A True RELATION Of the Progress of the parliaments Forces in SCOTLAND: Together with the KING'S Wholly abandoning Scotland, and, in despair, with what Forces were left them, marching into England: with part of our Forces in his Van: and my LORD GENERAL following in his rear. By an Express Messenger to the Council of State.  blazon or coat of arms  
London, Printed by William Du-Gard, by the appointment of the Council of State, Anno Dom. 1651.   


A Letter to the honourable Council of State relating the Progress of the parliaments Forces in Scotland, together with the King's marching into England, &c.  
Truly honourable!  
HAving taken in Brunteland, and the enemy still continuing within their Trenches at Sterling, it was unanimously concluded a necessary and a quick work to endeavour the reduction of St Johnstone, which, as I hinted in my last, is a place of great importance lying in the centre of that part of Scotland, which is on the other side Forth. The enemy had put in a Regiment of foot into the Town, not above two hours ere our Van came up, who were boated from the other side of the water into the Town, which made them very high and peremptory: but our men having broken down the sluices and let out the water out of their graft, their courage failed, and the Lord's day morning last the Town was surrendered to us upon Brunteland Articles: My Lord went in and viewed it: and we find the place every way answering our thoughts of it: and that night the whole army Marched back towards Brunteland, eleven miles: On Monday last we came to Brunteland, and that night shipped over our whole foot to Leith, and some of our horse: and the residue were transporting with all expedition. Lieutenant General Munk is left in Scotland, Commander in chief, and Marched from us directly to Sterling the same day we came to Brunteland: and we are confident he was the next day possessed of Sterling Town, and doubt not of the hearing a speedy account of the Castle. We have left with him of Foot and horse a field-force of 7 or 8000. Col. Overton is made governor of St Johnstouns: he hath with him Colonel Daniel's Regiment of Foot, Col. Aldridges' Regiment of horse, and 500 Dragoons. Tuesdaie in the Afternoon, Major General Lambert, with about 3000 horse and Dragoons, Marched towards the enemy, who will with all expedition, get into the rear of them: and my Lord hath now sent me with Orders to Maj. Gen. Harrison to get into the Van of them, to stop them what he can, and do what further he thinks fit in the Counties as he marche's: I am to keep with him till the army come up. Both Maj. General's will march night and day till they get to them: Yesterday morning, my Lord General, with the Foot, and Residue of the horse, Marched from Leith: he will eas himself so of his Train as may expedite his Marches: he brings out of Scotland 8 Regiments of horse, besides Dragoons; and 8 or 9 (if Col. West come with him) Regiments of Foot. Truly, the Lord hath done wonderfully for his poor servants, with you, and here, beyond what we could have thought; and now the whole hopes of the enemy is cooped up in this party that Marched by Carlisle yesterday. Thursday the enemy removed from Sterling: Friday we had intelligence thereof, but however we resolved to go on with our work: after that their marches were in such traverses, that we knew not well what to conjecture: however we resolved after them, as soon as the business of St Johnstouns was over. After their march, they first resolved Middleton should return to keep the North: then that Robert Montgomery (who was on the other side Forth) should go: and this a little put us to thoughts what they will do: but, in conclusion, Robert Mountgomery and all were ordered to follow them. They are not above 11000 men at most; they have very little provision with them; through all the country in Scotland we find their runaways: in a word, nothing was left them but a desperate cure, or a desperate ruin, with my heart is filled in the confident expectation of. I suppose rational men will put a wide difference between their condition now, & it 2 or 3 months ago, when their army was in its strength, Fife, and all the side of that side the water theirs. They have not left in Scotland the face of any authority or force, or Town garrisoned. The Lord keep his servants humble, but believing himself, and let every one bestir himself, and play the man (or rather the Christian) in this hour. I must beg pardon for not writing to any others, being weary, and the messenger taking horse. My humble and hearty remembrance to Mr Roe.  
I am, Sir! Your Honor's most cordial and humble Servant, G. Downing. Newcastle, Aug. 7. 1651.  
Postscript.  
The generality of the Scots were against the present attempt for England; but the KING told them, he would march with such as would follow him: he looks very despondingly, but must adventure all.   

A Letter from the Council of State to the Lord Major of London.  
My Lord!  
THis letter coming to the Council by a Messenger Express, showing the progress that our forces have made in Scotland; so, as the Scottish army, which would never be brought to fight in their own country, have now left the same for lost; and are marched into England. By it you will also see in what posture our forces are in order to them; you will find St Johnstone's surrendered to us, and Sterling town before this time in our possession: by all which we hope that whole work is near a good and happy end; which we thought good to give your Lordship notice of; and desire you it may be published in the Congregation where your Lordship is, that the people might be thereby stirred up to give God thanks for the great progress made in Scotland, and for the hopeful Condition our affairs are in for a speedy and good issue.  
White-Hall August the 10. 1651. Signed &c.