GOOD SERVICE HITHERTO ILL REWARDED. OR, An Historical Relation of eight year's Services for KING and PARLIAMENT done in and about Manchester and those parts.  
By Lieu: Col. JOHN ROSWORM.  
LONDON: Printed in the Year, 1649.   

TO THE HONOURABLE HOUSE of COMMONS assembled in PARLIAMENT.  
Honourable Gentlemen:  
THis poor piece, would gladly beg an hour from You, at Your best leisure; In it You will see the multiplied wrongs, and sad Extremities of a faithful stranger. The honour of doing me justice is reserved for You. When You read this, think such a one Your Petitioner, as abhors all faithless and indirect courses, and therefore must unavoidably perish without Your sudden succour.  
It is in You to prevent what I cannot but fear; which done accordingly, the Earth shall not bear a more thankful Remembrancer, than  
Your most humble Servant, John Rosworm.   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THOMAS Lord FAIRFAX, General of all the Forces in England and Ireland. OLIVER CROMWELL, Lieutenant General of the Armies. JOHN BRADSHAW, Lord Precedent of the high Court of Justice.  
Right Honourable,  
I Would it were not my unhappiness to see the day, wherein I should trouble You with such a sad story, as here I am bold humbly to present You. In it you will see, the faithfulness of a Servant, the Rewards of his Service, the Extremities he is in, and his encouraged hopes of finding relief from you.  
His Petitions, I hope, will shortly find your eyes, or ears, or both: Oh let them not want your hearts, of which I cannot doubt, if your leisure will suffer you to peruse this naked Relation. I trouble you no more, but with this only addition, that I shall be ever a most thankful Historian of the reparation you shall afford me. And be,  
Your most faithful and humble Servant, John Rosworme.   

Errata.  
Pag. 23. l. 19 Ratcliefs, r. Ratclief. p. 28. l. 8. unthenkfulnesse, r. unthankfulness. p. 37. l. 2. fram; r. from. p. 40. l. 7. that, r. to that. p. 40. l. 16. others: r. others?   

AN HISTORICAL Relation of Lieut: Coll: ROSWORMS Service and Rewards, since the first beginning of these Wars.  
THen certainly, if ever, may a man speak of his well done Services, when either a just Relation of them, may be the remedy of his present miseries, or a feeble case of his over-burdened heart: both these at this time have an influence upon me; glad would I be, if the former end might prove successful. And truly why should I not hope it? But if Equity and Reason hath left England, if I and mine must rot, starve, perish, famish, that have been a means to preserve others from such dreadful ends, when they whom I served, both can, and should, and may, and that most easily, discharge their obligations to me, and therein secure me. If it must be so, I shall yet have a little ease in letting the world know both what I have done, and how I have been dealt with; in either of which if I blot one line with a falsehood, I make no question, but some of my back-friends will labour to let as many see their teeth, as I desire may see the truth. Which as briefly and orderly as I can, I shall now begin.  
HAving at the beginning of the Irish Insurrection upon just discontents forsaken that Kingdom, I came into England, and particularly to Manchester, where I fastened my stranger's home; I had not lived there three months, before the differences of this Kingdom were heightened into a War, and all parts were full of confusion. The Town of Manchester, amongst others, apprehending a manifest danger of ruin, from the Earl of Derby and his strength, who appeared for the King; having none that knew what belonged to Military affairs, either for offence, or defence, and having observed, and heard of me that I was bred up in Soldiery from my youth, well skilled in Fortifications, nor contemptibly furnished with all other military abilities: propounded and concluded with me a Contract under hand and seal, for half a year, engaging me by the utmost of my advice and skill, to endeavour the security of their Town, and engaging themselves, in consideration of my service for that time, to pay me 30 li. we agreed accordingly. I must be bold to say, that my undertaking of this Service (though for a poor reward) as it was not small in itself; so it proved in the consequents as considerable, both to the weakening of the King's party, and the strengthening of the Parliaments, as any action in that kind, through the passages of that year: for (let it be considered) four for one in that Town, if not more, favoured my Lord of Derby, and had publicly vowed to cut my throat, if ever I attempted any works to keep him out. The other party which favoured my undertake, were full of fears, and confusions, not knowing which way to turn themselves: the Town in all its entrances, open, and without any defence about it; A powerful Enemy continually expected to come upon them, which within three weeks of our Contract fell out: surely these were circumstances, which might easily have made it lawful to fear, and in that fear to decline a service of this nature: But being desirous to do the Town the best office, that either I could do, or they could wish, I put my life in my hand, I over-looked all dangers and difficulties, and undertook this Charge, which how I have discharged, let the world judge.  
By the way observe, that the very next morning after my Contract, my Lord of Derby sent two Gentlemen to me, with 150 l. as a Present from his Lordship, with an invitation to attend him at Latham. 'twas easy to see, what the drift of this kindness was. But 30 l. if backed with my promise, contract, or engagement, I have ever learned to value above all offers; honesty being more worth than gold. Returning therefore my thanks for the Earls nobleness, and the money with my thanks, I dismissed these Gentlemen, and addressed myself to my trust.  
My first aim was to set up good Posts and Chains, to keep out the Enemy's Horse; which by the contrivance of a false Alarm, and by the help of the countries' coming in, upon the ringing of the Bells backwards, devised purposely for this end, I safely performed, though many tongues had doomed me to death, if ever I attempted it. This was done upon Wednesday the 22. of September, 1642.  
Having by this devise drawn some Armed men into the Town, I earnestly pressed, that they might be carefully provided for, heartened and encouraged; for I was confident, that within less than a week, that the Enemy would make a real approach, and then these men would stead us; they took my advice; and my prediction fell out accordingly.  
In that small time of preparation which I had, I fortified and barricadoed up every streets end, with the addition of Mud-wals, which were unfinished when the Earl came upon us, I advised how our men should be assigned through each part about the Town; But Salford-bridge the only place of manifest danger, greatest action, and least defence, upon others refusal, I undertook myself: though by my engagements I was not bound to fight at all, but to advise, and direct only.  
For this service, Septemb: the 28. I took with me 50. Musketeers: we lay there till Monday without action.  
Monday, Septemb: 27. I was necessitated, to send 20. of my Musketeers to Captain Bradshaw at the Deansgate which never returned: that afternoon, though thus weakened, I was numerously assaulted; but through the goodness of him, who saved us, my 30 Musketeers (having no Brest-work but a Chain) gave them a sound repulse.  
The next day, Septemb. 28. the Enemy played at us with his great Pieces, which being a strange noise, and terror to my raw men, sixteen of them took their heels; the rest, some for fear of my drawn sword, others out of gallantry, resolving rather to die, than to forsake me, stuck close to me, and to the safety of their Town. I was now few in number, but found some pity from some other gallant hearts, who voluntarily came in to my assistance, making up my number 28. And this was my huge Army even then, when I had not only many Enemies without, but dangerous temptations within to deal with. For the Enemy finding their assault not to take success, nor their Cannons to terrify us, as at the first, several parleys sore against my will, were sent into the Town: whereof I gave my Soldiers a little notice, with encouragements to stand out, to the utmost.  
Particularly, Wednesday, Septemb: 29. the Earl offered upon the delivery of some 100 Muskets to withdraw his Forces, and march away. To back this offer, Colonel Holland understanding my averseness, earnestly pressed me to condescend to the motion, using withal these three Reasons. First, said he, we have neither Powder nor Match. I confess I had only six pound of the one, and 18. fathom of the other; but this was only known to myself. Secondly, the Countrymen (said he, though falsely,) will stay no longer, their own houses and goods lying open to the mercy of the Enemy. Thirdly, said he, the Enemy is increased in strength. With these arguments did he not only urge, but almost command the embracing of the Earls Proposals. I related these things to my Soldiers, who unanimously resolving never to yield to my Lord of Derby, so long as I would stand out, and they had an inch of Match, or a shot of Powder: my heart leapt at such courage, and thereupon I peremptorily refused any terms whatever. Which so passionately moved Colonel Holland, that he left me in great anger and discontent. Immediately after this, Master Bourne, an aged and grave Minister, came down to the Bridge to me, I told him Colonel Holland's language, and the dangerous concernment it tended to, I advised him, that if he desired to prevent the mischief which might ensue, he would immediately walk to the Deansgate, & from thence to the other Centuries, using his best encouragements to prop up their hearts against any dangers; and assuring them from me, that whereas the Enemy now, made no assaults, but where I was, I was confident with the help of Almighty God, and my few men, to defend it against their whole Power, nor should they ever enter at my guard. The heartened old man quickly left me, and followed my advice, with such gravity and cheerfulness, that I cannot but ascribe much to it, as to the means of our preservation. Having thus prevailed for a refusal of all terms, sent in by the Enemy, our height of resolution to defend ourselves to the utmost was returned to the Earl; who finding by our actions that we spoke as we meant, within 3. days after, withdrew this siege, and gave me leave with about ten of my men in open view, to fetch away a great number of good Arms from them.  
Thus was Manchester freed from the danger of her first brunt; wherein how fare I was instrumental, if impartial men cannot see, I will appeal from them to my Enemies; If either can deny me an acknowledgement, I am content the world should be blind, and what I have done should be buried: But was the safety of Manchester, the whole of Manchesters' safety? He that shall view in a Prospective the state of things at that time in the Kingdom, must yet see more, my Lord of Essex had then at that instant no great Forces, and those very remote from those parts. And surely if the actions of Manchester, had not sufficiently balanced the Earl of Darbies' Forces, or had that Town yielded either to his Assaults or Proposals, Lancashire, and all those associated Counties, had been at his service; and the whole Souldery therein at his disposing; which with his own Soldiers would have made up at least 9000 well armed fight men, besides Horse. These joined to his Majesty's Body, who only wanted Infantry, would have made such an Army as in humane reason could not have found an opposition strong enough from all the Parliaments Forces, which at that time could be brought together. These concernments I only touch at, because, though my heart would break, if I should not let the world know, how I have served, and am served; yet I have no mind to draw my own picture. Only one thing more let me add, to do myself a little right, since none else hitherto have done. This Town was not only a foil to an assaulting Enemy, but a strength, help, and Magazine to all the adjacent Counties, as they stood engaged for the Parliaments service. But of this enough.  
The Earl of Derby having afforded me a vacancy by his departure, I throughly set myself to raise up my Works of Fortification about the Town, during the residue of that half year, for which my Contract was made: In which I did not only prosecute that to my utmost, by my directions, but having declared my judgement, that unless we did something speedily against the Earl, he would get head again, and do us new mischief: We thereupon gathered our Forces together, went out, and upon Decemb. 24. we shattered the Enemy at Shewbent, and the same night we took Leigh by assault, returning again within three days.  
I was now so observed for my faithfulness and success, that Januar. 2d. following I was unexpectedly honoured with a Commission from my Lord Wharton, to be Lieutenant Coll: of a Foot Regiment to Coll: Ashton, with which Febr. 6. I was commanded by Sergeant Major General Seaton, to join with Coll: Holland's Regiment, and to attempt Preston, which was accordingly taken by assault, Febr. 8. And afterwards at Sergeant Major General seaton's, and the Deputy Lieutenants request, was fortified by my direction.  
I kept this Command of Lieutenant Coll: during the residue of my half years service contracted for with the Town of Manchester, which being now expired, they then observed, what they cannot without shame remember now, that I was both trusty, and successful. They were loath to for-go such a servant, and therefore propounded new terms to me, offering me an annuity of 60 li. per annum, to be paid 15 li. quarterly, during the lives both of myself and wife, which should survive the longest, if I would by my advice prosecute the finishing of their Fortifications, and the ordering of all Military affairs conducing to the safety of the Town, and upon all occasions be ready to give directions accordingly. At the same time also they with the Deputy Lieutenants desired me to accept of a Foot Company in the Garrison of Manchester, engaging themselves to maintain it, as long as it was a Garrison, and to pay me 40 s. per week in part of my Captains pay, and the rest was to go upon the public Faith. I was pressed to accept this so importunately on their part, and by one reason so strongly within myself, which was, that by embracing the first of these Proposals, I should not leave a desolate Widow without a poor subsistence, in case a warlike end should befall myself, that I laid down my Lieutenant's Colonels Commission, and closed with their Contract; and is this circumstance nothing to chain these men to their promises? Those hearts certainly are deeply rooted in the Earth, which Reason, Equity, Conscience, nay and shame cannot pull out with such ropes.  
My Engagement being past, I returned to my Charge, enlarged my Fortifications, left nothing unprepared, as time would permit, which might not make an Enemy a strong work to attempt me.  
Whilst I was prosecuting these things, I was solicited, April the 1. 1643. by the Deputy Lieutenants to attend and assist our Forces, against Wigan; for indeed the Soldiers declared themselves discontented, if I went not along with them. I went accordingly, being loath that those should want any of my service, who had afforded me so much room in their hearts; nor were we without a happy success in our attempt, for by a gallant assault, chief of Colonel ashton's men, we took that strong Town in less than an hour: The Town being taken, to my best remembrance, we sent 500 Musketeers of Colonel ashton's men to secure Bolton, not far from us: Whilst the Town was taken, the Enemy having for a refuge observed and fitted the Church and steeple adjoining for their advantage, fled thither as many as could, and killed from thence, I dare say, more men, after the taking of the Town, than we had lost in the whole assault besides. Whilst we struggled with this difficulty, an Alarm was sent us from the Enemy, I went speedily with some few Horse to view the state they stood in, I found them only three slender troops of Horse, who observing us to present a resolute face towards them, they instantly tried their heels, and gave us language enough in their disorder, to tell us we need not trouble ourselves with such Enemies. I returned with what hast I could, with the truth in my mouth, but found Colonel Holland in such a shaking agony of fear, that he was ready to march away with all our Forces, consisting of 2000 Foot, most part good Musketeers, the rest Club and Bill men, and to my best remembrance about 200. or 300. horse, besides eight Piece of Ordnance, and no want either of Ammunition or provisions. And surely with this Force I durst have seen the face of the greatest Enemies we had about us, though conjoined at that time. Having this confidence, I earnestly desired him not to leave that Garrison so fearfully, that was won so gallantly; or if he would not stay himself, to leave me 500 Musketeers, and one troop of Horse, and clear me of the Prisoners, of which we had already good store, and I would entertain any attempt of the Enemy, and prosecute the rest of the service touching the Town, which was yet unfinished. His Answer was, Stay, that stay would, he nor any of his men, either would or should stay. I could almost have torn my flesh at this answer; yet suppressing my passion, with deep entreaties, and repeated persuasions, he was at length wrought so fare, as to promise a stay till I had forced those who had possessed the advantage of the Church steeple wholly to surrender; I having assured him, that I would either do it, or otherwise in one hour blow them up: He gave me his hand to assure me of his stay. I thereupon first summoned them, but in vain. I prepared for execution, the event whereof startling the Enemy, they all surrendered, being 86. in number. But whilst I was receiving their Arms, and making preparation for their Convoy, Colonel Holland (for, alas, who can settle a trembling heart?) marched away with all the Forces, left me with one Company only, (these also, fearing their inability to deal with so many prisoners, forsaking me) engaged amongst 400 prisoners, many good Arms, two great Pieces of Ordnance, in the midst of a Town where generally all the Towns-people were great Malignants. Being thus wholly forsaken by all, I was forced first to run to find Horse, and then to fly for my life, which in such a danger was most strangely saved.  
All that adhered to the Parliament through the whole Kingdom, and knew the circumstances of this assault, rejoiced at the taking and supposed keeping of Wigan, as a considerable service; It being thought an impregnable piece, the Enemy's pride, and our fear; only Colonel Holland seemed to be troubled that I perished not in the action; and therefore finding that I survived his treachery in leaving me in the midst of so many enraged Enemies, as I before shown; did the best he could to destroy me and my family a worse May. For presently upon the taking of that Town, as a noble gratuity for that service, and yet saving my own life, the 40 s. per week as part of my Captains pay (the only main pillar of my family expenses) was by Colonel Holland's command, subscribing 2 hands more for the countenancing of his unworthiness, taken away from me, upon this pretence, that I had not taken the Covenant, and was suspended for above a year; during all which time notwithstanding, I was still kept in my employment.  
I cannot forget that about that time, and many times since, I received several Letters of acknowledgement from some eminent persons in the Kingdom, but I could feed neither my dog, nor my cat with them, much less my horses, which I have kept always at my own expenses in the service, though afterwards upon second thoughts some of my charges were allowed me: but as for my family, who could not live upon the bare return of my expenses, I was compelled to try an unhappy experiment, whether I could feed them with I thank you. But enough of this.  
Wigan service done, and undone, for which I was paid accordingly, I came to my charge at Manchester, whence not long after I was desired to ride to Leverpool, to direct the Fortifications there, I stayed there five days, without any reward.  
March 11. after my return thence, I, besides many more out of Manchester and the County, was summoned up by Warrant to attend the Committee of Examinations upon the 15. of April next after, and to give in our Informations touching Colonel Holland's actions, where all this, and divers things more were justified to his face, as his perfidious deal at Wigan, his actions touching Mr. Peter Heywood and his eagerness in urging me to deliver up Manchester, when I kept Salford bridge, at the first. But his great friends in the house prevailed for his escape, accounting it perhaps a sufficient punishment that he was so publicly shamed. Whereas if I had been guilty of the like, I am sure the Law of Arms would have condemned and executed me for bad service, that am sought to be famished for good.  
About July 4 after, the Earl of Newcastle with no small Force made an angry approach towards Lancashire, our men were sent out to oppose his passage, nor was I thought fit to be present at this action: The issue was, our men were sound beaten at Wicked-hill in Yorkshire, and pursued into Lancashire by the Enemy, who quickly also possessed himself of Hallifax, about 16. miles distant from us. When I had received this sad intelligence, I informed myself of the nature of the passes, by which the Enemy most easily could come in upon us; and finding them capable of a sudden Fortification, by the consent of the Deputy Lieutenants, I quickly helped Nature with Art, strengthening Blackestone Edge, and Blackegate, and manning them with Soldiers, to prevent the Earls dangerous approach, by which means being diverted, like an angry storm with a gust, he went to the siege of Hull.  
How considerable this diversion of so powerful an Enemy was, let reason judge; for certainly, whereas he never reached his end at Hull, if he had gotten in amongst us, we were not only in a manifest danger of being overrun by an enraged Enemy, but all parts within an ordinary distance, would have felt the smarting bitterness of his heavy hands.  
1643. Jan. 19 following, I received order from Sir Thomas Fairfax to accompany his Forces to the relieving of Nantwitch, at that time closely besieged by the Enemy. Where how I discharged the trust reposed in me, I leave to the testimony of his Excellency, whose name I shall always remember with honour.  
Nantwitch relieved, I repaired to my home, where I have with my utmost skill nourished a company of vipers, who in recompense would eat my bowels.  
From thence I was once more, Aug. 16. 1644. commanded by Sir John Meldrum to attend him to the siege of Leverpoole, which continued full ten weeks, I there served as Master of the Ordnance, gave directions for divers Works. In a word, I failed not in any thing which could be expected from me during the siege, it was surrendered Novemb. 4. For all which, and many other services, I am to this day unrewarded.  
And now I come to my last actions, not a little conducing to the great shame and dishonour of Manchester, and the farther evidences of my own honesty.  
After the siege of Leverpoole, the Parliament with a great Force laid siege to York; to raise this siege, Prince Rupert made an hasty and a furious march, with a very great Army; so that from the beginning of these Wars, there were not two such numerous Armies, nor so fiercely resolved each against other, as met at length upon the occasion of that siege; Prince Rupert, well noting, that there were two ways to raise this siege, which was the whole of his work and design; the one by policy, the other by force, left neither unattempted; His political method lay not where so strongly for his end, as to corrupt me for the betraying of Manchester, wherein had he sped, York siege would have raised of itself. To effect this, Prince Rupert joined my Lord Byron to himself in the transactions; and having the advantage of one Mr. Peter Heywood, by his means laboured with me for the betraying of the Town.  
This Mr. Peter Heywood, who at this time sits at his ease, and enjoys his own, whilst I for want of it endure extreme misery: was a Captain in Lancashire for the Parliament, was often in our private consultations; and by holding intelligence with the Enemy, did us much mischief. He went oft to Chester, Oxford, and other Garrisons of the Enemy, discovering our secret results. This being at length found out, and proved against him, he was secured by the Committee; and yet, without the consent of the rest of the Committee, contrary to an Ordinance touching such cases, released by Coll: Holland; two of his friends also being bound for his appearance, which never were questioned, though he presently upon his enlargement went to the Enemy, & was afterwards thought the only fit instrument to work me to this treachery.  
His method was, first to take advantage of the injurious and most unthankful unworthiness, which the Town had used towards me, stirring those passions in me, which he knew were deeply provoked. This done, he offered in the behalf of Prince Rupert, that I should have a very great sum of money paid me in my hand, before my delivery of the Town, that I should have great preferments under Prince Rupert; besides the perpetual obligations of affection and honour from many most noble friends, which I should look upon as purchased by the desert of such a seasonable and useful service.  
I was not so little a fool, though I never meant to be a knave, but I gave the propounder audience, gave some encouragement to the business, so much as to fish out which way the Enemy would lay his stratagem, and to secure myself from suspicion on their part, appointed them a time of receiving their hopes. And I must needs say, I could with more ease have sold them, man, woman and child, with all they had into their Enemy's hands, than at any time I could have preserved them. But, alas, I should then have been a Manchester man, for never let an unthankful man, and a promise-breaker, have another name.  
When I had found out the bottom of the plot, and searched out the method of their intention; Immediately I sent for six of the chief men of the Town, laid open the whole design, told them how to prevent the danger, laboured night and day to get our Cannons to the Work, repaired our Mudwals, as well as time would suffer. In a word, left nothing uncared for, which was necessary to entertain an assault. But the Enemy having got some intelligence of our actions by our treacherous friends, or homebred enemies, when he had marched within one or two miles of Manchester at his appointed time, having notice of an hot entertainment, instead of Manchester, steared his course another way.  
I must not forget here a new piece of wrong, Manchester and the whole Kingdom received from Coll: Holland at this time, that very morning which I had discovered the plot, Coll: Holland had summoned the Soldiers of Salford Hundred, consisting of almost 4000 Musketeers to my best remembrance. He was desired by us at Manchester, that these Soldiers might quarter in or near the Town, that they might assist us in times of danger: But how were we answered? he disbanded these men, went away, left us to ourselves, there being no established Soldiers in the Town at that time: but that one single Company under my command, and some few of Major Radliffs Company, which, with all that could be persuaded to look to the security of their lives and livelihoods, made not up so many Musketeers, as to double our guards, much less reasonably to enable us against a resolute Enemy's attempt. Nor was our distress without many aggravating circumstances, for besides the decay of our Mudwals, and the unmounting of our Cannons, we knew not who to trust. The infinite toil, pains, and indefatigable industry, night and day, which I used at this time, all that had eyes in that Town saw, and all that have tongues can witness; insomuch that the ablest, and richest of those who had engaged themselves for my Annuity, being overcome with the consideration of my pains, and the shining evidences of my fidelity, gave me deep protestations and promises, That if ever the hand of Providence should lead them to peace again, and that Trading might once again flourish, they would out of their own private purses, enlarge my reward; particularly four of the six to whom I first discovered the Enemy's stratagem, specified their sums. Mr. Johnson promised me 10 li. Mr. Gaskell 20 li. Mr. Hunt 30. Mr. Hartley 40 li. yearly, as long as I lived. But, alas, when our distress was over, which lasted a week, this smoke vanished. The issue was this, that whereas Coll: Holland (who ever hath been (as you may see all along) the bountiful rewarder, encourager, and furtherer of my good services) had suspended my 40 s. per week, part of my Captains pay, for a whole year, they drew a most importunate Petition to the House, for the Arrears of my pay, and continuance of it, for the time to come; recommending me also for some noble gratuity agreeable to my deserts and quality. This Petition begot me an Order for my discontinued pay, and a recommendation from the House to Manchester, for my Annuity: It was dated, Sept. 4. 1644. This being granted me, through much importunity, and great expenses on my part, my 40 s. per week was paid me till Octob. 9 1647.  
I shall only add one more Evidence of my faithfulness to this ungrateful Town. The Summer after Prince rupert's diversion, it pleased God to lay his heavy hand of plague upon us, which, ranging according to his direction, left no part unvisited; becoming indeed such a sad object, that our very miseries were as great a guard to us against our Enemies, as the cries of them were strong for a public commiseration from our friends. The Pestilence in a little time grew so hot, that it not only occasioned most of the richest to departed with their whole families, but moved also the Warden and the other Minister to desire me with my family to withdraw not far from the Town, that, if occasion were, I might from thence readily serve the danger and extremity, which might befall it from the Enemy: I think few men would have blamed me, if having stayed thus long, I had left the Town upon such importunity. But conceiving myself as strongly tied to look to the goods and estates of those that were gone, as one of the Ministers thought himself charged to look to the souls of those there remaining; I waved all fear, and resolved personally to serve my trust, leaving my death to him, that once gave, and often before had spared my life. And truly my resolution herein, I must be bold to say, was not a little courtesy to this Town; as both I foresaw how things would, and afterwards did come to pass. For Major Ratcleifs and his Company having withdrawn, and quartered themselves without the Works for fear of the plague, myself having only 12. Musketeers, whose hearts stood fixed to run my hazard, the poor, many of whom were at the pesthouses without, and the rest within, entered into a dangerous combination, with about a dozen of the middle sort of men, that were within, to take advantage of our weakness and nakedness, and to seize upon the whole riches of the Town, which at that time was very great. In the prosecution of this villainy, they wanted neither secrecy, unanimity, nor craft. Not secrecy, for till their design was ripe, I had no knowledge of it; which argues also their unanimity. As for their craft, a man would have thought some minor Jesuit had been of their counsel. They had prepared, forsooth, a kind of Declaration, zeal to the safety of the Town, solicitousness to see it so naked, and unfit to oppose an Enemy, were the embroidered coat of this pretty brat; and to make up all, they added a resolution to slick to King and Parliament, and to use the whole fruits of their attempts to serve the Public: and I, forsooth, had the honour to be nominated their chief Commander. I had at this time taken physic, but my Sergeant, Mr. Beirom the elder, having discovered the plot to some in the Town, who quickly came to advise with me. We with some few others, which we sent for, agreed upon this as the suddenest remedy, that the twelve chief conspirators should be severally sent for into one room, at one time, and afterwards severally examined, which accordingly was done; their examinations remaining still upon file in Manchester. Whilst these things were doing, I gave order for my 12 Musketeers privately to attend me, with whose assistance having secured these heads, the conspiracy vanished into smoke, which otherwise would have set all on fire.  
The plague being ceased, and the chief inhabitants of the Town returned, a man would have thought that this last Evidence of my faithfulness alone, should have wrought these men, if not to thankfulness, yet to honesty: But who can white a Blackmore? or make a rope of sand? Their brows were brass to all entreaties, their affections flints to all reason, their hearts rocks to all pity, and their consciences adamants to all obligations, even still my Annuity was kept from me; which aggravating my many debts and wants to the height of extremity, in hope of relief I repaired to London. Where prevailing not for a redress, in three quarters of a years attendance, with my boy and two horses, at very great expenses; at length (it being true, that Magister artis ingeniique largitor venture,) it came into my head, to print an angry Paper, the Copy whereof I have here inserted.  
A sad Complaint of Lieutenant Colonel John Rosworme, against several of the Inhabitants of Manchester.  
I Post and send abroad this to the deserved shame of the Townsmen of Manchester, whose names are under-written, whose heathenish, most unworthy and perfidious deal, if I could, I would publish to the end of the world: My complaint is this, let all Readers judge, When the Town of Manchester, at the beginning of these Wars, was in a most desperate danger and extremity by reason of the Enemy, I (who have been a known Soldier in Foreign parts) was then looked upon as a serviceable man for the safety and preservation of that Town, and was accordingly compounded with, by those under-written in the towns behalf, to fortify the said Town, and, in a word, to manage all Military affairs tending to their safety and preservation: In consideration of which, they obliged themselves under hand and Seal, to pay me quarterly, every quarter of a year 15. li. during the lives of myself or wife, which should live longest; adding with all such Solemn Protestations and Vowed Engagements of farther thankfulness, that, considering their profession of holiness above other men, it might easily have wrought an hope in a credulous man, that they would be more than honest. But all that glisteren was not gold; for see the issue. I discharged my Engagements to the utmost of a man, yea to the utmost of their hopes. Their Town was secured, themselves preserved, through Providence, my great pains, industry, and uncorrupted Faithfulness. In the prosecution of my trust, I incurred frequent and most manifest dangers of my life, from which my escape hath been a matter both of their wonder, and their joy; of all which I have their own acknowledgements to produce, and testifications of their thankfulness so deep, as if they had looked upon me, as the only earthly Landlord of their lives: All this notwithstanding, these men (if they deserve so good a name) conceiving themselves to have no other use of me, have for this 12. months withheld from me my dearly earned stipend, broken their Covenants, slighted their Engagements, opposed all fair motions, and frequent entreaties of my own, refused all Ministerial exhortations, earnestly and often pressing their duty herein upon them; despised all requests and letters of public and private eminent persons, not only minding them of, but reproving them for their backwardness, I may say perfidiousness; so that, if I were not beholding to a more bountiful Providence, than what runs in their honesty, I and mine might rot, perish, starve or famish, whom by their obligation, as well as the Common obligations of Equity, they are bound to relieve; what ingratitude this is, let the world judge; yea, judge yourselves, ye worst of men; did I hazard life, limbs; and all that was dear to me, and do the richest of you grudge me a few shillings by the year, to buy me and mine food: is this your equity? have you engaged your selves solemnly for my satisfaction, and now do you deny it me to my destruction; Is this your honesty? would you indeed murder me, my wife and children after the highest manner of cruelty, that under God have been a means of preserving you alive? What? is no other death sit for me but famishing? have you no easier way to show your unthenkfulnesse then that? are you so hardhearted to a stranger, so perfidious to your obligation, so unthankful for courtesies, such obstinate enemies of reason and equity? do you profess yourselves ashamed to see me, and can you read this without blushing; ye Adamants, can ye indeed be so flinty? Well, be so for ever, find out the utmost bounds of ingratitude, be matchless in your treachery; set the Devil himself a Copy, that you may be the most infamous men of your generation, and when you have done, triumph in this; That your Consciences are made of such steel, as can be touched with nothing. As for me, the utmost of your cruelty, shall I hope, reach no farther than to cause me to be angry with myself, that I have ever hazarded my blood for such despicable earthworms: But withal let me tell you, I hope I shall find out a way to make you pay me against your wills, nor shall your dishonesty for ever help you.  
To conclude (for I know though your brows be Basilsico-proof, yet you could be content, I should end this Language;) if ever you stand in need of the faithfulness of a man again, may you meet with none that will trust you, better than you deserve, for since you have in my case, manifested your best profession to be but hellish dissimulations, what man after me, will ever credit you? who will ever free me from this reproach of being the last credulous fool that ever you shall abuse? If any thing here seem either to yourselves or others too sharp, I shall shortly clear your eyesight, and present you, with a larger Looking-glass wherein you shall see (if you will not shut your eyes) Circumstances enough, which will more fully discover your brutishness not only to yourselves, but to all that will take the pains to observe your most detestable unworthiness, so farewell.  
The Names of those unworthy Covenant-breakers in Manchester, who have sealed and subscribed the Covenant in behalf of themselves and the whole Town  

Rich: Heyrick  
Will: Radelyff  
Rich: Haworth  
Roland Hunt  
John Hartly  
John Gaskell  
Tho: Lancashire  
Richard Lomax  
Edward Johnson  
Laurence Owen  
Robert Lewer  
Nich: Hawet  
Edw: Holbroock  
Roger Worthington  
Richard Meare  
henry Bradshowe  
Thomas Ellingworth  
Mich: Buxton  
Rap.   
Hugh H Williams  
William Dean  
Thomas Mynshall.   
Lond: May 9 1648.  
The shame of this Paper, which the bitterness of my condition, and the unworthiness of their dealing, forced me to Print, together with the concurrence of the Scottish advance, from which they feared danger, occasioned them to recall me from London, and to pay me my then Arrears.  
But this storm being over, they again most shamelessly slighted their Engagements; and therefore being utterly worn out with the vexation of their usage, and finding nothing to work, I sent them a Letter dated, Octob. 11. 1648 desiring their leave that I might seek employment where I could, and look after a means of subsistence elsewhere, since their hearts were such, that they could suffer me, my wife, children, and family to perish before their eyes, who for six or seven years had been an evident Instrument of keeping them, their wives and children from the same end. For this purpose I sent them enclosed the form of a testimony to be subscribed; the result of all was, I neither could get pay, nor testimonial: what is this, but as much as to say in other words, For all the good service you have done us, we will keep you here, and famish you?  
I have now done my story, what's behind must be for Application. And first I shall begin with those undertakers of Manchester, who first engaged me; and first, and last, and all along, have almost equalled my services with their wrongs.  
My Masters.  
For it hath been my unhappiness to have been your servant. Give me your leave a little.  
(If you have any room in your memories for any thing but debts) you may well remember the confusions, fears, and extremities, you were in, when you first desired my service; what a strong Enemy you expected from without, how divided within, how weakly provided, and unable against either; insomuch that my Engagement in your service, was as much the wonder of your Enemies, as the preservation of yourselves so far as may be ascribed to a means. Having undertaken your service, you may remember, if you please, the dangers I exposed myself to, beyond my covenant, the offers which I refused from many, the difficulties I ran through, the vigilancy and care which I used, the faithfulness which I discharged, my sticking to your estates during the plague, when most of you (which was strange) forsook them yourselves; and the success of all through my whole service. You may remember too, what me thinks you have forgotten, that I had your hands and seals for a poor annuity, besides the voluntary additional promises from some of you, of 10 li. from another, 20 li. from another, 30 li. from another, 40 li. yearly as long as I lived, flowing from the sense of my care, and faithfulness, once visible in Manchester, but now removed beyond the Indies. But, I pray you, my masters, suffer your servant to reason with you: Was I once thought worthy of so much? And now have I not deserved my poor wages of you? that have kept for some of you such vast estates? Do you still grudge me the yearly proportion of a few shillings, that have kept for you so many pounds, so many thousands? Have I exposed myself for your safety, to the danger of sword, and plague, and will nothing content your boundless ingratitude, unless withal you throw me and my whole family into the jaws of famine? You have been thought men of conscience, why could not ministerial exhortations prevail with you, often propounded, and urged upon you for that purpose? You have professed yourselves the Parliaments devoted servants, why was their recommendation slighted? You would not be thought uncivil, why were my Lord General's Letters so little regarded? You would not be reported as shameless, why did shame force you to a piece of your duty, upon the sight of my printed Paper inserted before? whereas now again like the dog, you are turned to your vomit. You complain of others for want of justice, why have you used so little to me? You pretend a great deal of care of your credit, why have you suffered your words, hands, and seals to be wounded? Religion bids you be courteous to strangers, why have you dealt thus unmercifully, yea most cruelly with me? who though a stranger, have been more than a brother, and have then stuck to you, when for fear you have fled from yourselves. Equity, reason, yea self-love, requires you to be thankful for courtesies, having forgotten all these obligations, I favour you too much if I say you are out of your wits, for than you will be somewhat excused; whereas, if you will be thought otherwise, you cannot. When your fears had rendered you heartless, my undertaking your service, and lively encouragements revived you; when you have been compassed with your enemies, my service hath been your freedom; when you have slept, I have been watching for you; when you have stretched yourselves upon your soft beds, I have made the cold earth my lodging; when instead of  to keep me warm, I have been wet round with the rain; I did not envy these things to you, I did not refuse these things for you. I might say much more, if I were not resolved to have this advantage of you to be able justly to say, I might have said more if I pleased.  
But how have you dealt with me? When in my distresses I have made my moan to you for my dearly earned stipend, your ears were deaf, your hearts pitiless, my wife and children could not find the way to your bosoms, though you and yours have not wanted large room in mine? What was your meaning, were you ambitious to be the most notable men in all the earth for cruel unthankfulness? If so, I will do my best to procure you the honour, as far as my few languages will reach, you shall not fail; or was it because in your actions to me you would show yourselves honest men? You have done it indeed, ask your consciences else, and they will tell you so; because none else will: Or was it your purpose to force me to fly the Kingdom, and to leave my wife, and children to your Parishes charity, when both the husband of that wife, and the father of those children could find so little of your justice, equity or honesty? Perhas 'twas this: but yet me thinks having some subtlety of apprehension, you might have thought, that he that was no traitor to your bowels, would not be a traitor to his own. Sure then your aim was I should be driven to rob by the highway, and violently to take from others, what should be the support of my family. And yet me thinks you could not think this, seeing you well knew that I have ever been careful of my honesty even to you, who have failed to me? how then should I be injurious to such, whom perhaps I have never seen, when I have not wronged you, that have so sore provoked me? You know I have ever laboured to keep others from plundering, how then should I practise it myself? But perhaps you are still of that judgement however you use me, that certainly some miracles would be manifested from heaven, before a man that had served you so faithfully should want, though you should give me nothing: If these were your thoughts, then by your confession, I must look for miracles, before you will be honest; and if that follow after, 'twill be the greatest miracle of all: if none of these are right guesses, for my part I am at a loss, help me out, and then you shall hear move; till than I leave you.  
Having done with these, I shall keep that order in my debates, which I observe in my wrongs. Manchester was first, and the Parliament in its late state was next, to them must I be bold to say a little.  
To the Honourable House of COMMONS, sitting till the year 1648. and particularto the Members for Lancashire.  
Honourable Gentlemen:  
YOu need not be put in mind, I hope, that whatsoever I did for Manchester, reached at length to yourselves, & from you to the whole Kingdom; It hath been easy for many impartial eyes to see, that my actions at Manchester in the beginning were the very hinges, whereupon the War turned; for had not my Lord of Darbies' Forces been boldly opposed, and at length utterly crushed, by the activity, boldness, and success of those Forces, with which I always personally served (where mentioning myself alone, I desire not to rob any other of their due honour) half an eye may see in humane reason, what condition you had been brought to, success at first being that which both animated, and increased your friends.  
I must not here forget, any point of right or honour which was showed me, for I suppose that public testimony, which was given of my stirring, vigilancy, faithfulness, and success begot me unexpectedly my Lord wharton's Commission to be Lieutenant Colonel to Coll: Ashton. Which command how I used, till I laid it down, I have touched before, and can confidently leave to any that knew my actions. But I beseech you forgive me, if as modestly as freedom forced fram misery, will give me leave, I speak something also of yours.  
Having laid down my Commission of Lieutenant Colonel, I degraded myself into a Captain, that I might be the fit to discharge my trust to Manchester, and to attend your service there, where it was of most concernment. I was content to take 40 s. per week in part of my Captains pay, and the rest upon the Public Faith; and this with the poor addition of my Manchester annuity, was the whole livelihood of my wife, children and family. But as Manchester suspended the one, so yourselves at length suspended the other; upon which being deprived of all means of subsistence, I addressed two Petitions to your House, all which were worn out in some of your pockets, and myself at length after almost 12. months' expectation, dismissed with this, That my Petition was but a private business, from a private man, and the Parliament would not look upon it; but yet I must acknowledge, I was allowed from you a little money, not so much as would bear my charges of attendance.  
Forgive me now a little freedom, when I did you service, I was a public man, was I altered because I came in my great miseries to petition for my wages? especially having forborn you so long, that I ran in debt for the bread which I did eat, as still I do? Or if I were not that Rosworme which served you, as actively, faith fully, and successfully as any, must I, because private, perish for want of justice, when I hope you will grant, I should not famish for want of pity? Private men that were to pay money, I hope were looked after, why not private men, that were to receive? If the receiving were a public advantage, surely paying was a public duty. But did no private men find a redress from you, for almost 12 months? Nay did not private men in this time receive extraordinary gratuities, which I also was one recommended for, though as yet I want my pay? you can tell. Had you not one half hours time to consider my deep extremities, able, if I, and they were well known, to move a stone, what? not so little time for me? that have spent days, nights, months, years, so many, so much time to support that power and wealth by which you were to relieve me? I have observed a Motto about your English Coins, Justitia sirmat thronum, the want of this is the mother of all the changes and revolutions in the world, the corruption of this unsettled the Kingdom at first; the corruption of this pulled down yourselves; and the corruption of this, if not seasonably looked into, will ruin all. Were they not your solemn professions at your first sitting, that having felt the weight of oppression and injustice from others, the bent of your counsels and actions should be, that Justice might be impartially done to all? Did you not with professions to this purpose, fish for hearts, and catch thousands? and could you so easily neglect the doing of justice to one of your faithful servants, especially when it would have gotten you the additional honour of another virtue, viz: showing of pity? But you were busied about the Public; Be it so, yet me thinks, you could not but see, what I heard a mean man once observe, that the administration of private justice is a public good; how else could that be true, that Justitia firmat thronum, But I was a stranger? I pray you how many of your own Nation betrayed you, whilst I stood firm? How many of them would have betrayed you, when they could not; whereas I would not, when I could, though I had strong temptations? How few did you better service moving in no higher a sphere? How many forsook you upon easy trials, when I stuck to you against all? If it be a granted principle that I must be slighted, because a stranger, yet sure I should have been regarded, because a good servant: what could you imagine I should do? I had spent, sold, and pawned, all that I had, except what I only mean to part with, when I part with life. I was, and am still, as deeply plunged into debt, as my friends would give me leave. I had a wife and children, which though you would not look after, yet I could not so easily forget, how did you think I should subsist? How should these be fed? I had no skill to trade, no are to beg, no heart to rob; did you aim that my miserable necessities should force me that which my soul loathes? Did I hate in my heart, forbear in my practice, restrain in my Soldiers, all kind of plundering, even then when we had taken Towns, and might have done it under the colour of war, all which tended not a little to your honour, that you had such a servant; And could that be thought good dealing, to necessitate me, for want of my deserved pay, to raise provision for my dear wife and children, by my violence to others: But you knew not my wants, one of your number, who, it is to be supposed knew your mind, said I was a private man, and you would not look upon my Petition, as much as to say, you would not know them. Besides when one had done good service, to a State long since, you know that a voluntary inquiry was made; what honour had been done to the man for all this? And indeed what honour? yea what justice? yea what injustice, rather? For, alas, how can I say less, under the sense of such a languishing condition; the very grief whereof, being beyond the anguish of all my wounds, hath lately thrown me into an extreme sickness, and that to the edge of my grave: I shall much wonder, if now at length, upon the view of your failings, I should not see my redress, and know my helpers, which accordingly succeeding, I shall not fail to give the world as thankful a testimony as in this I have giventrue.  
John Rosworme.  
FINIS.