God appearing for the Parliament, In sundry late VICTORIES Bestowed upon their Forces, Which Command and call for great Praise and Thanksgiving both from Parliament and People.  

Die Martis; 4. Martii, 1644.  
ORdered by the Commons House of Parliament, That Mr. Whitaker, Sir Thomas Widdrington, Mr. Rous, and Mr. Millington, do peruse all the Letters that are come from Shrewsbury, Plymouth, Scarborough, Glocestershire, and Weymouth; and make a Narrative out of them, of all Gods great and late Mercies upon the Parliaments Forces, to be Printed, and Read on the next day of Public Thanksgiving.  
H: Elsing, Cler. Parl. D. Com.   
Printed at London for Edward Husbands. March 10. 1644.   


The Preamble.  
THe Arm of the Lord daily brings mighty things to pass: But there are some things which he brings to pass in such a manner, that therein He makes His Arm bare and naked: He shows his power and mighty working, with such evidence and demonstration that it strikes and shines like lightning, even into closed eyes, and extorts an acknowledgement, That this is the power, and the very Arm of the Lord: thus is it when effects arise in a notable eminence, far above natural causes, or contrary to them: When weakness performs the work of extraordinary strength; and when notable strength, even strength unto presumption, is turned into extraordinary weakness: When the bows of the mighty are broken; and they that stumbled, are girt with strength.  
In this manner hath the Lords Arm of late appeared visibly in sundry places; But most eminently in the West, where with his own right Arm, he hath gotten Himself the Victory, and bestowed it upon us. The Towns of Weymouth and Melcomb are near by situation, and one of them being dead, threatened death to the other; yea, the Enemy spoke like the Egyptians of old (as it appears in intercepted Letters) I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil, my lust shall be satisfied upon them: But thy right hand, O Lord, is become glorious, thy right hand hath dashed the enemy in pieces; The living Town is kept alive, and by it God wrought a Resurrection in that which was dead.  
But to proceed according to the order of time, as first in that order (among Gods late gracious dispensations of Victory to the Parliaments forces) is presented to our view, and thankfulness.   

Touching Scarborough.  
An Extract out of Sir John Meldrums Letter written to the Speaker of the House of Commons, dated from Scarborough 19 February, 1644.  
IT hath pleased God to give us happy success in the taking of the Town and Harbour of Scarborough, which otherwise might have proved a receptacle for Strangers, and a subject for the longer continuance of this war; besides the inconveniences to the City of London, and other Southern parts by the interruption of the Coal Trade.  
The Service was done after this manner: After that, their three men of war, which were appointed to scour along the Sands, were beaten and sunk, and their Ordinance made unserviceable: A Summons being sent, and an Answer returned, present order was given, for falling upon their Works and the Town; which was done without any resistance, until they drew their Body within a strong Work about the Church, which if they had maintained as they might have done, they had puzzled us; but upon view of the advancing of our foot, to cut their passage betwixt the Castle, and the Church, they all retired within the Castle in great disorder: There was a strife betwixt the Officers and Soldiers, who should show most forwardness. Sir Hugh Cholmley did expect relief within four days.  
Two Letters intercepted, which were written from Sir Hugh Cholmley, to two Commanders in the King's Army.  
SIr, we are close blocked up into the Castle, and though no Forces could be sent to our relief, I admire I should not be supplied with those accommodations which essentially conduce to the defence of this place; I am bound in duty to let you know if we have not timely help the King will lose his interest there, and yet I hope myself blameless. If it may advantage his affairs, for me to fall into the hands of those which seek my blood, I can willingly submit to it; but it will not be a precedent to draw others to serve his Majesty with so little private ends, as I have done. The God Almighty direct and protect us all.  
Feb. the. 23. Your humble Servant. Hu. Cholmley.  
Meldrum is the active man here, and Commands in chief; he hath some six or seven hundred of the Lord Fairfax his Foot, and a Regiment of Scots.  
SIr, we are now blocked up close into the Castle, divers of our soldiers run away unto the Enemy, and it is to be feared, that the ill accommodation will daily decrease our number; you know the Consequence, and believe me it requires speedy supply, for reasons I cannot express. I pray signify where, or from whence I may hope for relief, and whether any expectance of Forces from the Queen, or Ireland, or probability of a good issue from the Treaty; of which particulars I desire to be satisfied, that I may not be totally in ignorance, not that the failing of any, or all these shall make me quit this trust otherwise then becomes a Gentleman, and good Subject. Your Colonel Wharton salutes you; And I am your humble Servant.  
Scarbo. Castle, Feb. 24. Hu. Cholmley.  
Here is ten Colours of Scots I imagine, though not above eight hundred men of them; But Sir john Meldrum hath six or seven hundred more of the Lord Fairfaxes Foot, and Commands in chief.   

Touching Plymouth.  
An Extract out of a Letter written from Captain Pierce to Sir Io. Young, a member of the House of Commons, 21. Feb. 1644.  
ON the eighteenth of February last, the Enemy having the night before made a work upon the old work at Mont-Stamford, with a very large Line both sides from the work; the Seamen in the morning fell on them, and took one half Moon, which was made at the south end of the Line; but the enemy's horse coming upon them, forced them to retreat, but with no loss on our side, blessed be God; Upon which we were all commanded to Arms; several Companies were drawn out to go over, and two Troops of horse; one being still quartered on that side, to join with some Seamen taken on shore for that purpose, all (I think) consisting of about five hundred, and all the rest of the Garrison were commanded to march out to face the enemy on the North-side, and were drawn without our Line within Musket-shot of their work under the Hill, the Hill befriending us, that they could not play much on us: All we did, was only sending out small Parties to shoot, as if we intended to fall on, that so they might draw off some of their forces from the other side of the water, where our purpose was to fall on: and it seems, they did draw off some horse; and about two of the Clock in the afternoon, our men fell upon Mont-Stamford, where the enemy poured out mighty volleys of shot, as I have seen or heard; but our men went on with that resolution both horse and foot, that within little more than half an hour we took the work, routed the enemy both horse and foot, pursued them above a mile, hewing and cutting them. The names of them we took were Lieutenant Colonel Mohun, Lient. Col. of Horse, Major Richard Heale, Baronet Heals brother, Captain Maynard, (who had taken up Arms on our side) Captain Hill, Captain Aston, Captain Huchins, Lieutenant Waring, Lieut. Inglett, Lieut. Ashford, Lieut. Manwaring, Ensign Halse, Ensign Battishill, and of private men ninety three, in all one hundred and eight persons, with many more Arms. They also found there some Barrels of Powder, and Pioners tools, and some horses, and had near taken them all, but for the woods and enclosures near adjoining. This day we had a Counsel of War, to try such of them as had heretofore taken up Arms on our side, and proceeded upon three of them, viz. Captain Maynard, Lieutenant Ashford, and Ensign Battishill, who are to be executed to morrow, and some other common men will follow.   

Touching Shrewsbury.  
An Extract out of the Letters written from the Committees of Shrewsbury, to the Speaker of the House of Commons, with the List of the Prisoners.  
Right Honourable Sir:  
IT hath pleased God miraculously to deliver the Town of Salop into our hands, with all the Commanders, Officers, and Soldiers therein; a List of the chief of them we have sent enclosed. Upon the two and twentieth of this Month we drew out of our Garrisons of Wem, Moreton, and Stoke, two hundred and fifty Horse, and the like number of Foot, Sir William Brereton having sent us two hundred and fifty Foot, and three hundred and fifty Horse; which party by our order was Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Rincking (in the Marshalling of this design he deserves much honour) and Captain Wyllier, and Master Huson a Minister, led on the Firelocks, with fifty Troopers, dismounted under the Command of Lieutenant Bendebue; they led on their men with undaunted resolutions, after whom followed three hundred and fifty Foot, which by Severne side stormed the Town, near unto the Castle wall, and marched unto the Market-house, and there surpised the main Guard, and then sent a Party to secure the Castle-forehead Gate, which was effected without much difficulty, and after a quarter of an hour, the Draw-bridge was let down, and the Gate opened, where Colonel Mytton, Colonel Bowyer, and all the Gentlemen of this Committee with the Horse entered, and immediately became Masters of the Town, within four hours after the Castle was delivered upon quarter, for all but the Irish to march to Ludlow, and then the Enemy delivered up a strong Out-work in Franckwell upon bare quarter for their lives: by twelve of the clock we became Masters of the Castle and Town, wherein were taken many considerable Prisoners (whereof the names of many are yet unlisted, by reason of the want of time to secure them) good store of Ammunition, and great store of Ordnance. It was our care to preserve the Town from plundering, but the promises of a large reward would not satisfy the soldiers. Our horse the day before had a long march, they being sent to surprise Sir William Whitmore, and Sir Thomas Whitmore, his son being a Parliament man, which was effected, and they brought safe to Wem. Sir, we shall not trouble you further, but to subscribe ourselves  
Salop, Feb. 24. 1644. Your most humble Servants, 

A. Lloyd, Sam. Moor.  
Tho. Hunt. Ro. Clives.  
Rob. Charlton. Leigh. Owen.    

A List of the Prisoners taken at Salop the 22. day of Febr. 1644.  
Sir Michael E●nely, Knight; And his brother.  
Sir Richard Lee Baronet.  
Sir Thomas Harris Baronet.  
Sir Henry Frederick-Thyn Baronet.  
Sir William Owen Knight.  
Sir john Wyld Senior, Knight.  
Sir john Wyld junior, Knight.  
Sir Thomas Lyster Knight.  
Francis Thornes Esquire.  
Herbert Vaughan Esquire.  
Thomas Owen Esquire.  
Edward Kynnaston Esquire.  
Robert Ireland Esquire.  
Richard Trevis Esquire.  
Thomas Morris Esquire.  
Arthur Sandford Esquire.  
Robert Sandford Esquire.  
Pelham Corbet Esquire.  
Thomas jones Esquire.  
Lieut. Colonel Edward Owen.  
Lieut. Colonel Thomas Owen.  
Major Francis Ranger.  
Doctor Lewin.  
Doctor Arnewey.  
Capt. Raynsford.  
Capt. William Lucas.  
Capt. john Cressy.  
Capt. Thomas Collyns.  
Capt. William Long.  
Capt. Pontesbury Owen.  
john Pey Feodary.  
Capt. Henry Harrison.  
Cassy Benthall Gentleman.  
Edward Talbot Gentleman.  
Richard Lee Gentleman.  
Edward Stanley Gentleman.  
Francis Maynwaring Gentleman.  
john Bradshaw Gentleman.  
john jones Gentleman.  
Edward Leighton Gentleman.  
Peter Dorrington Gentleman.  
Thomas Barker Gentleman.  
john Whittakers Gentleman.  
joseph Taylor Gentleman.  
Francis Sandford Gentleman.  
Richard Gibbons Gentleman.  
George Maynwaring Gentleman.  
Charles Smith, Edward Palmer, Matthew Wightwicke, Ancients.  
Vincent Taylor, Thomas Dew, Humphrey Davies, Richard Brain, Sergeants.  
Nicholas Proud, Clerk.  
Master james Laton.  
Master Leadall.  
Moses Hotchkys.  
George Bucknall Corporall.  
Patrick Lawry an Irishman, forty nine other Prisoners.    

Touching Weymouth.  
BY the treachery of divers malignant Inhabitants of Weymonth and Melcomb-Regis, with the knowledge and consent of some Gunners upon duty in the Forts, on the 9 of February, the Enemy from Portland was let in by Sea, into the north Fort; there being then no Parliament ships in the Road, and into the Chapel Fort by land: who seizing upon the Guard and Gunns, possessed themselves of both Forts about twelve at night.  
Sir Lewis Dives was by the same Confederates to be let into the Town of Melcombe, the Malignants having combined together to let out our prisoners, kill the Major of the Regiment, and seize upon the Main Guard: This surprisal of Melcombe was prevented, the Alarm being received at Weymouth first.  
The Plot and Plotters are every day more and more discovered, divers of them (by a just vengeance from Heaven) have been since slain, some wounded and others imprisoned, and in a posture speedily to be hanged.  
We endeavoured the recovery of the Chapel Fort within an hour after it was surprised, but it was so strengthened with the assistance of the town Malignants that we were put to a retreat and Major Francis Siddenham slain.  
Being ignorant what number the enemy was of in the Forts, and certain of a thousand at least not many miles off in the field: we were forced to betake ourselves to Melcombe only, and to resolve to stand upon a posture of defence as long as we were able.  
All that week they played upon us with their Cannon, battered many of our houses and fired some.  
February the 16. we took of their horse about eighty and forty five prisoners upon a rout.  
Sir Lewis Dives Sir Thomas Augustine's and. Cleevelands horse with some foot lay against us to block us up on the other side  
The next week was spent in batteries as the former:  
On Sabbath day morning February twenty third goring forces being joined to those before mentioned drew down in a body and faced us.  
The same night they began to cast up a work about a furlong from the Town, out of which we beat them on Monday morning, killedsome of their men, and took all their working tools.  
An Extract of the Letter written from Captain Batten, to the Speaker of the House of Commons 28. Febr. 1644. from aboard his Majesty's Ship called the Reformation in Weymouth Road.  
Honourable Sir,  
SInce my last, thanks be to God, we are in fare better condition than we were then; On the 25 of this month the Governor went out of Melcombe with a party of Horse and Foot, the Enemy on Weymouth side, drew out a party of Horse and Foot to meet them, and so faced each other sometime; the Governor making an orderly retreat with his Forces into Melcombe (having drawn away great part of the enemy from their works) let down the Draw-bridge, fell over into Weymouth, stormed the Chapel Fort, and carried it & all Weymouth, without the l●sse of one man, and took about 60. prisoners besides what were slain, with divers horse that were in their stables.  
The 26. and 27. days, We played hard upon the Enemy, and they on us, both with great and small shot, and the 27. at night a Prisoner of ours ran from them, who gave us notice, that they would storm the Town that night, in all places that they could, which was performed accordingly; the Enemy getting within our Works near to Weymouth Bridge, but were gallantly repulsed by our men, with the loss of some hundreds of the Enemy. The Governor himself behaving himself like a gallant man, as he hath done in all the siege; The Enemy at length was beaten back into their Works.  
The 28. about ten of the clock, they having received this great blow, (and I believe having some notice of Sir William waller's approach) drew out all their forces, and left all our Works, with the Guns in them, as they found them, and so are gone in a very confused manner, so that we now enjoy all our Works, and both Towns as formerly.  
We have not lost ten men, in the losing and taking all these Works, nor in all the time of the Siege; I have two of my own Company, one hath lost a leg, and the other dangerously wounded, and will hardly escape, and three of Captain Jordan's men scalded by a mischance, by the firing of some powder: indeed the Seamen have shown themselves very brave men in all this business.  
We have many prisoners on board, and in town, besides 40. sent away, to morrow we shall shorten the number, by hanging some of the townsmen, who are prisoners aboard us, and were the betrayers of the town.  
Within three hours after the Enemy had quitted our Works, the Endeavour, a ship of Weymouth, of twelve pieces of Ordnance, laden with Salt, (and some part of her belonging to Malignants, and was got close under Portland Castle) cut her Cables, and came off to me, although the Castle made seven or eight shotts at her, so that God hath blest us both by Sea and Land, to him be the glory  
WILLIAM BATTEN.  
Worthy Sir,  
SInce my last (perceiving the enemy secure, a party of my horse and theirs, having been lately engaged, and foot on each side to their assistance) I fell on with about a hundred and fifty musketeers in the middle of the day, regained Weymouth, and Chapel Fort, and took one Lieutenant Colonel, one Major, three Captains, three Leivtenants, and one hundred common men with store of provisions which the enemy had newly got together, and all with the loss of but one man of ours, this did so enrage the enemy that the Lord Goring would needs be revenged, and to that purpose advanced with his whole body on thursday night, and fell upon us about midnight at several places, but entered only one of our Barracadoes, whence our men wear beaten back, just as I came by, which perceiving, I got a fresh party, and heat them off, recovered that Fort, which was Captain Thornhills and killed and took some of the enemy there; this night we gave them such a brush, that Mr. james Framp●on of Buckland, reported yesterday that two of their regiments were spoiled, besides what they left in the Street, and in the Sea, it's reported eighty dead men were carried into Week, upon which (perceiving it seems no good to be done by them, in keeping longer on the north, which we valued not when we had the Chapel) they suddenly stole out yesterday, and have left both Beneleff and the North Forts, without either burning the Corn, or Houses, or spoiling our Guns, which I admire. Thus miraculously hath God wrought for us in preserving this little disadvantageous place against the other Town and Forts, and an Army, and which is more in giving us such success, and at last the possession of all in the face of that Army which came to relieve them; I hope (whatsoever we have suffered) that this will tame the Cavies, and hath (in detaining that body here which might have done mischief else where) much advantaged the public; God bringing good out of evil, my Soldier's Horse and Foot, have all had very hard service of it day and night, I shall entreat you to write to the Parliament, for something for their encouragement, they have neither money, nor , and yet unwearied in this business. I have nothing else to add but that I am.  
Feb. 28. 1644. Your affectionate servant. W. Siddenham.  
An Extract of Colonel Siddenhams letter to the Committee of the the West.  
Dated. 1. March. 1644.  
Right Honourable,  
Having now some few hours of freedom, from those continued Sallies, Alarms, firings and batteries which almost these three weeks have kept me from the least leisure to do any thing, but attend the enemy. I think it my duty to give you an account of God's miraculous dispensations towards us. All (as you have formerly received) being treacheronsly deliver into the hand of the enemy except Melcombe. On tuesday last Feb. 25. the enemy having drawn out many of their foot to relieve a party of their horse, being endanger to be engaged by a party of ours which I sent out to discover the enemy. I fell presently upon Weymouth, which Town (together with the Chapel Fort) was in an hour regained; where we took prisoners, one Lieutenant Colonel one Major, three Captains, and one hundred of inferior Officers and Common Soldiers, which so enraged the enemy that upon thursday last about Midnight they furiously stormed us at several places of both Towns, out of all Weymouth we were not able to keep them, and therefore resolved to make good so much of it as might let us, upon any occasion, too and from the Chapel Fort. The enemy came in great multitudes thorough the Streets and backesides at both ends of the Town, and disputed with us very hotly about three hours for that small part of it, which we were willing to keep. The Chapel Fort, and Melcombe being likewise stormed at the same time from all which places God enabled us to repel them. In all this time they wounded but one of my men. What execution was done upon the enemy, I am not certain they carrying off as many as they were able before day, amongst whom (as the people of the Town have since informed me) were divers in Buffe-Coats, and Velvet-lackets they left much blood behind them in the Streets and slain men upon the place, they carried (as it is reported) many wounded men into one Village a mile from the Town. Upon Friday about 10 of the Clock, they suddenly left (except plunder) all which they had formerly gained, quitted their Forts, and marched away in a body, lying now at a little distance but blocking us up still as before, what they mean to do next I know not, but do expect some further design upon us, for they are now summoning in the Country at Dorchester from sixteen to sixty.  
An Extract of Colonel john Binghams' letter Governor of Pool, to the Committee of the West. dated the first of March, 1644.  
Right Honourable,  
AS soon as this most happy news came to my hand, which our great and good God hath freely done for us, in giving us those unlooked for lost Forts with Weymouth Town, I have sent it you in a true copy of the Governors, Colonel Siddenhams Letter to peruse: He begs relief for his vahant tired men, I beseech you to tender his case and believe they have been put upon much extreme hard duty.  
My Lords and Gentlemen her's little of man seen in this, all is God's great, free, and not to be forgotten mercy, in manifesting his power in their much weakness, with which very well agreeth the profession of the Governor of Weymouth Colonel Syddenham himself in these words. God hath discovered himself very graciously unto us in several acts of providence, which I would not have wanted the experience of for a world. My Lords I am your faithful servant.  
john Bingham.  
There are in our Country now gotten into a body near a thousand Country men with Gunns and Clubbs, to resist the French and Irish amongst the Cavaliers: We have sent eighty horse to their desired aid  
A true Copy of a Letter intercepted written from Sir Lewis Dives, to the Earl of Bristol.  
Dorchester 26. of February. 1644.  
MY LORD,  
THe Church Fort by a strange misfortune was surprised this night by the Enemy in Melcombe, but the principal Forts, where all our Ammunition and Provision lies, we still maintain; Sir John Berkley is sent for hither by my Lord Goring, to draw his Forces hither to join with ours, he having set up his rest for the taking both that and the Town of Melcombe together, which by God's assistance we doubt not to effect, waller's Forces being so scattered by the withdrawing of Essex his Horse, and Manchesters' Foot from him, as he is not in a condition to advance towards us, and this news was last night confirmed to us by Kell. Digby, who came from Oxford. I beseech your Lordship be pleased to employ all your Interests with Sir Richard Greenvile, to hasten the sending of fifteen hundred Foot, or two thousand Horse at the least towards us, to make good Devonshire against the Forces about Taunton, and that we may be at a near distance to join together if there be occasion, and he shall want no Horse from us that he shall have need of: The business is of that importance, as little less than the Crown depends upon it, so as we are confident he will not be wanting to us in this extremity, so ceasing your Lordships further trouble, I remain,  
To the Right Honourable, the Earl of Bristol at Exeter. Your Lordship's most humble servant, LEWIS DIVES.  
Another Letter intercepted From Sir Lewis Dives, to Sir john Berkley at Teverton.  
Noble Sir,  
YOu will, I presume, receive notice by Colonel Froad, before this will be with you, of the difaster that happened to us this day, by negligence of ●ome of our Horse, which were beaten off their Guards, and pursued by the Enemy to Weymouth; Whereupon a hundred Musketeers were drawn out of Weymouth to relieve them, which the Enemy in Melcombe, taking all advantage of, made a sally over the Draw-bridge, and have surprised the Chapel Fort, but the two principal Forts, where our Provisions and Ammunition lies we still maintain, and doubt not by God's assistance to keep them still, hoping that this misfortune will turn to our advantage, and be a means that we shall gain both the Town and Fort together. Whereupon my Lord Goring hath set up his rest to go through with it, being confident of your speedy assistance in a work of that infinite importance to his Majesty's service; and in case Waller should draw this way, which is not probable, yet your strength united with my Lords, will be much superior to Wallers, so as doubtless, we may fight with him upon advantage, for Kell. Digby came this night to Sherborne from Oxford, who assured me that Essex and Manthesters' Forces have absolutely left him, and that he hath not a considerable party with him, his Army being utterly broken, so that this place being taken, which we are confident cannot be a work of many days, the West is not only secured thereby, but my Lord Goring will likewise have an opportunity of advancing into the Associated Counties, which are now left naked: And there is order likewise taken, that two thousand Horse from Oxford and the Advise, shall be ready to attend Wallers motion, so shall by God's blessing our game go fair, if not marred in the playing.  
Feb. 26. 1644. LEWIS DIVES.   

Touching the taking of Cardigan Castle and Town.  
An Extract out of a Letter Written by Captain William Smith, to the Lord high Admiral, from aboard the Ship called the Swallow in Milford Haven, Dated the 5. of February, 1644.  
AFter many great reins which have fallen in these parts (which was no invitation for a Soldier to lie in the nelds) yet such was the gallantry of Major General Laugherne to promote the Cause in hand, that the Almighty no sooner crowned his desires with a happy season, but in a graceful acknowledgement, he placed a Garrison in Laugherne Castle, and from thence marched towards Cardigan, with about five hundred Horse, and three hundred Foot; and on the 21 of December, 1644. he sat down before Cardigan Castle, demanding a surrender thereof for the service of the King and Parliament: But Major Slaughter who commanded in chief, replied, he held that Castle for the service of the King, and so long as he had life he would keep it for his Majesty, (though therein he was not a man of his word.) After three day's siege, the Major General perceiving all further attempts would be in vain, unless a breach could be forced, and having no artillery with him he forthwith gave order the Demyculverin should be brought from Laugherne, which with much difficulty and industry came safe to Cardigan, and being placed to the best advantage he fell to battery.  
The enemy within the Castle-yard cast up a half moon some distance from the place on which the Demyculverin played, in which they placed their great guns laden with Case-Shot, that in case a breach should be made those guns might disanimate our men in entering, or perform sudden execution on them: Our men plying the Demyculverin forced a breach, and being full of resolution entered, running in the mouth of their guns, recovered the half moon, where the enemy, as men bereft of all sense, having not the power to give fire to their guns, although the Linstocks were in their hands ready lighted, cast down all their arms, and cried for quarter, the which was granted: from thence we entered the Castle and took Prisoner Major Slaughter and his wife, one Captain Vaughan with their Lieutenant and Ensign, one Doctor Taylor a Divine with about an hundred Common Soldiers, six great guns, a hundred and fifty arms, a quantity of powder, ball, and other provisions, and this was done the 29. of December last. On the fourth of january, General Gerrard set down before the Castle with about 1200 horse and 1300. foot; Major General Laugherne recruted his forces to about 600. horse, and 300. foot, and advanced towards Cardigan to redeem his friends, who were in the Castle out of the power of the Enemy; Lieutenant Colonel powel in the night sent a Soldier who swume through the river, and informed Major General Laugherne, that unless he could relieve the Castle, within eight days, he should be enforced to surrender it for want of victuals, and ammunition, which he believed might be supplied, if some seam●n versed in managing a water fight, and climbing up rocks were employed; So 120. Seamen were sent, who after a view had of the place, undertook it, which was performed on this wise: A boat laden with provisions was placed in the middle between four boats on each side, two of which were manned with Seamen, who in flanks faced both ways, plying their Musketts on the enemy, who from the shore played on them with about 300. Musketeers, yet our Seamen gallantly proceeded, put all the provisions into the Castle, and returned without the loss of one man only two slightly wounded. After this Colonel Laugherne having drawn his foot into a body, being without Seamen in all about 350 he encouraged them to give an assult on the Town, which after some debate was attempted, and on the 22. of January last our foot forced their passage over the Bridge, in which we lost but one man and having beaten the Enemy from their first guard, they pressed on to the second, which they also took, and pursuing the victory beat them out of their main guard, which was at the market place, and then out of the Church, where our Forces took two brass Demy-Culverins, which Gerrard brought from Bristol, with some Powder, Ball, and all their provisions, and following the enemy beat them all out of the Town, and so we are now Masters both of the Town and Castle. Of the enemy were slain in the place, 85. besides those that were slain before the Castle, 100 prisoners were taken, and their whole Forces routed, and I believe in their flight they never looked behind them, until they came to Castle Emlyne, which is six miles from Cardigan: In the Town we also took 250. arms I have not heard since these unhappy differences begun in this Kingdom, that the hand of the Almighty hath more visibly appeared in giving so great victories to so small a handful than hath been manifested in these parts, and to his own power we attribute all the praise and glory.  

Die Martis 4. Martii, 1644.  
REsolved upon the Question by the Commons Assembled in Parliament; That Public Thanks shall be given unto God for his great Mercy and blessing upon the Parliament Forces, in the regaining of Weymouth, the gaining of Shrewsbury, and Scarborough, the late deliverance at Plymouth, and the great Victory over the Forces under Sir john Winter.  
Resolved upon the Question,  
That Wednesday come seven-night (being the 12. of this present March, be appointed for this day of public Thanksgiving.  
Ordered that the Lord Major of the City of London be desired to give notice of this day of public Thanksgiving, to all the Ministers within the Lines of Communication, that they may give notice of it to their Parishioners in their Pulpits on the next Lord's day.  
H. Elsing Cler. Parl. D. Com.   

Die Martis 4. Martii, 1644.  
IT is this day Ordered by the Lords in Parliament, That the Lord Major of the City of London, and his Brethren be desired to be at the Thanksgiving on the 12. of this instant, in Christ Church, London, where the Members of both Houses have appointed to meet to praise God for his blessing to the Parliament, for the good success at Shrewsbury and Weymouth. And that the Church be kept empty for the Lords and Commons.  
joh. Brown Cleric. Parl.    

The Conclusion.  
ANd now since the Arm and Power of God hath so plainly appeared; and a fire is come down from Heaven into the hearts of those that fought for God's Cause, to inflame them with zeal and courage, by which fire also their Adversaries have been consumed; Let the people no longer halt between two opinions, but confess as in the days of Eliah, That the Lord is God, and let it be seen, That God at last hath turned the heart of this people. Let them no longer fight against God; for who ever fought against him and prospered? Howsoever let Gods own people, behold and magnify the work of God, and let their hearts be lifted up in dependence upon him, and in the maintenance of that Cause which he so manifestly owneth. Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? Prudent, and he shall know them; for the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them, but the transgressors shall fall therein.   
FINIS.