A BLOODY FIGHT Between the Parliaments Forces, AND Sir GEORGE BOOTH's, Under the Conduct of Sir Thomas Middleton, and Colonel IRELAND; ON Priest-Moor, near Red-Hill Castle, in the County of Shropshire, about seven Miles from SHREWSBURY.  
With the Particulars thereof, the manner of the Engagement; the number of Officers and Soldiers taken prisoners; divers slain; and a great Body of Horse routed and pursued.  
Likewise the Names of the Commanders that gave the Onset; the dividing of the Enemy's Army into two Bodies, and their marching towards YORK and WALES.  
August 25 London, Printed for G. HORTON, MDCLIX.   

A Bloody FIGHT between the Forces of Sir George Booth, AND The Parliaments: With the number killed and taken Prisoners, etc.  
THE Indulgent Brow having let lose the Golden Reins of Discipline, hath caused a great Error and Distraction, in several Counties of this Nation; and it is no wonder if at any time the Bridle of Government be slackened, when the Snaffle that should keep it steady and even, hath lost its two B●sses, Fear and Punishment.  
And thus it is, that divers Gentlemen under Sir George Booth, have run themselves into such an Exigent, that they have not only unbotton●'d their former Being's, and made themselves uncapable of their happy Enjoyments; but have also rendered themselves capable of the high displeasure of the present Parliament; by their levying of a New War, and their actual engaging to imbrue the Nation in blood; as evidently appears by their Acts of Hostility, at Priest-Moor (on Tuesday last) in the County of Shropshire, the manner thus:  
After the possessing of the City of Chester by Sir Geo. Booth, and a Summons sent to Col. Croxton, Governor of the Castle; his Answer spoke so high, that it changed the Scene of that great Affair, who declared, That as Ferfidiousness in him was detestable, so the Castle of Chester which he kept for the Parliament of England was disputable; and that if they would have it, they must fight for it; for the best blood that ran through his Veins, in defence thereof should be as a Sluice to fill up the Castle Trenches, etc.  
This being communicated to Sir George, a Council of War was held, where it was resolved, That the Force's which they had, should be divided into two Bodies; the one to march towards York, under the Command of Sir George Booth; the other towards Wales, commanded by Sir Thomas Middleton: And thus having designed their several Quarters, or Stations, for the increase of more Forces, they quitted the City of Chester; and upon their march met with little opposition, until such time, that Sir Thomas entering the Confines of Shropshire, and advancing towards Whit-Church, and Red-Hill Castle, two Troops of gallant Horse commanded by Major Creed his Quartermaster, beat upon the Enemy's Rearguard, consisting of two Troops belonging to Colonel Ireland's Regiment, but commanded by his own Quartermaster; who discovering the near approach of the Parliaments Party upon Priest-Moor, prepared to receive them; and facing about, disputed the place, but not able to maintain the ground; for Major Creed's Quarter master (after the first Charge) pursued it so close, that he immediately broke in amongst them, broke their Ranks, put them to a great disorder, took the Quartermaster prisoner, and eight Troopers, killed some, and routed the rest; but could not embrace the pursuit far, by reason the Enemies main Body was not far distant: So that they made good their Retreat to Shrewsbury, with little loss, being about six or seven miles from the place they first engaged.  
T●is is observable, That as some of the chief Ringleaders of this Party were the first Instruments of this Insurrection, so i● it the first Blow struck in the Field since their great Rising: And we doubt not, but that GOD; who hath already crowned Us with the first Victory, will also evidence His Strength and Blessing upon the Wisdom and Care of the Parliament and Council, by checking the Rise of some grand plotted Insurreotions, and by restraining the Fury of the rest laid in other parts of the Nation.  
For which end, General Disborow, and Col. Packer, have raised divers new forces in and about the City of Gloucester; so that the Enemy cannot get to a head, or dare to rendesvouz in that County.  
The like is done by Colonel Okey about Bristol, and by Col. Rogers in Hereford shire. From whence we shall take a view Northward, and a little trace and introduce the quick march of Sir George Booth, which appears to be from Chester towards Kendal in Westmoreland; from thence towards Skipton upon Craven; and from thence towards York, who on Tuesday last was within twelve miles of the City, where he made his Randezvouz; and it is thought unless the Parliaments Forces prevent him, that he will surprise the City; for it is supposed not to be very formidable, especially at 

Middlegate Bar,  
Mary Gate,  
Bowdon Bar,  
Stone gate,  
And the Minster Port.    
Only the Manor House, and Clifford's Tower is somewhat considerable, if prudently managed, and but indifferently man'd.  
But the Lord Lambert it's possible may divert the Design; his meeting of the Cheshire Forces being suddenly expected, for on Thursday night last his. Quarters was at Litchsield. There is great Expectation by the contrary Party; but the further Issue we shall leave to him that bestows all Victory.  
The Countries are much disturbed at these New Insurrections, because they have not as yet got in their Harvest, supposing that their men will be employed otherwise; but we hope better things, for we shall be more troubled for want of Bread, than they for want of Men.  
As touching the Rumour of lauding Ten Thousand men at Newcastle, to join with Sir George Booth, it appears as airy as the Report of Sir William Waller being seized for having a hand in the New Conspiracy; which, in truth, appears to be only thus: That Sir William, and several other Gentlemen were seized by a Troop of Horse at Mr. Barnham's House near Maidstone, but upon a fair account given of their Meeting, most of them were discharged.  
In a word, that the Icy-fancies of many in these Times, may not work too great a delusion by taking Centre in their Affections, for the bringing in of foreign forces, be pleased to treat your Eye, and observe, the great danger of relying upon such Aid and Assistance; which I shall demonstrate in the words of Bi. Barlow, as they were by him cited in his Sermon at Sr. Paul's, on the next Sunday after the discovery of the Gunpowder Treason, 1605. O England, England! Behold and beware.  
THere is a Fable, how that the Horse being too weak for the Stagg, required the help of a Man, which was easily granted; Who getting upon the Horseback, put the Stagg to flight; but after that, Non equitum dorso, non fraenum depluitore, he could never quit his back of the Rider, nor his mouth from the Bridle-bit. So it is with the helps of Worldly Potentates, mere beneficia viscata, just like the poor Bird, that having escaped the Snare, percheth upon the Tree for refuge, and there she finds birdlime to entangle her, from whence she cannot fly, but with the loss of her feathers, if not of her members. And thus it is with the helps of States and Nations, Ask their help in time of distress, and they will grant it; but withal, either they exact a Tribute, which exhausteth the Treasury, or impose conditions which infringe the Liberty, or require a future aid which weakeneth the power, or betray upon advantage, which redoubles the misery, or upbraid the benefit, which exulcerates the Mind; so that it is matter of danger to make any reliance upon such aid and assistance.  
Upon a further confirmation of the Defeat given to Sir George Booth's forces in Shropshire, many are said to be killed upon the place, and the Quartermaster before mentioned is a Papist. More Action is suddenly expected; but at present a declining of Engagement.   
FINIS.