ammu­nition: and after all this hard service, yet was this noble Earle so desirous to put a period to our miseries, that notwithstand­ing the coldnesse and unseasonablenesse of the weather, it being in January, the worst of the winter season, even at that time he doth march the major part of 100. miles to relieve the oppressed Countrey of Lincolnshire, and finding Lincoln to be the nest or cage of those unclean birds, it being re-possest by them, he there besieges them and by a fierce storme re-takes the City, and not long after the Castle, and in it seven piece of Ordnance, 200. Knights, Colonells, and Commanders, 800. prisoners, 3000. Armes, and presently hereupon hav­ing intimation of another Northern Popish Imperiall Army, marches backward and drives many scattering parties before him: but no sooner had our most loving Brethren of Scotland heard of this our Star of the East, come out of his own Horison of the Associated Counties, to give light to a Northern dark beclouded Country, and by his bright beams to dispell a black and darke cloud, but they had a desire, accord­ing to which they conjoyned, with a triumph of joy, the two most noble and religious Generall, saluting each other, fall presently to the worke, and besieged Newcastle, and [Page 27] all his ragged Regiments in Yorke, of which York besieged. Prince Rupert having notice, inforceth all the Countries before him to march for the reliefe of Yorke, the which our Army un­derstanding did admit of his entrance for other advantages, the Prince being with pride puft up, said he would try what met­tle the Scots were made of, which e're he departed, he did very well know, and his 4000. slaine upon the place might testifie; in which fight our noble Brethren, and this renouned Patriot, the Earle of Man­chester did take 1500. prisoners, and within three or foure daies, got the famous City of Yorke, and after Yorke was surrendred, the Armies parted, and our prosperous and religious Earl of Manchester towards the West retreated, and by the way he tooke Tickell, Shelford and VVelbeck taken. the Garrisons of Tickell, Shelford, and Welbeck-house, and in the moneth of Oc­tober gave the Kings Army a meeting at Newbery Marsh, where in the height of the pride of their Western victory, this noble Generall utterly routed them, tooke 9. peece of Ordnance, 3000. Prisoners, and 500. Armes, and in the next moneth of No­vember tooke Farrington, for his farewell; and however some unseasoned words came from some black mouthes concerning this most honourable, pious, and prudent Peer, let such be assuredly satisfied, that his fame and honour will live, when they and all the generation now living, are dead.

CHAP. V.

THis renouned, religious Earle, famous The due praise of the Earle of Calendar. in Church and State, as were most of his Ancestors, himselfe being of the same ⁵ [Page 30] blood and bone, and inferiour to none that went before him, as he hath made it evident in Scotland, and also in England, since our uncivill warres began, first in his willing­nesse to assist us, notwithstanding the lownesse of our condition, the height of our enemy, and the unseasonablenesse of the weather; Secondly, in his activenesse, having the command but of a small Brigade, most of them raw, untried, and unexpe­rienced men in Martiall affaires; (yet did he performe valiantly with them.) Third­ly, his perseverance, notwithstanding the large proffers the enemy made to the Army, if they would with-draw, or with-hold. And besides, the many reproaches, sleight­ings, and calumnies (that Army did pa­tiently undergo) by a factious party amongst The hand of God carrying on our brethren of Scotland. our selves, had not the hand of God guided [Page 31] and carried on noble Lesley, and renouned Calender, with the rest of those worthy, pious Patriots, our condition had been miserable before this day, and we weltering in our owne blood: our wives defloured, our children massacred, our houses rifled, our lands confiscated, our goods divided amongst a generation whose Religion teach­eth them Rebellion, whose Faith is Faction and Division, whose meere Mercy is Cruel­ty. Having past through the grounded evidences of this noble, religious and faith­full Peers willingnesse, activenesse, and perseverance in assisting us, I shall also particularize some of the most materiall passages he hath performed since his first entrance into England, which was with much courage, his Army being put to great straights, with hunger, cold, and often skir­mishing with the enemy, whom he drive before him, and fell upon Carlisle, and Carlisle taken. tooke it with all the Ammunition, marched againe, and beat up Newcastles Army, and by the assistance of the Earle of Leven, and the Earle of Manchester, with the Lord Fairfax, and his valourous son, the truly honourable Sir Thomas Fairfax, be­sieged Newcastle in Yorke, with-drew and York taken. gave battell to him, with Prince Ruperts Army, and routed them both, after tooke Yorke; and afterwards this noble Earle of Calender marched Northward, and tooke the strong Garrison of Gateshhead neare Newcastle, with much Armes and Ammu­nition, [Page 32] and returned and assisted in the taking Newcastle by storme, with all the Armes and Ammunition therein, much more hath this faithfull Generall performed which is here omitted, his owne worth speaking for him to all that know him more than I can here expresse.

CHAP. VI.

A Renouned worthy amongst the rest, The due praise of the noble E. of Stamford. is this gallant Peer the noble Earle of Stamford, whose former generations have been a terrour to Englands enemies, as he himselfe hath been, since the time he was ⁶ [Page 34] made Generall of South-Wales, with the foure Counties of Glocester, Worcester, Hereford, and Cheshire, upon the 10. of Decemb. 1642. he marching from hence towards them was received with much joy, and a considerable party ready to march along with him; he delayed no time to be in action with them, but forthwith marched towards Cornwall, and coming to New­bridge, and finding the bridge pulled downe, and a strong Garrison in the towne, forced his passage through the river, with a hot dispute on both sides: at last beat the enemy, took much Ammunition, and marched forward, and beat the Lord Hopton from Bristoll towards Exeter, joyned with the Devonshire men, and still pursued him from holes to holes, like a fox; brought those malignant Counties into a good con­dition, securing and taking many Garri­sons; and had he had money and ammuni­tion, those parts in all appearance had been sooner gained; but where the fault lay, my Lord himselfe best knowes, and it may be in time, will manifest it to others (if I be not mistaken:) I could wish great men, prosessing Religion, would lay aside Religion a cloke for covetousnesse [Page 35] covetousnesse, and under-hand dealing, and be no longer like Water-men, rowing one way, and looking another: I presume this noble Earle of Stamford is sensible of some particulars, which I here omit, it is and hath been the noblenesse of his dis­position to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace, being free from the spi­rit of faction, and division, which breeds con­fusion; from which good Lord deliver us.

CHAP. VII.

I Eealousies arise amongst some sort of The due praise of the noble E. of Denbigh. men without cause, as sometimes there did of this noble Earle of Denbigh: I must confesse, had his fathers blood and his been ⁷ [Page 38] of one and the same putrified temper, we might all have had just cause to fear a piece of treachery, but I hope, God hath moulded his heart in his owne hand, and framed it according to his will, as hath evidently ap­peared hitherto by his proceedings; First, in standing to the Parliament, and taking the most solemne League and Covenant for Reformation, and rooting out of Bishops, [Page 39] and all other erroneous and factious per­sons, which if brave Denbigh once decline, I shall recall what I have and hope to af­firme of him. Secondly, his taking up Russell Hall and Oswestree taken. armes and adventuring his life in the high places of the field, as was evident at his taking of Russell-Hall the 29. of May, 1646. as also routing the Kings Forces neer Dudley, the 10. of June 1646. And taking by storme the strong Garrison of Oswestree the 22. of June, 1646. with Chomley-House: and many more I omit for brevity sake, intending to speak more at large hereafter, and as time shall make evident.

CHAP. VIII.

HEre is a right Noble in blood and ac­tions, The due praise of the right honou­rable L. Fairfax. deserving to be ranked amongst the most noble of our Peers and Patriots, for his good and faithfull service for Church ⁸ [Page 42] and State, as may evidently appeare by his former gallant actions in the North of Eng­land, which it were great ingratitude to omit; I shall only point at the chiefe, which (by the Arme of God assisting) the noble Lord Fairfax performed, and deserve to be written in capitall letters for after Ages to read, &c. At his first being made Generall of the North, there was a great Army in the field, a malevolent Countrey the greatest part being Papists and Athi­ests; the Parliament sending down the Co­venant to be taken in those parts, himselfe first began, and some of the godly party fol­lowed, The Covenant taken in york­shire. and no sooner had he set the Cove­nant a foot, and got together a small Bri­gade [Page 43] of 3. or 4000. men, but he marched into the field, drew up to the Earle of New­castle, gave him battell (being four to one) Newcastle rou­ted neer Tadca­ster. near Tadcaster, and routed him, took much armes and ammunition, Decemb. 8. 1642. and after having eased those parts of that enemy, he drew more up into the heart of the Countrey, in which space the Earle of Newcastle againe recruited his Army, and besieged Leeds; my Lord Fairfax raised his siege and beat him; and not long after met again with him neer Bradford, and there fell upon him, utterly routed him, and Newcastle a­gain routed neer Bradford. tooke much ammunition, Jan. 3. 1642. afterwards besieged and tooke Wakfield, May 27. 1643. and the Popish Earle having againe recruited, besieged Hull, the which the Lord Fairfax no sooner heard of, but with speed hastened, and did rout the Po­pish Army, raised the siege, and after­wards marched to Whitby, and took it, VVhitby, Ca­wood, and Ax­holm Island ta­ken. with Cawood Castle, and Oxholm Island; Again, he marched to cleare the field. and finding a strong party neare Selby, fell in upon them, charging fiercely in the Flanke and Rear, suddenly routed them, and tooke much ammunition; and after this sight this noble Lord joyned with our loving Bre­thren of Scotland, and by joynt assistance they beseiged the Marquesse of Newcastle in York, and finding it to be advantageous to draw off, and let Prince Rupert relieve it, they got ground, and ingaged with the Prince and Newcastle at Marston Moore, [Page 44] and routed them; tooke many prisoners, and killed multitudes upon the place, and within three or four daies gained Yorke; in all which service this noble Lord Fair­sax did most gallantly, for which unto God be the glory, and brave Generall Ferdinan­do Lord Fairfax the praise.

CHAP. IX.

I Shall not need to speake much in the The due praise the right honou­rable L. Ro­berts. commendations of this most noble, reli­gious, and pious Lords behalfe, whose ver­tues speak forth his praise, whose valour ⁹ [Page 46] renowned Plymouth and malignant Corn­wall will acknowledge to this day; his con­stancy and perseverance in the Cause of God, and maintenance of his and the Na­tionall League and Covenant, is too high above my expression in way of commenda­tion; yet to let passe in silent so worthy so deserving and so renowned a Patriot of his Countrey, were great ingratitude; there­fore I shall in part particularize some of his most noble exploits by him performed since these unnaturall warres began, and that which in the first place crownes all his actions, was the fierce and famous fought [Page 47] battell at Newbery, where this noble Lord lead on the battell in his owne person, charging the maine Body of the Kings Army The King rou­ted at Newbery sight. with such resolution, as did inliven the London Brigade, to second and relieve them suddenly: yet notwithstanding this noble Champion stood to the fight, and lead up other souldiers, and incouraged them, and so continued untill the enemy retreated with great losse of men and armes; after­wards he (with his Brigade) marched with his Excellency the Earle of Essex into Corn­wall, where in his march he assisted in the taking of fifteen Garrisons mentioned in the Lord Generalls List of Victories, he en­countered treacherous Skellum Greenvill, 15 Garrisons taken in Corn­wall. and beat him with his Cornish choughes from place to place; and had timely relief been sent, this noble Lord (with the Lord Generall) long before this (by the help of God) had subdued that malignant Coun­trey: but being prevented, and inforced by necessity to give way to the spoilers, they retreated, and this noble Lord with part of his Brigade made good Plymouth against all the power of the enemy, and several times beat them off, to their great losse: having thus gallantly performed, and his trust discharged, and by an Ordinance be­ing home called, out of obedience there­unto, his Commission he surrendered, and into his place he returned, to act by his Councell what before he did by the sword.

CHAP. X.

IN warlike posture this noble Brook was The due praise of the right hono­rable L. Brook. first who by grim death had his daies shortned, and the expectations of many frustrated, who expect more from him then ¹⁰ [Page 50] God would suffer him to perform: in the time God afforded him he was not idle, as may appeare by his gallant service near Southam, where he killed and took many of the Kings souldiers prisoners, as also his keeping of Warwick Castle against all the Kings forces, and likewise his valour at Lichfield, where in the moneth of March 1642. this noble Lord was killed by a mus­ket bullet, &c. his death was much lamented by his souldiers, and many thousands more than knew him.

CHAP. XI.

TO ecclipse the worth of brave Wil­loughby, The due praise of the honorable L. Willough­by of Parham. or to be silent in setting forth his due desert, were great partiality: great men good, are like apples of gold in pic­tures ¹¹ [Page 52] of silver, so rare, so hard to be found, that they are almost Phoenix-like, hard to be heard of; but since our faithfull Wil­loughby is one of those Worthies, that to manifest his unfained affection, love to Re­ligion and resolution to keep his Covenant, adventured himselfe in person in many des­perate pieces of service by him performed, as first in taking by storme at midnight the impregnable Garrison of Gainesborough, Gainesborough taken. and in it the Earl of Kingston, and 30. Knights more, at least 300. common Soul­diers, [Page 53] July 16. 1643. and from thence marched into the enemies quarters, beats them up, and takes many prisoners and afterwards besieges and takes Bolingbroke Castle, with all the armes and ammunition. These with many more gallant exploits, hath this noble Lord performed, which are here omitted for brevities sake.

CHAP. XII.

TO illustrate this gallant Generalls fame, The due praise of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax. were but to light a candle against the sun; therefore I shall onely point at some particulars of his gallant proceedings be­fore, [Page 56] as well as since he was made Gene­rall of the Parliaments Army; Yorkshire [Page 57] may remember Sir Thomas Fairfax, who with a handfull of men (in comparison of the Popish Army) did withstand and many times foyle Newcastle and his Army, with this small party tooke Leeds, Jan. 26. 1642. and in May 1643. he took Wakefield, and afterwards marched into Cheshire, and re­lieved oppressed Nantwich, and totally routed the Lord Byron, and tooke Biddle-House, Byron routed at Namptwich. and afterward he marched into the North againe, and tooke Cawood Castle, Axholm Island, and routed the Kings Army neare Selby, Aprill 13. 1644. and in July most gallantly acted his part in the routing of the Popish Earl of Newcastle; and for this his valiant and faithfull service in the North was by the Parliament made Gene­rall of their new modelled Army, which the enemy promised themselves victory over; but at that never to be forgotten and gallant fought battell of Naesby they found Naesby fight. the contrary, in that field did this gallant General charge bare-headed, and after that he had there tooke their Foot, and most of their Ammunition, he marched to Leicester and re-gained it, and afterward marched to Hieworth and tooke it, relieved Taunton-Deane, and regained Ilchester, routed Gor­ings Gorings Army routed at Lang­port. Army at Langport, and tooke the said Towne with the Town of Burrough, Bridge­water, [Page 58] and the City of Bath; having per­formed all these gallant pieces of service in the moneths of June and July 1645. he marched into Somersetshire, and suppressed the unruly clownish Club-men, who with­out feare or wit stood in opposition to his proceedings, and after he had secured the Ring-leaders of that rabble rout, he march­ed to Sherborn Castle, and tooke it with Sherborn Castle & Bristol taken. Nunney Castle, Porshot-Point and the strong City and Castle of Bristoll; and in the moneth of September, he tooke the towne and castle of Devizes, with Farleigh castle, and Cardiffe castle, Lacock-house, Barkley castle and Chedwick, in the moneth of October, 1645. Thus our noble Gene­rall went on prosperously, in the taking of the City of Winchester, Holt Church Gar­rison, and Langford House, with the Gar­rison of Tiverton; and in the moneth of November, 1645. he tooke the towne of Fulford neare Exeter, and marched from thence in the moneth of December 1645. and tooke by storme Chibington-house, re­lieved Plymouth, tooke Pouldram-house, and in the moneth of January he tooke by storme Canterbury Fort, and Budex Church, with Sir Francis Drake's house; as also the town and castle of Dartmouth, the castle of Belvoir, and the towne of Tor­rington, and afterwards in the moneth of Febr. 1645. he tooke Launceston, Listoll, and Saltash, with Wardbridge, Temple-Guard, and in the month of March 1645. [Page 59] he routed the Lord Hopton, took Dennis Hopton routed. castle, Felford Haven, and the Fort of Ax­mouth, with Inch-house Hilford Fort, in the moneth of Aprill 1646. this gallant Ge­nerall took Exeter, Barnstaple, and Ilford­comb-Fort, Exeter, Barnsta­ple, Oxford, Far­ringdon and Wallingford ta­ken. with Michaels Mount, in May, 1646. he also took Woodstock Manner, and Radcot-house, with Bostoll-house, Sherborn, and the City of Oxford; and in the moneth of June he tooke Farringtone and Wallingford.

These, with many more victories and successes hath God been pleased to honour this noble Champion with, for which let God have the glory, and noble Sir Thomas Fairfax due praise and respect from al that wish wel to the peace of these Kingdoms.

CHAP. XIII.

COnstancy and stability with much per­severance The due praise of Sir William Brereton. is brave Breretons badge of honour, and since the time of his taking up of Armes for the defence of King, Parlia­ment [Page 62] and Kingdome, he was never found to betray his trust, or decline his proceed­ings, as Cheshire, Sallopshire, Lancashire and Staffordshire can well witnesse, and for his prosperous proceedings, I shall insert the particulars; at his first coming into Cheshire, many well-affected to the Par­liament appeared, some had armes, some he armed, to the number of 2000. and hear­ing of the Kings Brigade under the com­mand of Sir Thomas Aston drawing up, he did prepare to give him battell near the Nantwich; the which the enemy hearing of, prepared all the power possibly they could, and ingaged their Army with Sir William Brereton, who in an houres fight routed the enemy, took 100. foot, and 100. horse prisoners, Jan. 28. 1643. and afterward marched into the Countrey, and relieved ma­ny oppressed people, by taking off the heavy taxations that lay upon them, and hearing of the Earle of Northampton marching that way, gave him the meeting neare Stafford, and by the assistance of noble Sir John Gell, gave him battell and routed him, kill­ing upon the place the said Earle of North­ampton E. of Northamp­ton slain. [Page 63] March 26. 1644. and presently afterwards tooke the strong towne of Staf­ford by a stratagem, and from thence went to Wolverhampton, and tooke it with all the Ammunition, and then retreated to­wards his owne Countrey of Cheshire, and by the way tooke Whichurch, and after­wards marched up to Eckelsall castle, and tooke it with all the ammunition, June 26. 1644. and coming into Cheshire was there received with much joy, and many Volun­tiers listed themselves under him, with whom he marched to Houghton Castle, and tooke it with much ammunition, July 22. 1644. and afterward marched toward the Lord Capell near the Nantwich, and gave L. Capel rou­ted. him battell, routed his whole Army, tooke many hundreds prisoners, and presently marched up to Holt Castle and besieged it, and by Composition tooke it, with much Ammunition, Novemb. 21. 1644. and march­ed after to Harden Castle, and tooke it, with the ammunition, with the Towne of Rippon, Decem. 3. 1644. The Lord By­ron having a strong and potent Army, marched up to the Nantwich, and besiged it, the which the noble Sir William Brere­ton understanding the greatnesse of his strength sent to Sir Thomas Fairfax for help to raise the siege, which noble Sir Thomas did no sooner heare of, but did hasten up to Sir William Brereton, who The gallant ser­vice of Sir W. Brereton. when they were joyned, marched up to the Lord Byron, and suddenly fell upon him, [Page 64] and after a hot fight raised his siege, and routed him, tooke 152. Knights and Gentle­men, 126. Commanders, 160. common Soul­diers, 120. Irish women with long skeanes, Feb. 14. 1644. and having relieved the Wich Sir William parted with Sir Thomas, and marched up towards Chester, and beat up the enemies quarters, and straightned the towne, the which Prince Rupert hear­ing drew all his Forces upon Sir William and gave him battell near Tarum, who quickly made the Prince retreat with the losse of 450. men, August 18. 1645, and presently having notice of a great party were going to relieve the Prince, he sent out a Brigade that fell upon them, and dis­perst them, took 175. common Souldiers, 15. Commanders, August 27. 1645. and after he had performed this gallant piece of service, he marched towards Chester, and meeting with a great party of horse fell suddenly upon them, routed and disperst them all, tooke 35. Commanders, 420. Pri­soners, 450. Armes, Septemb. 24. 1645. and presently after closely besieged Beeston Beeston Castle taken. castle, and tooke it with all the ammuni­tion, Octob. 15. 1645. The Kings Forces under the command of Sir William Vaughan joyned with all the Welch Forces, being 6000. strong drew up towards Sir William Brereton, and gave him battell, and after a long and fierce battell were routed, and 400. foot taken prisoners, with 600. horse, and killed 250. upon the place Novemb. [Page 65] 28. 1645. and having cleared the field, he Chester, Lich­field, and Dud­ley Castle taken. went againe before Chester, and closely besieged it, and tooke it with much Armes and Ammunition, Jan. 29. 1645. and after­wards marched with his Army to Lichfield, and took it with all the Ammunition, March 5. 1645. and from thence to Dudley castle, and tooke it, May 12. 1646. These with many more victories hath this valiant Knight performed, which will to after ages stand as monuments of his due praise.

CHAP. XIIII.

IF praise be due to any, much more to The due praise of Sir William Waller. this gallant spirit, whose activity, valour, and constancy speake him to be one of our English Patriots, who (according to his [Page 68] solemn League and Covenant) hath en­deavoured (by his sword) to maintain the Kings Honour, the Parliaments Privi­ledges, and the Subjects Liberty, with the Union of the Kingdomes, as may appear by his gallant activity in the time of his pub­like imployment, which in part I shall in­sert: At his first going forth Westward with a small Brigade in the Counties of Hampshire and Wiltshire, by the interest hee had in the good affections of the peo­ple, and by his stratagems upon the enemy raised his Army to 5000. and then marched [Page 69] up to Portsmouth, tooke it with the Castle Portsmouth ta­ken. and all the Ammunition, the 5. of Septemb. 1642. and from thence marched to Farn­ham, tooke it with all the Ammunition, Octob. 15. 1642. afterwards marched into the field, and on a sudden wheeled about, and by a sudden assault took the Towne of Madbury, Octob. 26. 1642. and hearing of the great oppression of Hampshire by the Kings Forces he to them in hast marched, and suddenly fell upon the Kings Forces, utterly routed them, and tooke much booty, Novemb. 12. 1642. and no sooner had he per­formed this, but presently he marched to Farnham-castle, and took it, with all the am­munition, Novemb. 24. 1642. and afterwards tooke the strong City of Winchester, with the castle, Decemb. 13. 1642. with the castle of Arundell, Decem. 19. 1642. and the city of Chichester, with all the Ammu­nition, Decemb. 29. 1642. having gained so many Garrisons, and the Kings Forces not daring to relieve any, was yet a further incouragement, whereupon this noble and renowned Sir William Waller marched into the field, beat up their quarters, took many prisoners, and by storm gained the strong Garrison of Malmesbury, with all the Armes and Ammunition, March 17. 1642. and presently afterwards gave the Kings Forces battell neere the Forrest of Deane, utterly routed them, taking many prisoners, Aprill 3. 1643. and afterwards surprized three Troups of Horse, and took the Towne [Page 70] of Monmouth, April 9. 1643. with the Towne of Higman, April 17. 1643. and the Town of Rose-bridge, April 22. 1643. as also the Towne of Chipstow and Hereford, April 25. 1643. with the Town and Castle of Sherborn, April 29. 1643. and having thus prosperously conquered and carried all before him, he yet further proceeds and marcheth up to Lemster, beseegeth and taketh it, with all the ammunition, May 13. 1643. and from thence marcheth up to the Kings Forces near Wells, most resolutely chargeth them in the Van and Reare, on a sudden utterly routeth them and takes much ammunition, June 14. 1643. and by many skirmishes, hard seeges, and fierce battells have much need of recruit, this valiant Commander came to London, which ere long he was recruited, and againe into the field he marched, and gave the Lord Cra­ford battell neer Alton in Surry and totally routed him, Decem. 14. 1643. and after­wards took the Towne of Alton, with all the ammunition, Decem. 18. 1643. and A­rundell Arundel Castle taken. Castle Jan. 28. 1644. and after­wards marched into the field, and hearing of the Lord Hopton near Alsford, drew up to him, and gave him battell, and in a little time utterly routed him, took much Ammu­nition, and many Prisoners, killed the Lord John upon the place, March 26. 1644. and having thus gallantly performed, and the Countrey cleared of the enemy, he march­eth up to the strong castle of Shudly, and [Page 71] beseegeth it, and in a small time gaines it, with all the Armes and Ammunition, June 8. 1644. and having thus gallantly per­formed is by Order of the Parliament re­called, to whose commandement this valiant Commander obeyed, and as a Member of that House sits to act and finish that which his sword began, viz. the preservation of Religion, defence of the Kings Person and Honour, the Parliaments due Priviledges, and the Subjects due Liberties, with the Contents of the Nationall League and Co­venant, from which those that either love peace or truth will never revolt.

CHAP. XV.

IF the outside of a portraicture could de­cipher the inside of a most valiant and The due praise of Major Gene­rall Massey. heroick Commander, then vertue, honour, and valour, would be brave Massey's Effi­gies: [Page 74] but because such graces cannot be so explained by the Art of the rarest Artist, it shall therefore satisfie me that some would, but could not sufficiently set forth, [Page 75] as in a mirrour, so much, so rare, and so transcendent deserts as are due to this true­borne English Patriot; yet to bury in ob­livion his gallant actions and unparellelled proceedings were the master-piece of ingra­titude, the which that I may convince both friend and foe that I am not guilty of, I shall as formerly, in part set forth the most material actions (by the hand and assist­ance of God by him) performed since his first taking up of Armes, which was in the month of June 1642. at which time hee marched forth with our renowned Generall the Earle of Essex, and at Worcester gave the Kings forces battell, and beat them to a disorderly retreat, Septemb. 12. 1642. and from thence followed them to Edg-hill, where they and the Kings Army had a most fierce fight, but at the latter end of the day, the Enemy with great loss retreated, Octob. 22. 1642. presently after this fight this faithfull, reli­ligious, and valiant Major-Generall Mas­sey was made Governour of Glocester, who had no sooner set the Garrison in a posture of defence, but falls to action and marcheth into the field, and by the assistance of Sir [Page 76] William Waller routed the Kings forces under the command of the Lord Herbert, and took many prisoners, March 30. 1643. at which good service, the Kings Forces being very much inraged, and the Councell of Oxford by Gods good providence infatu­ated, determined to besiege Glocester with their whole Army, the Parliament at that time having none in the field, were necessi­tated to recruit the Lord Generall who had long wanted recruits, in the interim of time Glocester was strongly besieged, despe­rately assaulted, and gallantly defended; many large proffers were made unto the faithfull and truly religious Major-Gene­rall Massey, but by him rejected, and find­ing him to be no Subject to bee wrought upon by large and plausible promises, they fell to proud and daring threat­nings, and upon an arrow shot into the Town these words,

These are to let you understand that your God Waller hath forsaken you, and hath re­tired himselfe to the Tower of London; Essex is beaten like a dog, yeeld to the King's mer­cy in time, otherwaies if we enter perforce, no quarter for such obstinate trayterly rogues.

From a Well-wisher.

To which presently upon another arrow was shot this ensuing Answer.

My purpose is only to make a very suc­cinct mention of these particulars, and to proceed, the towne being by the noble Lord Generall the Earle of Essex relieved, Sep­temb. 5. 1643. Major-Generall Massey marched againe forth into the field, fell upon a party of the Kings Army near Tueksbery, routed them, and took many prisoners, Octob. 16. 1643. and not long afterwards beat Colonel Vavasor from Teuksbery, Decemb. 6. 1643. as also Sir John Winter from Newnham, and did after­wards dissolve and dismantle the Garrison of Wotton, Decem. 14. 1643. and hearing of some scattered forces neer Glocester, drew forth upon them and tooke most of them prisoners, March 20. 1643. and after­wards hearing of Sir Iohn Winter at Newn­ham, drew up to him, and by a traine of powder did him much harme, and tooke very many prisoners and much provision, as also the same day defeated the Kings Forces at Little Deane, tooke the Town with all the armes and ammunition, May 7. 1644. having cleared that part of the Coun­trey, [Page 78] he marches up to Beverstone-Castle, and takes it by storme, with all the ammu­nition, May 27: 1644. and with the like suc­cesse tooke the Town of Malmesbury, May 30. 1644. as also the Garrison of Chippen­ham, having cleared the Countrey, he took the Garrison, and secured what before he had got; a party of the Kings Horse and Foot under the command of Colonell Mynne entred those parts not long after, and this renowned Major-Generall Massey hearing of him, went againe forth into the field with a small party, and near Kidmarly entred fight with them, kild their Generall Mynn, took many prisoners and much ammunition, Aug. 12. 1644. afterwards marched up to the Castle of Monmouth, and took it, Sep­temb. 26. 1644. as also defeated the Enemy at Betsly Sconce in the Forrest of Dean, and tooke much Ammunition, Sept. 30. 1644. and presently afterwards marched to­wards a strong party of the Kings Forces commanded by Sir Iohn Winter, encoun­tered them neare Beechly, and routed them, taking many prisoners, Aug. 12. 1644. hav­ing thus gallantly dispersed the enemy, he did endeavour to secure the Frontier Gar­risons under his Command, which he did accordingly, in which interim of time, Sir Iohn Winter again recruited, and came up towards the Forrest of Deane, (where he had been before beaten) the which re­nowned Massey no sooner heard of, but drew forth his strength, and did with much [Page 79] courage and gallantrey march towards the said Forrest, and gave them battell, and in a small space had utterly routed them, taken and kild many, Febr. 26. 1644. and not long afterwards having intelligence of a party of the King's horse coming out of Bristoll for the assistance of Prince Mau­rice, were met by this noble Generall, and upon a sudden routed, and many taken pri­soners, March 24. 1644. presently after­wards he marched towards the strong Gar­rison of Evesham, and besieged it, upon a fierce storme tooke it, with all the ammu­nition therein, May 27. 1645. having thus gallantly performed, not to be parallelled, considering his strength, yet some who were no well-wishers to Honour, nor Re­ligion, did murmur and complaine of this noble Generall, whose honour will stand to perpetuity upon Glocester walls, and in all true-borne English mens hearts; and although some thought his sudden taking off from that service would have dis-ingaged him from all service, it is well knowne by the West that after he was made there Ge­nerall, he did most gallantly, and was in­deed (as I may so say) the very wall to de­fend Sir Thomas Fairfax's Army from the incursions of the enemy, brave Massey led brave Fairfax the way into the West, wit­nesse the daily skirmishes he was in for five or six weeks together, beating the ene­my to retreats at least 120. miles, taking and killing many, notwithstanding the ene­my [Page 80] was four to one, yet some said (whom I will not here name) that the enemy was but a small strength, but when Sir Thomas Fairfax was to fight with them within two daies of the same time, the same party said they were a great Army, and it was danger­ous in fighting, I name this passage not to dishonor any who deserve praise, but to shew how and by what waies some use sleights to under-value those better then themselves, to set up themselves; much more may be spoken in time convenient, when brave Massey's honour will burst forth like the Sun from under a cloud, and stand for after Ages so long as the Sun and Moon endure.

CHAP. XVI.

OF all the gallant Commanders England The due praise of Major Gene­rall Skippon. ever bred, renowned Major-Generall Skippon may have his name inrolled in that golden Beadrow, both for his faithfulnesse, [Page 82] valour, and constant perseverance, he never yet was knowne to turne his backe upon the proudest enemy, he never was cried up and Idolized for things he never performed, hee alwaies was ready to act the part of a valiant Champion, and to let the praise redound to those that expected applause; he amongst all the rest, is the man (if I may so say) that hath gone through good [Page 83] report, and bad report, through threats, promises, and earnest solicitations, and yet by all these is not (as too many are) shaken in his stedfastnesse, and to give gallant Skippon his due praise, he is one of the prime military men (at this day in com­mand) in England, as may appeare by the many gallant exploits by him performed since his first taking up of Armes, he first encountering the enemy neare Worcester, Septemb. 12. 1642. and putting them to flight, and from thence marched to Edge­hill, and drew the Army there into Battalia, charged the enemy resolutely, and after a fierce and bloody fight, the enemy retreated with great losse, both of men and horse, Octob. 22. 1643. Reading also taken by the assistance of valiant Skippon, April 18. 1643. as also Cirencester taken, and the Kings forces totally routed at Newbery fight; having performed this gallant service according to command, he retreated with his Infantry to Winter-Quarters, but hear­ing of a house fortified, leaving open the rode, which did much mischiefe to the City of London, he undertooke with a small Brigade to bring it in obedience to the Parliament, which hee did most gallantly performe, taking the Garrison, called by Grafton-house taken. the name of Grafton-house, with all the Armes and Ammunition, and great store of plunder, which was the souldiers booty, Decemb. 20. 1643. and having performed this gallant piece of service, he came back [Page 84] to London for further instruction, and so soon as the valiant Generall the Earle of Essex was provided, he marched forth with him Westward, & took Barnstaple, with Barnstaple and Taunton taken. Taun-Deane, 22. of June, 1644. and from thence marched more Westward, and tooke Mount-Stamford, Plimpton, Saltash, Laun­ceston, Greenvill-house and Newbridge, and from thence marched further into Cornewall and tooke Tadcaster, and Foy, the Kings Forces drawing upon them, and taking them in that narrow creek, put them to great streights, both for provision for men, and much more horse, so that his Ex­cellency by a Councell of Warre was ad­vised to force a passage with his horse through the Kings Army, which he accord­ingly did, but this heroick Skippon was al­lotted to stay behind, and make his termes as good as possible he could in this case with the King, and finding no faire termes from them, he encouraged his souldiers to stand to it, which accordingly they did, and fought with the Kings whole Army for some seven or eight daies together, not giving any ground at all, but rather gaining upon them, so that then the King thought good to grant them terms more reasonable then before they would heare of, least they might have wasted their Forces, or relief might have com, which drew neer them, and in this piece of hot service, Generall Skippon did so gallant service, as made both friends and foes much admire him: [Page 85] and because there were many in London who murmured and complained, indeavour­ing with much earnestnesse to foment jea­lousies and bring in disgrace men of worth and eminencie, as the Lord Roberts, Sir Philip Stapleton, and some others, who were not of their opinion in Religion, viz. men of confusion in Church and State, even these men cry out of plots and designes, of carry­ing the Army into the West, but had the Army prospered, Oh then how London would have sounded of—————who had done the worke, though there had not been 20. in the whole Army: And these, and such like, are and have beene the practises of some against them that are not lovers of their abhominable doings, these their designes are like the fine designes of the—but God in due time will deale with this Generation of selfe-exhorters, truth-destroyers, and Co­venant-revolters, I shall give them no other epitome at present, and as for those wor­thies of England, viz. the Earle of Essex, the Earle of Manchester, the Lord Ro­berts, the Lord Willoughby, Sir William Waller, Sir Philip Stapleton, Sir Samuel Luke, M. Gen. Poyntz, Major-Generall Massey, and Lievtenant-Generall Skippon, with the rest that are Covenant-keepers, as our Brethren of Scotland, who have borne with patience what the height of malice could invent against them; this will one [Page 86] day be their comfort, that they have beene reviled, and have not reviled againe, and that they have suffered all manner of wrong and reproach for Gods sake, his causes sake, and their Covenants sake: I shall say no more at present for them, but descend to the rest of the valiant actions of this re­ligious Commander, who was upon the new Modell of the Army listed in the like office hee formerly executed under brave renowned Essex, Englands faithfull Lord Generall; valiant Sir Thomas Fairfax being created Generall in his stead, did upon re­cruit march forth with valiant Skippon, and gave the Kings Forces a dismall battell at Naesby-field, where the Kings Forces were utterly routed, June 14. 1645. and after­wards marched up to Leicester, and re­gained it, and this may stand to perpetuity, as a crown of honour upon religious Skip­pons head, that he encountred the enemy in field and Garrisons 125. times, and never turned his back in the height of an assault, storme, or battle, upon the adverse Party; to describe all the particulars, I shall re­ferre the Reader to the Table of this booke, and the actions of the two Generalls, viz. the Earle of Essex, and Sir Thomas Fair­fax, and conclude exhorting to give God the glory of this Champions actions, for he alone was the supporter of his heart in the day of battel, and this great God was unto him a buckler, a helmet, a tower, a fort, [Page 87] and a rock of defence to him in the time of danger, and so he was, is, and will be to the end of the world, to all them that put their trust in him, rest on him, and keep Covenant with him.

CHAP. XVII.

SInce debts of honor are due to such The due praise of Sir Iohn Meldrum. valiant Champions (as renowned Mel­drum deceased,) thus neither words nor pens can sufficiently expresse honor enough [Page 90] for future Ages to read, but since it is (by Gods providence) my lot, I shall endeavour to revive to posterity the dying memory of our English, and Brother-Scottish Peers and Patriots due valour, and faithfulnesse to maintaine Religion, the Kings Honor, the Parliaments Priviledges, the Subjects Liberties, and the firm union betwixt both Nations according to the sacred Covenant: one of the first that with valour and courage stood up for the Parliament, was this thrice­honorable Scottish Patriot, who was as sensible of Englands distemper, as if it had been his owne, and therefore out of a godly zeale he begirt his sword about him, and with a couragious and gracious spirit went forth, and by a heavenly hand conquered his enemies as I shall make it appeare; At his first going forth, he joyned with Sir William Waller, and was assistant in the valiant service of the West, and in particu­lar, he was very couragious and prosperous in the taking of Portsmouth in Hampshire, as also the raising of the siege at Hull, July 22. 1642. and not long after, the [Page 91] Earle of Newcastle againe besieged Hull, and this noble and renowned Sir John Mel­drum issued out, beat the Earle with his whole Army out of their Workes, took nine piece of Ordnance, and much more Ammu­nition, Octob. 13. 1643. and having beaten the enemy and raised their siege, hee marched into the field, and by the assist­ance of noble Sir Thomas Fairfax, tooke the strong town of Gainsborough by storme, with all the men, armes, and ammunition therein, Decem. 20. 1643. and afterwards he tooke the Isle of Axholm with all the Ammunition, Febr. 4. 1643. and from thence marched to his owne County, of which he was (by the Parliament) made Generall, viz. the County of Lancashire, where he was no sooner come, but he had notice of a great Brigade under the Command of the Lord Byron, and Lord Mollenaux near Ormskirk plundering, to whom he hastned, and coming within sight of them, they pre­sently prepared to battell, and charged once, and then ran quite away, being utterly routed, and having lost at least 1000. horse, and the Lord Byron himselfe hid in a Corne­field, or else had beene taken prisoner, Aug. 20. 1644. having cleared the field, he againe marched towards the Isle and fort of Jarmouth, and in a short time took it, with many ships in the Harbor, closely be­girt the Castle, and by a most bold and re­solute assault, received his deaths wound, the which his souldiers took much to heart, [Page 92] making most sad lamentation for him, and they alone did not lament his losse, but the Parliament also, and many thousands more in the Kingdome; and although his person be taken from us, yet his name will stand to perpetuity, and our after-Ages will speake to brave Meldrums praise.

CHAP. XVIII.

IF there were not in the Common-wealth The due praise of Sir William Balfour. some men of publike spirits Balfour-like, to lay a side places of honour and profit, to promote the publike, as he did, our Com­mon-weal would become a common woe, to all that have habitation therein, or relation thereunto, but as we and our children after [Page 94] us have cause to blesse God for accomplish­ing our war, so we and our children also, will have just cause to honour the persons in the memoriall of the gallant actions of our English and Scottish noble Command­ers and Souldiers, one whereof here speakes as much honour to the Kingdome of Scot­land, as any one this day in Europe of his rank and quality; brave Sir William Bal­four by name, some of whose brave actions I shall insert, as so many everlasting monu­ments of his praise, and for his gallant ser­vice he performed under his Excellency, [Page 95] Englands faithfull Lord Generall, the de­ceased renowned Earle of Essex, I shall omit for brevities sake, and only speake breefly of those his gallant exploits per­formed in the taking of Newbery, with all the arms and ammunition therein, and afterwards cleared those parts of an op­pressing Adversary, and not many moneths afterwards marched further Westward, ac­cording to order, and took Weymouth, and in it 27. peeces of Ordnance, with all the rest of their Ammunition; and having set­tled that Garrison and cleared those parts, he marched with all speed towards Taun­ton-Deane, and tooke it with all the Am­munition therein; many more exploits and valiant actions he performed, still eyeing the publike safety more than his owne or private interest, persevering in all his ac­tions, standing to his Covenant principles, viz. the advantage of Reformation in Church and State, and the rooting out of Popery, Prelacy, Schism, and Heresie, that as there is but one God so there might be one faith, one truth, and one way of worshipping this one God in newnesse of heart and affec­tions.

CHAP. XIX.

THis valiant and faithfull Commander, The due praise of Major Gene­rall Poyntz. Major Generall Poyntz, if it were onely for his constancy in the cause he un­dertooke, and stability, deserveth of all [Page 98] true-born English-men, to be honoured, and as a Souldier he hath done gallantly, even when the Parliament and Kingdome was in a low condition, and the enemy strong, yet he in many parts North, and North-West gave the Kings forces many defeats and overthrowes, as at Rounton Heath, neer West-Chester, and cleared [Page 99] those parts, and afterwards drew more Northward, and cleared those parts, was alwaies active in promoting the publike, and when the warre was compleated, and our Brethren of Scotland retreated towards their owne Kingdome, this renowned Sir Sydenham Poyntz had a command to secure and keep in quietnesse those Northerne parts, in case of any insurrection of the Malignant or any other party, which he did most faithfully performe, and in all his proceedings he did endeavour to keep bro­therly unity with our Brethren of Scotland, which may adde one badge of honour to him more then to some of the rest of our gallant Commanders, and this may be the crowne of his honour, that in all the troubles of England, and sad division, he hath kept himselfe unspotted from covetousnesse, am­bition, or faction, which if all men in emi­nency and trust hath done the like, we should have had lesse contests for honour, and more self-deniall, lesse reviling of and exclaiming at our faithfull Brethren of Scotland, and more Covenant-ingaged af­fection to them, lesse fomenting and fost­ring of division, and more advancing of the truth in a reall Reformation, according to our most sacred Oath, and I could wish some men of eminency had not been so guilty of blowing and kindling the coles of jealousie betwixt England and Scotland, and finding God blasted them in that Ma­chiavell designe, they act a second tragedy [Page 100] not inferiour to the former, viz. foment and countenance a division at home in the same Kingdome, amongst one and the same Subjects of one flesh and blood, and al­though God (it may be) hath used some such men to doe his owne worke, whom as men I honour, yet I am confident their honour is not of so a long a life as their person, but for faithfull men, such as valiant Poyntz, when their persons decay and decrease, their ho­nours will increase to posterity.

CHAP. XX.

AS a valiant, faithfull Commander, brave The due praise of Lievtenant-Generall Crom­well. Cromwell deserves perpetuall honour, who for his gallant actions, the Cavaliers have (Anabaptist-like) rebaptized him (if I [Page 102] may properly so say) and given him a new name, called Old Iron sides, and very well they might call him so, for oftentimes hee did prove to them as an iron rod to brake them in pieces: God hath used him as one [Page 103] of the great instruments to rescue our Re­ligion, Lawes and Liberties out of the hands of those that would have destroyed them all, and therefore he deserveth high honour: I here present to the view of the world, his valiant exploits (in shorter terms then M. Sprig in his large Folio History of large relations and of the largest size) since hee was made Commander of a Bri­gade; one of the first and gallant pieces of service he performed, was in the taking of Stamford, and clearing the parts adjacent, often skirmishing with the enemy, alwaies prosperous, especially at that never to be forgotten fight at Marston-More, where in person he did performe most gallant ser­vice, and afterwards was active in all his undertakings, and being eminently taken notice of upon the Modell of the New Ar­my, was chosen Lievtenant-Generall, and at that great battell of Naseby did bravely performe the day, to the downfal of the Cavalierian faction, and encouraged the souldiers to prosecute the day, and with zealous courage marched towards their Garrisons, and first tooke in Leicester, and afterwards Heighworth, relieved Taunton-Deane, re-gained Ilchester, routed Gorings Western Army, took also Langport, Bur­rough, Bridgewater and the Citie of Bath, and afterwards did march with the Army against Sherborne-Castle, and took it with the Castle of Nunney, Porshut Point, and [Page 104] the strong Towne and Castle of Bristoll, and having re-gained that marched to the Devizes, and tooke it, with the Castle of Farleigh, Chedwick and the strong Garri­son of Basing the very receptacle of rogue­ing Rob-Carriers, and having performed this gallant service, hee marched more West­ward towards the reliefe of those poore op­pressed parts, and in his march tooke Lang­ford-house, Tiverton, Fulford and Chilling­ton-house, and presently marched to Poul­dram-house and tooke it, relieved Plymouth, regained Budex Church and Sir Francis Drakes house, and having thus weakned the Kings strength in Garrison, he did march towards the Lord Hopton and routed him, took Launceston, Listithiell, Saltash, Wardbridge, and Temple-guard, the Lord Hopton recruited to the number of 5000. Horse, whom within few daies was by this valiant Commander and the rest, inforced to disband and deliver with all their ammu­nition, and having cleared the field in the West, marched up to Dennis-Castle and tooke it also, with Felford Haven, Ax­mouth, Inch-house, and Hilford, Exeter hearing hereof did also suddenly deliver, and Barnstaple stood not upon so great termes as formerly, but was surrendred, and having finished the work in those parts, marched more Eastward, and tooke Radcot-house, Sherborn, and Oxford, and having been thus active, and compleated [Page 105] the worke, except some petty Garrisons, this valiant Cromwell came backe to take his place, as a Member of the House of Commons, where I leave him to act by his counsell, according to that patterne he hath acted with his hands.

CHAP. XXI.

BRave Brown, although last in List of The due praise of Major-Gene­rall Brown. the beadrow of Englands Worthies, yet inferiour to few in his actions and fidelity, as the Cavaliers know and acknowledge at [Page 108] this day with griefe of heart, and that it may bee manifest to all, I shall here insert part of those gallant passages and exploits by him performed since these unnaturall uncivill civill warres began: and first when Eng­lands never to bee forgotten, generally be­loved Generall, the bewailed, deceased Earle of Essex, first marched forth, this gallant Commander attended him in his marches from London towards the enemies Quarters, and falling in upon them neere Worcester, they utterly defeated them and put them to flight, in this battell this successefull Major-Generall Browne did most excellent service, and afterwards marched after the [Page 109] Kings Forces, who did recruit with much vigorousnesse, but being againe over-taken at Edgehill, were inforced to fight, which both sides did most gallantly, but after a hot dispute the Kings forces gave ground, retreated, and our souldiers kept the field, having won the day, and having thus pros­perously proceeded, and the winter draw­ing on apace, they came to London the chiefe Garrison of England, and so soon as Forces were able to march, this renowned Browne did march forth with a Brigade against Arundell Castle, and by a fierce storme tooke it, with all the Ammunition, and not long after this service marched into Kent, and quel'd the mutineers that had made a great uproare there, afterwards cleared those parts and marched up to Waltham-house, and tooke it with much Ammunition, and from thence marched to Greenland-house and tooke it also, and afterwards took Abbington, and fortified it just under the enemies noses, and defended it most valiantly against all the power the King then had in his chiefe Garrison of Oxford, tooke also an opportunity and marched forth and took the strong Garrison, Ballasith-house, with all the provision, and retreated back to Abbington, and preserved it from all the furious attempts of the ene­my: These with many more gallant pieces of service, did this gallant Commander per­forme, and though many proffers of honour, riches, and preferment were made him, yet [Page 110] this may be valiant Brownes honour, that he did refuse all, and stood for that cause his Covenant had ingaged him unto, and doth persevere to this day, which if he al­so doe to the end, it will be a crowne of honour to religious renowned Browne for ever.

[Page 111] ANd now having briefly recited many of the gallant actions of some of our valiant Commanders, I shal also add here­unto the names of many more, who have been seconders of the former, in gallant performances: and because most of their actions are included with the former, I shall at present only speak to part of the particulars, but for the future (God willing) I do intend to speak more at large: for the first, the truly worshipfull Colonell Hollis, his birth and blood speak him to be a man that is free from basenesse, his actions in the field have been valiant, and his ends faithfull, and I dare bouldly say, it was not profit, honor, or preferment did allure that thrice noble hearted Hollis; neither was it the Tower of London, in which he was most unjustly imprisoned, did any wayes daunt this valiant-hearted publike-spirited noble descended and religious affected Denzill Hollis from prosecuting the designe of God, and his Country: and for many of his valiant actions in the field, I might speak much to his praise, as also of his valiant Regiment (not inferiour to any in England, or that ever was in England since these last trou­bles in England) but at present I forbeare for brevities sake, and for his learned speeches, profound motions, and religious orthodox advice and Councell, in the Ho­norable House of Commons, I could insert somthing to his honour (which is well [Page 112] knowne) if it were proper for time and place.

And next in order to religious Hollis, I shall speak of faithfull Covenant-keeping Sir Philip Stapleton, somtimes Commisary-Generall to Englands generally beloved Generall the Earle of Essex, and as it hath been said of that religious Earle deceased, that when he was alive, there was none like him in a publike Covenant engaged heart, so when he died, he left not his fellow; so I may truly say of the truly worshipfull Sir Philip Stapleton, if without prejudice I may speak it; there is not his fellow-Knight, nor will hee leave his fellow behind him, I wish England were worthy of such men as hee is; I might add to this renowned Sta­pleton many gallant things he hath both performed by his sword and his Councell, which are more for his honour then all his enemies I hope can invent for his dishonour, but for me to pretend (as some of the new light-mongers do) to light a candle to the sun, were a master-peece of folly, therefore I shall say no more, but leave brave Staple­ton beclad with wisdome honour and glory as a robe.

And so I shall descend to speak of valiant Sir David Lesley, whose actions do deserve to be written in letters of gold: for to re­hearse them, were to mention almost all the victories of that faithfull Army of our true-harted brethren of Scotland; but I shall at present only give religious Sir David Lesley [Page 113] this character, a man noble by birth, noble in mind, and noble in actions; true to his Country, true to his Covenant, and true to his God, as also loyall to his King in all just wayes and proceedings which renders not him only honour, but also that Army which had such, and many such like reli­gious Commanders and Souldiers.

And the next to this religious and faith­full Lesly is Sir George Booth the elder of Cheshire, who when the troubles first be­gan, stood up for his Countrey, exciting his tenants so to do, promising them that had leases of their lands from him, that if any such did suffer in person or goods, he would make them recompence, and if any had Lease by life, and should be slaine, the life of his wife, child or friend, should be put in his stead (a brave religious resolution) if all the Gentry that had adhered to the Parliament had done the like, the warres could never have lasted so long: But this religious brave Booth thought it not enough so to doe, but tooke a place of command himselfe, and was verie active and couragi­ous for the preservation of his Countrey, did many gallant exploits, which I hope hereafter to mention at large, and at pre­sent give him this Character, faithfull, free, grave, godly, brave Booth, the flower of Cheshire.

Another neighbour and associated, vigi­lant and valiant Commander, is Sir John Seaton, a Lancashire Gentleman, for activ­ity, [Page 114] piety, and constancy, inferiour to few in England, he is the man under God, did pull down the pride, rage, and cruelty of the proud, potent, Papisticall Lord Strange, who with his great Army thought to carry all before him; but as we have just cause, so let us blesse God and honour true-heart­ed Sir John Seaton, for those great gallant things that have been done in reformed Lancashire, and consequently in all Eng­land.

And as great honour is due to valiant Season, for all his victories performed, which are mentioned in the List of the Lord Ge­nerall, so to valiant, vigilant and religious true-hearted and right honourable Colonell Harvey, who when things were at a low condition was willing to doe his Kingdome service, marched forth with a Brigade of the City of London, and with a small party did most valiant things, which I omit for brevities sake. And because I have som­what more knowledge of him then many, of whom I have and am to speak of, I can without flattery say of true-hearted Harvey, thus much, that I ever found him a man of a noble spirit, free from by, private, and base ends, aiming at the good and prospe­rity of the Common-wealth; active for the ends contained in the most sacred Nationall League and Covenant: a man most free from the scab of errour, adhering to no fac­tion nor party, further then the Covenant, union of the Kingdomes, and truth of God [Page 115] will admit of; and as hee is a Member of that visible Body the Parliament, so also I verily believe him to bee a Member of that invisible Body of Jesus Christ; I wish so much good to England, that all their Par­liament Members were such as pious true-hearted Harvey.

And with him also valiant victorious Sir Samuel Luke, a man who never was knowne to turne his backe upon the Enemy, in most fights of the Army of his Excellency the Earl of Essex, brave Sir Samuel Luke de­serves to be honoured for his undaunted resolution, and this (I hope) I may truly say, that hee is no turne-coat Knight, nor disobedient Commander, but was at first beginning what (I hope and verily believe) he will be to the end, viz. a true-hearted publike ingaged Covenant keeping and vertuous true-hearted English Knight, to whom England may be indebted, and he not indebted to England.

The next in order, which is little used, which if any shall judge me out, I shall de­sire to be excused, because it is the Nation­all Malady at this day, and therefore if any shall conclude it is too high or too low for the right worshipfull Sir Tho. Middleton, or any other, I shall leave it unto their wis­doms to please themselves, and to doe as it seems just in their owne eyes, as it was when there was no King in Israel, yet I shall (I hope) give satisfaction to this wor­thy Commander, as to the rest, in declaring [Page 116] to the world that he hath been and still is, faithfull in performing most gallant actions in and upon the Borders of Wales, sub­duing many parties of Welch forces, taking many Garrisons both by storm, siege, and stratagem, he hath in most places where he came, gained the love as well of his ene­mies as others, he conquered not onely by the sword, but also by his good and faith­full carriage, he behaved himselfe like a man of wisdome, a man of honour and ver­tue, which is much to be found in one man, I shall for brevities sake descend to speake of religious Sir John Gell, whose worth is such as speake him to bee a man beloved of his Countrey, and feared by his enemies, valiant in his actions, and faithfull in his ends to promote truth and peace, it is ho­nour enough for gallant Gell to be Patron of these vertuous parts, of which also de­ceased Hambden was a man deserves to be put into the same beadrow, for a gallant, va­liant, vertuous Saint, and the taking of that wise States-man away was the great weak­ening of the Martiall affaires, Parliament­ary affaires, and Church-affaires, the taking away from the evil to come the zealous, re­ligious, Earle of Essex, the faithfull valiant Meldrum, the wise vertuous Pym, the un­daunted Covenanted Hambden, speakes little prosperity either for Church or State, I feare, I pray it may prove otherwise.

And so I shall proceed to speake a few words concerning the worshipfull Colonell [Page 117] West, Lievtenant of the Tower of London, whose faithfulnesse deserves much of this City, who hath not been biassed by parties and factions, which if he had, London might long ere this have been lain levell with the ground, which is by his faithfull prudence, at this day preserved, and I am confident, all Covenant-engaged Englishmen, more especially Citizens, and such as in some measure know him, will conclude with me, concerning this thrice noble and truly wor­shipfull Colonell West, Lievtenant of the Tower: That he is a holy Saint, a valiant Souldier, and a loyall Subject, which I hope wil be as a badge of honour to him for after ages to read.

And for the honour of London, I shall adde to him Collonell Manwaring, Com­mander of the Horse raised by the City for the defence of it selfe and Parliament, this noble Commander bears about with him the badges of his honour, viz. wounds received in battell; I shall conclude what I have to say of him, in that I doe believe concerning him, that he is a man of a vertuous heart, of gallant desert, and a souldier expert.

And for the honour of Wales, I shall make mention first of Col. Laugherne, whose prudence, valour and fidelity, hath preserved those parts, and kept them in good obedience, and by a handfull of men, hee hath encountered great Armies, routed and disperst them, and hath done like an [Page 118] honourable man, a loyall-hearted man, and a faithfull man.

A seconder of himselfe, and for the ho­nour likewise of Wales is the valiant Colo­nell Morgan, Governor of Glocester, who hath the command over that Garrison, that was under God, the preservation of Eng­land, he hath ever (since he was put in the trust therewith) improved himselfe to be faithfull, hath done much service for the Parliament, and that which is the badge of his and also Colonell Laughorne's honour, is that they have stood faithfull to God, their King and Parliament from the begin­ning, and are still the same, according to the Covenant, which (I hope) will be unto them and all the rest of the Covenant-en­gaged Commandérs, an eternall honour.

Amongst whom faithfull and resolute Colonell Birch deserveth to be had in re­membrance, for all his gallant actions per­formed, especially since the new Modell, he hath not been absent in any materiall piece of service, but done his part, and I could say truly, more then his part, were it not I should procure the emulation of some men: but if I had been silent of him, his actions speake him honour enough, and much more then my pen can expresse, therefore I shall at present, be silent con­cerning him.

And call to minde the noble Colonell Milton, whose actions have been many and [Page 119] prosperous, and although his service hath been hard, his Brigade small, and his pay poor, yet hath he hitherto kept himselfe from disobedience, and his souldiers from mutiny, they never yet dared the Parlia­ment, nor pillaged the Countrey, but al­waies carried themselves like faithfull ser­vants to their Masters, the King and Par­liament.

Another of the like faithfull Commanders is loyall-hearted, valiant-minded Col. But­ler, an honourable Member of the command­ing and conquering Army, who hath left no Garrison unconquered, nor no power un­subdued in England; This resolute spirit hath beene in most of these the gallant performances of the Army, and hath in what he undertooke, done little inferiour to any of the most prosperous Commanders in England, as in some kind scars of honour make it to appeare.

I intend brevity, but must not forget ano­ther of the valiant Commanders, Colonell Whaley, a man of honour and of trust, who deserves as much from the King and Par­liament as the best of the Commanders in his Excellency Thomas Fairfax's Army (now resident) onely one excepted, which I shall say more of in my second addition, which at present time will not admit of, and there­fore I shall conclude in two or three words apiece to two or three Commanders more.

As Colonell D'Albere who hath beene faithfull alwayes to the Parliament, and [Page 120] done them good service, and although he bee not an English-man, yet (I hope) none will be so ungratefull, but acknowledge, he hath done England good service.

Likewise Vice-Admirall Batten hath per­formed most gallant service at Seas, and with the Navy hath been as a Bulwarke to preserve our distracted Kingdome from for­raigne power, which had (in all appear­ance) long ere this made us miserable.

Many valiant things have by him been per­formed, as also the valiant Reare-Admirall Swanley, whom I designed to bring up the Reare, his actions in Wales, Cornewall, Devonshire, and the Northerne parts of England, can witnesse to bee such, as de­serve a History of themselves to be extant to succeeding Generations. And thus much I can say, as most conclude with mee, that there is not his fellow at Sea this day, for valour, and judgement, in the commanding and mannaging a Navy at Sea; I crave par­don in my rude conclusion, and desire to be excused by many, whom I shall hereafter mention, as Sir Robert Pye, Colonell Sir Hardresse Waller, Colonell Sir Arthur Hasterig, Colonell Sir James Harrington, Colonell Sir William Constable, Colonell Sir Matthew Boynton, a man whom Eng­land owes much honour to, as also those deceased valiant hearted Worthies, who adhered to the Parliament, I have here nominated, as also all others that have beene slaine on the Kings party, with the [Page 121] common souldiers on both sides, as also those that fled out of the Kingdome, all which I hope will bee excepted of without prejudice from him who hath hitherto been and resolveth (by the help of God) for the future to bee the Kingdomes most faithfull servant, in reality, constancy, and sencerity, to serve them,