CHAP. I. Sir Thomas Fairfax, Generall of the Forces raised by the Parliament of England, for the Defence of the true Religion, the safety of His Majesties Person, the Priviledge of Parliaments, and Liberty of the Sub­ject, overthroweth and totally routeth the Royall Ar­my at Knasby, in Northamptonshire, taketh in Leicester, relieveth the distressed Town of Taun­ton, beleagured by the Kings Forces, and taketh the Town of Bridgwater; by a desperate storm.

IT was an excellent, and true saying of an Ancient and Pious Father, That the pleasing aspects, and allurements of prosperity, ruines more men then, then the frowns and storms of Adversity; Which Adage I pray the Almighty, prove not authen­tick by us, and that having by Gods assistance, overthrowne; [Page 2] and almost totally touted and subdued the common enemy we should at last jarr with our selves and give our enemies cause to rejoyce, that what they could not performe with all machina­tions and strength wee should doe for them, and sheath our swords in our own bowels. I greatly feare the Almighty hath not yet done with us, and without doubt the enemies hand is deep in our daily distractions, whence else arise our hourely di­sturbances, why else are blown abroad so many rumours—the contents whereof, are destructive to our proceedings, let us pray continually, and with fervency to God, to guide and strengthen the hearts of the Parliament, to aid and further their proceedings, and to bring to passe the work they intend, which will be for the advancement of his glory, the setling of his Truth, and the honour and welfare of his Majesty, would hee be pleased, with them to concur, in the meane time that the Faithfull may have cause to rejoyce, and the wicked and mali­cious, either converted or confounded in heart, by reading and hearing the great works, that God hath wrought for his peo­ple: and that but in the compasse of one yeare, I shall proceed to set down in order, the wonderfull victories, unparalleld At­chievements, and unequald proceedings of the right valiant Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax, from Nasby fight, which was June 14, 1645, till late sitting down before Oxford, May the second, 1646.

BOth Armies being set in Battail array in a great field neet Nasby, both sides very strong and numerous and very ea­ger of fight; in so much that they had not patience to play their Canon, but charged speedily, and with great Resolution.

The Generall of his Majesties Horse, that fatall Firebrand to this Isle, Prince Rupert commanded at least two thousand Horse more then Sir Thomas could make, the Dragoons gave the onset; flanking the right wing of the enemies horse, as they charged Sir Thomas his right Wing, the foot were commanded not to charge till they came within twelve paces of one ano­ther, they having charged twice came to push of pike, the ene­mies [Page 3] foot gave back, and then the right wing, wherein Sir Thomas himselfe was charged, in the Flanke of the Blew Re­giment, of the foot of the enemie, who fought resolutely, most of them slain, some few of them surrounded and taken, at this the horse and foot of the enemie gave back, and the Generall after one charge more became Master of the Infantry, and took three thousand prisoners, the enemies horse fled, while the King was heard to call after them, saying, Face about once more, and give one change more, and recover the day, but they would not harken to his exhortation, but like men feare dampt from hea­ven fled apace, Lievtenant Generall Crumwell having them in pursuit twelve miles, the gallantry of those three faithfull Com­manders, Sir Thomas Fairfax, Lieutenant Generall Crum­wel, and Major generall Skippon, deserves to be ingraven on the bed role of fame, and their names to be kept in perpetuall remembrance: The fight continued three houers, the priso­ners taken first and last, were in all 4000, with many thousands of Armes, the Kings own Pistoll where with he Against those that love his Weal. charged, his papers and cabinet of letters himselfe hardly escaping, for the achievement of this great Victory, the praise, properly and primarily is due to God, and next to the instruments of his glory.

• Foure hundred Officers of meane Quality, as Lievtenants, Sergeants, Corporalls, &c.
• Foure Colonels,
• Many Majors,
• Sixty Captains.

There were taken in the field.

Eight Peeces of Ordnance, whereof two were Demicannon, one whole Culverin, the rest of the carriages bag and bag­gage, great store of provision.

The Souldiers brought to the Generall about 40 Standards and colours, he to reward them for the past, and to encourage them for the future gave each man a liberall reward.

• 1 A Lyon Rampant with a Crown.
• 2 A Lyon Passant with a Crown.
• 3 A Dragon and a Crown.
• 4 A Percullis and a Crown.
• 5 The duke of York's Standard, and six other Colours, foure of the Queens colours white, and double crosses on each of them, 209 Ensignes with staves.

• Of the enemie according to the neerest computation 5000,
• On the Generals part, 150.

On Munday June the 16, Sir Thomas Fairfax lay before Leicester and sent in a Summons to the Towne, to require the Governour to surrender it to him for the use of the Parliament; and putting it to them to consider how the King was routed, and shewing them what use they might make of that Clemen­cy, with divers other very gallant expressions to the summons, to advertise them how much better it was for them to surren­der, then to force him to take it by storming.

To this summons the Enemy sent a negative Answer, posi­tively this, that they would not surrender it; whereupon Sir Tho­mas Fairfax called a Councell of Warre to consult about the Storming of it, which was soon concluded on; that they should prepare all things in readinesse to round it the next day: which was done with all expedition not losing any time.

So they fell presently to raising of Batteries, and doing all things that were necessary for the storming thereof according as they had appointed, and continued providing every thing that was requisite for the doing thereof, to be in a readinesse to batter it the next day, and sent into the Country thereabouts for such helpes as were necessary for the worke, which went on with great speed both night and day; so desirous wee are to have [Page 5] a speedy end of the worke that there may be an end of these warres if possible.

On Tuesday the 17th. of June, wee drew downe our Ord­nance and playd with our Peeces against the Towne, we stor­med it playing with our Ordnance very hot on the Newarke side, which we conceived was their greatest strength? And in short time we made a breach in their workes, which strucke such a terror into the hearts of the Enemy, that the Governour sent to us to desire a Parley, and offered to surrender upon very faire termes; as upon capitulation should be agreed upon.

To this request (Sir Thomas Fairfax being willing to save the spilling of innocent blood as much as may be) he assented: and promised speedily to send in Commissioners for the treaty, and called a councel of War, and it was agreed that Colonell Pickering and Colonell Reinsborough should goe into Leicester to treat with the governour about the surrendering the said Ga­rison to Sir Thomas Fairfax. And accordingly a safe conduct was desired for them, which being sent they went to Capitulate with the Governour about the surrender thereof.

In the meane time Sir Thomas Fairfax was not idle, nor did he lose any time; but went on providing and furnishing him­selfe with Pittars, Carts, Hay, Granadoes. Ladders, and other things necessary for storming; resolving to fall on at their re­turne, in case that they should not agree, not knowing how things might fall out, during which time there was both great paynes and care taken by all in their places for the going on in the sayd worke.

• 14 Pieces of Ordnance.
• 30 Colours.
• 2000 Armes.
• 500 Horse.
• 50 Barrels of Gun-powder.

And all their Ammunition and Provisions with bag and baggage.

After this, his Excellencie Sir Thomas Fairfax having re­freshed his Army, with some few dayes rest, resolved for to re­lieve the Town of Taunton, which was straitned and besieged [Page 9] by a part of the Royall Armie, under the command of Goring, the Generall advanced to Buminster, twelve miles from Dor­chester, where he fell on there are of the enemie, took prisoner a Lievtenant, and divers others of Sir Robert Welches Troop, another party the generall sent to get between Sherborn and Somerton, and to fall on their Van, which they accordingly did, and took some prisoners, the enemy flying broke down the bridges after them, to hinder pursuit, neverthelesse, the Generall sent out parties after them, to learn whether they in­tended, and such was the love of his Souldiers to the distressed Townsmen of Taunton, that they willingly without the least instigation, marched 60 miles in five dayes, the Enemie hea­ring of their approach, raised their siege, and departed from be­fore the Town, and Sir Thomas took possession thereof, for the use of the King and his Parliament.

After this, the Generall with his victorious Armie advan­ced towards Bridgewater, intending the reducement thereof, but for as much as he heard and thought, the Town was so well stored with victuall, as that they might be able to endure a long siege, he resolved to storme it, was unanimously agreed unto July 21, at two of the clock in the morning the Generals Regiment began the storme, which they prosecuted with such vigour, that they soon got on the top of the works, and there displayed their colours, gained the peeces that before plaid upon them, and let down the bridge, whereupon with a Com­pany of horse, entered that part of the Town, and took 500 prisoners, which he placed, for the present, in the Church, and here let all men take notice, and admire the good providence of God, that though they fiercely stormed, and were as resolute­ly repulsed for the space of an hower, yet the Generall lost but twenty men, the obstinate and malicious enemie were so far from relenting or pittying their own misery, that with Gra­nadoes they fired that part of the Town which was taken, the fire so far prevailing, that three houses were not left standing together, the Generall enraged, and withall grieved at this their villanie, summoned them once more, but they were such [Page 10] deep enemies to themselves, and so hated their own welfare, that they would not so much as hear the summons, nor yet re­turn any answer, whereupon the Generall commanded to storme on this side, the morrow morning that valiant and ex­perienced Commander Collonel Massey.

The next morning by break of day, they stormed that part, and but that the tide was up, had gained the Town, now least that the guiltlesse should suffer with the nocent, the Generall sent a Trumpet to the Governour, willing him to let all wo­men and children come forth of the Town, which was accor­dingly done, then began the great Guns and Morter-peeces, those fatall Instruments of ruine, to play against the Town, and fired it in some places, and the fire increased so, that all was on a flame on a sodain, this so astonished the Inhabitants, that, as amazed they ran up and down, when one Elliot came run­ning to the Generall, and desired a parley, this man was the chiefe occasion, by whose wicked Oratory and perswasion the Townsmen became so obstinate, the Generall returned an­swer, that the last night he proffered to treat with the Gover­nour, and he refusing, it was now, But Justice to make him smart with the rod he had gathered. and that he would admit of no Treaty, yet if he would accept of mercie he should have it, when sodainly, all the Souldiers cryed out, Mercie for the Bridgwater taken. Lords sake, so it was agreed on, and quarter they had for their lives, and the generall gave them liberty and exhorted them to quench the fire, least the Town should be utterly ruinate, this strong Town and stubborn people reduced to obedience, the Generall resolveth for other Exploits.

CHAP. II. The Generall comming to Dorchester, the Boors or Club-men of Dorsetshire and Wiltshire, with their Leaders came unto him, desiring a passe from him, and that they might be allowed, to dispatch some se­lected persons with Petitions to His Majesty and the Houses of Parliament, the routing of Goring by Sir Thomas Fairfax Forces neer Langport in So­mersetshire, the Contents of the Club-mens Peti­tion.

AFter the gaining of Bridgwater, Sir Thomas after se­verall marches, came to Dorchester, where being ari­ved, there resorted unto him foure Agents from the Clubmen of Dorset and Wiltshire, who as if the two strong parties already in Armes, were not of ability, ruinating [...]hemselves, to destroy this poor, and more then miserable Kingdom: Those fellows of Dorset and Wiltshire, rose in Arms to make a third party of Newters, their pretence was to defend themselves from being plundered or annyed, by any [...]ide, either of the Kings or Parliaments, they wore white ri­bands in their hats, with PEACE and TRUTH inter­woven, they were Armed, some with Muskets, some with Forks and Staves, and some with Clubs: Their names, Clubmen. ori­ginall, or rather as Britanicus. one wittily and truly saith Knaves of Clubs, to the generall Master Hollis, the chiefe speaker decla­red his businesse, which was to procure a passe from him, for These to the King. Doctor Henry Gotch. Mr. Tho: Brow­all a Divine. Iohn Saint Loe. Peter Hoskins, Esquire. M. Tho: Young Attourney. M. Robert Pawlet to the Par­liament. Mr. Melchise­deck woltham. M. Rich: Hook, Divines. Tho. Trenchard Rob: Culliford, [...]squires. George Hawles, Rich. Newman, Gentlemen. persons selected to goe to the King and Parliament with Petitions, After some debate the Generall returned this An­swer.

Wisdome and Valour, are two singular and extraordinary gifts of God, and he that hath the one hath a greater gift then hee that hath the other, I mean the gift of wisdome: Ulysses words prevailed more with the Grecian Princes then Ajax Deeds, but where both are injected, there the man is incom­parable, and fit to undergo so great a Task as our famous Ge­nerall doth, Who not onely by valour quelleth and pasheth to pie­ces the strength of the Enemy, but also by his Prudence, appeaseth and mitigateth the fury of some, that spurs on by their own rash­nesse, after to do things inconvenient and destructive to them­selves: This I am constrained to say, in reference, to the mode­rate, free and ingenious answer Sir Thomas sent the Club-men.

AFter the Dispatch of Master Hollis, the Generall advan­ced, and after some marches; not without apposition, came to long Sutton in Somersetshire, where being ari­ved, a Councel of War was called to debate on this Quere, whither to draw up before Langport, or withdraw towards [Page 14] Sherborn or Evill, when unlookt for the Enemy gave them the alarm, under the command of Goring, whereupon the Gene­rall drew out of his forces of Foot.

Weldens, Herberts, Inglesbyes, Fortescues, Major Generall Russels, Hamonds and Rainsboroughs Regiments, all the Horse but three Regiments of Sir Robert Pie, and Col. Sheffield were with Massie.

With these Forces they drew into the Field, about ten of the clock in the morning, the Enemy had the advantage both of the Hill and Wind, the Generall commanded the Canon to play, which did extraordinary execution, after the Horse char­ged Major Bethel, gave the onset, his first charge routed them, Goring routed. but being over-powred, he retreated to Major Disbrough, who commanded the Generals Regiment, and charging them again, he so disordered them that they could never rally againe, part of the Enemies got in a disordered manner into Langport, the rest fled, some into the Corn, some into Woods for shelter, in this fight the whole foot were taken or killed; there were also ta­ken those:

• The Ordance they had;
• Two Colonels of Horse, Slingsby, Hevingam.
• Beirtridge, Lievtenant Generall of the Ordnance,
• Some other Lievtenants, Colonels and Majors,
• 1200 Prisoners.

And the gaining of this, through the assistance of God, lost the Generall but twenty men, and whereas wee spake of erst, the Petitions the Clubmen intended for the Kings Majesty and the Honourable Houses of Parliament, wee will here insert it word for word, as the Malignant spirit of the Authour con­trived it.

Thus far the Author of this malevolent Petition, which be­cause I have already somwhat canvased, and all wise men read­ing it wil easily behold, the main end and scope of these club-mens [Page 19] Petitions and intentions without an interpreter, I shall here cease to say more of it, I return to my History.

CHAP. III. Sir Thomas Fairfax receiveth the Town of Bathe by composition: A Narration of the Kings entertain­ment at Huntington, and of the carriage of his Ar­mie there.

HIS Excellencie the Parliaments Generall, intending the reducement of Bristol, a Town of great concern­ment, after some dayes easie march, ariving neer Sherburn Ca­stle blocked up Sherborn, and resolving to use all the means of man, not doubting of Gods assistance, to put a period to the sad, and to be bewailed civill war, resolved to send one party to Sher­born, to block it up, at least til time and ability served to pro­ceed more violently against it, he therefore appointed Collo­nel Pickering, a man right valiant and pious, to prosecute the intention as aforesaid.

A Councel of War being called, to consult what designe would be most advantagious, most safe and speedy, for the reducing of Bristol, it was concluded, that the taking of Bathe, which would else be an obstacle, was first most requisite, and if not made a Garison, yet it might serve for a strong Quarter, and be much assistant to their Designe.

The Generall approved the advice, and resolved to prosecute it, and the next day with his whole Army advanced to Wels, where being arived, he heard news very much unexpected, to wit, that their trouble of besieging, or danger of storming the Town of Bath, would not be required, for the Enemy had quitted the place, and unconstrained the reasons these.

The Townsmen not willing to bear Armes, nor yet to har­bour Souldiers that came from Bristoll, dreading infection, the plague being then and had been before a long time, there very [Page 20] hot, and raging, the souldiers they had of their own being too few to man the Works, the Governour Sir Thomas Bridges, resolved to quit it, which thing hee had surely done, had there not arived at that present an 100 men from Prince Rupert, with orders willing him to stay and defend the Town. Sir Themas upon probability of quitting it, thought fit to spare his Foot an unnecessary march, and sent two Regiments of Horse, comman­ded by Col. Rich and two Troops of Dragoons with Col. O­key, to take a view of the condition of the Town, that he might do as occasion served: They came neere the Towne and were opposed, when they presently Summoned, but the Summons slighted, they resolve to enter by force, the Dragoons encoun­tring the Enemy on the Bridge, prevailed against them and gained it, and setting on fire the South west gate burnt it down, which the Governour seeing, was willing to surrender, condi­tionally, that hee and his Officers might have liberty armed to march to Bristoll, which was granted them, and they speedily departed, leaving behind them many souldiers prisoners.

• Twenty barrels of powder,
• Three hundred arms,
• A Tun of match,
• Six Iron Peeces of Ordnance.

Col. Rich and Col. Okey having entred the Town, sent the Generall notice of their prosperous proceedings, and desired him to repair to them, which hee accordingly did, and com­ming to Bathe, having bestowed some time in setling thereof, and having placed a strong Garison, returned back to Wels.

About this time his Majesty being in a strait, and doubting of the ability to engage with the Parliaments Forces, whom he unworthily and caulesly brandeth with the names of Tray­tors and Rebels, commeth as in Progresse into Huntington­shire, though in truth to levy force, and to borrow or to take summes of money, of which he was in much want, and com­ming to Huntington, a Town notorious for Malignancy, and averinesse to Reformation.

The Major of Huntington, and two Bailiffs of Godman-chester, [Page 21] a Town neer adjacent, as being wrapt and to congra­tulate the Kings arrivall, taxed their Towns at ten and fifteen shillings a man, some of them mean men & poor housholders, who were constrained to borrow the money, and to work hard and fast withall, to regain their impaired ability: the Major and Bailiffs and forty three of his Brethren presented his Ma­sty with a great sum of their extorted money, who, whether misdoubting their fidelity, or some great ones about him splee­ning them, or what other reason might be, I know not, but sure I am they were constrained, as prisoners to passe in the conduct of the Army, so soon as the King came, Proclamation was made, that no souldier, upon pain of death, should plunder, which peradventure might be a watch-word to warn them thereto; for no sooner was it proclaimed, but souldiers fell to plundering on heaps, carrying out of shops and houses, whole loads of Goods and Wares, and in some houses left nought to adorn them but barewalls, the Townsmen were forced to bil­let some twenty, some thirty in one house, and to afford both horse and mans meat for twelve pence a day, and to give all the World a true character of them, they knockt off all the Irons from the Prisoners and Fellons in Huntington Goale, many of them condemned for murther, who all took up arms for the King, and is this the mayntaining of the Laws (so fre­quently protested) and here let the Reader take notice that the Cavaliers and Royall party (Fight neither for God, nor for his Majesty as they pretend) would they else deal so hardly and tyrannically with his Friends, that favour his proceedings, in all parts where they come, as in perticular this Town of Hun­tington, plundered by them, without distinction or exception of any, carrying with them many known Royallists as Priso­ners, for that they denied those sums of money, which their un­conscionable and uncharitable selves demanded, so that it is, or What the Ca­valiers fight for. may be apparant, to all not wilfully blind, that they fight to mayntain and uphold, so long as they may, their pleasure and rapine, their debausht and luxurious living, to which they are so accustomed and bewitcht, that they are resolved, with it [Page 22] their lives shall terminate, but they have but a short time, I trust now the wheels of the Chariots are taken off, so that they march but slowly and in Despair, against GOD.

CHAP. IV. Sir Thomas Fairfax taketh the strong Castle of Sher­born, a List of the Arms and Ammunition, taken in the said Castle. He fighteth with, and discomfiteth the mutinous. Clubmen, taketh their chief Leaders. A List of their names.

HOw hath the Lord assisted, the Forces, fighting for his Cause, this memorable and never to be forgotten year, Sir Thomas Fairfax resolving, for the Reducement of Sherborn Castle: Drew out his Officers and Soul­diers, in despight of the Enemy, to their very walls and works, and prepared to undermine; battering Peeces arriving from Portsmouth, which they wanted before, a Battery was raysed, and they began to play very fiercely, & before night had made a large breach in the Castle, on the East part thereof) after the breach so made, the Generall out of his noble inclination, to prevent the effusion of bloud, sent another Summons to the Governour, willing him to surrender, or to expect the worst extremity, the Summons this:

Sir, I have been as willing to gratifie you as any man with honourable conditions, having expressed so much Gallantry in defending your self, but the advantage I now have, by being possessed of the breach, and some of the Towers, as it may with reason induce you to surrender the place, so it obligeth me in Honour, to agree to no other conditions then quarter for your lives, which I would be glad if you would accept, that so the effusion of bloud which will inevitably follow upon a re­fusall; might be prevented.

Sir, It is against my nature to threaten or insult over your condition, but I must tell you, and I wish you may have an heart to believe it, that if you refuse this my offer, you and those with you must know, I will heare of no terms for the future.

THOMAS FAIRFAX.

The malitious and wicked Governour hardned to his ruine, would not vouchsafe to return an answer, save with great and small shot that playd upon and wounded many of the Soul­diers, the Generall commanded for a storme, the Souldiers re­solutely fell on, and placing their Ladders in a trice got over the Walls and Works, which the desperate Enemy seeing, snatcht down their Colours, and with lamentable crys, desired quarter, which they had afforded them, but not out of any zeal, to save their lives, but the Souldiers chose rather to cram their pockets with silver and gold, of which there was store, in the Castle, rather then to sheath their swords in their Ene­mies bowels. The Generall stayed there one day to settle things in order, and after fortifying and mending the breaches, placed another Garison of Souldiers to keep the Castle for the use of the King and Parliament.

• Sir Lewis Dives.
• Sir John Walcooth.
• Col. Strangeways of Horse.
• Col. Thornhill.
• Lievtenant Colo­nell Strangeways of Horse.
• Major Balton.
• Cap. Hamon.
• Cap. Bright.
• Cap. Norris.
• Cap. Hodinot.
• Cap. Speed.
• Cap. Strangeways, of Horse.
• Cap. Bond.
• Cap. Hoddar.
• Cap. Brisco.
• Lievtenant Jenings
• Lievtenant Mallet.
• Lievtenant Tayler.
• Lievtenant Rogers.
• Lievten. Townsend
• Lievtenant Joliffe, of Horse.
• Coronet Devonet, Reformado.
• Ensigne Gale.
• Ensigne Hoyes.
• Ensigne Harris.
• Ensigne Toole.
• Ensigne Collins.
• [Page 24]Ensigne Mullins.
• Ensigne Tod.
• George Walker
• Provost Marshal.
• Chyrurgions these:
• M. Stuckey.
• M. Payley.
• M. Robinson. Ministers.
• Doct. Cockson.
• M. Wild.
• M. Townsend.
• M. Ford.
• Gentlemen these.
• M. Chaffine.
• M. Buckland.
• M. Barns.
• M. Brown.
• M. Griesley.
• M. Forsell.
• M. Richlands.
• M. Wiborn.
• M. Huchins.
• M. Carleton.

Three hundred forty foure common Souldiers.

The Generall having gained Sherborn Castle as aforesaid, and about to advance, news came, that the Leaders of the Clubmen, were met together at Shaftsbury to consult and give counsull how they might best thrive in their Designes, where­upon the Generall sent a strong party of Horse, commanded by Colonell Fleetwood, to apprehend them, who accordingly com­ming to Shaftsbury, compassed the house where they were, took every man of them and brought them to Sherborn, where his Excellency yet abode, their names I shall give yov ere I finish this Chapter, this being the Lords Day. On Munday morn­ing the Generall received Intelligence, that the Clubmen had appointed severall meetings, which moved Sir Thomas to send Lievtenant Generall Cromwell, with foure Regiments of horse to trace them, and to spy out whether they intended, who be­ing on his march towards Shaftsbury, they might descry fly­ing Colours, surrounded with a numerous company, on the top of an exceeding high hill, a Lievtenant was sent with a party of horse to know the reason of their unlawfull assembling, where­upon their Leader one Newman descending the hill, said, that the reason of the meeting was to know where they had dispo­sed those Gentlemen wete taken at Shaftsbury, the Generall returned this Answer.

That he held it not fit to inform them of the reason what was done, being done by authority, but that they might know a reason of their surprizall those persons so met, were the occasio­ners [Page 25] and stirrers up of Commotions and unlawfull Assemblies destructive to the peace and safety of the Kingdom, Mr. New­man desired to go and inform the people of the Answer, the Lievtenant Generall thought it convenient, with a party of horse to accompany him, where being come, he had some con­ference with the seditious, the substance, that they did very ill to disturbe the peace of the County, upon small or no ground, and that whereas they pretended, they armed themselves to save their goods, themselves would occasion the losing of them, by absenting themselves from their dwellings, and hee further promised and protested unto them, that justice should be done one any that had done them wrong, & as for their Leaders taken at Shaftsbury, they were laid hold on, and were to be kept in custody, onely till they should cleer themselves of some accu­sations charged on them, and then they might return again to them; the Bores were all well satisfied, and promising never to assemble again each man departed to his home.

AFter this matter, so well handled, the Lievtenant Gene­rall with his party set forward to Hamilton, still neere Strawton, on this hill were assembled a numerous multi­tude of Clubmen having for their defence an old Roman work deeply trencht, the Lievtenant Generall sent a Lievtenant with a party of horse to demand the cause of their meeting, who was answered by the rude and barbarous, onely with a dozen of shot: whereupon the Lievtenant Generall sent once again to them, requiring them to lay downe their arms, or hee would fall upon them, they refused his message with scorne, thereupon order was given for the Generals Troop to fall on them, who did so and were repulsed, not without some losse, and that by reason of the disadvantage and unaccessablenesse of the place, the Clubmen shot as thick as hail from the bank, and defended the passage very valiantly, then the valiant Major Disbrough with his Troop adventured, and with much difficul­ty got up the Hill, and charging their Reare, they began to run, throwing down their arms, in the pursuit sixty were slain, two [Page 26] hundred wounded, foure hundred of them taken and brought to Strawton, and kept all night in the Church, for the next morning the Generall commanded them to be brought forth, and after examination, the Lievtenant Generall advertized them to live peaceably, was most conducing and available for them, and wished them to live peaceably at home, they saw the calamity that their Risings had brought upon them, and more­over he gave them license to oppose any that should goe about to plunder or annoy them, and so dismissed them each to his home. The names of their Leaders, and the principall Sticklers in this businesse were these Gentlemen.

• Master Iohn Saints.
• M. Richard Buckeridge.
• M. William Smith.
• M. Thomas Gervis.
• M. Iohn Lovell.
• M. Iohn Eastmond.
• M. Francis Craddock.
• M. Edward Davis.
• M. Henry Haynard.
• M. Lawrence Hyde.
• M. Thomas Benet.
• M. Iohn Pope.
• M. Thomas Rosse.
• M. Henry Gouge.
• M. Iohn Every.
• M. Iohn Carty.
• M. Edward Boore.
• M. Nicholas Bingham.
• M. Thomas Rolph.
• M. Robert Squire.
• M. Richard Alborn.
• M. Charles Symmes.
• M. Francis Abbot.
• M. Robert Gapit.
• M. Thomas Marvell.
• M. Robert Hollis.
• M. Samuell Forward.
• M. William Fireall.
• M. Charles Studley.
• M. Thomas Brooke.
• M. Iohn King.
• M. Edmund Clarke.
• M. Martin March.
• M. Thomas Bun.
• M. William Saunders.
• M. William Blunt.
• M. Iohn May.
• M. Iohn Corbet.
• M. Richard Craddock.
• M. Iohn Pill.
• M. Robert Fry.
• M. William Ford.
• M. Matthew Mar [...]in.
• M. William Laining.
• M. Henry Goodwin.
• M. Rock.
• M. Williams.
• M. Hollis. men chiefly noted for malignancy
• M. Young, men chiefly noted for malignancy
• M. Ieloff. men chiefly noted for malignancy

CHAP. V. Sir THOMAS FAIRFAX gaineth the famous City of Bristoll, the Articles of agreement between the Commissioners appointed on the behalfe of the Governour, Prince Rupert and his Excellencie Sir Thomas Fairfax, for the surrendring of the Ci­ty. Ruperts Entertainment at Oxford.

THe victorious Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax being Sir Thomas layeth siege to Bristoll. commanded by the Houses of Parliament, to siege, and God assisting, take the City of Bristoll, out of their Enemies hands, the Generall to command obedience, advanced with his numerous and couragious Army to Bristoll, and what by valour and policy incroached each day neerer and neerer their out-works, and in many places got within Pistoll shot, and had many desperate and hot firings with the Enemy, who often made divers furious, but fruitlesse sallies to their own losse and disadvantage, the strong Port called Portshead Point was taken by assault, to the great discouragement and disheartning of the Enemy: the Generall perceiving the po­tency of the Foe, and the strength of the works, and knowing to too well the pittilesse and implacable inclination of the Go­vernour, Prince Rupert, to prevent the inevitable ruine that would else happen on both sides, sent him this Summons, which for the elegancie and excellencie thereof, is worthy to be read by posterity, which was this.

THe Prince having received this summons, returned no Answer, but desired he might have leave to send to His Majesty: But Sir Thomas returned answer, that he might not fulfil his desire in that point of sending to His Majesty, and desired a speedy and positive answer, but the Prince desirous to hold the Generall in suspense, and to gain time, hoping of re­liefe from the King, would not return an answer as was requi­red, but sent some Propositions to the Generall, the most es­sentiall whereof were to have exception from sequestration, Cathedrall men to continue, the works to be demolished, and no Garison hereafter, by which the Generall perceiving his aversenesse and policie, and having experience of his wonted [Page 30] wiles, gave order to storme the Town, the manner of storming was agreed on, which was to be after this manner.

Colonel Welden with his Brigade, Col: Twooldbies, Col: Fortescues, and Col: Herberts Regiment, whose posts were to make good Somersetshire side, was ordered to storme in three places, viz, 200 men in the middle, 200 men on each side, as forlorne hopes to begin the storme, twenty ladders to each place, two men to carry each ladder, and to have five shillings a piece, two Serjeants that attend the service of the ladders, to have twenty shillings a man, each musketteir that follows the ladder to carry a faggot, a Serjeant to command them, and to have the same reward, twelve files of men, with fire, armes, and pikes to follow the ladders to each place where the storme is to be, those to be commanded each by a Captain and Lievte­nant, the Lievtenant to go before with five files, the Captain to second him with other seven files, the 200 men that are appoin­ted to second the storm to furnish each party of them, 20 Pioners who are to march in their rear, the 200 men to be commanded each by a field Officer, and the Pioners each by a Serjeant. The manner of the storme being thus contrived, the Generall to in­courage and animate the Souldiers, saw the Commissioners pay to each of them six shillings, which they accepted very thank­fully. Tuesday, September 9, at twelve of the clock at night, all the Armie Horse and Foot surrounded the City to fall on, Bristoll stor­med. at two of the clock in the morning the storme began and for a while on both sides many fell, the one party striving with their utmost might to enter, and the other to repell them: Major Rainsborough's Brigade that stormed the P [...]iors Fort, by rea­son of the unnecessiblenesse of the place spent neer three how­ers in desperate sight, but at length maugre their enemies they wan it, and entering the fort cut in pieces the Souldiers, gi­ving no Quarter to Major Price, and became Master of the Town, that Brigade under Collonel Welden fell on on Somer­setshire side, but their ladders being set to the works proved too short and unserviceable, so they onely gave the enemie a sound [Page 31] Alarme: The losse of men on Sir Thomas his part, was not in all above forty. Collonel Taylor wounded mortally, Captain Ireton sore wounded: Prince Rupert seeing this, with some force tooke the Castle for shelter, against which the Generall planted his Ordnance, intending to batter, when loe the Prince sent out for a parley, which the Generall accepted, and after some few howers these Articles were produced.

1 THat his Highnesse Prince Rupert, and all Noblemen, Commanders, Officers, Gentle­men and Souldiers and all other persons whatsoever now residing in the City of Bristoll, the Castle and Forts thereof, shall march out of the said Ci­ty, Castle and Forts, with Colours, Pikes and Drums, Bag and Baggage, the Prince his Highnesse, all Noble­men, Gentlemen and Officers in Commission, with their Horse and Arms, and the servants with their horses and swords, and common souldiess, with their swords: the Prince his Life-guard of Horse, with their Horse and Arms, and two hundred and fifty Horse, to be disposed by the Prince, and his Life-guard of Fire-locks, with their Arms, and each of them one pound of Powder, and a proportion of bullet, and that none of the persons that are to march out on this Article, be plundered, searched or molested.

2 That such Officers and Souldiers, as shall be left sick or wounded, in the City, Castle, or Forts, and shall have liberty to stay till their recovery, and then to have safe conduct to go to his Majesty.

3 That the persons above-mentioned, who are to march away have a sufficient convoy provided for them, to any such Garison of the Kings as the Prince shall [Page 32] name, not exceeding fifty miles from Bristoll, and shall have eight days allowed for their march thither, and shall have free Quarter allowed them by the way.

4 That all the Citizens of Bristoll, all Noblemen, Gentlemen, Clergy-men, and all other persons residing in the said City and Suburbs of the same, shall be saved from all plunder and violence.

5 That in consideration hereof the City of Bristoll, the Castle and all other Forts thereof without any sligh­ting or defacing thereof, and that all the Arms, Ammu­nition, and all other provisions of War, except what is before allowed, be delivered up to his Ezcellency Sir Thomas Fairfax, without any diminution or imbezel­iuent: his Highnesse Prince Rupert then naming to what Army or Garison of the Kings he will march.

6 That sufficient Hostages be given to Sir Tho­mas Fairfax, such as he shall approve who are to remain with him till the City be surrendred.

7 That upon the delivering of the Town sufficient Hostages be given for the performance of the Articles on both sides.

Signed by us the Commissioners, in the behalf of Prince Rupert,

John Min, William Tillyer, William Vavasor.

Signed by us the Commissioners in the behalf of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax;

Edward Mountague.

Thomas Rainsborough.

John Pickering.

Turn over all the volumes of Histories, reciting the Battails, besiegings, and gainings of Towns by storme, and see if it be [...] recorded in any one place, that so strong a City, manned by so powerfull and numerous an enemie, hath been taken by as­sault, with the losse of so few, and so small a number of men, as this famous City was: and what is more to be admired, the Prince and his Souldiers were provided within with all sorts of necessaries, accommodated also for the defensive, with forti­fications of the best sort victuals in abundance, foure score or an hundred run of beer bread sufficient for an hundred thou­sand men a day, and in a word, all things abling a people to hold out a long siege, but it was the Lord, the Lord God of Hosts, strong and above all, that strengthened the one party, and disheartned the other.

The Prince made choice of Oxford for his refuge Garison, where being arived, he was entertained with slow regreet, the King not vouchsafing to see him, and what was surely to him unlookt for, confined him to his chamber, and it was motioned by some Lords neer his Majesty, that he should be tryed and examined by a Counsell of War, why and upon what termes he so easily surrendred Bristol, some said, fear and timerousness of heart made him yeeld up, others judged that gold had cor­rupted him, and that he plaid Legerdimain, receiving a sum of money to surrender the Town, but all concluded that through his proper default was occasioned that great and weighty losse, but the King, contrary to the minds and Counsell of his Lords, accepted him again to grace and favour.

CHAP. I. Sir Thomas Fairfax taketh by storme the strong Castle of Tiverton, overthroweth and routeth two Ragi­ments of the Kings Horse neer Bowytracy.

IT may perchance appeare to some men folly and The Authours Apology. want of judgement in me, that I doe not set down in order, all and singular every Battail and Over­throw given the King, whether by Sir Thomas Fairfax or any other inferiour Officer: and that I break and mayme my History by overpassing many remark­able Victories attained by Col. Gen. Pointz, and others, I an­swer:

Be pleased to take notice, that this is not an oversight in me, but a thing done wittingly and willingly, yea of set purpose, and that for three Reasons:

First, the scope of my intensions, when I began this Worke, was wholly to set down in order the Atchievements and pro­sperous proceedings of our thrice renowmed Generall Sir Tho­mas [Page 35] Fairfax, and to passe by and take no notice of the Deeds of any other were they never so glorious and meriting.

Secondly, that in so doing I might the more delight and so­lace my Reader, while I pitch upon one perticular person, and bring in no other to vie with or pertake of his merit, which I should do had I done otherwise, and have eclipsed the bright­nesse of his glory, under whose command, and by whose pe­culiar direction, all the Atchievements, Victories and gainings, by me recorded, were attained.

Thirdly, that in viewing his honourable deeds wee might have cause to rejoyce, yea and boast, so wee derogate from the glory of God, that this latter Age affordeth a man, whom it hath pleased the Almighty so to prosper and assist, that hee hath ever since he received his Commission, and apposed the Ene­my, been a continuall victor, and what Generall of any Nati­on ever could say as he can and that truly.

Sir Thomas hearing of the Enemies advance to Axminster, being two thousand Horse, resolved to ingage them if it were possible, and hinder their plundering progresse what he inten­ded, he put in execution, and with his whole Army marched after the Enemy who were then at Hunnington, meaning to hinder, if they should attempt it, to march Eastward, the Ene­my marched over the River Ex, whereupon the Generall cau­sed a part of his Army to be disposed along that River, so to pre­vent the Enemies return with the rest of his Army hee advan­ced to Tiverton, whether hee had sent before Major Generall Massey, who found the Governour very obstinate, whereupon Sir Thomas Fairfax commanded to storm it, which the soul­diers were in a readinesse to do, when the Canoneer with a great shot after a wonderfull and unparalleld manner broke the chain of the Draw-bridge, which falling down, the Souldiers on heaps entred, and in a trice were got over the Works, the Enemy tooke the Castle for shelter, and had onely Quarter for their lives. There were taken these prisoners, October the nine­teenth, 1645.

• [Page 36]Sir Gilbert Talbot, Gover­nour.
• Major Generall Sadler.
• Major Moneuch.
• Major Wilks.
• Major Pain.
• Captain William Sturgeon.
• Master Thomas Whitby.
• Captain Markas Whitby.
• Captain Edward Kemp.
• Captain Richard Philips.
• Captain Richard Mattock.
• Lievtenant Thomas Sadler.
• Lievte. Haniball Westcoat.
• Lievtenant Thomas Whitby.
• Lievtenant Thomas Sibley.
• Lievten. Francis Moneuch.
• Lievtenant Iohn Hawkes.
• Lievtenant Evely.
• Nicholas Kemp.
• Richard Mutisin.
• William Sharp, Letter Car­rier.
• Ensigne Francis Skidmoore.
• Ensigne Iohn Martin.
• Ensigne Francis Wilks.
• Ensigne Francis Pollard.
• Ensigne Davis.
• Ensigne Kerrey.
• Serjeant Nicholas Collins.
• Serjeant Rounsell.
• Serjeant Thomas Nichols.
• Serjeant Giles Geffrey.
• Serjeant Tobias Hickman.
• One hundred sixty eight common souldiers.

The Generall having intelligence that two Regiments of the enemies Horse quartered neer Bouytracy, sent a party to sur­prize or fight with them, who ariving where they were, after some hot disputation, put them to flight, and took four hundred

Horse, five Colours.

The next morning the Generall kept his Randevouz at Bouy­tracy, from whence they marcht on an other designe.

CHAP. II. The Generall obtaineth severall Conquests in the West to keep many Prisoners: A List of the names, Hee stormeth the Town of Dartmouth, and taketh it with many Prisoners.

THe General knowing the enemy had fortified Kenter­bury, and at Saint Burdeaux Church, hee therefore with five hundred foot, and one hundred horse to visit the said enemy, and if the Summons were refused, to storm it, and enter perforce, which they did, faire terms being proffered but not accepted of, where they took all the enemies nine horses, of which they had store; men, ammunition, and whatsoever else was there: the first worke they took without any losse, but the other occasioned the losse of five men: of the enemy were slain twelve; the officers of horse and foot that were taken, were these.

• Major Iames Suppley.
• Captain Peter Lapp.
• Captain Richard Price.
• Captain Thomas Baker.
• Lievtenant Richard Marley
• Cornet Thomas Hayne.
• Cornet George Gammis.
• Quartermaster Oliver Franklin.
• Corporall Iohn Mucwell.
• Corporall George Dent.
• Corporall Geo [...]ge Earle.
• Major Robert Baul.
• Captain Hugh Edwards.
• Lievtenant Peter Mark.
• Ensigne Esdras Micheal.
• Ensigne Christopher Carne.
• Serjeant Iohn Christophers.
• Serjeant Iacob Rogers.
• Thirty three Troopers.
• Forty six Horses.

The Generall for a while quartered about Bouytracy, to hin­der and oppose the enemies Incursions, very briefe in these parts, had often skirmishes with them, and each day took pri­soners, one time 200, another time 80, all horsmen, having [Page 38] been a time, here the Generall called a Councel of War, who generally agreed for the reducing of Dortmouth, a Town very neer them, the Generall drawing up his forces against it, sent them a summons, which being refused he gave order to storme it, and appointed the manner of the storme thus, on the west gate by Col. Hammond, on the North end of the Town, by Lievtenant Col. Pride, and on Trustall Church and works by Col. Fortescue, the storme began in the evening, the Souldiers assaulted with great courage and resolution: Col. Hammond gained the West gate, his Souldiers flusht therewith, went on, and beating down the enemies, possessed themselves of many Forts one after another, viz. Mount Fleggon, the West gate, Paradice Fort, where they tooke foure Lieutenant Gollonels, and possest themselves from the West gate to little Dartmouth; neither was Fortescue this time idle, though more strongly re­pulsed then his associates that stormed elsewhere, yet inspight of blows he entered also, and possest himselfe of the place, so that now the miserable enemie were beaten out of all, save one­ly the great Fort on the East side of the River, called Kings­worth Fort, to which the Governour and the Earle of New­port for safety fled, wherefore the Generall ordered some Dra­goons, with two Companies of Firelocks, and some Sea men to give an Alarme to that Fort, but the enemie doubting their own strength, desired to come to composition, and to yeeld up­on termes, which the Generall condiscended unto, and suffered Sir Henry Cary to march away, leaving the Armes, Ammu­nition and all in the Fort to his disposing, being thus master of all but the Castle, he sent another Summons to the Gover­nour, who was very pliable and willing to accept of any terms Dire need inforced him, wherefore he sent out as Hostages Mr. Seamor, Mr. Denham, with whom came also the Earl of New­port. There were taken 11 Guns in the Harbour,

• 103 peeces of Ordnance,
• 100 Horse,
• 600 Prisoners, Souldiers.
• A good proportion of Armes and Ammunition.

• [Page 39]Sir Hugh Pollard Governour.
• Earle of Newport.
• Colonel Seymour.
• Lievtenant Colo.
• Codrington.
• Blunt.
• Wadland.
• Searle. Majors.
• Fulford.
• Hooper. Captains.
• Pollard.
• Woodly.
• Sampson.
• Duke.
• Fowell.
• Colefin.
• Ford.
• Blewet.
• Start.
• Dewning.
• Horton.
• Conway.
• Reynolds.
• Philips. Lievtenants.
• King.
• Pollard.
• Hunt.
• Duncalf.

Many Country Gentlemen, Ministers and inferious Officers, all the common souldiers as aforesaid.

CHAP. III. The Generall receiveth Poutheram Castle by composi­tion, and prepareth for to fall on the City of Exceter.

HAD we any reason to expect, or could our behaviour challenge the least of those infinite mercies the Lord hath been pleased to bestow, and doth still, upon our unworthy and sinfull selves, who even when we were pressed and sank under our burthens, when we expected to be delivered into the hands of the malicious and cruel ene­mie, even then, I say, who was hee that truly and sincerely humbled himselfe under the afflicting hand of God, were not then the ale-benches pressed with the weight of Drunkards till they groaned, who mixing oaths with Ale, made an ingredi­ence, which quaft of, might surely destroy the health both of their bodies and souls.

Did not that capitall sin of pride reign as kingly, and was borne in as magnificent pompe on the backs of men and wo­men, as ever before or since: Was not the Sabbath as frequent­ly and wickedly prophaned as before? And in a word, were not all sins obnoxius and destructive to a Nation, then predo­minant? and since it hath pleased God to take his hand off from us, and to burn the rod wherewith he erst so sorely scour­ged us? Who is he that rendereth thanks as hee ought? are we not frozenin our dregs, and abide in our wretchednesse stil? well let us take heed and look to our selves, least it happen to us as whilome to that now scattered The Iews. Nation, whom neither judgemements would convince, nor mercies allure.

AFter the taking of Dartmouth, the Generall advanced to Powtheram Castle, situated within three miles of Exceter, and having sent a Summons to Major Fletcher the Go­vernour he accepted thereof, and surrendred the Castle on these terms, that every man should goe to his own home, armed with swords onely, the other Armes, Ammunition, and what­soever else was in the Castle, to be delivered up to the Generall, There were in it 1200 Souldiers.

Taken, 1400 Armes, 4 Horses, Match and bullet proportionable.

FRom Pawtheram Castle the Generall advanced towards Exceter, with a resolution to reduce that City, but here the Souldiers undrwent much sorrow, a scarcity of all things necessary: for the enemie having been but a little before them here, had eat up the Countrey, and as their manner was, and still is, left nothing of worth behind them, so that the Generall was forced to purvey for his Armie, and to fetch provisions from places and Towns far distant from them, the Gover­nour of Exeter doubting of the fidelity of the Townsmen, and of their coherence with the Parliament, to make all sure, and strengthen himselfe, as he thought, framed, and imposed on all the Inhabitants this Oath.

I AB do freely from my heart sweare, vow and pro­test in the presence of Almighty God, that I wil use my best ondevour to mayntain and defend the City of Ex­ceter against all Forces raised, or to be raised without his Majesties consent, and perticularly against the Forces new under the command of Sir THOMAS FAIR­FAX, or any other that shall command them, or any o­ther Forces against this City, all Forces which do or shall adhere to them or their Party, and I will neither direct­ly or iudirectly give, nor as much as in me lyes suffer to be given any intelligence, advice or information to the Army, or any of those Forces under the command of Sir Thomas Fairfax, or to any other Forces not raised by the Kings consent, which shall now, or hereafter come against, or lye before this City, but will from time to time discover to the Governour of this City, all trea­cherous Plots, Designes, Conspiracies, or Attempts, which I shall know, heareof, or probably suspect to be plotted against his Majesties person and this City, or any of his Majesties Armies, Towns, or Forces, neither will I, nor shall any other by my procurement, directly or in­directly, by words, or otherwise disswade or discourage, any of the Souldiers or Inhabitants of this City from in­gaging themselves or persisting in his Majesties ser­vice, or the defence of this City, against the Forces aforesaid, and this I vow and protest, according to the usuall sense and meaning of the words, hereof without any equivocation, or mentall reservation, so helpe mee, and by the contents of this Book.

Thus this cruell and tyannicall Governour, not content to force divers honest and godly men, which were known to be in that City, to expose their lives for the defence of those, who [Page 42] complead and furthered all means and ways, destructive to re­formation, but also by this did his utmost to kill their souls by imposing upon them, an unconscionable an wicked oath, but in such cases it is doubtfull, whether wee may or not, cheere our selves saying, votum extortum, non esse servandum.

CHAP. IV. The Generall forsaking Exceter, advanceth at Tor­rington, meeteth with the Lord Hoptons Forces, whom after abloudy fight he vanquisheth and routeth and after advanceth for Cornwall.

THe Parliaments Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax, hea­ring of the execrable proceedings of the enemy about Torrington, resolved to march thither, and either by fight to impair their strength, or by the terrour of his approach, to force them out of those parts, the Leader and Commander in chiefe of the enemy was the Lord Hopton, a man more rash then valiant, he commanded an Army of foure thousand horse, and two thousand foot, who being come to Ring-rash, there pitched his Camp resolved to fight, should the Generall ingage with him.

Sir Thomas having left the City of Exceter, begirt with a strong siege, appointing Colonel Hamon to block up the East and West side of the River, and to raise some Sowthams to lye about Totnesse, for the securing of the Coungrey, drew his Army towards Torrington, with purpose, to fight or dislodge the Enemy as aforesaid, the Lord Hopton had all his horse drawn together about Torrington, and with his foot prepared to defend the Town, which he fortified strongly, the Generall drawing neer within two miles of the enemy, received intel­ligence that a hundred Dragoons had possessest the lodge in the Park, and were fortifying it, who upon the Generals nee­rer [Page 43] approach forsook the house and fled, the Forlorn Hope per­ceiving took many of them prisoners, and so eagerly chased them, that unawares they came so neer the Town, they could not retreat, whereupon the Generall sent a strong party to bring them off, whose approach the enemy perceiving, they fell upon them, and they on them, so that there hapned a blou­dy skirmish betwixt them, the Generall fearing the enemy would ore-power them, and hemming them in, cut them to pieces; sent a Colonell with three Regiments of foot and some horse, to lye for Reserves unto them who after long fight, quit­ting themselves like men put the enemy to flight, and returned the next day: the Generall apprehending by certain evident signes that the enemy doubting their strength, intended to quit their place, if it were possible without fighting, wherefore the Generall sent forth small parties, to the end of the Towne to make a certain discovery, who incroaching neer their Works, and being viewed by the enemy, they entertained them with a volley of shot: the Generall hearing it, and thinking they were ingaged, sent a strong party to assist them, and after three Re­giments more, after a long fight, and many hot firings Sir Tho­mas his Souldiers prevailed, and maugre their enemies came up, even to the Barracadoes and line, where at push of pike they continued long in disputation, but at length God assisting them, they beat their enemies from their Works, who flying they entred with them, the middle of the Towne, where they endured a hotter skirmish with the horse then erst with the foot, who charged them very resolutely, insomuch, that they were almost forted to forsake the Works again, but that Co­lonel Hammond, with a new party entred to their assistance, rallyed anew the scattered party Major Stephens with his For­lorne hope comming up to second them, charged the enemy a­gaine and put them to flight, the enemies horse making good their Retreat out of the Town towards the Bridge, a place was very advantageous for them, and occasioned their preservati­on, the Bridge they went over lying so beyond the Towne, as the Generals horse could not reach them, but through the [Page 44] Town, which by reason of straight passage through severall Ba­racadoes was very tedious, by means whereof, and of the con­tinued straight lanes, the enemy had to retreat by, after they were over the River, as also by the advantage of the night, and by their perfect knowledge of the Countrey, and Sir Thomas his souldiers utter ignorance therein, they could do little or no execution upon the pursuit, but parties sent out severall wayes: did the best they could, and took some prisoners. There were taken in all about 600 common souldiers, the enemies horse, with the foot that were not taken or killed, fled into Cornwall.

• Lievtenat Colonell Wood.
• Captain Prideaux.
• Captain Cowley.
• Captain Bowne.
• Captain Minne.
• Captain Mount.
• Captain Bennet.
• Captain Moulin [...].
• Captain Weeks.
• Commissary Bovey.
• Lievtenant Hoakie.
• Lievtenant Kirton.
• Lievtenant Morris.
• Lievtenant Green.
• Lievtenant Mason.
• Lievtenant Gering.
• Cornet Wels.
• Ensigne Fielding.
• Ensigne Huggins.
• Ensigne Williams.
• Allen, Mackmalen.
• Serjeant Boswell.
• Serjeant Trevor.
• Serjeant Pewelly.
• Serjeant Sheffield, Generall of the Princes Lifeguard. 68.
• Troops of the Lord Hoptons Life-guard.
• Of Culpppers, 7
• Of Stukleys, 3
• Of Colonel Webs, 2
• Of Colonel Huntington, 2
• Of Colonel Slingsby, 2
• Of Colonel Hoptons, 2
• Of Colonel Hoopers. 3
• Lievtenant Cleulands, 2
• Of Colonel Crisps, 1
• Of Colonel Gettings, 2
• Lord Capels servants, 5
• Colonel Champeroons, 1
• Colonel Collins, 8
• Colonel Shelleys, 9
• Colonel Slaughters, 3
• Colonel Arundels, 5
• Colonel Trevamors, 5

After the taking of Torrington, the Generall having placed a strong Garison of souldiers in it, whom he bound by an oath to keep for the use of the King and his Parliament, hee advan­ced with his whole Army into Cornwall, of whose proceedings, read more in the next Chapter.

CHAP. V. Sir Thomas Fairfax with his Army ariveth in Corn­wall, hath divers Skirmishes with the enemy there: the Lord Hopton having recruited himself, commit­teth many out-rages. The Cornish Petition to His Excellency, who having surrounded the Lord Hop­ton, summons him to yield on Honourable conditi­ons. Hoptons Answer.

FRom Torrington his Excellency advanced to Launce­ston, where hee abode two days to refresh his wearied men, and then advanced six miles further to Bodnam, and sending out a forlorn hope, they hapned to encoun­ter with the enemies Scouts, whom they tooke, not one man escaping, and being brought to the Generall confessed, that they belonged to a Guard of 300 horse, that kept on a passe, within three miles of Bodnam, whereupon the Generall gave order to advance neer that place, who on their journey descryed where this body of the enemies horse stood, who faced them for a while, but when they saw them make up to them, they retreated back to Bodnam: Intelligence came now to the Ge­nerall, that the two Companies of Dragoons that were sent towards Camelford, the day before to gain the possession of an house, to the intent that they being there might not fail of In­telligence, whether or no the enemy intended to break through Eastward, I say Intelligence came that these Dragoons were [Page 46] in danger of surprisall by a great body of the enemies horse, who had watched their opportunity, and got betweene them and their Rendevouz: hereupon the Generall sent a thousand horse to relieve them, but before they came the valiant Dra­goons had repulsed and put the Enemy to flight, and returned with the Horse aforesaid. The next morning the Generall drew up his Army upon a Heath, within two miles of Bodman, and sent a party to discover whether the enemy were yet in the Town or not, who brought word, they had quit the Towne the night before both horse and Foot, the Lord Hopton bring­ing up the Reare himself, the people of Cornwall were gene­rally possest with feare of Sir Thomas arrivall, but when they saw his clement and faire carriage, and that hee so ordered his Army, that not the least outrage or villany was committed, they changed their minds, saying, They found them Friends, and not Enemies, The Lord Hoptons souldiers, after their quit­ting of Bodman committed many violent outrages, and forced the Country before them plundering all of Ability to nothing, so that now they began to be abhord, and stink in the nostrils of the Cornish, who now intended to break their yoake and free themselves from the Egyptian bondage they erst sustained, they therefore unanimously agreed, to put themselves under the pro­tection of the Parliament, and for them and their cause to live and die.

The Generall having received Bodman, thought it fit in his journey to reduce mount Edgeombe, and for that end sent a Summons to the Governour, willing him to surrender the said Mount into his hands for the use of King and Parliament, the Governour at that exceedinly straighmed for provisions, glad­ly accepted his offer on this condion, the Fort surrendred to disband his Regiment, and depart to his own dwelling. There were taken these Gentlemen whose names are here inserted, who desired to be under the protection of the Parliament.

• The Lord Mohan.
• Sir John Trel [...]ny.
• Sir Nicholas Lower.
• Pierce Edgcombe Esquire.
• [Page 47]William Scawer Esquire.
• Master Corriton.
• William Bond Esquire.
• Richard Edgcombe Esquire,
• Master Glanvile Esquire,
• Major Nicholas Saul,
• Captain William Bond,
• Captain Bourne.
• Alexander Lower Esquire.
• M. Francis Saul Esquire.
• Nathaniel Trevanion, of Tregerthen Esquire.
• Major William Trevisa of Crookdon. Esquire.
• John Batershy Esquire.
• Richard Spur Esquire.
• John Roe Esquire.
• Master Rashly.
• Master John Trevery.
• Master Bagley.
• Master Walter Hele.
• Lievtenant Col. Fortescue.
• Major Warren.
• Sir Richard Prideaux High-sheriff of the County.
• Also M. Arrundell the Pa­pist, a man of meanes, de­sires to be under the Par­liaments protection.

I spake a little before of the intensions of the Cornishmen, to submit themselves to the Parliament, proffering to rise in arms for them, and to serve under their Noble Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax, now as a witnesse of their reall intentions, they sent one Master Vivian, and others with a Petition to the Generall, the contents whereof were these:

The wonderfull and admirable providence of God, in so short a time to turn the hearts of an averse and diversovelent people, and to make them become plyable, conformable and desirous of that good, of that good which before they contem­ned and abhorr'd, the renowmed Generall Sir Thomas Fair­fax, having pursued, ore taken, and almost surrounded the ene­my, commanded by the Lord Hopton, who since his last dis­comfiture at Torrington, had recruited and made up a more nu­merous Army then before, thought it good, no doubt, moved by the spirit of God thereto to send him a summons, the accep­tance whereof might hinder the inevitable ruin that else would happen on both sides: the summons this.

This summons being sent by a Trumpetter, to the Lord Hopton, he received it with meeknesse, and used the Trum­petter very courteously, and dimissed him with this that hee would send an Answer, by a Trumpetter of his own, which the next day he failed not to do, the Generall perusing the Letter, found the contents thereof, such as emplyed a willingnesse to end the businesse of the West without more bloudshed, also he desired in his letter Commissioners should be appointed on both sides to meet together, and treat of their conclusion and finall agreement, see at large in the next Book.

CHAP. I. Sir Thomas Fairfax conclusion and finall agreement with the Lord Hopton, for the disbanding his for­ces and submitting to the Parliament, the Articles of Agreement betwixt Sir Thomas Fairfax and him.

THough wee must confesse, and ought with all thankfulnesse and humility to acknowledge, that the mercies of God in assisting the forces of the Parliament, fighting for his cause have been ma­ny and great, yet not any one of them, as I may speak with reverence, may be compared, or were equivalent to this great favour of God, that hee should give the Generall of the enemy an heart, not being plunged in any great or extra­ordinary misery, not wanting a considerable and strong party: which according to the best information, and by the confessi­on of our enemies; was not lesse then foure, some will have them five thousand horse, that thereby not only so great a body [Page 52] of Cavalry was broken, but so many both Officers and Soul­diers, disobliged from taking armes, and at such a time, when they expected a forreigne ayde to joyne with them, I say that God should do so for us, and make him to compound, may convince the most malignant spirit, and give notice to the whole world, the Parliaments reall intentions: but to our Hi­story.

I spake before of the Lord Hoptons desiring Commissioners, might be appointed on both sides to treat, which the Generall Sir Thomis Fairfax willingly agreed to, and nominated in the behalf of himself these, viz.

• Colonell Ireton,
• Colonell Lambert,
• Colonell Aubin,
• Comissary Generall Stane,
• Captain Edward Herle, Richard Dean Comptroller of the Ordnance.

On the behalf of the Lord Hopton these:

• Col. Charles Goring,
• Col. Marcus Trevor,
• Col. Thomas Panton,
• Col. John Bovill,
• Sir Richard Prideaux,
• Major Got [...]re,

During the Treaty, and before the Articles were confirmed and ratified by the Commissioners on both sides, these Gentle­men came to the Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax, and desired to be under the protection of the Parliament.

• 33 Lievtenant Colonels,
• Sejeant Majors and Captains,
• Forty Gentlemen of quality,
• The Gover. of Mans C [...]s [...].

Also the Cornish souldiers prostrating their arms and [...] at the Generals feet, protested that they would never be wrought or perswaded, by any whatsoever for the future, to fight against the Parliament.

The Lord Hoptons souldiers, especially the Forreigners hea­ring of the noble proffer that the Parliements Generall Sir Thomas Fairf [...] had made, prest on Hopton, and urged him with vehemency to accept of the rare offer, which hee did not, or to say truth, Durst not gainsay, but sending another Letter to Sir Thomas, desiring him to hasten, and that the Articles [Page 53] being penned might be ratified and confirmed, the Generall though if he would have been rigorous and implacable, consi­dering the former fury and rage of the enemy, he might at his pleasure have killed or taken them, yet he would not give way to passion or revenge, esteeming it a disparagement to his Ho­nour, to insult over a dejected or disabled foe: the Heathen could of that noblest of beasts,

Paraphrased:

CHAP. II. Sir Thomas Fairfax receiveth the famous City of Ex­ceter by composition, and begirteth the City of Ox­ford, with a strong siedge.

HAving brought our famous and renowrned Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax, to the Walls of the chiefe and grand Garison, of the enemy, the City Oxford, hee having by Gods assistance, all others of worth and validity: So that now the cause of God, and the Defenders of his Truth are exalted, and his enemies subdued and brought low. It is meet I should give thanks to God, and laud his name for his so great mercies.

We spake afore in the fourth Chapter of the second Book, how the Generall having left a strong party to block up Ex­ceter, advanced after Hopton into Cornwall, and having obtai­ned a bloudlesse Victory over him, and setled Cornwall under the Parliaments protection, he returned with his whole Army from the West, and finding the City of Exceter not yet redu­ced to the obedience of the Parliament, he drew up his Army before it, and sent the Sir Iohn Be [...]kley. Governour this Summons.

Sir, being retured with my Army from the West, where it pleased God to bestow a dry and bloudlesse Victory upon mee, to the great peace and quiet of those parts, and conceiving it [Page 57] my duty likewise to endevour the good of this County, which by occasion of your Garison, is necessarily obstructed, I thought fit once more to send you a summons, to deliver up to me the City of Exceter, with the Castle, Forts, Armes and Amunition, believing by this you are satisfied of the relief you expected of the Princes Army, & may equally be of any reliefe, to come from any other place if your intelligence and know­ledge, were the same with ours, there is nothing more indu­ceth me hereunto, then an unfained zeale, to save any further bloudshed, and as much as in mee lyes to preserve that City, which hath already suffered deeply, in these unnaturall distra­ctions, though I shall not boast of my number or strength, yet I must needs tell you that I doubt not but the same power, which hath formerly made difficult things easie will answer this, and will quit mee from being counted the occasioner of those inconveniences and miseries that will necessarily ensue upon your refusall: Sir, I shall expect your speedy and positive Answer, I rest your Servant, Thomas Fairfax.

Sir Iohn Berkley upon receit of this Summons, called a Coun­cell of Warre, who after long debate, concluded that Com­missioners should be chosen to treat, whereof one part should be for the Gentry, another for the Souldiery, a third part for the Clergy, and the fourth part for the inhabitants of the City, the Commissioners nominated; they sent their intentions to Sir Thomas, he yielded thereto, and appointed a place of meeting to be at Poultermore house, three miles from Exceter, the Commissioners on the behalfe of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax were these:

• Lievtenant Generall Hamond.
• Colonell, Sir Hardresse Waller.
• Colonell Lambert.
• Colonell Harley.
• Colonell Pry.
• Commissary Stane.

The Governour Sir John Berkley appointed these.

• Sir Henry Berkley.
• Sir George Carry.

• [Page 58]Col. Will. Ashburnham,
• Col. Godolphin,
• Cap. Fitzgarret,
• Master John Weres,
• Mr. Robert Walker,
• Mr. Thomas Knight,
• Mr. Thomas Kendall,
• Mr. Thomas Foord,
• Sir John Berkley.

The day appointed, the Commissioners met at the place a­foresaid, two for the Gentry, two for the Soulderie, two for the Clergie, and two for the Inhabitants of the City, and Sir Thomas his Commissioners aforenamed, Articles were perfor­med as agreed on, and the City delivered unto His Excellen­cie Sir Thomas Fairfax, there were found therein

• 30 Peeces of Ordnance,
• 3 Murthering peeces,
• 100 Barrels of powder,
• 500 Muskets,
• 100 Pikes,
• 80 Tun of wine.

Sir John Berkley marched out of Exceter with 200 of the e­nemie towards Oxford, which place he had nominated for his refuge Garison.

The Parliament knowing that the Princesse Heneretta Ma­ria with her Governesse resided in this City, gave the Gene­rall notice, shee should goe with a sufficient convoy, with their plate, money, and goods, wheresoever her Governesse plea­sed, [Page 59] the King hearing hereof desired shee might be at Rich­mond, which was assented to.

From Exceter Sir Thomas Fairfax was desired by the Hou­ses of Parliament, to advance for Oxford, and to lay siege to it, and God assisting to take it, at that present his Majesty being in person there, the reason, he had no place of strength else to be in, some Lords exempted from mercie in the propositions to be sent to the King for peace, desired the King to passe with them out of Oxford ere the siege was planted: Answer was re­turned by some other Lords, that the King needed not to feare so sodain a siege yet, but notwithstanding when they saw Sir Thomas in truth intended the siege, all of them were desirous to have him gon, peradventure hoping thereby, to make the better conditions for themselves.

However, the King left Oxford, it was said by some hee went towards Wales, and so for Ireland, others for the North, and so towards Montrosse, but the House of Commons Apr. 9. received intelligence that the King in a private manner depar­ted out of Oxford, his beard shaven close, and not after his wonted manner, his own hair turned up, and a periwig on his head, of a black colour, accompanied onely with three, and one of them his Majesty wayted on, after the manner of a Serving­man.

His bosom friend the Duke of Richmond, the Earle of Lind­sey, the Kings Cup-bearer, Sir William Fleetwood, The Kings Standard-bearer and Knight Marshall, Sir Edward Syden­ham, and Mr. Carew of the bed chamber, came to Colonell Ramsborough, and cast themselves on the mercie of the Parli­ament, who ordered they should be committed as prisoners to Warwick Castle.

CHAP. III. Sir Thomas Fairfax receiveth Bostell Garison by com­position, likewise Oxford and Farrington, the Ar­ticles agreed on for the surrender of each of them.

NOw gins the impetuous shock of War to abate its strength and fury, and as the tyred Garisons yet un­taken do faint and quail, (so gathers England spi­ret and new life) thou that hast honoured those that honour thee, and those that regarded thee not thou hall lightly esteemed, what dull and Lethargick humour puzels our sense, that yet wee fare as those Israelites, who having van­quisht their foes, fled from their own shadows, why sing wee not Hymnes to the highest, and out-joy joy it self? knowing that what our forefathers durst not imagine, our selves some yeers past despaired to attain, is now accrued: and God assist­ing like to continue to the incredible good of our posterity. What spirit of diffention tyrannizeth over the minds of some, that they instead of giving Thanks, they have not been devou­red by the All-devouring Sword? murmur and repine that they are impedited from following after their Ignes fatuus, which will lead them to the whirl-poole of decay: and as if they envied their own happinesse. Some instead of honouring and putting their hands under their feet to do them good, who have under God been the savers of their lives and states: I say instead of so doing, some stick not to accuse those worthy and ever to be renowmed Patriots the House of Peers, as desi­rous of Illegall and Tyrannicall power, rail against their So­vereigne, whom though he hath been led away to the hurt of his people by his and their enemies, yet we hope that the spirit of disaffection abandoned, hee may yet comply with his and their Countries lovers, and put to his helping hand for the re­pairing of Sions breaches, and make them stronger then before, [Page 61] but all this time I shall but delay the Reader from more plea­sing discourse.

Sir Thomas Fairfax having sent a Summons to the Gover­nour of Bostoll Garison, Sir William Campion Britanicus once tearmed him the brother of Campion the Jesuit whether or no is not materiall, at first hee was some thing peremptory in his answer, but by degrees he declined, and began to talke of ac­commodation, Commissioners on both sides were appointed to treat, and to agree on Articles for the surrender of the Ga­rison.

The Commissioners for Sir Thomas Fairfax were

• Quartermaster Generall Gravener,
• Major Harison,
• Major Huntington,
• Major Shilborn.

The Commissioners for Sir William Campion were

• Sir George Anglingby,
• Captain George Kingsbey,
• Captain David Wyrell,
• Edward Campion.

These Commissioners being met, after sometime of Debate they came to a conclusion, and agreed on Articles for the sur­render of the Garison, with all the Ordnance, Arms and Am­munition, the heads of the Articles these.

1 THat the Garison of Bostoll with all the Ordnance, Arms, and Ammunition, and all other provisions and furniture of War be delivered to his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax.

2 That the Governour with his proper servants, and all Offi­cers in Commission and Gentlemen shall march away with their Horses, Arms, and Goods, properly belonging to them.

3 That all those that desire to make composition with the Par­liament, shall have the Generals effectuall recommendation.

4 That all those that are desirous to go over beyond the Seas, shall have the Generals passe for that purpose.