MOst truly sayes the princely Prophet David; Psal. 107. 23, 24. They that goe down into the Sea in Ships, and that are busied in great Waters: These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the Deep. And as truly may I say; They that goe forth, and lanch into our English-Ocean (to use the said holy Prophets Metaphor, and keep a little to his Sea-Allegories) in the Ship of serious Contem­plation and pious Exploration, England fitly likned to the Sea. may as easily and admirably see and discover the strange workings of the Lord, and the rare wonders which he does in the deep deportments and various vicissitudes of State-af­faires in this (I say) our English-Ocean. Upon one side, they may see the huge swelling waves, the mightie and big billowes of furious floods and raging and roaring waters, I mean wicked and ungodly men, Atheists, The wicked and ungodly rable to the raging waves of the Sea. Papists, Prelates, and rotten-hearted Malignants, in Citie, and Countrey, puffing, snuffing, blowing, and beating their braines, and vexing their hearts to overtop and overturn, to swoop away and swallow-up in the deeply ingurgitating whirpool of their irreconcilia­ble rage and malice, the Ark of the Lord, his Church and Children, principally personated and represented in Both Houses of Parliament, The Parlia­ment and As­sembly of Di­vines compa­red to the Ark of God. and in the happie Assembly of Divines, sweetly subservient unto them, in the long longed for pure and thorough Reformation of all things amiss in Church and State. On the other side they may see the most admirable and indeed unexpressible power and providence, the most in­finite wisedome and unfathomable mercie of our good God, the as pru­dent as potent Pilot and Moderator of all that his English-Ark, God the Pi­lot. bear­ing it up most safely and securely, sustaining and maintaining it (maugre [Page 2] all the beatings and billowings, the sitly surges and swellings of all those raging and roaring waves and waters) and making it still fair­ly to float, The Ark over­topping the waves. and over-top their highest rising and most furious flashing and desperatest dashing waves, craggiest penetrating rockes, swallow­ing sands and shelves, and mightiest and most malicious puffes and blasts of malignity and mischief, all of them conspiring and aspiring with malice, pride and impious ambition, either to swallow-up or (per fas aut nefas) to tear in pieces, this most honest, holy and harm­less Ark of God; The wicked are Satans Gally-slaves. but all of them, labouring and tugging (like so ma­ny Galley-slaves of Satan) in vain (which is their greatest miserie) ever glorified and praised be the free grace of God therein, as now wee shall most lively delineat and set forth, by Gods gracious assi­stance, in this our third Voyage through this vaste and various Ocean. And having now, I say, by the good hand of Gods gracious provi­dence, made two former voyages through this our English-Ocean, The Authors two former Voyages in this English-Ocean. and twice safely, and (I hope) successfully arrived at the desired Haven, and brought my vessell thither fully and fairly fraught with such mer­cifull Merchandizes, as I hope may help my Christian brethren to trade withall, for the enriching of their hearts and soules with copious ex­pressions of bounden gratitude and infinitely obliged thankfulness to our almighty Jehovah-jireh, Gods glory is & ought to be the Alpha and Omega of all mercies. our most glorious and gracious Elohim, God-All-sufficient, for the highest improvement of his all-deserving praise and glorie, which, indeed, is and ought to be the pious Alpha and Omega, the originall and ultimate ayme and end of his free and gra­cious Giving, and of our so undeserved receiving of such, and so rich, rare, and manifold mercies and deliverances from the hands and hatred of our so raging and roaring enemies.

Now I [...]ay I am resolved, by Gods guide and my Readers accusto­med candor and experienced patience, to set sayl again into this our English Main-Ocean, The Authors third Voyage. and to enter upon a third voyage therein: Onely beseeching thee, good Reader, to assist me with thy holy prayers, that our good God will graciously breath upon our sayles, and give us a prosperous gale which may carry us on comfortably to the end of this Voyage, and reduce us safely to our desired Haven; And now therefore plainly and pertinently to begin and goe on in this our intended Parliamentarie-History.

But, heer, before I proceed to the narration of the ensuing Parlia­mentarie-mercies, which immediately succeeded the most happie and holy entring into the League or Covenant with God and our Brethren of Scotland and Ireland for the prosecution of a pure and perfect Re­formation, [Page 3] in all the three Kingdomes,An Apologie for the preter­missiō of some preceding Parliamenta­rie-Mercies in the third Part of the Parlia­mentary-Chro­nicle, and w^ch come now to be heer rela­ted. with which Covenant wee clo­sed and shut up our former Continuation or Second Part of this our Parliamentarie-Chronicle: Give me leave now (good Reader) in the first place to premise and set down a few very memorable mercies, pre­termitted (by too much haste to finish the former Part, at the impor­tunitie of the Stationer) in our said Second Continuation, wherein, I was, I say by the Stationers over-much haste to publish that second part) enforced to omit many memorable passages, or if not to omit, yet to misplace many, between the Moneths of June, July, August, and September then next following, my orderly Conclusion of that second part being about the midst of June, renowned Sir William Wal­ler being then victorious in the Western parts of the kingdome, with his faithfull and courageous Achates, Sir Arthur Haslerig; as you may see clearly about page 380, 381, 82, &c. Give me leave now I say in the first place to make a fuller supply of the deficiencies of those foresaid Moneths with divers memorable passages there omitted, but yet, which fell out in order and came to my knowledge before some of those last mentioned Parliamentarie Mercies, wherewith (I say) I concluded that Second Part; and which now I thought fit heer to make mention of rather than to suffer them to be raked up in the ashes of oblivion, which, briefly, are these that follow.

The happy and blessed Assembly of Divines being Convened at West­minster for the rectifying and setling of things amiss in the Church,July, 1643. A recitall of some former Parliamenta­rie-Mercies, o­mitted in their proper place, in the former Narration. both touching Doctrine and Discipline (as hath been mentioned in the former Narrations of this our Parliamentarie Chronicle, pag. 352.) It pleased the Lord, immediately after the setling of their said Con­vocation or Assembly, namely, July the 19^th, 1643, to put into the hearts of our said venerable Assembly (among many other sacred and serious matters) to exhibite a Petition to both Houses of Parliament, The Assembly of Divines pe­titiō the Lords and Commons in Parliament, for speedy re­formation of some speciall evills among us. which Pe­tition, coming to my hands, I thought fit to give the godly Reader a sight and sense of the sweet and fragrant sent thereof, together with both the Houses comfortable answer thereunto, the happie and hole­some effects whereof have since that time dropped and distilled like so many honey-dewes upon our Church, already, and is like to be more and more (by Gods gracious assistance and blessing on their pi­ous endeavours) manifested among us, in Gods due time, as in their proper places we shall have occasion to make mention of, & as in good measure, we have had former opportunities hereunto. Which Petition, I say, for the excellencie and singular sweetness thereof, and for the high honour of God, and the heart-reviving comfort of his children; yea and [Page 4] for the just and eternall credit of the pious Petitioners themselves, I have heer, I say, thought fit to insert, which was as followeth.

This Petition being read in Both Houses, an answer was returned to the Divines that presented it, to this effect: That the Petition was very well approved of; The Parlia­ments Answer to the Divines Petition. That both the Houses had agreed to have a publike fast in all those places mentioned in the Petition, on the Fryday, then, next follow­ing, being July the 21 (which accordingly was solemnly performed by both Houses of Parliament, and the Assembly, altogether as well as by the Cities, in their severall Parish-Churches) And that they would take the other particulars into speedie Consideration.

Say now then (good Reader) was not heer a very fair and prospe­rous blast breathing-forth by Gods providence,A fan gale to carry on the Ark of God. to carry on his Ark the more safely and securely through the swelling waves of malignant oppositions? but to goe on.

About the midst of July, 1643. came certain information by letters out of Lincolnshire, that it had pleased God to give extraordinary good success to our forces in that Countie,Gainesborough in Lincolnshire won by the noble Lord Willoughby of Parrham. in the taking of that strong Town of Gainesborough by the noble Lord Willoughbie of Parrham, which Town he entred by a desperate assault in the night time, force­ing upon their Courts of guard, which they found but negligently manned, and so possessed the Town without any bloudshed, wherein he took prisoner the Earl of Kingstone, and also 30 Knights and at least 20 other Gentlemen of qualitie of that Countie,The p [...]izes taken. besides 250 common Souldiers, and released about 200 of the Parliaments priso­ners, who had been taken at sundry times, in Yorkshire and Lincoln­shire; and they took also in the Town great store of armes and am­munition. And the same intelligence assured us, that within few dayes after (to complete our cause of just thankfulnesse to God) the Siege which was sodainly made against the said Town (immediately after this taking of it) by the Earl of Newcastles Popish forces (who thus hoped sodainly to have surprized it) was by the vigilancy and magna­nimitie of renowned Colonell Cromwell most courageously raised,Colo. Crom­well raises the Newcastelian forces from besieging Gainesbo­rough. he having most undauntedly faln upon the Newcastelians, and taken 300 of them prisoners, slain 50 of them on the ground, and routed and dispersed the great concourse of their forces which came from Ne­wark, Bradford, Leeds, and other parts of Yorkshire, then, lately before over-run by Newcastle, on the former unhappie Defeat given to the most noble Lord Fairfax. Yea, the same certain intelligence informed us also, that the foresaid Earl of Kingstone, who as you heard was ta­ken prisoner at Gainesborough, being by the Lord Willoughbies com­mand conducted by some of his forces, in a pinnace, and so intended to be carried prisoner by water to Hull; but the Earl of Newcastles [Page 7] forces thinking to have rescued him from them, summoned the said pinnace (in which the Earl was) to bow sail and to come ashore,The Earl of Kingstone slain in a pinnace by Newcastles Cavaliers. but the Lord Willoughbies forces refusing so to doe, they shot fiercely at the ship; in so much that they shot the Earl to death in the pinnace, and so made him a prisoner to death, not hurting any one of the Parliaments forces, but him onely. Yea, and to make those Nor­thern victories yet more glorious and illustrious, there came credible information by letters from Lincolnshire to London, upon Thursday Ju­ly 27^th,The Town of Stamford ta­ken by Colo­nell Cromwell. that victorious and courageous Colonell Cromwell had then taken in the Town of Stamford in that Countie, had there slain about 200 and taken 300 Cavaliers prisoners, among whom were many Commanders and Gentlemen of qualitie of that Countie: And that which made these brave victories the more rare and remarkable was that the knowledge and information of them came to us on the fore­said Thursday, Return of our Monethly fast dayes prayers. July the 27^th, which was the very next day after our publike Monethly-fast, as a most blessed and gracious return of our prayers into our bosomes, to make us the more thankfull and faith­full for the time to come.

Much also about the same time came certain intelligence to Lon­don by letters out of Lincolnshire, that about a 1000 of the Cavaliers from Newark and Bever-Castle hovered and roved about Stamford and Wothrop-house, a great and strong seat in those parts, but were brave­ly molested and chased thence by that brave and most worthily re­nowned Commander, Colonell Cromwell, and at last forced to take Sanctuary in a very strong and stately Stone-built house, not far from Stamford also,Burleigh-house in Lincolnshire taken by Co­lonell Crom­well. called Burleigh-House, scituated in a large Park, and sur­rounded with a strong Stone-wall, but God seasonably sending Colo­nell Hubbard and Colonell Palsgrave to his assistance, both with men and Ordnance, the brave Colonell with this auxiliarie strength, im­mediately advanced to the said Burleigh-House, sate down before it, and having commodiously planted his Ordnance, shot at it two or three houres (beginning about three of the clock that morning) but could doe no good that way, the house being so strongly built. Then the noble Colonell sounded a parley to the enemie,A parly soun­ded by Colo­nell Cromwell. and offered them quarter, to have their lives and libertie to depart without their wea­pons; But the enemy utterly refused the motion, resolutely answering that they would neither take nor give quarter.Burleigh house stormed. Heerupon the valiant Colonell gave present order to storm and assault it with his Musket­teers, whereupon the fight grew very hot and was bravely performed on both sides for a while, and with much difficultie and danger on [Page 8] ours, the enemy being very active and confident; and thus the assault continued divers houres, till at last the Cavaliers courage began to fall, ours pressing on them very fiercely and furiously, so that they sounded a parley from within the House;A parly soun­ded from with­in the House. whereupon the as virtuous as valourous Colonell, commanding presently that not one of his Souldiers should dare to shoot or kill any man during the parley on pain of death, notwithstanding their former cruell and bloudy an­swer to his foresaid proffer of quarter to them. In brief they soon con­cluded upon quarter for their lives,The House ta­ken, and the priz. and so they took them all, being 2 Colonells, 6 or 7 Captaines, 3 or 400 foot, about an 150 or 200 horse, with all their armes and ammunition, together with the pillage of the whole house. Admirable was the providence of God in this victory,The great providence of God in the preservation of our Soul­diers in this victorie. 400 Clubmen come to ayd the Cavaliers discomfited, and fiftie of them slain by ours. in that, in all this fight which continued about nine or ten houres, not above six or seven of our men were slain (though many were hurt) in that so hot and fierce an encounter or assault: onely a­bout two miles beyond Stamford toward Grantham, some 400 Club­men coming to the ayd of the Cavaliers, and having kill'd some of our Colonells Scouts, he sent three or foure troops of horse to meet and encounter them, who at the first onset had almost slain one of the Captaines of one of our said troopes, so furiously they fell upon ours at the first; whereupon ours being instantly much enraged, fell very fiercely upon them, and had quickly slain about fiftie of them, and forced the rest to flie into a great Wood, hard by them, for their lives.

Immediately after this brave victory thus most successfully atchie­ved, namely, about July the 31, 1643. this noble and renowned Co­lonell sent a Letter to Cambridge to the Parliaments Committee there, informing them of his brave proceedings also with the Earl of New­castles Popish forces; who had then lately again besieged Gainesbo­rough, which for the Readers better content therein, and clearer satis­faction, I have thought fit heer to insert, verbatim, as it came to my hands.

[Page 11] Much about the aforesaid time also,The rising of the Kentish Malignants. namely, in the said July, 1643. came certain information to London, that the Kentish Malignants perceiving the firm resolution of the Parliament and Citie of London, not to desert but closely to adhere to the cause of Religion and liber­ties of the Kingdome, and being extremely vexed with a spirit of ma­lignity and rage to hear of the constant preparations of the pious and well-affected Parliamentarians (especially I say, in the Citie of London) to raise a considerable strength of horse to make a flying Armie (a de­sign, at that time, very hotly on foot) to pursue the Kings Cormorants or devouring Cavaliers, and thus to force them from their wicked trade of plundering and pillaging the Country.The new oath or Covenant is pretended to be the cause of this insur­rection. They therefore, in Kent, upon a pretence of rising against a new Oath or Covenant, begun at this time to be taken by the Parliament, and Cities of London and Westminster, and intended to be ordered to be taken over the whole Kingdome, which they declared they had no minde to take; and yet this Oath or Covenant was not as yet imposed upon them,The main end of imposing this Oath. nor any pe­naltie on the refusers thereof, onely the names of such as refused it were to be taken and returned, thus, to distinguish the well-affected from the ill-affected, and to disarm them, and to keep a more vigi­lant eye over their persons,The main plot of the Ke [...]tish Malignants. as just causes were administred. Whereas their main plot was to make a generall insurrection and seditious di­sturbance of the whole Countie, and thus to make way for Sir John Culpepper, Sir Edward Deering, and a strong partie of the Kings Oxoni­an Cormorants to joyn with them, and thereby to disturb the Parlia­ments and Cities foresaid preparations, and for the farther endange­ring of this royall Metropolis or chief Citie of the whole Kingdome, and therein to work the ruthfull ruine of Church and State. There­fore, I say, these Kentish Jack-Cades, under colour (forsooth) of re­sisting and rejecting of that Oath and Covenant, seditiously assembled themselves first at Seven-Oakes in Kent, Seven-Oakes is their Rende­vouz. which they intended to be their chief Rendevouz, and where they quickly increased (for as our Proverb is, Ill weeds grow apace) into a body of about 2 or 3000 de­sperately minded Malignants, or Atheists, which you please; their chief Ring-leaders being Sir Edward Bathurst, Their chief Ringleaders. Captain Stanley, and one M^r. Leigh, with some others of those parts. They being thus audaci­ously assembled together, about 200 of them attempted to have sei­zed on the Magazine at Dartford, but a troop of horse appearing there prevented them therein; yet some of them meeting with Sir Thomas Walsingham, a most worthy patriot of his Country and member of [Page 12] the Parliament, as he was riding with two servants onely to Dartford, boldly laid hands on him and carried him prisoner to their Rende­ [...]ouz; Sir The. [...]l­singham, and Captain Rolf taken priso­ners by these Rebells. And in great danger of their lives. and about the same time also, they forced Captain Rolf (a very worthy and religious young Gentleman of Arpington in Kent) out of his bed about 100▪ 11 of the clock at night, who never suspected any such rising, or sodain surprisall, and with no little danger of his life carried him also prisoner with them to Sir Thomas W [...]singham, and there kept them together in prison, and a little before these Rebells were subdued, they were both in great danger to have been slain or put to death in prison, had not God graciously prevented it.

Now the Parliament understanding of this sodain mutinie, present­ly sent a Declaration among these mutiners by Sir Henry Vane the younger,Sir Hen. V [...]e sent into Kent by the Parlia­ment with a Declaration of pardon to appeale them. who took great paines by all fair meanes to pacifie them, proffering them pardon if they would instantly lay down their armes and peaceably submit to the Parliament; if not, the bloud that must be spilt would lie on their own heads. And withall to reduce them by force in case of disobedience, Colonell Brown was presently dispatcht into Kent, Col. Brown sent also into Kent with forces both horse and foot from London. with a 1000 London-Red [...]oates, and about 800 more after them, together with two troops of horse from London; divers Volun­tieres also of the well-affected of Kent, rose against those seditious and joyned with Colonell Brownes forces. And that no opportunitie might be omitted for the taming of these insolencies, the Parliament gave power to the Committee for the Militia in London to raise Dra­gooneers and to use what other meanes they thought fit to suppresse them.This Kentish insurrection was a part of Tompkins and Challenors conspiracie. The Cities great care and provi­dence. And in regard the Parliament had had former information that this rising was a part or branch of treacherous Tompkins and Challenors designe (who had appointed Blackheath to be the place of Rendevouz, if that plot against the Citie had then taken effect) they appointed strict watches and guards to be kept in the Citie and Out­workes therof, and that a strength of horse should be sent into Sur­rey toward Rigate and other parts thereabout, to suppress insurrecti­ons, if any should happen to be there also. Now these Kentish Rebells being thus assembled at Senock, as aforesaid, and hearing of the ap­proach of Colonell Brownes forces toward them,The Rebells flie from Se­nock to Tun­bridge. they deserted this Town and fled thence to Tunbridge, and from thence sent a Messen­ger with a submissive Petition to the Commanders of the Parliaments forces to be presented to the Parliament, that they were willing to lay down armes,The Rebells Petition the Parliament. if the Parliament would forgive their offences; but the Parliament most prudently, and like themselves indeed, utterly reje­cted [Page 13] any Petition from them,Their Petiti­on rejected, whiles they were armed. whiles armes were in their hands, but, if they would lay them down, first, and then Petition, they might finde grace and favour from them. Now Colonell Brown having thus pur­sued them to Tunb [...]idge, and summoned the Town, upon the summons they desired a parley, which was presently granted; but it produced nothing in effect but meer delays, they still refusing to lay down their armes,Colo. Brown charges the rebells. and submit themselves to the Parliament. Whereupon the brave Colonell gave order to charge them, which was done present­ly by our active London-Red [...]oates, and the Rebells in a confused man­ner, answered their charge,A hot skir­mish for at least three houres space. Col. Browns most valiant and resolute courage. and so continued skirmishing with our men, for at least three houres together, they having closely and sorely lined their hedges and sculking behinde the trees in the lane by which our men were to enter the Town. At length Colonell Brown, like a brave Commander indeed, most resolutely was one of the first men that adventured through the thickest of danger to enter the Town, his brave London Ped [...]oates following close and paying them home with their Musket-shot, which these Mutineers perceiving and feeling, they presently betook themselves to flight,The Rebells are put to f [...]ght. Prisoners ta­ken. and strugled every man to shift for himself; but our forces pursuing them, took about 200 pri­soners of them, amongst whom were Captain Ligh and Captain Stanley, and two malignant hedge-Priests, desperate and atheisticall fomenters and encouragers of this seditious insurrection, and some others of no [...]e.The slain on both sides. About twelve of their men were found dead in the place, besides what they had secretly [...]nveyed away, and many of them sorely hurt, and not above 6 or 8 of our men slain in this whole Service, though the advantage they had against us in our assaulting the Town was very great. They complained (being now put to it) pitifully,Their Priests were the prin­cipali fomen­ters to this rebellion. that they had been [...] and drawn into this insurrecti­on, principally by their wicked Clergie-men, as they called them, who assured them they should have had a 1000 horse from Oxford to joyn with them [...]t their first rising, and that the Parliaments forces were so far engaged els-where in other services, that they were not able to send any considerable partie against them. Upon the Saturday before there were (as was credibly informed) about 5000 that had joyned together in this Sedition;About 5000 of them were assembled at Tunbridge. but being come to Tunbridge (and percei­ving how things went from the Citie of London, clean contrary to their hopes and expectation) they sl [...]ly and secretly slipt away, ex­cept about 5 or 600, and these also had laid down their armes, when they came into Tunbridge, had they not been animated to the con­trary [Page 14] by the inhabitants thereof,The Inhabi­tants of Tun­bridge despe­rate Malig­nants. who were most of them most despe­rate Malignants against the Parliament; but they were now soundly paid their just demerits by our Souldiers; who after the victory pilla­ged and spoyled them to purpose ere they left the Town. Sir Michael Levesey also a most worthy patriot and discreet Knight of this Coun­tie,Sir Michael Levesey, also at Yawlding, his good ser­vice against those rebells. who had the care and oversight of the Wilde of Kent committed most worthily unto him, understanding that a great body of Kentish rebells was gathered together at a Town called Yawlding in those parts, presently drew forth such forces of horse and foot as he had thereabout in readiness, and marched thither; whither being come, he planted his Ordnance for battery against the Town,Sir Michael plants his Ordnance against the Town, yet en­deavours by treatie to ap­pease them. which were indeed so planted as that he might have beaten it down upon the ene­mies heads if he would; but he being very tender of the effusion of bloud, resolved rather, if it might be, by treatie to overcome them, and to win them to obedience, and therefore summoned the Town peaceably to yeeld, promising them that they should enjoy the bene­fit of the Parliaments Declaration, if they would submit and lay down armes.The Town very much sleights Sir Michael. But they were at the first very avers, slighting the Parliaments Declaration exceedingly: So that then Sir Michael began to play up­on the Town with his Ordnance, which so affrighted them that some of them would have fled out of the Town, but it had pleased God so to order it,A remarkable passage of Gods provi­dence against the rebells in Yawlding. that by reason of a great floud of water upon one side of them (occasioned by much rain fallen at that time) and Sir Michaels Souldiers on the other side, there was no passage out of the Town but by swimming, drowning, & dying; And Sir Michael giving them such fierce and restless alarms, so distracted them, that Sir Michael most discreetly observing their frighted condition, sent to two of the heads of their rout very fair conditions by one M^r Godfrey, Master God­frey in Sir Michael his name fairly appeaseth the rebells. who read the Parliaments Declaration to them again, and used therein such patheti­call and compassionate expressions to them in Sir Michaels name, that they being on a sodain much affected therewith, presently laid down their armes, dismounted one piece of their Ordnance in his presence; and Sir Michael on this their reall submission,The prize found in the Town. entred the Town with all his forces of horse and foot, where he found a great quantitie of Muskets, guilt swords, pistolls, pikes and Calivers, enough to arm 5 or 600 men, besides about 30 pieces of Ordnance, some of them moun­ted, the rest dismounted, many barrells of gunpowder and foot Co­lours; he took there also an 150 good horse, the prisoners, both Gen­tlemen, Commanders, and others, were for the present sent to the [Page 15] Church,Yawlding set in good order and quiet. and in the interim the Town was set in good order, which was so sodainly and throughly done, as was admired and much won­dred at. The prisoners also all crying for mercie, had it presently granted to them, but on condition never more to attempt the like di­sturbance and insurrection. Colonell Springests Regiment and Cap­tain Westrow did very good service in this business: and thus was this mutinie most happily appeased in those parts.

At which time also, namely about Fryday the 28^th of July, 1643, the Malignants about Canterbury and Feversham having notice of the foresaid rising at Senock and Tunbridge, Canterbury & Feversh [...]m ma­lignants began then to rise also. were growing and encreasing to a great head, and began also to lay about them, and were gathered into a body at Feversham and Sittingborn, and began to fortifie them­selves with foure pieces of Ordnance, but by Gods mercy the honest partie of Canterburie foreseeing this danger which the whole Countie was thus likely to fall into,The well-af­fected partie of Canterburie appease this insurrection. with the assistance of their Major and Al­dermen, presently raised 3 or 400 of Dragooneers, and instantly mar­ched to Feversham with two Drakes, and by Gods providence with­out striking of one blow, they appeased that tumult, and caused them all to lay down their armes, and yeeld themselves prisoners, secured the chief actours,The Major of Fevershams carriage in the business. Sir Geo. Sands taken priso­ner. among whom was the Major of Feversham, who at his first apprehension (as was credibly reported) cryed out in a pitti­full manner, that he was abused and deluded by Sir George Sands to rise thus in rebellion against the Parliament, whom also they hap­pily then also laid hold on at Feversham, and secured in safe custody. Having thus appeased and stilled all at Feversham, the said worthy Major of Canterburie and his valiant associates, hasted forthwith away to Sittingborn, The Major of Canterburie marcheth on to Sittingborn. but before they could reach thither, the mutineers there were all run away and dissolved into nothing, like smoake in the ayre, having left also foure pieces of Ordnance behinde them, which Can­terburie men seized on, and went to Sir Edward Hales house, within half a mile of Sittingborn, who notwithstanding that he was a Parlia­ment-man, and one of the Deputie Lievtenants of this Countie, and so neer them, yet used no meanes to appease any of these tumults, but ra­ther administred secret helps and encouragements to them, and his Grand-childe and heire being chosen Captain of these rebells,Sir Ed. Hales & his Grand­son a Captain of these re­bells taken prisoner. whom therefore with his Grand-father Sir Edward Hales, they took into their custodie, together with M^r Farnabie, a School-Master, a great stickler also in this insurrection, and a man of a very insolent and ma­lignant spirit; and shortly after, they were all, namely, Sir Edward [Page 16] Hales, The heads of the Rebells brought to London and imprisoned. Sir George Sands, the Major of Feversham, M^r Farnabie, and the rest of note were brought to London to the Parliament, and after exa­mination there were all committed to prison, Sir Edward and Sir George, to the Tower of London, M^r Farnabie to Newgate, and the rest to the Fleet. And thus by Gods great mercy and good providence, this so dangerous an insurrection was most happily and timely ap­peased, and this Countie afterward reduced into a most quiet and peaceable condition; As by an Ordinance of Parliament, which not long after came forth, whereby authoritie was given to the Deputie Lievtenants and well-affected prime patriots of that Countie, for the better securing of the peace thereof, may more fully appeare, and which said Declaration, for the Readers fuller satisfaction I have thought fit heer to insert and set down verbatim, as it was published by authoritie of Parliament.

About the 22 of July, 1643, came certain intelligence by Letters to London out of Cheshire, that the most successfull forces of that re­nowned and pious patriot Sir William Brereton had happily taken from the Kings accursed Cormorants, a very strong hold in those parts called Houghton-Castle, Houghton Ca­stle in Cheshire taken by Sir Will▪ Breretons forces. which had long time been a sore goad in the sides of Sir Williams great affaires in that Countie, but now was by Gods mercie and his vigilancie delivered up unto him and in his full possession and safe custodie.

Much also about this time, the King having by the wicked Coun­sell of his most impious Achitophels at Oxford, sent out a Proclamation in his own name to command all his loving Subjects to forbeare all commerce and trading with the Citie of London, A▪ Proclama­tion from Ox­ford to starve the Citie of London. and to withhold all provision of victualls from them, and all this under a great penaltie, hoping by this meanes to starve the Citie, and so in time to enforce it to their wicked intended tyrannicall subjection to Popery and slave­ry▪ but (blessed be the Lord) this base plot had like issue with the rest;The Cities care and pro­vidence to prevent this plot of the im­pious Oxoni­ans. for the Citie of London was not so easily to be begirt and starved by a Proclamation from Oxford, though the Broad-Seal countenanced and commanded it: for the Lords and Commons in Parliament (presently upon this unpatternd Proclamation to starve a Citie for its honesty [Page 19] and fidelity, and thereby to destroy the whole Kingdome) passed an Ordinance to give the most renowned Lord Major of London, and the Militia thereof power over all persons within the line of Communi­cation, sodainly to discover and disarm all malignants, and to purge it of all such dangerous persons, and about 5000 more Citie-Soul­diers to be charged to doe dutie at all the Out-workes of the Citie. Nay, and our most renowned Parliamentarie-Statists rested not heer (so tender were they of the welfare and preservation of the Citie, in reference to that pernicious Proclamation) but past an Ordinance in both Houses for the appointment of the then most pious and prudent Lord Major and two Sheriffs of London, The L. Major and two She­riffs of London take the Liev­tenantship of the Tower by authoritie of Parliament. A just & brief touch of the due praise of Ald. Penning­tons happie Majoraltie. Alderm. Pen­nington, only, made Lievte­nant of the Tower of Lon­don. to take the charge of the Lievtenantship of the Tower of London (Sir John Conyers having at his own voluntary desire obtained the consent of the Parliament to goe beyond Sea into Holland) and after the expiration of the said ever to be honoured, heroick and most active-spirited Alderman Penningtons most happie Majoraltie (which by Gods gracious guide and speciall assistance, he finished with more honour and renown, the times there­of seriously considered, than any of his predecessors in that place of honour and trust had done before him) it pleased the Lord to put in­to the hearts of our most noble Parliamentarie Worthies, to confer the said Lievtenantship of the Tower of London, solely and wholly upon him, as one in whom they had so good experience, they might most indu­bitably confide, in the faithfull managing of a place of so much trust and concernment, for the welfare, safety, and security of the Citie and Kingdome, and partly also, as an honourable guerdon and re­pay of his former wise and loyall discharge of that his foresaid trou­blesome and chargeable Majoraltie.

And heer now good Reader, I shall desire to cast anchor and make a little stay,A succinct & most gratefull review of all the Parliamen­tarie-Mercies of this moneth. to pause and ponder on the most sweet Parliamentarie-Mercies of this first Moneth of our voyage and adventure into and through thus much of this boysterous and billowing Ocean of the Kingdomes distractions and disturbances, and with a gratefull heart, succinctly to see what God hath done for us, as in a short Map and ocular prospect of them.

As first,1. in that excellent Petition of the Assembly of Divines to both the Houses of Parliament for the good of Church and State in a pious reformation of things amiss in both.

Secondly,2. in the Parliaments prosperous success at Gainesborough by the Lord Willoughby against the Earl of Newcastles forces there; [Page 20] And the taking of the Town of Stamford by brave Colonell Cromwell; Together also with the taking of Burleigh-House by the said brave Colonell.

Thirdly,3. in another brave victorie obtained by the Parliaments forces, at a second Siege of Gainesborough.

Fourthly,4. in Gods admirable and timely appeasing of that despe­rate and dangerous Rebellion of the Kentish Malignants.

Fiftly,5. in the taking of Houghton-Castle in Cheshire, and that pro­vident prevention of a [...]wicked plot to starve the Citie of London in keeping provision of victuall from it.

Sixthly and lastly,6. in the most happie and prudent putting of the Tower of London into the safe custodie and government of the most worthy Lord Major and Sheriffs of London, for the better safety and security of the said Citie and whole Kingdome.

Upon the which said serious review of all these rich and rare Par­liamentarie-Mercies, tell me, good Reader, hast thou not already seen Gods Ark most bravely born up above all the swelling and blustering waves of the worlds mischievous malignancy against it; Gods Ark above the worlds waves. and It carried on with most pleasant and prosperous gales of Gods guard and guide and gracious protection of it? Yes certainly, witness this six-fold coard of clearly convincing testimony. Great cause have wee therefore, to check those proud waves of the world, for their insolency against our God and his most righteous cause, even in the Lords own words, by his holy Pro­phet; Feare yee not mee, Je [...]. 5. 22. (saith the Lord) will yee not tremble at my pre­sence, which have placed the sand for a bound to the Sea, by a perpetuall decree that it cannot pass it? And though the waves thereof rise and toss themselves, yet can they not prevail, though they roar, yet can they not pass over it. Cease then and abate your pride, O yee proud and pernicious Royalists, since our God doth so curb and keep you in. As for us, wee shall therefore,Psal. 46. 1, 2. as wee have just cause, triumph and sing; God is our re­fuge and strength, and a very present help in time of trouble: Therefore will wee not fear though the earth be removed, and though the mountaines be carried and hurried into the midst of the Sea. But, to goe on, and to launch forth again in the deep, for the further prosecuting of our next Moneths voyage.

About the beginning of August, August, 1643. A ship of a­bout 300 tun bound from Denmark to Newcastle la­den with arms and ammuni­tion, taken at Sea. 1643, a brave Ship of about 300 tun, bound from Denmark for Newcastle, having been lately before ta­ken at Sea, by the most noble renowned and loyall Earl of Warwicks Ships, within a league of Tinmouth, laden with armes and ammuniti­on, [Page 21] to furnish and arme our Kings forces against the Parliament. The Commander of which Ship was a Papist, or Romish-Catholike, and that which he pretended to be a countenancing & supersedeas against all assaults of his Ship by any advers partie, was a Letter from the King of Denmark, which imported, that the goods wherewith this Ship was fraught were his, and therefore not to be toucht or medled with: But the Ship (notwithstanding all their pretexts) being seized on, and notice thereof immediately dispatcht away to the Parliament, an Order was instantly returned to keep the Ship, and to inventorie the goods thereof, and to let the Danish Commander know that the Par­liament would be answerable touching the disposall of them accord­ing to their discretion and direction. And thereupon the Ship was brought safely to London, and there unladen; A Copie of the true Inventorie of the fraight and goods wherein I have heer thought fit to insert, for the Readers better satisfaction and content, as I my self received it from the hands of one of the most eminent and most wor­thy Members of the Militia in the Citie of London, which was as fol­loweth.

• Barrells of Gunpowder—476
• Bundles of Match—890
• Drums—050
• Belly-pieces of armour—150
• Swords—3040
• Muskets—2977
• Pistolls—493
• Head-pieces—3000
  A true Copie of the Inven­torie and par­ticular prize and goods ta­ken out of the Danish-Ship, Aug. 4. 1643.
• Round-heads or Clubs—1000
• Pikes, very good ones—1500
• Musket-rests—3000
• Forks to fight against horses—0500
• Collers of Bandiliers—3000
• Belts, 1 Hogshead. Hangers, 1 Hogshead. Girdles, 2 Hogsheads. Hangers, 4 Barrells. Pistoll-keyes, 1 Firkin. Flasks, 3 Barrells. Hangers, 1 Barrell. Moulds for Muskets, 2 Kilderkins. Stones for Pistolls, 1 Firkin. Souch-powder, 1 Firkin. Cannon-Bullets—197 And pigs of Lead—14.

And neer upon the same time, a Ship laden with Sea-coales (where­of I had unquestionable information) from Newcastle, Another brave prize taken at the same time. and bound for Holland, was then also apprehended, by the vigilancy of the most no­ble Earl of Warwicks Ships, wherein they found about 3 or 4000^li. in money (hid deep in the coales) which was to have bought armes, &c. in Holland, for the Kings use; but thus happily diverted another and a better way.

[Page 22] And truly (Reader) there must needs be seen a speciall hand of Gods providence toward us, in this Danish prize formentioned; for this Ship could not have been seized on in a more seasonable time,The seasona­bleness of that Danish prize, wherein Gods providence is the more to be observed. than as thus it pleased the Lord to dispose it, considering the great use the Parliament had at that time of the said armes and ammuni­tion, to help to set forth a new armie then making ready to march forth again under the command of that noble and renowned Gene­rall Sir William Waller; and especially also the circumstances of that time considered,The low ebbe of our armies briefly touch­ed. namely, the then ill success of our armies in the North under the command of the noble Lord Fairfax; and the most un­happie surrender of Bristoll and Exeter also shortly after it to the Kings forces; Sir William Wallers unhappie defeat in the West Countrie, and the Lord Generalls armie being mouldred and crumbled away, and almost quite torn in pieces by sickness and such like casualties, as that he was not able to advance and take the field to affront the Kings and Kingdomes enemies, untill they could be conveniently recruited and fill'd up and furnisht with men and armes. Of all which, having most fully made mention in the Conclusion of the Se­cond part of our Parliamentarie Chronicle, I shall cease to speak any more thereof.

And now about this time, namely, the 6^th of August, 1643. the Parliament being credibly and comfortably enformed out of York­shire, that the most noble and renowned Lord Fairfax had in much competent measure recruited his Armie at Hull, Divers of the Danish armes sent to Hull, to the noble Lord Fairfax. Clubs, called Round-heads, sent to Hull. and got together some troops, of horse and companies of foot, that so he might the better both increase and strengthen his forces, the Parliament sent him ma­ny Muskets, Carbines, Pistolls, hookes and piked Clubs, viz. Round-heads, (as they were termed, that so his honest Round-heads might, with them, soundly beat and bang Newcastles Rattle-heads, or rather, Rotten-headed and hearted Papists and Atheists, as not long after, by Gods mercy, they did, by the brave conduct of renowned Sir John Meldrum) together with 200 barrells of gunpowder, part I say of this Danish prize so happily seized on, as aforesaid.

Much also about the foresaid time, there was a generall report (and that upon good grounds and reasons) all about the Citie of London, A plot for a pretended Peace in the house of Peers in Parliament. that there was a purpose (if not a plain, though private, plot) at Oxford, to work some of the Peeres in Parliament to treat again up­on some articles or propositions for a pretended peace, and indeed a motion was made (as was credibly reported) in the House of Lords, [Page 23] to set it on foot, which was generally much disrelisht and disliked in the Citie of London, and began to cause great jealousies and feares a­mong the wisest and best-affected Citizens, as they and the whole Kingdome had just cause, wee having ever received greatest dammage and detriment by such fained and treacherous treaties:The Citizens of London Pe­tition the Par­liamēt against the pretended Peace. Whereupon the most renowned, famous and faithfull Citizens of London, with an unanimous consent resolved to joyn together as one man, in a Petiti­on to the Parliament, in the name of the Lord Major, Aldermen, & Com­mons of London, which Petition coming to my hands, I have heer thought fit to insert, for the Readers better content and satisfaction therein.

This Petition being presented, Aug. 7. 1643. by the Petitioners afore­said, to the House of Commons, was well accepted and thankes returned by M^r Speaker for their care of the Kingdomes welfare,The Parlia­ments present answer to the Petition. with promise that the particulars desired should speedily be taken into consideration; and to consi­der of an Ordinance to the purpose in the Petition mentioned, which was re­ferred to a Committee.

Now this Petition thus exhibited to the Parliament by Alderman Atkins, The effects of the said Peti­tion. in the name of the Lord Major, Aldermen and Commons, as a­foresaid, shortly after produced this reall effect for the present in an­swer to their foresaid Petition, namely, that about the 16^th or 17^th of August then next ensuing, the Lords and Commons in Parliament ha­ving had serious consultation about the said Petition, published an Ordinance of Parliament, wherein was an Oath or Covenant framed by them to be taken by all of any condition or rank whatsoever, throughout the Citie of London, An Oath or Covenant to be taken by all Citizens of London. together with divers prudent and provident Decrees for the better setling and securing of the welfare of the said Citie, which for the excellencie thereof, and for the Readers more full content and satisfaction therein, I have heer also thought fit to insert.

[Page 27] About which said time, and upon this well-grounded encourage­ment by the aforesaid Ordinance of Parliament, the most renowned Citizens of London began to take a more strict and exact care▪ of the welfare of their Citie,Citie-Malig­nants impriso­ned in Saint Faiths Church under Pauls, & in Ships on the Thames. and by an Order from the Citie-Militia, very many persons of dis-affected malignant Citizens were seized on, and for want of safe prisons to retain them in custodie, they were com­mitted into the enclosures of the walls of S^t Faiths Church under the superstitious and superfluous fabrick of Pauls great and mountainous Cathedrall, and very many others also for want of strong prisons were imprisoned in Ships upon the river Thames, and kept safe under hatches with sufficient and constant guards, to keep them safe from plotting and practising mischief at home. Much also about the same time,The Earl of Hollands T [...]unks seized on by water. the Earl of Holland having most [...]ignobly & disloyally by stealth left the Parliament and fled to Oxford; about 14 or 16 of his Trunks, which had also been surreptitiously conveyed by water up the river Thames in a Barge and bound for Oxford, and all of them full fraught and stuft up both with money and other most rich and costly robes and commodities, were stayed and seized on and carried back to Windsor-Castle, and from thence were conveyed speedily after to Lon­don. About the 20^th of August also, 1643. came credible information by Letters from the coasts of Wales, The Fellow­ship, a brave Ship of Bri­stoll, taken by Capt. Smith in the Swal­low, a Parlia­ment-Ship. that the Fellowship of Bristoll, a ship of about 400 tun, carrying 24 pieces of Ordnance, and the Hart-fri­got, in companie with it, set sail from Bristoll, for Mi [...]ford-Haven, whither being come, they summoned the Countie of Pembrook, and enformed them (for, now, Bristoll Cavaliers had already learnt from Oxford the exact art of lying, as well by Sea, as by Land) that all the Parliaments forces were quite overthrown and discomf [...]ed, and that now all the Kingdome repaired apace to his Majestie, and that Cha [...] ­tam, Rochester, and all Kent were revolted from the Parliament, with a great many more of such like false and fictitious inventions, which the flashie and ill-affected Gentry of that Countie seemed too easily to give ear unto, yet somewhat disliked these Maritime Cavaliers or Cormorants, that they should thus sodainly come on shore among them and cast up workes to secure the landing of the Irish Souldiers and re­bells (as their purpose was) among them. But whiles this was in do­ing, and the Inhabitants seeing the drift and intention heerin, as a­foresaid, and somewhat unwilling to have it so, yet could hardly tell how to help themselves and hinder it: The Swallow, a brave Ship in the Parliaments service, under the command of the right noble and [Page 28] ever to be honoured Earl of Warwick, came sodainly into the said har­bour, and came to anchor neer unto the Fellowship of Bristoll, and pre­sently summons the Captain to come on board his Ship, who a while insisted on quarter, and would capitulate to be set on shore, but Cap­tain Smith (for so was his name that was Captain of the Swallow) utterly refused any termes of quarter, and without delay gave him a broad side, wherewith he killed 3 or 4 of the Fellowships men, where­upon they presently yeelded their Ship and themselves prisoners; among whom (as was credibly enformed) were foure Sea-Captains, viz. Captain William Hale, Captain Brooks, Captain Burley, and Cap­tain Barnaby. This excellent piece of service was performed by Cap­tain Smith, aforesaid, a very gallant and religious Gentleman, who too well knows the King is unhappie in nothing more than in being too indulgent to the Popish partie about him, who seek his ruine under a false and perfidious pretence of his happiness.

And about the latter end of August, aforesaid, that right noble and renowned Commander, Sir William Waller (notwithstanding the ma­licicus hearts, foul mouths, and false tongues of inveterate malig­nants, belching and bruiting abroad many disgracefull reports to the contrary, thereby to encrease and encourage, as much as in them was, discontent and distractions among the people) obtained from his Excellency, Sir Wi [...]allers Commissiō to advance with his intended designes, is granted by his Excellencie. the Lord Generall, his long desired and much expected Com­mission, for his advance of the important affaires of the Kingdome, which was delivered unto him on Saturday, August 26^th, in the ho­nourable House of Commons, by M^r Speaker, and that with much and universall joy and content, and with the generall prayers of the whole House for his prosperous and happie success; the fruits and effects whereof, wee shall by Gods mercy taste of and declare in Gods due time. And whereas also many persons had either ignorantly or mali­ciously, or both, given out (to disparage this designe) that the power of his Commission extended onely to about six or ten miles distance from London; the said Commission is, for certain, of so ample and so large extent, that he may conduct his forces into any Countie of the Kingdome, as the exigencie of affaires shall necessitate and re­quire.

And now good Reader, let mee desire thee heer again to recollect thy thoughts a little by a gratefull revise and contemplation on all those last past memorable passages and Parliame [...]tarie-Mercies and Merchandizes of this moneths voyage also, as

[Page 29] First, the most happie taking of that rich prize, the Danish Ship, so fraught with armes and ammunition.A brief reca­pitulation of all these last recited Parlia­mentarie-Mer­cies, by way of obliged thank­fulness.

Secondly, the dangerous plot for a pretended Peace, discovered and prevented, and the most happie and contrary issue it produced in oc­casioning an Oath and Covenant in the Citie of London, to unite and knit them the more firmly and faster together, and thereby securing the most dangerous Citie-Malignants in safer custodie.

Thirdly,1. the apprehending of the Earl of Hollands rich Trunks.

Fourthly,2. the taking of the Fellowship, a brave Bristoll-Ship; and the confirming of Sir William Wallers Commission by his Excellencie the3. Lord Generall, for the advancement of that brave Commanders in­tended great designes.4.

And now then tell me,GODS Ark fairly carried on with fair blasts of good success against its boysterous billowes and swelling waves. good Reader, on the brief review of all these memorable mercies, were not heer many most fair and prospe­rous blasts of good success to help to carry on Gods-Ark, his holy-cause, through the midst of the troublesome and tumultuous Ocean of these the Kingdomes intestine and destructive swelling waves and waters of unnaturally homebred and inbred broyles and bloudy d [...]ssentions, like so many devouring whirpools, gaping to ingurgitate all into their insatiate ma [...]es of all-devouring mischief and destruction? And on this so sweet and comfortable consideration, still to return (with en­larged alacrity of spirit) all the honour and praise of all these sweet and singular mercies and free favours to God alone, Psal. 136. 4. who onely does wondrous things, for his mercie endures for ever. But to goe on, in happie progress of the next moneths voyage and adventures.

About the beginning of September, September. 1643. 1643. came certain informati­on by letters from Plimouth to London, that one of the members of the House of Commons in Parliament, namely, Sir Alexander Carew, gover­nour of a considerable Island neer Plimouth, which commands the Sound there,Sir Alexander Carews plot against Pli­mouth timely discovered, and the dan­ger prevented. had proved an apostate and endeavoured secre [...]ly to be­tray that Island, and thereby, the brave Town of Plimouth, into the hands of the Cornish Corm [...]rants: But, by Gods great mercie and good providence, was timely prevented therein, by the fidelity of the Offi­cers in armes and honest Souldiers, who upon the first discovery of his perfidious purpose, sodainly seized on his person and kept him in safe custodie, till he might be sent away to the Parliament, to receive just punishment for such a base and perfidious demerit.

Also about the beginning of September, aforesaid, came certain in­telligence to London by letters from Hull, that the said brave & strong [Page 30] Maritime Town having been besieged by the Earl of Newcastles Popish and atheisticall armie, consisting of about 15000 horse and foot, who lying about Cottingham and Newland, and those other neer adjacent parts,Hull besieged by the Earl of Newcastle. about a mile or two distant from Hull, had cast up severall workes against it, and planted divers pieces of Ordnance and batteries on them; And though they frequently shot against the Town very many 36 pound bullets and other Canon-shot, yet by Gods great mercie and good providence, did very little or no hurt at all by them; yea that on the Lords-dayes when the Inhabitants were at Church serving the Lord their God,Gods mightie preservation of the Town. the bullets came whisling over the Church and flew into their market-place, but did no harm, save one­ly to a Malignants-house and chimney in the Town; and (ever prai­sed be our good God) by the most noble and renowned Lord Fair­fax his wisdome and valour and martiall circumspection, they were still kept at such a distance from the Town that the enemie could not shoot their granadoes into the Town as they desired and vehemently endeavoured,Beverly piti­fully plundred by the ene­mies. but they pitifully spoyled the Country about Hull, and especially the Town of Beverly, which as soon as they came into, they miserably plundred; yea and they thought to have done the Town of Hull a terrible mischief by cutting them short of fresh-water, but (blessed be the Lord) the Town felt no great want thereby, being ve­ry competently furnished with all sorts of provision and sustenance for men.

Now, Newcastle grew exceeding mad, and was extremely vexed that he was so hopeless of getting the Town,The Earl of Newcastle de­spairs of get­ting Hull. having been formerly so hopefull (at least in his high and proud conceits) to get it for his Winter-quarters, and to be a Sanctuarie for him from the Scots; and it was generally reported (and that probably enough) that he car'd not for the loss of 10000 of his men, so he might bu [...] get possession of it: But by Gods blessing on the most noble Lord Fairfax his va­lour and vigilancie, there is no fear of that strong Town in all pro­babilitie. Yet see how it pleased the Lord it should fall out within the said Town, in the time of this Siege, (which is the thing I mainly intended to mention at this time and in this place) namely, That a­bout Septemb. the 16^th, 1643, being Saturday, an accident happened at the North-Block-house of the Town,A sodain and most remarka­ble preserva­tion of Hull. the danger whereof (had not the Lord marvellously prevented, and had it fallen out on the side of the Town where the enemies lay, as it did on the most remote [...]ide from them) had undoubtedly ruined the whole Town. For, there were [Page 31] at least [...]ortie Carthages of Gun-powder sodainly blown up and some granadoes which lay there in the same place,Hulls very great danger, at this time, by Powder, sodainly blown up. and all fired, which quickly brake down a great part of that strong Block-house, both within and without, which breach and loss ('twas verily believed) could not be repaired with, at least, 2000^li. charge; but I say, the especiall providence of God, heerin, appeared, in that it was blown up on that side of the Town which lay next to the Sea-side, otherwise it would have been a very advantageous opportunitie to the enemies for their more secure assaulting and storming of the Town.The admira­ble hand of God in Hulls mightie dan­ger. Besides, this was also very remarkable above the rest, and in it, the hand of God most eminently was seen, that it blew open a door, in which ve­ry room there were fourteen barrells of Gun-powder, some with the heads open, yet took not fire, which had it done, it would most cer­tainly have blown up, at least, the whole house, & have spoyled some considerable part of the Town: But, I say, by Gods great mercie and admirable providence, they were all untoucht, and it did no other harm, than as aforesaid. It was conceived and feared, at first, that it came by some treacherie,The occasion of Hu [...]ls so great danger. but upon diligent search and inquisition 'twas clearly found to be done by the carelesness of a Gunner; There were foure men killed by it, and as many hurt, and with this loss the danger ended, blessed and praised be the Lord our God for it. And now wee shall for a while leave Hull in this besieged posture and con­dition, and speak of some other Parliamentarie-passages, worthie our notice and observation.

About the midst of September, 1643, our most prudent and provi­dent Parliamentarie-Senators, The Parlia­ments care for the encou­ragement of London Ap­prentices in their Service of the King­dome. in their pious and prudent care for the encouragement of Apprentices and young men to be chearfull and for­ward to assist the Kingdomes great affaires against the common-Ad­versaries thereof, set out an Ordinance of Parliament for the securing of their indempnitie in going forth in service, and listing themselves under the command of Sir William Waller in his Expedition. As also another Ordinance came forth at the same time, for the search­ing of Trunkes and any other carriages that past out of London. And a third also for a Collection to be made for sick and maimed Soul­diers. All which three said Ordinances of Parliament, for the Readers better satisfaction, content, and delight, I have thought fit heer to insert.

[Page 34] And heer also I may not omit justly to enumerate and commemo­rate the great blessing of the 29^th day of this September, 1643. as a sin­gular Parliamentarie-mercie, and speciall blessing of the Lord our good God, both to the most famous and renowned Citie of London in spe­ciall, and, indeed, to the whole Kingdome of England in generall, namely, the happie continuance of the successfull godly and gracious government of the said most famous Citie,Sir Jo. Wolla­ston most hap­pily chosen Lord Major of the Citie of London. by the comfortable and desired choice of that most worthy virtuous, and pious patriot and Senator of the said Citie, Sir John Wollaston, to succeed for the ensuing year in the honourable Majoraltie thereof, who was chosen thereun­to; with a most full, fair and unanimous consent and suffrage of the heartie votes and voices of all the numerous company of grave and well-affected Citizens then assembled (thereunto) in the Guild-Hall of London. A rare mercy indeed, considering the times, for I make no question,The Authors just and expe­rimentall at­testation and commendati­on of Sir John Wollaston Lord Major of Lon­don. nay I am most confidently assured (out of that intimate and ancient experience which I my-self have most happily had of his sin­gular piety and ingenuity of spirit, and sweetness of naturall endowments, and approved cordiall affection and constant adherence to the cause of God in the Parliaments proceedings) that he will with no less deser­ved honour and reputation (by Gods gracious assistance) manage the [...]elme of government, and steer the Stern of the Ship of the Cities great Ocean and motion of serious and important affaires, than his former famous Predecessour did. And that also which sweetens this mercie,The mercies of this Lord Majors choice also was a sweet return of prayer. and makes it so much the more remarkably eminent is, that his honourable choice also, as his pious Predecessours, was a happie and holy fruit and return of prayer, it being on the very next day after our monethly day of publick humilitation, when the Lord had been in par­ticular sought unto for this blessing. And for the confirmation, in part, of what I have thus fairly and faithfully attested of him; It pleased the Lord, very shortly after his inauguration into his honourable Majoral­tie, & ere he was (as the Proverb is) hardly warm in the seat of autho­ritie, as aforesaid, now to put him even already upon an honourable tryall of his love & loyalty to the great cause in present question and a­gitation;A notable tri­all by Gods most wise dis­posall, put up­on the Lord Major of Lon­don, and most loyally mana­ged by him. and as he was now an eminent Cedar of our Lebanon, and but new-now planted on the top of the Cities mountain, and, so, obnoxi­ous to many and mightie blustering blasts of tryall and probation: So, I say, it pleased the Lord to administer an occasion to shew and set forth his loyaltie and fidelitie, and that God had enabled him (and would so still) like a strong well-grown & well-grounded Oake, to stand [Page 35] fast and most immovable, to oppose, withstand, and break the force of the either violent blasts of malignitie, or slie and insinuating brea­things of treachery, wherewith he now I say, was already assaulted from Oxford, thus:

About the first of November then succeeding,Foure Procla­mations sent at one time to the Lo Major of London, to be published, in the Kings name, in the Citie. a Messenger was sent from Oxford, with no less than four Proclamations to be delivered to the Lord Major of London, (all of most pernicious and dangerous conse­quence) and by him and his authoritie to be published and procla­med in the Kings name throughout the Citie of London.

The first, to alter the generall Monethly Wednesday-fast, contrary to an act established by King and Parliament, and strange and uncouth reasons given for the cause of the alteration thereof, one reason being, in regard of the horrid and damnable Cessation of armes in Ireland; O monsirum infandum, informe, ingens, &c. The second Proclamation was to make all money coined in Ireland, currant in England. The third, to command all Counties in the Kingdome to accept such new high Sheriffs as were prickt at Oxford, and to remove the office of Green wax from London to Oxford. The fourth, to inhibite the administring and taking of the Nationall League and Covenant between England and Scotland, (of which Proclamation more heerafter in its more proper place.) But, I say, this our most worthie, wise, pious, and loyall Lord Major (to the glory of God, his own just honour, the joy of all Gods people, and the vexation of all the base malignant spirits in London, whose false, faithless and graceless hopes in him, were now at the first, I say, most worthily frustrated and blasted by him, even in the very bud) who no sooner received the said four Proclamations, but the pre­sently sent the Messenger and them, with a strong guard, to the Par­liament, who took it as a singular and acceptable service from the Lord Major, kept the Proclamations, and committed the Messenger to Newgate-prison, as a Spie, for coming from Oxford to London, with­out either their warrant, or his Excellencies the Lord Generalls, contra­ry to their late Ordinance of Parliament.

About the latter end also of the said September, Provision of firing ordered by the Parlia­ment for pre­ventiō of dan­gerous mu [...] ­n [...]es by the poorer sort. 1643. the Parlia­ment taking into serious consideration, the great inconveniences which the Kingdome in generall and the Citie of London in speciall were like to feel and finde in the insuing Winter-season, by reason of the want of Sea-coal, fuell, and firing, which would fall most heavily up­on the poorer sort of people, and might cause a mutinie and molesta­tion of the peace of the Citie, if not timely prevented, and they not [Page 36] (therein) competently provided for, according to that old adagie, That hunger and cold will break through stone-walls. Therefore, upon a Message from the House of Lords in Parliament, a Committee also of the House of Commons was appointed to joyn with a Committee of Lords to consult about the prevention of this (otherwise) inevitable dan­ger, and to take order for the felling and cutting of wood for the bet­ter supply of the Citie and parts adjacent with firing for the winter season (according to an Ordinance of Parliament which both Houses Woods to be cut down to furnish the Citie and parts adjacent with fuell. had passed immediately after, viz October 2^d, 1643.) and by virtue whereof the said Committee had power to appoint the felling and cutting of such quantitie of wood as they should think fit within six­tie miles of London, in all Forests, Chases, and Parkes, belonging to the Kings or Queenes Majesties,What woods were to be cut down. or out of any other woods, groves, springs, or other land where fellable wood was, belonging to any Arch-bishops, Bishops, Deanes, Chapters, &c. Papists, Delinquents, or other Malignants against the Parliament, and the same to be dis­posed of for the better supply of the Citie, as aforesaid, and to be sold at such rates as the said Committee should think fit.

And now again, good Reader, be pleased a little heer to re-peruse and review the sweet Parliamentarie-Mercies of this Moneth also.

First,A summary gratefull re­view of this Moneths Par­liamentarie-Mercies. In the timely preservation of Plimouth from a treacherous plot.

Secondly, In the Siege and preservation of Hull from that dange­rous casualtie by Gunpowder.

Thirdly, In the three-fold Declaration of the Parliaments pietie 1 and providence.

2 Fourthly, In the happie election of Sir John Wollaston to be Lord 3 Major of the Citie of London, in such a time of so great need of godly 4 and loyall Magistrates.

5 Fifthly, The dashing that dangerous designe in pieces of the four pernicious Proclamations sent to the said most worthily honoured Lord Major; and in the Parliaments so prudent and provident provision of fuell in this Winter-season.

And then tell mee (good Reader) whether God did not heerin also most smoothly carry-on his Ark with prosperous gales,GODS Ark carried on with fair and prosperous gales. maugre all the swelling surges of the wicked intentions of its envious adversaries; and on the sweet sight and serious consideration thereof, to give the Lord onely all the praise and glorie, and with holy David to break forth into a holy extasie of rejoycing gratitude and say,Psal. 68. 19. Blessed be the [Page 37] Lord our God, who, thus, daily loads us with benefits and blessings, even the Lord, the God of our salvation. And now to goe on.

And heer now I shall begin this moneth of Octobers successfull voy­age, October. 1643. with a singular act and evidence of our most renowned Parlia­ments piety and charitie to that most famous Nursery of many succeed­ing thousands of poor helpless Orphans,The Parlia­ments charita­ble act and or­der for the good of the poor children of Christs Ho­spitall in Lon­don. I mean Christs Hospitall in London; The best and most beautifull Flower of my Garden. Where (and I most heartily bless my good God that I have this happie and fit and fair opportunitie, to acknowledge, and to let the whole King­dome know, as I am infinitely bound, to Gods due glorie and mine own comfort) I the unworthy Author of this Parliamentarie-Chroni­cle, have from my tender infancie, had my best beeing, breeding and education:The Authors own gratefull acknowledge­ment of Gods goodness to him in the said Hospitall. And, to which House of Charitie, (and so consequently to the renowned Citizens of London, the pious and provident Patrons thereof, next under God) I owe my self, and my poor All, what ever it be, both for all my former happie education, and present sustentation, there, in my place and Calling. But to leave this brief and gratefull digression, (which, I hope was not altogether impertinent to this place; I am sure, not to my person and condition) and to come to the present business: It pleased God, I say, to put into the hearts of our plous Parliamentarie-Statists, to set forth a singular act and order of Parliament for the good of the poor Children of Christs Hospitall, in these hard and pinching times, that they might have comfortable sustenance and maintenance, notwithstanding the great straits and necessities of the Kingdome. Which order of Parliament happily com­ing to my hands, I have thought good heer to insert, for the Readers bet [...]er content and satisfaction, which was as followeth,

[Page 38] October the 6^th, 1643. The House of Commons in Parliament adjour­ned themselves into severall Committees, and one choice Committee of them assembled the same day at a Common Hall in London, which was called on purpose to consult with the Citizens for the speedie raising of an 100000^li.An 100000^li to be raised in the Citie of London, for the advance of an army of 21000 Scots to come into England. for the advance of the Scottish Armie unto us, for repayment of which summe, our Brethren of Scotland undertook (as hath been formerly mentioned) to bring 21000 men into this Kingdome; which said 100000^li. was also desired to be borrowed of the Citie upon loan, and to be certainly repaid out of moneys pro­cured from forein parts, upon the publick Faith of both Kingdomes of▪ England and Scotland, and there were sundry excellent speeches made there and then to the Citizens, to set forth the great impor­tance of their speedy assistance in this particular, and how acceptable a work it would be to the Lord, not onely to enter into a holy League or Covenant, for reformation of the evills in Church and State, but also to seal it with some benevolent and chearfull act of Contributi­on, (though but by way of loan) to set forward the work; that thus both hand and heart might goe together in the work, and wee, with holy David, 2 Sam. 24. might manifest that wee would not offer a sacrifice to our God of that which cost us nought. To which motion, then, most efficaciously made, there, All then present, with very much chearful­ness and alacrity, declared their forwardness and willing assent to the utmost of their ability, as was desired; and at the same time, and af­terward, also, at the taking of the said Covenant in all the Parish­Churches in and about London, great numbers subscribed for very considerable summes to be raised, accordingly, with all convenient and possible expedition.

And now, good Reader, thou mayst be pleased to remember, that wee lately left the atheisticall Earl of Newcastle and his Popish Armie, besieging the strong and important Town of Hull, most brave­ly defended (as I mentioned before) by the most renowned and victo­rious Lord Fairfax, A famous vi­ctorie obtai­ned by the Lord Fairfax against New­castles Popish forces, where­by the Siege of Hull was raised. the most noble and faithfull Governour thereof: Now therefore to return to it again, I shall heer acquaint thee, that about the 14^th of this instant October, 1643. came certain intelligence to London▪ from thence, both by severall relations, and also by Let­ters of a most memorable and brave bickering between the besiegers and the besieged, wherein the Lord was pleased to crown the most noble Lord Fairfax with a very glorious and famous victory over those his Popish adversaries, and thereby to raise that insolent Siege [Page 39] of this proud Atheist against Hull, put the said new Marquess (for­sooth, for, honours at Oxford are, tis too well known, so cheap, that they are most easily bought and sold for any base and treache­rous▪ designe against the Parliament and Kingdome) of Newcastle to new troubles, and driving him quite out of his little patience and probitie, and making thereby his wit as well as his honestie run a wool-gathering,The Marquess of Newcastle put to great straits by this Defeat. and, indeed, plunging him into inextricable per­plexities, as was most remarkably evident in this most memorable and brave Defeat given to him and his Popish forces before Hull, where he lay in Siege, as you have already heard. For now Winter being come on, and he desirous to make Hull his most strong and advantageous Winter-quarter, and safe retyring and retreating place on all disaste­rous occasions, he now resolved to set stif [...]y and stoutly upon the work, and with his utmost powers to endeavour to procure it, but was now forced to make a new reckoning, for thus reckoning with­out his hoste; The description of which noble and renowned skirmish and brave bickering, for the more full and clearer setting forth of the truth thereof, I have heer thought fit to give the Reader a sight of the Copie of that renowned Commander Sir John▪ Meldrums own letter, even verbatim, as he himself (being a principall actor in the whole business) writ and sent it to the Speaker of the▪ Parliament, onely I shall heer or there interlace some few materiall circumstances, extracted out of the most noble Lord Fairfaxes Letter, sent also about the same time to the said M^r. Speaker of the Parliament; which was as fol­loweth.

And although, this virtuous and valourous Commander Sir John Meldrum, in his wisedome and humility forbeares to write ought of his own best deservings in that foresaid Service;A brief touch of Sir Jo. M [...] ­drums worth and valour, at­tested by the renowned Lord Fairfax himself. yet I cannot forbear to give the Reader, at least one touch thereof, attested by the most noble and renowned Lord Generall himself, the Lord Fairfax, in his Letter to the Speaker of the Parliament, which, in brief, was this, That itpleased God (to give you my Lords own words) by the gallant cou­rage and activitie of Sir John Meldrum, and the spirit and valour of the other Commanders and Officers, that all which the Souldiers had got and lost at the first assault (forementioned) by their sodain fear and retreat, was totally recovered again, and that with advantage too, and the whole victory in the Conclusion.

And now, having formerly toucht upon the mention of that fa­mous fight and most glorious victory which our good God graciously conferred upon that as virtuous as valiant▪ Generall the noble Earl of Manchester, against the Popish and atheisticall forces of Newcastle in Lincolnshire, under their Papisticall Commander the Lord Widrington and▪ Generall Henderson, The most fa­mous and re­nowned victo­ry obtained by the right ho­nourable Earl of Manchester, at Horncastle in Lincolnshire. at Horn-Castle;. I shall now in the next place give the. Reader a most exact and full and fair account thereof also, in all the materiall and substantiall passages of it, especially for the just advancement of the honour of the Lord our God, and the great com­fort of all that wish the welfare and prosperitie of our Jerusalem. About the 10^th of October, 1643. my Lord of Manchester having had notice when he was at▪ Linne of a great force of horse and Dragooneers [Page 43] come into Lincolnshire, under the command of Generall Henderson, and that upon the retreat of Sir Thomas Fairfax, and Colonell Crom­well from about Lowth, they were much heightned with confidence of success, when ever they could draw-out forces to an eng [...]gement. The want of foot and Dragooneers made Sir Thomas Fairfax and Co­lonell Cromwell very unwilling to fight with them; till they had ac­quainted my Lord, and tryed what supplies he could afford them; and withall his Lordship was assured (if he could draw any forces toward Balenbrook-Castle, the enemy was so confident of his own strength) that he would bring down all his force to fight with him. Upon these grounds my Lord drew all his forces both horse and foot from Linne, save onely one troop of horse and six companies of foot, which he left for the guard of that Town with Colonell Walton, whom he made Lievtenant-Governour.

Thus, upon the Munday, my Lord drew out all his foot out of Bo­ston, ten Companies he laid in Bolenbrook-Town, under the command of Major Knight, Serjeant Major to Sir Miles Hobart; Colonell Rus­sells Regiment was quartered at Strickford within a mile of them; and my Lords own (being but three Companies, the rest being sent to Hull, and left at Linne) at Stickney, and the horse were all quarte­red in the Townes round about, at eight and ten miles distance.

Upon this Munday at night, Major Knight summoned the Castle of Bolenbrook in my Lord of M [...]nchesters name,Bolenbrook-Castle sum­moned. but was answered, That his bug-bear words must not winne Castles, nor should make them quit the place; that night, our men took in a little house on the right hand between the Castle and the Church, and resolved the next night to endeavour to break-open the Church-doores, and there to mount a Morter-piece, and thence fire the Castle. The enemie had notice on the fryday following,The enemie prepares to meet and fight with the Earl of Manchester. that my Lord was coming, or come into those parts, and thereupon drew out all their horse and Dra­gooners from their severall Garrisons, at Lincoln, Newark and Gains­borow, with a bold resolution to finde him out and fight with him. Upon Tuesday those of the Castle kill'd one or two of our men; and as Major Knight and Quarter-master Generall Vermeyden were view­ing of it, made some shot at them, and one of them hit the said Quar­ter-master Generall a little below the ancle, but pierced not the skin, onely bruis'd his leg.

That afternoon, my Lord of Manchester came himself to Kirkby, which is within a mile of Bolenbrook, with Colonell Cromwell, where [Page 44] also my Lord Willoughby met him,Our forces are drawn all neer each other a­bout Bolen­brook. and Sir Thomas Fairfax was then at Horn-Castle, about five miles off, one of his Regiments having the watch at Edlingston, about three miles farther, but neerer to the ene­mie. My Lord had not been long there before he received a Letter from Sir Thomas Fairfax, that an allarm was given to some of our Quarters, and that himself had sent out some horse to discover what it might be, and would immediately give him a farther account, which he did by another Letter, about an houre after, the partie be­ing returned and could get no information of any enemy neer, but conceived it to be a mistake. However, Sir Thomas resolved to stay there untill the evening, and then to come to Kirkby to my Lord. My Lord conceived it fit, and so did all those that were with him, to give the allarm to all his quarters, and to appoint Horn-Castle to be the Allarm-place, and then to goe himself, immediately, thither to Sir Thomas Fairfax, and when all their men were thus drawn to­gether to take farther resolutions; and so, immediately, with my Lo. Willoughby, and some Officers with him, he took horse for Horn-Ca­stle, Sir Thomas Fairfax, in the mean time, getting no intelligence of the enemies approach, came away toward Kirkby to my Lord.

Before my Lord had reached Horn-Castle, The enemie gives ours the allarm, about Horncastle. the allarm came to him in good earnest, that the enemie was fallen into our quarters, and was marching toward Horn-Castle. Coming neerer the Town he could hear great shouting and noyse, which he conceived to be the enemies triumph, having beaten our men out of the Town; but it proved o­therwise; for,Ours bravely bicker with the enemies forlorn­hopes. some of our men falling upon the enemies forlorn­hopes, though (but part of two troopes) seeing themselves desperate­ly engaged, resolved to put the best face on it, and fell upon them with crying and shouting, which did exceedingly amaze the enemie, and gave our men the easier passage through the midst of them. Now, my Lord finding the enemie come into his quarters before he could have any certain information where he was, and the allarm-place possessed by the enemie, he appointed Kirkby and Bolenbrook-hill, for all his men to repair unto; and accordingly sent word to all the quar­ters whither all our men came but that night, except three troopes that were directed to Stickney, and three or four troopes that went by the way of Tottershall, and came not in till next morning. Many of our troopes came to Horn-Castle, according to the first orders, but finding the enemie there, came away without any loss at all or very little. The enemie had fallen into our quarters at Thimbleby and some [Page 45] Townes thereabout,Three or four of our troopes in great dan­g [...]r, but came off most brave­ly. where three or foure of our troopes were in a manner surprized, but, finding themselves ingaged, gave so good testi­mony and proof of their courage and resolution, that the enemie had little or no cause to brag of that nights work, which being of so me­morable consequence, I have thought fit briefly heer to relate, which was thus: Captain Johnson, Captain Samuel Moody, and Captain Player, were three of the commanders of these troopes which the ene­mie had thus almost surprized in their quarters, and were afterward also environed about by the enemie,Cap. Iohnsons, Cap. Moodies, and Captain Players brave courage and resolution. who had gotten between them and the bodie of their horse: so that they were forced to break through two bodies of the enemies horse, of at least a thousand horse in each body; but with admirable courage and resolution, they with their troopes charged the enemy, crying all of them (as before they had agreed among themselves) with a shout and loud voyce; Come on, come on, all is our own, all is our own; which so amazed the enemie, expecting some ambuscado, that these three troopes brake thorow the first bodie, and so thorow the second, doing great execution, yet lost but three men. After that, they hasting toward the Town of Horncastle (where they thought the Earl of M [...]nchester was) about a mile before they came at the Town, they discovered another partie of the enemies horse.The comman­ders notable discretion and courage. Heer, they discreetly agreed to goe soberly to­ward them, every man making answer to him that asked any questi­on, nothing but Friends, friends, all friends, as if they had been of the enemies troopes, and were going upon some design, it being, yet, dark; therefore when the enemies called to them, Who is there, the other all answered, Friends, friends, and so they passed, but as soon as they were past, and thought themselves secure, they turned faces about, and asked the enemie, Who are you for? They answered, for the King. Then, said they, Wee are for the King and Parliament, and charging the enemy, fled toward Horncastle, and the enemy pursuing, followed them to the Town-side, there being no forces in the Town on either side;The great strait they were still put unto. but they in the Town, had with carts and timber, barracadoed the passages into the Town, so that by this meanes there was some loss in the troopes, being thus unexpectedly put to their shifts; but the loss was but little, a Cornet and some few others, and they brought half a douzen of prisoners with them. Which could not but manifest a most evident hand of God in so great a preservation. But to proceed.

All that night wee were drawing our horse to the appointed ren­devouz; [Page 46] And the next morning being▪ Wednesday, my Lord gave order that the whole force both horse and foot, should be drawn up to Bo­lenbrook-hill, where he would expect the enemie,Bolenbrockhill designed to be the place to fight. being the onely con­venient ground to fight with him; But Colonell Cromwell was no way satisfied that wee should fight, our horse being extremely wearied with hard duty two or three dayes together.

The enemy also drew (that morning) their whole body of horse and Dragooneers into the field,The enemies strength and ours. being 74 Colours of horse, and 21 Colours of Dragooneers, in all 95 Colours. Wee had not many more than half so many Colours of horse and Dragooneers, but I believe wee had as many men, besides our foot, which indeed could not be drawn up untill it was very late;The word on both sides. The enemies word was Cavendish, and ours was, Religion. I beleeve that as wee had no notice of the enemies coming toward us; so they had as little of our preparation to fight with them. It was about twelve of the clock ere our horse and Dragooneers were drawn up; after that wee marched about a mile nearer the enemie,Both armies in sight of each other. and then wee began to descry him by little and lit­tle, coming toward us. But untill this time wee did not know wee should fight, but so soon as our men had knowledge of the enemies coming, they were very full of joy and resolution, thinking it a great mercie that they should now fight with him.The pietie of our armie▪ Our men went on in se­verall bodies, singing Psalmes. Quarter-master Generall Vermeyden with five troopes had the forlorn-hope, and Colonell Cromwell the Van, assisted with other of my Lords troopes, and seconded by Sir Thomas Fairfax; Both armies met at a Town called Ixbie. Both armies met about Ixbie (if I mistake not the Townes name) both they and wee had drawn up our Dragooneers, and gave the first charge, and then the horse fell in. Colonell Cromwell fell with brave resolution upon the enemie, immediately after their Dragoo­neers had given him the first volley, yet they were so nimble, as that within half pistoll-shot, they gave him another, his horse was killed under him at the first charge,Gen. Crom­wells great danger. and fell down upon him, and as he rose up he was knockt down again, by the Gentleman that charged him, who, 'twas conceived, was Sir Ingram Hopton, but afterward he recovered a poor horse in a Souldiers hand, and bravely mounted himself again.The sight in the very heat of it. Truly this first charge was so home-given and per­formed with so much admirable courage & resolution by our troops, that the enemie stood not another, but were driven back upon their own body,The enemie [...]ins to [...]. which was to have seconded them, and at last put them into a plain disorder; and thus in less than half an houres fight they [Page 47] were all quite routed and forced to run for their lives,The enemies flie. though they were two for one, and as soon as our men perceived them to shrinke, they fiercely charged within them all, and then, I say, they ran for it, leaving all their Dragooneers, which were now on foot behind them. Thus our men pursued them, and did execution upon them about five or six miles, all the way being strewed with broken armes, dead men and horses.

And heer I may not omit to make mention of the rare courage and valour of that most noble Commander Sir Thomas Fairfax, who when they first viewed the enemie and saw great odds in their number, was so much the more inflamed with godly courage and resolution,Sir Tho. Fair­fax, his un­daunted cou­rage say­ing, Come, let us fall on, I never prospered better than when I fought against the enemie three or four to one. One hundred of their men to avoid the furie of our men were drowned,The issue of the fight. many were wounded, and in one gravell pit above an 100 were hid, some there breathing their last breath, others less wounded; my Lord of Manchester most mercifully gave order that care should be taken of them all. And heer it must not be forgotten, that some with mortall wounds upon them cryed out, The Commission of Aray, The Commis­sion of Aray cryed out on by the dying Souldiers. the Commission of Aray brought us hither full sore against our wills; wee were as true servants to the Parliament, and our Re­ligion and liberties, as any in England, and woe to those that were the cause that Lincoln and Yorkshire became a prey to the enemie, wee die as true friends to the Parliament as any. Two hundred horse were found left in the Castle, their riders being all fled; many hundreds fled into the waters up to the arme-holes; they that lay slain in the high wayes were very many, and divers of qualitie, for there were brave bodies stript naked;The spoyl and prizes taken. Sir George Bowles was slain, and Sir Ingram Hopton, Co­lonell Shelley was taken prisoner among those taken out of the water, and Colonell Ayres; the number of horse taken in all were about 2000, of prisoners about 1000, and as many slain, of armes 1500, and not 100 of the enemies ('twas verily believed) to be found in a body; of 94 Standards, 35 were taken: Wee lost very few of our men, none of note; wee hardly found above one officer hurt, and that was Colonell Cromwells Captain-Lievtenant.The armie, with the most noble Lord of Manchester, possess them­selves of Horncastle. Our foot were not drawn up to the place where the fight was, untill after the fight and chase was over. Horse and foot though very weary marched on toward Horn­castle, where my Lord lay that night, with all the foot, his horse be­ing sent to their old quarters in the Townes adjoyning. And truly, both Officers and Souldiers did their dutie that day singularly well [Page 48] and bravely, my Lord himself also took wonderfull paines in bring­ing the business to this foresaid pass, in drawing up all the foot to have relieved the horse, in case they had been put to straits, and had needed it. But God himself did all, taking away the enemies hearts, and giving resolution and courage to our men, to him therefore be all the honour and glory of this famous victorie.

Now whiles these things were thus in agitation,Letters of the enemies inter­cepted, confir­ming the truth of this great victorie. the noble Lord Fairfax had a Letter brought unto him, which was intercepted, writ­ten by that ignoble Popish Lord Widrington, the then present Gover­nour of Lincoln, in which Letter, (writing to his great Lord the Mar­quess of Newcastle) he confirmes by his own confession the truth of this great victorie. Another Letter was also intercepted written by Generall Hinderson also to the Governour of Newark. The former Let­ter enforming Newcastle, that the loss of all Lincolnshire and Yorkshire too was in a great hazard, especially if he were forced to quit Hulls siege too; and in his said Letter also certifying the loss of divers of their prime Commanders for certain slain in the foresaid battail. Hindersons Letter, also, importing a pitifull complaint of his loss in the said fight, and assuring the Governour of Newark that since the fight he was not able to rally or get together, hardly 400 men of all his former great and numerous forces.

And that which addes extraordinarie lustre to the honour of our wonder-working God, and which I may not heer by any meanes omit; It pleased the Lord by his admirable providence so to order it,This famous victory, and that also at Hull, were ob­tained both in one and the same day. that both this great victorie at Horncastle and that brave victorie also ob­tained by the most renowned Lord Fairfax at Hull, under the com­mand of that most worthy and expert Commander Sir John Mel­drum, were bestowed by the Lord our God upon his people and Par­liament, upon one and the same day, namely, Wednesday, October 11, 1643. And now to goe on.

About the 16^th of October, 1643. came Letters from Gloucester to London, with most credible intelligence, that the truly valiant and magnanimous Commander Colonell Massie, that ever to be honou­red and renowned Governour,Col. Massies good service at Tewksbery. and (by Gods wonderfull assistance) maintainer of Gloucester, having true intelligence that about a regi­ment of the Kings Welch forces were come to Tewksbery, intending to fortifie and quarter themselves there, and to make that Town win­ter-Garrison; This noble and most vigilant Colonell being very de­sirous to be rid of such unfriendly and unruly neighbours, speedily [Page 49] and privately drew forth a considerable partie of horse and foot from Gloucester, and marched with them to Tewksbery, where he sodainly and resolutely fell upon the enemie, slew above 30 of them, took ma­ny prisoners, and forced the rest to flie for their lives, some of whom, were in that their hastie flight, drowned in the river Severn. He also took many of their horses and armes, most of their pickaxes, spades, and other instruments, wherewith they were raising trenches and strength'ning their kennells, to have lyen lurking the more securely, like so many prey-devouring Wolves, or Sheep-biting mischievous Mastives; and having, thus, most successfully demolished their works, he returned again victoriously to Gloucester.

Much also about the same time came certain intelligence by Let­ters out of Warwickshire to London, Another brave defeat given to the Kings forces by the Parliaments forces in War­wick-Castle. of another brave defeat given to the Kings Cormorants at Cambden, in another part of the said Countie of Gloucester, which was informed to be thus; About 300 of the Kings horse came from Oxford into that Town of Cambden; whereof the Parliaments forces in Warwick-Castle having speedie intelligence, there came a considerable partie of them in the midst of the night into the said Town, surprized most of them in their beds, and carried them away prisoners with them to Warwick-Castle, together with all their horses. There were between thirtie and fortie of thtm that for some space stood stoutly to oppose our forces, but they were all soon quel­led, and some of them slain in fight, but the rest were all taken priso­ners, and carried to Warwick-Castle, as aforesaid.

About the 20^th of October also, 1643. Our most prudent and pro­vident Parliamentarie-Statists, for the better securing of the great af­faires and waightie negotiations of both the Houses of Parliament, and their just proceedings therein for the welfare of Church and State,An Ordināce of Parliament against Spies and intelli­gencers. they set forth an Ordinance or Declaration for the prevention and sur­prisall of all spies and intelligencers from Oxford to London, and from London to Oxford, for the sequestring of their estates, and allowance of a fair reward to all such persons as should be assistant in giving no­tice of and apprehending any such, according to the tenor of the said Ordinance, which for the Readers better satisfaction therein, I have thought fit to insert, as it was printed and published by autho­ritie of Parliament.

About the 24^th also of October aforesaid, the most noble and victo­rious Earl of Manchester (whom the Lord most graciously raised up to shew himself most valiantly for the cause of God and his Coun­trie, and whom the good hand of Gods almightie power and provi­dence hath made victorious over those abominable Antichristian and atheisticall forces in the North) in pursuance now of his late so prosperous and successfull atchievments in those parts,The Citie of Lincoln taken by the noble Earl of Man­chester. and of that brave and memorable victory he obtained at Horn-Castle, as afore­said, went on also most couragiously to the Citie of Lincoln, whither being come with his forces, and upon the summoning thereof it was soon surrendred to him. Wherein he found and forced to be left, in the Citie,The prize ta­ken in the Ci­tie of Lincoln. Close, and Minster of Lincoln, armes for at least 2500 men, 28 or 30 Colours, three pieces of Ordnance, and great store of other ammunition, the Cormorants or Cavalerian Officers having libertie granted to depart on horseback with their swords, but the common Souldiers onely with sticks in their hands; and thus became Master of this Citie,Gainesborough also taken, by the said noble Earl of Man­chester. without bloudshed or much molestation. After which he most victoriously marched also to Gainesborough, another of the enemies Garrison Townes in the said Countie; But the Garrison therein hearing of the surrender of Lincoln, and that the noble Earl of Manchester was making hastie preparation unto them, they more hastily sleighted their workes, (as by credible information was rela­ted) and speedily quitted the place, and fled away thence to Newark. And very shortly after this most noble and renowned Lord having re­ceived farther assistance and supply by the coming over of such horse as the most heroick Lord Fairfax could spare him from Hull, he now resolved to prosecute his design to the full of quite clearing Lincoln­shire (maugre all the opposition of Newcastles viperous papisticall for­ces) from those devouring Cormorants, and hideous Harpyes, which had so infected and infested that whole Countie, where now for a while wee will leave him full of cause of praise and thanksgiving to [Page 52] his God, who made him so victorious, and pray for the perfecting of this his so pious and honourable resolution.

And heer now good Reader, give me leave to tell thee, or rather to remember thee of what thou knewst too well before,The great de­sign against the Citie of London. viz. That the most famous and ever to be honoured Citie of London, being the main, if not the onely white and mark of the inveterate malice and envie of the Oxonian Court-Achitophels and atheisticall and Popish Cormorants and Malignants; this place mightily and mainly being the great Re­mora and mightie Stone in the way of their mischievously intended ty­rannicall Monarchie and Popish Hierarchie, which must be removed, or els all their whole work must needs be fruitless and frivolous. Now therefore having grasped such a handfull of the Kingdome in the Western parts thereof, and having, as they hoped (but falsly, praised be God) gotten good hold on the Northern parts of the Kingdome too; Now, I say, they began to knock all their heads and hearts to­gether on the anvill of their utmost Jesuiticall Councells, seeing Lon­don to be so great a goad in their sides, and such a strong bolt and obstacle in the way of their high designes, and that it was impossible to be mastred by any of their present might or immediate assaults. This therefore was the main and great design,The great plot and de­signe was how to contrive to starve up the Citie of Lon­do [...]. how to starve up the Citie this Winter; which must be first by breaking in with their ar­mies into the associated Counties, fortifying some considerable Towns therein, and thereby awing the rest with restless alarmes and excursi­ons, disabling them in money and armes, hindring, thus, all com­merce to and from the Citie, and thus also stopping all kinde of pro­vision to be brought to it; and then the Irish Rebells (or deluded Irish Protestants, yea both) to be brought on by multitudes to assist and help forward this great and main designe, and then to share and di­vide the plunder, the honours and lands both of London, England, and Ireland among them; onely Scotland must have the unhappie happiness, to stay to be devoured at leasure, and in the last place of the three Kingdomes.

Now the manner of the beginning and setting this designe on foot, was,The manner and wayes of the enemies contriving their plot a­gainst Lon­don. to take and fortifie Redding again, Bedford, Newport-Pannell, &c. and so to get forward to Cambridge and Huntington-shire, that way toward the North-Easterly parts of the Kingdome, and thus to en­crease and strengthen advantages already gotten, (at least, I say, as they falsly conceited) and then consequently to be for the South-Eastern and Southern parts thereof. And thus had they in their hopes [Page 53] and touring (or devouring) proud and pernicious opinions already swallowed us up in the mawes of these their mischievous and most mal [...]cious designes: Thus Man (as our Proverb is) doth deeply purpose, but our God onely doth over-poweringly dispose of all things; but to goe on. For the full and effectuall prosecution heerof,The manner of the enemies acting their cōtrivements. that most vile and [...] ­perous active Agent of theirs Sir Ralph Hopton is designed (with all the preparations they could make for him) to advance to Winchester, Chichester, and so forward to Kent; this was the substance of this great plot and high designe on the Citie of London, and consequently on the whole Kingdome, which being thus laid before the eyes and understanding of the judicious Reader, and wise observer of the pas­sages of this kinde, he may most clearly and with admirable delight, comfort, and content, behold and see how our good God in his infi­nite mercy,2 Chro. 16. 9. wisdome, and all-disposing providence, (whose eyes run through the whole world, to shew himself strong for those that are of an up­right heart) still most graciously crost their wicked counsells, and tur­ned them into folly and madness; as, in all the subsequent passages shall be fully related and set forth,How God all along crost and disap­pointed all the enemies deep designes. and all which, I shall desire the Reader (with mee) to take most gratefull notice of, as they fall out, both in Sir William Wallers vigilant and valiant attending and wait­ing on Hoptons wayes and deportments in the South and South-We­stern parts; and in his Excellencies the Parliaments Lord Generalls, and Major Generall Skippons most wise and warle observation and atten­dance on the wayes and courses of that most pernicious Prince of Plun­derers, Rupert, about Bedfordshire, Newport-Pannell, and S^t Albanes; together with the rest of our faithfull and famous Commanders more Easterly and Northward; all which I shall represent to the Readers view in fit and following places.

But, before I yet come to those particulars, give mee leave, good Reader, with thy accustomed candor and patience, to acquaint thee heer also with another great designe they had upon us, and our pre­cious Parliament, to cross and curb the provident proceedings in our most just defence,Another great plo [...] of the enemies to hinder our Brethren of Scotlands coming in to our ayd and assistance. against their accursed and bloudy breaking in up­on us, our lives, liberties, and Religion, namely, their deep endeavours to hinder our honest Brethren of Scotland from coming forth to help us; Wherein also the hand of God will be wonderfully seen for good, and the passages wherof most worthy to be recorded and enrolled in the number of these our precious Parliamentarie-mercies, as most high­ly conducing and contributing to the honour of our most wise and [Page 54] wonder-working God, and the great comfort of all his Saints and ser­vants; which (to omit divers other former plots and contrivements to this foresaid end) was briefly thus:

About the midst of October, 1643.An Embassa­dour sent from the Queen-Re­gent of France into Scotland, to divert those our brethren from coming to ayd us. meanes having been used by private Messengers into France by the pestilent Councell and contri­vers at Oxford, The Queen-Regent of France sent an Embassadour into Scotland, of purpose to divert the Scots resolution from coming into England to assist the Parliament: The substance of whose Message be­ing, That as they tendered the continuation and preservation of that ancient league and amitie which had been between the Crownes of France and Scotland for so many hundred yeares, they would be now advised to stay at home in peace, and not to shew themselves in any hostile or armed manner against their King &c. But, to be brief, for most certain, the said Embassadour was soon and soundly answered, and so departed thence into France again, without that expected and intended issue he came for, and those our Brethren most piously and constantly persisted in their obliged and engaged resolution to joyn in our ayd and assistance.

Again, much about the same time, the King sent two Letters into Scotland, Two Letters sent by our King into Scotland to cross the Scots resolution to ayd England. commanding that they should both be publikely read in all the Cities and Market-Townes of that Kingdome, and that then they should both be entred upon Record, the Copies whereof were by those our honest brethren of Scotland, sent to our Parliament. The one of them was against a Proclamation which the States of Scotland set forth in the Kings name, to command the Subjects, there, to be ready with their a [...]mes, whensoever they were summoned, on severe penal­ties; which the King said he much marveiled they would doe with­out his consent,The substance of both the said Letters. &c. The other Letter was against their godly and most gracious Covenant, requiring them not to prosecute it any far­ther, and enjoyning them not to ayd his two Houses of Parliament, which, he said, were in actuall rebellion against him, &c. But, prai­sed, for ever,The Royal­lists hopes, heerin also, frustrated. be our good God, by whose gracious providence, their hearts were most wisely and resolutely established not to be dasht and daunted therein, but they utterly refused to yeeld to either of his de­mands and commands in both the Letters, and sent his Majestie an answer suteable to their Christian dutie, and the nature also of such a Message and command, and so went on most religiously and resol­vedly in the just and warrantable work they had so advisedly under­taken.

[Page 55] But now to goe on, in the manifesting (as I promised) and setting forth,The grand plot of star­ving up the Citie of Lon­don, now pro­secuted by the Royallists, but blessedly fru­strated. in order, the progress of the great work at home, by our ad­versaries designes against the Citie of London, and therein the whole Kingdome, in that their forementioned grand plot to starve up the Ci­tie by taking from them all the neighbour Countries succours and supplements of all kindes; and thus at last, hoping to bring it low, and (according to that old Proverb, If you will tame a wanton Colt, take away his provender) and tame it, and make it stoop to their most untaimed wilde and wicked tyranny: but yet, how our most wise and righteous God crost and confounded this their wicked work and de­villish designe.

And now in the first place I must tell you, how the most noble and victorious Earl of Manchester, being in Lincolnshire prosecuting his successfull and victorious enterprises in those parts, as hath been formerly and fully related, having intelligence that the Oxonian-Cor­morants were entred into Bedfordshire, with purpose to make an in­road into the rest of the associated Eastern-Counties, whereof he was made Commander in chief, under his Excellencie the Lord Generall: His Lordship,The Earl of Manchester re­solves to ayd his associated Counties out of Lincolnshire by Colonell Cromwell. therefore, held it not fit to leave them without relief a­gainst such plundering and all-devouring Cormorants, and greedie unwelcome guests, and was therefore necessitated to grant such a com­position to the Lord Widrington, Colonell Henderson, &c. (then in the Citie of Lincoln) as otherwise he would not, that thus he might ha­sten to the preservation of those his foresaid Counties; and so ha­ving gotten this Citie (as hath been forementioned) he presently sent away renowned and victorious Colonell Cromwell, Col: Cromwell sent out of Lincolnshire into Hunting­to [...]shire with considerable forces. with a consi­derable part of his forces toward Huntington, to interrupt the Cormo­rants pernicious intentions in those parts and about Cambridge; but his Excellencie, the Parliaments renowned Lord Generall▪ being then at S^t Albanes with his armie, presently sent Messengers to countermaund the brave Colonells resolutions, and required him to return again to my Lord of Manchester, Col. Cromwell ordered by the Lo. Generall to return a­gain into Lin­colnshire. and to prosecute those intended Services in the North, assuring him that by Gods assistance, he would take speci­all care that the associated Counties should receive no prejudice by the Kings Cormorants, which he most nobly made good and accord­ingly performed.The Kings Cormorants flie out of Newport-Pannell. For presently after it, his Lordship sent a considera­ble strong partie of horse and foot toward Newport-Pannell, against those greedie Cormorants, who hearing of their certain and speedie ap­proach, made all the haste they were able to flie away from thence, [Page 56] for fear of being intrapped in a nooz, whereby on a sodain those parts were already fairly and fully cleared from fear of them both at Newport and Bedford too. And heerby also Colonell Cromwell being returned to the noble Earl of Manchester, his great and noble designes in those parts went on again most successfully;The great plot mightily dasht & dam­ped alreadie. and thus by Gods speciall providence and great mercie, the Kings Cormorants were dou­bly disappointed of their late high-built hopes and pernicious pur­poses. For, by their intended fortifying of Newport, they hoped to have establisht one main branch of the foresaid swelling designe to have starved up the Citie, by thus encroaching by degrees into the Ea­stern-associated Counties, and also by their thus coming and nestling (by little and little) in them, they strongly hoped to have drawn and diverted the Earl of Manchester quite out of Lincolnshire, and so to have taken him off from the pursuite of his victories in those parts: But his Excellencie, as I said before, most nobly clipt the wing of that high­soaring hope of theirs, by marching into those parts to expell the enemie out of them, and so the safelier to secure them. Thus, I say, the Lord our good God doubly blest us against this devillish designe of theirs, blasting it in the bud, stifling it in the birth, and very be­ginning of it, and making it abortive to them, and giving us great assurance thereby of yet more hopefull advantages, as by Gods bles­sing wee shall have fit and fair opportunities to mention them in their severall succeeding and proper places.

And now,A summarie recapitulation of all this Moneths Par­liamentarie-mercies, and therein the sweet preser­vation of his Ark, his great Cause. good Reader, let mee desire thee heer to make a little stay, to strike sail and cast thine anchor of serious recogitation and sum­marie contemplation, into the deep Ocean of all this Moneths many and most rich mercies and Parliamentarie preservations of this Ark of Gods Cause.

First, In the Lords stirring up of the hearts of our Parliamentarie-Worthies, to remember the welfare of the poor children of Christs Ho­spitall; and also raising up the affections of the Citizens of London to seal their holy League and Covenant, with a large and liberall contri­buted 1 loan of a great summe of money for our brethren of Scotlands advance unto our help.

2 In the most noble Lord Fairfaxes brave victorie against the Earl of Newcastle at Hull, and thereby raising the siege thereof.

3 In the right noble and victorious Earl of Manchesters renowned victories over the Popish and atheisticall forces in Lincolnshire at Bolen­brook and Horncastle.

[Page 57] Famous Colonell Massies good service at Tewksbery; and that also 4 by the Parliaments Garrison at Warwick-Castle against the Kings for­ces at Cambden.

In the Ordinance of Parliament against Spies and intelligencers; 5 and farther famous prosecution of the most noble Earl of Manche­sters victories in the gaining of the Citie of Lincoln, and strong Town of Gainesborough.

And lastly, In the most happie frustrating and defeating of the 6 enemies deep and dangerous designe to starve the Citie of London, and so to enforce the conquest of it; and in Gods crossing that other great designe of our Oxonian Achitophells to have hindred our ho­nest Brethren of Scotlands resolution to advance forward to our assi­stance.

All these rare mercies, I say, layd together and seriously conside­red, O how can wee choose, but be extraordinarily elevated to a high pitch and peg of obliged gratitude, to our great and glorious God,GODS Ark still born-up above the tops of all its ad­vers swelling waves of op­position. who hath so powerfully and prudently propped up and protected his thus poor menaced and assaulted Ark, securely bearing it up above all the raging and swelling waves and boysterous billowes of fierce and furious adversaries, beating and brushing against it, with their utmost envie and most malevo­lent oppositions; And therefore, I say, with holy David, to break forth into insulting and triumphant joy in the Lord, and say; Our hearts are fixed,Psal. 57. 7. O God, our hearts are fixed, wee will sing and give praise. Awake up our glorie, awake Psalterie and Harp; and let us all awake right early thus to blesse and magnifie the Lord.Psal. 60. 12. For through our God wee shall doe valiant­ly; and it is he that shall tread down our enemies under our feet. But now to goe on.

About the beginning of this November, November. 1643. our most prudent Parlia­mentarie Statists wisely considering and most circumspectly advising on the inveterate malice and mischievous designes of the Oxonian A­theists against the Parliament and Cities of London and Westminster, as hath been foreshewn; they therefore past an Ordinance of Parliament, wherein they declared,An association of Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, and Kent. that they held it most fit and necessary for the better setling and securing of the state of this distracted and much dilacerated Kingdome, that all such Committees as were then nomi­nated in the said Ordinance, all Colonells, Captaines, and other Of­ficers, and well-affected persons, inhabitants of the Counties of Hamp­shire, the Town and Countie of Southampton, Surrey, Sussex, and Kent, shall and may associate themselves, and mutually ayd, succour, sup­port, [Page 58] and assist one another in the mutuall defence and preservation of themselves from the inroades and outrages of the Kings Corm [...] ­rants, and have power thereby given them to raise forces of horse and foot, to suppress and expell all such forces, as are or shall be raised in the said severall Counties, to levie war against the Parliament, or that shall make any insurrections, or shall plunder, or destroy any of his Majesties good subjects in those Counties. And the Lord Generall the Earl of E [...]ex was thereby desired to grant a Commission to that most valiant and renowned Commander Sir William Waller, Sir [...]. Waller, Commander in chief, of this association. to command in chief, as Serjeant Major Generall of all such forces raised in the said Counties; the happie and successfull issues of which said association, you shall now shortly have in their succeeding proper places.

And that the world might see (and all Malignants mouthes be stopt, if it were possible to doe it) the godly and Christian care of this most renowned and pious Parliament, The Parli [...] ­ments provi­dence for the welfare of fo­rein English Plantations. not onely at home, but a­broad also providing for the welfare of forein English Plantations, our most prudent and provident Parliamentarie Senators set forth an Ordinance of Parliament, whereby that most noble, renowned, loyall, and pious patriot, Robert, Earl of Warwick, was made Governour in chief, and Lord high Admirall of all those Islands and Plantations, in­habited, planted, or belonging to any of his Majesties the King of Eng­lands Subjects, within the bounds and upon the coasts of America; which said Ordinance for the Readers better satisfaction and full con­tent therein, I have thought fit heer to insert and interlace.

About the 8^th of November, 1643. came certain intelligence to Lon­don, by Letters out of the Western parts of the Kingdome, and also by the testimony of divers credible persons, that a certain considerable number of English-Irish Protestant Souldiers being transported out of Ireland to Bristoll, under the command of Sir Charles Vavasor, on pre­tence to fight in England for the King and Parliament, A considera­ble number of English-Irish Protestant Souldiers landed at Bri­stoll out of Ire­land, revolted from the King to the Parlia­ment. where being ar­rived, and thinking that Bristoll had been still in the Parliaments pos­session, but finding it otherwise on their arrivall, and that their com­manders would have enforced them to have taken an oath or Cove­nant to fight against the Parliament, they utterly refused it, declaring that they did not come from fighting against the bloudy Papists in Ire­land, with an intent to take part with the same and the other Papists in England; and thereupon, there being a great mutinie between the Souldiers and their Commanders, the Souldiers slue some of their [Page 62] Commanders in the place, enforced the rest of their Commanders to flie to Oxford for shelter:The English-Irish Souldi­ers fall foul on their Com­manders and Officers. After which they unanimously departed out of Bristoll toward Bathe, and from thence also putting themselves un­der the Command of one Apleton, a brave spirited man and valiant Souldier, they marched to Gloucester to the most renowned Colonell Massey to be disposed of by him in the Parliaments service; and before their departure from Bathe, They march away to Glou­cester, to serve under Colo­nell Massi [...]. divers of the gen [...]rie and well-affected in­habitants of that Countie (as was also credibly informed) being wea­ry of the Kings Cormorants tyranny, laid hold on the opportunitie and joyned themselves with those Souldiers, and put themselves into the same service with them.

And was not heer a most remarkable hand of Gods providence,A remarkable hand of Gods providence in this business. thus at the very first of these the enemies bloudy and base attempts in that most atrocious and scelerous Cessation of armes in Ireland, mani­festing thus, I say, in the very front of their devillish designe, the Lords high indignation against them, and undoubted purpose to blast and bring to nought the rest of this their most nefarious villanie, in his own due time, to their greater shame, sorrow, smart, and infamie? But to proceed.

About the 10^th of the foresaid November, came certain information by Letters and other very credible testimonies out of Shropshire, of a very notable and brave Defeat given to that irreligious (if not athe­isticall) and pragmaticall, but yet (blessed be the Lord) that unfor­tunate and unsuccessfull upstart Lord Capell, A most brave defeat given to the Lord Capell, by Che­shire & Shrop­shire forces. and his vulturous and ra­venous Harpies, by the most valiant forces of Cheshire and Shropshire, under the happie conduct of that most virtuous and victorious Com­mander Sir William Brereton, and his unanimous and magnanimous associates, therein, Sir Thomas Midleton, and most courageous Colo­nell Mitton, which was as followeth.

Sir Thomas Midleton having authoritie to raise forces for the de­fence of the King, Parliament, and Kingdome in N [...]rth Wales, as Co­lonell Mitton had in Shropshire, desired and deserved indeed (by the good service they had done in Staffordshire, The manner of the perfor­mance of the defeat. as they went) the assistance of Sir William Brereton, who commanded in chiefe in Cheshire, and is a Colonell in, and hath a tender care of, and interest in the affections of Staffordshire Souldiers. This noble Colonell willing to accommo­date those Worthies, drew part of his forces from Namptwich to safe­guard them into, and make provision for their safety in Shropshire; and thus marching together to Wem, a little Town, about six miles [Page 63] from Shrewsbery, the place of their torment, as Capell had made it, un­to honest men.

At Wem, I say, they began to fortifie, and this lusty Lord Capell per­ceiving by the help of his Councell of War,The Lord Ca­pell marches toward Nampt­wich. how prejudiciall this was like to prove to his designes; he heerupon led on his misled animals to Namptwich, hoping to get, abroad, what he prudently foresaw, he was like to loose neer home; but being come to Namptwich, he found that that Garrison gave him his hands and his belly full, ere Sir William Brereton, Sir Wil. Brere­ton followes Capell and makes him re­treat to Wem. who (most providently watching his motions) was on his march toward them, could come to their relief. Which also this nim­ble gallant perceiving, he quickly retreats toward Wem, and with his whole armie (consisting of about 4000 horse and foot) fell desperately upon that small strength which Colonell Midleton and Colonell Mitton had there; who contrary to his good Lordships expectation did most bravely maintain the fight, untill renowned, active and in­defatigable Sir William Brereton, The Lord Ca­pell soundly beaten at Wem. was come againe from Namptwich, to their rescue & assistance, who being now all together, did such exe­cution upon the enemie, that it, with the particular circumstances of Gods admirable providence therein,All this Rela­tion was writ­ten and atte­sted by a very pious Souldi­er of this acti­on. deserve to be perpetuated to all posteritie in those parts: The particulars whereof being so memora­ble, I have heer thought fit for the Readers better satisfaction and more full content, to set down as they came from singular good hands, which were as follow.

1. That whiles wee quartered at Drayton, as wee were on our March to assist Sir Thomas Midleton, Divers rare passages of Gods provi­dence & pre­servation of our forces in this defeat. and the rest; when there came with all possible speed upon us, no less (as was credibly reported) than a 1000 horse from Shrewshery, to have surprized us in our quarte [...]s; they were all repelled and beaten back again, by onely a partie of thirtie or fortie horse and Dragooneers, commanded by Captain Munck, there being divers of them slain, and the rest pursued by our horse many miles to­ward Shrewsbery; Thirty or for­ty of our horse and Dragoons chase and beat a thousand of their horse. at which time some of Major Bromhalls men were taken prisone [...]s, some slain and some wounded; and one Ge [...]rge Cook a very valiant man of Sir William Breretons own troop was slain, and one Peter Anlet, another of them taken prisoner, but afterward re­deemed.

2. That wee were not interrupted in our march to Wem all the next day, nor disquieted or disturbed there during six or seven dayes, untill wee had made some works of defence, which though they were then but sleight and weak, yet were of some encouragement and ad­vantage to our men.

[Page 64] 3. That when they had made mightie preparation to hinder us in our fortification at Wem, and that notwithstanding all the forces they could make, united into a bodie (which were said to consist of three or foure thousand, which quartered within three or foure miles of Wem) yet that they should and did receive interruption by two or three Companies of our Dragooneers, who were quartered at Lap­pington, a little village about two miles from Wem, who hearing of the enemies approach, betook themselves to the protection of the Church and Churchyard, which they did most valiantly maintain a long time, untill by the multitudes of the enemies encompassing them, they were enforced to betake themselves onely to the Church, where they behaved themselves so valiantly, as that their enemies could not take the Church, untill they fired the porch & roof of the Church, which were covered with shingles, by which meanes some of our men were almost suffocated and stifled, so as they were constrained to deliver up themselves prisoners, though wee speedily rescued many of them. Our Souldiers, then, wounded, were, Major Spotswood, and Captain Daughtie (since reported to be dead) and one other Captain wound­ed; and their Cannonier wounded or slain, and their whole armie was repulsed by less than 200 foot and 300 horse of ours, who ha­sted from Wem to the relief of our men in the Church, so soon as they heard the enemies Cannon play, and our horse pursued and routed them, so as they left one of their Cannons within our power, but by reason of the darknesse of the night wee knew not thereof, nor could we see to pursue them, the lanes being narrow and hedges thick. They took Major Bromhall prisoner, and we took Master Needham the Lord Vicount Kilmurreys sonne prisoner. If they had then come on to Wem they had found the Town very weak and naked, and much less able (in respect of the workes) to make resistance and defence, than when they did make their violent assault upon tuesday and wednesday 17. and 18. October.

4. That betwixt the first and second assault, (at which time, they were much more encouraged by the increase of their strength from Litchfield, Dudley, Worcester, and some from the Kings armie) and when their forces were all united, and in readinesse: The Lord in his wis­dome and goodness was pleased so to order as that there were many interruptions, and diversions, which occasioned their delay, as want of cariages, and steering their course toward us and assaulting Nampt­wich on purpose to withdraw the Cheshire forces out of Wem, during [Page 65] which intermission wee made good use of our time in Wem to perfect the workes.

5. That when they all came against Namptwich upon Munday October 16. they were so confident of surprizing the same (as that the Lord Capell) (as it is reported) returned backe all the Chester horse which were tendered unto him and coming to his assistance, returning this answer, That he had strength sufficient to take Namptwich, to which end he did speedily (and that before notice was given of his approach) seize upon and possesse himselfe of Acton Church, and Dart­ford house, and attempted to force their passage by the way of Beame-bridge, but by the valour of those few men who were left in the Town they were repulsed from passing the water, not without the losse of di­vers of their men: Foure whereof were found dead in the ditch, those that attempted to undermine the walls in the darknesse of the night were taken prisoners, and this night, and the next morning there were neer forty prisoners taken, besides many horses and armes, and many of their men run away: And upon the newes of our approach to their reliefe, they sent away their carriages, and marched after them with speed towards Wem. This was the fift time they did come before and attempt this poore Town of Namptwich, which the Lord hath mira­culously preserved and defended, and returned them alwayes backe with shame and dishonour.

6. That whilst the Cheshire Souldiers continued in Wem, (which were about 500 Musketteers, besides horse) the enemy did forbeare to make any attempt against the Town, but were repulsed and beaten off with great loss, by a far lesse number than the third part of those who were commanded out of the Town, and gone to relieve Nampt­wich, as though the Lord judged all too many, and preferred rather to deliver them by Gideons three hundred, to whom the whole glory of this deliverance, is to be attributed and ascribed.

7. The unparalleld magnanimity, resolution, and dexterity of those young Souldiers, who were not in any service (except some of them in that skirmish at Lappington) before they were ingaged in this siege at Wem, whose courageous spirits were so supported, and trans­ported beyond themselves, as did much admire and daunt the ene­mie, there being no such thing expressed as any desire or willingnesse to entertain or embrace the motion of a parley or treaty with the ene­my, seeming all to be as of one mind, resolved to fight and stand it out to the last man.

[Page 66] 8. The great slaughter and execution which was performed upon the enemy when they set upon Wem, there being six cart loads of dead men carried away at one time, (besides the wounded) and, as it is said, there were fifteen found buried in one grave, neer the Town-workes, and divers were seen dead, and stripped, lying upon the ground the next day. And that little execution which was done upon our men, whereof we lost not above three in the Town, Major Marrow, and one Souldier, and one boy, and we had very few others hurt.

9. The qualitie of the persons slain or wounded, even such as were most eminent or considerable. Col. Win certainly slain, his Major Vaughan wounded in the ribs; one of Winters Captain [...] shot in the back; Captain Davison taken prisoner, since dead; Captain Francis Manley shot in the leg; Captain Ellis of Oswestray wounded, some say slain. Captain Jones slain, as some say; Colonell Scriven slightly wounded; Sir Richard Willis, Major Trercon, and Major Braughton wounded, as some report, the certainty I cannot affirme; their Cannoneer shot in the leg; Captain Chapman taken prisoner, who was Captain Lievte­nant to Colonell Woodhouse, exchanged for Captain Zanchie; Captain Lievtenant Smith, a Papist, who was Captain Lievtenant to Sir Rich: Willis; Colonell Scrivens Captain Lievtenant taken prisoner; a Gen­tleman of good quality shot in the back at Leighi-bridge.

10. The various circumstances of admiration which happened du­ring the fight, wherein the Lords hand is much to be acknowledged.

First, One of their great Cannons or Morter-pieces (or both as it is reported) brake with the first shot, sure I am that part of the carria­ges of one or both of them was broken and left in the lane.

Secondly, The mighty execution which our Cannon did upon the enemies, whereas their Cannon and Morterpiece, though discharged, did no execution at all, having (as it should seem) no commission from heaven, to touch any of those that fought the Lords battail.

Thirdly, A Cannon discharged in the night by Col. Mittons or­der, intended to give Sir William Brereton and his Souldiers, who were marching, warning, that the Town was not taken, and onely levelled at one of the enemies fires, (as some report) dismounted one of the enemies Cannons, wounded their Cannoneer in the knee or leg.

Fourthly, A barrell of powder was blown up, which burned or wounded 15 of their men, whereof 12 dyed.

Fifthly, The confessions and acknowledgements which the Lord extorted out of the mouthes of some dying men, as it is reported of [Page 67] Colonell Winter, that he should reply to some (who were lamenting their misfortune to be repulsed by a few) that there were more with them in the Town than against them, for God was with them, and divers other expressions to the like purpose.

Sixthly, Others confidently report, that one of their Cannons ta­king fire twice or thrice, yet could they not procure the same to be dis­charged, wherewith they were much amazed, and did draw off their pieces and retreated.

All this, I thought fit, heer, thus particularly to relate, as a just and rare monument of Gods power and providence in thus taking the proud and self-conceited wickedly wise ones of this world, in their own accursed craftiness, and still (as hath been clearly seen and shewen all along in this narration) making good and ratifying to the full,Psal. 62. 9, 10. that of the holy Prophet David, an excellent place, appliable most fitly to the vain and prophane enemies of Gods truth in these our dayes; Surely, men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie; to be laid in the ballance they are altogether lighter than vanity. Trust not therefore in oppression, and become not vain in robberie. But to goe on.

About the 14^th of this instant November, The renow­ned Earl of Manchester spoiles Ne­wark of pro­vision. came credible informati­on by letters to London, from the most noble Earl of Manchesters for­ces in and about Linc [...]lnshire, that about 4000 of the said renowned Earles horse being then quartered about Newark, had d [...]iven away most of the cattle, b [...]asts, sheep and horses, from about all those parts unto Bost [...]n and Lincoln; thus to shorten and necessitate the garrison in Newark of provision.Bullingbrook-Castle taken by the Lord Willoughbie of Parrha [...] And that the Lord Willoughbie of Parrha [...] had taken Bullingbrook-castle from the Newcastellian Cormorants. As also that brave and most valiant Commander Sir Thomas Fairfax with about 12 troopes of horse, was now gone into the West-Riding of York-shire, where a partie of the never-sufficiently praised Manchesterians and o­ther loyall Lanca-shire forces appointed to meet him, for the farther advancement of some great designe in those parts, and for the further terrour of the Popish and atheisticall Newcastellian forces, whose for­merly reputed formidable and flourishing armie, was at that time (as was most credibly and frequently enformed) in a very tottering, torn, and declining condition;The declining condition of the Earl of Newcastles armie. for that upon the mustering thereof hee could hardly bring together 7 or 8000 horse and foot into a com­plete body: And therefore no wonder that he had sent so many Let­ters to Oxford (one whereof was for certain intercepted by the Parlia­ments [Page 68] forces) whereby he signified that unless his Majestie did move with his Armie very speedily that way, to his assistance, all the Nor­thern parts would be totally lost, especially also because he found the gentrie of Yorkshire much discontented and most unwilling to march out of their own County;The defection also of the Gentrie of Yorkshire from him. which indeed was a rare mercie also and a great overture of things there, by the good providence of our God thus ordering it. And for the farther confirmation heerof, about the 16^th of November, 1643. came certain intelligence to London by Letters out of the remoter Northern parts, that above an hundred Gentlemen and substantiall Freeholders, well mounted, were gone out of Nor­thumberland into Scotland, and had listed themselves under one Colo­nell Welden, a Northumberland Gentleman, to come in with the Scots, and that the generalitie of the people of those parts were even impati­ent till our brethren of Scotland were come in among them, their bur­thens having been so intolerable by reason of the Popish armie, and their so insolent carriages over them, that they now longed exceeding­ly to be eased thereof.A yet farther defection of other Nor­thern Coun­ties from the Kings partie. Yea and that divers other Gentlemen in other Northern Counties, had declared themselves (some privately and some publikely) that they would now no longer assist the King, especially in regard of that horrible and accursed Cessation which he had made with the most abomin [...]bly bloudy rogues and rebells of Ireland. The Gentlemen that then did lay down their armes in a publike manner, were (as was credibly enformed) Sir Edward Hussey, M^r Sutton, Sir Philip Therold, with divers others of like quality, as then (in discretion) forborn to be particularly named. And certainly that most intolera­ble and most wicked Cessation of armes in Ireland hath and will lose the King more,The Cessation of armes in Ireland a main cause of this foresaid de­fection. every way, than any other of his many most improvi­dent and unadvised rash and even irrationall actions (to say no more of them) that ever he did, not onely the moderate and meer Neutra­lity affected, but even some of the obstinate malignant partie, being now silenced, when the objection of this most scelerous Cessation is urged unto them. And indeed how can it otherwise be, especially con­sidering, that his Majestie himself, (who is in all their reputes and e­steem called and accounted a Protestant Prince) should by a late Decla­ration printed by his authoritie at Oxford; The Kings Declaration from Oxford, justifying that abominable I­rish Cessation. so palpably and plainly (un­der poor and ignoble Fig-leaf pretences and colourable causes, though mainly intended (as wee all too well see and know) to transport re­bells of Ireland to fight against his most honourable and innocent Par­liament and people) should, I say, maintain and justifie such a most [Page 69] grossly impious Cessation with such unparalleld Popish brutish rogues and rebells, as no English-hearted Protestant could have been induced to beleeve, had it not been so openly declared, printed and published abroad; a Cessation, I say, for a whole year (that is, for ever) and that, without first, requiring them (at least) to declare in writing under hands and seales, that they had extremely scandalized his Majestie (if, at least, he were clear and free from the fact) by their proclaming (as they did) in the Market-places in severall parts of Ireland, Mark this well ô English-Ma­lignāts, touch­ing this Irish Cessation. that they had his Majesties Commission, under the great Seal of England, yea and produced the said Commission, for the justification of that Epi­demicall murther, and Diabolicall Massacre, to be done by the Kings authoritie, as divers upon Oath have testified, as is exprest at large in the Irish-Remonstrance, and D^r Jones his booke, both published by authoritie of Parliament; or without requiring them to deliver up, so much onely, as two or three of their prime (nay not of any one infe­riour) bloudy Rebells to suffer most deserved death,Mark this al­so, and admire it. in a way of ju­stice; but, oh, horresco referens, to be satisfied with a most beggerly summe of about 30000^li in money (and this summe also, to be a fo­menting help to farther the most accursed designe of cutting more English throates also) as a sufficient expiation and satisfaction, for the most horrid slaughter and butchering of,Almost tw [...] hundred thou­sand Engl [...]sh Protestants butchered in that most bar­barous Irish-Massacre. at least, one hundred thousand (nay tis credibly assured, neer upon 200000) English Protestants in crimson-gorie Ireland, and all this in deliberate cold-bloud too; Nay more, not doing the poor surviving miserable English Protestants so much, or rather, so little pettie-justice, as to demand of those ro­guish-Rebells, the onely bare restitution of one acre of ground or a house or hovell to hide the head of any one so distressed and utterly spoyled surviving Protestant. Mark this al­so. Yea, and to strike and stab English Pro­testants, both in England and Ireland, yet more deeply to the heart, styling and calling those unparalleld bloudy rogues and most accursed Caniballs (pardon my zeal, good Reader, for I have with teares of hearty grief,And this too, and tremble at it. read over Irelands teares of bloud) calling them, I say, in the foresaid Declaration, His Majesties Romane Catholike Subjects; and contrariwise, Ʋs of England, most frequently and familiarly, no­thing but, Traitors and Rebells. Read and consider this, all Christian hearts, and then tell mee, whether that of the Prophet be not most properly appliable to the authors of all this,Isaiah 5. 20▪ whoever they be. Woe un­to them that call evill good, and good evill; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter. But to goe on.

[Page 70] And, heer, for the Readers better satisfaction (and, in aeternam rei ipsius infamiam) I have thought fit to give thee a full sight of the said odious Declaration, verbatim, as it was printed and published, with some clear demonstrative circumstances after it, to manifest the unde­niable truth of the thing. Which Commission followes in these words.

[Page 71] There is one thing which may stick as a doubt with some that reade this Commission, which is not cleared by that Gentleman, that hath observed well upon The Mysierie of Iniquitie: viz. That the Parlia­ment have possessed themselves of the whole strength of the said Kingdome in appointing Governours, Commanders and Officers in all parts and places therein: It may be objected, There was no such thing done when the Commission bore date. It is answered: The Parliament even at that time, and two moneths before, were a nominating fit persons to be presented to his Majestie, to be entrusted with the places of strength within the Kingdome.

But for further observations upon this Commission, and the pro­bability of the truth thereof (for works in tenebris must come to light by circumstances) be pleased to read the Booke, entituled, The Mystery of Iniquitie, where this Commission is at large set down, and you will finde Endymion Porter had the great Seal of Scotland in his custody when the Commission to begin the Rebellion in Ireland was sealed, as he had the great Seal of England in custody, when the Commission to make a Cessation with those bloudy Rebells (called by his Maje­stie Subjects) was sealed.

But see now (as was touched before) how the most wise God gra­ciously ordered the effects of all these most wicked plots to fall out exceeding contrary to the wicked hopes and aymes of the Jesuiticall incendiaries and Atheisticall projectors of them,The contrary effects of the Irish Cessation. turning their coun­sell into folly and blasting, these their high or rather hellish hopes, even at the first springing and sprouting of them into execution, wit­ness, I say, that forementioned example thereof in the Irish Souldiers transported out of Ireland to Bristoll; yea and that of one Arundell Master of Pendennis-Castle in the West, who (as it was credibly infor­med by Letters to London) discharged two pieces of Ordnance against two ships fraughted with Irish-Rebells, notwithstanding that they pro­duced the Kings Warrant for their landing there, and that he also sent a Poste to Oxford to know his Majesties pleasure, signifying, with­all, that if they landed, the Gentrie of all those parts would forsake the King: Witness also that remarkable piece of State-policie and providence, whereunto our most prudent Parliamentary Worthies were now at last inevitably necessitated to have recourse by this most odi­ous Cessation, and divers other such like destructive designes of the Oxonian adversaries of the Kingdome,A New-Broad S [...]l of Eng­land. I mean the establishment and setting on foot a New-broad Seal of England to be resident in the Parlia­ment; [Page 72] a piece of great and high concernment for the better advancing and forwarding of the future great and waightie affaires of the King­dome. A Copie of which Declaration and Ordinance of Parliament, I have heer thought fit, for the Readers better content and satisfaction, to insert, verbatim, as it was printed and published by order of Par­liament, Novemb. 11. 1643.

[Page 75] And for the more legall and authentick proceeding heerin; the Parliament swore a new Clerk of the Crown (M^r Willis the late Clerk of the Crown, and M^r Augar his deputy having absented themselves) who, as soon as he was sworn, (according to the Act for a trienniall Parlia­ment) did swear those Commissioners of the Great Seal; as that act doth direct every Lord Keeper or Commissioners of the Great Seal, to swear, when they enter upon the custody of the Seal. Thus prudently and providently was this business of so great weight and consequence car­ried. And now to proceed.

Although it pleased the Lord that that most noble and renowned Commander Sir William Waller, had not that success at Basing-House in Hampshire (by reason of the most impregnable strength of the bara­cadoes and fortifications in and about it) which was expected and bravely endeavoured; Yet about the midle of this November, wee had credible information by Letters from thence, that before Sir William had drawn his foot forces from before the said Basing-House, and vo­luntarily raised that Siege;Sir Wil. Waller apprehends the Lord Saul­ton, a Popish Scotish Lord, at Newbery, and 4000^li in money with him. Sir William having certain intelligence of the arrivall of the Lord Saulton, a Scotish Popish Lord, on Sussex coasts, who had been in France to promove the Popish designes in England, and was now landed, and making for Oxford, but was happily met with about Newbery by the troopes of horse sent out by Sir William, to way-lay him; where they apprehended him, and about ten or twelve horse with him, together with a summe of about 4000^li in money (as was most credibly enformed) with whom also were found Letters of great importance and concernment: who with his Letters was forthwith safely sent up to London to the Parliament, to be secured in safe custody by them.

About the 20^th of November, 1643. a Letter was sent to the honou­rable House of Commons in Parliament, and directed to the honoura­ble William Lenthall Esquire, Speaker of the said House, concerning a great fight at Mount Stamford neer Plimouth, at which fight though the said Fort was lost to the enemie;The brave fight at Stam­ford Mount neer Plimouth, and the excel­lent effect it produced. yet in regard of the brave de­fence of it, and the singular good event which (notwithstanding the loss thereof) it produced, I have heer most justly thought fit to in­sert the relation of it (as a rare Parliamentarie-Mercie) as it was sent in a Letter, I say, to the Speaker of the House of Commons in Parliament; together with the Copie of a Vow and Covenant, which the Deputie-Lievtenants, Commanders, Townsmen, and Souldiers took, to live and die in the defence of the Town of Plimouth, which were as followeth.

Much also about the foresaid time, viz. the 20^th of Novemb. 1643. came certain intelligence from Lancashire to London, by a Letter to the House of Commons, from Colonell Rigby, a most worthy Member of the same House; of a most rare and admirable, yea even miraculous Defeat, given by him the said brave Colonell to the Earl of Newcastles forces, neer Thurland-Castle, upon the edge of Lancashire. The exact Narration whereof being fully set forth by himself in his said Letter, I have heer thought good for the Readers better content and clearer satisfaction therein, to give thee it verbatim, as it was printed and published by authoritie of Parliament, which was as followeth.

About the 25^th also of this instant November, came certain informa­tion from famous Pool in Dorsetshire, of the brave atchievements and famous performances of those renowned active spirits in their most valourous taking of the Town of Warham in that Countie, which was also ratified by a letter to a worthy Member of the House of Commons in Parliament to this effect. The most loyall and resolute Comman­ders and Officers in this garrison of Pool, in prosecution of some for­mer fortunate adventures and most valourous resolutions, wherein God had extraordinarily prospered and preserved them, sent out a partie of about 200 Musketteers,Pools brave performances. under the Command of Captain Lay▪ a man of whose fidelity and valour the Parliament had had much experience, who disposing his men into such boates & lighters as be­longed to the Town, went by water to W [...]rham▪ a Town about seven miles distant from Pool, westward, drawing neer the Main-land, but navigable home to the very Town in such vessells as they made use of. The first opposition they met with was by certain Musketteers of the enemies,Captain Layes undaunted re­solution at the Town of War­ham. who played on them from a brest work, made on the passage, a mile before they came to the Town; where the said valiant Captain immediately commanded a partie ashore, which being perceived by the enemie, they instantly threw down their armes, ran away crying our, heeles, heeles for the Town▪ So that the Town having by this means an alarm,Warham pre­pares to en­counter the Poolians. were all in a readinesse to receive the Poolian [...], before they could possibly approach them, and had drawn severall ambuscadoes into the hedges to annoy them, which way soever they came, and withall making good the bridge-foot (as they conceived) which was the main hiding place to come into the body of the Town. But this courageous and resolute Captain being too wise for such untuter'd fresh-water Souldiers, before he came neer the Town, had landed an [Page 82] indifferent strong partie, which being divided into two parts were at one and the same time to enter the Town in two places at once, and the residue were to follow presently at the main landing place, all which was exactly observed according to command and direction; but by the way, the enemies ambuscadoes, still, at adventures playd upon our men, retreating amain into the Town, but did little hurt, for the night not being very light, and our men having command to keep their matches closs,The Poolians politick car­riage in ap­proaching the Town. and not to discharge till they came to the Townes end, where they might have some inducement to bestow a volley of shot to purpose; this was a notable meanes that the enemie knew not well how to shoot to annoy them. Our men, thus, courage­ously coming on, the enemie left all their defensive brest-works, and rallyed themselves into a body in the midst of the Town, and all with one voice crying out,Pool-men enter the Town of Warham. Now come on yee Roundheads, if yee dare; and our men came timely up together into the severall quarters of the Town; the enemie having no way to escape but by a gate behind them, which could not possibly be blockt up by our men; but ours being come up most bravely together, gave them a handsome volley of shot, at which the enemie unanimously without farther dispute betook them to their heeles,The enemies flie. Prisoners ta­ken. and throwing down their armes, fled away, and it being in the night season, many escaped out of that Postern-gate; but about 200 of them were taken prisoners, and much ammunition and armes, besides many fat beeves, sheep, and other provision, which was then provided for the next dayes Market,Prizes taken. with good store of other pillage, and the Souldiers, who before had resolved to be in no Drapers debt for new-cloathes, borrowed as much cloath as would serve their turn of other kinde neighbour-Cormorants, who at the first word gave them no de­niall therein, and thus by the time that they had made a diligent search through the whole Town for their enemies which were left behinde,The Poolians victorious and safe return. they got much other fraight for their vessells, and sent home also a good quantitie of hay and provender, with their other prizes, to welcome home brave Captain Sydenham with his horse, who was then likewise gone Eastward from Pool to Winborn to demand that Town also; but his main purpose was to keep the Warham alarm from them, at Winborn, and so to farther Captain Layes design, which as aforesaid he bravely effected and returned safely to Pool.

About the 28^th of this November also it pleased our good God so to order and dispose of things by the wisdome and providence of our ever to be honoured Worthies in Parliament, that the most noble and [Page 83] renowned pious and valiant Earl of Warwick was by an unanimous consent of both Houses voted to be Lord high Admirall of England, The Earl of Warwick made Lord high Ad­mirall of Eng­land. an honourable title fit to be invested on so honourable, trustie and noble a personage; and indeed I cannot exactly say, whether the title more honours him, or he the title; but, this I am sure of, the title is most like to be more honoured, and the Kingdome the better secured by him, whose actions are and ever have been most like himself, honou­rable, pious, and faithfull.

Much also about the aforesaid time came credible information by severall Letters to London out of Warwickshire, The brave ex­loits of the most valiant and faithfull Governour and garrison of Warwick Castle. that Serjeant Major Bridges, Governour of Warwick Castle, had sent our severall parties of horse from the Castle at severall times, which brought in from with­in two miles of Banburie out of the Lord Sayes grounds at lest a 1000 sheep, which the Banbury garrison had stoln from the poore inhabi­tants of the Countries and places adjacent; And also that they had surprized an hundred horse of the enemies, taken a Serjeant Major, and some other Officers, and to the great comfort and content of the Inhabitants of Gloucestershire, had lighted upon an high Sheriff, com­monly called the Task-Master Generall; who had layd many heavie impositions and taxes upon the Country-people of those parts, ma­king their lives grievous unto them. Also, that understanding that a company of ragged Welch-vermine were come into Worcestershire, and intended to nestle and fortifie themselves in Caughton-House, belong­ing to Sir Robert Throgmorton, a great Papist, the said brave Governour sent thither about 80 Musketteers, who speedily possessed themselves of the House, fortified it very strongly; and, since that, sent fifty horse thither, beside, to make the said House a more strong and complete garrison for part of his Souldiers, the better to free and secure those parts from the plunderings and rapines of the enemies forces. And, certainly, had all the Parliament Commanders been as faithfull, cou­rageous, and active, as this most valiant Commander was, and as the ever to be renowned Colonell Massie, governour of Gloucester, Colo­nell Wardlow, governour of Plimouth, and the governour of Pool, va­liantly to watch and lay hold on advantages, as these have done from time to time, the enemie had been in a lower estate and condition than now they are, and wee might have put a more speedie period to this warre: But wee must most wisely ascribe the event of all things to the all-disposing hand of our most wise God, who thus orders it, giving over some to cowardize, and others to treachery, that so he [Page 84] may the more wea [...] us from relying too much on the arme of flesh, and cause us to trust more unto, and to see far more in the Creator, than in any creature-props and [...].

About the 30^th also of this foresaid November, The valiant & brave per­formances of Sir Wil. Brere­ton & Sir Tho­mas Midleton. came certain infor­mation to London by Letters out of Cheshire, that Sir William Brereton, that most famous and successfull pious Patriot, and Sir Thomas Midle­ton, that most loyall and valiant Commander went on very success­fully in those parts, and that after they had taken Hol [...]-Castle, the draw-bridge over the river Dee, Harden-Castle, and the Town of Rex­ham, by which meanes they made stop of all provisions out of Wales going to the relief of Chester, Sir Thomas Midleton went out with a partie into Flintshire, and that the Town and Castle of Flint presently were surrendred unto him; and after that, that the Town and Fort of Mostin and foure pieces of Ordnance in it were also surrendred to him; whereby they garrison'd their men in all the Townes about Chester, the Country coming in unto them, as also many Gentlemen of note and qualitie, and that with very much freeness.

About the foresaid time also our most renowned Parliamentary Sta­tists passed an Ordinance of Parliament for the better encouraging of all Merchants,An Ordināce of Parliament granting Let­ters of Mart, to Merchants and Seamen, against the e­nemies of the Parliament. Masters of Ships, Mariners and others, (to be appro­ved of and appointed thereunto, by the most noble Earl of Warwick, Lord high Admirall of England) that should set forth any ships or pinnaces to Sea, wa [...]likely appointed, equipped and manned, at their own proper cost and charges, that in recompence of the same and their adventures therein, they should have and enjoy to their own proper uses, all such ships, ammunition, goods, moneys, and Merchan­diazes which they took or surprized by sea or by land; intended or de­signed against the Parliament and their adherents in this Kingdome, or for the relief of the rebells in the Kingdome of Ireland, or that had carried, or whom they should take carrying any supplies to the intents aforesaid: And also that so much money should be paid to them or their assignes, by the Treasurer of the Navie, for the time being, as should enable them respectively to victuall their ships and pinnaces for so many moneths as they shall employ them at Sea in this service, accounting twenty [...]lings to each man for moneths victualls, and not exceeding forty [...] to every hundred tu [...]s burthen of their re­spective [...] every voyage. Thus wee [...] and mercy of our good God to counsell [...] our most honoured Worthies to [...] [Page 85] fare of the Kingdome both by sea and by land, ever magnified and praised be his holy and great Name for it.

And thus having,The Arks safe arrivall at the end of this Monethly voyage. by Gods providence and gracious assistance, car­ried on the historicall Narration of Gods Ark, even the holy Cause of our pious Parliament, in all this Moneths victorious Voyage, and ha­ving now thus happily arrived to the end thereof: I shall heer now desire the godly Reader to give me leave, a little while to cast anchor and to make a short stay of recapitulation of, and profitable rumina­tion on,The holy-Merchant-like improve­ment of this Moneths voy­age to Gods glorie. the rare and rich mercies of this Moneths voyage, thereby to see what holy merchantlike improvement wee can make of this our voyage for the honour of our good God, in briefly observing and ad­miring the menacing molestations and shrewd brushes and disturban­ces which the advers waves and boysterous billowes, rocks and sands of most wicked and ungodly proud & presumptuous enemies of this Ark, labouring to overtop or overturn it: yet now, by the Lords al­mightie and irresistible power and sweet protection,A Summarie recitall of all the rare and rich mercies of this Moneths voyage. all those proud waves were broken, the rocks removed and the devouring sands secure­ly evaded.

Both in the good hand of God, first, Uniting and associating the Counties of Hampshire, Sussex, Surrey and Kent, and ordaining re­nowned Sir William Waller, 1. Commander in chief over them.

Secondly,2. In the Parliaments pious care and providence for the welfare of forein-English Plantations.

Thirdly,3. In causing a considerable number of English-Irish-Prote­stant Souldiers (transported out of Ireland, and landed at Bristoll, to fight against the Parliament) to revolt from the Kings designes by them, and really and readily to turn to the Parliaments-side against the Parliaments enemies.

Fourthly,4. In that brave defeat given by the Parliaments forces in Shropshire and Cheshire, to that proud and unsuccessfull upstart Lord Capell.

Fifthly,5. In the most successfull, pious and renowned Earl of Man­chesters spoyling and bereaving of that pernicious Town of Newark, of their provision; the taking of Bullingbrook-Castle; the declining and perishing condition of proud and Popish Newcastles armie; and the notable defection of the Gentrie of [...]orkshire, and other Northern-Counties from the Kings partie.

Sixthly,6. In the admirable contrary effects which the wisdome of the Lord our God caused the accursed Cessation of armes in Ireland to [Page 86] bring forth, which mainly appeared in the Parliaments perfecting and producing their former long intended new Broad-Seal of England, and the hopefully happie effects thereof.

Seventhly,7. In renowned Sir William Wallers brave prize taken a­bout Newbery; The most excellent effects, which the loss of Stamford-Mount at Plymouth produced; And renowned Colonell Rigbies fa­mous victorie at Thurland.

Eighthly,8. The brave atchievements and victorious performances of the little Town, yet greatly renowned Garrison at Pool in Dorset­shire.

Ninthly,9. The happie re-establishment of the renowned Earl of Warwick in the place of Lord high Admirall of England, for the singu­lar securitie and safety of the Kingdome, as well by sea as by land.

Tenthly,10. The brave exploits of the valiant Governour and Garri­son of Warwick Castle.

Eleventhly,11. The most successfull proceedings and brave atchieve­ments of those two renowned Colonells and Commanders Sir Willi­am Brereton and Sir Thomas Midleton.

Twelfthly,12. and lastly, the most prudent and provident Ordinance of Parliament, granting out Letters of Mart by Sea, for the better hin­drance of the accursed designes of our Oxonian adversaries in the re­bellious and most bloudy Kingdome of Ireland.

And now tell mee, good Reader, dost thou not see plainly, by all these premised passages, and apparent prints of Gods providence, The Lord sitting as a most prudent and propitious Pilot at the Stern of his Ark,Gods little flock preser­ved thus in his Ark, gives all the honour to God alone. and graciously and gloriously carrying it on safely and securely through the midst of all these molesting and raging waves of wicked men, and all their most desperate and devillish designes against it; whereby wee may and must, most justly, and ingenuously acknowledge with the sweet Psalmograph, the holy Prophet David; Thou, O Lord, art our safe and secure hiding-place; Thou alone dost preserve us from troubles; Thou dost encompasse us with songs of deliverance. But to proceed.

The first thing wherewith I shall begin this Moneth of December, December. 1643. shall be that happie and blessed business to this Kingdome, of fully confirming and setting on foot the new Great Seal of England. But be­fore I come to the present relation of what was more fully setled and confirmed therein; Give me leave, good Reader, to acquaint thee with what formerly past about it in Parliament, A New Great Seal of Eng­land. namely, That about the midst of October last, when as the Commons debating on the speedie [Page 87] putting it in execution, they considered a collection of certain Acts, then read, setting forth the power and use of the great Seal of Eng­land, and reviewed their former votes touching the absence of the o­ther great Seal at Oxford; the substance of which former votes ha­ving relation to what was then farther agreed upon, I have thought fit heer to insert.

And they then proceeded to some farther votes touching the same, which were to this effect.

By which Vote those late thundring Proclamations against the Par­liament and well-affected Subjects of the Kingdome, and the many new honours conferred on, &c. and many others at Oxford for their good service in withholding his Majestie from his Parliament, and fo­stering this unnaturall rebellion against the Parliament & Kingdome, thereby occasioning the death of many thousands of his Majesties, good and loyall subjects; will fall flat to the ground.

All which was accordingly ratified not long after, as was manife­sted in the Ordinance of Parliament for the great Seal forementioned. After which long and serious agitation, consultation, and debates in [Page 86] [...] [Page 87] [...] [Page 88] both Houses of Parliament, The New Great Seal of England con­firmed. & a Declaration from both Houses now fully resolved on, and the Lord Ruthen, Earl of Kent, being with full ap­probation of both Houses chosen and made a Commissioner thereof, in stead of the Earl of Rutland (first chosen) who upon some scruples of conscience objected by him, was acquitted of that service, and the Or­dinance of Parliament accordingly altered: The new great Seal was now, I say, delivered to the Commissioners of both Houses of Parliament for the putting thereof into due execution, viz. To the Earl of Kent, and the Earl of Bullingbrook, The names of the Commis­sioners. for the House of Peers; M^r Saint John, Sollicitor Generall, M^r Serjeant Wilde, M^r Prideaux, and M^r Brown, for the House of Commons. The solemn and exact manner of delivering whereof to the honourable personages aforesaid, I have also thought fit heer to insert, for the Readers better conte [...] and delight heerin, as I have re­ceived it from good hands, which was thus.

The great Seal was carryed up by the Speaker of the House of Com­mons, The manner of the Solem­nity of the de­livery of the New great Seal of E [...]g­land to the Commissio­ners. accompanied with that whole House to the House of Peers, who delivered it to the Speaker of that House, and made a short speech at the delivery of it, desiring the said Seal might be delivered to the Com­missioners, and the Oath for the due execution of their places therea­bout be tendered to them in a full Parliament, before both Houses, which was done accordingly; The Speaker of the House of Peeres, viz. The Lord Gray of Wark, swearing the two Lords, and the Clerk of that House, John Brown, Esquire, swearing the other foure Commissioners; which done, the Seal was delivered to them, and they presently car­ried it to Master Brownes office, and put it into an iron-chest, with three different locks, as was formerly appointed, and the said Com­missioners shortly after appointed a Sealing-day to put the said Seal in execution, according to the Ordinance of Parliament, without any far­ther let or obstacle; the happie and blessed effects whereof, wee shall in their due time, by Gods good providence and gracious assistance, see and give the Reader occasion to understand of in their convenient and proper places.

Upon the 30^th of November last, our most honourable Commons in Parliament passed an Order which was printed & published the second of this instant December, The Solemn-League or Co­venant to be farther pres­sed where not yet taken. That the Ministers of the severall parishes within the bills of Mortalitie, should on that next ensuing Lords-day, in the afternoon, tender the Solemn-League and Covenant in the seve­rall Churches and Chappells within the bills of Mortalitie to such as had not then taken it, with other very materiall Clauses therein con­tained, [Page 89] which for the Readers better satisfaction and content there­in, I have thought fit heer to insert, as it was printed and published, which was as followeth.

And now that wee are again fallen most fitly on this sacred subject of the holy-League and Covenant, although I have spoken somewhat of it in the close of my Second Part of our Parliamentarie Chronicle, touching the taking thereof, first by the Commons in Parliament, and are now in order of the progress thereof fallen again (I say) upon it, as it was enjoyned to all sorts in the Citie of London: yet, give mee leave now, good Reader, heer also, to acquaint thee, briefly, how it past and was taken in the House of Peeres in Parliament, which comes now to be handled in the next place, for the present.

[Page 90] On October, The House of Peers take the solemn League and Covenant. the 15^th, being the Lords day, the House of Peeres, accord­ing to a former appointment, in a very full appearance (contrary to the calumnious and slanderous report of that Oxonian-Minter of un­truths, Aulicus, the Kings lyer in chief, as acute Britanicus [...]tly styles him) took the Solemn-League and Covenant, in Westminster-Abbey, after the morning Sermon, which was preached by D^r Temple, a reverend and able Divine, and a member of the Assembly, his text being out of Nehe­miah, 10. 29. The Sermon being ended, the Lords assembled themselves together, and each of them, with much alacritie and chearfulness sub­scribed unto the said Covenant, in order as they are heer mentioned, viz. The Earles & Lords that took the Co­venant at westminster. The Earles; 1. Pembrook; 2. Essex; 3. Warwick; 4. Suffolk; 5. Salis­bury; 6. Denbigh; 7. Bullingbrook; 8. Stamford. The Lords; 9. Say and Seal; 10. Howard; 11. Gray of Wark; 12. Wharton; 13. Rochford. Be­sides, severall other Lords who were not then present, but had former­ly declared themselves for the Covenant, viz. The Earles of Northum­berland, Lincoln, Nottingham, Rutland, Mulgrave, and the Lord Dacres; Also, the Earle of Manchester, the Lord Fairfax, Lord Willoughby of Parrham, Lord Roberts, and Lord Gray of Groobey, who were forth in the Parliaments service. Certainly, the entring of so many honoura­ble Peeres of this Realme into so solemn a League and Covenant, for reformation & extirpation of Poperie and her sister Prelacie out of this Kingdome, must needs much amaze and amuse not onely our London Malignants, but also all the Court Parasites and Papisticall and Prelati­call Machivilians at Oxford, who, no question, gnasht their teeth, and did even gnaw their tongues with malice and envie, when they heard of such a generall and unanimous taking of this Covenant, both by the Nobility, and by the Communaltie of the Kingdome.

In the same Moneth also of October, 1643. on severall dayes appoin­ted thereunto,Commanders in Armes, Knights and Gentlemen also take this Covenant. there were great confi [...]ences of Martiall Commanders, Knights and Gentlemen of qualitie, who most cheerfully and freely took this Covenant, as others had done, reverend and learned M^r Caryll of Lincolnes-Inne preaching one day at S^t Marga [...]ets-Church in West­minster unto them; and likewise other grave and godly Divines to o­thers of them, on other dayes appointed thereunto. And when the whole Citie of London, The Covenant sealed in the City of Lon­don, with the Loan of an 100000 [...] & all within the bills of Mortalitie took this holy Covenant, according to the Ordinance of Parliament, in October last (as hath been forementioned in that moneth) they were so forward and cheerfull therein, that upon a motion thereunto made, they sealed the Covenant with the loan of an 100000 [...] to the Parliament for the [Page 91] helping forward of our faithfull, loyall and loving brethren of Scot­lands advance to help the Lord and us against the mightie and mis­chievous enemies of this Kingdome, and our most precious Religion, Lawes and Liberties.The main end of this holy League and Covenant. Their main, if not onely ayme therein being the honour of God, and settlement of Religion, sound doctrine and discipline in the Church of God, the redemption of our King from Cavalerian and Popish thraldome, and therein his best good and investure into all his most just rights and Prerogatives, and the vindication of our Lawes and Priviledges, our just inheritance, which with honest Naboth, wee would not, wee might not sell away, especially for Popish and tyranni­call slavery, on any conditions: yet see (notwithstanding the pious Parliaments, Peeres and Peoples honest aymes, loyaltie & integritie heer­in, as aforesaid) how those venomous Spiders of Oxford suckt poyson out of those fragrant flowers and Herb of grace,Oxford Spi­ders suck poy­son out of the herb Grace. most Satanically slan­dring & abusing this holy Covenant, & the honest Covenanters; Which was most evidently seen in a most impious and audacious paper, under the title of a Proclamation against the Covenant, which those vipers at Oxford most villanously and trayterously using and abusing the Kings name therein, set forth and published to open view; which said Pro­clamation coming to my hands, I have thought fit heer to insert, that the world may see how atheistically bold they are to abuse all sacred and most holy things at their own impious and Plutonicall pleasure, which was as followeth.

Thus you see how these accursed and most corrupt Counsellers at Oxford do most basely abuse the Kings name to countenance their wic­ked wayes, and most destructive designes against God and goodnesse; most blasphemously calling & counting that most holy and religious Covenant and League of loyaltie to God and the King, a Combination of treacherie and perfidious rebellion. But, yet, notwithstanding this and all the rest of their Muehivillian plots and practises,GODS Ark carried on prosperously notwithstand­ing all advers blustring blasts against it. thus, to sink, over­top and over-turn Gods sacred Ark, his glorious Cause, and work of Re­formation; Our most wise and good God most powerfully and pru­dently breathed on this his holy Ark, most blessed & prosperous gales, carried on the work most successfully, and notwithstanding, I say, all the adverse brushes and blustrings against it, this blessed Covenant was, since that, freely and cheerfully taken, both by the rest of the Lords and Commons in Parliament, who had not formerly been present at the first taking of it; and by the Judges, Lawyers, Clerkes, and Gentlemen of all sorts and ranks whatsoever, Ministers and people, in Citie and Coun­try; yea and divers both Earles, Many deser­ted Oxford & took the Co­venant. Lords, Knights, Gentlemen, and Officers in armes, Souldiers and others, who have, since, deserted the Kings par­tie and left Oxford, that sink of muddie slime, and cage of unclean birds, have heartily (as wee hope) and freely taken this Covenant, and entred with the rest of Gods people into this holy League, to live & die in this our most blessed and glorious Cause. But now to proceed:

About the 6^th of this instant December, came credible intelligence by Letters to London, from out of Gloucestershire, that whereas the enemies resolutions were grown very high and lofty to garrison and entrench themselves round about the Citie of Gloucester; yet, that they have been bravely lopt and cut down,The brave exploits of re­nowned Colo­nell Massie at Gloucester. by the vigilancie, valour and prudent cir­cumspection of that most famous & ever to be renowned Commander Colonell Massey. As first, Colonell Vavasor being appointed Governour of Tewksbery, issued out his Warrants in that name, to the adjacent [Page 93] parts, commanding in provisions and pioners for the strengthning of his garrison and establishment of his government there: But by two troops of horse sent out of Gloucester, he was so disanimated & frighted that his government soone dissolved,Colonell Va­vasor beaten from Tewks­bery. and Tewksbery was quite quitted by them, and he thus freed of so troublesome a neighbour as he in­tended to have been.

After this, Colonell Sir John Winter, the Court-Papist, and one of the Queens white-boyes, entred upon the government of Newnham with such forces as the Lord Herbert could afford him, horse and foot; but by a partie sent out by this active and resolute Colonell Massie, after some of Winters forces had got a good purchase of stoln Cattle in­to their filching fingers, and were entred their garrison at Newnham ere Colonell Masseys troops could reach them, after a complement of thanks given to one Major Adams, a grand sheep-stealer in those parts for his extraordinary care in that piece of the every which he had new brought in unto them;Sir John Win­ter frighted from Newn­ham. but, I say, ere the said complement was fully ended, the Gloucester troops most resolutely arrived at this Towns end, which being so sodain, changed the close of the foresaid complement into a fearfull alarm & cry, Wee are all lost, wee are all lost. So that with the loss of two of their colours, and 7 or 8 men slain, they quitted that government, also. Besides, after this, the enemie took courage on the o­ther side of Gloucester, to erect new governments at Tedbury & Wotton; which caused that valiant and vigilant Governour Colonell Massey to march that way also, with what forces he could possibly make against them; but two troops of his horse which were seen before, by the ene­mie, were so formidable and terrible to them at Tedbury, that with the loss of some 14. or 15. of their Souldiers slain and taken prisoners, the whole regiment, government and governours, with Horatio Carey, fled thence and were dissipated, scard & scattered, with such a panick feare and trembling, as hardly to return again in haste to that government. Upon this good success, this most worthy and unwearied Col. Massey took the opportunitie to march to another Garrison at Wotton, Wotton garri­son also dis­solved & dis­comfited by Col. Massey. where the enemy (being, and that with good reason, jealous of him) expected his coming upon them also, who accordingly hearing of his coming upon them indeed, drew themselves into a body upon a hill to face our brave Colonell, but on his neerer approach they retreated hastily to their Garrison, at night, where, somewhat late, Col. Massey valiantly coming on & setting on them, found the enemy all mounted, yet gave the word & so fell on them, and put them all to flight toward [Page 94] Bristoll, with great terrour, of whom he took onely 11 or 12 prisoners, [...]lew some 5 or 6, but all the Officers, being well mounted, and by rea­son of the extraordinary darkness, it being also a very rainy night, made their escape, and left that government also for Col. Massey to quarter in, that night. After all this the gallant Colonell marched back to Gloucester, contrary to the hopes of Sir John Winter, aforesaid, and the rest of that [...]action in the Citie of Gloucester, A plot against the Citie of Gloucester, prevented. who had secretly and treacherously sent to all quarters of the Forrest, Monmouth and Here­fordshire to march presently to Gloucester, on hope, by the assistance of a fly partie (aforesaid) in the Town, now in the Governours absence, to have surprized the City, as by the sequell may easily appeare. For, that very night, the Governour had intelligence that the enemy in the Forrest was advanced three miles toward Gloucester, and upon their march thither, (he then not thinking on or hearing of any such pur­posed plot by the enemy) who thereupon,The manner of discovering the plot. who thereupon, commanded a Captain at one of the clock at night to draw 50 or 60 Musketteers from off the guards, and to advance that way, some three miles off to make good a House upon the passage to the Citie; but ere the said Captain came to M^r Cooks House at Heighham, he encountred the enemy both foot and horse drawn up in a broad lane, upon whom he commanded fire to be given, and sodainly slew one of the enemies Captains, and 3 or 4 Souldiers more,Sir John Win­ters plot de­feated. at the very first charge: But the enemy so sodainly and unexpectedly meeting with this partie, sent out, as aforesaid, by this prudent & provident Governour, sodainly retreated to Huntley, where Sir John Winter, in person, much amazed at that change, with all speed also marched away, in such a confused manner, at the approach of a­bout 14 or 15 of the Governours horse, that they fell in among them also, slew 7 or 8 of them, & carried 9 or 10 of them prisoners to Glou­cester, and so that plot, was by Gods mercy, thus, happily prevented, and the enemie discomfited.

About the 10^th of this instant December, came credible information by Letters and other intelligence from Plymouth to London, A brave defeat given to the Lord Digbie at Ply [...]uth. that upon that Lords-day was a seven-night before, about 2 or 3 of the clock in the morning, the enemie (under the command of the Devill and Lord Digbie, then chief Commander there) gave an assault on the Town, and set upon the weakest Forts thereof, and at last took, by force, the Fort called the Lorde-fort, The Town forced to a retreat. and forced the Town and Souldiers to a retreat. But upon this alarm, the whole Town was readie standing on their guard, and by break of day made a [...]ally out with very great courage a­gainst [Page 95] the enemy, being 2000 foot and 800 horse, with undaunted spirits and resolution, either to recover their [...]o [...]s or lose their lives; and so fell most furiously upon them,The enemie put to a re­treat. but the enemie unwilling to en­dure such a fierce & sodain shock, quickly retreated, and our men soon regained their work and Ordnance, and upon the enemies disorderly retreat, our horse came on very valiantly, seconded and maintained by the Musketteers, and so most bravely routed the enemie; so that some fled into the water,The enmie soundly bea­ten. and mud, and myre, and whatsoever way seemed best to make an escape and save their lives; of whom 25 were found dead on the place,The slain and prisoners ta­ken. 40 prisoners taken & 80 horse, besides many armes and severall barrells of powder and other prizes. God, undoubtedly fought for them, for the enemie was, at least, six for one of ours, the most brave and valiant Governours horse was twice shot under him, yet he most undauntedly came safely off by Gods good providence, and returned home most victoriously, for this time, secure from the danger of the enemie, praised be the Lord for it.

Much also about the same time came certain intelligence by Letters from Northampton, A brave de­feat given to the enemie at Dunscot neer Tociter, by the Nor­thampton for­ces. that a partie of horse issued out of the garrison at Northampton, in the night time, to fall upon the enemies quarters, at a place called Dunscot, a mile and half from Tociter, whither being come, they valiantly fell upon their grand-quarter, killed 15 or 16 on the place, took 17 prisoners, and wounded divers, took 35 horse, & gave them alarms in most of their quarters round about, and so retreated without the [...]o [...]s of one man. And this defeat so aff [...]ighted the enemie, that when ours [...]ent out a partie of but 10 or 12 horse, they would make them all quit a Town where they quartered, yea though fire were but given on the Sentimells, in so much that they were constrained to remove their quarters more toward Banburie; Such a spirit of fear and terrour possest them upon this onely defeat.

About the 14^th of this instant came also most certain information to London, The most fa­mous defeat given to the L. Craford at Al­ton is Surrey. by Letters and other infallible testimony, of the great and fa­mous victory (through Gods good providence) obtained by the Par­liaments forces under the command of renowned Sir Wil Waller against the Kings [...] under the command of the Lord Graford at Al­ton in Surrey, which being in speciall, related by a Messenger; sent by Sir Will. Wa [...]er himself to the Parliaments Committee for the safety of both Kingdomes, and to divers of the House of Commons, and by them ordered to be printed & published, I have been thought fit to give the Reader the relation thereof, from the said Copie, together with some [Page 96] small additions of another authentick relation thereof, which came to my hands, which was as followeth.

After this,Above 500 of the prisoners take the Cove­nant, and ser­ved under Sir William Waller. we were credibly enformed that above 500 of these pri­soners which Sir William took at Alton, took the Covenant, and served under Sir William Waller, and about 500 more refused it, and those prisoners (being most of them Irish) were afterward sent up to London, with the Citie forces, who safely and triumphantly conducted them thither. One passage, heerin, I may not omit, viz. That a little before this designe and fight, the Lord Craford had begged the favour of our most worthy Major Generall, Sir Wil. Waller sends the Lord Craford a hogs. head of Sac [...]. to let him have a Hogshead of Sack, which noble Sir William with a loving complement sent accordingly unto him, which the Lord Craford caused to be carefully kept for his own drinking; but by reason of this sodain and unexpected company coming thus to visit him, he was struck with such a panick fear that he left the wine behinde him without any complement, to be again at Sir Williams disposall; but after the fight and his flight to Winchester, their head quarter, he sent a Letter to Sir William Waller, to this effect.

And soon after the said fight, Sir Ralph Hopton also writ a Letter to Sir William Waller from his Quarters at Winchester, which was to this purpose.

And one thing more (as a very observable passage of Gods provi­dence heerin) I cannot omit, namely, That the knowledge of this victo­ry (as wee were credibly enformed) came to Oxford, A remarka­ble passage of Gods provi­dence. just upon the very same day on which they were making Bonfires at Oxford for joy of the death of that ever most worthily honoured and most pious and pru­dent Patriot, one of the most famous & never to be forgotten Atlasses of this Church and State, M^r John Pi [...]s departure out of this life. I mean, learned and religious M^r John Pim; which relation of their loss at Alton could not but be as it were a strong showre of rain to quench the prophane flames of their wicked fiery jollity at our loss of so precious and choice an instrument of so much good as God had made him to the Cause and Kingdome. But now to proceed.

About the middle of this instant December, A plot to con­vey away the young Duke of Gloucester and the Ladie Princess Eli­zabeth to Ox­ford, discove­red and pre­vented. the Duke of Gloucester and the Ladie Princess Elizabeth, the two pledges of the Crown of England Scotland & Ireland, royally kept and maintained by the Parliament at S^t Jameses, were by a private Oxonian plot designed, with the close help of some malignant and dis-affected persons about them, to be convey­ed away to Oxford, but Letters being intercepted, they were presently the better secured, and all ill-disposed servants about them ordered to be removed, and good Ministers placed in the roomes of bad ones, and to preach monethly by turnes at S^t Jameses, reverend and godly M^r Stephen Marshall and M^r Obadiah Sedgewick being appointed two of them for this service.

And about Decemb. 20^th, 1643. the trained bands which had been sent out of London and Westminster to Sir William Wallers army,The trium­phant return of the trained Bands of Lon­don and West­minster, with their priso­ners. viz. the Red-Regiment, under the command of Colonell Sir James Harrington of Westminster; The Green Regiment of Auxiliaries, under the command of Colonell Whitchcot; and the Yellow Regiment of Auxiliaries; all which had been upon divers hazardous & desperate services and adventures since their going forth, and especially at the siege of Basing-House, and this last brave defeat at Alton, now returned home (by the good hand [Page 100] of God, to whom be all the honour and praise thereof) victoriously to London with about 400 prisoners, which they & others of Sir Wil­liam Wallers forces had taken at Alton, the Wednesday before, as hath been already declared;The prisoners they brought. namely, 37 Commanders and Officers, and 330 common Souldiers, together with divers servants and attendants belonging to some of the chief Commanders. And as thus they came triumphantly home,The brave company that went out of the Citie to meet them. they were met by the most worthy Lievtenant of the Tower of London, Alderman Pennington, by Colonell Manwaring, & Colonell Zacharie, together with a brave company of the Hamletts be­longing to the Tower, and the Citie Marshalls, and divers other most gallant Citizens who accompanied them into the Citie, that after­noone; As for their prisoners they were safely guarded through Lon­don to the Royall-Exchange, and from thence conveyed and dispersed by direction of the Committee of the Citie for the Militia into severall places of Strength in & about London, viz. Leaden-hall, Bridewell, New­gate, Eli-house, London-house, and divers other prisons, where they were safely kept in durance, till they could be disposed of by way of Ex­change or otherwise.

Much also about this time,An excellent Ordinance of Parliament for the conserva­tion of the good govern­ment of the Citie of Lon­don. both Houses of Parliament taking into con­sideration, that the well-government of the City of London did chiefly depend on the faithfulness & integrity of their Common-Councell-men, and such like Officers of the Citie, they passed an Ordinance for the dis­abling of all those to be Common-Councell-men, or to bear any other of­fice of Church-warden, Constable, &c. who shall or doe refuse to take the solemn-League or Covenant, appointed to be taken throughout all the three Kingdomes; and the like course to be observed concerning those whose estates are sequestred for their delinquencie & malignan­cie against the Parliament, who were also to be debarred from bearing any Office, or having any vote in any such offices or places, as afore­said. A singular good course indeed for the happie conservation of the peace and welfare of the well-affected partie in the Citie, and the bet­ter putting in due execution of the Orders and Constitutions of the Par­liament and Citie, as occasions are offered.

About the 20^th of this instant came certain newes by Letters to Lon­don, that valiant Colonell Sydenham, The brave ex­ploits of vali­ant Colonell Sydenham, of Pool. having taken Warham in Dorset­shire, as hath been forementioned, and fortified it; He went with about an hundreth men to Dorchester, where he apprehended Capt. William Churchhill, Deputie-Governour of that Town, & his Lievtenant Paty, both which had been very active against the Parliament, and had com­pelled [Page 101] that Town and County to yeeld obedience to the Kings Cormo­rants. And there this brave Commander Col. Sydenham brake open the prison and freed such honest men out of it as had been committed by those cruell Cormorants, for refusing their illegall commands, and took them with him for their further safety. There also he met with a Cart laden with Muskets and gunpowder, which came from Weymouth and was bound for Bristoll, the gunpowder he threw into the river, brake 200 Muskets, and carried away 80 of them, his men not being able to carry any more. He also borrowed there of one M^r Cokar, a malignant Goldsmith, such plate as he had; and all this he did in an houre & half, and returned safe to his garrison at Warham. And a little before this action, he went into the Isle of Purbeck, and carried away from thence 323 cattle of all sorts. This is that valiant and faithfull Gentleman, that saved the Town of Pool from the Earle of Crafords intended trea­cherie against it.

Much also about the foresaid time came credible intelligence by let­ters to London from Canterbury in Kent, that about the 13^th or 14^th of Decemb. the Ordinance of Parliament for demolishing idolatrous and su­perstitious images, pictures and monuments, was there put in executi­on: And the first place which was set upon in Canterbury-Minster was the famous window in that Cathedrall, The notable reformation at Canterbury in the Cathe­drall, in Kent. Austine first Bishop of Can­terbury. wherein (among many other Popish pictures) was Austine the Monks picture, who first brought Po­porie (not true Christianity, as they vapour and brag) from Rome into England; and this Austine, forsooth, was the first Bishop of Canterbury, & therefore was very fitly first puld down: Next, they went to the Quire­door, over which were placed 13 images or statues of stone, 12 of them personating the 12 Apostles,Christ and the 12 Apostles. Twelve more Popish Saints. and the 13^th, in the middle of them, our Saviour Christ, these were all hewn-down, and 12 more images of Popish Saints over them, which were also headlong thrown down, and like so many Dagons had their necks broke in the fall, yea and hands and bo­dies too. Many other they also brake down in this Cathedrall, and ma­ny Crucifixes,Picture of God the Fa­ther and the Holy-Ghost. Pretty sport with a Pre­bendaries wife of Canterbury. yea & blasphemous pictures of God the Father, and the holy Ghost, being there found were zealously confounded and turned (as they deserved) into base rubbish. And as the work went on, the wife of one D^r Blessenden, a Prebend of that Church, came in very devoutly, and cryed out, Oh hold your hands, I pray, what hurt do these images? spoyl not such a fair and beautifull Church; and when shee saw a man strike at the image of Christ lying in a manger, shee screekt out (as was credi­bly enformed) to her Popish husband, who thereupon came into the [Page 102] Cathedrall, As good sport also with her husband the Prebendary himself. and (according to accursed custome, no doubt) began to plead for Baal, those Popish images, telling them that were there of the lawfulness of them from the Cherubims in the Temple: But whiles he was must seriously and sottishly disputing thus with some godly Mini­sters then present to assist the Commissioners, he grew very sick of this dispute, and was fain to give way to the work which went on most fer­vently. After his departure they fell upon 7 large images of the Virgin Mary, Seven figures of the Virgine Mary. pictured in the window over the steps going into the Quire, all which were in severall as glorious shapes as paint and Art could make them, with Angells lifting her up to heaven, with these inscriptions, Gaude Maria, Sponsa Dei, &c. And under her feet were placed the Sun, Moon, & Starres, and in the bottome of that window, this inscription; In laudem & honorem beatissimae Virginis, A Cathedrall Petty-Canon shoots his fools bolt at this work. &c. And heer now there came in a Petty-Canon, and shot off his pety-canon, or his fools bolt, & told them they exceeded their Commission, but they soon sent him away with a flea in his ear, and a mote in his eye, much vext and perplext to see his Demi-gods & Semi-Saints so coursly handled. After this they came to a most gorgeous and idolatrous image of Thomas Becket, Thomas Becket a Romish Saint an English traytor. forsooth, that arch-traytor to the King, which they also instantly defaced and demolisht, and so went on most zealously and religiously in ruinating and turning into rubbish all those monuments of idolatrie in that Ca­thedrall, blessed be the Lord for it.

December also the 20^th,Gainesborough stormed by Sir Tho. Fairfax, and Sir John Meldrum, and a brave prize taken. 1643. came certain intelligence by letters from Hull to London, that those two right valiant and magnanimous Com­manders, Sir Thomas Fairfax and Sir John Meldrum, about noone time of the day, assisted by some men by water, sent unto them by the most noble Lord Fairfax from Hull, sodainly and successfully stormed the Town of Gainesborough in Lincolnshire, took therein 500 armes & store of other ammunition, together with 260 prisoners, common-Souldi­ers, besides the Lord Caworth, Col. Saint-George, the then Governour of the said Town; also Lievtenant Colonell Royalston, Major Hern, and Major Chappell, 16 Captains, 2 Lievtenants, 2 Ensignes, and other in­feriour Officers. Another brave gale of winde indeed, besides that of Alton lately mentioned, to fill the sailes of our floating-Ark, and make it sail on the more chearfully through the boysterous billowes of the Kingdoms intestine broyles,The Kings partie most unsuccessfull ever since the Irish Cessation. praised for ever be the Lord of hosts for it.

And heer good Reader, give mee leave to tell thee, and to desire thee to take serious note and observation of it; That ever since that accur­sed Cessation in Ireland, with those most barbarous and inhumanely [Page 103] bloudy Rogues and Rebells, and the Kings so tender respect unto them, as to terme them his Catholick Subjects; and contrariwise the Parlia­ment, but a pretended Parliament, and them and all their loyall adhe­rents, traytors and rebells, the righteous God of Heaven hath never prospered any design of moment w^ch his Majestie or his accursed Cor­morants have taken in hand, but still they have been most unsuccessful, and put to the worst every way and every where. For, besides the ma­ny & marveilous forementioned victories, which God hath most gra­ciously given to the Parliaments partie (ever since that so odious & un­reasonable cessation) w^ch have been in their proper places before related. Now also about the 20^th or 22^th, of this instant came certain informa­tion by Letters and other indubitable intelligence from Northampton to London, Pious Serje­ant Major [...] Skippon and his brave Lon­doners, at Grafton-House. that pious and valiant Serjeant Major Skippon, with a partie of the most renowned Citizens of London, (who for their admirable valour, fidelity, and constancy to the Common-wealth, and for the maintenance of the true Religion, & preservation of the known Lawes, indeed, and liberties of this Kingdome, especially now in these modern times, when the Kingdome has most need of them, are no whit infe­riour to the most famous ancient conquering Roman [...]s, being and re­turning successfull and victorious where soever they be) together with a partie of the valiant & victorious Northampton forces also,Grafton-house stormed by the Londoners and brave Nor­thampton forces. had most courageously stormed Grafton-House, (a place of great strength and consequence, being also the Queenes own j [...]yuter) and after much hard service, and many most furious assaults made upon it (they having al­so sent a partie, at the same time to face Tociter, that so they might pre­vent all relief from coming to Grafton) at last, most victoriously obtai­ned the same, and took prisoners therein, Col. Sir John Digbie (a rank noted and most active Papist, Grafton-house taken, and the rich prizes and spoiles therein. and brother to that arch-traytor and in­cendiarie, George Lord Digbie) Col. Sir Edward Longervile, and 5 Co­lonells more, above 300 common-souldiers, 600 armes, 6 piece of Ord­nance, 80 brave horse, besides many brave sadle-horse, together with many other rich things of great worth and estimation, which were all left for plunder to the valiant Souldiers, and which they had and di­vided among themselves most merrily.An Ordināce of Parliament enabling the Militia for the City of Lon­don, to send forth two re­giments unto Sir Wil. Waller.

This brave victory, together with that at Alton, could not choose but be a singular encouragement to our other London trained-bands and auxiliaries, who now about the 23^th of this instant December, were designed (by an Ordinance of Parliament, enabling the Militia of Lon­don thereunto) to send forth such regiments of horse and foot as they [Page 104] should think fit, for the farther relief and supply of Sir William Wal­ler; and about this time, they did accordingly send forth, the White and Yellow Regiments of the [...]ained hands & auxiliaries, in the roome of those who had lately returned home, as you heard before. By which Ordinance of Parliament the City Militia had also power given them, to recall the same forces, at their pleasure, and to proceed against such as refused to goe out, according to their votes, and the Ordinance of the Militia, either by fine or imprisonment, as seemed fit to them: And that the brave and undaunted spirited Citizen and successfull Com­mander, Colonell Richard Brown, was by the said Ordinance appointed to be Serjeant Major Generall of the said Citie-forces.

And much about this time there fell out another remarkable pas­sage, much to his Majesties dishonour, (since his still persisting in his unnaturall disaffection to his loyall Subjects,A notable plot against Nor­tingham Castle. and i [...]religious affection to the Irish-Rogues and Rebells) viz. That the Marquess of Newcastle plotted and contrived, by one, Colonell Dacre, to have corrupted and undermined the valiant and most loyall governour of Nottingham-Ca­stle Colonell Hutchinson, Colonell Hut­chinso, Gover­nour of Not­tingham Castle, his constancy and fidelity to God and his Cause. to betray the said Castle and Town into the said perfidious & ignoble Marquess of Newcastles hands for the Kings use; but that the Reader may see the Christian courage, constancie and fidelity of this most worthily to be honoured Governour, and the most base and unworthy [...]ampering and inticing insinuations of New­castle and his, Agent thereunto, I have heer thought fit to give the Rea­der the exact Narration thereof, by the interchangeable letters which passed to and fro between either partie, under their own hands, which will fully & clearly demonstrate the thing, and give the Reader much satisfaction & content in the perusall thereof, which was as followeth.

Thus wee see what wayes these irreligious and perfidious Court-Cor­morants take to devour and destroy all in their Harpeian-reach, and to compass this wicked designe by such base & dishonourable aymes and meanes;A Pack of Cavalerian plots. just as that ravenous Prince Ruperts, or rather Prince Robbers underhand dealings to betray Bristoll: The Earl of Crafords base agree­ment with loyall Capt. Sydenham to betray Pool: C. R. to a writing to betray Aylesbery; George Lord Digbie, subscribed in a Letter to Sir John Hotham to betray Hull, and this most unworthy endeavour to have [Page 110] basely obtained this Town and Castle of Nottingham. In all which we may most apparently perceive and see, our good and gracious, great and glorious wonder-working God, our most mercifull Shepherd of his Israel, who never slumbers nor sleeps, but is most wise and watch­full over us for good, even then when wee least deserve or desire the same; but now to goe on.

About the 24^th of this instant came certain intelligence by Letters from Leicester to London, A brave defeat given to the Belvoir Cor­morants by Colo. Waight, Governour of Burleigh-house. that about an 140 of the Newark and Belvoir Cormorants went into Rutlandshire to plunder and pillage the Coun­try, where they took many kine, sheep and horses, from the Country people, which being timely made known to Colonell Waight, who most valiantly kept and commanded Burleigh-house, upon the edge of that Countie, with a competent garrison, for the Parliament, he issued out of the said House with but about 60 valiant choice men, and mar­ched toward them to Strozby-Heath, Colo. Waight sends the ene­mie a chal­lenge. where about he overtook them, and sent a trumpet to sound them a challenge, but they having more mind to be gone with their prey than to stay and fight, went on the [...] ­with. Whereupon this valiant Colonell, with his resolute Comrades fell courageously on them, and so necessitated them either to fight or die, and at the very first encounter (which was very hot for the time) Al­len his Capt. Lievtenant so bravely charged them, that he mortally wounded Capt.Capt. Plunket a most wicked and bloudie Irish-Rebell, slain. Plunket (the vilest villain among all the Cormorants of Bever, or Belvoir-Castle, or Newark either (and one mentioned in the Kings Proclamation in the beginning of this Parliament for a notori­ous Irish Rebell, but now, it seem'd, come over to fight for the Prote­stant religion) and who was heer made their chief Commander in this robbing designe) who immediately dyed of the said wound; Colonell Lucas also was sorely cut over the face with a sword, and had not his horse been better than himself, he had been, at that time, taken priso­ner. And upon a second charge Colonell Waight so bravely bestirr'd himself with his valiant associates,Colo. Waights brave resolu­tion at a se­cond charge. The enemy is put to flight. The prisoners and prizes ta­ken. that though he had his horse shot under him, and his Lievtenant shot in the thigh; yet they carried it on so resolutely, that his enemies betook themselves to their heeles and ran away, in the pursuite of whom, even to Belvoir or Bever-Castle, they slew divers of them, took about 60 of their horse; 46 prisoners, many armes, recovered the greatest part of the prey from them, wounded many of those that fled, and all this without the loss of any one man of theirs, and but three wounded. About the 26^th day following, 36 of those prisoners were brought into the Town of Leicester, that they [Page 111] might be safelier there kept than at Burleigh-House. A most wor­thy act in Co­lonell Waight after the fight. After this victory thus by Gods mercie obtained, the noble Colonell, so ordered the bu­siness with his Souldiers, that all the stoln cattell recovered from the robbing enemies, were restored to their proper owners again. A most just and laudable act in him, and most worthy to be imitated by all the Commanders that fight on the Parliaments side, in defence of our Religion, propertie and liberties.

About the 28^th of this instant Decemb. The siege of Plymouth de­serted. came also certain newes from Plymouth, that the Kings Cormorants who had long besieged that Town (but by Gods admirable providence and protection, had been preven­ted of their pernicious purposes against it) had now at last, a speciall designe upon it, namely, to storm it, about the 23^th of this instant, at night,The enemie resolves to storme Ply­mouth. whereof their prudent and valiant Governour Colonell Ward­law, having timely intelligence, he caused all such persons as were a­ble to bear armes in the Town to stand upon their guard, and also drew forth the greatest part of his forces that night, who most indu­striously and undauntedly cast up a sconce against the enemies tren­ches, and in the morning sent out a partie upon the forlorn hope, who skirmishing a while with the enemies began to retreat, whereupon the enemy supposing they had none to second them, followed them close, till, at last, the rest of the Governours forces appeared for their relief, and after a very fierce encounter between both parties,A very fierce encounter on both sides. Plymouth-men being then off from their workes, and with remarkable courage enfor­ced their enemies to a very hastie retreat from the Town, slew at least an 100 of them in this assault,At least one hundred of the enemies slain, and not above 16 of ours. with the loss of not above 16 of their own men, and made them, heerby, quite relinquish the Siege, leaving behinde them about 660 of their sick and maimed Souldiers to our mercy (which was far greater than their malice and mischief deserved of us) who were not able to be conveyed away,The Siege quite deserted and 660 of the sick enemies left behind. Major Gene­rall Basset his ingenuous cō ­fession touch­ing this siege. nor so much as to crawle out of their trenches. And upon the day of their deserting this siege, & departure out of their trenches, one Thomas Basset, the enemies Major Generall, called to one of Plymouth Officers in their workes, and bidding them farewell, told them, that he verily thought God fought a­gainst them; and said, moreover, That if he could be convinced that he was not in the right, he would hang himself at his door ere he would take up armes in this quarrell on the Kings part. Heer, yet, yee may see was some inge­nuity in a seduced Malignant. And this was avouched, for most true, in the Narration of Plymouths siege, published by authority of Parlia­ment, pag. 13. Thus, I say, they left the siege and departed, some to [Page 112] Plympton, others to Modbery, and the rest to Tavestock. But in their re­treat, they most wickedly & maliciously swept that part of the Coun­try about the Town of all sorts of provisions that possibly they could get within their reach and knowledge,The horrible malice & mis­chiefe of the Kings Cormo­rants at their departure. not leaving a sheep, swine, or cowe behind them; and to express the depth of this their diabolicall rage and malice, they burnt all the hay and corn thereabout; thus ut­terly undoing many poor people who had nothing els to live upon. And heer, I may not omit one most memorable print of Gods admi­rable providence to Plymouth in the time of this their long and strait siege, but must with all bounden praises to the Lord gladly make men­tion of it, to stirre up others also to help to magnifie and admire the name of our good and gracious Lord God therein, which was this; That after the Town had been a long time strictly besieged,A most admi­rable passage of Gods pro­vidēce to Ply­mouth by a great shole of Pilchards com­ing into their harbour in the time of this Siege. and no fresh victuall, either flesh or fish could be had (it having pleased God also that the Ships which had long time been sent from London for their relief, had been beaten back, with contrary winds) whereby the poor people were grievously pinched & put to it. But, behold, on a so­dain, there cam [...] in an infinite multitude of Pilchards into the harbour, within the Barbicon, which the people took up, with as great ease as cheerfulness in baskets and tubs, and that in such a plentifull measure, as did not onely refresh them for the present, but a great deale more were taken, preserved and salted, whereby the poor got much money in selling them. Such a passage not heard of, I beleeve, in our kingdome, since the siege of Rochel in France, by that innumerous shole of Cods, which then preserved that Protestant Town, then besieged by the French King with an 100000 Popish enemies; as the French Historie records. The truth heerof, I have also attested out of the foresaid Narration of this Plymouth Siege, pag. 14. And now to goe on.

Much about the foresaid time also came credible intelligence from Northampton to London, Captain Clark of Northamp­ton apprehen­ded diverse Commanders playing at Cards. that that most valiant, vigilant, and well expe­rienced Souldier, Capt. Clarke, one of the prime Commanders in the garrison at Northampton, advancing from thence with a partie of horse, and coming to a place called Brandon, within 2 or 3 miles of Taciter, in that Countie (according to the intelligence given him) sprung up a covie of Prince-Robbers, Commanders and Officers, (being indeed the greatest part, if not all the Commanders the enemie had in their gar­rison at Tociter) one whereof was a Lievtenant Colonell, and another a Serjeant Major, with their horses, and a malignant Parson of that County, in their company, they surprized them all, as they were play­ing [Page 113] at cards (for, you must know, that it is the greatest devotion that these prophane time-servers use, at the good time, forsooth of their merry Christmas, which they account the most solemn time in the year for beastly Bacchanalian and atheisticall playing, drinking & revelling) and thus spoyling their sport, they were all carried prisoners to Nor­thampton. And at the same time also, such another prety prank or Christmas-gamball was played them by a partie of Dragoones sent out from Windsor-Castle, Windsor-Castles Dragoons brave exploits about Redd­ing. who advancing as far as Redding, & having come within little less than half a mile of the Town, and faced the enemie there, they entred the Townes of Twyford, Hurst, and Okingham, and took there divers of the enemies horse, and four high Constables, who were gathering Contribution-money for Redding-Cormorants (they having then collected the sum of 80^li.)Foure high Constables and 80^li. ta­ken and car­ried to Wind­sor. which the said Dragoons took from them, and brought it (together with their prisoners and horses) into Windsor-Castle. And very shortly after, another partie was sent out from thence, who coming into Stoke, about 4 miles from Windsor, they had intelligence of a great feast which was that day to be kept at the house of a notorious malignant in that Town,Good cheer provided for a partie sent out of Wind­sor, at a grea [...]. Malignants house at Stoke. who had accordingly invited all his malignant neighbours unto it, who being all assembled, and preparing to sit down, our said forces came sodainly in upon them, and having laden a Cart full of their provision, which they had made ready for dinner; with great store of sack & claret, and other sorts of wine, they speedily dispatched it to Windsor; and brought away with them 3 prime men of about twenty then present, namely, the Master of the house, the Parson of the Town, and another active malignant, who were all committed prisoners in the Castle, there to feed on pri­son-short Commons, whiles the garrison-Souldiers merrily feasted themselves with their good chear, and drank off their wine heartily, it being all disposed of among the said garrison-Souldiers.

December the 30^th,The high-al­tar & Popish pictures in King Henry the sevenths Chappell ta­ken away and demolished. 1643. The high altar and other superstitious pi­ctures and Crucifixes in King Henry the sevenths Chappell in Westminster Abbey, were by order of Parliament, and in the presence of the Committee for innovations, taken away and demolished, even the very next day after the monethly fast Sermon, preached that day before the House of Commons in Parliament, by M^r Hinderson, that reverend and renowned Scotish Minister, at Westminster. This pious act being performed at the request of the said venerable M^r Hinderson, as I was by credible testi­mony enformed.

And now, good Reader, having by Gods gracious assistance, thus [Page 114] finished this Moneths voyage, and brought our Ark safely into the har­bour of this Moneths conclusion,A briefe reca­pitulation and gratefull ru­mination on all this last Moneths re­markable mercies. I shall heer desire, wee may a little repose our senses, and reflect our serious thoughts, upon a most brief and gratefull recapitulation of all the precious traffique, & rich merchan­dize of mercies, brought in for the better improvement of Gods ho­nour and precious praises therein; and to see and survey with thank­full hearts, as in a short Map, what God hath (this moneth) done for us, and how he hath graciously and gloriously carried on this blessed Ark, the Parliaments most upright and innocent cause, through all the boysterous billowes and swelling surges of all its inveterate and malig­nant enemies rage, and most malicious, sly and subtill machinations, not onely to overtop, but overturn it too with utter ruine and destruction, if it had been possible for them; as namely,

1 First, In setling the New great Seal of England.

2 In the religious reviving and farther pressing the Solemn-League or Covenant, in places and by persons, where it had not formerly been taken; and, this, notwithstanding that shrew'd crosse-winde it met with by the way, in the Oxonian accursed Proclamation, published against it.

3 In the many and most brave exploits of that ever renowned and fa­mous Commander Colonell Massie at Gloucester, against his many and malicious garrison-neighbours.

4 In that brave defeat given to trayterous Digbie before Plymouth; and that other defeat at Dunscot neer Tociter, by Northampton forces.

5 In that famous defeat, or rather, indeed, glorious victory, obtained (through the good hand of God) by that ever to be honoured and renowned Commander Sir William Waller, at Alton, in Surrey; the dis­covery and prevention of the plot of conveying away the Duke of Glou­cester and the Princess Elizabeth from S^t Jameses to Oxford: And the most triumphant return of the Train'd-Bands of London and Westminster, with their prisoners taken at Alton.

6 In that excellent Ordinance of Parliament for the preservation of the Citie of Londons good Government; The brave exploits of Cap. Syden­ham at Pool; And the notable reformation of the Cathedrall Church at Canterbury.

7 In the successfull Storming of Gainesborough, and the brave prize taken therein; The Kings unsuccessfulness in all his most waightie en­terprizes, since that most odious & scelerous Cessation of armes in Ire­land; Together with the Storming of Grafton-House, & the rich spoiles taken therin; And the great encouragement of the other London train'd [Page 115] Bands thereby, to goe forth in the publick service; and the excellent Ordinance of Parliament, enabling the Militia of London, the sooner and better to send them forth to noble Sir William Waller.

The notorious plot against Nottingham Town and Castle discove­red 8 and prevented; And the brave defeat given to the Belvoir Cormo­rants, by renowned Colonell Waight.

The most happie and admirable freeing the brave Town of Ply­mouth, 9 from a long and dangerous Siege.

And lastly, The pretty prankes and successfull surprisall of those 10 loose and lewd Cavalerian Commanders and royall-Cormorants, in the midst of supine and secure carding and dicing, by valiant and vigilant Cap. Clark, and his Northampton forces. Together with the Windsor­Garrisons, apprehending of the 4 high-Constables and 80 [...] in money, and divers Malignants also, at their Christmas Bacchanalian feastings; As also that religious reformation of King Henry the sevenths Chappell at Westminster. All which so rich and rare mercies, powred upon us with so open and bountifull a hand, out of the Lords rich and unexhausti­ble treasury of free grace and meer mercie, so many defeats and victo­ries against our adversaries, their great loss, and our great gain; such plots discovered; such Ordinances for the States & Church and Cities good confirmed, and that not onely this moneth, but one moneth suc­cessively after another; O who can choose but say, and apparently see Gods Ark still triumphantly over-tapping the worlds waves thus incessantly raging and swelling against it! GODS Ark over-topping the worlds waves swel­ling. And who seeing & seriously considering and cordially tasting with the palate of true christian godly gratitude, the soveraigne sweetness of all these exuberant blessings, can choose but stand and admire and adore, our great and good and wonder-working God, and with that sweet Psalmograph of Israel, holy King David, can forbear to break forth into amazing exultation,Psal. 31. 19. and sing and say; O how great is thy goodness (O God) which thou hast layd up for them that fear thee! which thou hast wrought for those that trust in thee, before the sonnes of men! But now to proceed.

And heer now again to launch out into the deep,Januarie 1643. & begin this next ensuing Moneths voyage for new discoveries & descriptions of Gods admirable dealings, in most undeserved mercy, with this our sinful Na­tion and Kingdome, in the remarkable preservation of his so menaced and molested Ark, tost up and down on the wretched waves of these our most unnaturall intestine bloudy broyles; I shall in the first place desire to take libertie, a little, to touch upon one forein passage of Gods [Page 116] most wise and wonderfull disposing of things, as well abroad as at home for our welfare (verifying that notable Scripture,2 Chron. 16. 9. The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in be­half of them, whose heart is upright and perfect towards him.) So far forth, onely, as it hath notable influence & resultance on our Kingdomes pre­sent affaires, A most nota­ble and deep designe and pernicious plot against the Protestant Religion, in all Christendom. which is this; That about this time it pleased the Lord to give us intelligence from Denmark, that whereas the Jesuiticall plot, now in sad and sanguine agitation, is, to destroy the Protestant Religi­on throughout all Christendome; And because Great-Britain and Ireland are the main fat morsells their treacherous teeth so water for, as their principall impediment in the way of their wicked work, for an epide­micall and universall tyranny over mens bodies and soules, two of these, at least, being the speciall upholders of the true Christian Religion in­deed; I mean, the refined and refining pure Protestant Religion, which is the goad in their sides, and the offensive pearl in their eye: To de­stroy which, they have, now, I say, engaged (or at least endeavoured to engage) all these three Kingdomes, in the first & prime place, in a most degenerous & unnaturall warre, one against another, and each of the Kingdomes against it self, as in part they have most devillishly done, the most miserable effects whereof, wee all to our present sorrow see and feel. And for the better corroborating and strengthning of this their great and Catholicall designe, they have in a deluding way procu­red the neutrality of Denmark & Holland, The Danes & Hollanders cō ­tribute to the King against us. who have, more than under­hand, contributed much against us therein, & much more was shortly expected from Denmark, had it not pleased the Lord in his admirable wisdome and mercy towards us to stirre up the heart of the resolved Queen of Sweden (in revenge of the bloud of that late precious & never enough honoured King of Sweden, An admirable and sodain breaking-out of a combusti­on twixt Den­mark and Sweden. her dear deceased husband, slain in the Germane warres, in defence of the Protestant Religion) to be a great block in their way, and a mightie obstacle to this their deep designe, and strangely to cut short that armie which the King of Denmark had plotted with the Emperour (as twas cunningly contriv'd by the Romish Jesuiticall Counsell) to raise up, first, for the destruction of the Swedes his neerest neighbours,The King of Denmarkes plot against the Swedes, discovered by Letters inter­cepted. and so to sweep them out of Germany, and after­ward for farther designes against England. And to this end, the King of Denmark had secretly desired assistance from his neighbour the King of Poland, next neighbour, on the other side, to the Swedes: but divine providence most blessedly discovered the plot, and by Letters from Denmark (which the Swedes happily intercepted) the whole plot was [Page 117] made known. The Swedes also (by the same good hand of providence) wisely concealed it; yet diligently prepared to prevent the danger, and by speedy adding some strength to that they had made ready for ano­ther design, els-where; they fell sodainly upon part of the King of Den­marks Country, before they thought of any surprisall, and therefore were unready to make any considerable resistance, & the Swedes heer­by (O the admirable & unfathomed depth and profundity of the wis­dome and justice of our God!) have most valiantly and resolutely run through (or over-run) the whole Country of Holstein, The Swedes enter into Denmark. a brave and rich Province, being most Southward of all Denmark to Germanie, which is the Duke of Holts Country, second Son to the King of Denmark; And they most victoriously have proceeded farther into the other parts of Denmark, by G [...]stavus Horn, a brave Swedish Commander, and have taken some of their chief Magazines, & many thousands of armes, some of which,The falling out of the Danes with the Swedes, much for our good. no doubt, intended to be sent against us; for heerby the King of Denmark was constrained to make stay of 2 ships laden with armes to have been sent to England, and must then be employed (and all lit­tle enough) in his own defence. Thus wee see, Man purposeth, but God disposeth; Our God can take the wicked in his own craftines every way, and every where, and bring to nought the Counsels of Princes: But his own work shall stand and prosper in the thing for which he sends it. This I thought good heer to premise, as a certain and seasonable addi­tion to the honour of our great and glorious wonder-working God, and the just ground of raising up our hearts & spirits to a yet higher pitch of praising his name for our wonderfull preservation, both at home and abroad.

And about the beginning of this instant January, Sir Tho. Holts House surpri­zed by Coven­trie forces. came credible in­telligence from Warwickshire to London; that Coventry forces marched out to Sir Thomas Holts-House, about 14 miles from Coventry, and a lit­tle mile from Brumingham, and summoned them within the House, but they refused to yeeld;A treacherous parley desired from the house. The house batterd and taken. wherupon Coventry forces made some great shot against the House, which caused a parley, & while the parley was, some shot was made from the House, which hurt or killed two of Coventry­men: Whereupon they left parling, and instantly fell to battering the House, whereby they kill'd divers of them within, and forcibly made their way into the House, took about 80 prisoners, some horse, and all the plunder of the House, Bewly-House also taken by the foresaid Coventry for­ces. & so returned safely to Coventry. Shortly af­ter they issued out again, under the command of Colonell Boswell, and marched to Bewley-House, which was one M^r Sheldens, being a very [Page 118] strong hold on the edge of Warwickshire, but in the County of Worce­ster, which the enemy had strongly fortified. But, in brief, Coventry for­ces, forced their passage and surprized it, and the whole garrison, and much wealth and rich pillage therein, and all the Irish-Rogues whom they found there, they put to the sword, and victoriously returned safely home again.

Much also about the same time, namely, the beginning of this in­stant Ianuarie, A most dange­rous and per­nicious plot against the Parliament discovered. 1643. it pleased the Lord, the great and glorious sear­cher of hearts, and discoverer of the most secret and deepest designes of the most politick and pernicious enemies of his Church and children, to bless our Kingdome and Parliament, in the timely revelation of a ve­ry dangerous plot and conspiracie, under a pretence of Propositions for peace, for [...]ooth; to which end, there was a new Cross-Petition con­trived, under a colour of accommodating the differences between the King and the Parliament; The ayme in this plot to di­vide the Citie & Parliament. but thereby, in very deed, to destroy the Par­liament, by dividing the City of London from it, and by such a com­bustion to prevent the coming in of the Scots to the ayd and assistance of the Kingdome and Parliament. Now the parties who were prime pro­moters and machinators of this plot,The cōtrivers of this plot. were, Colonell Read, a Jesuiti­call Papist, and a great Commander in the Rebellion in Ireland, and a prisoner to the Parliament, but released and then residing at Oxford, Sir Basill Brook, a notorious Papist also, and personally acting also in that Irish-rebellion, and a prisoner to the Parliament, and who to make his aboad at London the firmer, and more immoveable, contrived (as I was credibly enformed) to have an Execution for debt, layd upon him; that thus without suspect or molestation, he might actuate at London in the plot; One M^r Violet (or rather, stinking Varlet) a most malignant Goldsmith, or rather, a Projector in that trade; And one M^r Riley, a Citizen of London, & Scout-Master Generall for the Citie of Lon­don, who had the name and reputation of an honest & religious man, but in the issue of this discourse will be found to appear, either a very simple fool, or a notorious hypocrite, and down-right deep dissembler. The place of meeting was at the three-Cranes in the Vintrie, The place of meeting and consulting. and at The Man in the Moon. The way and manner of contrivance thereof, was, first that M^r Riley (being in much credit in the Citie) must be a means to get this Irish-Rebell Read out of prison, by whose meanes (for the better effecting of their plot,The contri­vance of the plot. he being at liberty) an address was easily made to my Lord Generall, that one Captain Read, a poor old man ta­ken by the Earl of Manchesters forces, tonight be exchanged for one that [Page 119] was a Quarter-Master for the Parliaments armie, and then in prison at Oxford, and was a Scout of M^r Rileys. Now, my Lord Generall relyed so much on the supposed integrity of M^r Riley, that he forthwith granted his Exchange, and the Rebell-Read was thereby presently released. But before this Read departed out of the City; He, M^r Riley, and Sir Basill Brook, had conference together about this designe, and it was agreed that Colonell Read should direct his letters to M^r Riley, by the name of, The Man in the Moon; and that one M^r Wood should be the Messenger between London and Oxford; This Wood being an apprentice of London, & living then in the Stocks. The plot dis­cussed on at Oxford. Read being come to Oxford, propounds the designe to his Majestie, who instantly called to advise with him, the Queen, the Lord Digbie, a proclaimed traytor, and the Dutchess of Buckingham, the Arch-Prelate of Canterburies convert, forsooth, wife to the great Irish-Rebell, the Earl of Antrim, then at Oxford. His Majestie with these rebells and traytors, contrived what they should propound to the City to beget Propositions for Peace (just such an intended peace as Bynions should have been) and thereupon, they concluded to write to the City, that his Majesty was resolved to maintain the Protestant Religion, The settlemēt of the Prote­stant Religion, by Papists, traytors, and atheists still pretended. and that, in as ample manner, as the Irish-rebells and atheisti­call traytors (thus admitted to be of his Majesties Cabinet Councell) would or could require his Majestie to settle it, for the good and con­tent of the whole Kingdome, the clean contrary-way. Now at the first time of their generall meeting they concluded of the draught of a Let­ter, to the Lord Major and Court of Aldermen,The result of their first mee­ting, was to send a Letter to London. from his Majestie, full of expressions of love▪ (to encompasse the designe) to his loyall Sub­jects the Citizens of London (though traytors & rebells a little before) and this was dispatched by Wood, with a Letter from Colonell Read to M^r Riley (by the name of the man in the Moon) to passe over his Ma­jesties Letter with Sir Basill Brook, & to put it into such words, as they should think fit; but Read writ in his Letter to Riley, that what he did he should do it quickly, for it must be done and concluded before the Scots come in, or not at all; and withall writ to have Violet set at li­berty, to come to Oxford to seek an exchange, that he might passe to and fro, on this occasion.

They met accordingly, and concluded of the Letter for his Majesty to signe, & of some Propositions; Violet was the Clerk that writ them, Sir Basill Brook, and M^r Riley (as was enformed) contrived them.

M^r Riley loses no time,Ril [...]ys honesty acts a peace for this peace­full work. but applies himself to Sir Arthur Has [...]erig, and propounds M^r Violet in exchange for a brother of his, M^r Hasterig, [Page 120] prisoner to the pretended Lord Loughborough, commonly called Ma­ster Hastings, and to have leave to goe to Oxford: Sir Arthur thinking M^r Riley to be the man he was reputed to be, gave way, and his liber­tie was obtained to goe to Oxford to solicite this exchange.

Violet goes accordingly, carries with him the Letter for the King to subscribe, and other Instructions, and (as by his Examination he con­fesseth) he imparted the same onely to the King, Queen, Dutchess of Buckingham, Colonell Read, and the Lord Digby, who all met toge­ther, and that he stayed not seven houres in Oxford; but returned with the Letter directed to the Lord Major and Aldermen, signed by his Majestie, under his signet.

Violet returned,The plot ad­vanced. and the Letters being imparted to M^r Riley, and Sir Basill Brook, means was used how to engage others in the plot; where­upon, Violet attempted to sound Sir David Watkins, and soon came to the bottom of honest Sir Davids judgement, who told him he did like well of Propositions of Peace: Provided, the Parliament was first made acquainted with it.

Some occasions interposed, that deferred the delivery of this Letter, whereupon his Majestie was sent unto to signe another Letter of the same, which accordingly he did on New-yeares-day; and on wednesday after, Violet, with the advise of Sir Basil Brook, was to deliver it to the Lord Major.

But private Intelligence being given of the designe,And by Gods providence so dainly disco­vered. M^r Riley was ap­prehended, and examined before the Committee at Goldsmiths Hall, who denied that he knew of any such Letters or Propositions, or that he held any Correspondence with Colonell Read, and could contri­bute nothing to the discovery of the matter: At last a Paper dropped out of his pocket, with this Direction upon it; To the Man in the Moon; which Master Sollicitor after some time of respite, took up, & retired, and read to himself, which Letter discovered the whole business: Ma­ster Riley being examined the second time, confessed the Letter, and that by himselfe was meant, The Man in the Moon, and that the Let­ter was of Colonell Reads own hand writing.

Sir Basill Brook was sent for,Sir Basil Brook examined. and examined, and confessed the whole businesse: Violet was not to be found that night, but next day he was apprehended, and the Kings Letter found about him: and upon his examination confessed the whole businesse, and what private discourse he had with his Majestie, and what private Message was sent from the King by him to Alderman Gibs to promote this businesse.

[Page 121] His Majestie in his Letter to the Lord Major and Court of Alder­men,The Letter to the Lord Ma­jor. Courts them by the name of Subjects, and takes his rise upon an assurance he had of the inclination of the Committee of the Militia to Peace; which he was induced to beleeve, by a speech that was made from them; and professes the maintaining the Protestant Religion, and the confirming the Rights and Priviledges of the Citie; (though by a Proclamation of the same date, his Majestie calls them his rebellious Citie of London: and as a token of his favour to them, adjourns the next Hillary Terme to Oxford.)

Sir Basill Brook, The conspira­tors impriso­ned. M^r Riley, and M^r Violet, are committed close priso­ners to the Tower, and Violet is voted by the Parliament to be first try­ed by a Councell of Warre, for coming and going as a Spie between Oxford and London.

The Parliament have voted this to be a Jesuiticall and seditious de­signe, to divide the Parliament and City, &c.

And on Monday Jan. The whole bu­siness commu­nicated to the Citie of Lon­don. 8. the whole state of the businesse, & the Let­ters and Proclamations, and Examinations, and the Lord Digbies Let­ter to Sir Basil Brook concerning this designe, were all communicated to the Citie at a Common Hall, there being eight Lords, and sixteen Commons sent as a Committee to make knowne the whole proceed­ings, that all the world may see, that the Irish Rebels and Papists are the onely Counsellors his Majesty hearkens unto, to drive on, and up­hold the designe to destroy the Parliament, and by consequence the Protestants Religion.

And that all the world may know it is the Root and Branch of the Protestant Religion they strike at, one of Sir John Gells Commanders fell upon two Troopes of the Cavaliers in Darbishire, commanded by two Papists, took them, their men and horses, and two Colours: In the one of them, was an Effigies of a Tree, signifying the Protestant Religion, and a Cavalier standing at the Root, cutting it down with an Axe, with this Motto, Root and Branch: This was shewn and held in the hands of severall of the Members of Parliament, in the House of Commons, and may therefore be assured for an indubitable truth. Thus God our mighty preserver, makes good unto us still his most precious and un­perishing word of Truth, (to be with his Church to the end of the world) and wherein he will never fail us nor forsake us, if we by faith and obedience can wait upon him and walke with him. But now to proceed.

About the 4^th of this instant, came credible information, by Letters [Page 122] from Garns [...]y to London: That whereas formerly it had been certified from thence, that Mounsieur l [...] Grange, Mounsieur Carey, and Mounsieur Haverly, three faithfull & fast friends to the Parliament, in that Island, had been treacherously betrayed aboard a ship which came into that harbour, by pretence of great friendship to them and the rest of the Islanders, Gods provi­dence in deli­vering three worthy Gen­tlemen of Garnsey, faith­full friends to the Parliament from prison in Castle-Cornet in Garnsey. but they having gotten these three worthy Gentlemen into the Ship, they carried them prisoners into Castle-Cornet, there, in the custodie & command of that perfidious viper of his Native-Country, Sir Peter Osborn; Since which time, they having been kept prisoners there about a moneth space (with a purpose, as it was credibly repor­ted, to have conveyed them shortly after to Oxford) they had, at last, a fair opportunity offered them for an escape, which they accordingly took advantage of, in this manner. The tyde being low about the Ca­stle, they made them cords of Match, whereof they found great store, in a roome, whither providence (unwittingly to themselves) brought them; and then co [...]ing to the battlements of the Castle-wall, where stood great pieces of Ordnance, they fastned one end of their Match to a piece of Ordnance, and so ventured down into the river; But be­fore they could wade quite-over, they were missed and discovered afar off in the river, by one Medcalf the Porter of the Castle gate, who at the fight of them instantly acquainting Sir Peter Osborn (that atheisticall Royalist) therewith, he presently commanded 3 or 4 pieces of Ord­nance to be discharged and shot off at them, but neither of them tou­ched either of the Gentlemen; but they all three came, thus, most safe­ly into the Town to their friends, on a Lords-day, when the people were all at Church,Acts 12. 11. and (like Peter released admirably out of prison, by the Angel, and let in to the other Disciples when they were at prayers to­gether for him) were most joyfully received, and entertained by them; They being three of the most prudent and pious protectors of the wel­fare of that Island; which mercifull providence and preservation of almightie God in this their deliverance, both from imprisonment, and such farther intended imminent danger, I conceived most worthy a most thankfull commemoration, in this our Parliamentarie-Chronicle.

And much about the same time came certain intelligence out of Sus­sex from Arundell to London, that the most valiant and renowned Com­mander Sir William Waller, Arundell-Ca­stle besieged & taken by Sir Wil. Waller. since his fiege of that Castle having recei­ved six great pieces of battery from Portsmouth, began to play against the said Castle, being resolved to make a short work of it, and that they within the Castle perceiving he intended to make a battery, con­sulted [Page 123] with their Lord Bishop, and D^r Chillingworth, that most egre­gious Popish and Socinian apostate; and after the said consultation, they desired a parley, and that after some disputes between them tou­ching the articles, and they now seeing most plainly there was no pos­sible expectation to be relieved by Sir Ralph Hopton; The Castle delivered up to Sir William Waller. The prisoners taken. the Castle was at last delivered up to Sir William Waller, and all within the Castle left to his m [...]rcie, wherein he took prisoners, Sir William Ford, high She­riff of Sussex, who formerly brake out of Windsor-Castle, and had sent a Letter to his Majestie, offering to bring him a thousand men, and to undertake the conquest of the whole County of Sussex, although it be sixty miles in length, but before he had gone twelve miles thereof, he was caught again for want of a running horse; There was also then taken Sir Edward Bishop, Colo. Bamfield, Lievtenrnt Colonell Roles▪ Major Massey, Major Moulines, and divers other Gentlemen of quali­tie of Sussex; Fifty Refor­madoes taken, & 1200 Com­mon Souldi­ers, 4000^li in money taken and other rich pillage. There were also taken above fifty Reformadoes, that had all Commissions to raise Companies; 1200 prisoners, and their armes, divers Engineers, about 4000^li. in money, & great store of other rich prize and pillage. And heer, now, if wee reckon up these our late victo­ries together, and the number of prisoners taken, wee shall easily see they will amount to at lest a little armie; As namely, first at Alton, 900; at Gainesborough, 700; at Grafton, 300; at Sir Tho. Holts-House, neer an 100;A little armie taken priso­ners in a little time about the taking Arun­dell-Castle. almost as many at Bewly-House; by Sir William Constable and Sir John Meldrum, in a House in Yorkshire, from which Sir Hugh Cholm­ley ran away, at least an 100; and heer, now, at Arundell-Castle above a 1000; besides what had then lately been taken by Pool & Southamp­tons garrisons,At least 3300 enemies taken prisoners. which in all may arise to at least 3300, horse and foot, besides all the ammunition, and armes; In most just and serious consi­deration whereof, have wee not great cause to magnifie the mercies of our good God unto us, in thus still weakning the armies of our ad­versaries, and strengthning our hands against them? And yet again to adde to the lustre of this foresaid famous victory, very shortly after the taking of the foresaid Castle, it pleased the Lord so to order and dis­pose of things, that Sir Will. Waller seized on a very rich prize by Sea, namely,A brave Ship also richly laden, taken at Arundell-Castle. a Dunkirk-Ship of a great burthen, which had been chased by the Hollanders (as was then credibly enformed) and was forced into the harbour at Arundell, and that, not till wee had taken the Castle; which Sir William himself went aboard of, and found in her about 20 excel­lent brass pieces of Ordnance, an 100 barrells of powder, 2000 armes, great store of other ammunition, divers Commanders, and other per­sons [Page 124] of qualitie, together with a great quantitie of linnen cloth, as con­siderable, in value, as the other prizes, which could not but be a singu­lar advantage to Sir William for the present better securing and de­fence of Arundell-Castle.

And about the 8^th or 10^th of this instant came certain information from Leverpool, A Bristoll ship also taken at Leverpool, in Lancashire. in Lancashire, to London, that a Ship of the Kings, which he had sent from Bristoll to Chester, with good store of armes and am­munition, most unexpectedly, but very happily & opportunely, came into Leverpool, to serve the Parliament, the Sailers therein, having com­pelled their Master to put in there, which armes and ammunition came very seasonably to help to arme & recrute Colonell Ashtons regiment, which a little before had received some loss, in their valiant perfor­mances against the enemies of their Country.

And about the 12^th of this instant moneth of January, 1643. the fa­mous and ever to be renowned Citie of London, The Citie of London takes into serious consideration the great care, love & paines of the Parlia­ment for the welfare of the Kingdome. being very sensible of the great care and indefatigable pains of the Parliament, in and for the defence and preservation, of Religion, the whole Kingdome, and liber­ties thereof, from that slavery and misery which the Prelaticall and Popish faction would bring upon them, and also of their singular vigi­lancy and great providence and circumspection to discover all plots and secret designes against the Citie and Parliament, to divide the one from the other, and so to destroy both together; and to shew that they are the more inseparably conjoyned and firmly united the one to the other, notwithstanding all the joynt endeavours, and sly insinua­tions of the adversaries, and in speciall of that late mischievous Ma­chination by Colonell Read, that base Irish-Rebell, Sir Basil Brook, and the rest of that accursed rable,The Citizens of London in­vite the Par­liament, &c. to a dinner in the Citie. as was forementioned. The City, I say, was therefore pleased, in the name of the Lord Major, Aldermen, and Common-Councell, their representative-Body, by both the Sheriffs & some selected Common-Councell-men, to make an humble request to the Par­liament, by way of testimony of their gratitude, for the great endea­vours (as aforesaid) of the Parliament, for the good of the whole King­dome; to invite them all therefore, even of both the Houses to a dinner at Merchant-Taylors-Hall in London, A most excel­lent Message and Motion of the Citie to the Parlia­ment, at the invitation. on Tuesday or Thursday, then next ensuing, whether day might best stand most convenient with the great affaires of the Kingdome; Expressing farther to both Houses, that they desired that that late designe to have divided the Parliament & Citie, might appeare by this loving action of theirs more firmly to have uni­ted them to one another. Which motion of theirs was most accepta­ble [Page 125] to the Parliament, as appeared by the answer given them by the Speaker in the name of the House of Commons, which in substance was this;

That the House of Commons had considered the loving expressions delive­red by them at the barre in the name of the whole Citie of London,The Parlia­ments answer to the Cities invitation. manife­sting their great esteem of the endeavours of the Parliament, and their sense of the late designe of the enemie against both the Parliament and the Citie, by such a division to involve both of them into one universall calamity, decla­ring their resolution to continue in a faithfull compliance with the Parlia­ments good endeavours, and to live and die with them in the maintenance of the publick Cause; having now also desired them (as a testimony of this, and to deceive the expectation of their enemies) that they would honour them with their presence at a dinner in the City: The Speaker, therefore, told them, he was commanded by the House to take notice of the good affection of this great City therein, and that the House looked on the invitation, as a seasonable de­monstration of their love to them, and their resolved loyaltie to the Cause, and that therefore they were resolved on Thursday then next ensuing to give them a meeting according to the Cities desire: And (said he) that both they and you may lay hold on this opportunity joyntly to acknowledg the continued bles­sing of God in prospering this Parliament and the City from the secret practi­ses and malicious open designes of their enemies,The Parlia­ments most pious desire to have a Ser­mon to be preached at this meeting. and particularly in this lewd and last discovery; they desired that on the foresaid Thursday morning at their intended meeting about eight of the clock, there might be (in such a place as the City should think fit to make choice of) an able godly Minister intreated to preach a Sermon for the commemoration (among the rest of Gods manifold mercies) of this late, and not the least, deliverance both of the Parliament and City, and indeed, therein, of the whole Kingdome. And Master Speaker told them farther,The admirable expressions of loving accep­tance of the Parliament of the Cities love to them. that he was commanded in the name of the House to as­sure them, that, as the Cities resolution was to live and die with them: So they resolved (by the grace of God) never to desert the City; but to make it one of their greatest cares to watch all opportunities to advance the honour & hap­piness of this City, which, under God, hath been the principall meanes of the preservation of this Parliament.

Now on Thursday, January the 18^th, 1643. according to this fore­said invitation,The guests in­vited meet at Christ-Church in London. the whole Parliament of Lords and Commons, with the Assembly of reverend and learned Divines, and the Scottish Commissioners, met at Christ-Church in London, between 9 and 10 of the clock in the morning; in the first place to testifie and acknowledge their bounden gratitude unto almightie God for the gracious preservation both of [Page 126] the Parliament and City from the late desperate designe of those perni­cious Conspirators aforesaid, who had complotted with Oxford agents to have made a dissention and discord between them. There preached before them, that day, that venerable, pious, and learned Divine Ma­ster Stephen Marshall, Venerable M [...] Marshall preached be­fore them. who before the Sermon, made an elegant and patheticall Preface, wherein he did excellently set forth, both the true occasion of their meeting, and the admirable lustre and glory of that most honourable Assembly, the like never seen, since England was a Kingdome; Which being singularly observable, I have heer for the Readers better delight and most full satisfaction therein, exactly set down and inserted, which was to this effect.

Upon which Text the said M^r Marshall made an excellent Sermon, sitting his discourse, suitable to the persons and occasion. After the conclusion of the Sermon, the said Honourable Assembly went to Mer­chant-Taylors-Hall to dinner, all the Regiments of the London Trained Bands standing in a compleat posture from Christ-Church to Merchant-Taylors-Hall, as two wals, between which they passed without presse or disturbance. The first that went forth were the Common-Coun­cell men and Militia of London in their gownes; after them the Lord Major and Court of Aldermen in their scarlet gownes on horsebacke, with their Officers and Attendants; next came the Lord Generall and the Lord Admirall and the Earl of Manchester together, with about 16 Earles and Lords of the Peers House of Parliament, & divers Colonels [Page 128] and Military Commanders all on foot; and immediately after them came neer two hundred of the worthy Members of the House of Com­mons; and the Speaker of that House, with the Mace born before him; and then the Commissioners of Scotland; and after all these about 80 Divines of the Reverend Assembly: All which did much content and delight the spectators to see these so noble, faithfull, religious and ho­nourable Pillars of the Truth, and maintainers of their rights and pri­viledges, and Patrons of the true Religion, appeare with so united a concurrence of hearts and spirits.

The same morning there was set up in Cheapside in the place where the Crosse formerly stood, a standing frame of slight Firre-poles, on which were hung up divers Pictures and Trinkets, as Crosses, Cruci­fixes, Images and Saints, Agnus Dei's, Beads, Whippes, and other su­perstitious Reliques, and frivolous inventions of Papists: all which, with a chest of Popish Books, were set on fire at the coming by of the said honourable Persons, as a testification of their detestation and ha­tred of all such Romish and Babylonish superstitions: and to declare their intentions to reforme & take away those things which may justly incense the wrath of God against us; one thing is also very remarka­ble, that after they had been honourably entertained at Merchant-Taylors-Hall, and dinner ended, in stead of idle Maskings, and other such uncomely actions, heertofore used at such publike meetings, to declare their union of spirit, as in the presence of God, all, both Lords & Commons, at the godly motion of the reverend Assembly of Divines, publikely and unanimously (heavenly harmony indeed) sung together the 67 Psalme, to testifie their thankfulnesse to God. A religious presi­dent, worthy to be imitated by all godly Christians in their both publike and private feastings and meetings.

And which addes much to the admirable radiant lustre of this so precious a day of rejoycing in the Lord,The same day of this glori­ous Assembly our Brethren of Scotland came into England with their armie. All these, cau­ses of vexati­on in the wic­ked, causes of rejoycing in the godly. and to make this our joy yet more complete, on this very same day of this so rare and fair an As­sembly, namely, the 18^th of this instant January, our loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland came with their whole armie into England, to help the Lord and us his greatly abused servants, against our mightie and most malicious enemies: All which, I mean, both this most memora­ble and unparalleld Love-feast, and the seasonable entrance of our bre­threns brave armie, and all in one day; how much they must needs vex the impious Oxonians, and all the rest of our motley-Malignants; and how great and unexpressible cause they gave of cordiall comfort and [Page 129] enlarged thankes to the Lord to all his Saints and servants, I leave to every rationall and honest Reader, religiously to judge and consider. And for the yet greater and most just glory of God, within a day or two after,A publike and more generall day of thanks­giving appoin­ted by order of Parliament. namely about the 20^th of this instant, both Houses of Parlia­ment (to shew their deeply obliged thankfulness to the Lord for that late foresaid great deliverance) agreed most piously upon an Order for a publick day of thankesgiving in all Churches in and about London, for Gods great mercy in preserving the Parliament and Citie of London from the secret practises and most malicious designes of their foresaid enemies, Sir Basill Brook, Read, Violet, and Riley, which was immedi­ately printed and published, and accordingly performed on the ap­pointed day.

Much about this foresaid time also came certain intelligence by let­ters from about the parts of Staffordshire and Namptwich, A bloudy de­feat given to the Parliament forces, by Sir John Byron, but an intro­duction to a great & most admirable vic­tory obtained by ours. to London; of an unhappie defeat given to the Parliaments forces of Lancashire, part whereof were enforced to flie to a Church for their farther ho­ped safety, but were there also environed, and at last broken in upon, and by that base and bloudy (pretended Lord) Sir John Byron, most barbarously put all to the sword, at his accursed Turkish command; and which was worse, to triumph in this his inhumane barbarity, he immediately upon this villanous victory of his, wrote a Letter to his as base and treacherous brother the mischievous Marquess of New­castle, which was by Gods providence intercepted by noble Sir William Brereton, and by him sent to the Honourable House of Commons in Par­liament; a true Copie whereof (in aeternam rei infamiam) being after­ward printed and published, I have thought fit heer to insert, for the Readers fuller content and satisfaction.

But, now to come to my intended purpose, (this forementioned re­lation being onely an introduction to what followes) that this inhu­mane monster, bloudy Byron, and all his accursed malicious adherents might clearly see and take notice of a divine providence (notwith­standing this his insulting & blasphemous Letter) which over-powers the greatest potency of the proudest Bragadochi [...]es, yea mightiest Mo­narches in the world, which oppose his all-sacred & soveraign power and authoritie: There came, therefore, most certain intelligence by Letters out of Cheshire to London, of divers brave repulses given to but­eherly Byrons forces at the siege of Namptwich, A most brave defeat given to Sir Nicholas Byron, Gover­nour of Che­ster, by Colo­nell Mitton. by the most valiant be­sieged Souldiers and Inhabitants of the said Town. And shortly after, by a Letter under Col. Mittons own hand, which was brought to Lon­don about Jan. 20^th, 1643. By which it was for certain advertised; That Sir Nic. Byron, Governour of Westchester (uncle to this foresaid blou­dy Byron) having heard of the sore repulses and defeats given to their forces at Namptwich (which redounded to the great loss of his proud insulting kinsman, bloudy Byron, as aforesaid, at his said kinsmans intreatie) Sir Nicholas advanced with a partie of horse and foot from Westchester) to fetch in armes and ammunition, both to supply his kins­mans wants therein, and his own too (their Ship being carried to Ler­pool, as was forementioned, which should have supplied those their wants) and coming unto a Town called Elsmere, neer Colonell Mit­tons quarters, this most valiant and loyall Commander Colonell Mit­tan drew forth his regiment & fell upon the enemies forces aforesaid, who were then in the Town,The slain, pri­soners and prizes taken. he killed above 60 of them in the place, took the said Sir Nicholas Byron, Commander in chief, Serjeant Major Generall Willis, a very considerable Commander (even that perfidious run-away Willis, taken prisoner, formerly, at Winchester) belonging [Page 131] to the Cavalerian garrison at Shrewsbery; and his brother, Major Wil­lis; Capt. Offley, Capt. Hatton, Capt. Rixam, and another Capt. with an 100 inferiour Officers; 250 horse and armes, 30 of them being the prime horse of all those parts; eight double barrells of powder; 700 waight of Match; 3 pieces of Ordnance; all which he brought safe to Stafford; together with all the provision, that Sir Nicholas had brought at this time from Shrewsbery, for supply of his own and his Cousens wants; which indeed renders this exploit more famous, and of the greater consequence, the enemie in those parts being then in such want of warlike provision, as they were.

About the 23^th also of this instant came certain intelligence out of Darbishire, Sir John Gell [...]s brave surpri­sall of Burton upon Trent. by Letters, to London, that that valiant and most loyall and active Knight and brave Commander Sir John Gell took Burton upon Trent, and therein divers Commissioners of the Array, being Knights, Es­quires, and Gentlemen of great qualitie in that Countie, with about nine-score common-Souldiers, their guard, much armes, ammunition, and treasure; Colonell Hastings himself hardly escaping by flight. This defeat was also, so much the more advantageous, in that it was very probable to be a meanes to recover three troops of horse of ours, then lately surprized at Melton in Leicestershire, by exchange, and some prisoners to boot.

Much about the same time came true information to London, Hilsden-House taken by the Parliaments forces. that Sir Alexander Deyntont house, in Oxfordshire, called by the name of Hils­den-House, was taken by some of the Parliaments forces, it being about 14 or 15 miles from Oxford, and some 7 or 8 miles from Aylesbury. It was taken by a partie that went from Newport-Pannell, and some from about Banbury, they being in all not above an 100, yet there were in the House an 140, many whereof were then taken prisoners, and a­bout an 100 armes, but Sir Alexander himself escaped. And heer also (having happily had the opportunitie of a pretty piece, printed and published by Order from this noble and renowned Earl of Manchester) I have thought fit to adde and insert some very memorable notes and observations (collected and divulged by the said noble and pious Pa­triot) upon the many remarkable mercies of the Lord, conferred up­on the seven associated Counties, Cambridge, Essex, Hartford, Hunting­don, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Lincoln, since their first association, most wor­thy our most serious sight and consideration, both for the just honour and glory of God, and the singular, encouragement of those and all o­ther the Counties of this whole distressed and distracted Kingdome.

[Page 132] First then I shall desire the Reader to remember the great mercie and good providence of God in quenching that fire which began to be kindled at Laystolk, 1. Laystolk quie­ted. by some eminent malignants there, which would undoubtedly have hazarded all the Eastern parts of this Kingdome, if God had not, I say, by a seasonable providence, timely prevented the same, by some of the noble Earl of Manchesters vigilant Commanders of the association, this disturbance beginning to break out, in that ve­ry conjuncture of time, in which there had been a confederacie of the disaffected of those parts togather to a head.

Secondly,2. Croyland sub­dued. the reducing of Croyland, which is a place strong by sci­tuation, and which had a professed Papist for its Governour; which how dangerous it was to some parts of this association, and to the neighbouring parts of Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, and Hantingdon­shire, is well known to those that were subject to their daily plunde­rings and pillagings.

Thirdly,3. Granthams victorie. The defeat given to the enemies at Grantham, where 11 of the Parliaments troops facing 21 or 22 troops of the enemies; five of the associated troops charging the right wing of the enemies body, utterly routed them, and had the execution and chase of them almost two miles, and got five or six of their Colours.

Fourthly,4. Burleigh-house taken. The taking of Burleigh-House, where was also taken the Lord Cambdens regiment of horse with their Colours, three or foure Companies of foot and Dragooneers, with all their ammunition, and with about foure hundred prisoners.

Fifthly,5. Gainesborough relieved. The defeat given to the enemies horse at Gainesborough, to the breaking of neer 30 troops of the enemies horse, where was slain, the Lievtenant Generall Charles Cavendish, Colonell Heron, the high Sheriff of Lincolnshire forced into Trent, with many other Officers and Souldiers, who were there drowned, and whereby Gainesborough was, at that time, relieved with ammunition, which then it exceedingly wanted; and this battle fought and victory gotten, as without any considerable loss to us; so within a mile of the Marquess of Newca­stles armie.

Sixthly,6. Twentytroops of horse of Hull preser­ved. The saving neer 20 troops of horse belonging to the Lord Fairfax, and under that renowned Gentleman Sir Thomas Fairfax, his Son: with which horse, he hath, since, performed such notable good service in Cheshire, and other parts, which said horse were almost star­ved by the strait siege of Hull, and could not in probabilitie have been thence delivered, but by the horse of this association; which was done [Page 133] by 14 troops of horse and 3 of Dragooneers, belonging to this asso­ciation, there being nothing in assistance of them, but six troops be­longing to the Lord Willoughby, and neer 40 troops of the enemies, under the Command of Sir John Hinderson, who had opportunitie to have fought with our horse before wee could come to joyn with Sir Thomas Fairfax his troops, if he had pleased, but did not take it.

Seventhly,7. The winning of Lyn-Regis. The taking of Lyn-Regis, a strong Town, and of great importance, by raw & undisciplin'd new raised Souldiers; which was a place as likely to have undone this whole association, as any, which rebelled at such a time, as the Marquess of Newcastle was at the stron­gest, and so absolute in Lincolnshire, that if he would have engaged his armie to have come to the rescue thereof, the forces of this association, then raised, had not been considerable to have made resistance.

Eighthly,8. Winsby fight. The fight at Winsby, where, ours being about 60 colours of horse and Dragoons, did encounter neer 90 colours of the enemie; both parties being by estimate between 8 or 9000 horse & Dragoons; the enemie being, in all probabilitie, about 5000 of that number, where ours gave them such a defeat, that they took and killed about 1100 of them, and took neer thirty of their Colours.

Ninthly,9. Lincoln taken. The taking of Lincoln, where the force of the defendants were in computation many more than of the assailants, which the ene­my surrendred to us on hard termes to themselves; where we got about 3000 armes, the enemies colours, with good proportion of ammuni­tion, and five or six pieces of Ordnance.

Tenthly,10. Gainesborough taken by storm. The taking of Gainesborough by storm, the greatest part of the foot being our association-men, who repulsed the enemie, got o­ver their works, without any loss, and possessed the Town, whereby Lincolnshire (formerly, almost totally under the command of the ene­mies) became wholly cleared of them.

Lastly,11. Hilsden-House taken. The taking of Hilsden-House, which a week before, the garri­son of Ailesbury attempted, but could not take, after which time, and before wee endeavoured it, the enemie had sent in two or three loads of ammunition: Where were taken above 200 prisoners, about 12 bar­rels of powder, and proportionable Match, all their armes, and about 50 horse. Which service was much to the ease and comfort of the poor Inhabitants of the almost wasted Countie of Buckingham, which was oppressed by them, and by the countenance of which House, great summes of money and contributions, were raised both for themselves and Oxford, and a regiment of foot, and the completing Colo. Smiths [Page 134] regiment of horse was speedily intended. Where also were taken men of qualitie, Sir Alexander Deinton, and the said Colonell Smith, besides two field Officers and divers Captains.

Now, these things have been thus particularly heer recited (not for vain ostentation, nor that any honour should be given to any person, or to our forces, but) that by thus commemorating particulars, the hearts of Gods people might be enlarged and quickned, in sinceritie, to give God onely the glory due to him alone; and to encourage other Counties also to the like activitie and performances.

Januarie the 26^th, 1643. there was a conference of both Houses, where severall Letters and Warrants were read by the Earl of Manchester, & the Lord Wharton, Another most devillish plot between the Earl of Bristol and Serjeant Major Ogle, to make a divisi­on between the Parliamēt and Citie of London. discovering a desperate designe, agitated between the Earl of Bristoll and Serjeant Major Ogle, sometime a prisoner in Winchester-House, during which time he sent Letters and held corre­spondence with the Earl of Bristoll at Oxford, who proposed unto him, that the onely way to disturb the Parliament and Citie, would be to make a division, between the Presbyterians and the Independents, (this latter indeed proving an unhappie Remera, in the otherwise most hope­full progress of the business of setling a holy & Apostolicall Discipline & Church-government) Anabaptists, Brownists & Separatists; for which purpose, he advised him to deal with some Divines, to declare unto them, that they should perswade the people that the Presbyterian Go­vernment would be worse than the English high Commission, or Spanish Inquisition. M^r Nye and M^r Jo. Good­win wrought with to help on with the plot. Upon which Serjeant Major Ogle sent for M^r Nye & M^r John Goodwin, to whom he discovered all the matter, and withall shewed how they might prevent the coming in of the Scots, by infusing into the peoples heads and hearts, if possible, (especially the trained Bands of the Citie, whom they desired most of all to divide) such instigati­ons as these; That they came to alter our Religion, to possess them­selves of our estates, and tye the weak consciences of their Presbyterie, which would be worse than Episcopacy. But M^r Nye and M^r Goodwin de­clared the designe to some Members of the Parliament, who advised them to hold correspondency with them, and to sift out the intentions of the Courtat Oxford, how far forth the King would condescend to libertie of Conscience,Propositions for encourage­ment to the Independent-men to help on the design. if they would side and comply with him.

Whereupon they proceeded so far, that severall Propositions were drawn up, & it was agreed the King should grant a toleration of their Independencie, or any thing they would desire in that way, upon con­dition they would adhere to him, and resist the Presbyteriall and Scotch [Page 135] government, Ogle (during the agitation of these things) was much en­couraged by the Earl of Bristoll; and order was taken by his advice with one M^r Crispe, a Citizen of London, to pay unto Ogle an 100 ^li, for his good service. At last, a Letter was procured, under his Maje­sties hand, to M^r Devonish, Keeper of Winchester-House, to release the said Ogle out of prison; Which he (first informing the Parliament) and being advised that to do,Serjeant Ma­jor Ogle being released out of prison, gets to Oxford. accordingly performed it. Whereupon Ogle being released, got to Oxford; Whence, he and the Earl of Bristoll sent divers Letters to the said Ministers, & others, to encourage them to the work, promising that M^r Nye should be his Majesties Chaplain, and severall other Independents should be highly preferred & rewarded. In fine,This plotcame to nought in the end. Letters were procured under the Kings hand for a safe conduct to four men to treat of these affaires; but by Gods good providence this plot perished and came to nought, even in the very Embryo of it.

About a short time after, there was another designe agitated be­tween Bristoll and Ogle, Another plot to betray Windsor-Ca­stle into the Kings hands. to betray Windsor-Castle into the Kings hands; which, in brief, was thus; They had dealt with M^r Devonish again, the Keeper of Winchester-House, as aforesaid (conceiving, at the enlarge­ment of Ogle, that he was at their disposall) that he should labour to prevail with the Parliament, that a partie of horse should be raised, which should be entertained in Windsor-Castle for the safeguard of it, and so making a partie in it, should surrender it to the enemie,The manner of contriving it. who should be ready on notice given to second it, and take strong possession of it. And for the better effecting of this, there were Letters read sig­ned with the Kings own hand on the top, and subscribed at the bot­tome Ogle, as if he had been his Majesties Secretarie, thus to encou­rage Devonish to that attempt.This plot also perished al­most in the birth. But he honestly and faithfully revea­ling all this intercourse also, to the Parliament, their designe proved frustrate, and perished, God be praised, ere it came to its wickedly in­tended maturitie.

About the foresaid 26^th also of Jan. 1643. came certain intelligence from Aylesbury by a Post, to our most noble and renowned Lord Gene­rall, signifying by letters then sent, that an armie from Oxford of about four or five thousand horse and foot were within seven miles of Ayles­bury, Another plot to betray Aylesbury most neatly disappointed. marching toward the Town; but the next day came other Let­ters, certifying the certainty and substance of the business, which was this; There having lately been some difference and flight discontent between Lievtenant Colonell Mosley, and some other Commanders of Aylesbury, and the Lievtenant coming to London upon some occasions [Page 136] of his own, was closed withall by some of Oxford factors for treache­ry, then resident in secret at London, and in particular, the foresaid Serjeant Major Ogle (who was now,Serjeant Ma­jor Ogle a plotter again in this trea­chery also. it seemes, grown an apt Scholler and deep proficient in the School of treachery) who having intelligence of Colonell Moselyes foresaid discontent, took the boldness to deal with this honest and wise Lievtenant Colonell, about the delivery up of Aylesbury to the Kings forces; the discreet and loyall Lievtenant Colonell, at the very first carrying the business very smoothly & cun­ningly, Ogle and his complices, (at last, finding him, as they hop'd, pliant and coming on) strake in with him to purpose, and after divers meetings,A 1000^li pro­mised as a re­ward for the betraying of Aylesbury, and great pre­ferment; and an 100 pound therof paid in hand, a good horse, and a sword. the bargain came to be confirmed, and a 1000 ^li. must be the reward to deliver up Aylesbury, whereof he had an 100 ^li. in hand paid unto him, and a brave horse and sword, together with safe conduct under the Kings own hand, for himself and all that he should bring with him, who should all be preferred to places of command in the Kings seruice. The business was to be put in execution, on the 21^th of January about 12 of the clock at night. The word was Charles; and the enemie was to be let in at the North-gate; but if they could not ac­complish it that night, it was to be deferred till the 24^th day follow­ing, for it was Lievtenant Colonell Moselyes turn to watch every fourth night.Ogles mightie motives to en­courage Liev­tenant Colo­nell Mosely in the plot. Three hoped strings to their Bowe, yet all brake and faild them. At their foresaid meetings Major Ogle used many arguments to perswade him to it, alledging how much it would advantage his Ma­jesties service, in regard the Parliament was to sit at Oxford the Munday following, which might much animate the Kings partie, and exceed­ingly encourage that Parliament to proceed. And in case this designe should not take effect, the King sent him an engine (which was shewn at a Conference in Parliament, touching this discovery) whereby he should have fired the Magazine of the Town; but, if none of these suc­ceeded; then upon their Storming of the Town, he was to set fire on the Town. The Kings forces being confident of their project, at least to succeed one way or other of the three, drew forth all their garrison from Taciter, The great pre­paratiō of for­ces to goe to take possessiō of Aylesbury. and the greatest part of their forces from Banbury, Abing­ton, Oxford, and Wallingford, most of the forces the King could make in all those parts, to the number of at least 5000 horse and foot. All these marched two dayes and three nights in the extremity of very bitter cold weather, which was at that time, in so much that at last they were not able to march or set one foot before another, the wayes were so deep with snow, and the snow beating in their faces, and so many hard passages they met by the way, that their foot were enforced [Page 133] to make way for the horse,Their extreme misery in a most bitter March. which did so weary the poor foot forces, that they fell down fourscore in a heap, as it were together, not be­ing able to stirre, whereupon the Officers came with Canes and beat them like dogges to force them forward, and so at last with much a­doe compelled them to get within two miles of Aylesbury, and were quartered at and about Ethrop-House, At Ethrop-house 2 miles from Aylesbu­ry, the enemies heard the de­signe was dis­covered. in expectation of the promised prize; but being now, with all that foresaid toyle and miserable hard­ship gotten hither, betimes in the morning about five of the clock, they there heard for certain, that their design was discovered, so that they were enforced to return back again to Oxford; the walk and fresh ayre being all they had for their 100 ^li. the good horse and sword, which Lievtenant Colonell Mosley got by the bargain; which their prize of mouthes full of fresh ayre, must needs be worth their money, considering how ill they were accommodated for fresh ayre at Oxford; Their good re­ward which they got for all their cost and coyle. and so, I say, they returned homeward with as much comfort and con­tent, as a dog newly whipt, with his tail between his legs, biting, tear­ing, and plundring (those that were able) all that was in their way before them; but it was verily believed (yea and apparent too) that the King lost,The King lost, at least 500 of his men at this Service. at least 500 of his men in this sore and fruitless ser­vice; for, many of them ran away, many dyed, and many others fell sick and diseased. And were not heer so many sore brushes against the Ark of God, and as it were so many rough and rigid Remora's, to stop, at least, if not over-turn,Sore brushes against Gods Ark. the Ark of God, his precious Cause, and thus to have, at least, impeded and hindred its prosperous progress? Yet see how our good God, the most gracious protector and Pilot there­of, freed it from the deep and desperate danger of them all. But yet heer's not all, for the enemies inveterate malice was working still; for much about the same time of the other foresaid plots, there was a de­villish design against the Town and Castle of Nottingham also,A desperate design against Nottingham-Town and Castle. A true Copie of Colo. Hut­chinsons letter, sent to a wor­thy Gentlemā of Nottinghā ­shire, resident then in Lon­don. to have sodainly surprised it, either by force or fraud, for which purpose they had provided 1500 horse and foot, out of the garrison of Newark, and their other Cavalerian quarters thereabout, and prepared a Letter to be sent and delivered beforehand to the most valiant & faithfull Go­vernour of the Castle, Colonell Hutchinson; for a full and clear rela­tion whereof, I shall refer the Reader to the Governours own Letter; a true Copie whereof, written by noble Colonell Hutchinson himself, to a worthy Patriot of his Country, then residing in London, coming to my hands, I have heer thought fit to insert, verbatim, as it was prin­ted and published by authoritie, which was as followeth.

From all these plots, then, and most desperate and devillish designes of our restless rancourous adversaries, wee may clearly see that of the Prophet Esay most eminently verified.Esa. 57. 19, 20. That it is the Lord alone, who is a­ble to create peace and salvation to his people that are a far off, & to those that are neer, evermore to heal and to help them. But, the wicked (as heer wee have seen in all these plots and desperate designes) are still like the troubled Sea, which cannot rest, but is evermore casting up mire and dirt. And therefore there is no peace (saith my God) to the wicked. But now to proceed.

And heer now I have thought fit to acquaint the Reader (though a lit­tle out of order, in respect of the day of the Moneth onely) with the most admirable and blessed providence of the Lord, in stirring up the hearts of our loving and loyall Brethren of Scotland, Our Brethren of Scotlands first advance and coming into England for our assi­stance. to such a pitch and highth of Christian sympathizing with us in our present pressing troubles and deep distractions, as to leave their own native Country, wives, chil­dren, kindred & estates, yea, their all, and to bring their lives in their hands, & to adventure their most precious heart-bloud for us and with us, in the godly vindication of our Religion, Lawes & Liberties, & to help forward the happy reestablishment of Peace & Truth among us, which if rightly & seriously considered, is & ought to be most justly esteemed and accounted one of the richest & rarest temporall mercies that have from the first,What a rich & rare mer­cy this of our Brethren of Scotlāds com­ing into Eng­land, is unto us. or can to the last befall us; even a whole Kingdom or Na­tion, unanimously to combine and conjoyne with us in this necessitated holy-war. O what sufficient thanks & praises is England ever able to re­tribute & repay to Englands good God for it? O England, England, let this so rich, so rare a mercy, be never forgotten of thee; let those our loyall, our loving Scottish-Brethren, be ever most intimately & entirely beloved of thee. And now to the matter, which I shall succinctly deli­ver to the Reader in a full relation of our said loving Scottish-Brethrens march from Barwick to Newcastle, as it was printed and published by authoritie, which was as followeth.

ANd here give mee leave, good Reader, to add 2 or 3 things omitted in that former Relation, but very observable in their said March,Three or 4. memorable Contingents in the Scots March. which were these.

First, that on Thursday Ianuary the twenty fifth, their Army had a hard and difficult March, in respect of a very great thaw,1. A great thaw, much hin­dring the Scots march. after much frost and snow upon the ground at that time, which so swelled the waters (whereof there were not a few in their way, that oftentimes it came up to the middle, and sometime to the arme-pits of their Foot, insomuch that the horse passed with little lesse difficulty; which though it was not without much ha­zard [Page 141] and danger, yet (blessed be God) without the least harme or dammage to the meanest Souldier.

Sir Thomas Glemham also did intend (to hinder the Scots March and advance forward) to cut Feltam-Bridge; 2. A Bridge which would much have re­tarded the Scots March, not suffred to be cut down as intended. but the Ma­sons and workemen which he brought thither for that purpose, were so affrighted and amazed, by reason of the exclamation and execra­tions of the Countrey, women upon their knees, that while Sir Tho­mas went into a House to refresh himselfe, they all stole away, and before he could get them to returne again, he received an alarm from the Scottish Horse, which made himselfe also to fly away with speed to Morpeth, but there also he stayed not long, but Marched to New­castle.

Also the great storm of Snow, which in, reason, the Scots could not but expect would encounter them in the way (especially at that time of the yeare) and might have killed many of their Foot,3. The contrary effects of the great Snow in the Scots march. did not (by Gods providence) hurt any of them: but contrariwise did greatly hinder the enemy, from putting in execution their wicked resolutions, to plunder and drive away all the Cattle and goods, and burning up of all the Corne of the whole Country, where the Scots should passe, that so they might starve their Army.

Lastly, that there was so great a Frost (the like whereof had not been seen in any mans memory in those parts) that in two nights,4. A remarkable hard Frost which helped all the Army over the river Tweed. the River of Tweed freezed so strong and thick, as that the whole Army of our brethren the Scots and all their Ammunition which was at a place called Kelso, marched most safely, upon the ice, which otherwise could not possibly have come over the River in a long time after, and that with difficulty and danger too. But their forces have thus happily passed on to Alnwick, the Lord Marquesse of Argyle marched to Cocquet-Island, which was yeilded to him at the first shot which they discharged against the Towne,Gods evident hand of good Providence going along with the Scots Army. though they had 70 Souldiers within it, 7 pieces of brasse Ordnance, and victuals al­most for a yeare. And were not here remarkable testimonies and cleare demonstrations of Gods speciall good hand of Providence, guiding and guarding this blessed Army so safely and securely, in so imminent and eminent dangers, and difficulties, as these were? Yes, most assuredly, and none, questionlesse, but a meer Mole-ey'd Malignant, or open Atheist, can deny it. But to go [...] on.

[Page 6] Shortly after our said Brethren of Scotlands arrivall thus into the Kingdome, besides a most excellent satisfactory Declaration set forth and sent abroad in print by our said brethren, as was touched in the former relation of their march;A Declarati­on consented to, and con­firmed by the Estates of England and Scotland. There was also another De­claration, which had past the Convention of Estates in Scotland, (about the 28. or 29. of Jan. 1643) that was unanimously confirmed by our pious and prudent House of Commons in Parliament, and transmitted to the House of Lords, and by them also assented to: which in effect declared, who in both the Kingdomes should be re­ceived into mercy, and who not. viz.

First,1. all Papists in armes to be proceeded against for their lives, as Traitors, and their estates confiscate. The like for all Irish Rebels whom His Majesty doth entertain in these wars.

Secondly,2. None of the grand Incendiaries and fomenters of this war to have any mercy shewed them, either for life or estate.

Thirdly,3 That all such as have or shall refuse the Covenant, to have all their estates forthwith sequestred.

Fourthly,4. That such Noblemen, Knights, Gentlemen and others, that have been misled to take up arms against the Parliament, and shall returne to the Parliament by the first of March, or to any part of their Armies, shall be protected as to his life and liberty; but as to his estate, a competencie shall be allowed to him and his family, but a proportion must go out of it to help to satisfie the losses of o­thers that have suffered, and to defray the charges of the King­dome.

And for the yet more happy compleating of the Parliamentary mercies of this Moneth,Namptwhich most bravely relieved, and a most glori­ous victory obtained by Sir Tho. Fair­fax and Sir Will [...] Brereton. both privative and positive both by freedom from secret mischievous and treacherous plots and conspiracies, and thereby great dangers threatned; as also by many admirable and comfortable Victories and thereby sweet and soveraigne blessings obtained: See here how in the very close and shutting up of this Moneth it pleased the Lord on the very night of this Moneths Fast-day, or Monethly Humiliation and seeking the Lord in the face of Christ, as a most immediate and gracious returne of our prayers (a thing which I have all along observed in most of the Moneths of these our Parliamentary passages, in both the former parts of this our Parliamentary Chronicle) how it pleased the Lord, I say, as a blessed return of prayer, A retunr of Prayer. to crown us in the conclusion of this moneth with a most memorable and almost incredible famous Victory (by [Page 7] Gods almighty power and mercy) obtained by his ever to be ho­noured Instruments therein, those two renowned, valiant and victo­rious Commanders, Sir Thomas Fairfax, and Sir William Brereton, neer Namptwich, against the Forces which came out of Ireland into those parts, and were then under the Command of bloody Braga­dochio Sir Iohn Byron, of whom we made mention before. The generall report and relation whereof came unto us to London on the 3.The first re­lation of this famous victo­ry came to London on the conclusion of this monthly fasts, ho [...]y duties. of this instant Ianuary, 643 being the Monthly Fast-day, at night, just about the time of the conclusion of the holy exercises of that day and which was by Letters confirmed more certainly & particu­larly the next day being Thursday, and Friday following: The sub­stance and manner whereof was this. The English and Irish Forces which but a little before came out of Ireland, under the command of sir Michael Earnly, and severall other Commanders, having laid siege to that brave and faithfull Town of Namptwich, Namptwich 3. times ass [...]ul­ted, and the enemy most bravely re­pulsed. (resolving it is pro­bable to doe some brave piece of service, at their first arrivall into England,) had, therefore made three severall onsets and assaults up­on it, and were most bravely repulsed every time by Captaine Booth, Governour of the Towne, with great losse to the Enemie; Lieutenant Colonell Boughton, and foure Captaines more, besides many common Souldiers being there slain before the towne. At last they hearing the advance of Sir Tho: and Sir William toward them to relieve the besieged,The siege raised. they raised their siege from thence, and drew out their Forces upon a plaine, neere the Town, to give them b [...]ttell.The 2. Armies met and en­countred each other. Both Armies b [...]ing met, there continued a fierce encounter betweene them, which was very bravely performed on both sides for the space of two houres at least. At last, the enemy (Gods providence so ordering it) began to give ground, which our as vigi­lant as valiant Commanders soone perceiving, were greatly encou­raged thereat to animate and draw on their souldiers with the bra­ver resolution.Bloody Byron, commander of the Horse first began to fly. Sir Thomas Fairfax most magnanimiously charged their Horse, whereof bloody Byron was Commander, who not daring to stand to so fierce a shock, began first to fly, (mangre all his former lying vaunts over brave Sir William Brereton) our Horse valiantly pursuing the opportunity thereof, gave not over, till they had [...]terly routed their enemies, and dispersed and scattered all their Forces. The names of the Prisoners of eminency taken (all of them,Prisoners and prizes taken. either Commanders of the English Forces in Ireland or native Irish-rebells) were Major Generall Gibson; Sir Richard [Page 144] Fleetwood, Major; Sir Michael Earnley; Sir Francis Butler, an Irish Rebell, Colonell Monck, Colonell Warren; Lieutenant Co­lonell Gibs, Sir Ralph Dames, Major Hamon; 14. Captaines, 20. Lieutenants, 27. Ensignes, 3. Cornets, 4. Quarter-masters, 40. Drummes, 4. Serjeants, 63. Corporals, 1700. Common-Soul­diers, and above an 100.Above an 100 Irish-Queanes with sharp & long Skeanes to cut throats. wicked Women and Irish Queanes, with long and sharpe Skeanes, or Knives, to play the barbarous Cut­throats of such as they should have taken Prisoners, or were woun­ded, had they got the Victory; 6. Pieces of Ordnance, 4. Ca­noneers, 27. Wagons, laden with very rich spoiles, taken by the Irish-Forces, from the Inhabitants of those parts. Very many of them were slaine on the Ground, and in the pursuit of them, among which, were,The slaine on the Enemies part. Colonell Wane, a Lieutenant Colonell, 4. Captaines; yea, and Sir Wil: Brereton in his own Letter to the Parliament, te­stifies, that there were about 2400. of the Enemies slaine and taken Prisoners, in this Battaile; and at the siege of Namptwich there were above 500. slaine before the Towne; and yet, that in all that siege the Towne lost but 2. men in all.

Boasting bloody Byron himselfe fled (like a cowardly beaten and bitten Dog,Bloody Byron fled to Oxford. with his taile between his leggs) to Oxford, there to bragg how he had made noble Sir William Brereton flye, as his cu­stome was; and to vapour of his happy victory, and good success he hath had since his former late inhumane butcherie of Lancashire Forces:His lying brag retorted on him. Herein still, the Lord most wisely and justly suiting his Divine dispensations to mens actions, and worthyly repaying to the wicked a suitable and proportionable measure of Iustice and re­venge.

Of this, and all the rest of his rich and rare mercies, and wonder­full Victories, and Deliverances, let our Wonder-working God a­lone, have all the most meritorious praise and glory. And according­ly, on the Fryday following, which was the 2. of February, the pious and prudent House of Commons in Parliament,An Order of Parliament for solemne Thanksgiving to God, for this great vi­ [...]tory. passed an Or­der to this effect, That on the next Lords day, publike thanks should be rendred unto Almighty God, both for the seasonable comming in of our faithfull and loving brethren of Scotland to our assistance against the mighty Enemies of the Lord; for the good successe of the Garrison of Nottingham, against Newcastles treacherous fraud and forces, together with the happy discovery and defeat of the se­verall late plotts of the Enemy against us, as was forementioned; [Page 145] and especially, for this last foresaid famous Victory of Sir Thomas Fairfax, and Sir William Brereton, against the English-Irish For­ces in Cheshire; and it was Ordered therein also, that the said Order should be read by the Ministers of the severall Congregations, in and about the Cities of London and Westminster, and that the names of all such Ministers as should refuse to publish the said Order should be returned to the Parliament.

And here now I shall desire to cast Anchor againe,A most grate­full revise and review of all the most me­morable Par­liamentary mercies of this Moneths Voy­age. and make a little stay of Contemplation, and gratefull rumination, on the precious Traffick and rich Commodities of this Moneths Voyage, wherein the godly Reader may see at a sight, and seeing, admire the great mercies of our good God, thus still carrying on his Arke, and causing it to over-top all the troublesome waves and windes of Ma­lignity that have thus still bruisht and rusht against it, and bringing it home in safety to the Haven of this Moneths end, fairely fraught with all these mercies.

As first,1. in raising up the spirits of the Swedes to interrupt the Auxiliary designe of Denmarke against England.

In the taking of those two Houses, 2. Holts-House, and Bewley-House, two pernicious Kennels or Cages, for the Kings Cormorants, those birds of Prey, to roust and nestle in, for the fitter falling upon the spoile and plunder of the people, and places neer about them.

In the happy and timely discovery of that pernitious plot of di­viding the Parliament and City,3. under the modest mask, forsooth, of pretended Peace, by Sir Basil Brook, Riley, and the rest; and the happy deliverance of those three honest and loyall Patriots of their Countrey in Gernsey, from the present Imprisonment, and intended future danger which they were in.

In the happy taking into the Parliaments possession of Arundel-Castle, 4. by Sir William Waller, and his valiant Forces; besides a brave Ship full fraught with Armes, Ammunition, and other good Merchandizes.

The most happy Harmony and union of Spirits, Love and Loy­alty,5. between the Parliament and City of London, most sweetly manifested in that famous invitation at Marchant-Taylors-Hall.

In that most noble Defeat given to Sir Nicholas Byron, 6. by valiant Colonell Mitton; Sir Iohn Gells valiant surprisall of Burton on Trent; and the taking of Hilsden-House, by the Parliaments For­ces.

[Page 146] In the happy discovery and disappointment of the base Plots, and trecherous designes of mischievous Major Ogle, both in endeavou­ring to sow the seeds of sedition in the City of London, by Master Nye, Master Goodwin, and other Independents; in the Plot a­gainst Windsor, and that also at Aylesbury; and the most happy preservation of Nottingham Towne, and Castle, by loyall and va­liant Colonell Hutchinson.

The long desired and seasonable comming into this Kingdome,8. of our loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland to our assistance, with a potent Army, to help to re-establish Peace and Truth among us.

In the harmonious,9. pious, and prudent consent of the Commissi­oners and Estates of both Kingdoms, in a most excellent Declaration, for the just terror and trouble of our Popish and Atheisticall Adver­saries, as a condigne punishment of their viperous insolencies.

And lastly,10. in that most memorable and famous Victory which the Lord graciously vouchsafed to give unto his two faithfull and magnanimous Joshuahs, Sir Thomas Fairfax, and Sir William Brere­ton, at Namptwich. All which admirable Parliamentary mercies being rightly reflected on,Gods Arke o­ver-topping the Worlds waves swel­ling. and seriously considered of, with a truly pious, and gratefull heart; who can choose but s [...]e, and say, Gods Ark was here also triumphantly over-topping the Worlds waves and winds, fiercely raging and swelling. And upon the right and religious review thereof, who can, but in all bounden gratitude, with holy David break out into most thankfull expressions of soule, and say, Ascribe unto the Lord (O happy England) ascribe unto the Lord glory and strength; Psal. 29. 1, 2, 3, 10. ascribe unto the Lord the glory due unto his great name: worship the Lord in the beauty of holinesse. For the voice of the Lord is upon the great waters, yea the Lord rideth upon many and mighty wa­ters, as King for ever. And now to proceed.

About the beginning of this moneth of February, February, 1643. came certain advertisement by Letters out of Gloucestershire to London, that the ever to be renowned Commander Col. Massey, had lately before is­sued forth with a party of his Souldiers,Col. Massey surpriseth Sir Henry Talbot in his quarters and had fallen upon Sir Henry Talbots quarters at Shepstow, where he surprized the said Co­lonel, 3 Captains, 3 Lieutenants, 3 Irish Reformadoes, Serjeant. Major Moore, besides 60 Common Souldiers, with much arms and ammunition, And that he had also the week before this sent out a Frigot man'd with his Garrison-souldiers, which took a Vessel going [Page 147] with supplies to the Enemies forces at Worcester; And perform­eth other brave exploits. the Bark was la­den with Tobacco, and some ammunition, which was all brought into Gloucester for his own Souldiers. And it was likewise then confirmed, that divers parties of his Horse had taken divers Carriers going with severall parcels of Gunpowder, and other Military ne­cessaries to the Enemy; which he also disposed of to his own better uses.

Also about the beginning of this instant Febr. Sir Iohn Mel­drum takes the Isle of Axholm came certain in­telligence from Sir Iohn Meldrum, that brave, pious, and prudent Commander: that whereas a little before, some French-men had treacherously betrayed about 20 of Sir Iohn's Souldiers, and a Captain of his, together with divers well-affected Inhabitants of the Isle of Axholme, into the hands of Newcastles Cavaliers: Sir Iohn, hereupon, resolved to go into that Island with a convenient party to repay that affront, and to give them their due desert for their said treachery: and about the 4. of February, Sir Iohn approaching the Isle,The Island, prisoners and prizes taken. most valiantly assaulted, and took the Royall Fort, or chiefe Defence of the said Island, which commands all the passages from Newark upon Trent; and that he purged the Island of all the Ma­lignants therein, and took there about an hundred prisoners, most of them men of quality; 8 peeces of Ordnance, 300 Arms, and a Troop of Horse of Newcastles Cormorants; together with 5 Hoyes upon the River, which were going forth with provision to Newcastles Army.

Much also about the same time,A Councel of State for all the 3 King­domes esta­blished. our most pious and prudent Par­liamentary Worthies, having long and divers times had much debate in both Houses, about a resolved Councel of State, for the more sure & secret transacting and managing of the principall and most weigh­ty affaires in and about all the three Kingdomes of England, Scot­land, and Ireland; and having deliberated most seriously both of the persons, and power of those that were to be chosen thereunto; and after a most wise and discreet regulating thereof, so as that they may never commence nor determine a Peace without the House of Com­mons consent and good liking: They at last agreed, that all those personages which were nominated by the Lords, should be returned without any alteration, and so resolved to transmit the businesse to the Lords. The names of those that were to be of this Councell, are these following:The names of the Councel of State. The Earle of Northumberland, the Earle of Essex, the Earle of Warwick, the Earle of Manchester, the Lord Vicount [Page 148] Say and Seale, the Lord Wharton, and the Lord Roberts. Of the house of Commons, Sir Gilbert Gerard, Sir William Waller, Sir Arthur Haslerigge, Sir William Armyne, Sir Henry Vane senior, Sir Henry Vane junior, Sir Philip Stapleton, Mr. Crew, Mr. St. Iohn Sollicitor, Mr. Brown, Mr. Glyn Recorder of London, Mr. Perpoint, and Mr. Wallop. And for the State and Kingdome of Scotland; the Lord Lowden, the Lord Maitland, Sir Archibold Johnstone, and Mr. Berk­ley. But shortly after,An ordinance of Parliament for the setling of the Coun­cel of State. namely about the midst of this instant Febru­ary, the Ordinance for the absolute setling of this great Councel of State, passed both Houses with a joint concurrence in all particulars; both the time of their sitting, for three moneths, to advise, consult, order and direct concerning the Recruits,The maine matter of this Councel of State, and their place of meeting. regulating, and govern­ment of the Armies, and concerning Treaties and Answers, and other the great affairs of the three Kingdoms. The names of the persons ye have had; their place of meeting was Derby-house in Chanel-row in Westminster. This piece of State-policie may, by Gods mercy, (and hath already, as we have found by happy experience it hath and doth) produce much good to the whole three Kingdomes, and is, no doubt, a mighty terrour and startling to the Enemies. God in his mercy go on still to direct them for the best advancement of his glory, and the blessed peace and welfare of the three Kingdomes.

About th [...]5.A p [...]ot against Southampton discovered and prevented of this instant, came certain intelligence by Letters to London, of another mischievous designe plotted against the Town of Southampton, most happily discovered and prevented by the wisdom and loyalty (next under God) of Mr. Peter Murford Serjeant Ma­jor to Colonel Norton, the most noble and active Governour of the said Town. Which Letter containing the exact relation thereof, and having in it divers very observable passages, I have therefore thought fit, for the Readers better and more full content and satisfaction therein, here to insert verbatim, as it was printed and published by Order and Authority.

[Page 152] About the 6.The impious-Oxonians be­ing brought to a desperate condition, pre­tend propositi­ons for Peace. of this instant, came to the publike knowledge of the City of London, and so to others in the Kingdome, a notable designe from Oxford, namely, That in the latter end of Ianuary last, the pre­tended Parliament, or rather mischievous meeting of Popish, Athe­isticall, and Malignant fugitive Lords, and rotten Members of the most blessed Parliament at Westminster, (being brought into a de­sperate condition, by the happy and good successe of our said Parlia­ment [...] Forces against them) assembled themselves into a most illegall jugling Iunto, or accursed Conventicle at Oxford, and would needs there,A Letter sent to our Parlia­ment, or rather to his Excel­celency the L. General, from Oxford. forsooth, make a poor shew of Propositions for Peace; And by their Lord Generall Ruthen, the Popish Earl of Forth, they contrived a Letter, which was signed by the Prince, the Duke of York, 44 of the foresaid condition'd Lords, and about an 100 rotten Commons; and was sent, as from Ruthen, to his Excellencie, the Parliaments most noble and renowned Lord Generall, the magnanimous and heroick Eul of Essex; and in that Letter manifested their scornfull esteem of our most renowned Parliament at Westminster, not allow­ing it so much as the name of a Parliament, which must needs argue a proper piece of intention really to advance a true Peace betwixt the King and his Parliament. Now hereupon the said Letter being by his Excellencie communicated with the Parliament, they thought it not fit to take notice of the said Message;A Comple­mental Letter returned from his Excellency the L. Gen. with a Decla­ration, and the Covenant in­closed in it. only it was consulted and resolved on by both Houses that my Lord Generall should be in­treated to send a Complement to the Earle of Forth, and to inclose the Covenant and Declaration agreed upon by both Kingdomes, in this Letter, which accordingly his Excellencie performed, as fol­loweth.

About the 9.Malignants estates and goods seque­stred and sold away for the publike use. of this instant February, our most noble and renown­ed Patriots in Parliament resolved on the sequestring of the Estates of many grand Malignants and Incendiaries, and to order and dis­pose of their Estates for the publike use. And they appointed a Com­mittee accordingly to take order for the sequestrating of the Lands and Estates of the Earle of Berk-shire, (prisoner in the Tower) and that the same should be disposed of for the use of the publike good.The Earle of Berks, The Earle of Carbery. Lord Abortho­rum. Wa. Mountague Lo. Cottington. And the like for the estate of the Earle of Carbery, a great stickler for the adverse party in Wales; The Lord Aborthorum; Mr. Walter Mountague, prisoner in the Tower; The Lord Cottington, that Spa­nish Don, and grand Incendiary of the Kingdome. And that all the goods and Chattels already sequestred, and to be sequestred, belong­ing to the aforesaid Lords and Gentlemen, should be forthwith sold, and the monies made use of for the publike service, and more espe­cially for supplies for the Noble Lord Fairfax in Yorkshire. The like also for all the goods and chattels belonging to Sir John Banks Lord Chiefe Justice,Sir Io Banks. B. of Winchester B. of Armagh. at Oxford. The like for the Bishop of Winchester; and the like for all the goods of all other Malignants, sequestred and be­ing in Cambden-house in London, or elsewhere. As also the goods and whole estate in and about London, belonging to that unhappy and unholy Neuter or Ambo-dexter, Dr. Vsher, Arch-Prelate of Ar­magh, resident at Oxford, A brief & bad memoriall of the Archbish. of Armagh, D. Vsher. a man once, I confesse, of good, yea of great esteem (like his apostate brother Dr. White, Bishop of Ely) in City and Country, both in England and Ireland; but at length, whose last dayes (hitherto) have proved his worst dayes; Of whom, one thing I may not here omit, to his eternall shame and ignominie; That up­on debating of the businesse in Parliament concerning him, there was evidence given in to the Parliament against him, That upon the first framing of that pernicious Oath at Oxford, to enjoyn all men to take up Armes against the Parliament; this slye Archbishop was a [Page 154] chiefe Agent, by his Episcopall rhetorick to perswade all men to take the said Oath; A most wicked imprecation of this Arch-Prelate of Armagh. yea, and that he wished, they might all dye in prison that refused to take it: & that divers who by his perswasions had taken it, were afterward much troubled in conscience, and some of them dyed in that condition, much perplexed and unsatisfied. A most sad and bad burthen to lie on the Conscience of such an unholy and unhappy Instigator thereunto, whose perishing blood will (I feare) be one day severely required at his hands, without repentance.

Also about the 10. of this instant, certain intelligence came out of York-shire, by Letters to London from the most Noble Lord Fairfax, of the taking of Burlington in the said County (the place where the Queene formerly landed,Burlington in Yorkeshire ta­ken by sir Wil. constable. when she unhappily returned out of Holland) by a party of Horse and Foot commanded by that valiant and vertuous Colonel Sir William Constable, who entred the Town in a full Carriere, took 250 Common-souldiers, besides Major New nam the Governour of the Town, and divers other Officers, with 2 Drakes, and 500 Arms, besides other Ammunition. In this exploit, Major Briery, and Captain Bethel, the one in the Van, the other in the Reare, did singular good service, and put the Enemy into a great disorder. This place being within 6 miles of Scarbo­rough, will make Sir Hugh Cholmley, that perfidious Apostate, to look about him. And very shortly after came farther intelligence of another notable Exploit performed by the said brave and valiant Commander Sir William Constable, Another brave exploit per­formed by sir Will. Constable at Driffle in Yorkeshire. who surprised a party of the E­nemy at a place called Driffle, between Malton and Scarborough, where he took 300 of Newcastles Horse, Colonel Washington, one Serjeant-Major, three Captaines, divers Officers, and about an hun­dred and sixty common Foot-souldiers, and routed another Regi­ment besides.

Much about the same time came certain information by Letters from the Scotch Commissioners out of the North, That since our loy­all and loving Brethren of Scotland's advance into this Kingdome, from Barwick toward Newcastle, The progresse and successe of our Brethren of Scotland in the North. and their taking of Alnwick and Morpeth, the two only Towns of defence and strength twixt Bar­wick and Newcastle. That they also took the strong Island of Cocquet with about 200 men, and their Arms, 7 peeces of Ordnance, and o­ther necessary martiall provisions. Also that Colonel Gray (brother to the Lord Gray of Wark) with a Regiment of Horse came in unto the Army of our said brethren of Scotland, and most cheerfully took [Page 155] the Covenant; That they had rescued a head of cattle, which were driven away by the enemy toward Newcastle and that they most ho­nestly restored them to the persons from whom they were taken; A notable act of justice; and that the Counties of Northumberland and Westmerland most cordially came in and adhered to them. About the tenth of this instant, certaine letters being intercepted were read in Parliament which came from the Lord Goring to the Lord Dig­by dated at Paris Feb. 7. 1643. The summe whereof in briefe was this. That he hoped this Letter would have better successe to come to the hands of his most blessed sacred Mistresse, than his former Letters had; The Lord Go­rings▪ Letter intercepted and read in Parliament. That he was in nothing more happy than to be accounted a Tra­tor at London, considering his sacred Mistresse had the same badge of honour stamped upon her before him; in whose service he professed hee would be ever faithfull to the quicke; (and was not here think'st thou good Reader a pure and sure slave to Sathan?) That the same morning he wrote this Letter, he was called to sweare to be true to the two Crownes of England and France, and afterward was to dine with the King. And further specifying what forreine forces, armes and ammunition were in preparation to be sent into this Kingdome. And, said he (in this very expression) let my Mr. hang me, if I do not fur­nish him with armes, ammunition, &c. And concludes thus, that what he writes, they may believe to bee as true as Gospell. This flashey letter of this old doting shamelesse Traytor, full (as yee see) of blasphemy and Treason, and so adjudged by the Parliament, they have ordered to be recorded, with an other former intercep­ted Letter of his, which will be sufficient evidences to make good their impeachment of high Treason against him. See heere, then, good Reader, the good hand of Gods wise and just providence, thus to discover the secret and slavish enemies of his Church and people. But to goe on.

Besides those former brave exploits of that pious,Divers note­ble exploits of the Parlia­ments Forces, briefely re­membred. and prudent Commander, Colonell Sir William Constable aforesaid. There came certaine intelligence to London much about the middst of this in­stant February, of divers other most valiant performances, and vi­ctorious atchivements of the Parliaments Forces in severall other places, worthy our most thankefull remembrance, both to Gods glory, and the Instruments deserved praise.

The first was performed by the brave and active well-deserving Garrison of Pool in Dorsetshire; Pools exploits. who sallied out, and by an Am­buscado [Page 156] (their enemies owne late Stratagem against Pool, with some little losse, not long before) they entrapped Colonell Windham, and about 7. or 8. score of his Horse, and slew his Lieutenant Co­lonel Barker, but the Colonell himselfe, with the rest of his men taken, as aforesaid, they carried Prisoners into Pool.

A Partie also of Warwick Garrison issuing out toward Stow on the Wold, Warwick-Castle. in Gloucestershire, tooke a Cavalier Colonell, Prisoner, and about 30 good Horse with him.

And heere also I may most justly commemorate diverse brave at­chievements of Sir Thomas Fairfax, Sir Tho. Fair­fax his brave exploits. that as famous as pious Com­mander in Cheshire, since his last great Victory at Namptwich, who most prosperously pursued his late Victory in those parts, took a strong hould called Keel-House; Another called Adlinton-House. Duddington also, belonging to sir Thomas Delves; And Crew-House, where he tooke an 150. Royalists Prisoners, and great store of Armes and Ammunition, together with Dorison-House, another strong Garrison of the Enemies, where he tooke 200. Prisoners, with good store of armes and ammunition.

Darby Forces also having been two dayes before Kings-Mylus, Derby-Forces take Kings-Milus. a very strong House of the Earle of Huntingtons, neere Wildon-Fer­rey, upon the River of Trent, whereinto Colonell Hastings, alias Rob-Carryer, had put a Garrison of Souldiers, who much an­noyed that part of the Countrey, but the House being very strong, their Ordnance did no great execution upon it. Whereupon that brave and most couragious and faithfull Patriott, Sir Iohn Gell, chose 5. men out of each of his Troopes to storme it; who made such a desperate assault upon it, that they tooke this House with the losse onely of three of his men, whence they brought 46. Prisoners, with their armes to Darbey; but Captaine Daniel and his Lieutenant, they sent Prisoners to Nottingham-Castle.

Lastly,The Lo: Fair­fax & Sir VVilliam Con­stable take VVhitby, a Haven-Town in Yorkshire. that most noble and renouned successefull Patriott of the Northern parts, the good Lord Fairfax, with his valiant Com­mander, sir William Constable, marched toward Whitby, a Haven-Town, in the farthest part of Yorkeshire, with a very considerable Ar­my; intending, if the Enemy would not deliver up the Town, to Storm it: For this Whitby was a very strong Garison of the Earle of New-Castles: But the Enemie considering in what a condition they were, surrendered up the Town to the Lord Fairfax, where­in were above 500. Captaines, Lieutenants, Commanders, Officers, [Page 157] and Common-souldiers; besides, at least 20. of the Commission of Array,The prizes taken. and almost a 1000 Saylers, and Inhabitants of the Town; all which delivered up the Towne, and with it themselves, to the said most noble Lords Service, together with 40. Vessels, greater and lesser, in the Haven. So this most Honourable Lord, with valiant sir William Constable, seized on all their Workes, Ships, Ammuni­tion, 500. Armes, many Barrels of Powder, Match, and other traine of Artillery, and it was verily beleeved, about an hundred pieces of Ordnance in the ships, and on the Workes, for the use of the Parliament.

About the 16th.An Ordinance of Parliament for taking the Solemn Co­venant over the whole Kingdome and Dominion of Wales. of this instant February, 1643. an Ordinance of the Lords and Commons in Parliament, and instructions agreed upon by them, for the taking of the Solemne League and Covenant, throughout the whole Kingdome, (which we have formerly mentio­ned to have been solemnly taken by both Houses of Parliament, and in and about the whole Cities of London and Westminster) and the Dominion of Wales, was new Printed and published, together with a most emphaticall and patheticall [...]xhortation,An Emphati­call Exhorta­tion Printed therewith. made by the Assem­bly of Divines (at the motion and desire of our most pious and pru­dent Parliamentary Worthies) for the more willing and cheerfull taking thereof, and for the better and more full satisfaction of all such scruples as might arise thereupon; which was ordered to be taken after this manner.The order or manner of ta­king the solemne League or Covenant, as was prescri­bed by the Parliament. The minister was first to read the whole Covenant distinctly and audibly in the Pulpit, and during the reading thereof the whole congregation to be uncovered, and at the end of his reading thereof, all to take it standing, lifting up their right hands bare, and then afterwards to subscribe it severally by writing their names (or their markes, to which their names were to be added) in a booke or parchment-role, where-into the Covenant was to be inserted, purposely provided for that end, and to be kept as a record in the parish. After all which, there was also printed a Catalogue of the names of all such members of the House of Commons in Parliament, as had subscribed to,A Catalogue of the names of the Mem­bers of the House of Com­mons that took the Covenant at least, 228. at one time. and taken the said Covenant, being then, 228. besides the Lords in the House of Peeres and divers others of the Lord [...] and Commons, who being employed about the weighty affaires of the Common­wealth in remote parts of the Kingdome and so could not subscribe with the rest. A most faire and sweet encouragement for all other persons in the Kingdome, not onely to subscribe, but to keep their Covenant, having the Patterne and President of so many worthy, [Page 158] and pious Patriotts, set before them in so glorious and religious an Action, which is not onely lawfull, but (all things considered) ex­ceeding expedient, and necessary for all that wish well to true Religion, the King and Kingdom to joyn in, and to be as a singu­lar pledge of Gods mercie and goodnesse to all the three King­domes.

About the aforesaid time also came certaine Intelligence by Let­ters to the Parliament, The procee­dings of our brethren of Scotland about Newcastle. of the proccedings of our loyall and lo­ving brethren of Scotland, about Newcastle, who (as it was credi­bly and constantly informed) had then gained a Scence, and the maine Out-workes, with the losse of about 14. of their men; whereof a Captaine, a Lieutenant, and a Serjeant of Colonell Lin­seyes Regiment, were slaine. That Generall Lesleys Sonne, a brave and valiant young Gentleman, had beaten 14. Troopes of the Po­pish Army into the Towne againe,A Summons sent to New­castle, and the answer there­unto. without the losse of a man, and tooke two of their men Prisoners; who protested that the Mar­quesse himself was (then) in the Town, and that the Lord Widdring­ton, Generall King, and Sir Tho. Glemham, were there also: The probability whereof will appeare by an Answer returned from the Town to a Summons which the Committee of both Kingdomes sent to the Town of Newcastle, which was as followeth.

Shortly after these things the valiant Scots having gained (as was forementioned) the Sc [...]nce and out works of the Town,The Scots pro­ceedings after the foresaid answer. they rested not satisfied thus, but sent out a strong party and gained also the keeles or Lighters and small boats betweene Stella and Newcastle and so made a bridge three miles above Newcastle toward Newboln over Tyne, and shortly after, their grand Brigade of the Scots army marched over to besiege Newcastle on the South-side and also to cut [Page 160] off all supplies from his Majestie and the Irish-rebells and rogues, his best beloved subjects. And thus was the invincible Popish army of the North of England, beleagur'd in a small compasse and cut off from all manner of reliefe, where for a season, we will leave them, till a farther and fitter occasion to make farther mention of their pro­ceedings, for this our Parliamentary Chronicles intentions and purposes.

And thus we see, by Gods good providence that the North was in a very faire way of being totally regained to a right understanding of the state of things; which will yet further appear more probable if we heer also consider the wonderfull good successe of the most noble and ever to be honoured and renouned Lord Fairfax, Sir VVilliam Constables most successefull proceedings in the North. who had about this time enlarged his quarters from Hull 20. miles towards Durham, and by a party of horse commanded by that valiant vi­ctorious and religious Commander Sir William Constable, drave that rotten apostate Sir Hugh Cholmley out of Scarbrough Towne into the Castle, which caused such an operation in the hearts of the in­habitants of Whitby, as that they were soone and surely reduced and settled (as you already heard in part they were) to the Parliaments side, and presently after seized on Sir Hughs great House and Fort on the High-Clift, disarmed his garrison, and so kept it for the Lord Fairfax who afterwards sent 200. horse, the better to secure it. This most valourous and vertuous Gentleman Sr. William Constable stayed not here but advanced toward Yorke and beat up one of the enemies quarters, neere Malton within twelve miles of Yorke, who gave an alarme to their head quarters, where there were 400. foot and 16. troopes of horse all put into order to charge; but Sr. William with twelve troopes of horse most couragiously charged them,A brave victo­ry obtained by Sir VVilliam Constable at Yorke. rout­ed them, and tooke these prisoners following, viz. Lieut. Colonell Washington, Major Gray, Capt. Iohn Vavazer, Capt. Newsteed, Capt. Witnell, Capt. Corsfield, Lieutenant Tuffni, three Lieutenants of horse, 5. Cornets, 3. quarter-masters, 3. Corporalls, 2. Trumpets, one minister (or hedge-priest) 175. foot, and 300 horse: and thus this noble Lord Fairfax, shortly after became Master of the whole East-riding of Yorkeshire.

The Kings Oxonian Councellors or rather (Conventiclers and de­vouring Cormorants, having had a deepe designe by that late con­quered and quelled bloody Byron, forementioned; namely, with his so great a strength, which was also to be augmented in Cheshire [Page 161] by very many Irish-rebells, to be then shortly landed at Milford Ha­ven, and thus I say, with a very strong army of those Irish-Rebells, Welsh Papists, and viperons Malignants, to have put a stop to the Scots army in the North (but I say,A plot or de­signe against our brethren of Scotland most happily frustrated. Byron was conquered by that most brave defeat, as you have already heard, given him at the rai­sing of the siege at Namptwich by those two famous Commanders, Sir Thomas Fairfax and Sir William Brereton) Prince Robber also with all the forces he could collect and make up, was to meete them at their randevouz in the said County-Palatine of Chester. About twelve ships fraught with Irish Rebells were to have beene landed at Milford Haven, but most valiant and couragious Capt. Swanley, having by Gods good providence put into the said haven,Milford-haven won by brave Capt. Swanley. was first possest thereof before they came thither, and when they came, most bravely beat them all off againe from landing there, only a part of 2. regiments landed afterward at Bewmorice, for whose safe conduct a regiment of horse was sent from Prince Plunderer (who went in person toward Chester with what forces could be spared to helpe to maintaine the foresaid designe,Prince Robber helpes on the designe. and there he sent out a most base and bloody warrant up and down that County, to summon all that were able to come in unto them, to joyne with him in that wicked design, and for those that refused, this was to be their punishment, viz. To looke for no mercy, but speedily to expect fire and sword. Whereby he compelled many for feare to march with him into Shropshire) but that brave, magnanimous, and active Commander Colonel Mit­ton, timely understanding thereof, fell upon some of their quarters, and after a short skrimish without any considerable losse to himselfe,Col. Mitton most bravely beates him routed a whole regiment of them, tooke about 60. horse, two of Sr. Rich. Fleetwoods sons, Commanders in that regiment, and other officers, 50. foot-souldiers prisoners, an 100. armes: And thus part­ly, and especially, by those two noble Commanders Sir Tho. Fair­fax and Sir William Brereton; Prisoners ta­ken. partly by Capt. Swanley and partly also by this defeat of brave Colonell Mitton, this their great and wicked designe was (by Gods great mercy) quite broken in pieces, and came to nought.The County Palatine of Chester much aim'd at by the King. And thus also was this poore County-Palatine of Chester (upon which the kings eye was more fastned, to fixe and augment strong forces there, for the greater advancement of this and his other great designes, than on any one County in the kingdome: Witnesse his first sending thither that Cow-stealer, the unsuccesse­full atheisticall Lord Capell, who was soone beaten thence; Then [Page 162] Serjeant Major Willis, surprized by Colonell Mitton; Then the bloody Lord Byron, beaten as aforesaid; And after all these pilfer­ing▪ Prince Robber himselfe, [...], as you have heard by the said most valiant Colonell Mitton. Thus was this County, at last, brought into a more quiet and stable condition, ever praised and blessed be the Lord our good God for it.

About the 16. of this instant Feb. 1643. there was a conference between both the Houses of Parliament, which was managed by the noble and truely pious Earl of Manchester; the effect whereof was this.Care taken in Parliament for setling of Church go­vernment. That whereas there were divers inconveniences and great disturbances, begun to be brewing and already raised, and likely to grow much greater (if not timely prevented) in the City of London by reason of many unhappy differences of opinions in matters of Religion, by Anabaptists, Antinomians, and such like; the honou­rable Peeres did therefore desire that both Houses would joyn toge­ther in sending to the Assembly of Divines, to expedite their care in setling of Church-Government, with as much speed as convenient­ly might be▪ and in the mean time an Order was drawn up to be sent to the Lord Major of London, Care taken a­bout Preach­ers in London. which was also read in the Chur­ches; Wherein, it was desired that speciall care might be taken that none did Preach in any Church, but such as the Minister or the Pastor thereof, [...]hall answer for their Doctrines delivered, if justly questio­ned; of which therefore all Ministers especially were to be very carefull. A course marvelous fit to be put in execution, least if such Tares take root it might cost more care and toyle to pluck them up and root them out (and thereby also endanger the pulling up of the good corn) which by a timely prevention might be easily remedied and better Ordered.

About the 18. of this instant came certain Intelligence by Letters from Northampton to London, that a partee of Horse was lately be­fore sent out from thence upon a design within three miles of Ban­bury, Northampton garrisons good successe. where they had Intelligence that Captain Farmer (son to Sir Hutton Farmer, a great Royalist) was quartered with his Troopes; who comming suddenly into the same Town, they took the said Captaine and above 40.Captaine Far­mer taken pri­soner. horse, divers Commanders, Officers and common souldiers, with some Armes, and brought them all safely into Northampton. Thus our hopes of prosperous successe (through Gods assistance) doe still encrease, there having scarcely one day past (about this time of the yeare) for above a moneth together, where­in [Page 163] we have not had comfortable tydings and certaine relation of good service done by the Parliaments forces at Northampton, A brief, but good and gratefull note. War­wicke-Castle, and other parts: Let God have all the glory even the Lord of hosts, who onely is the giver of all victories.

About the 20th of this instant came certaine intelligence by letters from Hull, The noble Lord Fairfax his brave vi­ctory about Hull. That the noble and ever to be honoured and loved Lord Fairfax, with a sufficient party, issued out of Hull upon the enemies quarters routed 3. Regiments of their horse, tooke 300. of them in the fight, above an 170 prisoners, slew 50 on the ground, and took divers Captaines and Commanders.

And that the most notorious Prince of Robbers (or as now the King hath made him,Pool Garrison took 3000. l. of Prince Robbers going to Waymouth. the Duke of Cumberland or Plunderland, call him what you please) having got together (among all his great and rich pillage and plunder) and sent about 3000. l. in gold and silver toward Waymouth, intending (as was conceived) to passe it away by Sea, into his own Country; but the brave Garrison of Poole (I call it a Garrison, but may indeed call and count it an Army, for its Valour and Vigilancy, it having equalled if not transcended some of our great bodies, this last winter, in Martiall exploits; having had private Intelligence thereof, watched them narrowly, and at a fit oportunity fell upon the convoy thereof neer unto Dorchester, sur­prised them and all their Horse, Armes, and Ammunition, and brave­ly took from them the said 3000. l. in gold and silver, and carryed all away with them to Pool: a brave and suddain unexpected accommo­dation to Valiant Captain Bingham, to be imployed for the use of his Forces in the said Town.

About the 24.A most dange­rous plot a­gainst Not­tingham Town and Castle discovered. of this instant also came most certain information by Letters from Notingham to London, of a most admirable and marvellous deliverance of the said Town and Castle, from a most bloody plot, intended against it, by the Kings base and bloody Cor­morants; and also a very great Victory obtained by the Town and Castle upon the said Enemies on the happy discovery thereof, which was thus related.

Some Horses laden with sacks went from Newcastle toward Notingham, Cavaliers in Womens ap­parrell. and about 30. Cavaliers or treache [...]ous Cormorants with them, some of them in the habits of plain Country men, others of them like unto homely country-women, in womens apparrell, (see here the devillish audacity and craft of the sons of darknesse) who all with great confidence and undaunted audaciousnesse, passed [Page 164] thus along as if they had been going to Nottingham Market; but comming to the Court of Guard, they were examined, and made answer, That they had brought corn to sell in the Market: But it pleased God that some of the Souldiers perceived something to stick out in the supposed womens bosomes, which bred an occasion of some mistrust; and the Captain of the Guard being there, and taking it into consideration,Sacks of Corn turn'd into powder, pistols and match. he caused the women to be layd hold on, and to be searched, and withall bad the seeming Country-men to shut out the corn, in a place which he had appointed them, and pro­mised to pay for it, which they could no wayes avoyd, but go they must, though but with heavie hearts; in which mean time the wo­men were searched, who, in the search proved men, and every one of them provided of his weapon,The cavaleri­an treacherous Metamorpho­sis discovered. under their coats (which, it seems, was that which stuck out so) and the pretended sacks of corn being emptied, were found to be powder, Pistols, and Match. Hereupon these couzening Cormorants were further examined, but were very unwilling to confesse the Plot for all this, onely they said they were sent as Spies from Newark, but the prudent Governour (before whom they were now brought) seriously examining the businesse, and being too old a bird to be caught or couzend with such chaffe,The Gover­nour of Not­tingham threats the cavaleri­an cormorants the racke, to confesse the plot. took match and caused their fingers to be tyed therewith, and told them what they must trust to, except they would speedily discover the Plot. Hereupon they fearing presently to be trust up, protested, they would make the Plot fully, and faithfully, known unto them, that they were sorry they were so unfortunate to go about so wick­ed a design, and confest as follows. That in the night these Cormo­rants, and ten more,The confessi­on & discovery of the plot by the enemies themselves. being in all about 40. in number, should with their pistols and other weapons have fallen upon the Court of guard on a sudden, and so put them all to the sword, at which time a par­ty of horse and foot should be ready to march into the Towne, and put all to the sword that stirr'd to make any the least resistance, and thus to take all into their owne hands, and they assured them that the said strength of horse and foot would certainely be there that night. Whereupon the most valiant and vigilant Governour being not a litle joyfull,Preparation to encounter the enemy by night. that it had thus graciously pleased the Lord to discover this plot, prepared that night for the enemies comming, and had provided a strength to be ready at the time appointed, who (just ac­cordingly as 't was made knowne) came that night, and being disco­vered by Nottingham forces, our men couragiously issued out and set [Page 165] upon them, speedily put them to the rout and retreat, took prisoners between 2 and 300 of them,A brave victo­ry obtained a­gainst the ene­mie, beside the discovery and defeat of their plot. and had they not wheeled about so soon; there could scarce have a man of them escaped them; the rest fled away in great disorder, some swam over the river, to save their lives for haste, others betook them to horse back, some to hedges, to hide themselves for the time, and there were afterward about an 100. found dead in the river, who it seemes were in their hasty flight drowned; and our men took above 300 Armes, and many Horse; besides the admirable and blessed deliverance from this base Plot, and their barbarous intended cruelty therein.

And here, good Reader, I may very fitly (there not having fallen out any other matter of great concernment, this moneth) cast An­chor, and give our Arke a little rest in the harbour of this Mount-Ararat, A summary recitall and gratefull re­view of al this Moneths Par­liamentary mercies. a little while to re-collect our serious thoughts and most gratefull recogitations and summary reperusalls of all the most ex­cellent and eminent mercies and rich Parliamentary-merchandizes of this moneths prosperous Voyage through the boysterous and bil­lowing Ocean of our Kingdomes sad intestine bloody distractions and disturbances. As namely,

First, in reciting renowned Col. Massyes brave surprisall of 1 Colonell Sir Henry Talbot in his Quarters, with the brave prizes and purchace obtained thereby.

In valiant and virtuous Sir Iohn Meldrums, taking of the Isle of 2 Axholme, in Yorkeshire.

The happy, prudent, and politick establishment of a Councill of 3 State, for the more sute and secret managing of the most important affaires of all the three Kingdomes of England, Scotland, and Ire­land.

The happy and timely discovery of the dangerous plot against Southampton. 4

The nullifying, and foolifying of the Oxonian Propositions for a 5 falsely pretended Peace, thereby to have retarded, and prejudiced the Parliaments proceedings; together with the sequestring and selling away of Malignants goods, for the publike use, immediately thereupon setled and resolved on.

The many various and victorious defeates and performances of 6 the Parliaments Forces, both by the noble and renowned Lord Fair­faix, Sir William Constable in the North; and the rest of the Par­liaments Forces in the Westerne parts of the Kingdom; intercep­tion [Page 166] of dangerous Letters to the State, and other successefull enter­prises.

The happy and holy resolution of our most famous Parliamentary Statists, in confirming and expatiating the progresse of the Solemn-League, 7 or Covenant, throughout the whole Kingdome of Eng­land, and Dominions of Wales, to be taken by all, of all sorts of people, in Cities, or Cou [...]tries within their power and jurisdi­ction.

In the singular good successe yet further enlarged by the good 8 hand of God unto us in the North, by Sir William Constable, at Sea, by Captaine Swanley at Milford-Haven; by Colonell Mitton, and the mighty preservation of Cheshire.

The pious and prudent care taken by our Religious Parliamentary 9 Senators for the regulating of the Government of the Church, and about Preachers in London.

And lastly, in the good successe of our Parliamentary Forces in 10 Northampton, Yorke, Pool, and the marveilous deliverance of Not­tingham Town and Castle, from that most desperate and deepe de­signe by the Royall Cormorants; together with the brave Victory which God gave unto ours there, immediatly upon the discovery of that pestilent Plot.

All which religiously recollected, and wisely reviewed, will a­mount to thus much, even a copious Cornucopia, of rare and faire Mercies of the Lord, still continued, and enlarged to worthlesse, and wretched England, a scelerous and very sinfull Nation; yet, I say, all these precious particulars aboundantly declaring and cleering the truth of all herein intended;Gods Arke o­ver-topping the worlds waves swel­ling. namely, How our God hath most gra­ciously and gloriously caused this his deare Darling, his holy Arke, his precious Cause (thus maintained by our ever blessed Parliamenta­rie Worthies) to over-top, and safely rise, and ride above all the worlds boysterous and swelling Waves, still struggling and striving to over­turne it. And therefore plentifull enough to cause us all to confesse, with holy Moses, Exod. 19. 4. That we have all seene what the Lord hath done to our Egyptian Malignants; and how he hath born us up with Eagles wings, and brought us so neere unto himselfe. And therefore, with the pious Prophet, most gratefully and graciously to acknowledge; That all these Mercies come forth from the Lord of Host, Esay 28. 29. who is won­derfull in Counsell, and most excellent in working wonders. And now to proceed.

[Page 167] Thus having a little heere made a stay,March. 1643. and refreshed our Wea­ther beaten Barke, and in some measure fitted it for this next suc­ceeding Moneths Voyage; I shall now cheerfully put forth againe, and lanch into the Maine. And first of all acquaint the Reader, that about the beginning of this instant March, A returne of Prayer. (as a happy return of Prayer, on the last Moneth day of Humiliation) came certaine intelligence,Biddle-house taken by Sir Tho. Fairfax and valiant Col. Ridgley. that Bidle-house upon the edge of Staffordshire, and neere Cheshire, was taken, or rather, with discretion surrendred, to that most famous and faithfull Commander, Sir Thomas Fairefax, and that most valiant and loyall Patriot, Col. Ridgeley; which house was of so great consequence, that by this meanes, all the Moore-Landers are freed from the great annoyance of a vexatious Enemy,The Prisoners & prizes taken and in a condition to assist their neighbour Cheshire. In which fore­said House, were also taken the Lord Brereton, (who was suppo­sed to be taken before, but it was a meere mistake) and with him 4 Colonels, 200 Common-Souldiers, 500 Armes, and great store of riches, Plate, Gold, and Silver.

Also that the Forces of our most renowned Lord General (whomHis Excellen­cie the Lord Generals just praises. we may very fitly Paralel with that famous old Roman Commander, Fabius, Hanibals sore Antagonist; Of whom for his prudence, and providence, it was said by Cicero, that famous Romane Ora­tour, Vnus homo nobis cunctando restituit [...]om. Grave Mau­rice Prince of Orange this wise Martial Ma­xime. Or to that most re­nowned old Prince of Orange, Grave Maurice, who was never rash in any attempt, or waighty enterprise he undertooke; yet ever for the greatest part most victorious) but like a grave and discreet Generall, still pondered how he might win, and not lose, I meane, any of his Souldiers: For, he never accounted that Commander va­lourous, who had not more care of his Souldiers, than of his Towns, Forts, or Castles, which either he tooke, or kept; but would, as neere as might be, make both sure: So, I say, this our most noble Lord Generall hath all along, most prudently carried on all his great designes with like wisdome and Martiall moderation and discretion; and about this time, his Forces about Alesbury and Newport-pannell performed a most excellent piece of Service, under the command of renowned and active Colonell Cromwell, and Colonell Craford, without the losse of any one man slaine on ou [...] side,Hilsey-house in Buckingham shire, taken. at Hilsey-house, when they tooke Sir Arthur Denton, Colonell Smith, and divers o­ther Gentlemen of quallity, together with an 100 Horse, and about [Page 168] 300 Souldiers, whereof there were about 150 Walloones and French­men, such a pack of bloody Villaines, that the world hardly had the like, they having committed many great Robberies in those parts; all which Walloones therefore and Frenchmen had no quar­ter given them, but were put to the Sword, as they most worthyly deserved.

And since the taking of this Hilsey-house, The Princes Troope sur­prised about Banbury by Northampton Forces. Another re­turn of Prayer we were credibly in­formed, that the brave Garrison of Northampton went out with a Party, and faced Banbury, and thereabout surprised all, or the great­est part of the Princes Troope, and brought them safe to Northam­pton.

About the second also of this instant (as another rich returne of Prayer, even within two dayes after the last Monethly Fast-day) came certaine Intelligence by Letters out of Yorkeshire to London, of a brave Victory obtained (through the mercy of our good God) by that valiant Commander, Colonel Lambert, under the command of Sir Thomas Fairfax, Colonel Lam­berts brave vi­ctory obtained at Bradford. in the West-Riding of Yorkeshire, not farre from Bradford; where the Bradford Garrison understanding, that Colonell Lambert advanced that way, to reduce that Towne to the Service of the Parliament, they presently sent intelligence of this his resolution to Yorke, as also of the weakenesse of this Colonels condition: wherupon a commanded power of Horse and Foot (led by Colonell Iohn Bellasis, Governour of York) farre exceeding Co­lonell Lamberts Forces (at least three to one) in number,The unequa­lity of their Forces. was forthwith dispatched to releeve them. In briefe, both parties faced each other, not farre from Bradford, and Colonell Lamberts Forces though lesse in number, did exceede in valour (for, indeed, as reve­rend Master Ienkins, Pastour of Christ-Church in London, sweet­ly said,Mr. Ienkins, Pastor of Christ-Church in London, his excellent say­ing. Wee have oftentimes known that God hath had too many to fight his battailes, but never too few) and the encounter grew excee­ding hot; and for 7 howres space, the thundring disputation was fiercely continued; at length (by Gods great mercy) Colonel Lam­bert perceived he had the better of his enemies; but yet, his neces­sity was such, that for want of Powder, he knew not what to doe; for, none of his Souldiers had, at the most, above two charges left. Hereupon,The great straights Co­lonell Lam­berts Forces were put unto a Councill of Warre was sodainly called, and as sudden­ly it was agreed, that before they would offer any pa [...]ley to the ene­my, the Horse should charge once more; which, in that desperat exigence, was performed with such undaunted courage, and reso­lution [Page 169] of spirit that the Enemies Horse not able to withstand the shock,A very furious fight. began a little to give ground, which our Cavalry soone ob­serving, they followed the advantage, with so much impregnable courage, that they forced them to a very disorderly retreat, and our Foot taking notice of the brave action and advantage their Horse had gotten,The admirable courage of our horse and foot as valiantly charged the body of the enemies Infantry, who perceiving their owne Horse to abandon them, began to leave the Field, and swiftly to retire toward Yorke, even with what con­fused speed they possibly could.The enemies flie. The brave successefull Colonell Lambert could not follow them in pursu [...], by reason of the great want of Powder, in which at that present he was.The prisoners taken and the slaine.

But he tooke Prisoners in the fight, Colonell Sir Iohn Girling­ton, and divers other Officers in Armes, and persons of quality, and about an 100 common Souldiers; Colonell Bellasies himselfe being shrewdly put to the switch and Spurre to escape; there were above an hundred slaine in the place. And thus this valiant Colonell Lam­bert after this defeat, and brave Victory so fortunately atchieved, presently entred into Bradford, and re-garrison'd it for the use of the Parliament.

About the 5 or 6 of this instant March, 1643. came certaine Intelligence, by Letters out of Leicestshire, to London, that Colonel Hastings (that noble, or rather, notable Thiefe) having intelligence, that according to the direction of the Parliament, The Covenant taken in Lei­cester. the Nationall Co­venant was taking throughout that County, and to that purpose, that there were Summons of all the Clergy-men, Church-wardens, and other Officers, to come in to Leicester, to take the Covenant, whither accordingly they came, for two or three dayes together, with much freenesse and cheerefulnesse;Col. Hastings molests their proceedings therein. whereof, I say, Hastings having notice, hee with 4 Troops, from Bever-Worton-house, coursed about the Countrey, as farre as Dunton, and Litherworth, and tooke neere upon an 100 of the Clerg [...]emen, and others, and carried them Prisoners to a Town called Hinckley, intending to have carryed them to Ashby-de-la-Zouch, &c. using them very course­ly, and threatning to hang all them that should take the Parliaments Covenant; His outrages in the Coun­try. nor were they content with this, but roaving up and downe the Countrey, they tooke away about 80, Kine, Oxen, and Horse from the poore Countrey people, and one Master Warner, a godly Minister whom they much abused, threatning to hang him. But the intelligence of these things comming to Leicestor, and they [Page 170] (most justly) very ill resenting these outrages,Leicester Town heares therof and sets out a­gainst Ha­stings. and cruelties, lost no time, but though all their horse were gone to Newark, yet they resol­ved, every private man, to spare his owne horse, and so sent away presently, an 120 of the Foot Souldiers, and some 30 Troopers that lay at Bagworth-house, to keep it from the enemy, under the command of Colonell Gray, whom the Lord Gray had made Go­vernour of Leicester.

These their Forces being upon their March toward Hinkley, They marched that night suddenly to Hinkley a­gainst the enemy. so well ordered the matter, that about eight of the clock that night, they fell most valiantly on them in their quarters, undiscovered, tooke the Enemies Scouts, and without much resistance tooke the outworks, and a piece of Ordnance, and there performed their worke also with so good successe, that they presently; en­tred the Towne,God gives ours a brave victory and booty at the Towne of Hinkley. killed one of the Enemies Captains, named Man-waring, and foure or five more of their Souldiers, wounded 9 or 10 of them very sorely, presently routed them all, tooke two of their Lieutenants, one Quarter-master, one Ensigne, 45 Prisoners, and 140 Horse, with their Armes, released all the Country men, re­scued all the Cattle, and restored them to the right owners, and so returned home safe with this victory and booty, the next day being Shro [...]e-Teusday (as then they called it.) None of Leicester men were slaine in this defeat, onely 4 wounded, whereof one was casually hurt by Colonell Gray, because he forgot their Word in the fight,Our word and the Enemies word. which was, God prosper us; the Enemies Word being, For the King. But that which makes this exploit [...]the more re­markable was, that the Enemy was between 4 and 500 strong, as was credibly informed) and ours not above 200 at the most. Our men went on most couragiously in all the Service, and had they not been too greedy of the prey, we had meere taken them all. And therefore desire to ascribe all the honour to God alone.

And about the same time also came certain intelligence to London, Sir Iohn Sto­well slain neer Southampton. that valiant and vigilant Colonell Norton had takes severall pri­soners in his parts about Southampton, and slaine divers of the seulking enemies, among whom Sir Iohn Stowell was slaine in the place.

About the 18th of this instant came yet farther intelligence by let­ters out of Yorkeshire to London, Another brave prize taken by Col. Lam­bert. that, that brave and valiant com­mander Col: Lambert (since his late famous victory at Bradford) hearing that a party were gathering against him to oppose him, in [Page 171] the West-riding of Yorkeshire, be drew out his forces to meet them, and discovering the enemy neere Kirkelesse consisting of about 11. troopes of horse of the Earle of Newcastles, as good as they could make up for the designe: Col. Lambert presently drew out a small partie, which he sent upon the forlorne hope to draw the enemy in­to a noose,Colonel Lam­bert his poli­tick stratagem to ensnare the Enemie. who discovering onely a small party of our men, they marched toward them. Hereupon our men began to retreat, the e­nemy followed; In which interim, brave Colonell Lambert having wisely carryed the businesse, had plac [...]d a party on each side of the enemy, so as they were surrounded ere they were aware. Where­upon, with very litle harme the valiant Colonell surprized and coop­ed them up on three sides, and there being a river on the fourth side, they all became his prisoners irresistibly, save only two or three who adventured to swim over the river, who whether they were drow­ned or not was uncertaine, for the river was deepe and dangerous; The noble Colonell tooke prisoners at this time, 4. Lieut. Colonels and Serjeant Maiors, 7. Captaines, 11. Cornets, 300. souldiers and other officers, with other purchase and prizes which the ene­my had pillaged in the Country; a sore pull from them, and a faire strengthening of us, blessed be the Lord for it. And about the very same time we had certaine knowledge that Sir William Constable Sir Wil. Con­stable takes Chester bridge and Stamford bridge. that most pious and prudent commander, and one Captaine Carter had with a very small and unconsiderable losse taken two bridges, in the East-Riding of Yorkeshire, both of them very considerable places for their designes, the one called Chester-bridge and the other was Stamford-bridge; with them they tooke also divers prisoners and three pieces of ordnance there.

Much also about the same time came credible information to Lon­don, that a party of Colonell Waights horse from Burley-House inCol. Waight at Burley House. Rutlandshire, went out suddenly toward Beaver-castle, intelligence having beene given them of a troope of horse quartered a mile off from the castle. Whereupon they with the best preparation they could make of sadle-horses and others for dragoones (the most part of their garrison troupers, being then out in the service at Newarke siege, with Sir Iohn Meldrum) they fell on them in their quarters,The prize ta­ken. tooke divers of them prisoners, and then went neerer the castle tooke thence 20. fatt oxen and at least 200. fat sheep and brought them all away safe­ly with them to Burley-House.

And much about the foresaid time, we were for certain enformed, [Page 172] at London, that divers ships at sea, full fraught with Irish-bloody-rebells bound for Westchester, About a 1500. Irish rogues cast away in a storme at sea. met with a great storme (by Gods justice and good providence) which so violently tost and shattered them, that at least a full regiment consisting of 1500. were cast a­way and drencht and drown'd in the salt streames of the sea, as they had destroy'd others in the gory streames of their blood at land. And about the same time it was enformed most infallibly, that the noble garrisons of Pool and Warham beat upon the then ignoble Weather­cocke, A land storme also destroyed them from Pool and Ware­ham garrisons. the Lord Inchiquins regiment of Irish bloody Rascalls in Dor­setshire with a fierce land-storme, where they tooke divers prisoners 2. pieces of ordnance, killed very many of them, fired their magazine, and returned victoriously and safely home againe.

About the 10^th of this Instant March, came information from Southampton, that a party of Sir Ralph Hoptons horse came and fa­ced that Town; Whereupon the brave and valiant Governor there­of, Colonell Norton sent out some forces against them,Col. Norton at Southampton. who came forth and faced them also, whiles other some of his forces had pla­ced themselves in some advantagious ambuscadoes, and upon the in­gagement of the rest in fight, came upon the reere of Hoptons forces, beat them soundly, tooke about at least 80. of them prisoners, among whom were 2. Cornets and other officers, whom they safely carryed into Southampton.

And that most loyall and magnanimous commander,Sir Wil. Belfore in Hampshire. Sir William Belfore had performed much good service against the enemy, neere Basing-house in Hampshire, where he defeated a party of Basing for­ces which sallyed out of the said House and fell upon his infantrie in their marching that way; But Sir Williams horse wheeling about and comming in the rear of them, killed 20. on the place, routed 200. horse and tooke many prisoners, whereof some were men of quality. After which he advanced to Newbery and tooke possession of the Towne, which the enemies garrison (understanding of his comming toward them) had quite quitted upon his approach thither; at which time he was about 5000. strong in horse and foot.

And about the same time came certaine intelligence from forraine parts (which I here mention, as having reference to our present a­ffaires in England) that on the last Monethly fast day of Febr. CHARLES Prince Elector Palatine tooke the Covenant in Holland. last, 1643. which was also kept at Delph in Holland (the same day that ours was in England) by the English Inhabitants and Merchants there residing; and that the Prince Elector Palatine, CHARLES, [Page 173] subscribed the Solemine-League or Covenant, entred into by the Kingdomes of England and Scotland, and which had beene sent o­ver and ordered by the Parliament to be taken by all the English in all those Provinces; and that many also of the Court in Holland have done the like; Also that the Swedes had about that time taken the King of Denmarkes castle of Elsenburge, which guards the Sound on Norway side; and that they had then also taken two Danish ships with 1200. of the king of Denmarkes souldiers. And (which is of greatest concernment and most remarkable) that the Swedes were then expediting an Embassie to the Parliament of England, The Swedes also desire to associate with England a­gainst Rome. where­in they desired (the first motion wherof we touched before) that they might associate themselves with the kingdomes of England and Scot­land for the mutuall defence of one another in point of the Prote­stant religion against the Popish party, in any part of the world. Thus good Reader, we see still dayly, how the kingdome of Antichrist, like Sauls house, decayes and decreases more and more; and there­fore how justly and joyfully we may and must expect the House of David to encrease,The House of Saul decreases and the House of David in­creases. flourish and prevaile in all parts of the earth, and thereby our glorious hopes more sweetly and firmely to be lifted up in expectation of the most happy, holy Halcyon dayes of the Church of Christ in this last age of the world: Amen, and Amen.

About the 12. of this instant came farther intelligence also out of Yorkeshire, That the most noble Lord Fairfax did still enlarge his quarters in those parts;Sir William Constable still victorious. and that his two most valiant Champi­ons, Colonell Sir William Constable and Colonell Lambert grew more and more prosperous and victorious: And in particular, that Colonell Constable marching to Yorke, quartered at a place called Pocklington, and from thence to the enemies quarters, and faced their Garrison at Tadcaster-Bridge, within ten miles of Yorke, on the East side, Tadcaster ta­ken. fell valiantly on the Enemies, and in short time took it; In which Ga [...]rison he took 10 Captaines, Lieutenants, and Com­missioners of Array, besides other Officers about 200 Souldiers, 300 Armes, 3 peices of Ordnance, 14 Barrells of powder, besides match and other good prizes.

Much about this time,The good ef­fects of the Parliaments Declaration to summon in de­linquents from Oxford. the Declaration of both Kingdomes, for the comming in of the Oxford partee by the first of March, 1643. had a great influence upon many of the more ingenuous, moderate, and discreet delinquents among them, so as divers of note and qua­lity came in before, and some [...]ince the time assigned, and very wil­lingly [Page 174] took the Solemn League and Covenant: Some of the most considerable of whom, I have here thought fit to expresse by name, viz. The Earl of Westmerland, the Earl of Monmouth, the Earl of Thanet, The names of reclaimed De­linquents. Sir Francis L [...]e, one of the Gentlemen of the Kings Bed­chamber, the Lord Paget, who went to Warwick-Castle, the Earle of Carlile, Sir Anthony Ashley-Cooper, Baronet, high Sheriffe of Dorsetshire and Governour of Weymouth, Sir Edward Deering, Sir Iohn Evelin of Hampshire, Sir Iohn Evelin of Surrey, Sir William Acton, an Alderman of London, Mr. Roger Pits, Mr. Mason, Mr. Carpenter and many other, most of them men of eminency and great Estates, who came to London and took the Covenant; besides many who had submitted themselves to the Parliaments Garrisons, at Northampton, Warwick and other places, too numerous to be here particularized; and many more would fain have come away thence, had they not taken such a strict course in all the Kings Quar­ters to retain and restrain them, by setting up Gibbets at Oxford and threatning them most terribly with no lesse than hanging if theyGallow [...] set up at Oxford to deter men from falling off from the Kings partee. were taken in any such defection. Here also I conceive it not unfit (but in much pertinent measure consonant to these our Parliamen­tary mercies) to make mention of that most vile and base Athesticall defection of that most ignoble and perjured Knight, Sir Richard Geenvile, which, I say, may justly come in as no small mercy to us, in regard of the great designe of the Parliament, Sir Rich. Greenvile his base defection from us, a great mercy to us. (about that time) against the enemies thereof, a mercy, I say, that he went then away (since he was so rotten at the core, and had so false a heart to the State and Parliament) so soon, when as he did us so little hurt, where as had he stayed till our Forces had gone into the Field, and had been to joyn in Battail with the Enemy, (as not long after they did) he might (especially being then also in such an emi­nent place of power and trust in the Army)Sir Faithlesse Fortescue fit­ly remembred here. like his brother in ini­quity, Sir Faithlesse Fortescue at Edgehill Battell, he might, I say, have done us a far greater mischiefe in the fight, than he did by this his base flight. But for this his so wicked and unworthy tergiversa­tion, he was followed with a most just reward; for upon the 15. of this instant March, being Fryday, according to an Order of the Councill of War,2 Gibbets ere­cted to Sir R. Greenviles eternall infa­mie. there were two Gibbets erected, the one over against the Royall Exchange in Cornhill in London, and the other in the Pallace yard at Westminster, whereat Proclamation was made by the Provost Marshall, and trumpeters of his Excellencies Armie, de­claring [Page 175] Sir Richard Grinvile (that grand Apostate and Ren [...]gado of England) a Traiter unto the Kingdome; which Proclamation was fixed upon both the foresaid Gibbets, in writing, in the words following.

Much also about the same time,The Parlia­ments most godly care ta­ken for the pious institu­tion of the Kings chil­dren at Saint Iameses. by an Ordinance of Parliament there was again, farther Order taken (besides what I have already mentioned, herein, before) for the more holy and happy instituti­on and education of his Majesties two children at St. Jameses, where severall new Officers and Attendants were appointed to waite on the Duke of Gloucester and the Princesse Elizabeth, as namely, re­verend, religious, and learned Mr. Torshell to be Houshold Chaplain; and that truely pious and gracious Gentleman Mr Humphries to be Mr. Comptroler, &c. and that those which were Malignant, cor­rupt and Popishly affected, should be quite displaced and removed thence, and the former Prelaticall Priests to be also utterly cashei­red, and in their stead, reverend and truely pious and Orthodoxly learned Mr. Stephen Marshall, Mr. Ieremiah Whitaker, Mr. Caryll, Mr. Obadiah Sedgewick, and Mr. William Spurstow were assigned to preach constantly by turnes before them, thus by Gods gracious assistance and speciall blessing to instill holy and holesome princi­ples into their Princely hearts.

About the 16. of this instant came certain Intelligence by Let­tersBredport and much good prize taken by brave Capt. Thomas Pyne. from Lime to London, that besides that former gallant exploit of the Garrison of Lime in Dorsetshire, in taking of the Town of Bredport, and between an 120 and 140 horse, and good store of [Page 176] Armes, Ammunition, pillage, and many prisoners; which exploit was performed by that much to be renowned and most valiant and wise Commander Captain Thomas Pyne, Pynes of Lime in Dorsetshire, Captain Tho. Pyne of Lime in Dorsetshire his most wor­thy praise. whom fame hath not in any thing so much injured, as that his name and honour hath been till now, retarded and kept under a cloud of silence; both in his ac­companying the severall precedent atchieuments, of that brave and famous Garrison, wherein he, under God, hath had a speciall inte­rest. This most Loyall and active Commander, I say since the taking of Bredport issued out of Lyme with a party of horse and dragoones, against the enemy in their garrison at Burley-House, within seven miles of Lyme, Burleigh-house neere Lime in Dorsetshire, ta­ken. belonging to Count Arundell, a rand Papist, which House is very strongly scituated, with a fair moat about it, and 2. pieces of ordnance in it. Yet notwithstanding, by assault, these vali­ant assailants entred the same, tooke above 50 [...]risoners (whom they carryed to Lyme the rest escaped) the said two pieces of ordnance also, and presently put a garrison of their owne men into it, of about 200 men to defend and maintane the same by meanes whereof they compelled contribution from at least 11 adjacent parishes which before payd the Kings Army, besides Bredport within a mile thereof.

Much also about the same time, namely, the middest of this in­stant March, An extract out of the relation of the brave reducing and securing Pem­brookeshire to the Parlia­ment, by that renowned Sea Commander, Cap. Swanley, written more at large else­where by Cap. VVill: Smith, Vice-Admiral in the same Voyage. 1643. came certaine information, by Letters out of Wales, and especially, about the County of Pembroke, that, that most loyall, couragious, and successefull Captaine, and Commander by Sea, pious Captaine Swanley, with certaine good Ships arrived, by Gods good providence, in Milford-haven, on the coasts of Wales, where at their arrivall, they found at Anchor, in the Haven, the Globe of Bristol, and a small Ship, which arrived there in Milford about 8 daies before they came in, and had brought from Bristoll; Ammunition to fortifie the Harbour, both great Gunnes, Powder, Bullet, and other provisions, and had landed them, where after some opposition by the Enemy against them, and many shot exchan­ged on both sides, the Admirall with the joynt consent of the rest of the Commanders, built a Fort on the Southside of the said Har­bour over against the Pyll (where the Enemy was fortified on the North side of the Harbour) and placed therein a Demy-Cannon, wherewith they played into the Enemies Workes, which proved a great encouragement un to many in the County (when they heard of it) to adhere unto the well-affected party, who at that time were [Page 177] very weake and inconsiderable.

This Fleet being thus safely setled in the Harbour, Colonell Laug­horne, a pious and singularly well-affected Gentleman of that Coun­tie, together with the Mayor of Pembrooke, Colonel Laug­horne and the Mayor of Pem­brook come a­board the Le­opard. a very religious Gen­tleman also, came aboard the Leopard, and informed the Admirall with the feeble condition, the well-affected partie was in, in those parts; as also of the strength, power, and insolency of the adverse partie. For, after the enemy had Fortified the Northside of the Har­bour, they intended also to have fortified the Southside within a day or two after, had not this their arrivall thus happily frustrated that designe of the Enemies; and then how difficult (if not impossible) the entrance into that Haven had been, any one may judge.

The Earle of Carbery had voted (they mightily presuming on their strength,The Earle of Carberies pride and menacing insolencies. and fearelesse of all opposition, the Haven being once so fortified) hee would plunder the Town of Pembrooke, and the houses of the Gentlemen, who had in any measure adhered to the Parliaments Party, and that their persons should be put to death by cruell tortures; and the Mayor of Pembrooke (they gave out) should be put into a barrell of nailes, and brought to Prikspill, and from the top of a hill should bee rowled downe into the Sea. Which re­port so terrified the Gentlemen of the County, that they fled from their houses, and hid themselves in obscure places in disguises, and sent their wives and children to Tynby, where this Atheisticall Lord lay, humbly to supplicate his Mercy and protection; Among whom there was a reverend aged Gentlewoman, the wife of one Master Griffith White, A remarkable passage full of serious note and compassi­on. who had in her house 8 Sonnes, and 8 Daughters, who were Virgines, and foure small Grand-children, in all twenty in number, with divers Servants both Male and Female. This Gentlewoman pressing his Lordship to commiserate her sad estate, in case her house should bee plundered, desiring his protection; His Lordship replyed, hee would grant her none; The Gentlewoman with teares in her eyes desired his Lordship to looke on her Children, who, in point of honour, he stood engaged to protect, as also the Chastity of Matrons, and Virgines; the which without his Lordships protection, she said, would undoubtedly be violated, and her Family perish. To which his Atheisticall Lordship replyed, with divers reproaches, and some jests among, That it were better her Children and Familie should perish, than that the the King should want meanes to perfect his designes; To which she [Page 178] said, his Majesty could not want, if he would be graciously pleased to be content with what God,The inhumane carriage of the Earle of Car­bery toward a grave Gen­tlewoman. and the Laws have provided: At which his Lordship flung out of the roome, leaving the Gentlewoman with teares in her eyes, and so shee was faine to depart to her house, full of griefe and pensive thoughts. A passage of so barbarous a de­portment of a Lord to a grave Gentlewoman, that I beleeve, Hi­story can scarse Parallel to have proceeded from any Heathen.

The lamentable condition of the well-affected,What strength the wel-affe­cted Party in Pem: were a­ble to raise to defend them­selves. being by the Ad­mirall and Commanders discussed and disputed; It was demanded of Colonell Laughorne, and the Mayor of Pembrooke, what Force the well-affected party was able to raise to oppose his Lordship; It was by them replied, that they could not raise above 40 Horse, and about 60 Foot: Then it was demanded, in case there should bee 200. Seamen landed, well armed, whether they would joyne with them, and be active and resolute in their owne defence against this insolent Lord, otherwise, they must prepare to goe away with the Fleet.

The Colonell and Mayor with the well-affected Gentry,The brave re­solution of the wel-affected in Pembrooke­shire. like gal­lant men, who had rather dye, than out-live the honour and hap­pinesse of their Countrey, resolved cheerefully and faithfully to put themselves under the providence of the Almighty, and with the help of the Seamen, to affront the Enemy, which was without de­lay put in execution, and speedily and undauntedly fell upon the Garrison of the Enemies, in a strong hold called Stockpoole, the Mannor-house of one Master Roger Lort, on which our great Guns having made a breach, after 8 houres assault they took, with the losse of two of their men, and many wounded on both sides. Then they fell on another Garrison of the Enemies, called Treff­loyne, within a mile of Tynby, The victori­ous begin­nings & pro­gresse of the noble Cap­taine Swanley and his Com­pany. out of which Towne the Earle of Carbery issued with about 200 Horse and Foot, intending to have relieved the said Garrison, with whom he faced our Forces, but at whom they let fly a Piece of Ordnance, whereat his Lordship whee­led about with all his Forces, and swiftly ran into the Towne. Our Forces prosecuting their former assault upon the Garrison, tooke it, and therein 45 Horse, and 150 Armes, with the losse of two men more on our side, & six on the Enemies. God having given them this good successe, they retired to Pembrooke, to refresh their men, and enable themselves for a more potent designe on the Enemy, intending to oppose the whole body of them, which consisted of about at least [Page 179] 1200. horse and foot; but the Earle hearing of this designe, and though he had fortified Haverford-West which was their rendevouz, and where most of his strength was placed, his Lordship like a va­liant Commander with 20 horse,A brave trick of a Welsh com­mander in chiefe. some foot and 4 field pieces, ran away, telling the rest of the commanders that he rode unto the ad­jacent Counties to raise more forces, and that he would suddenly returne.

Now when our men had refreshed themselves, they marched forth with six field pieces mounted on their carriages, with waggons to convey their ammunition and victuals,A strong Fort at the Pyll ta­ken. and now resolved first to fall on the Fort at the Pyll, which they bravely assaulting both by land & by water, with their ordnance, they at last entred the Fort by force, which the enemy perceiving cryed quarter, which was granted though they litle deserved it, as who had formerly vowed that if they proved conquerours, they would kill the doggs, and ravish the bitches, and drowne the whelps, (meaning us, and the inhabitants their adversaries,) most inhumane language, onely fit for the bar­barous and blasphemous Imps of the Beast of Rome. In this Fort we tooke 200.The prize ta­ken in the fort armes, 18. pieces of ordnance; 240. souldiers, 26. com­manders, and two good ships, the Globe of Bristol forementioned, wherein were twelve pieces of ordnance and another ship called the Providence. This brave victory was onely the gift of God unto us, and the purchase of his owne strong arme, to him alone therefore be all the praise and glory; for in this fight and victory wee lost not a man of our side, either by sword or shot. When the enemy was routed some of their souldiers fled to Haverford-West, and enformed the commanders there of the losse of the Fort, and that al their com­manders and souldiers therein were taken prisoners.Sir Henry Vaughan and the rest of his r [...]ut, their brave deport­ment on the knowledge of our victory. At which news (it was credibly reported) Sir Henry Vaughan with the rest of the commanders began to rage, rav [...], and sweare like mad men; and as bears robb'd of their whelps, ran up and downe the streetes, cry­ing out, beat up the drums, gather our horse and foot together, for we will out this night and be revenged on these Round headed Parlia­ment doggs; and having with this bravado drawne their forces into a body, being about 450.; Sir Iohn Stepney, Sir John Stepney an exquisit welsh-Survey: our. the governour of the Towne, like a prudent Surveyer, and provident over-seer, went in­to the Churchyard, to see if he could discerne our forces to approach toward Haverford-West, and instantly about halfe a mile from the Towne, he discovered a heerd of blacke bullockes comming toward [Page 180] him in the field: Those horned beasts all in a cluster, so amazed this wise knight and brave souldier,A herde of blacke Bul­locks, mi­staken for an army of men. that being affraid of his owne shad­dow, his worship in his valour ran to the head of their forces, and swore by Gods-wounds, the Round-headed dogs were comming; at which report, they all marched out of the Towne, and calling to mind the late valiant example of their brave L. General Carberry, they wheeled about and ran away.The marvel­lous pretty ef­fects of the Welsh-mens feares. The boyes of the Towne perceiving them to run, fell on the reare and took from them 60, muskets; this disorder in the reare made those in the front believe that the Round-heads indeed, were close at their heeles, and the pittifull and pan­nick feare thereof metamorphosed all our Cozen-Taffees into nimble Mercuries, with winged speed enforcing every man to fly for his life: some threw away their armes for h [...]st, and those that had the charge of the powder flung it into the river, that so the Round-heads might make no use of it against them; and in this manner and by this meanes was the Town of Haverford-West surrendred unto us. That saying of wise King Solomon, Levit. 26. 17. or rather of God himselfe, Solomons teacher,Prov. 28. 1. being here most truely verified. The wicked flyeth when no man pursueth him; whereas the righteous is as bold as a Lyon. When the enemy fled out of this Towne they left behind them at least an 100.Haverford-west strangly taken without look­ing for (as yet) or fight­ing for. red coats which had never beene worne: a good quantity of victualls and ten pieces of ordnance all which argued they wanted nothing but a good conscience, and a good cause to maintaine.

Thence our forces marched (being plentifully replenished and fur­nished with all necessaries) toward Tynby, whither they being come they presently summoned the Towne to be surrendred to them,Our forces marched to­ward Tynby & summon it. but the governour returned a negative answer; hereupon we advised and required them to send out of the Towne all the women and children, assuring them that unlesse they did comply and that spee­dily, they would in discharge of their dutie, use their utmost endea­vour to force them thereunto; In all which wee receiving no satis­faction from the Governour or Mayor of the Towne, our men fell to playing on the Towne with their ordnance, both by sea, and by land, both our seamen and landmen performing admirable good service, and the Towne also maintaining the assaults with brave resolution,Admirable re­solution in the assaulting of Tynby on both sides. as ours more bravely assaulted them even to the face of death and danger. Commissary Guine the Governour of the Towne, shewed himselfe indeed to be a man of an undanted spirit, issuing out of the Town, and bringing up his small shot, and making good their owne [Page 181] ambuscadoes;Commissary Guyne, a stout souldier, but a desperate ene­my to Gods Cause. but his hot valour exposed the Towne to unavoyd­able misery, by his furious vowing he would neither give nor take quarter; whereby he forced himselfe into much danger, for leading on his men to face our small shot, who plyed their muskets so thick and nimbly, that his men forsooke him, and himselfe received a shot under his right pap, which enforced him to retreat, who was no sooner entred the Towne,The enemies Mr Gunner slaine. but the master Gunner thereof was also slaine. In all which brave and resolute fight, we must not omit to manifest the high praise of Gods providence toward us; for our small shot having forced the enemy out of their ambuscadoes,The rare pro­vidence of God over ou [...] men. pur­sued them close to the Town-gate, their gunner having laden a piece of ordnance with case-shot, and watching for such an opportunity, having also travised the gun said to those that stood by, Now you shal see me make a slaughter of these Roundheads, Harm watch, harme catch. at which word a small shot from our forces hit him on the head, after which he never spake word more, but dyed instantly; which fall of his so daunted the e­nemy, both commanders and souldiers, that forthwith they cryed out for quarter, and so we by Gods mighty mercy and goodnesse ob­tained the Towne of Tynby, Tynby taken though of al­most impreg­nable strengh. The prize ta­ken. which was held by the judgement of the most judicious, almost impregnable, it being not to be entred but by single file. In this Towne wee tooke 3 or 400 prisoners, as ma­ny armes, 7 pieces of ordnance, all which were taken on Saturday March the 9. 1643 and on the Lords day, March the 10. Carew­castle was also surrendred unto ours;Carew Castle taken. and therein also was happily consummated the totall subduing of all the malignant and insulting party in the whole County of Pembrooke. Wee tooke from the Earle of Carbery and his complices in this action,A sum of the totall Victory over the Earl of Carbury. 4 castles, 53 pieces of ordnance, about 6 or 700 souldiers, as many armes, and the whole County, I say, of Pembrooke subdued, who thereupon most unanimously took the Covenant to stand to Gods cause for the King and Parliament. In all which the Lord of hostes gave his servants the victory over his and their enemies, and gives us all therein, just cause to put our confidence in him, and in that comfortable ejacula­tion of holy David to exult and say. By this we know that thou, Lord favourest us, in that thou hast not suffered our enemies to triumph over us. And now to proceed.

About the foresaid 16 or 17 of March also, came true in­formation of more very good successe with our ships at Sea, about the Isle of Garnsey, performed and obtained by Captain Iordan, who [Page 182] went out with a squadron of ships well man'd (a part of braveCapt. Jordanes good successe at sea, chasing the Earle of Marlbrough the kings admiral. Captain Swanlyes fleet, before famously mentioned) to beat the Earl of Malborough, the Admirall of the Kings fleet at Sea, who was gone to those parts of Garnsey and Iersie, to get souldiers for the Kings Service, which yet he could not effect, as he hoped; and at last, Captain Jordan understood that the Earl was got to St. Mal­lows, whither he thereupon set sail, and came to Cape Tryhull, whence he chased two Vessels, the bigger of them fleeting towards Saint Mallows, Two ships ta­ken at sea, with their prizes. he took by the way, which had been a ship belong­ing to Lyme, and was bound for Topsham, laden with Canvase cloth, wine, &c. of burthen an 110 tuns, and bearing 13 peeces of Ord­nance: The other ship was chased by Captain Thomas, who forced her on shoare, and the next day got her off, being also laden with Canvas, and belonging unto and bound for Topsham, of 36 tuns, and she being shot between wind and water, they unladed her goods into their own Ships.Two ships more & their prizes taken. The next day plying the Cape aforesaid, they took two Barks more of Topsham, laden with Wollen cloath, Iron, Train Oyle, &c. bound for Saint Mallows, of 30 tun a peece, and of value able to defray the whole charg of the ships then in com­pany. But the Earl having got into Saint Mallows they could not reach him, nor durst he stir forth all the time of their waiting for him there, and so they missed of that hoped oportunity to have bic­kered with him.

About the 18th. of this instant came certain information by Let­ters from Gloucester, that although the ammunition, intended for Gloucester could not wholely be conveyed thither with safty, by rea­son of the great partee of the Enemies thereabout, yet that Colonel Massey, Glocesters good condition. that most famous Commander, having sent an expresse to the Earle of Denby, Sir Thomas Fairfax, and Colonel Bear, That he was able by Gods assistance, to keep the Town 6. moneths longer; yea, though he were closely besieged, and that therefore, if any de­signe or opportunity were offered them, he prayed they would pur­sue it. Since which time neither of those brave Commanders had beene without action, and for confirmation thereof, besides their former services,Col. Beares brave defeat given to the Earle of Northampton at Cambden. it was particularly advertised by severall Letters, That the valiant Commander, Colonell Beare having intelligence of a Regiment of the Earle of Northamptons, quartered at Cambden, in Gloucestershire, he drew forth a Party of his Horse, who fell upon the Enemy there, routed the whole Regiment, tooke 80 [Page 183] Horse, about 10 Officers, whereof one was a Major, and 2 Cap­taines, 2 Horse Colours, and 5 Foot Ensignes, an 100 Prisoners, much Armes and Ammunition, and pursued them as farre as Bur­ford in Oxfordshire, and afterward brought the Prisoners, and Prize to Warwick-castle.

About the 20 th.Col. Massey stil victorious. of this instant, also wee had certaine intelli­gence by more Letters from Gloucester, that, that valiant, faithful and renowned Gentlemen Colonell Massey, whose actions render him truly Honourable (for Virtue is the badge of Honour, as Vice is of Shame) had taken from the Enemy, about 8 Miles from Glou­cester, 35 Horse, and some prisoners, and returned back safely and seasonably to Gloucester, having intelligence, that sir Iohn Winter his Popish neighbour, was at some places in the Forrest of Deane, to raise, men by virtue of the Commission of Array; whereupon he forthwith marched toward him, and most bravely defeated his designe, tooke about 60 Horse of his prisoners, and victoriously re­turned home againe. Thus most gallantly and vigilantly awing his Enemies on every side.

And about the 22^d.Our Brethren of Scotland passe over the River Tyne without resi­stance. of this instant March came Letters from the Army of our loyall Brethren of Scotland, which were read in the Parliament, certifying, that they had then passed over the River Tyne, at three severall places without any opposition, and shortly after, were possessed of Sunderland, about which time the Enemies shewed themselves upon a hill, within two miles of the Towne, but soone retreated without giving one stroake; and then the Enemies Forces of Durham and Newcastle joyning, and by the accession of new forces from Yorkeshire, supposed to be about 14000 Horse and Foot, they shewed themselves againe, in a bo­dy within 3 miles of Sunderland, whereupon the Scots drew out, put themselves in Battalia, both Armies standing so all day long, and lay in the field all night, within halfe a mile, at most, of each other; the like they did, the next day, and the next night after, but the Enemy having the advantage of ground,Newcastles great losse of Souldiers ly­ing in the field. the Scots could not engage their Army without great disadvantage, and through the unpassable­nes of the hedges and ditches betwixt them. Within 3 or 4 dayes after, in the morning, the Enemy retreated apace toward Durham, and the Scots sent out a Partie after them, who skirmished upon their Reare, and tooke some of them Prisoners; by whom they received information, that Newcastles Forces lying in the Field, [Page 184] in the clod Snowey weather, and in the skirmish had lost at least, 800. Horse and men, kill'd, and runne away. And within 3 or 4 dayes after, the whole body of the Scots Army advanced against the Enemy toward Durham, leaving about two Regiments at Sun­derland, for the security of that place.

About the 24th. of this instant, came certaine information by Letters from Lyme to London, Captain Tho. Pynes most brave defeat given to the Cormorants at Colliton, neer unto Lyme. that Colonell Wear going from Lyme with a party of neere upon 7 or 8 score foot and Dragoons into Devon, at least, 14 miles from his Garrison, to joyne with some well-affected persons that had invited him to come thither, and were then in Armes, but unhappily set upon by the Enemy, who kill'd and surpriz'd most of them before the Colonel could get to them. Whereupon the Colonell retreated to Lyme, and the Priso­ners which the Enemy tooke, they carryed to Colliton, a Towne within 4 miles of Lyme; and to expresse their joy for this Victo­ry, they presently fell a drinking and carousing in exessive manner.

But the vigilant and valiant Captaine Pyne, Security is the bane of safety. of whom we have made mention before, having got good intelligence thereof, lost no time, but that very night went out of Lyme, with a party of Horse to Colliton, being come thither, they first killd the Sentinels, then en­tred the Towne, and sodainly fell upon them in the night, and height of their secure jollitie;The prisoners and prize ta­ken. where he tooke a Collonell, 2 or 3 Captaines, and other Officers, released all their owne Prisoners, tooke above 60 common Souldiers, with divers Horse and Armes, and brought them all safe into Lyme. By which excellent exploit (all things rightly reckoned and accounted) one would thinke they had little cause to boast of that dayes good successe, much lesse of a Victory.

And about the 26 of this instant March, my intelligence put me in minde heere to make mention of Gods admirable and most wise ordering and disposing of things to the glory of his Name, joy of his children, and vexation of the base Brats of Rome, and malig­nant Enemies of Reformation; Excellent Re­formation of the Cathedral at Westminster. in the most rare and strange alterati­on of the face of things in the Cathedrall Church at Westminster. Namely, that whereas there was wont to be heard, nothing almost but Roaring-Boyes, tooting and squeaking Organ-Pipes, and the Cathedrall Catches of Morley, and I know not what trash; now the Popish-Altar is quite taken away, the bellowing Organs are de­molisht, and pull'd downe, the treble, or rather, trouble and base [Page 185] Singers, Chanters, or inchanters, driven out; and instead thereof, there is now set up a most blessed Oxthodox Preaching Ministery,Quantum mu­tatur ab illo. even every morning throughout the Weeke, and every weeke through the whole yeare a Sermon Preached, by most learned, grave, and godly Ministers, of purpose appointed thereunto, and for the gaudy guilded Crucifixes, and rotten table of dumbe Idols, Popish Saints,Popish trum­pery expelld; pious preach­ing establisht. and Pictures, set up, and placed, and painted thereabout, where that sinfull Singing was used; now a most sweet assembly, and thicke throng of Gods pious people, and well-affected, living teachable Saints is there constantly, and most comfortably, every morning to be seen at the Sermons. O our God! what a rich and rare alteration? what a strange change is this indeed?

And about the end of this instant March, wee were credibly in­formed, that Hopton, and his Mercenary, and compulsatory Confe­derates had swept the Westerne parts pretty cleane, to make up a mighty (supposed formidable) Army, as if therewith he intended to pursue Gods people, like furious Pharaoh himselfe, to the red Sea of ruine and destruction; or rather to make the Seas and Rivers red with the blood of Gods Saints, and servants, which the land was loath to drinke in;An introdu­ction to the subsequent fa­mous victory at Alsford. Inchiquine with his Hell-bred Irish, Gene­rall Forth, foaming and fuming with his witlesse Welsh, and the rest of the rabble of Outlandish, godlesse, gracelesse, French, Walioones, &c. Gebal, Ammon, and Amaleck, with the Philistims, were all gathered together, that they might all perish together at once, like Sisera and Iabin, Asshur is but Gods Rod to scourge his sinning chil­dren. at the brooke of Kison; The Cause is one, and the effect shall be the same; for the same God lives now, and for ever, and hath onely appointed them a time, wherein to whip his Chil­dren for a while, for a day, to be scourged and disturbed (but not destroyed) by them: For, sayes the Lord, Asshur is my Rod. Psal. 125. 3. But this being once done, this rod shall be cast into the fire, and then, neither their Idols, Images, Crosses, Crucifixes, Ave-Maries, Pa­ter-nosters, or any, or all their Masse-Sacrifices, shall be able to save them, but they shall perish, and be packing to Rome, whence they most unhappily came among us.Hoptons pre­paration. Sir VVilliam VVallers pre­paration. For, as I say, Hopton was thus pre­paring his powers against God: So on the other side, Sir William Waller, Sir William Belfore, and renowned Major Gen. Brown, a rare Pair-royall of most famous, faithfull, and magnanimous Comman­ders, were also with a very considerable Army, within a little di­stance of the multitude of their impious Adversaries, and as ready [Page 186] to receive them, as they to give the Charge.

The head Quarter of the Enemy was at Winchester, Hoptons head-quarter was at Winchester. and upon the Downes, foure miles from Winchester, where Hopton had raised some Workes, and a great part of his Army lay about in the Field. Sir William Waller also,Sir William Wallers head-quarter. Sir William Belfore, and Serjeant Major Browne, lay about Petersfield and Trafford; and some parts of the Armies on both sides, faced each other, as they lay at distance, and some slight Skimishes had first beene with some of Hoptons Horse, who were beaten by brave sir William Belfores horse, but Hoptons were experienced hoppers, and runners too, and so saved themselves the better.

But now to come to the maine matter intended;A necessary preamble be­fore the Fight. And yet before we come to speake exactly of the fight it self, I shall desire the Rea­der to give me leave, with his patience, to premise these pertinent antecedents thereof, very worthy pre-observation; namely, That about this time, it was that, that sad accident fell out (by Gods most wise ordering and disposing of things) of the raising of the Siege at Newarke, a businesse of mighty importance, and great expecta­tion on both sides,Oxfords blu­string Brava­does about the raising of the Siege at New­arke. especially on ours, in great hope; and as great fear on theirs: But, I say, it pleasing the Lord thus to crosse our hope of comforts, and to free them of their feares, for the present, and therein to give them a seeming Victory therein, and thereby to raise up their instant and insolent swelling thoughts to an extream pitch of Pride and Arrogancy, insomuch, that their Mercurius Au­licus, the Kings Lyer in Chiefe, Mercurius Au­licus, the Kings Lyer in chiefe. at Oxford-Mint, must publish abroad to the World, a huge blustring Declaration, of the great and glori­ous Victory obtained by Prince Robber, at Newarke; not onely in raising the Siege, but in an utter dissipation and discomfiture of our whole Army, with many other Chymerian-additions.

The like credit also must be given to a farther fiction; namely, That the Scots were also totally defeated by the Earle of Newcastle; whereas, in very truth, the Lord had at that very time, given our loving Brethren of Scotland a brave Victorie against Newcastle, whereof more, [...] in its due time; And a Letter, or Declaration was accordingly poasted from Oxford, in all hast, to Sir Ralph Hop­ton, which was, according to command, openly read in the head of his Army; and for their better encouragement, it was seriously affirmed, that now they had no considerable Enemy to encounter, but onely a small despicable handfull of Round-heads, under the [Page 187] Command of Sir William Waller, Notorious boasts & lyes to cousen the poore seduced Souldiers. which they said, were so incon­siderable, that halfe Sir Ralph Hoptons Army would bee easily able to give them an utter defeat; which being done, there would re­maine nothing of difficulty, for the making up of a compleat Con­quest of the whole Kingdome, save onely to march victoriously to London, obtaine their Forts, levell their workes, and take the whole Plunder of that rich and rebellious Citie, as a reward of their ser­vice.

Thus,A message sent to Sir VVill. VValler not to engage himselfe in fight. by this meanes, they having deluded the Common Soul­diers throughout their Army, and animated them to fight, (it being also at that time, when Sir William Waller had received a message; which, no doubt, was as soone made known to his Adversaries, not to engage his Forces in a fight for the present, except he were as­saulted by the Enemy, or found an apparent advantage;) and accor­dingly, Hopton speedily prepared himselfe to the onset, with extra­ordinary celerity,A true & ex­act relation of the famous fight, & most memorable victory, obtai­ned at Alsford, by renouned sir VV. VVal­ler against sir R. Hopton. and resolved violence, and vehemence.

Which Fight comming now to be handled, and mentioned in the next place, I shall herein give the best and fullest relation there­of, that I could possibly fix upon, which was penn'd by an actor, and eye-witnesse thereof, as it was presented to the most worthy, and right Honourable Lord Mayor of London, and the rest of the right Worshipfull Comittee for the City Militia; which was as followeth.

And thus hast thou seene (good Reader) to Gods eternall glory, and thine and all Englands unexpressible joy and comfort how the Lord hath by his almighty power and unsearchable rich grace and wisedome, done that for us which he promised by the Prophet (take notice of this Scripture,Zach. 8, 19. and the conclusion of that verse) Thus saith the Lord of hostes: The fast of the fourth Moneth, and the fast of the fifth Moneth &c. shalbe to the house of Iudah, joy and gladnesse and chearefull feasts; Therefore (marke this) love the Truth and Peace. Even so truely the Lord hath most directly dealt with us;This moneths Fast day re­payed, within 2 or 3 dayes after, with a blessed Feast day. For this very Moneths Fast-day being a day of most just and great sorrow and humiliation for our sad losse at Newarke Siege, it pleased the Lord our good God, that the very next and immediately ensuing Lords-day proved a jubile and joyfull-day; that our then last Wed­nesdayes fast and Prayers were turned into a feast of most joyfull and gladsome praises of the Lord, in our so admirable and so immediate repairation of that former losse,A returne of Prayers. by this so great and glorious a victo­ry, which was on the Fryday immediately following Wednesday be­fore. As if the Lord had seemed (be it spoken with holy reverence) to be sorry for our sorrow, and to sympathize with our sadnesse, and loth (as it were) to let us lie under the burthen of our heavinesse 2. or three dayes together, lest our spirits might have beene too much [Page 192] depressed with griefe and sorrow. O who can then forbeare, but hereat breake forth into Moses his blessed extasie and rapture of joy, exultation, and admiration, of this our Gods so free, so forward, and so inessable goodnesse,Exod. 15. 11. and with him say and sing. O who is like unto thee, O Lord, our God, among all gods, O who is like unto thee! Glorious in holinesse, fearefull in Praises, doing Wonders. The ene­my being thus put to flight, and enforced to leave the field (as afore­said) some part of their infantry with the carriages began to march away a pace, their horse and the rest of their foot standing for some small time, onely facing of us, being left to shift for themselves as well as they could▪ but whiles they stood thus facing of us, ours fell on againe upon them and routed both their horse and foot;The pursuite of the Victo­ry. and no sooner was the field cleared, but ours having intelligence that most of the carryages were gone to Winchester, and that the Commanders that escaped were fled to Basing-house, The Enemies flye to Winche­ster, Basting-house and Andover, &c. and likewise some horse and most of the infantry toward Andover, Sir William Waller with a part of his Army marched in pursuit of the carriages toward Win­chester, Sir William Belfore pursued the infantry, and valiant Sir Arthur Haslerigge the commanders. Who being thus closely pur­sued (before they came to Winchester) the ordnance with litle or no guard,How the E­nemies Ord­nance escaped from being all taken. strooke through a by-lane and leaving Winchester, got to Ba­sing and so to Redding, it being in the night, and so the easier for them to escape, and the harder for our forces to discover the way they went; yet we took some of their carriages which were going to An­dover; and pursuing the flying enemy to Alsford, about 200. of the Irish received the terrestriall reward of their bloody merits.

Now when Sir William Waller came to Winchester the Mayor Sir William Waller is come to Winchester. and Aldermen submitted (dissemblingly) to him, declaring them­selves for the King and Parliament, desiring to be preserved from violence and plunder which was accordingly granted them, and notwithstanding a small and inconsiderable number of the Kings forces, then in the Castle, our men having refreshed themselves, it was not thought fit that so brave an army should spend, no, not an hours time, about so poore and petulant a designe as the reducing of that castle onely, but rather with all vigilancy and valiancy to pur­sue the victory, and fall on some other service of farre greater impor­tance;Gloucester fully relieved with necessaries. and though they were certaine that Gloucester was in part re­lieved, yet they deemed it would be a good piece of service to scoure those coasts thereabout, which Sir William Waller performed accor­dingly, [Page 193] and that most noble and loyall hearted gentleman Sir Will. Belfore with a party of horse marched up as far as Salisbury with­out any resistance.

In this fight the Kentish-men behaved themselves most bravely like their ancient famous and unvanquisht predecessours,The Kentish mens brave behaviour in this fight. even as if they had been again to struggle with the Norman Conquerour, for a whole Kingdome, or their ancient Liberties, Lawes and Priviledges; and to their lasting fame (during the whole fight) gave not a foot of ground to the proudest enemy.The admira­ble valour al­so of the Ci­ty Regiment. And so also did the City Regiment, to their eternall renowne and indelible honour, like so many ancient Romane Conquerours; who of their voluntary accord went upon the forlorne-hope, beat the enemy with impregnable courage, from the hedges, which they had lined with store of musketeers, and gain­ed the passage to a wood which stood our forces in great stead (as was forementioned in the description of the fight) and soon after by Gods providence turned the scale of the daies honour (which before hung on equally indifferent termes) and put the enemy to the rout. And here before I conclude the relation of this famous victory,Observations upon the Vi­ctory. give me leave, good Reader, for thy fuller content and delight herein, to give thee these few materiall observations thereon.

First, that the enemy made himselfe so sure of routing Sir Will. 1 Waller, as that their commanders had Commissions, ready signed, in their pockets, to raise forces in Kent, a County which is (as I toucht before) resolved to sacrifice it selfe, to destroy those accursed Cormo­rants, and defend their ancient rights, which William the Conquer­our could not gaine from them; and are therefore resolved that Po­pish Queene Mary shall purchase them at a deere rate, if shee over­come them.

Secondly, that the word which the enemy had, and which the 2 Parliament forces had, was one and the very same; GOD WITH US. And God indeed the most righteous Judge, shewed who took his sacred name in vaine, they or we; and for whom, he graciously stood, by the successe of the battell.

Thirdly, how mischievous and wicked the enemy is in his cour­ses 3 (if God did not curb and prevent them) in that when they saw they could not keep the Towne of Alsford, but that their Irish were put to the sword, they set the Towne on fire in two or three severall places; but it was happily and seasonably quenched by the care and industry of the Parliaments forces.

[Page 194] Fourthly, that they were so inhumane and cruell, that the poore 4 Countrymen whom they compelled to take armes for this fight, they most mercilesly drove up with their horses, and by shooting at them and beating them, either forced them to fight or to be slaine and dye.

And lest our malignants might report (as indeed they did at Lon­don and else where)Malignants lying mouthes stopt, with the undeniable truths concer­ning this Vi­ctory. that Sir R. Hopton had soone so rallyed his for­ces the next day, both horse and foot, that Sir William Waller and Sir William Belfore du [...]st not pursue him, let the wise and impartiall Reader judge the truth thereof by these subsequent materiall occur­rences, which, de facto, were thus.

1 First, at VVinchester the Mayor of the Towne, the very next mor­ning sent word to Sir VVilliam VValler, that the gates of the City were open for him, and his comming expected, there being onely 100 in the castle whom an hundred of ours might easily keep in.

2 Secondly, that the keeper of the prison in VVinchester was so pos­sest with feare of Sir VVilliams comming, that he presently set open the prison doores, and set 80 prisoners at liberty (taken as 'twas sup­posed, at Rumsey) who came all to Sir VVilliam VValler.

3 Thirdly, that the enemy fled in such feare and confusion, that 50. prisoners of the Parliament side (whom they had taken in the fight) were by the enemies suffered to escape and return to their colours.

4 Fourthly, that upon an alarum which they had at Andover, they fled and left the Towne to the Parliaments forces whither Sir VVill. Belfore comming,The Lady Hopton and a traine of 200. taken by Sir Will. Belfore together with mony & plate. he heard that the Lady Hopton (wife to Sir R. Hop­ton) was at or neer Newbery, he thereupon sent out a party and sur­prized her, and with her tooke 200 prisoners wherof 80 were horse and great quantities of Plate and money: yet what plate, goods or Jewels did properly belong to her and her attendants was permitted the next day, to be friendly conveyed to Oxford with her, she being used with all respect and civility by Sir William VValler and Sir VVilliam Belfore; so was not the Honourable Lady Fairfax used at Bradford in Yorkeshire, though afterwards she was onely and barely sent home.

5 Fiftly, the taking of the said Lady Hopton, so neer Redding, put the garrison at Redding into such an affright and terrour that on the 3. of March the said enemy quitted that great garrison Town, and the like in other garrisons also about Oxford and those parts.

6 Sixtly, that Sir VVilliam VValler pursued the enemy to Salisbury, [Page 195] entred that Towne, and tooke there neere upon 500 Armes, and made all the Cathedrall men run for feare of after-claps.

Seventhly,Whitchurch in D [...]rsetshire ta­ken with Sir John Mills & a 100 Gentle­men more. and lastly, that Sir William Waller rested not there 7 neither, but sent out a Partee of about 1000. Horse and Dragoones into Dorsetshire, and at a Towne called White-Church, tooke sir Iohn Mills, and 100. Gentlemen more, who were met there toge­ther to raise men for Hopton; Which partie went presently after to VVeymouth for farther designes. And now false and foul mouth'd malignants judge, even ye your selves whether Hopton was not soundly beaten, to suffer all this without least resistance, all this while and so long away?

One thing more of moment,The Isle of Wights memo­rable and commendable Act of love to sir VVilliam VVallers ar­my. I may not here pretermit for the honour of the inhabitants of the Isle of Wight, neer Portsmouth, viz. That since this routing of Hoptons forces, as aforesaid, they not only supplyed Sir William Wallers army in a very large manner with vi­ctualls (which was then very welcome) refusing to take one penny of pay for the same; but farther of their owne voluntary accord (as hath beene since, credibly enformed) raised 300 stout able men and sent them to Sir William together with large expressions of their chearfulnesse and forwardnesse, farther to assist him, with their lives and fortunes, as their should be an occasion offered.

Now the Honourable House of Commons in Parliament, taking into their serious consideration, this so happy successe of their For­ces under the Command of Sir Wil. Waller, and Sir William Bel­fore, as aforesaid,A day of pub­like thankes­giving orde­red to be kept in all Chur­ches for Gods great mercy in this so famous victory. against the Forces of the King, under the Com­mand of Sir Ralph Hopton; In acknowledgement of Gods singu­lar great mercy herein; Ordered, that on Aprill the 14th, being the Lords day, Publike Thanksgiving should be in all Churches and Chappels on the Southside of Trent, within the power of the Par­liament; and that the like thanksgiving should be on the Northside of Trent, 14 dayes after, which was to be the 28th of April, then next ensuing, which Order of Parliament, for the Readers better content, and satisfaction, I have thought fit, here to insert, as it was Printed and published by their Authority.

And heer,A most grate­full Summary recapitula­tion of all the Parlia­mentary Mer­cies of this Moneth. now, good Reader, let me desire thy godly and Chri­stian patience and permission, a little to make a pause, and cast An­chour againe, at the end of this Moneths happy voyage; briefely to revise and survey the precious Merchandizes, and happy Incoms of Gods goodnesse to our English Nation, in protection of his Holy-Arke, [Page 197] the Parliaments Cause, So constantly and cruelly molested, tost and turmoyled by the swelling waves, and insolent surges of wicked and ungodly Adversaries, which will be most conspicuous­ly evident to all.

In the taking of Biddle-House in Staffordshire, by Sir Thomas Fair­fax, 1 and Colonell Ridgeley; Hilsey-house in Buckinghamshire, and the surprising of the Princes Troop by Northampton Forces.

In Colonell Lamberts brave victory at Bradford, in Yorkeshire; 2 The notable defeat given to Hastings at Hinchley, in Leicestershire, where, and when the Solemne Covenant was setling, and taking in those parts; together with another most brave defeat, given by the foresaid valiant Colonell Lambert, to Newcastles Forces; as also Sir William Constables good successe; and Colonell Waights also at Burleigh-house.

In the notable Sea-storme, wherein about 1500 Irish Rebels were 3 cast away; and the Land Storm also, which God raised against those bloody Irish-Rascals at Pool, and VVareham in Dorsetshire; toge­ther with the singular good successe of Colonell Norton against the enemies at Southampton.

Sir VVilliam Belfores good successe against the enemy neere Ba­sing-house 4 in Hampshire, The Prince Palatines taking of our Cove­nant in Holland; and the whole Kingdome of Sweathlands voluntary Message, and desire to enter into Amity and Confederacy with our Parliament against the Adversaries of the true Protestant Religion.

Sir VVilliam Constables victorious taking of Tadcaster in York­shire; 5 The singular good successe of the Parliaments Declaration for calling in Delinquents from Oxford; and how God turned that wicked Apostacy of Greenvile into a mercy unto us; Toge­ther with the pious care of the Parliament, for the godly institu­tion of the Kings Children at S. Iameses; and the singular good successe of the Parliaments Forces, at Bredport, and Burley-house neere Lyme.