The last PROCEEDINGS OF THE SCOTS, BEING A Report by a Messenger sent from the English Commissioners at Sunderland, with Letters to the Lord Wharton, Sir Henry Vain, &c.  
Delivered to the Parliament on Saturday, April 6. 1644. by Master John Hardy.  
With a Warrant signed, By William Row. Secretary to the Commissioners.  
LONDON Printed by Andrew Coe, and published according to Order, MDCXLIV.   

The last proceedings from the Scots Army  
MAach the 25 and 26 there was a great fight near Sunderland, there was of the Scots about 300 wounded, some of them slain, and others since dead to the number of about 60, this was all the loss we sustained in that fight, which was within some 2 miles of the north of Sunderland: But of the Earl of Newcastle's men there were slain at the least 1500 amongst which were divers of great quality: Sir Marmaduke Langdale was slain and divers of great note, some of them his excellency general Lesley gave them the credit of an honourable burial according to their degree a, 'mongst which were at the least 30 Colonels, Majors, Captains, and lieutenants, besides other Officers, and there were taken prisoners from the enemy almost a hundred. They retreated towards Newcastle, the Scots pursued them very close, than the Earl of Newcastle's Forces spread themselves and dispersed towards Chestry street and so to Durham, and quartered towards Bishop Auckland, and Branspith to see it they could rally their men, but the Scots still pursued them, clearing the way up the River as they went.  
March the twenty seventh, the Scots marched towards Lumley Castle to clear the River for Coals, his excellency the Lord general having then eight pieces of Ordnance carried from the ships, for before he had only two pieces, save only his small pieces wherewith good execution was done.  
From the twenty seventh of March, to the end of the month, the Scots were and so are still in pursuit of the enemy: the Earl of Newcastle all this while: not having taken a man of the Scots army to my knowledge, but there are daily many that desert the enemy, and come into us both from Newcastle, and also from the army, seven or eight every day: some days more, who take the Covenant and join with our forces: there hath thus come in at the least 200 and more come in daily: declaring that they were forced against their wills to fight under the Earl of Newcastle, and that in the fight the Earl of Newcastle's horse did force them to fight, and kept them in with their Canes and Swords: & hurt, pistold, and slew many that retreated: and they do also affirm, that there are many more in the Earl of Newcastle's army that would fain come away, if they had an opportunity.  
Since there hath been many skirmishes, but none considerable before the date hereof, but the Scots still pursue the enemy to prevent them as much as they can from Rallying.  
The Commissioners are come from Morpeth, and are all at Sunderland. The last of the Commissioners came to Sunderland this present Monday, being the first of April: which is a place where is great store of provision, so that from thence Thursday before, general Leshley removed his Quarters, and carried away bag and baggage: only 3000 he left for that Garrison, and another near it, and hath fortified the Town very well, and secured all places as he leaves them. But another part of the enemy lying towards Lumly Castle; hath hindered the Lighters from carrying the Coals to the ships; but there was a Convoy to have gone with them to the ships, had not the battle prevented, but there is no doubt but the enemy will be removed suddenly, and Coals sent speedily to London: There are about 120 ships that ride in Sunderland Harbour for Coals, and there is so great a quantity of Coals already above the ground at the Pits ready to be taken away, that they are not to be valued: there is so vast a quantity: and the Commissioners are resolved upon this course, to serve those ships first with Coals that bring provision; which is but reason, their being such want of provision amongst our men, not only to supply the army; but also to encourage others that come for coals thither to bring provision with them.  
Sir Tho: Glenham is in Newcastle, but few considerable men of note, nor as some that come out from thence to our men, certify not above 120 soldiers besides the Inhabitants, and they have denied the Earl of Newcastle to come in or any of his Forcrs: more than what are in the Town already, till they see who shall win the field.  
The Town begins to be much straightened of provision, and are out of hope to have any relief, especially since the Earl of Newcastle is driven Southward, and the Scots compass the Town both by Sea and Land, in Northumberland and in the Bishodrick, and they are blocked up by water, our Forces commanding the River.  
The Scots are every day at Gatehead; which they take great care to prevent the enemy from burning themselves being possessed thereof, but the enemy's Works there are all pulled down and demolished, only a party are placed to prevent the enemy from issuing out of the Town to destroy those Suburbs, and houses at Gatehead.  
By all probability, it is not any ways likely that Newcastle can hold out long; and the Scots do daily expect when they will found a parley about the delivering up thereof.  
General Leshley is marched towards Durham, and the marquess of Argile goes along with him, and many of the nobility: pursuing the Earl of Newcastle. A Regiment lies at Blyth, and two Regiments at Morpeth, who do often issue out to face Newcastle, and to keep the country from being further wasted and spoiled by the enemy.  
There are two Regiments that lie at Sunderland, and a Regiment about a mile off: In Sunderland are about 100 prisoners of the Earl of Newcastle's Forces, Colonels, Captains and other Officers, for common men, they turn them away and will not charge themselves with keeping of such only those of note.  
General Leshley is still in pursuit of the enemy, not permitting them to rally.  
Thus far the report of John Hardy.   

(There is a report that the Earl of Newcastle should fall upon the Scots on Sunday last near Sunderland, and that the Scots gave them a repulse, slew and took prisoners a numerous company of them, & utterly routed them, but this the Messenger reporteth not, nor knoweth of it.)   

By the Committees and Commissioners of the honourable houses of the Parliament of England. To all Commanders and Officers in the Parliament service both by sea and land.  
WHereas the bearer hereof John Hardy was sent from the Parliament to us in Scotland, and hath since continued with us until now that he is to return to London, these are there fore to require all Commanders, Officers, and soldiers, both by sea and land, to suffer him to pass quietly without let or molestation. And Francis Dobson Mr of the willing mind of Hull, is hereby desired to give him free passage for London.  
William Row, Secretary to the Commissioners.   

Publishied according to Order.