THE PRESENT survey OF LONDON AND England's STATE.  
Containing A Topographicall description of all the particular Forts, Redoubts, Breast-works, and Trenches newly erected round about the city on both sides of the River, with the several Fortifications thereof.  
And a perfect relation of some fatal accidents, and other disasters, which fell out in the City and country, during the Authors abode there.  
Intermingled also with certain several Observations worthy of light and memory.  
By William Lithgow.  
London, Printed by I. O. 1643.   

The present survey of London, and England's State.  
AFter long forty years wandering since my first launching abroad to survey the spacious bounds and tertiat face of the ancient world; besides my daily fastidious and now frequent p●edestriat progresses at home, and in neighbour Regions about; and being fallen in the rotten bosom of declining age, the sun being set on the winter day of mine elabourat time, and that time past three score years: yet now I say for diverse serious respects▪ in this instant year, 1643. April 24. it was my resolution to embark at Preston Pannes with sundry passengers bound for London: Where weighing Ankers, and hoisting sail, with room winds and fair weather, we coasted along the Brittannian shore. In all which deserted way between Forth and Gravesend we found only three ships, two Scots-men and a Noruegian, and one of the royal Whelps lying at anchor in AErmouth rode, which made the sea resemble a wilderness, and the devasted shore the comfortless sight of a desolate land. Where never heretofore (winter excepted) these Tritonian bounds were seen (reciprocally taken) without 2000 sail, recoursing that sandy and shelfy marine  
But the estate and affairs of this world are ever ranging, ever changing, never constant; which made Solon tell Croesus that man should never reckon on the felicity of this life, because there might be a mutability of fortune ere death. The like may I now say of deplorable Germany, lately the mother soil of Europe, yea, and the glory of the whole Universe, that never in these days of antiquity could Chaldea, Chelfania, Assyria, and Mesopotamia, the four principal pastures for the first Creation, compare with that almost invincible empire for Princes, Potentates, nobility, imperial Cities, gentry, Merchants, and rich bowers; no, no, for it was the superabounding fullness of men, money and might; and indeed nothing inferior (the fall of Adam reserved) to the first Oriental Paradise. And yet when the fullness of their pride, luxury, gluttony, and libidinous lusts, were sprung on high, and crying for Heavens all-commanding judgements, how soon with the sword, plague, and famine, were they thrown down upon the desperate rocks of grievous desolation. And who can tell (it is now begun) how soon the like punishment may fall upon this I'll, the South part whereof being loaden with self love, vain glory, the fatness of vices, ambitious pride, and a contemptible disdain of all nations, themselves excepted. So that their backs and bellies, like unto Castor and Pollux are become the loadstone of their flattering follies and pampering pleasures: That without some condign correction they might easily (in a manner) forget the creator, and so the Creature: Spain in this chastisement may second Germany, France may resemble Spain; and I fear ere long (which God evert) England shall be left the last mourner of all; bearing now (as it were) almost the very effigy of the distracted and combustible kingdoms in this Europian tierce, upon the shoulders of her declining fortune.  
But now reverting to my purpose, the first news I heard at my disbarking, was the down-casting of the golden cross in Cheapside, to the which with speed I approached, where I saw divers imagious relics tumbling down in the bottomless pit of oblivion: upon the sequel day, May, 4. it was razed to the ground, and the foundation thereof made level with the street, which was not done by tumult, but by order of Parliament. And now I will neither commend nor condemn the fact, but this far I dare say, whilst it stood, it was a monumental ornament worthy of a royal city, and the beautiful object of admiration to all spectators and strangers. But indeed some idolatrous Papists made it (in going by) the sanctuary of their superstition, making homage to it, and crossing their now crossed breasts, have left the golden cross to fall down like Dagon at the feet of a happy begun reformation. So the third day thereafter, they caused take down all the new and old crosses standing on Churches, and steeple tops; and notwithstanding whereof, I still carry six crosses on my arm, and the seventh cross still followeth me against my will, which the world may help, and I cannot prevent. Next upon Weddinsday ensuing May 10. by order of Parliament, I saw at noon day two great heaps of books burned, both where the golden cross formerly stood, and before the royal Exchange: Which books had been compiled by the Popish prelatical faction, for tolerating on the Sabbath day, sportings, pastimes, profane plays, and so consequently all sorts of labour, (as the Papists do at this day in the Popes own patrimonial lands) prohibiting afternoon sermons, and commanding the erection of Altars and homages thereto; which was done for the introduction of the mass, and other infinite pendicles of popery.  
And now truly I never saw London these forty years past so populous as now it is▪ only there is a general muttering that money is hard to come by, and that is, because all kind of trades and trading begin to decay, and they who have money keep it close, for common employments are lately metamorphosed in flying colours, toucking of drums, inveloping scarves, and Pandedalian Feathers, wherein they have more pleasure than profit: And yet it best agrees with the people's nature, who delight mainly in public shows and frivole ostentations. Indeed for victuals they have abundance, and plenty of all things, and at an easy rate, and want for nothing as yet save only peace.  
But it may truly be feared, that if these their general combustions draw to a Winter leaguer, that both the City and kingdom shall smart for it: And why? because both the great armies, and also the petty armies in every County do so sack and spoil the grounds of horses, bestial, grass, corn, and haye, a●● also pitifully plunder the people of moneys, victuals, and domestic furniture, that the continuing of it in a short time shall ruin all.  
And now to begin with the city's insides, before I come to its outsides, and fortifications, I found the River from Ratcliff upwards, full of Merchant ships, and they lying two and two, and side to side, with a pretty distance from couple to couple, resembled as though they had been to make a sea fight: But indeed they lie at their guard and are well provided. The first lamentation their tongues offered me here was the dearth and scarcity of coals, & notwithstanding of the daily relief they get from Scotland yet they are loath to part with money, and in a wring way, and grudging at their infranchized lot, heavily bewail the loss of their advantageous Tyne. I confess their weekly taxes are great levied to maintain the Parliaments army, besides many other burdens that daily depend upon their purses: And for all this (Besides the monthly contributions of the nine circumjacent counties) the Armies pay falls daily short, and they can neither march nor fight for lack of moneys, the want whereof being the main and chiefest cause of their slow proceedings. Which weekly collections, according to that multipotent place, and the Country about is truly supposed to amount (per annum) to three millions of money. But how it is disposed, either by the hands of corruption, or if reserved policy for future respects be the main restraint, I cease to discern it, though many thousands daily gape for it. Which makes me call to mind, that when the last Constantine lost Constantinople, Mahomet the second, the great Turk found such store of gold and silver amongst the inhabitants, that he sighing, said, O! if the Christians had been as bountiful for their own defensive safety▪ as they had substance to do it, all the power of the Scythian Ottomans had never been able to have dantoned their might. So peradventure the like (as God forbid) may be said of London if it should fall out so; then would these rotten Money-mongers lurking within her bowels be left the miserable ●nd mourning spectators (as the Greeks were) upon their own Idolatrized coin. For the long delicacy of doting peace and pleasure so effeminates the world, that they begin to spurn at trouble before distress appear, which sensuality begets, and disdainful pride would contemn, and yet cannot prevent what the heavens determine.  
Now for a general view, the city hath many courts du guard with new barrocaded posts, and they strongly girded with great chains of iron; and all the opening passages at street ends for the fields and road ways are in like manner made defensive, and strictly watched: The sides of the river, as at Billingsgate, and other places have also Courts du guard, and they nightly guarded with companies of the trained Bands: which number being of six old Regiments, and they six thousand men, are now doubled with six new Regiments, which maketh up twelve thousands in all. Beyond the River in the borough of Southwark is the self same discipline observed, and all under the command of the city. So is Westminster, the Strand, and all the liberties thereof, now taken in under the custody of London: and their trained Bands there, I mean of Westminster are not be trusted with neither Parliament nor city; so that the quotidian guard of the Parliament come daily out of London: where they are placed in two courts of Guard, the one before the Hall in the Palace Court near to the water stairs, the other Court du Guard standeth in the Parliament yard, where the Peers ascend and descend from the upper House. Both Houses of peers and Commons having double sentinels with pick and musket at the entry of their sitting places, remain there ay as long as the Parliamentariat bodies remain: The number of the upper-house amounteth to twenty six Noblemen, besides eight others at sea and land service, the lower house by a just computation of the clerk and given to me in Print, amount to two hundred and twelve Knights, and Commissioners, besides the deserted persons of both Houses, and some of them lately returned. And what shall I say, I found the Street-enravelld Court before White hall gate, guarded also with a Court du Guard, a novelty beyond novelties, and what was more rarer, I found the g●●●●● growing deep in the royal Courts of the King's House, which i●●deed was a lamentable sight. And in that sight I rancountere● there abouts with George Withers my fellow Poet, and once my fellow-prisoner, where digesting some discourses (for he is now a Captain of a Horse Troupe) he told me that he had been plundered at Michalmes last by some of the King's forces in Surray, for there he hath a wife and residence, where being civilizd, his poetic mansion met with uncivil fellows, I would say Malignants.  
And here I may not forget the false and lying aspersions laid upon Scotland lately by two English authors, the one work, named the plain English, where his perjuriat falsehood avers, that 〈◊〉 hold and enjoy our present peace and safety, of some of their peers in England; when contrariwise they hold their Parliament and present liberty of Scotland, and our invincible army which procured it. The other work entitled, The subject's liberty, will have Scotland at the first but a Dukedoome and in subjection to England; see how these damnable villains can coin & invent (an they please) such base absurdities, and yet go free unpunished And why? because they have from ancient and preteriat times, a general and natural malignity against our Nation, which neither can nor will be extermined till the day of doom; for it runneth in a successive line, as the Conduit from the fountain ingorgeth the Pond. I would speak more freely here, and that justly, but that I do not love to be accounted for a Malignant, whilst there are too many already of that sycophantic kind in both kingdoms; and so I proceed in a fair way.  
The daily musters and shows of all sorts of Londoners here, were wondrous commendable in marching to the fields and outworks; (as Merchants, Silk-men, Macers, Shopkeepers, &c.) with great alacrity, carrying on their shoulders iron Mattocks, and wooden shovels, with roaring drums, flying colours, and gurded swords; most companies being also interlarded with Ladies, women, and girls: two and two carrying baskets for to advance the labour, where divers wrought till they fell sick of their pains. All the trades and whole inhabitants (the I●sey Courts excepted) within the City, Liberties, Suburbs, and circumjacent dependencies went day about to all quarters for the erection of their Forts and Trenches: and this hath continued these four months past, the half of which time I was a spectator to their laborious toil, as after you shall hear. The greatest company which I observed to march out, according to their turns were the tailors, carrying forty six colours, and seconded with eight thousand lusty men: The next in greatness of number, were the Watermen, amounting to seven thousand Tuggers, carrying thirty seven colours: The shoemakers were five thousand and odds carrying twenty nine colours; and indeed the gentle craft could never heretofore have mustered so many here since Crispus and Crispianus, the two supposed Princes, their patroness, forsook the Trade. Neither in this catalogue dare I forget the Porters that marched forth one day toward Tayburne fields, carrying twenty three colours, being three thousand white shirts: And (verbi gratia) upon that same day, a thousand Oyster wives advanced from Billingsgate through Cheapside to Crabtree field all alone, with drums and flying colours, and in a civil manner, their goddess Bellona leading them in a martial way. The next day following May 17, the Feltmakers, Fishmongers, and Coupers, marched three several ways to three sundry fields, carrying twenty four colours, had their number amounted to three thousand and odds.  
And now to shun prolixity, let the ingenious Reader judge, what number of numbers would these sequel Trades be, as Goldsmiths, Ferriers, Bakers, brewer's, Butchers, Cooks, Candlemakers, Smiths, Cutlers, Carpenters, Shipwrights, joiners, Boxmakers, wheelwrights, Turners, Carmers, and four thousand Weavers, Braziers, Dyers, Imbrouderers, Horologiers, Watchmakers, Engravers, Tinkers, Haberdashers, Feathermakers, Clothiers, Tanners, Curriers, glover's, Spurriers, Painters, Printers, Stationers, book-binders, Gunmakers, Glaziers, Masons, Tecturers, Brickmakers, Plumbers, upholsters, Combemakers, Girdlers, cobblers, Chimney-sweepers, Jackfarmers, with many more that I can not recollect. Which indeed (as they are of a marvellous great number) so it was a delicate observation, to consider and remark the indefatigable multitude and strength of the City, never heretofore practised nor exercised. The computation whereof may sincirly amount to an hundred thousand able men, not reckoning any above fifty years of age, although the latter number would far exceed the former.  
And now closing this preceding passage, behold the superstitious Holy days in the City, and country, are not as hitherto abolished; Neither have they a seeming purpose to abandon them, because they are the baits of profane pleasures, and vicious wantonness, which their gadding inclinations love rather to follow than forsake. Neither is their Service Book exterminated, but in an ambiguous way some Churches professing it, and other some disallowing it; I will not here expostulate between the mean and the manner, but surely there is a great wisdom visibly seen in the general council, that will not enforce a sudden alteration upon the People, till weightier matters be first settled, lest the one half should devour the other, and the common estate of the Common-weal be miserably ramversed, for as the Italian saith, china Piano va sano, so say we, that soft fire makes sweet malt: Even so the prudent proceeding of provident policy must with a multitude dally, as the Fisherman doth with a hooked Salmond, let's him struggle in the stream a while, and then softly steals him to the land, where he is catched and dispatched. And now the nature of man would ever either hear or see novelties, and here a special one; the Tower of London from long antiquity, wont ever to guard the City as the Eagle keeps her young ones from the Griffon) but now the city guards day and night the Tower, lest Bishop Laud, and Bishop Wren should leap out through the iron windows to swim on Thames, and that Euripus to swallow them down, which should be a great pity, if the Pope's indulgences could prevent it: And now I recall at my first coming here, it was agitate in Parliament, to send these two ghostly fathers to new England, that the great Ocean before their arrival there, might purget hem (like to purgatory) of all the corruptions and perfidious knaveries they had done in England, with many others these twenty five years: This resolution was relented, which many a heart lamented: but it may be against the next spring, they will either make sail or hing. The city now hath fourteen horse troops, that scout the high ways, both day and night, and ride the round nightly twice about the foot squadrons, where so their sentinels are set at watch, and themselves to stand on guard, for this is the military way of Mars.  
And now coming to my main purpose, I wish the Reader hold but conceive, as my pen shall let him see, the fairest encompassed city in all Europe, which my pedestriall march in twelve hours' time painfully performed. And thus, three days before my departure thence, I approached to make the tower round about, and descending to the lower end of Wappine, there I began my circuit. Then here close by the houses and the River Thames, I found a seven angled Fort, erected of turf, sand, watles, and earthen work, (as all the rest are composed of the like) having aine Port holes, and as many cannons; and near the top round about palisaded with sharp wooden stakes sixt in the bulwarks right out, and a foot distant from another, which are defensive for sudden scalets, and single ditchd below, with a Court du guard within. Advancing thence along the trench dyke (for all the Trenches are deep ditched about) which runneth through Wappine Fields, to the further end of Whitechapel, a great way without Aldgate, and on the road way to Essex, I saw a nine angled Fort, only palisaded and single ditched, and planted with seven pieces of brazen ordnance, and a Court du guard, composed of timber, and thatched with tile stone, as all the rest are: where towards mile-end green I beheld there two pertie Forts or Redoubts, each of them with three Ports and they Cannoned, stand within an entrenched closure, having five courts du guard, that secure the passage way: From White chapel Fort northwestward, I trenched along the Trenches to Shoarditch Fort, standing mainly quadrangled, single palisaded, and single ditched, carrying on three corners of the four, eight Demicanons and a royal court du guard within: And without which and at Kingsland (being the old post way for Scotland) there stands two earthen Rampires, with two Courts du guard. Thence returned; I followed along the champain breastworkes to Hogston, where I found a quadrat Fort, well palisaded and planted with five Cannons at the two field corners: The strength is double ditched, and between the two it is strongly barrocaded, with wooden stakes, every stake near the top being fenced with three iron hooks of a span long. Thence I marched through Fineberry fields along the Trench (enclosing there moorefield's) and came to Mount-milhill, Fort, (for all the Forts about are blank and blank in sight of other) where being arryved I found it standing on the high way near to the Red Bull: This is a large and singular fortification, having a Fort above and within a Fort, the lowest consisting of five angles, two whereof towards the fields, are each of them thrice ported, having as many great Cannon, with a flanking piece from a hid corner: The upper Fort standing circular is furnished with eleven pieces of Cannon real, which command all the rest, and upon the bosom top of all standeth a Windmill. The lower bulwarks, are first palisaded round about, and near their tops, and then in the middle flank between the two ditches strongly barrocaded, beside two Countercarps, and three Redoubts of lesser importance, yet all defensive. This is one of the chief Forts about the city and first erected. Thence footing along the Trench dyke (which is three yards thick, and on the ditch side twice as high) I courted Islington, at the lower end whereof I found a strong and large strength, called Waterfield Fort, having within two utter works a circulary Mount, stored with nine great pieces of artillery, and on the point of a Countercarp three pieces more: there I saw the longest Court du guard) being longer than two ordinary Churches) that I have seen as yet. A little further (about ten pair butts) I appoached to Islington hill, where there is erected a most rare & admirable Fortification, called straws Fort, but now Fort royal. It hath eight angles, and a spacious interlarding distance, between each of the cornered bulwarks: This Fort is marvellous perspicuous and prospective both for City and country, commanding all the other inferior fortifications, near and about that part of the inclining grounds. The north-east cornered Bulwark is double altified above the rest of the work, carrying on the two sides thereof six Cannon royal; and the two South and West corners are mutually charged on each of them, with two half Culverins of brass; and the East promontoriat corner adorned with three whole Cannon. The altified bulwark is twice palisaded, and at the root of the work answerable to the top of the inmost ditch, it is strongly barrocaded; the middle place between the two ditches is enravelled all about with low wooden Stakes, and long pikes of thrown pointed iron, and without all which works there is a breastwork cast up, and made defensive either for the first assault, or for the second invasion.  
Descending thence to Holborn fields I accosted a strength, named, Pinder of Wakfields' Fort, being only quadrangled, palisaded, and single ditched, and installed with five great ordnance and a Court du guard. Abandoning the place and shoaring along the Trench a little further to Long-field, I presently rancountred with North Hampton Fort, consisting of two divided quadrangled bulwarks, and each of them garnished with four Demiculverins of brass; the interveening distance fortified, the two former bodies are palisaded, double ditched, and the middle division whereof, barrocaded with stakes a yard high, and each of them hooked with three counterthwarting pikes of iron: Whence conducted along with the Trenches through S. Geilles fields, I arryved at Crabtree fort, in Crabtree fields, standing in a quadrangle, and loaden with six culverins of brass, placed on the two field corners, defying the Malignants or what assailants may there encroach: The fort is palisaded above, doubleditched below, and barrocaded in the middle division, with thick standing stakes and they conterbanded with thwarting iron pyks and a stately court duguard within:  
Leaving this and marching along the circulary line, it grieved me to see so many rich grounds of grass utterly spoiled with 〈◊〉 erection of these works, insomuch that horse and cattle certaynels will come short of their food there for seven years and the owners thereof must fall pity fully short of their yearly profits, for where trouble is, than cometh misery Having left the aforsaid fort, I saluted the banqueting house fortress, composed of two forts upon Tayburne way and marrowbone fields: Here I found both the forts answerable to other, the way only divyding them, and they both, palisaded, double ditchd, and barrocaded with iron pyks; the one clad with eight demicanon, and the other fenced with four semiculverines of iron; both wondrous defensible. A little advanced from this Tayburnian passage, I insulted upon sergeant's fort, composed mainly of four angles, a court du guard five piece of ordnance and fortified in all things, just like to the former: departing thence, I shortly encroached upon Head Park-corner fort, which is a main great strength, having one fort above, and within another, and the third fort closing the road way standeth breasting the other two: The upmost enveloped fort, overtopping the other two; is garnishd with eight cannon real and on the inferior bulwark northward, being a second part of the forts main body, there be entrusted there five brazen half-cannons more; and before it towards the fields a breasting Countercarp: The third dependent fort standeth installed with six demie culverines, amounting to nineteen of all: This great fortification, is but only palisaded and single ditched, yet wonderful strong and of great bounds: all the three having seventeen angles. And this this is the west most fortification enclosing the park, the fields, the large mansion, and other enlargements belonging to S. James his liberty. Thence draining along a devalling Trench through Milkfield toward Tuttle fields, I rancontred with two half moon works; some ten pair butts distant, both of them palisaded, barrocaded with iron picks, and each of them planted with three demie cannon of brass: Both these works stand sighting Chelsay: Whence breasting along the breastworkes I happily embraced Tutlefield fort, my familiar ground of old acquaintance. This fortress is composed of nine angles being palisaded, and only double ditched, and surcharged at the fourth and west corners with six pieces of ordnance and a court du guard. Here is an end of Midlesex labour: from which posternall place, I courted the river side, and crossed over to Lambethin Surray: In the head of which town westward, and close by the river, I visited the nyne-elmes for't, composed of four angles, five ports, and five demiculverines being slenderly palisaded and single ditched, for this fort and Tuttle fort stand opposite to other, the river only dividing them. Whence following my circulary progress I enhanced my desired view of Fauxhall fort, which indeed is a delicate large and defensive work being twice palisaded▪ once ditched, and bearing the burden of fourteen culverins. And hence transported amain with a greedy desire to survey S. George's fields, I found half way hither a singular Countercarp, and fortified, besides workmanship, with three half culverines; and then I arryved at the fort royal in George's field: Which indeed of all the works I have as yet made mention of, this is the only rarest and fairest, and contryved and reared after the modern model of an impregnant Citadale: Having four large bulwarks, every one counterbanding another from flank to flank, and the four interveining quarters are also interlaced with spacious and defensible midworks: The main bosom of which, with the incumbent insides of the four Promontories, may easily contain three thousand men the four corners being destinated for twenty four cannon real. The exterior works are not as yet accomplished (although fast advancing) but certainly they will be perfected after the Londonian forts as I have newly rehearsed; Neither are the trenches done which are drawn a long thence to the top of Southwark called Nevington fort: The which is composed of two flanking Redoubts, divyding nine pieces of ordnance between them, having two courts duguard, and backed with two Countercarps, infringing the road way passenger, till a condign trial of what are you what carry you and from whence came you be demanded; hence I continued my purpose to the top of Kentstreet and found there only a circulary rampire of small importance fenced with a single ditch between two ditches, and installed with five piece of ordnance, and so is the other at the back of Redre●● but more defensible than the other: yet they are both to be interlarded with redoubts, & countercarps, in the entrenched grounds. So here at Redreiff-fort, just opposite to Wapine for't, I finished the pilgrimagious toil of a wearisome day's journey, the circuit whereof on both sides the river amounteth to eighteen Kentishmyles. From which I may say, that London was never truly London till now, for now she sits like a noble lady upon a royal throne, securing all her encroaching pendicles under the wings of a motherly protection; yet these limits were never heretofore granted till the Parliament for their better safety, confirmed this construction; that (Grand-Cayro excepted) I have not seen a larger enveloped compass within the whole universe. By which computation I apprehend that this circuit comprehends above five hundred thousand dwelling houses, and in them large three millions of souls, that me thinks he were a happy Prince, that could be but only King of such a city, as London now sits entrenched though he had no more Provinces besides. And now the main number of all these circulating fortresses (besides redoubtes, countercarps and halfmoon-workes along the trenches) amount to twenty four forts in all; & upon them planted and resettled two hundred and twelve pieces of Cannon, which indeed is a mighty and tremenduous sight, where Vulcan and Bellona mean to make a bloody match if the esurious Assailants should come in a tragical inconsiderable way, to surprise the virginity of these new and now almost finished Fortifications. Which indeed have been very chargeable to the City, and daily will be more, for all the Port holes are sole and syded with timber, the plate forms where the Cannons lie, are laid with strong oaken planks; all the ordnance are mounted upon new wheels, besides the pallosading and barrocading of them without, with iron works, and other engynes.  
And now sorest in the daily maintaining of Commanders and forces into them, with ammunition and all things necessary both for the Forts and soldiers. But it is no matter, let Guilth'all pay for all, for there lieth the Treasure and weekly collections of the city, which amounteth to twelve thousand pound sterling a week, besides the country about: and moreover, the customs, the royal rents, the episcopal revenues, the plundering of Malignants, and all lie there: where there are sitting a daily Committee appointed by the Parliament and City, who have the disposing of all, as they think sitting▪ notwithstanding they must return their accounts to both the Houses.  
And now in discoursing of these Forts, I have been somewhat prolixious, not usual in my former styles, but done of purpose, that the Reader may conceive by Paper, which I have known by ocular experience, and so I proceed.  
Now to observe in these following consequences my former condition, I will be as indifferent as these relenting times may suffer me; and thus I begin: The chiefest conflicts and accidents, which actually fell out in my being here, were only three▪ The first was the intaking of Redding by general Essex, and that repulsing skirmish fought at Cussan bridge, the royal Patriot of the country being there in person: for surrendering of which town, colonel Fielding then governor thereof, was lately condemned by a council of war held at Oxford, to be shot dead at a post.  
The second accidental blow May 12. was that conflict in Cornwall, where sir Ralph Hapton prevailed against some of the Earl of Stamfords forces, he being for the time in Exeter, and had left five trained bands of that County, to second his entrenched Brigad, which when Hampton fell on, they fled, and left Stamfords forces to find the sweet and smart of life and death from the adversary, some taken, and some dispatched, and yet Stamford was equal with that defeat the day following. Hapton was and is for his majesty, and Lord Stamford for the Parliament.  
The third and most remarkable of all, was that prevalent victory, May 20. which the Lord Fairfax son obtained at Wakfield in Yorkshyre, against colonel Gowring and his forces, being a part of the Queen's army led under general King, a conjunc● with the L Newcastle, where Fairfax put to flight and rout the whole Brigad, taking Colonel Gowring prisoner with twenty five prime officers, and fifteen hundred common soldiers, so that none escaped save some few horse troops, and a few of them slain: for the which auspicuous happiness, there was solemn thanks given to God through all the Churches in London May 28 being sunday, and this grateful celebration was ordered by the Parliament to be done. Colonel Gowring, and a Lieutenant colonel, with some sergeant Majors and special captains, were sent to Sir John Hottam governnour of Hull to be enterained there as captives, because they love powder so well, there is a great magazine standing there, where I leave them to smart, till they find a better heart: But by your leave, Gowring was once taken afore by the Parliaments forces, and thereafter swore at his enlargement never to carry arms any more against them; but now what the council of war will modify I know not, let mercy or the martial law decide it. Neither will I meddle here with that promiscuous battle fought at Edgehill or Keynton, where both the armies left other without either flight or following: nor will I report of that unhappy business of Brandford (though in the end it proved happy for London) because they do carry a reflection to a greater eminency, than my pen dare to contend with.  
And indeed all the Counties of England (except the five confederate Counties, and Kent that are (and many more) for the great council) are in a combustion, some for the Papists, some for the Parliament, and all for the King: But understand me better, and be not misled, take not this general uproar (as I may say) to be between our gracious King and his loving Subjects; No, no, The quarrel dependeth only and absolutely between the Papists and Protestants; for either must the Gospel prevail with us, else their idolatry shall overtrample all; and therefore look to it who may, for here is the main matter. And yet observe more, policy was wont to depend upon prudency and providence, virtue being the sole foundation of both: but now it dependeth upon perjury and falsehood, perfidious dissimulation being the groundwork of its deceitfulness; and a sophistical habit, the sycophantic boldness of its brazen face: Great God amend it, else speedily mend it, for this distracted isle is over burdened with the filthy contagion of its forsworn falsities; and honesty and honour miserably misregarded.  
Neither may I forget that hard and unkindly usage that some of my country gallants have got there, being about an hundred and fifty of them; all officers and soldiers of fortune; And all and most of them being enroled, some have attended ten months, some longer, some lesser time, and yet can neither get employment, pay, nor pass from the Parliament, to their great undoing and loss of time. But indeed at their first going to the field (not they) but some other special Commanders were held in great estimation, but as soon as the English begun to learn the military art of discipline from our Scots Cavaliers, they begun to contemn them, and wring them out piece and piece from their employments and charge. I will not herein particularize any more, (although duty commandeth me) lest I be found refractory, to that quiet & happy looked for association. But indeed their contemptible ambition, cannot away with our generous countrymen any longer, than they have reacquisted their own ends.  
And now some of their flattering Ruffians, begin to direct their soldiers with lectorall lessons, as doting Phormio, would have taught Hannibal to fight, & forgetting the true discipline, would put all upon ignorant practice. So now I call to mind about Whitsuntide last, there was such an exclamation against the Scots for a weeks' time as was pitiful to hear, terming us (commonly and disdainfully) false Scots: with many other incompatible execrations; And those their calumnies and despite arose from an employment sent from Chester to York, the effect we know, the event is not finished, but this I may say since that imploring missive was published here in Print, the name of a Scot is grown so odious amongst Londoners, as the name of Satan is to the soul of a saint. Yet they are still longing and praying for our help. But wishing and woulding (we say) makes poor housholding: Nay, their tongues challenge our assistance by way of obligation, affirming that we first begun it and therefore should help to end it; To whom I often answered, that this combustion came first from them, and now it is returned again in their own bosom. And Scotland hath done for them (said I) which they could not do for themselves which you all acknowledge and yet are ingrateful; And besides the great sums of moneys resting indebted by their public faith to our Nation, for that friendly aid, yet our kingdom keeps now an army in Ireland to danton these bloody Rebels, set against your peace, and our profession; and as yet they have received no acknowledgement from your Parliament therefore; And said I cast away your ceremonies your holy days, superstitious rites, your Romish litany, your dregs of Popery, and upbraiding of our cavaliers, and then will Scotland prove a true Sister to England; which if not, why should they go fight to maintain your Fopperies, Many such expostulations had I with hundreds of them. The recitation whereof to avoid prolixity I purposely omit. And notwithstanding whereof, yet the groaning and mourning people crave commisseration, for even now they are begun to collect a several domestic contribution through London, and the now enclosed circumjacent parts thereof, for the regaining of coal again winter, and thus, Every house according to the chaulders they spend less or more yearly shall presently advance as much money (to set forth a present navy and forces for recovering of Newcastle) viz. twenty shillings sterling for the chaulder, and are to receive the coals (when they get them) at the same rate, which will draw to a marvelous mass of money since the meanest house will spend three or four chaulder a year. So is there amongst the adventurers here, for the relief of Jreland another collection presently in hand and for defraying the charges of the Scottish army there. And many like burdens have the people lying upon their necks, besides the hebdomadall and domestical pay of Essex army. The continuance of which, will utterly undo the poorer sort, and make the rich to grumble.  
And I may not thrust in oblivion here, the great sea navy weekly maintained by the Parliament and people, round about the coasts of England and Jreland, though to small purpose, yet to an infinite deal of charges, which indeed the commons must bear, the Parliament command, and the shore loitering Lubbards consume. But now to return to both armies at this instant June. 28. they are lying within four miles of other, and near to Oxford, where selected troup parties on both sides, now and then are snarling at other like unto Hyrcanian wolves, but seldom bite, unless it be with a flying farewell. The Parliaments army is 30 thousand strong, and daily grow stronger and stronger, both out of Kent, the city, and the confederate counties: The King's army, but rather the Papists and Malignants forces, are noways answerable to their adversary's number, neither for pay, nor power.  
But I must confess, they are both grievous plunderers of the commons wheresoever they come. Although the Parliaments army be daily and orderly paid; which the other is not. And it is daily expected they shall shortly either fight or flee, or else do both; where after which we hope the Papists shall seize upon the mountains of Wales for their refuge: For if it draw, (as it is very likely) to a local and lingering war, the whole kingdom shall be utterly spoiled, and undone before the next approaching year. As for their captives on both sides they are many, and left misregarded, neither will they interchange quality for quality with other, and our countrymen Sir William Ballantine, and colonel Cocheran with divers others lie incarcerated in Windsor castle, under the Parliaments reverence; so are also colonel Connesby, Sir Villiam Crofts englishmen and many other Cavaleirs enthralld at Bristol under the same reverence and condition; besides Canterburryes house in Lambeth now filled full of the like stuff, and honest doctor Lichton appointed for their keeper; Which countryman of ours, was pitifully disfigured and demayned by the villainous tyrannical despite of William Laud, who shortly is to undergo his trials for his former treason, as the Parliament have newly declared. Observe here God's providence, how Lichton, being but lately released from long imprisonment, is now put in Laud's house, and cruel Laud expulsed from his princely mansion is now lying fast prisoner in the tower; being both Physicians, Laud's charge should have been for the soul, but indeed Lichton is a honester physician for the body, and a better Christian which crowneth all.  
And to engross here further discourse, colonel Bruce is newly committed to prison, by the Parliament, and his goods that were embarked for Scotland, are disbarked again and retained for the Parliaments use, till further trial be had of his negotiating in Jreland these certain years past, with the mere and barbarous Irish, and upon what authority he went there so often.  
About this time, June 23. Colonel Hurry made a start to Oxford, having just reason, considering diverse affronts he had received, and could not be righted neither by Committees nor martial law, which here I forbear to particularize. But we expect ere long he shall deservingly repay all: And why? because there is nought can kill merit sooner than ingratitude, nor enforce a noble disposition to be longer indebted to a misregarding friend, than a just revenge commands expedition. And let me tell you that now presently the sea here and there is spotted with Dunkirker frigates under the colour of Irish rogues, and Fammouth in Cornwall is become the mother Harlot of these bastard-begotten Brigants, being the chief place of their receptance and refuge. I will not touch here the condition nor manner how, because understanding may conceive it. And now the convention of some sound and learned Divines, is presently in hand, who were summoned hither by parliamental power to sit and meet in Westminster Palace for reforming of Religion, and in abolishing the former fopperies thereof; and they are to continue there, during the endurance of Parliament; being to be assisted with some Nobles, and members of the House of Commons, for the better performance of their burdenable task, where I leave them to a happy conclusion.  
Neither may I here obumbrate the memory of this late design, framed for the overthrow of Parliament and London: The discovery and delivery whereof was wonderful, and yet the purpose far more cruel if it had taken effect: I will not further insist herein, since the Oracle of the lower House hath twice already most largely manifested the same, both under print and power. But this much I may avouch, that if that unnatural attempt had prevailed, then & there, had I doubtless suffered with the rest: For now as I live to Malaga a living martyr, so than they had sacrificed me with London a dying martyr. Yea, and the like design, and that same time, was contrived against Bristol, whereupon there were two of the villains hanged for their pains. There was a solemn thanksgiving to God through London, June 15 and the country about for that happy day of their deliverance, and forty six of their adversaries taken, and under trial of the martial Law. And although every man wisheth and speaketh as he affects, yet have I indifferently (like to the passenger sailing between Scylla and Charybdis) carried myself to neither hand, but in a just way keeping a right course, lest I should have offended the truth, and so have slain the honesty of my good intention. For although it is impossible to give all parties content, yet I had rather please many as to offend any. And now to close, Almighty God preserve aright, and sanctify the royal heart of our dread liege and governor: And now good Lord, either in thy mercy convert the Papists, else in thy fury confound them, and turn their bloody swords back in their own bosoms, that their devilish designs may never hence forth prevail any more against thy Saints and choicelings; and send us and all true believers, the life and light of peace and truth. Amen.  
FINIS.