WHen the Reigne of James the prudent Monarch of Great Britaines united Empire drew neare a period: at Skilts in Warwick-shire, (a Mannour of the Sheldons) was borne this ornament of our Nation I am now to treat of; by a choyce and selected branch, of the stout and valiant Markhams of Nottingham­shire, married to Sir Francis Smith of Wotton Wavers in the County of Warwicke: Heire to the Noble and an­cient Family of the Caringtons; famous for Sir Michael Caring­ton, Standard bearer to our first Richard in the Holy-land, and renowned for the loyalty of John Carington Esquire, to his Lord and Soveraigne King Richard the second, upon whose deposall he was forct to flie into Italy, where he grew famous for many brave and valiant acts: yet at his returne he chang'd his name to Smith, which all his Posterity have ever since retained, untill now it hath pleased His royall Majesty, to renew the ancient name of this Fa­mily in the present Lord Carington, Sir John Smith's eldest bro­ther. The Escucheon of this Family is of so neere a semblance to the badge of the most Noble Order of the Garter, that in my judge­ment [Page 2] it convinces it selfe to be a kingly guift, bestowed upon them for some notable service atchieved by their Predecessours: The particular definition whereof I leave to the Heralds as a star visible onely in their Horizon. But I am sure I doe not remember to have seene any Family in England, excepting this, to beare in a white Field a red Crosse in a forme so genuine to that we call St Georges.

This Sir Francis Smith was a Gentleman of that integrity of life and noble nature, that to this day his memory is still preci­ous amongst those that knew him. He was remarkeably happy for many worthy children and faire possessions, but especially in his Consort, a Lady of those excellencies, that we could expect no or­dinary peice of nature from her; being also eminent for her hospi­tality and charity, but especially for her loyalty so firme and spot­lesse, that it is almost incredible and beyond example what that noble Lady hath sustained when for a small contribution she might have secured her selfe; she rather choosing with a magnanimous patience to undergo the losse of all, then in the least manner to comply with the Kings enemies.

Before the birth of the Heroike child, this vertuous Lady and her Knight fell dangerously sicke, as if they had both contributed their utmost powers to his perfections. Nature perceives him to fit her expectation, and therefore impatient we should longer ex­pect her bounty, exposes him to the world at least a moneth be­fore the usuall time. It may be she desired that even in his birth, the child should make the first triall of his valour, and beyond ex­ample there expresse his magnanimity, and contempt of danger.

I shall not need to aske pardon if I passe by his infancy, as af­fording nothing but meerly shadowes of a great spirit, inclosed in that little casket, in a sleepe (as it were) expecting his maturity. His infancy past he is brought from his nurse, and committed to his mothers care, where his education could not choose but be excellent; for without vanity I speake it, this Kingdome affords not a Lady, that hath given more happy testimonies of her skill in that kind. In the time of his childhood, his sweet and tractable nature made him singularly beloved in his Fathers Family, and to this day many of them much please themselves with his pretty policies, and witty stratagems to compasse his sports, and deceive such as held a hand over him.

He is no sooner capable of learning, but he is sent to a Kinsmans house, amongst other young Gentlemen allied unto him to lay the foundation of a Scholler: where notwithstanding his active dis­position, he profited so well, that after some reasonable prepara­tive his Parents desirous to make him more accomplisht, sent him to study and travell beyond Seas: where he made so good a pro­gresse both in the Greeke and Latine tongues, that in one of the prime Classes, he obtained the Emperours Chayre, a Seat of emi­nent difference from all the rest, and due to him that is judged to excell his fellowes.

But neverthelesse he is impatient of this manner of life, his noble mind aspires to greater actions, and will no longer be contain'd in this course. The Almighty begins to call him to that state wherein he is pleased to imploy him. Who will not be satisfied untill he be sent for England, where arriving contrary to his friends desire, he finds a welcome accompanied with rebukes; which he long patiently sustained without any effect: at last, meerly to comply with them against his owne nature, he takes his course the second time for the Low Countries; where he takes his books in hand, and againe falls to his study: not without dayly conflicts with himselfe in overcoming his contrary inclination. But there he de­monstrated his vertue, in conquering himselfe to satisfie the desires of his Parents and friends, declaring he knew as well how to ma­ster his passions, as his bodily enemies. Which in a thing of that nature, so to overcome himselfe, considering his age and spirit, was very remarkeable.

In the place where now he resides, there happens a Commotion in some sort resembling ours: where the dreggs and rude multi­tude of the City bandy against their Prince, Magistrates, and No­bility, in such sort that nothing but ruine seemed to hang over the heads of the latter. The Rebells were so numerous and violent, growing dayly so insolent, that at last the best sort were compell'd to endeavour their owne defence in the best manner they could: for divers of their persons and houses were violated and plunder­ed, the same being imminent to the rest: wherefore they arme themselves as they can, and resolve to resist if any one shall here­after be assaulted. This quickly produced a Skitmish; wherein the multitude prevayling, our gallant young Student heares of it, and [Page 4] [...] [Page 5] [...] [Page 4] can no longer containe himselfe, but goes out of the Colledge where he resided, takes armes from the next he meets in the street, and joynes to the weaker side; putting himselfe into the head of them, where with his brave carriage he doth so encourage, and revive them, as if his valour had an influence upon each in particular. Wherefore they give a fresh assault to the enemy, and that with so good successe, that they foyled their vanquishers: who were soone daunted when they saw our young Champion had laid their Mecha­nicke Leader upon the ground, and still bestowed his strokes so freely on all that he came neere, that the rest judged it better to give ground, then to come in reach of his sword.

Their retreat was so sudden and confused, that much of their Plunder was left behind, where our noble youth happens upon a Cloak-bag full of Silver plate. His eminent service this day pro­cured him speciall thanks from the chiefe of the City, but the o­ther side were so enraged against him, that they vowed to hew him in pieces; and to that end laid wait every way to compasse him. By this time an Army comes to punish the offenders, and settle the City; our young Souldier glad of this opportunity se­conded with the necessity of avoiding the peoples fury, bids his books farewell, layes by his gowne, and takes his sword in hand, repairing to the Campe; where he puts himselfe into a posture fit for a gentleman of his birth under an expert Commander: and behav'd himselfe with that gallantry, as purchased him love, and admiration from all that knew him.

You have seene his introduction to Martiall attempts was both fortunate and gallant, where you may observe, that this noble spi­rit in his first enterprize, shew'd a naturall aversion from base, and vulgar actions: and that he disdained to accommodate himselfe to Popular humors; choosing rather to suffer shipwrack with the nobler sort, then to stand idle and let them perish, if his endea­vour might the least conduce to their safety.

It was not long after he had entred the schoole of Mars, but he had occasion given to make tryall of his wit, as well as fortitude; for a Party of their Horse attempted to beat up the enemies Quar­ters, and at the first entered the place; where out of inconsidera­tion and desire of Pillage, they made a way to their owne ruine, by dismounting; for the enemy finding a way to gather a head and [Page 5] call more aid, came and surprized the dispersed Souldiers. Our Heroike youth had still discreetly kept on Horsebacke, and pre­vailed with some few more to doe the like, which had all escaped had not the enemy strangly circumvented them. They seeing no hope of escape left, resolved to force a way by meere strength. In this attempt, he leading the way was knockt off his Horse with such a violence, that quite astonished him; the enemy gave him for dead, he falling prostrate on his face. Wherefore they busied themselves in searching for and pursuing the rest, making sure of him at leisure. At last recovering his spirits and memory, consider­ing how he came there, he lyes still for a while, till hearing the streets quiet, he lookt about very circumspectly, and discovers all cleare with a Stable open over against him furnished with Horses ready sadled: He takes hold of the oportunity and goes in, choo­ses one of the prime Horses, commanding the boy there, not to dare to speake till he was gone, as he tendred his owne life. After he is out he puts spurs to his Horse, which with such celerity con­veyed him thence, that he escapt his pursuers, and unhurt past by divers that met him. When he arrived at the Army, divers of the chiefe Commanders were full of joy to see him, whose fall but even now they did generally there condole. The Generall him­selfe did praise his ingenuity and courage, giving him one hundred pieces for the Horse he brought away.

This put a second vigour into him, both encouraging and en­abling him to continue in his present courses; his successe doth a­nimate him, and his reward gives life to his encouragement. He continues with singular respect and love amongst the Comman­ders, and Souldiers: most of the later proposing him as an example to themselves. At last some accident or other happens which calls him into England, his departure is very unpleasing to that Army, nor can he get away without engagement of his honour for his speedy returne. By this time his same is growne eminent, and his friends began to relish his courses, which makes his welcome of a better temper then before; for now they did honour those excel­lencies in him which so prosperously began to flourish.

He had scarce taken time to visit his friends after his arrivall, but his promise calls him backe, and thither also he is already by Let­ter invited: the imployment was so gratefull unto him, that to [Page 6] his friends he makes a necessity of vertue, and tells them he had engaged his honour for his returne; under this pretence he bids them farewell, and immediately repaires to his former service in the Netherlands, where he serves in the Lieutenant Generalls owne Troope, whose favourite he was, preferred in esteeme before the rest.

I am sorry, that I am not able to give account of sundry of his actions deserving memory, performed in this time: divers of which I have heard related, though now I cannot call them to mind. One thing I cannot omit, to wit, the taking of a signall Colour in a me­morable Fight in those parts, wherein the honour of the adverse Army was much engaged. And here I may take occasion to ex­presse his modesty, in my judgement very singular, for in the gain­ing of those Colours he having slaine the man that carried them, another takes them up, when they were downe, whom the ene­mies assaile in such manner, that there had that party died, had not our English Gallant rescued both him and the Colours. This un­gratefull man out of too much vanity, claymes the reward for the action, and such was this young gentlemans modesty that he re­sign'd it, and as much as in him lay the honour of the act unto him.

This and such like gained him an extraordinary portion of ho­nour, and esteeme amongst all; but especially endeared him to his Generall: insomuch that he seeks occasion to displace his owne Captaine-Lieutenant, thereby to make way for his advancement to that place. Which when our gallant perceives, with anger he ex­presses his dislike of it, and absolutely refuses the offer: But still seeing his Generall promoting the businesse, and privately urging it, with a modest indignation he protests that he will not build on anothers ruine, and therefore quits the service. Here you may be­hold an eminent effect of that true nobility which inhabited his generous brest, and how much he disdained to tread upon ano­thers head, for his owne advancement.

Immediately after this the Scottish Tumults began at home, whereupon an honourable invitation concurring with his owne naturall inclination to that service; he makes for England: choos­ing rather to serve his owne Soveraigne, then any forraigne Prince. This was unwelcome newes to the Belgian Army, that he should [Page 7] now forsake that Field where his Laurell began so happily to flou­rish. But he will by no meanes be any longer detained from doing service to his owne Lord and Soveraigne, therefore requesting them in this respect to dispence with him, he takes his leave. There never went thence a young Gentleman more beloved, or of whose losse the Souldiers were more sensible. When he was gone, long time, and often was he a subject of their discourse, one praised his incomparable valour, another his diligence, a third his obedience and modesty, a fourth his courtesie and truly noble nature, in fine they generally concluded, that he was a prime ornament to our whole Nation: nay, some chiefe men amongst them did by Let­ters confesse, they did emulate England in the possession of him.

By this time is our young Picolhomini arrived in England, (for that sirname the Netherlands had already honoured him withall) he begins his Cōmand under that noble and valiant Knight Sir John Digby, whose Lieutenant he was: in which place he carried him­selfe so worthily, that no ones gallantry in that service was more famous then his, of which he gave singular evidence in the Fight at Newburne. At which time his Captaines captivity gave him oc­casion for his release, shortly after to make triall both of his valour and discretion, in a very remarkeable manner.

Douglas, Sheriffe of Tividale (whilst the Scottish Army lay heavy upon the North of England) adventured, with a party of a­bout four score Horse, to plunder a House in those parts called Sta­pleford, belonging to Master Pudsey, a Gentleman of quality. Who as soone as they are arrived, finds meanes to bring intelligence to His Majesties Army, where Lieutenant Smith seeing few upon the newes shew any great alacrity or forwardnesse to undertake his rescue, proffers himselfe to take it upon him, angry (as it were) to see so little commiseration or resolution in many others who were more concerned in it then he. Being authorized to go, he selects a small party of Horse (of a farre lesse number then many judged re­quisite for his undertaking) thereby to make his enterprize more honourable, calling along with him two or three Trumpets besides his owne, meaning to make that discreet use of them which shortly followers. This done, he sets forward towards the place, where he arrives with that privacy, that disposing all his Trumpets but one, on severall sides of the House, he comes upon the Centry at [Page 8] unawares, and cleaves him downe thorow head-piece, and all; then commands the Trumpet he had reserved to sound a charge, which all the other did second with great amazement to the Scots, who thinking themselves to be besieged on all sides, could not re­solve whether it were better to fight or retreit, either of which they might well have done, had they knowne how few their as­sailants were. In this confusion, an old woman of the House found meanes to let them in at a doore unguarded, where being entred they killed sixteen in the place, and the rest of the Souldiers with Douglas their Commander surrendred themselves, to the mercy of this prudent and valiant Gentleman, who led them captive to His Majesties Army; rejoycing that he had got one wherewith to re­lease his Captaine, which by exchange was immediately per­formed.

This was the onely action, redounding to His Majesties honour, and the credit of our Nation, performed in all that service. For our owne Army was then so confounded with Faction, and conse­quently exposed to treachery, that we prospered in nothing we then undertooke. What honour and fame he gained by this, I need not expresse; for there are few I presume in this Kingdome that are ignorant of it, every one praising and admiring so much discre­tion, and so brave a spirit in a gentleman so young. Not long after our Royall Soveraigne out of His tender compassion to both the Nations, and His unwillingnesse to engage them in a Civill Warre, finds meanes to close up the breach betweene them: though not without prejudice to His owne Royall Prerogative.

Now our brave Souldier betakes himselfe to a retired life, in his Mothers house at Ashby Folvile in Leicestershire, not ayming at any further voyage: for he prudently foresaw that the former fire though now covered with ashes of a pacification, would shortly breake out into a greater flame then before. And was but a pre­amble to this horrid and unnaturall Rebellion, which now suffici­ently appeares in its owne shape. He said, he knew evidently, that though the Scots had obtained their wishes, yet the Faction who in­vited them to what they did, were as little satisfied as over, and con­sequently their unruly spirits, could not long containe themselves out of action, but shortly would endeavour to set the Kingdome on fire. He in the interim contented himselfe with this retirement, being [Page 9] by reason of this expectation, unwilling to take any Command a­broad.

His Majesty was pleased in respect of his eminent carriage in the last action, to offer to make him a Knight Baronet, as a princely reward, and encouragement for his further progresse in these He­roike courses. He considering himselfe to be the youngest of foure brothers, that his revenewes did nothing agree with the main­tenance of such a Title, and believing that honour on those condi­tions would be but a meere burthen unto him, modesty refused it; contenting himselfe with his former condition: which action doth cleare him from all aspersion of vanity. This interim he bestowed in so good a manner, that he acquired singular love and respect, from all that conversed with him. His conversation was so sweet and affable, and his excesses so rare, that most men in a Souldier ad­mired that temperance and courtesie. This time he neglected not frequently to read and study books of Military Discipline and in­struction; but those selected, and of the choycest sort: to these he added Histories, seeking to extract thence in short time by Theory, what many yeares practise would hardly afford him. He did well discover the ignorance of such, as are onely trained up in the sehoole of practise, under a few yeares experience; and confest, that a meere practicall knowledge could not make a perfect Souldier, and that practis [...] ought neither to march in obstinate blindnesse with­out speculatives of historicall knowledge, and examples; nor these againe without practise, but that both of them should be respected as necessary parts, to make a compleat Souldier.

Long time passed not before the unhappy actors in this present tragedy, forgetfull of the honour of our Nation, their duty to their Soveraigne, or love to their Country, bring to light this unnaturall and ugly monster of Rebellion, and Civill Warre: not respecting their owne happinesse in the calme of a happy peace, or felicity in a King of that excellent temper, for all perfections belonging to a good Prince, that hardly ever did Britannia's Diadem crowne the temples of his equall. This suddenly growes to that height and in­folence, that it was out of His Majesties power to suppresse it, seeing himselfe on a suddain deprived of all His Armes, Ships, Forts, and necessaries for Warre. But soone he is brought to that exigent, that either Himselfe, His Queene, and Royall Progeny with the [Page 10] whole Kingdome must be ruined, or else he must endeavour to op­pose himselfe, by all possible meanes to hinder its further pro­gresse. To this end he casts himselfe into the armes of the divine providence, and out of nothing begins to raise an Army for His owne defence; presently our young Worthy is sought for, and made Captain-Lieutenant under the Lord Iohn Steuort (brother to the Duke of Richmond and Lenox) a gentleman of a wonderfull sweet and noble disposition.

This Troope was very eminent in respect of the Commander, upon whom the eyes of most men were fixt in extraordinary ex­pectation, wherein whether they were deceived or no, let his suc­ceeding actions declare. In the time of his Quartering at Lincolne there happened a passage worth noting. Not long before, there was a gentleman of quality in the Kings Army taken Prisoner by the Proto Rebels of Kingston upon Hull, and there in time of his durance was abused by one of the Wrayes, Heire to one of the chiefe Houses of that name in Lincolnshire, who like a Jay, cast a glasse of beere in contempt into the captive Gentlemans face. Whereof our gallant Commander hearing, was much incensed: determining to vindicate the wronged Gentleman, if ever occa­sion were offered. Whilst he was at Lincolne this hotspur Wray comes to Towne, whereof he having notice, repaires to the house and enters the roome where Wray and divers others ill-affected to His Majesty were met; he demands of him whether he were the man who at such a time abused one of His Majesties Souldiers in Hull? the other peremptorily acknowledging the fact, he takes occasion with his cane to pay him his hire, and did it to the pur­pose, in such a manner, that the other present daunted with his courage, dared not once to stirre in Wrayes defence. This was an argument of his noble nature, and served the Souldiers and Towns­men to laugh at a long time after. The like he did since on a Knight of greater name and bulk in vindication of a noble Lord to whom that Knight had been too ingratefull. Indeed his disposition was such that he could better indure to see himselfe wronged, then any other ingenuous man, and would sooner vindicate anothers inju­ry, then his owne.

He could not indure to see the insolence of Souldiers over the poore pesants and country people, ueither ever would he tolerate [Page 11] it if it lay in his power either by foule or faire meanes to remedy. Which an Officer of the Army (who thought himselfe no meane man experienced certainly at Leicester. This man usurpes power, upon I know not what authority, to presse, and dispose of Horses at his pleasure: which he performed with that insolence, as was very grievous to the people. Wherefore they complained to this generous Commander, who immediately questioned the o­ther about it, and finding him both very guilty, and peremptory in his offences: Layes him (although he were his name-sake) by the head and heeles in the stable, amongst the horses, and there lets him lie, durante beneplacito, till he was intreated to release him.

By this time the Cockatrice of this Rebellion was growne to some maturity, & amongst all that sought to lop the growing Mon­ster our noble Captaine Smith gave one of the first blowes: the particulars whereof as they are related authentikely by the Herald, (who extorted the relation from his owne mouth) I will here in­sert. In the beginning of August. 1642. He marcht with the Lord Iohn Stuarts Troope into Warwickeshire, there to meet the noble Earle of Northampton, who was then in Armes for His Ma­jesty. Captaine Bartue Troope marcht with him, and at Rugby on the edge of the aforesaid County he quartered the 8 of that moneth, where he understood that at Kilsby in Northamptonshire, about two miles distant, the Inhabitants had put themselves in Armes against His Majesties Proclamation; He therefore con­ceiving it fit to disarme them, did that night set a strong Guard in Rugby of about 30 Horse, to the end he might draw out of the Towne at any hower with the lesse noyse, or notice.

Before breake of the day he marcht out, the morning being ve­ry wet, and before it was light, coming to Kilsby Towne side drew up his Horse in a body. As soone as it was cleare day he en­tred the towne, where presently he found the people gathering to­gether, some with Muskets or other gunnes, others with Pitch­forkes and Clubs, He asked them what they meant, and told them he had no purpose to doe them harme, entreating them to deliver up their Armes for His Majesties service. The untuly people no whit hearkned to his courteous desires, but furiously assaulted his Troop, (which could not be drawne up into a body in regard of the strait­nesse of the passage) they wounded two or three of his men and [Page 12] some horses. Yet made he shift to disarme some of them, and then advances to the Constables house, where he finds more company; but cōmanded his men not to discharge a Pistoll upon pain of death, hoping yet by faire meanes to qualifie them. Immediately divers shot is made from the Windowes at him; whereupon, he com­manded his men to give fire, and so presently dispatcht three or foure of them: which the rest seeing, ran away all except an old man that with his Pitchforke ran at Captaine Smith, and twice stroke the tynes thereof against his brest, who by reason of his armes under a loose coate received no hurt, yet could not this old man by any intreaty be perswaded to forbeare, till a Pistoll quieted him. Here he took 40 Muskets, and the same day marcht towards the valiant Earle of Northampton, whom he met with Brookes his Ordnance, about three miles from Warwicke and attended him thither. In this action if you consider the condition of those times, you will discover a great deale of discretion in the managery of it, and nothing savouring of rashnesse or vanity, some taint whereof you might well expect in a young Gentleman so spritefull, and o­verflowing with valour.

The next action remarkable that our fortunate gallant had a hand in, was that famous fight September the 23. the same yeare, neare Worcester: where he charged with that bravery and discretion, that many confesse he did singularly promote the victory. Thus dayly he gained new honours, and his Laurell still flourished with more splendor then could be expected in his age.

To this at Worcester succeeds that memorable Battaile neere Keinton in Warwickeshire, the particulars whereof following we owe to Mr. Dugdale, Chester Heralds carefull preservation. His Troope at this time being in the Lord Grandisons Regiment, was drawne up in the left wing of the Kings Army; This day his sin­gular valour was most eminent for sundry notable actions, espe­cially his rescue of His Majesties Banner Royall, vulgarly called the Standard. For after the Rebells left wing of Horse, and divers Re­giments of Foot were routed, and execution followed by His Ma­jestices Horse of both wings, through and beyond the Towne of Keinton. It happened that this prudent Commander saw some e­minent persons of His Majesties Army, in pursuit of the flying Re­bells, which he conceived had beene appointed as a Reserve of [Page 13] horse, for assistance of our foote: which much amazed him, hearing both Armies at that instant in sharpe fight, whereupon he present­ly seekes out the Lord Grandison, Sir Charles Lucas, and some o­ther Officers of quality; and importuned their speedy rallying to­g [...]ther of what horse in this confusion could be suddainly got, that so speedily they might returne to the assistance of out foot.

His excellent advise was very well resented by those noble Gen­tlemen, and accordingly they soone rallyed about 200 horse, and marched backe towards the Armies then in fight. In their passage they met with a great part of the Rebells of Charles Essex his Regi­ment, running confusedly towards Keinton Towne with their co­lours: those they presently charged, slew some, routed the rest and tooke all their Colours. This done these horse rallyed againe, and advanced, but they had not past farre before they met with about three Troopes of the Rebells horse, which were wheeled off from the reare of their foote, these also they charged, routed, and follow­ed in execution so farre, that now this brave Commander could ral­ly but fourteene men together to prosecute his returne: with which as he passed up still towards the reare of the Rebells Army, he met with a great part of the Lord Whartons Regiment that formerly were routed also, and now were with their Colours, confusedly hastening towards Keinton Towne; these with his fourteene horse he valiantly charg'd, and routing them tooke their Colours. The Majors Colours were taken by himselfe, which he delivered to one Chichly a groome of the Duke of Richmond's, who had taken a Co­lours of Charles Essex his Regiment.

But now of all his fourteene there was no more left but himselfe and Chi [...]hley: the rest following the pillage of the routed Rebells. As these two were passing on towards our Army, this Mirrour of Chivalry espies six men, three Curiasiers and three Harquebusiers on horsebacke, guarding a seaventh on foot, who was carrying off the Field a Colours rouled up which he conceived to be one of the or­dinary Colours of His Majesties Leife-guards, and therefore seeing them so strong, intended to avoide them. Whil'st he was thus con­sidering, a boy on horsebacke calls to him saying, Captaine Smith, Captaine Smith, they are carrying away the Standard. He would not suddainly beleive the boy, till by great asseverations he had assured him it was the Standard, who forthwith said, They shall have me with [Page 14] it, if they carry it away; and desiring Chichley if he saw him much en­gag'd, to throw down the other Colours & assist him; presently he charg'd in with his rapier at the footman that carried the Banner, (who was then Secretary to Essex the Rebells Generall) saying, Traitor deliver the Standard, and wounded him into the breast, whil'st he was bent forward to follow his thrust, one of those Cu­riasters with a pollax wounded him in the necke through the Collar of his doublet, and the rest gave fire at him with their pistolls, but without any further hurt then blowing of some pouder into his face.

No sooner was he recovered upright, but he made a thrust at the Curiasier that wounded him, and ran him into the belly, whereup­on he presently fell, at which sight all the rest ran away. Then he caused a foot souldier that was neare at hand to reach him up the banner, which he brought away with the horse of that Curiasier. Immediately comes up a great body of His Majesties horse which were rallyed together (according to his first advice) to charge the enemy againe, with whom he staid; delivering the Standard to Master Robert Hatton, a Gentleman of Sir Richard Willyes his Troope, to carry forthwith to His Majesty. So farre was he from prizing his owne action, or gaping after honour or reward. The day was now so farre spent that he had time left onely to rescue Co­lonell Richard Feilding who was taken Captive by the Rebells, and was leading away, whil'st in the interim our Heroicke Commander comes, and in despite of them sets him at liberty. Surely this daies worke deserves eternall memory, and concludes that he was borne this day to place a laurell garland on his Soveraignes head, and pre­serve the honour of His Nation; Many confesse that the preserva­tion of our foot is due to his prudent foresight and advise. If his va­lour had afforded us nothing else but the rescued Standard, we could not sufficiently celebrate his praise. It had surely in the peoples eies beene a sad O men of succeeding enterprizes, had we not by his for­tunate and couragious atcheivement repaired so singular a losse; but this on the other side encourag'd them, who seeing the Standard so neare lost, yet happily regained, conceived hopes that though the royall Diadem was as deeply engag'd, yet by the fortunate endea­vour of such Noble Heroes that also together with the Kingdome might be recovered.

The next morning King CHARLES sends for him to the top of Edge-hill, where His Majesty (though the modest Gentleman did what lay in him to avoid the honour) Knighted him for his sin­gular valour. Immediately our worthy Knight (seeing the Rebells having gathered all the residue of their strength into a body, stood drawne up neare the side of Keinton Towne) signifies a great desire he had that our horse should charge them, but that being not resol­ved he craved liberty to have a small party assign'd him, with which he would endeavour to fetch off some of their Canon, which being granted he march't downe into Keinton feild, and of his party he drew out about 30 to approach neare the body of the Rebells, and face them whil'st horses were span'd in to draw off the peices: he commanded this party himselfe, facing their maine body within musket shot, but their horse were so aw'd with the former dayes worke, that they durst not adventure to charge him with that small party; with which he brought off three brasle peices of Canon that stood about the left wing of the Rebells army in the battaile; which action our whole Army stood looking on with wonder and ap­plause. He concludes this dayes worke with the generous assi­stance he gave Sir Gervase Scroopes son in fetching off his valiant Father stript naked and almost dead, with the losse of so much bloud by nineteene wounds.

These valiant actions made him very eminent in His Majesties sight, so that the royall munificence gives him a troope of his owne, and the noble Lord Grandison elects him for Major to his Regi­ment: wherein he did singular service in divers places, exercising all parts of an excellent Commander; witnesse his gallant behaviour in the fight at Brainceford, and his beating up of the enemies quar­ters, with his souldierlike retreat, the same yeare in December neare Winchester. Where with a small party he dared to goe into the mouth of a powerfull army, to beat up their quarters, and afterward when they came upon him when he had done great execution in the place, with such discretion to make his retreat scarce with the losse of a man in despite of them all.

He still more and more expressed the greatnesse of his spirit, and true magnanimity, when the next day the potent enemy had besei­ged them in Winchester Castle; he would have issued out and tried the utmost of fortune, rather then submit to those whom he so much [Page 16] detested, one of which in respect of their exigence in provision, they must of necessity doe. But when he saw the rest disclaiming and not concurring, he was faine to desist: But neverthelesse dis­daining to have any hand in the parley, refused to subscribe to the articles of submission. How undauntedly he carried his captivity is incredible: as also how boldly he looked adversity in the face. The Allmighty it seemes was pleased to make triall of his fortitude eve­ry way, to see whether he were as couragious in suffering as fighting, or as mild a Captive as a modest Conquerour. Very magnanimously did he support this tedious triall of nine months imprisonment, where the enemy perceived his worth so well that they were loath to part with him on any conditions that might be termed reasona­ble.

Neverthelesse when the divine wisedome saw him sufficiently ex­ercised in this schoole of patience, he is at last released, to the sin­gular joy and comfort of most brave spirits in the Kings Army: some of which even with teares at Oxford entertaine him. The noble Lord Herbert of Ragland wooes him to his service, and makes him Lieu­tenant Colonell to his Regiment of horse, with promise of a far more eminent place in very short time. In this interim of his command here, I, attracted by the fame which rung through the Kingdome of him, repaired unto him, desiring to serve His Majesty under this matchlesse Gentlemans command: and from that time to his death was an eye-witnesse of what I shall after relate. There I observed the love, honour, and respect he had of all the Souldiers and Com­manders, which valued him beyond expression. I could not choose likewise but see his exceeding modesty in the midst of all these re­spects and applauses. In his expedition against Massey he expres­sed the naturall aversion he had from rissing the Country, or enrich­ing himselfe by those baser meanes, in his frequent endeavours to re­straine the souldiers from the pursuit thereof; where often he de­monstrsted his noble mind stored with compassion, in tendering the complaints of suffering people.

The Court lookes upon him as one deserving greater command, and more active imployments, wherefore in his returne from the said expedition (where Gloucesters Idoll shew'd his dexterity in run­ning, as well as his policy in other things. ) Our worthy Knight meets with the Kings Letter, whereby he is called immediately [Page 17] away to Oxford, where he is no sooner arriv'd but commanded thence by His Majesty to the West, there to take the place of Ma­jor Generall to the horse, in that Army under the Lord John Stuart, by whom at Winchester he is entertained with extraordinary wel­come; The Renowned Lord Hopton declaring that he also tooke no little content in the possession of such a Jewell. Indeed it was im­possible for a Gentleman to finde more honour and respect then he did from those Worthy Lords, together with the whole Army, the eyes of all being bent upon him.

Our Gallant Major Generall now setled in his office, begins and prosecutes his affaires with that prudence, courtesie, and magnani­mity, that all sorts of people were enamoured with his true excel­lency. He wonne the souldiers with his courtesie, the people with his modesty, and even from his enemies drew he admiration for his gallantry. By this meanes his fame encreases daily to an unspeaka­ble height, insomuch that beyond Seas also he is celebrated as a wor­thy of the times. He hath here fought so good a fight, as claimes al­ready the speedy possession of a celestiall Diadem, and to that end he must now be summoned hence, but yet in the most honourable way that may be, whil'st he is sacrificing his life for his King and Country in the head of a gallant Army.

Now approaches the battaile at Bramdean neare Alresford in Hampshire, on March the 29. 1644. Wherein our Worthy must put a period to all his renowned actions, as if he had fore-known what was to succeed, the morne before he sets out of Winchester, he pre­pares himselfe for death in the best manner possible. All the time our Army lay expecting oportunity to assaile the enemy, every eye looked upon him as the loadstarre of their successe. In the night before the sight he goes out himselfe and killing the enemies Cen­tinell returnes backe with honour: In truth we had not any more daring, and vigilant then he.

It is incredible what chearfulnesse, and alacrity he show'd when the sight drew nigh, at meat that morning, bidding his Souldiers feed heartily, for they should have Princely sport anon. The fight be­gins where our valiant Foote beat the Rebels out of the woods, and bravely even bestowed a hopefull victory upon us, till some out of a rash Gallantry engage both themselves, and the fortune of a glorious day, insomuch that the Horse must needs be commanded [Page 18] up, though upon a great disadvantage, which our prudent Knight resents, and to some that were neare unto him expressed a great dis­like of it, but understanding that it was peremptory, he esteemed his honour so highly that for a world he would not be seene to de­tract from any thing: lest if thereupon any disaster should ensue, the dishonour should light upon his innocence. On therefore he goes in Heroicke obedience, though expecting nothing else but what en­sued. In a distracted manner they are of necessity to charge a solid body of the Rebels Horse, lying under the protection both of Ca­non, and hedges lined with Musketiers: their Canon (when he is come almost within pistoll shot with intention to charge in) flies off so freely, that amazes his Horse, the fire even flashing in his face, causes him to reare, and turne sidewise upon the enemy, who seeing all his riders power imployed to keepe his saddle, and recover his Horse, let fly at him as thicke as haile: and in this in­terim comes one from amongst them clad in Armes like a Lobster, who with a Carbine gives him his third and mortall wound, in his belly on the left side beneath his armour; with this wound he falls, and with him the fortune of the day, and courage of our Horse, for no sooner was he downe, but daunted with so disastrous an acci­dent they in a great disorder retreat, scarce any but his own Troop remaining on that wing, who resolving to die rather then loose so brave a Leader advanced to fetch him off, even to the enemies nose, & indespite of them gallantly brought off him, his horse, & Armes, whilst one of the Company a reformado Lieutenant in a brave re­venge, rides up to the Armed monster and shootes him in the eye, sending him to answer for his detested fact, in so base a manner wounding to death a Gentleman every way accomplished, and wor­thy. The Almighty was not pleased that any miscreant should live to glory in so foule an action.

Our Major Generall now wounded, desires those faithfull Gen­tlemen, not to suffer him to come into the enemies hands, but convay him to some place where he may a while repose with security. They bring him immediately to the Phisitian Generall to be drest, who unfortunately missed his mortall wound discovering onely a bruise on the same side beneath it, and therefore concludes he is out of danger, upon this they bring him to Woonston, a village 5 miles from Winchester, where his Troope lately quartered, here after he had [Page 19] drunke a posset, and warm'd himselfe a while, he desires to lye downe and rest, a bed is prepared and he lyes downe, immediately falling to sleepe; which considered, together with the courage he supported his mortall wounds, made us confident he was out of danger: his being so hearty, and no sighs or groanes to be percei­ved, as generally in dying men. He was no sooner awake, but he began to question how farre we were from the enemy, what time a night it was, and what was become of our Army: and after falls into a formall discourse, wherein he dispatcht some particular things concerning himselfe, which because they were private I omit: which done he lyes downe againe, and said, the conceit of our men running away did more trouble him by farre then his wounds: and though others were hardly induced to beleeve it, both now and be­fore he expressed in a mild manner, that his life was neare a period: and conjured me by all the love and respect I ought him, to certifie his Deare Mother that he died with a quiet conscience, and a resigned mind, hoping likewise that she would not take his death with too much heavinesse, but rather rejoyce that she had a son to shed his bloud for his Soveraigne. A truly Christian, and Heroicall speech, which though but short, comprised the very Elixar of true fortitude, loy­alty, and piety.

After this he prayes, making an excellent act of perfect resigna­tion, saying, O my Lord and God, out of thy infinite goodnesse have mercy upon mee, who cast my selfe into thy blessed hands, heartily wi­shing that thy divine will may be performed in mee: whilst he was thus like the Swan, singing so sweet a dying Ode with eloquence scarce usuall in his life time, his carriage is made ready, to take him from danger imminent, to a place of more security: and so to Oxford if it were possible. He notwithstanding his deadly wounds, comes down staires on foote, & ascends the carriage with that stoutnesse, as hardly hath beene seene in a dying man: all the symptomes of paine you could perceive in him, was sometimes he would bite his nether lip, when his pangs with most extremity came upon him. When we drew neere Andover, he began to say (his senses being a little astonished) Good my Lord let us charge up againe, let us charge them once againe, and the day is ours. As soone as we entred the towne he began to invoke the sacred name of Jesus, often re­peating it with a soft voyce, as if he had taken taken a gust and [Page 20] sweetnesse in the divine vertue of it. Shortly after, over against the signe of the Angel, in a mild and sweet repose he expired: where it would have grieved the hardest heart to have seene him round enclosed with sundry Gentlemen, condoling with teares the un­timely end of so Peerlesse a Gentleman.

Thus alas you have seene how this Worthy of our Age, one of the prime flowers in our English Garden, is cut off in his youth at the age of scarce thirty yeares: who seeing he was arriv'd to such an eminent excellence in so short a time, what might we have expe­cted from him, had he attained but a mans age? His body at Oxfora is entertained with exceeding griefe both to Court and City; whilst his buriall is preparing at the Colledge of All-Soules in the Chan­cell, his body is exposed to the peoples view, whither a great num­ber of all sorts resorted, some to view his wounds, and many to behold the man of whom fame had proclaimed so great things, and for whom now there was so universall lamentation.

The next day being the first of April in the afternoone, were his Funerall rites solemnized, with as much ceremony as the short­nesse of time, and meanes of preparation for one of his quality would permit, The manner whereof was briefly thus,

First, three Trumpets with black Scarfes went sounding very dolefully before, next his Horse whereon he was slaine was led by a Page and covered in black to the ground, upon which were pla­ced his Escucheons of Armes. Then two Heralds went carrying his Sword and Spurres; the Corps were carried by Gentlemen of his owne Troope, whilst the Pall set with Escucheons was supported by the Earles of Cleveland and Rivers, the Lord Herbert of Rag­land and the Lord John Somerset his brother. Six Colonels, on each side the Corps three, carried his Armes; Then followed the Right Honourable the Lord Carington as principall mourner, accompa­nied by the Earle of Lindsey Lord Great Chamberlaine of England, and the Earles of Northampton and Dover, (from persons of that degree an extraordinary respect) with divers others of the Nobi­lity, after these came all the chiefe Commanders of Horse and Foot then in Oxford, with a multitude of other Gentlemen.

In this solemne manner proceeded they to Christ-Church, and in the South-east corner of the Chappell, on the Southside of the Quire, was the body of this renowned and gallant Souldier depo­sited: [Page 21] at the head of the late Viscount Grandison. Where after the Office of buriall was performed, this following expression in honour of his memory was made by Somerset Herald.

THus it hath pleased Almighty God to take out of this transitory life unto his divine mercy, the valiant and most worthy Gentle­man, Sir JOHNSMITH, Knight, (descended of the ancient Fa­mily of Carington, from Sir Michael Carington Standard bearer to King RICHARD the first in the Holy-land) who for his signall valour in rescuing His Majesties Banner Royall, in the Battaile of Keinton, after it was possest by the Rebels at that time received the Honour of Knighthood, from His Majesty in the field; and since in sundry other Battailes against the Rebels, hath given singular testi­mony of his loyalty and valour, especially in that memorable Battaile of Bramdean on Friday last, the 29 of March: where having re­ceived severall wounds in pursuite of victory, he dyed of them the day following at And over, and here in Oxford is now interred.

God save the King.

Here lies our noble Heroe, whose memory exacts both from his Family and our Nation a Monument to adorn his triumphant ashes, which I doubt not but either of them will performe, rather then suffer the least staine of so great neglect, or ingratitude rest upon them. In the meane time will I make bold to inscribe an Epitaph, upon this living monument which I now erect unto him.