A LETTER FROM The Lord general CROMWELL To the Parliament of England, Concerning his proceedings with their Army in Scotland, and the late victory God hath given them over the Scottish Army there: Together with An Act of Parliament for public Thanksgiving in England thereupon: and a Proclamation of the Deputy general of Ireland for a further day of public Thanksgiving in relation to the same throughout Ireland, On Thursday the seventh of November in this present year, 1650. Printed at Corcke, in the year of our Lord God, 1650. For the honourable, William Lenthal Esquire, Speaker of the Parliament of England. SIR, I hope it is not ill taken that I make no more frequent Addresses to the Parliament; things that are of trouble in point of Provision for your Army, and of ordinary direction, I have, as I could, often presented to the council of State, together with such Occurrences as have happened; who I am sure, as they have not been wanting in their extraordinary care, and provision for us, so neither what they judge fit and necessary, to represent the same to you, and this I thought to be a sufficient discharge of my duty on that behalf. It hath now pleased God to bestow a mercy upon you, worthy your knowledge, and of the utmost praise and thanks of all that fear and love his Name; yea, the Mercy is far above all praise, which, that you may the better perceive I shall take the boldness to tender unto you some circumstances accompanying this great business, which will manifest the greatness and sesonablenesse of this Mercy: we having tried what wee could to engage the Enemy three or four miles West of Edinburgh, that proving ineffectual, and our victual failing, we marched towards our Ships for a recruit of our want; the Enemy did not at all trouble us in our rear, but marched the direct way towards Edinburgh, and partly in the night and morning, slips through his whole Army, and Quarters himself in a posture easy to interpose between us and our victual; but the Lord made him lose the opportunity, and the morning proving exceeding wet and dark, wee recovered by that time it was light into a ground where they could not hinder us from our victual; which was a high act of the Lords Providence to us. We bring come into the said ground, the Enemy marched into the ground we were last upon, having no mind either to strive to interpose between us and our victual, or to fight, being indeed upon this lock, Hoping that the sickness of your Army would render their work more easy by the gaining of time; whereupon wee marched to Muscleburgh to victual, and to ship away our sick men, where we sent aboard near five hundred sick and wounded Soldiers: And upon serious consideration, finding our weakness so to increase, and the Enemy lying upon his advantages; at a general counsel it was thought fit to match to Dunbar, and there to fortify the Town, which we thought, if any thing, would provoke them to engage; as also that the having of a Garrison there, would furnish us with accommodation for our sick men, would be a place for a good magazine( which wee exceedingly wanted) being put to depend upon the uncertainty of weather for landing Provisions, which many times cannot be done, though the Being of the whole Army lay upon it, all the Coasts from L●… th to Berwi●k not having one good harbour, as also to lie more conveniently to receive our recruits of Horse and Foot from Berwick. Having these considerations, upon Saturday the thirtieth of August, wee marched from Muscleburgh to Hedding on, where by that time wee had got the Van-Brigade of our Horse, and our Foot and Train into their Quarters, the Enemy was marched with that exceeding expedition, that they fell upon the Rere-Forlorn of our Horse, and put it in some disorder; and indeed, had like to have engaged our Rerebrigade of Horse with their whole Army, had not the Lord by his Providence put a cloud over the Moon, thereby giving us opportunity to draw off those Horse to the rest of the Army, which accordingly was done without any loss, save of three or four of our aforementioned Forlorn, wherein the Enemy( as we believe) received more loss. The Army being put into a reasonable secure posture, towards midnight the Enemy attempted our Quarters on the Westend of Heddington, but( through the goodness of God) we repulsed them. The next morning we drew into an open field, on the Southside of Heddington, we not judging it safe for us to draw to the Enemy upon his own ground, he being prepossessed thereof, but rather drew back to give him way to come to us, if he had so thought fit. And having waited about the space of four or five houres, to see if he would come to us; and not finding any inclination in the Enemy so to do, we resolved to go according to our first intendment to Dunbar: By that time we had marched three or four miles, we saw some Bodies of the enemies Horse draw out of their Quarters; and by that time our Carriages were gotten near Dunbar, their whole Army was upon their march after us; and indeed, our drawing back in this manner, with the addition of three new Regiments added to them, did much heighten their Confidence, if not Presumption and Arrogancy. The enemy that night, we perceived, gathered towards the Hills, labouring to make a perfect interposition between us and Berwick; and having in this posture a great advantage, through his better knowledge of the country, which he effected by sending a considerable Party to the straight Pass at Copperspeth, where ten men to hinder, are better then forty to make their way, And truly this was an exigent to us, wherewith the Enemy reproached us with that condition the Parliaments Army was in, when it made its hard conditions with the King in Coruwal; by some Reports that have come to us, they had disposed of us, and of their business, in sufficient revenge and wrath towards our persons, and had swallowed up the poor Interest of England, believing that their Army and their King would have marched to London without any interruption; it being told us, wee know not how truly, by a prisoner wee took the night before the fight, That their King was very suddenly to come amongst them with those English they allowed to be about him; but in what they were thus lifted up, the Lord was above them. The Enemy lying in the posture before mentioned, having those advantages, we lay very near him, being sensible of our disadvantage, having some weakness of flesh, but yet consolation and support from the Lord himself to our poor weak Faith, wherein I believe not a few amongst us shared, That because of their Numbers, because of their Advantages, because of their Confidence, because of our weakness, because of our straight, wee were in the Mount, and in the Mount the Lord would be seen, and that he would find out a way of Deliverance and Salvation for us; and indeed, we had our Consolations and our Hopes. Vpon Monday Evening the Enemy whose numbers were very great, as wee hear about six thousand Horse, and sixteen thousand Foot, at least: Ours drawn down, as to sound men, to about Seven thousand five hundred Foot, and three thousand five hundred Horse; the Enemy drew down to their right Wing about two thirds of their left Wing of Horse, to the right wing shogging also their Foot and Train much to the right, causing their right wing of Horse to edge down towards the Sea. We could not well imagine, but that the Enemy intended to attempt upon us, or to place themselves in a more exact condition of interposition: mayor general and myself coming to the earl of Roxboroughs House, and observing this posture, I told him, I thought it did give us an opportunity and advantage to attempt upon the Enemy; to which he immediately replied, That he had thought to have said the same thing to me; so that it pleased the Lord to set this apprehension upon both of our hearts at the same instant; we called for colonel Monk, and shewed him the thing; and coming to our Quarter at night, and demonstrating our apprehensions to some of the Colonels, they also cheerfully concurred; wee resolved therefore to put our business into this posture, That six Regiments of Horse, and three Regiments and an half of Foot, should march in the Van, and that the mayor general, the Lieutenant general of the Horse, and the Commissary general and colonel Monk, to command the Brigade of Foot, should led on the business; And that colonel Prides Brigade, colonel O vertons Brigade, and the remaining two Regiments of Horse, should bring up the Canon and rear, the time of falling on to be by break of day, but through some delays it proved not to be so till six a clock in the morning: The Enemies word was The Covenant, which it had been for divers days; ours ( The Lord of Hosts) The mayor general, Lieutenant general Fleetwood, and Commissary general Whaley, and colonel Twisletons, gave the Onset, the Enemy being in very good posture to receive them, having the advantage of their Canon and Foot against our Horse; before our Foot could come up, the enemy made a gallant resistance, and there was a very hot dispute at swords point between our Horse and theirs: Our first Foot, after they had discharged their duty, being over-powered with the Enemy, received some repulse, which they soon recovered; but my own Regiment, under the Command of Lieutenant colonel Goff, and my mayor White, did come seasonably in, and at the push of Pike did repel the stoutest Regiment the Enemy had there, merely with the courage the Lord was pleased to give, which proved a great amazement to the residue of their Foot: This being the first Action between the Foot, the Horse in the mean time did with a great deal of courage and spirit, beat back all opposition, charging through the Bodies of the Enemies Horse and their Foot, who were after the first repulse given, made by the Lord of Hosts as stubble to their swords. Indeed, I believe I may speak it without partiality, both your Chief Commanders, and others in their several places, and Soldiers also, were acted with as much courage, as ever hath been seen in any Action since this War: I know they look not to be name, and therefore I forbear particulars. The best of the enemies Horse and Foot being broken through & through in less then an houres dispute, their whole Army being put into confusion, it became a total Rout, our men having the chase and execution of them near eight miles; we believe that upon the place and near about it, were about three thousand slain, Prisoners taken of their Officers you have this enclosed List, of private Soldiers near ten thousand, the whole Baggage and Train taken, wherein was good store of Match, Powder and Bullet, all their Artillery great and small, thirty Guns; we are confident they have left behind them not less then Fifteen thousand arms: I have already brought in to me near two hundred Colours, which I herewith sand you; what Officers of quality of theirs are killed, we yet cannot learn: But yet surely divers are, and many men of quality are mortally wounded, as Colonel Lumsdel, the Lord Liberton, and others, and that which is no small addition, I do not believe we have lost twenty men, not one Commissioned Officer slain that I hear of, save one Corner, & mayor Rooksby since dead of his wounds, and not many mortally wounded, Col. Whaley only cut in the Hand-wrist, and his Horse twice shot and killed under him, but he well, recovered another Horse; and went on in the Chase: Thus you have the prospect of one of the most signal mercies God hath done for England & his People this War. And now may it please you to give me leave of a few words, It is easy to say; the Lord hath done this, it would do you good to see and hear our poor Foot go up & down making their boast of God, but Sir, It is in your hands, and by these eminent mercies, God puts it more into your hands to give glory to him, to improve your Power & his Blessings to his praise; we that serve you, beg of you, not to own us, but God alone, we pray you own his people more and more, for they are the Chariots and Horsemen of Israel; disown yourselves, but own your Authority and improve it, to kerb the proud & the insolent, such as would disturb the tranquillity of England, though under what specious pretences soever, relieve the oppressed, hear the groans of poor Prisoners in England: Be pleased to reform the abuses of all Professions, and if there be any one that makes many poor to make a few rich, that suits not a Commonwealth. If he that strengtheners your Servants to Fight, pleases to give you hearts to set upon these things in order to his glory, & the glory of your Commonwealth, besides the benefit England shall feel thereby, you shall shine forth to other Nations, who shall emulate the glory of such a pattern, and though the power of God turn into the like. These are our desires, and that you may have liberty and opportunity to do these things & not to be hindered, we have been & shall be( by Gods assistance) willing to venture our lives, & not desire you should be precipitated by importunities from your care of safety and Preservation; but that the doing of these good things may have their place amongst those which concern well being, & so be wrought in their time and order. Since we came in Scotland, it hath been our desire and longing to have avoided blood in this business, by reason that God hath a people here fearing his Name, though deceived, & to that end have we offered much love unto such in the bowels of Christ; and concerning the truth of our hearts therein, have we appealed unto the Lord The Ministers of Scotland have hindered the Pasage of these things to the hearts of those to whom we intended them, & now we hear, that not only the deceived people, but some of the Ministers are also fallen in this battle. This is the great hand of the Lord, and worthy of the consideration of all those, who taking into their hands the instruments of a foolish Shepherd, to wit, meddling with worldly policies, and mixtures of earthly power, to set up that which they call the kingdom of Christ, which is neither it, nor if it were it, would such means be found effectual to that end, & neglect, or trust not to the Word of God, the Sword of the spirit, which is alone powerful and able for the setting up of that Kingdom, and when trusted to, will be found effectually able to that end, and will also do it. This is humbly offered for their sakes, who having lately too much turned aside, that they might retune again to Preach Iesus Christ, according to the simplicity of the gospel, and then no doubt they will discern & find your protection and encouragement, beseeching you to pardon this length, I humbly take leave, and rest, Sir, Your most humble Servant, O. cronwell Dunbar September 4. 1650. A list of such prisoners taken at the Fight. SIR james Lomsden Lieut. Gen. of Foot. Colonels. Col: Sir Will: Douglas Col: Will: Domsden. Colonel Gurdon. Lieutenant Colonels Lieut: Col. Wallis. Lieut: Col. Lesley. Lieut: Col. Murray. Lieut: Colonel Henry Malvin. Lieut: Col. Arthur Forbis. Lieut: Col. Francis Wanhap of Horse. Lieut: Col. Dunbarre. Lieut: Col. Hamilton. Lieut: Col. Crawford. Lieut: Col. Ingles. Lieut: Col. John Montgomery. james Bickerton Adjutant Gen. of Horse. Majors. Henry Carmihil, of foot. james Cranster, of Horse. George Moat, of foot. William Stringer, of foot. John Steward, of foot. George Forbes, Reformado. Moor. Oagle. Freeste. Captaines of foot. james Sterlyn. Francis Agnue. Sibbald. Alex. Monpreff. George Holliburton. Thomas Brown. William Murray. james Scot. William Rudderford. Captains of Foot. james Macularoy Hugh Montgomery james Aken George Smith John Macelellum Robert Mackellam Hugh Madole George Pringle Robert Scot Alexander Wood Robert Hamilton Tho: Gray Robert Adamson Beton. Captains of Horse & Foot. Robert Duncan Robert Maccaulla Walter Scot Matthew Creshton james Steward William Douglas Walter Lesley will: Manhop, of Horse james Borthuk David Murray Captains of Horse. John Murray William Burton james Cam●l William Bresbone, of Horse William Danrimple Charles Kerkpatrick. Nicholas Lawson. Robert Rudderford John Car Doundass Ogleby Gourdon Bonner Lieut: bruise, Lieutenant of Horse. Cornets of Horse. William Cunningham james Maxwell james Denham james Magill Walter Steward John Hay Anthony Ma●doer John Brown Cornets of Horse. Alexander Michil John Collerwood George Winder●… m. Captaines Lieut: of Horse and foot. John Monnergain William Em ty William Blayer Robert Anders●n Roger Holden Rob●rt Wood Liutenants of Foot. james Cunningham james Blackwood Patrick Macknab Henry Cunningham Lancelot Car John Macknight John Heum●, John Gourdon George Cunningham james swear Henry Eston William Gun Nicholas C●slon Lieut: of Foot Alexexander Steward Arthur Steward William Petre Norman Lesley William Bailey William Gladston Robert Hamberton George Mackburny Robert Straughan Richard Allen james Mack●ey George Bisset james Nicols Thomas Menni● William Sinn●… John Car Alexander Car ●●mess Tw●de ●hilip Leech ●amess Armer ●amess Sayers ●ohn mere Andrew Pennere Patrick bailie ●ohn Camil Lieutenants of Foot. ●ohn Rich John Steward John Camil Allen Osborn William Knocks John Wilson Thomas Anderson Walter Wanhap Patrick Holliburton Lancelot Car William Engley Thomas Car Alexander Gourdon Andrew Hatly Samuel Gourdon Lancaster Forguson Robert Rankin Charles Colman John Lewson Andrew Guiler George Paterson Thomas Hutchen John Ennis John Sken John Hunter Lieutenants of Foot John Mackdoughal Andrew Drumon George Lesley George Moat Francis Scot William Ellot Alexander Ciff John Dengni● Quartermasters of Horse. Thomas Richman William Forbis. Ensigns Kilpatrick Walter Macdoughil William Sinclare George jack Hartley Gadley William Carnecuse Thomas Wallis james Rolston Andrew mine james Bennet John Linsey Andrew Hanna Thomas Pringle Robert Hamilton james Delop John Gray james Edward collen Camil Heatly Robert Roy. Gilbert Harral james Musket William Sample Robert Ogleby Robert Williamson William Lesley Ersby Shields Robert Haborn William Scot james Edminston Robert Lawson james Nei●en Andr: Barthick Geo: Elphenston John Fairdise Henry White Andrew Dunalson David Camide John Camil Cornelius Engles Dio●car Camil Patrick Canburn William Mannord Robert Craw George Calley james Rudderford Walter Scot Walter Steward Robert Heume james Forquer james Macknath Henry Ackmen John Wayer John Brown William Chapman John Macuo Alexander Spence John Black Thomas Thompson Robert friar John Tompson John Dixon Gorge Smith Alexan. johnston William Egger David Grant George Gayler John Wallis John Kemmen Thomas Enderson james Brewse William Maclan John Carmihil William Watson William Anderson james Dunbar james Elderwood Henry Roy Thomas Boyd. David Reed. FINIS. An Act of Parliament for setting apart Twesday next for a day of thanksgiving, together with a narrative Declaration of the grounds and reasons thereof. IF any Nation in the world hath at this day upon them mighty and strong obligations unto the Lord for his peculiar manifestations of mercy and goodness unto them, wherein he hath filled with admiration and astonishment all that have been Spectators and Observers of the outgoings of his power in deliverance and preservations, It is the Parliament and people of England, in the midst of whom the Lord hath walked must eminently for these ten yeares last past, and constantly exercised them by various and wonderful providences, being pleased to make use of a few weak & unworthy Instruments contemptible in the eyes of Men to bring great things to pass, and carry on his own work, that the power might appear to be of God & not of man, and this in the weakest & lowest conditions of his Servants when we have been reduced to the greatest streights, and had as it were the sentence of death in ourselves, and our enemies heightened and hardened in their power and multitudes in their confidences even to pride and arrogancy ready to swallow us up and destroy us, so that upon most of the victories vouchsafed unto us there hath been written in broad & visible characters, this hath God wrought, thus far hath God helped us. And as it hath been the duty of all persons in this Commonwealth, especially those that fear the Lord to observe these his marvelous and gracious dispensations, and be taught by them not onely to submit unto and close with the actings & appearances of the Lord, who worketh all things according to the council of his own will, But to be enlarged in rejoyceings and thankful acknowledgements, and to trust him in like streights for time to come, so the memorial of such mercies & glorious deliverances of the Almighty deserve to be transmitted to Posterity, and for ever recorded unto his praise. In the number of these, and as that which may have the first place, the Parliament is most exceedingly affencted with the late wonderful and gracious dealings of the Lord towards their Army under the command of their present general, Gene-Cromwell in Scotland, and with the glorious victories which he hath there wrought for them in an unexpected season against the Scots, for which unestimable blessing of God unto the Parliament and people of England, enriched with so many remarkable circumstances that all along evidence his Divine presence, this Commonwealth can never be sufficiently thankful, especially if it be considered, that in this is given in a seal and confirmation from Heaven of the justness of our cause, and the sincerity of his servants, that are his unworthy Instruments in carrying of it on; after that most solemn appeals which were made on both sides to God himself the most righteous judge in this necessitated war betwixt England and Scotland, and that all means of Christian Love and tenderness towards those, that bear the name of godliness in the Scottish Nation, have been used to inform and persuade them, and prevent( if it had been the will of God) a disposition by the sword and the same rejected. And indeed such is the riches and fullness of this high and unexpressible mercy, that the value and consequence thereof is not in a short time to be apprehended, But is of that nature, as succeeding Generations will be tasting the sweet and good of it, as often as they look back upon it, and penetrate into it, for in the bosom of it, is comprehended the safety of all, that hath been fought for these seven yeares past, and together with this victory, God hath renewed being and Life itself to this Commonwealth, and the government thereof, whose total ruin and subversion was not onely contained, and designed, but also ripened unto an accomplishment, by all the enemies of it, under the fairest vizards and disguises they could cloath themselves with, that is to say, of the cause of God, the Covenant, and privileges of Parliament, the more easily to seduce and deceive a party within this Nation, who lay waiting for it, and to concentre in one all their strength, that could be heaped up together, of various destructive Interests unto the power of godliness, and the true liberty and freedom of the People; the maintenance whereof is so much in the desires and endeavours of the Commonwealth. In this combination the Popish, prelatical, profane, and Malignant parties stood behind the curtain, and seemed for a season to be quiter laid aside, that the cause of God, the Covenant; and work of Reformation might bear the name, and the Promoters thereof the onely power and sway, through whose seeming credit & authority our hands might be weakened, our cause blemished, and general insurrections from all parts of England procured and so obtain that through deceit and hypocrisy joined with power, which by force alone they durst not attempt, as having found by frequent and dear experiences the hand of God drawn out against them, as often soever as they appeared in a way of mere and open force, and now when their design was thus subtly and dangerously laid, and the Enemy in his own thoughts was in so faire a way of accomplishing thereof, that they doubted nothing less then having our Army at their mercy, and marching up unto London without opposition, with their new King, at the head of theirs, the following narrative will declare how suddenly the Lord turned himself against them and arose like a Giant refreshed with wine, bestowing upon England the most seasonable and wonderful victory over his enemies, that it hath ever known and been made partaker of. THE NARRATIVE. AFter the march of our Army into Scotland, upon the grounds of Iustice and necessity, and in the prosecution of those ends before declared by us, and that all means had been used by the general, and his council of War, for to prevent the effusion of blood, and bringing the guilt of it upon their own heads, which might incur upon their obstinacy, especially of such as we believed it might feat God in the Scottish Nation, our Army did often press upon them, and several times tempt them to engage with us, which they did as often avoid, waiting for their advantage over us by our weaknings and sickness, and their own strenghtning, by the continual access of Forces to them, and when it was found, notwithstanding all ways used by us, it would work no effect to sight: It was at length by the general and his council concluded to march with the army back as far as Dunbar for the more convenient supplying it with victuals and providing for our sick and weak Men, who fell so fast down with the Flux that wee were compelled to ship away at Muskeleborough five hundred of them. The Enemy mistaking the grounds of our march, took courage on a soddain persuading themselves wee now durst not engage with them, as verily imagining we had with our sick Men shipped away our Ordnance already( which was indeed only sent away with a party towards Haddington) & having been informed that we intended after we were come to Dunbar, to sand away all our Infantry by Sea, and with our horse to return back into England, between which and our Quarters then they knew there were many passes, where they might have an advantage to annoy us. Vpon our rising therefore from Muskleborough the last of August, our Army having with them but four dayes provision, the Enemy, who by the coming of their Kings guard of English; and several other recruits from the North to them, was made effectively twenty two thousand Men, ours being weakened to eleven thousand, rise also and marched close after us; attempting the disordering of our rear, especially upon the lodging our Army at Haddington, whither coming near night, and having passed most of our men over the River, the Enemy fell on so hot, that though wee brought up our rear Brigade of horse to succour our rear forlorn, which the Enemy had fallen and broken in upon, yet we could not have come off without a considerable loss( the enemies whole Army being near at hand) had not the goodness of God seasonably interposed by his providence, and so ordered it, that a dark cloud passed over the moon, we had the opportunity given us of drawing off our horse again, undiscerned by the Enemy, and of sheltering it with our Foot, and the rest of the Army by Haddington-Towne-side, the Enemy having got nothing by the scuffle. The whole Body of the Enemies Army lying about two miles off the Town, about midnight they sent up a party of Horse and Foot to try what success they should have upon our Quarters, the general having notice of their approach, commanded out captain White with his Troope to charge them, which he accordingly did, but meeting with greater numbers, of Horse and Foot, then was expected, was put to a retreat, the Enemy pursueing to the Town-walls, the general drawing out another party, they retired to their Army, leaving without any loss of ours, some few of their Men slain: the next morning the Enemy lying upon a very good ground for battle, our Army put themselves into order, as thinking it had been the enemies intention to fight, and moving towards them there, where the Enemy had drawn some of his Men over a pass, the Enemy thinking then not his best time, commanded his Men back again, and the River interposing our Army, faced them in this order four or five houres, when a motion was made by some of the Officers to sand to them to offer them battle, but this proposal took no effect, as judging it not fit to anticipate the time, and design of providence, which they had ever found best patiently to wait upon, perceiving therefore they would come to no resolurion to fight, the Army proceeded to their march again to Dunbar, and the Enemy having received a fresh dwelt of three new Regiments, sent some of our Men that they had taken Prisoners in to inform us of their supply; and that they were now bent to fight us, their confidence upon this supply with their former mistakes of us, being greatened to a very high degree, so that they followed out Army with that eagerness, that before we got within a mile of Dunbar, where wee came that night, their whole bodies of Horse and Foot were in our rear, within Cannonshot, where our whole Army being to pass over a small River that had pretty high banks, made a halt and drew up again in Battalia the Enemy again declined to join, and espied an advantage he had, drew off to the right hand, matching in great hast to possess himself of some hills, that did intercept betwixt us, and England which he accordingly did, wee being not able to prevent it( without leaving our train and provisions behind us) his camp over-looking our Army, and sending afterwards a considerable number of Horse, did possess themselves likewise of the pass at Coperspeth, we placing our Tents in the mean time close by the Sea, and leaving Dunbar behind us. Here began the pride of the Scots Army so to swell as they quiter forgot an overtuling Providence, their Scouts upbraiding us, they now had us safe enough, and that though they had afforded us a Summers-Quarters, they hoped to have it quickly repaid them, when they come to take up their Winter-Quarters, intending( as they say) to convey up our rear for us to London, yea so far had their passion blinded them, and their presumption prevailed upon them, that( as we were informed) by some of their own) they sat in consultation, what conditions it was fit they should offer us, whether or no, Quarter was to be allowed to any for their lives, to whom, and upon what terms. And indeed, many were the difficulties at that time it pleased the Lord to set before our Army and indeed the ground the Enemy had got was unaccessible, and not possible for us to engage him upon, without apparent danger on either hand & on the rear of our Army was the Sea, and before them only a narrow pass, and the hills where the Enemy lay, nor were we without streights in ourselves, our Army being so sickly as a hundred of them fell down of a day, and our Provision growing scanty for those that were well. But in this begun the Wisdom, Power, and goodness of God, the more to break forth in upholding( notwithstanding) the hearts both of the Officers, and Soldiers, quietly and patiently to expect the glorious appearance of his divine presence in this their distress, of which they had oftimes humbly boasted, and by which they had no time hitherto been deserted: All the next day we lay still, towards the evening, on monday the Enemy drew out near three parts of four of their Horse, South of Dunbar, intending to interpose and shut up quiter the way of our Army to Berwick, which the general observing, declared to mayor general Lambert, that now in his apprehension there was an opportunity given of attempting something upon the Enemy, which the mayor general having at the same time upon his spirit also, was about to prevent him in, and after advice taken with a council of Officers, who were all consenting, it was resolved to be ordered in this manner, that six Regiments of Horse and three Regiments & half of Foot under the command of the mayor general should fall on first, and that four Regiments & half of Foot & tw● Regiments of Horse should bring up the Cannon and rear, the time of the onset to be at break of day. The night proved blustering & wet, so that our Army fell not upon the Enemy a● the hour appointed, till it was somewhat later in the morning, their motions being soon described by the Enemy, who before any of ours came up, had put himself in so good a posture to receive him, as he had the advantage of his Cannon & Foot against our Horse, only, which according to order first charged the Enemy while that our Foot was coming up, opposition was made by the Enemy with very great resolution, a very hot dispute at Swords point being between our Horse and theirs, five Companies of our Foot, that were first commanded out, after they had discharged their duty being overpowered by the Enemy, received some repulse; which they soon recovered, the Generalls Regiment timely coming in, who( God eminently assisting them with courage) at the Push of Pike did break the stoutest Regiment the Enemy had and totally routing them, did full execution upon them which proved as great an advantage to us as it was a terror and amazement to the residue of their Foot, nor was the issue in the mean time less successful in our Horse, who being carried on by the same Divine Power and presence, did with a great deal of spirit & valor, daunt the resolution of the Enemy, charging through and through the bodies both of the enemies Horse, and Foot, who after the first repulse, were as stubble before them, and now the best of the enemies Horse, and Foot, being in less then an houres dispute broken, and their whole Army put into confusion, it became a total Rout, our Men having the chase, & execution of them near eight miles: In all which fight notwithstanding it is credibly affirmed, out Army lost not thirty Men, so great was the mercy & protection of God over them. And thus in the thing wherein they dealt proudly, the Lord showed himself above them, causing their foot to slide in their duest time, even when he had reduced our Army into such streights, that only room was left for believing, while our Army had restend themselves, and given thanks to God for this Great Victory, was preparing their match to Edingborough; news was brought to the general, that Edingborough and Leith was both quitted, the Provost of Edingborough having acquainted the people of the overthrow of their whole Army, unsafety of their present condition, and that visibly, there was nothing that appeared, that could protect them; whither our Army, soon after marching did quietly take up their Quarters, not meeting with the least resistance, the Enemy being retired to the other side of the Sturling. In this battle were killed upon the place and near about it above four thousand Men; of private Soldiers, taken Prisoners, above ten thousand: of their Horse taken, killed, and made unserviceable, above two thousand; Commission Officers taken Prisoners, as Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels, &c. about two hundred and ninety, two of their Committee of Estates take Prisoners, the Lord Liberton, and Sir james Lumsden, who was also Lieutenant general of their Foot, and some of their Ministers, the foot arms taken were about fifteen thousand, about two hundred colours taken, two & thirty pieces of Ordinance, with the rest of their Artillery, Bag, ●nd Baggage, with all their Ammunition taken, there was not above five thou●and Horse, and Foot of ours engaged in this battle, the enemies word was the Covenant, ours the Lord of Hosts, who manifested himself to be with us, their ●… king( as some of the Prisoners said) was within a day or two expected to have ●ome into their Army. THe serious consideration of all which, as it doth give the Parliament great cause of thankfulness unto God for this his unspeakable goodness, so they do most earnestly desire, that the whole Nation, together with themselves may be deeply sensible of the same and therefore they do in act and ordain and be it enacted and ordained by this present Parliament, and the Authority thereof, that Twesday the eight day of October one thousand six hundred & fifty be set apart for a day of thanksgiving and holy rejoicing in all the Churches and chapels within England, Wales, and town of Berwick upon Tweed for this great mercy, and that the Ministers of the respective Parishes and places aforesaid be and are required & enjoined to give notice on the Lords day next preceding the said eight day of October of the day so to be observed to the end the People of their several Congregations may the more generally and diligently attend the publicque exercises of Gods worship and service there to be dispensed upon that occasion. At which time that the People may be particularly and fully informed of this great deliverance and success the said Ministers are hereby enjoined to red this Act and Narrative. And for the better observation of the day the Parliament doth inhibit and forbid the holding or use of any Marketts, fairs, or other servile works of that day, Mens ordinary Callings upon that day. And all Majors, Sheriffes, Iustices of Peace, Constables, and other Officers be and are hereby enjoined to take especial care of the due observance of the said day of thanksgiving accordingly. A Letter from the Lord Lieutenant, to the Lord Deputy general of Ireland. SIR, Though I hear not often from you yet I know you forget me not, think so of me, for I often remember you at the throne of Grace, I heard of the Lords good hand with you in reducing Waterford, Duncanon, and Caterlogh, his Name be praised. Wee have been engaged upon a service the fullest of trial ever poor creatures were upon, wee made great professions of love, knowing wee were to deal with many who were Godly, and pretended to be stumbled at our invasion; indeed our bowels were pierced again & again, the Lord helped us to sweet words, and in sincerity to mean them, we were rejected again and again, yet still wee begged to be believed that wee loved them as our own souls, they often returned evil for good. wee prayed for security, they would not hear our answer a word to that, wee made often appeals to God. They appealed also. Wee were near engagements three or four times, but they lay upon advantages. A heavy flux fell upon our Army, brought it very low, from 14. to 11 thousand: 3500 horse, And 7500. foot: the Enemy, 16000. foot and 6000. horse. The Enemy prosecuted the advantage, wee were necessitated, and upon ●… ber the 3d by six in the morning we attempted their Army after a hot dispute for about an hour, wee routed their whole Army killed near 3000. & took as the Marshall informs me ten thousand Prisoners, their whole train being about thirty pieces great and small, good store of powder match and bullett, near two hundred colours, I am persuaded near fifteen thousand arms left upon the ground. And I believe though many of ours be wounded wee lost not above thirty men. Before the fight our condition was made very sad, the Enemy greatly insulted, and menaced, but the Lord upheld us with Comfort in himself, beyond ordinary experience. I knowing the acquainting you with this great handy work of the Lord would stir up your minds to praise & rejoicing, and not knowing but your condition may require mutual experiences for refreshment, and knowing also that the news we had of your successses was matter of help to our faith in our distress, and matter of praises also, I thought fitt( though in the midst of much business) to give you this account of the unspeakable goodness of the Lord, who hath thus appeared to the Glory of his great Name and the refreshment of his Saints. The Lord help you and us to return praises, to live them all our dayes. Salute all our deere friends with you, as if I name them. I have no more but rest. Your loving Father and true friend, O. cronwell. Dunbar Sept. 4. 1650. A Proclamation for a day of public Thanksgiving to be on Thursday November 7. 1650. For the great success God hath given to the English Army in Scotland. By the Deputy general of Ireland. ALthough God hath not been pleased to grant that, which in our late public Addresses to him was( I hope with sincerity) desired by us, for the preventing of Engagement unto blood betwixt our Army in Scotland, and those of that Nation that profess his fear; But hath seen it good( for the further discovering of the hypocrisy of them, that for the promoting of their own worldly Interests, do abuse his Name, and make use of the most specious Pretences of Religion, and godliness, for their corrupt ends) to suffer their proceedings there, unto such an issue of war as we hearty wished might have been avoided, Yet, on the other part, he hath been pleased to answer the Prayers, And indeed to exceed the weak faith, and expectations of us and others his poor people who have sought him in that behalf, By witnessing many ways to that which is indeed his own and his peoples Cause, and to that measure of Integrity he hath given to his poor servants that have followed him therein, and against both the Persons, and pretences of all that oppose the same, and especially( when it came to a grand engagement in the Field) By giving to our Army there, not onely a deliverance from the streights and extremities, as well as from the enemies wherewith they were surrounded, And ready to have been destroyed, But also a total and easy victory over the enemies Army( though double to them in number, And having all outward advantages on their part) as is at large set forth in the Lord Generalls Letter to the Parliament, and the Parliaments Act for a public Thanksgiving thereupon, both which for more general notice throughout this Dominon, I have caused herewith to be reprinted. Now these are therefore further added to excite all persons within this Dominion, who have hearts in any measure capable of it unto a due sense, and consideration of the glorious workings of God in these things; And that they may more fully appear to be such I desire that these( amongst other things tending to set forth the same) may be especially taken notice of, and considered. 1. That as the marching of our Army into Scotland was not from any desires of obtaining Dominion, or other worldly advantages over that Nation, but merely to prevent their Invading us again( which they had done so lately before upon the very same score and under the same pretexts, as they were again( but with greater advantage and more heightened pretensions of the same kind then before) formeing and preparing all things unto, so as by their Transactions with their King, and many other ways; All men not onely in England, Scotland and Ireland, but even throughout Europe, did take notice and understand it so and to have obtained security, or assurance to England against the like invasions from that Nation( though to the declining or remitting of our just demands, of satisfaction for the former damages and violations( to the Truth of all which in the Intentions of the Parliament of England & their Army God hath now most graciously testified) so it pleased God both to carry forth the Army thither with a Spirit of Prayer for Peace, and Agreement( if it might be) with all that appeared godly in Scotland, and for the real good of them as for their own, and( when they were there) to carry themselves on with bowels of Love towards all such in that Nation, and all tenderness towards the generality of that people notwithstanding the so much contrary Practise of their former, and last Army in England, and great Provocations of our men to the contrary from the People of Scotland wherever they came) and to incline and guide them both in their Declarations, Letters and other intercourses and also by their whole carriage, and deportment to seek Peace, and Agreement with the satisfying and undeceiving of any such who( meaning well to our first Common Cause) had really stumbled and taken offence at any carriages of things in England, and so to make all faire Tenders and try all means possible( without subjecting or exposeing England to a foreign power, or deserting the work of God, and Interest of his People) to have obtained that Agreement and security they came for( if it had been the will of God) without engagement unto blood betwixt them and the Parties professing godliness in Scotland, yet all this would avail nothing with them who( it seemed) had nothing but War in their hearts, and the worldly advantages expectable thereby in their eyes, although they had the Confidence to dissemble it before the alseeing God, and the discerning world. 2. That before this great engagement that Party in Scotland resolving with themselves to carry on their whole business with a faire form of godliness and an appearance of holding true to their former professions, that way thereby to gain the better Party both in England, and elsewhere to favour and further their proceedings( and indeed resting too-much in( if not minding onely) that bare form, and appearance, and conceiveing it necessary( in conformity thereunto) that before them avowed owneing of their young Kings Interests against the Commonwealth of England, he should not only subscribe the several Covenants in which they formerly were engaged, but appear as a man really, and from inward divine Conviction brought over thereunto; and for that purpose should both disclaim his former evil Councells, and ways in opposition thereunto, and profess( as a man Divinely converted) a deep sense of and repentance for the great guilt and sins both of himself, his Father, Mother, and his Fathers house in that kind, wherewith those of Scotland had so often, and so deeply charged them before the world as could not be retracted) they therefore formed a Declaration to that purpose, for him to own and sign, which indeed as it holds forth the fairest semblance that may be of such a thing so( in the whole Tenor of it) it carries such an exact and formal conterfeite of a Divine conversation and repentance, as one would think none but such as had a real taste thereof in themselves, could device; Which Declaration, against his Nature and heart( as by his several refusalls thereof, and many other ways is too evident) they having him in their Power did by threats, and otherwise necessitate him at last to sign, and publish as his own, and having therein fulfilled their intended form and brought him to this verbal conformity thereunto( Though they could not but see how far it was from his heart) they now owned him, and held him forth to the People as a man really converted and brought over to the Cause of God, and under such a Notion began publicly to own him and that which was the Interest of him, and his Father in other things; which bold Hypocrisy, and shameless abuse of Gods holy Name did indeed ripen them for Gods Righteous Iudgments and( when with appeals to him thereupon having thus prepared all things, as they conceived suitable to their designed form, they came forth with Confidence, to fight our Army) It is good that all men take notice, how God met with it, and severely witnessed against the Same. 3. That when by such their specious carriage of their whole business in order to the stateing of their intended war against us, added to the strange representations which they and other of their Temper, and Interest, had made of the late great Transactions in England( in putting the Late King to death, and changing( in part) the form of Government( there) most men were apt to conceive( as it has been the great endeavour both of them and all the royalists and Discontented parties every where to make it believed) that there was now a total change of the Cause and Interest on our Parts, as well as of the persons or Parties now engaged against us, and that we were become breakers of the Covenant, Backsliders from God, and his Cause, and Apostates from the principles, and ends of our first common engagement, and thereupon to expect an Answerable change of success therein, to our ruin;( So as many good men were much at a stand, and their hearts apt to faint through doubtful apprehensions thereof) It pleased God thus seasonably to come in, and give a clear Testimony that( as through his grace, we had acted in Truth of heart for the same first ends of public good to men, with safety and welfare to the People of God and glory to his Name therein so,) he was still the same God unto us, vouchsafeing the same presence still amongst us, and Carryeing us on in the same spirit, and with the same success, as formerly, and giving a Change, both to the spirit in acting, and also to the success of those engaged against us, in Comparison to what they had in former engagements against that Party, and Cause, with which( though they endeavoured to Dissemble it) They were now really united. 4. That while our Army was in it's full strength & Vigour God would not suffer it to come to any such Engagement, but saw it good first, both to exercise their Faith and Patience in following, and Trusting him throuh manifold hardships, & Difficulties, and to bring them to great streights, and dangers of utter ruin, and when they were reduced to the greatest weakness, and the Enemy swollen to their full expected strength and accompanied with all visible Advantages,( in both which they appeared to be exalted with Pride, and fleshly Confidence, So as even to Triumph before the Victory) then to give that great success against them, so as it might appear a deliverance as well as Victory, and that men might more clearly see it to be the work of his hand, and not wrought by Prevalence in fleshly power. 5. That after all provocations from that People, and the Advantages now gained over them, God is pleased to keep yet his poor Servants in our Army, as from being exalted in themselves before him so from Insulting or Domineering over that People, or using those Advantages to their oppression or ruin & to preserve in his Servants the same bowels of Love towards those that may yet be found truly Godly in Scotland, and of Compassion, and tenderness towards their Deluded Enemy there, as is expressed( amongst other things) by the Care of their Wounded, weak, or Aged Prisoners; and the free Release of Thousands of them being found in such a condition; Now from these and other such Considerations of this glorious working of God, I desire that all men within this Dominion( as it concerns all every where,( so far as the Notice of it shall extend) may be awakened,( at last) to see and acknowledge his hand, that is so eminently lifted up, and may discern him as he is pleased to come forth more visibly then in former Ages to execute Righteous Iudgments in the world, and may learn to Tremble, and fear before his dreadful Presence( when he appears so near at hand to take notice of the ways, and pretensions of men when they appeal to him) and may take warning henceforth not to Date so to take his Name in vain, or to abuse it in Hypocrisy, or to cover any crooked, or Corrupt designs with false pretences of Religion, that all those who profess godliness may take heed of resting in the form thereof, or going about to set that up against the power of it, or of closeing and taking parte( for worldly Interests sake) with wicked men or any Corrupt Powers of the World in their ways of opposition against God, and the True spiritual kingdom of Christ his son, in, and over the hearts of his People least they also be partakers of their Plagues in the Day of his sore Visitation; And that all that Truly love and fear the Lord, may be stirred up, and be enlarged in their hearts to rejoice and bless and praise his Name for ever for his Righteous Iudgments in their behalf, and for his goodness, and faithfulness towards those, whose hearts he hath drawn forth to seek and serve him, may be established in their faith, and Patience to follow and Trust him, and wait for his more full appearance, and may be provoked to more zeal of his glory, and to a Godly jealousy over their hearts, and ways that they may not be,( or walk) unworthy of his glorious presence amongst them, and Dispensations of Mercy and goodness towards them, but may obtain grace to bring forth fruits in some Measure answerable thereunto. For the furtherance of these ends, & Considering the greatness of this Mercy, & of what Vast importance it is, and further consequence it may be, to the security and great good not only of the Commonwealth of England, and all that have Interest in it( both there and here) but also of all the People of God every where;( the Parliament by the Act herewith Printed having appointed a Day for public Thanksgiving which is already past before there could be a general notice of it in this Nation) I have thought it my duty to appoint a further day for the same purpose to be observed within this Dominon, And do hereby accordingly appoint Thursday the seventh day of November next ensuing to be set a part, and observed as a day of public Thanksgiveing upon the foresaid occasion in the said Act and Letter of the Lord Lieutenants recited and for the ends, and purposes in that Act contained, at which time more especially( Though I wish it may at no time be neglectd or forgotten) I Desire all Officers and Souldiers, and others under the obedience of the Parliament in the several Garrisons and Quarters throughout this Dominion, and especially those who are acquainted with the Lord to endeavour( as God by his spirit shall enable them) to tender hearty Thankes, and praise unto his holy Name for those great Mercies and glorious workings of his, to acknowledge and testify to each other, and before him, his sole Power, wisdom, goodness. righteousness, and faithfulness appearing therein, to provoke, and stir up one another to a due sense, and consideration thereof that it may have impression upon all our hearts and never be forgotten. And upon this occasion I desire also that wee may call to remembrance his many other glorious and gracious workings with and for us, & other his poor Servants upon our manifold engagements in his Cause both in this and our Native Country, and that wee may implore, and importune him( by the sure argument of his free Covenant of grace with his People in Iesus Christ) that he who doth these great and glorious things, for his own name sake in behalf of his People and against their Enemies would also in his due time work all suitable effects, and impressions, and bring forth all answerable fruits of them in all sorts of men: and( as all others so) those especially which I have here before desired they may( according to their several Conditions and Capacities) be awakened, and stirred up unto from the Considerations aforegoeing, And that he would still pitty the weaknesses, and frailties of his poor Servants, and Pardon the many Provocations by which wee have, and do still requited him evil( especially in our aptness so soon to forget him and his Mercies, and to repined, and Distrust in straights or Difficulties) That wee may henceforth abstain from murmuring against so good a God, who hath never left those that have patiently waited upon him in distresses That he would vouchsafe still to abide with us, and Continue his blessing and presence unto us, and all others, who labour in his Cause, to the completing of his work with Peace( if it be his will) in these Nations; That he would purge out wickedness, and inniquity from amongst us, more, and more, quicken and strengthen us to every good way, and work, and make us, more fit for him yet further to use and own, and Communicate himself unto: And( for our Brethren of the Army in Scotland) that he would still carry them on and enlarge them in the same spirit of faith, and prayer of humility self-denial and living above all the Advantages and Temptations of the world, in continued Love, and tenderness of heart and way towards such as profess( and may yet be truly possessed with, his fear in that Nation, that if it be his will none such may continue engaged in crooked corrupt or deceitful ways, or united in councells and interest with ungodly and wicked men, That Envyings, heart-burnings, strife and debate betwixt his People may be laid aside, and Cause, and that in Mercy they may be called and gathered together in one, from amongst the men of this world by the spirit, and good hand of the Lord, to rejoice and praise his Name together, and hold fast the unity of the faith, in the Bond, of Peace, and Love: And( for ourselves particularly in this Nation) that he would be pleased to let us understand more of his mind, and will, concerning his work, and our proceedings therein here, and give us hearts to do his work, and fulfi l his will with faithfulness and diligence, and to endure all hardships, and encounter streights, and difficulties for his sake without repineinges, yea with rejoicing so to suffer for him; That he would show, and teach us in all things what he would have us do, and how he would have us deal with the People of this Nation that if it be his will, we may be instrumental for their good; rather then destruction; And he would be pleased at last to open their eyes to see their own darkness and Bondage with the Corruption of their ways, and enlarge their hearts to the imbraceing of the gospel in the Truth, and spirit, and Power of it, and that( with removal of their, and our sins that provoke him to Iudgement, he would be pleased to take off, and cease his sore Visitation in the plague from all places amongst us, and especially to spare his poor People that serve him in this Cause; And for his gracious beginnings of abatement thereof in many places, and total Ceaseing of it in some( as at clonmel, Kilkenny, Waterford, &c) as we have cause to own the same, as a fruit and answer to our poor prayers, in our late dayes of humiliation: So I desire it may be parte of the Matter of that dayes Thanksgiveing. And lastly let us especially beg of him that our thankfulness may not rest or terminate in the words, or services of a day, but that we may( Through his grace) live to his praise all our dayes, and our Conversations may be as a continual Song of praise for his great goodness to his People, and for his Righteous Iudgments, and wondrous workings, in our dayes amongst the Children of men. Now for the better observation of the said day, as appointed, I do hereby inhibit, and forbid, the holding or using of any fairs, Marketts, or servile works of mens ordinary callings upon that day. And all Officers both Military and Civill in their several places within this Dominion are hereby required to take especial care of the due observation of the said day of Thanksgiveing accordingly, for more general and speedy notice thereof, I do further appoint that this Proclamation be forthwith Printed, and Published. Given at the camp near Lymrick the Twelfth day of October. 1650. H. IRETON.