OLD ENGLISH BLOOD boiling afresh in LEICESTERSHIRE MEN: Occasioned by the late barbarous invasion of the SCOTS. As appears by this Letter from my LORD GREY, To Major general SKIPPON.  
LONDON, Printed by H. for Giles Calvert, at the black spread-Eagle, at the West end of Paul's. 1648.   

OLD ENGLISH BLOOD boiling a fresh in LEICESTERSHIRE MEN: Occasioned by the late barbarous Invasion of the Scots.  
SIR,  
BEcause your ancient and well approved faithfulness speaks itself through the kingdom; I have thought good to communicate the state of our affairs in this County unto you: which is thus.  
When we understood that our proclaimed enemies (the Scots) were drawing towards us, even to fall upon this Nation when it was weak; as he did, on his Brother (and this Esa is Edom, red and bloody) or as those brethren in iniquity, did upon the Shechamites, when they were sore. We thought all lay at stake, and the God of our mercies awakened us here, to see what might be done for our safety; we tried what volunteers would appear, which were not a few, that tendered themselves and their own horses, and those that wanted we horsed upon those that were dissenters; insomuch that (by the blessing of God) we have mounted a considerable number for so inconsiderable a County, and shall be able to march with a good strength very suddenly: and this course we have and do propound with all earnestness to all our neighbouring Counties; not waiting upon the customary way of pay and quarter, which would retard us, and such a work as this.  
We had our men so willing to go forth as if they should find theit wages in their work; yea, though in the highest of their harvest, and this unseasonable weather; At our meeting a March being propounded, they cried, ONE AND ALL.  
Sir, we are pressed forwards hereunto by the violent call of necessities surrounding us; nor can we be blamed for neglecting some punctilios, since self-safety, and our present preservation admit no delay.  
It would rejoice our hearts to see English blood stirring in the veignes of men at this juncture; professing to yourself that your honourable carriage in order to the good of this poor shattered Nation makes us to assure you, we can (through mercy) readily live and die with you upon your pious and noble principles.  
I have enclosed sent you a Copy of the last from Lancashire, whereby you may judge of the inhuman temper of the enemy, and the sad condition of our friends.  
I wish every Tribe in Israel had this laid at their doors. Alas (Sir) did these men bring to us more holiness, Justice▪ Truth, and faithfulness, or rather did they not undermine that Gospel, they say they come to settle; we would meet them with open arms and bended knees: But I wish their inviters hither do not feel to their cost the ill consequence of the bargain.  
Sir, (with our worthy Neighbours in the Eastern Association, or any others like minded) we resolve (by God's help) rather to die free English men, then to live hewers of wood, and drawers of water to base men whose mercies are Cruelties.  
Our Horse appearing last Monday at our Rendezvouz, were near three thousand, all of this County; who expressed much forwardness in this service, ambitiously desiring to be in action, waiting only upon a call, which we daily expect from our friends in the North, and for which we making ourselves ready upon an hours warning.  
My request unto yourself, and all honest English hearts is, that you send us all the help you can through your prayers; and I beseech you to continue to improve your interest in Heaven and Earth to preserve a kingdom, that must be saved against its will, for which God hath so immediately and even miraculously spoken from Heaven within three or 4 months' last past, in curbing the malice of men, appearing in such desperate tumults everywhere: The Great Monnuments whereof remain in these places, viz. London, Norwich, South-Wales, Kent, Bury, Willoby, Kingston, Needs, Hereford, Shropshire, Stafford, Nottingham, Woodcraft, Scarborow Yarmouth, Tinmouth, Cumberland, bristol, Isle of weight, Chester, Exeter, North-wales and Cambridge, &c.  
Oh that men would see these wonders, and bow before the Lord that hath smitten them, and tremble before his footstool.  
To whose grace I commend you, and all the faithful with you. I remain  
Sir, Yours really to serve you Thomas Gray. August 24. 1648.  
Postscript.  
Sir,  
SInce I degan to write the Scots are beaten, twelve thousand prisoners are taken; their Army broken: three thousand Horse of theirs where Duke Hambleton is, we are this morning pursuing with my forces, who bend towards the North: but are in desperate confusion, we hope to give agood account of them.  
Yours, Thomas Grey.