A Letter from HOLLAND: BEING A true Relation of all the proceed of THE Northern Armies.  
UNDER The Command of Duke Hamilton, the Earl of Lendrick, the Lord Calandre, Monroe, Sir Marmaduke Langdale, Sir Thomas Tilsley.  
AND The rest of the English in the Northern Parts.  
Sent from a Gentleman in Holland, to his friend here in England: Which hath set down all the Passages of the Armies. Sept. 23.  
Printed in the year, 1648, Octob. 12.   

HAving continued with the Scottish Army, till the disbanding at utoxater in Staffordshire, (it being impossible, for those, who were so busy about plunder and booty, not to have some of us escape) I made shift, by the benefit of the English tongue to come to Boston, where after some stay for wind, I embarked and arrived here the of the present.  
During our former correspondence from Edinburgh, I advertised you of my incapacity of employment in the Scottish Army, in regard of my former activeness against those of the Covenant; yet retaining still some hopes of command, either there, or with Sir Marmaduke Langdale, (at least my affection constrained it) I marched along, frequenting (the most I could) the head quarters, aswell to solicit my own advancement, as for observation, which hath enabled me for the ensuing relation, being truly set down, without favour or any private interest or consideration; for satisfaction of all his Majesty's Subjects, and especially yourself, who is so great a lover of truth, although malice, ignorance, or lying spirits may suggest otherwise, yet not to be credited.  
I have likewise acquainted you (weekly as it did occur) with the great opposition, made both in the Parliament of Scotland, and otherwise against the preparation and levy of the late Army, proceeding not from any Piety or Religion, as those opposers pretended, nor from any affection to the Parliament or Army of England, but from mere self-ends, unwilling to admit of any equality, or let go any part of the power and sway, which for many years they had carried in that Kingdom, and fearing they should want the command and ordering of this Army, and so disabled for want of interest therein to convert the same to benefit, and for serving their own turns as occasion offered: the which, being strongly backed with the daily papers, preaching, and dissuasion of seditious corrupted Ministers (though at last frustrated by the great dexterity, and diligence of the well affected party) protracted so much time before things were brought to a head, as gave no small advantage to the contrary Armies of England, but was a great cause of the ill success that happened afterwards to the late Army, as is obvious to any indifferent judgement.  
About the middle of June, there appeared in the West of Scotland, for obstruction of the levy, about 3000. men in a hostile manner, which did necessitate the drawing thither of most of the horse, that was in readiness, (which lay at a great distance, dispersed through the kingdom, and had no small toil to come together) with some foot for their suppression: which under the conduct of the Earl of Calandre, L. Gen. of the Army, and Middleton Lieu. Gen. of the horse, was achieved, and at Machlin Moor, those rebels were routed and dispersed.  
Within few days after, the Gen. receives order from the Committee of Estates, that all the forces of horse and foot, that were raised, should speedily march to the English borders, aswell to prevent such incursions, which Major Gen Lambert (being there with his Army) might make upon Scotland, as for securing of Carlisle (then possessed by the English) which was reduced to no small extremity by Lambert's forces, the preservation or loss of which in the consideration of Scotland, was of great concernment.  
Accordingly, upon the 4. of July about 2500 horse and 2000 foot rendezvouzed at Annan, which being so small a number, occasioned our stay there for four days, to expect more forces, and without any great increase we marched into England, on Saturday following, July the 8. and that night quartered at Roclifle four miles short of Carlisle.  
The next day, the Lord Gen. receiving from Sir Philip Musgrave the keys of Carlisle Castle, we marched to Thuresby, four miles on the other side that City, where the Infantry is quartered, and by this time a few Regiments more of foot was come to us, but the whole not considerable to run the hazard of a reencounter with Major Gen. Lambert, then about Penreth (sixteen miles distant) with a great force, by report, it was thought fit we should remain some time at Thuresby to receive a greater strength, and that the Duke might settle the garrison of Carlisle, which few days after was accomplished, as likewise the soldier have some refreshment, after a wearisome march, through abundance of rain and waters.  
On Friday the 14. we advanced with the whole, being about 3000 horse and 4000 foot towards Penreth, fully resolved to possess that town, or fight with Major Gen. Lambert; but by reason of the length of the way, most of our horse quarters being above twenty miles from thence, and some narrow passes, (which much retarded) we were benighted three miles short of Penreth, and therefore quartered in the field that night, not exposing ourselves to the disadvantage of making an onset at a time so unseasonable.  
The next morning at five a clock, the Cavalry advanced to Penreth (the foot following after) where we found, that Lambert with his Army, had marched away about midnight towards Appleby, (a garrison of theirs) and having advanced two miles beyond the town, our horse intending to pursue him, the intelligence of the countrymen, did assure his being by that time at Appleby, whereto there was about eight miles, and several waters unpassable betwixt us, by means of the great rain that fell in such abundance, the which occasioned our quartering that saturday night, and sunday, at and about Penreth.  
Monday morning, notwithstanding of the great deluge of waters, it continually raining, we marched for Appleby, and approaching near unto it with our horse, we discovered a great body of Major Gen. Lambert's Cavalry, which some of ours presently charged, and put to their retreat into the town of Appleby; Colonel Harrison who commanded the enemy's party, was there wounded with divers others, and some slain, the rest escaping by means of the barricado on the bridge, which was strongly manned with musqueteers, and could not possibly with our horse be forced, all our foot being far behind us; here our Cavalry stayed in expectation of the foots coming, and to try if it was possible to go on the other side of the river, where Lambert's Army was, (a great part in sight) it was found altogether infeazible, so great was the inundation that no place within ten miles was fordable: In the evening some foot came to us, who during the small remnant of the day endeavoured to gain the bridge, which by the night was prevented, some of each side being slain, and wounded, of ours one taken prisoner, of theirs Lieu. Sheares, and five others, which next day without any exchange, were by the Gen. freely discharged and sent to Lambert. Our Cavalry, all that night remained in the field near Appleby, and the foot for the most part three miles short of it at Kirby Thure, being unable to pass there, a river (which at other times very small, but) now so swollen, as that no horse could come through it without great peril: That night likewise Lambert (leaving the garrison still at Appleby) marched away with his Army over Stainemoore, into the confines of Yorkshire, and the Bishopric, and the next day our horse were disposed into several quarters.  
At Kirby Thure we stayed a fortnight, which though it may seem long, yet was it necessary and requisite, in respect we still wanted the main materials and sinews of the Army (occasioned by our sudden and unready departure from Scotland, and afterwards by the unpassablenesse of the way with the deep waters) there being in store with us no more than ten barrels of powder, other ammunition proportionable, no artillery at all, no meal, but a little for the soldier's subsistence some days on the way: they were to march hence, the Country being unable and unwilling to furnish any, and the Irish and the most considerable part of the main Army itself, as yet not come out of Scotland, all which was conceived (upon a very deliberate consultation) had we precipitated, our advance might have become useless, if not lost by the interposition of enemies or some other incident; Nevertheless, so soon as a few Regiments came to us, (though many still behind of horse and foot) and that we had got a little more meal, with a fitting proportion of ammunition: we marched forwards, though the Cannon, a great part of the forces, and the Irish were still far short of us; by our stay here, we reaped another advantage, the reducing of Appleby, of great importance, standing on a pass very useful and necessary, for going to, and from the Army.  
Before removal from Kirby Thure, in a full council of war, after much debate and many arguments, pro and con, it was carried that the Army should march to Lancashire, and not Yorkshire, which afterwards was supposed to be disadvantageous.  
From thence, in two days we marched to Kendale, where it was thought fit, before going too far, to abide few days for Major Gen. Monro, his nearer coming to us; as also some more of the Scottish forces, and before his conjunction with the Army (few Regiments more being come up) or that we well knew how far from us was the Cannon: we went from thence to Hornby within Lancashire, where after a little abode, more of our forces (though not the whole) did overtake us. On the 13. of August, most part of the Cavalry, by the resolve of most of the chief officers at a consultation, advanced beyond Preston in that County, an inevitable necessity so to do, being concluded for enlarging of quarters, the Country about Hornby destitute of provision for horse and man (the Army by this time being grown more numerous) and for avoiding of the inconveniences, we must infallibly have been exposed unto, had the horse and foot, marched at one time through such continued strait lanes, as that Country doth abound with, which were then exceeding deep and miry, it was no small difficulty to persuade the Duke to consent to this resolution; for incontinently after the council was dissolved, a great officer of horse, speaking concerning it, and joyful with the hopes of better quarter, said that the General was very unwilling, that the horse should so far separate; but told me further, he knew not what prejudice it could any way produce, and that if it had not been granted, a general discontent would unquestionably have followed amongst the Cavalry: At Hornby the Gen. stays after the horse had marched, for conducting of the foot, and taking care to provide carriage for, and sending along the ammunition, as his manner was in all other places, which I thought was such a drudgery to a General, considering the unwillingness of the Country every where, to send in horses, as few men in such command would have undergone.  
Upon the 14. Monroe with his forces came to Kirby Lansdale, within ten miles of us, where he received the General's order to stay there, till the Cannon and the rest of the Ammunition came to him, and then to bring all to the Army: On which day the Duke marched away with the infantry, and Ammunition, and without staying any more than one night in a place, came to the Moor near Preston on the 17. in the morning, where the foot was drawn up, no knowledge of any enemy to be near us as yet, only some intelligence came the night before, that part of their forces were quartered within less than twelve miles, the which, in less than an hour after was contradicted by an eminent person, and so the former discredited: that night two of our Colonels of horse had their quarters beaten up, one man killed, and divers constrained to save themselves by swimming of the river, yet were they all so negligent, as to give the Gen. no advertisement of it: After a small stay on the Moor, the foot had order to march to their quarters appointed for that night, being on the other side of Preston bridge, where the Duke himself as he was accustomed, went before hand, with some other officers to view the place, who presently returning towards the Moor, receives notice, that some small parties of the enemy's horse were discovered on the other side of the Moor, which his Grace finding to be true, and that they were skirmishing in a narrow lane, with the rear of Sir Marmaduke Langdales' foot, though not suspecting that the whole strength of the enemy was so near hand; he presently dispatched order, that Lieu. Gen. Middleton, who was about ten miles beyond us, should with all expedition march there to us, with the Cavalry, and gave command to Bailiff Lieu. Gen. of the foot, to draw them all in order on the Moor, and not to pass the bridge, intending to fight with the enemy, if need required it; there being as yet no horse come to us, save the Generals own troop; such Regiments of horse as were not sent with Middleton, being still in their quarters, not knowing anything of this occasion▪ Lieu. Gen. Bailiff causes the foot to stay accordingly: which the Earl of Calandre perceiving, he earnestly adviseth, that it was safest the foot should forthwith march to their quarters, where they might the sooner receive succour from the Cavalry, which was on the same side of the river; that the enemy (probably) had but an inconsiderable force there, wherewith Sir Marmaduke Langdales' forces would be able to deal with the help of part of our horse, that was beginning to advance towards us, (not those with Middleton) that if in case the enemy had there his whole force, he might easily with his horse come about, and overrun the foot, if they stayed on the Moor, they wanting our Cavalry to assist them; but if they passed the water, not only they would be in safety, but also Sir Marmaduke (whether the enemy had his whole strength there or not) would by degrees, be able to draw off his men to our foot, on the other side, and then both forces might join to make good the bridge and fords, till our whole horse came thither: These reasons being so weighty, and proceeding from a Commander, of such repute and long experience in war, and Lieu: General of that Army, were assented to by the Duke; so the foot passed the river, and for a good while after, Sir Marmaduke his soldiers assisted with some of the Scottish horse, seemed hard enough for the enemy, who several times were glad to retreat, but at last being overpowered by the enemies whole horse, foot, and dragoons, both Sir Marmadukes and ours, were driven to quit the ground in disorder. The Gen. seeing this (who was still on the Moor expecting the residue of the horse (which was on that side of the river) to come to us for their succour, who were in fight: and finding that the enemy had there his whole Army, and stopped all the passages betwixt us and the bridge, on such a sudden, that it was impossible for our infantry to come to us, or we to go to them by the bridge) gave order, that the few horse which was on the Moor, (considering they were able to execute nothing, nor yet recover the other side of the water) should march to Monroe, which they did accordingly: To the Duke was then represented, an impossibility of his getting to the foot, the enemy being so enterposed, and that it was safest for him to retreat also in his own person, towards the forces from Ireland; but he expressing more care of their preservation, who were under his charge, then of his own, and therefore willing to incur any danger, rather than not be with his Army, rejects this counsel, and so through a narrow gap and over hedges, came into the town, from whence he thought to find away unto the bridge; but instead thereof, found it full of the enemy, in pursuit of such as were escaping away, and divers shooting through the windows: yet nevertheless, the Duke made twice a stand in the town, and with few officers and gentlemen, beat back the enemy; where, I heard Sir Marmaduke Langdale tell him, that he was sorry to see his Grace there, exposing his own person to so great a hazard, which he thought was very improper. The enemy coming on at last so thick, both with horse and foot, there being not power to oppose them: The Duke although again he might easily have gone to the horse on the Moor, by another way, yet most unwilling still to leave his Army, chose rather to undergo any peril, and therefore found way to the river, which he intended to swim, not knowing of any passage; where being come, he accidentally came to a deep ford, through which he passed unto the Infantry.  
For defence of the bridge, several Brigades of our foot was drawn to it, which, for three hours' time, was maintained with much resolution and courage, but longer to keep it was impossible, considering the great advantages of the enemy, who on his side of the bridge had a high ground, with the shelter of hedges and houses, on our side a descent (at the very end thereof) and then a plain, without so much as a bush to favour us: so after hard disputing, it was lost.  
About a quarter of a mile from the bridge, on the top of a hill, we stayed with our foot, and about a hundred horse: In the beginning of the night, by the advice of the Lieu. General Calandre, and the major part of the officers that was there, it was resolved to march towards Wiggin, which accordingly was done, the Cavalry being that way, from whom there was no return as yet, of any messenger that we had sent, and therefore it was uncertain to us, had we stayed never so long, we might have wanted their assistance: Here we lost our Ammunition, and baggage, and in that night's march, many of our foot were lost, the way being dark and exceeding dirty, and narrow.  
That night Middleton, by another way, marched with such part of the Cavalry as he could get together in so short a time, and the next morning came therewith to Preston bridge, where he found the enemy was, and that we were gone towards Wiggin; so immediately he made after us, being very hotly pursued by the enemy, with whom he fought all the way till he came near us: in which action, our men expressed so much gallantry, as that the enemies were forced again, though they had great bodies of horse to make use of, their dragoons being within the hedges, yet they lost many men, namely Col. Thorney, whose death they much lamented: On our side was Colonel Hurry ill (but not mortally) hurt, and divers troopers slain.  
About eight in the morning next day, being the eighteenth, we drew up in battalia, all our horse and foot, on Standish-moore (two miles short of Wiggin) expecting the enemy would give us battle: We stood in that posture above four hours, till at last (there being no appearance that the enemy would encounter) we marched towards Warrington; the rear to be brought up by Vandrusck which was performed with as much care and valour as was possible, (Middleton being with it also) Yet what with their dragoons, the deep strait lanes, and the darkness of the night, many of the foot (who had scarce eaten any thing for two days before) were lost then, and next morning, before they came to Warrington.  
Being come to that town, Lieu. Gen. Bailiff received order (by advice of the Officers that were there) to capitulate for the Infantry, no other way for their preservation imaginable, being destitute of ammunition, a great part of their arms lost, they wearied with the former marches, and divers wounded; so Bailiff accepting of the best conditions he could procure from a victorious powerful enemy, parted with the foot at Warrington.  
From thence that morning, being the nineteenth, the Gen. and Lieu. Gen. marched with the horse, and at night came to a place near Malpas in Cheshire, where Middleton was also, having brought up the rear of the Cavalry, Vandrusck and divers other officers of horse being hurt and taken prisoners; here it fell into consideration, what course was best to steer for the safety of the Cavalry; some advising for one place, and some for another; after much debate upon the whole, and all conveniences and discomodities fully pondered, it was the opinion of the major part of the officers, that the best expedient in that condition was, to fetch a little compass, endeavouring to get to Pomfret, and so more northward, as occasion offerred, and this was resolved upon. Here was the Duke himself strongly persuaded to leave the Cavalry, and preserve himself by withdrawing to Anglesey, or some other place of safety, which easily might have been effected, but he contemned it with indignation, as he did divers times since, upon the like advice, he still hoping to carry through the horse, which doth evidence much worth, and the great care he had of those that were under his command. That night divers Colonels, and other officers privately forsaken us, which was some disheartening to the soldiers. In pursuit of the former resolution, we marched from thence betimes next morning, and quartered in the field at night, about a mile beyond Drayton in Shropshire: From Drayton we removed before day next morning, being the 21. for Utoxater, where the last catastrophe was acted, but on our march that evening, Middleton who had the charge of the rear, more gallant, then like a wary commander, with a few men and himself, charged two troops of the Governor of Stafford his horse, and so near Stone was taken prisoner, which did too much contribute to our last misfortune, for this, and what formerly had happened, took most of the soldiers with a panic fear, which by no art could be dispossessed. Upon this news, and that the enemy was much stronger than those of our rear, The Duke retires with the Army a good way, and upon a Moor draws it up, where we stayed about two hours till the rear came to us, and by that time it was night, and before we came to Utoxater, near eleven of the clock, our horse tired, and the soldiers exceedingly disheartened. Yet notwithstanding of the soldier's dismaiednesse, and averseness to march, most of them itching with a desire of capitulation, The Duke with divers officers, persist in the former resolution of going Northward, therefore after that nights stay in Utoxater, which was spent with most of the horse standing in the streets and about the town, by reason of the continual alarms that were taken, by misapprehension of the soldiers, we marched next morning towards Darbyshire, and being a mile from the town, a stand was made on the top of a hill, and before the Duke was come thither, who was in the rear, the Earl of Calandre happened on some occasion to say (being ready to set forwards) those who have good horses, let them follow me, so went on, and many with him, the which left an impression in the minds of most that his Lordship intended to be gone, not caring what became of them. Presently after the Duke came to that hill, where he found all in a great discontent, and mutiny, not only having desire, but a positive resolution, to march no further, and to return to utoxater, there to treat. The Duke exceedingly disliking it, commanded them to march on, and at Ashburn in the Peak, upon further intelligence, what was fit to be done might be taken into consideration, and that if necessity required a treaty, the field would procure better conditions than such a town: So the Duke did lead forward, thinking they would follow, but none did, unless few, and some officers. The Duke seeing this disobedience, and the most part staying behind in disorder and confusion, many officers pressing earnestly that the Lieu. Gen. might be desired to come back for further consultation, the Gen. told them, that if they pleased they might recall him, which presently they did. The Li. Gen. returning, he immediately pasled to his Nephew the Lord Levingston, who was appointed to bring up the rear, and sent him therewith to utoxater, staying for the Duke on the former hill, to whom he said, that he had sent his Nephew back into the town, to prevent the enemy his coming thither: here, after some pause, it was found, that the pulse of the soldiers did altogether beat back for the town, plainly declaring they would not march; and thereupon the Gen. Lieu. Gen. and the whole, went to utoxater, the Duke hoping that by refreshment there of themselves, and their horses, that day, they might perhaps come to a better temper, and be content to advance in the evening; but instead thereof, they being generally possessed with an unalterable opinion of an impossibility to go through, in regard (as they said) of such multiplicity of forces that was in the way, nothing could satisfy them but a capitulation. The Duke his determination of advancing Northward, not at all abated, perceiving how they werebent, told them that he feared ere long they would repent their obstinacy and refusal to march on, which in his judgement was feacible: and for a treaty, he knew not with whom they could conclude any, that might assure performance of conditions, there being none of the enemy near, for aught he knew, that had sufficient authority for that purpose. There we stayed, and that night a great part of our soldiers fearfully mutined, being so many as filled all the spacious Market place, and round about the General's quarter, where every door was fain to be strongly guarded, lest they should violently break in; in this unruly disorder they continued most part of the night, having once taken away the Lieut. General his horses, their pretence for the whole, being that the officers intended to leave them, (as the Lord Kenmore had done that day, who was gone away with divers horsemen) whereas, (as they thought) good conditions might be obtained, if looked after: The Duke assured them for his part he would not leave them, nor be wanting in any thing that tended to their preservation, which gave them satisfaction, yet were not fully appeased, till the next morning.  
This detestable mutiny, gave no small advantage to the enemy, but proved the very bane and break-neck of our intentions, and as it was very disobliging to the Duke, and full of discomfort, so must I needs praise his goodness, in continuing his care of the soldiers; (though most of them very unworthy) whereas undoubtedly as yet, he might easily have compassed his own safety, and not become prisoner, could he have been willing to desert them. Our going forward, being thereby rendered hopeless, and some officers continuing their importunity for a treaty, the Duke gave way (when no other remedy was left) that they should treat with Col. Stone, Governor of Stafford, and some Committee men, who undertook to the Commissioners our officers had chosen for to treat, being three Colonels, Lockhart, Fowls, and Turner, that whatsoever they should there agree to and promise, should be ratified both by the Parliament and Army, and that no part of the conditions should be unperformed. So the treaty began in the afternoon, on the 23. and the next day Major Gen. Lambert, being come near with his forces, joins in it.  
That day 23. the Earl of Calandre with his Nephew, and divers other officers and soldiers, to the number of 200 or 300. went privately away (without aquainting the Duke) having first caused a false alarm to be made, the better (under colour of going to repel the enemy) to get out of town unsuspected.  
On the 24. about two in the afternoon in the time of the treaty, the Lord Grace, approaching near with his forces, sends a summons for all to yield to his mercy: The Duke acquaints him, that his officers had a treaty, and withal, sent him to peruse a letter from Lambert, approving of the cessation in order to the treaty, which was to continue till six in the morning, on the 25. and that assuredly our officers would be glad his Lordship would send some for his part likewise to treat; to this there was no reply, but another summons sent about midnight to the same effect as the former, requiring a speedy resolution: Whereupon the Duke sent a Gentleman, by whom he expected the Lord Grace his consent to the treaty, not doubting but his Lordship would have observed what should be condescended to therein; The Gentleman returned not till about five in the morning, and with him came up to the Duke's chamber, Colonel wait, Master Peter, and the Lord Grace his Secretary, who (as they alleged) were by the Lord Gray's direction going to the treaty: The Duke was lying upon the bed by reason of an excessive pain in his legs (which divers other officers were ill troubled with) by the wearing of hard boots, unput off, for divers days and nights together; after some expression of civility had mutually passed, M. Peter asked the General, if he would be my Lord Grace his prisoner, he answered; (without any the least trouble, dismay, or appearance of care of himself, though questionless much grieved at the condition his Army was reduced unto) that in regard of the treaty, he knew nor whether he was to be a prisoner or no; but if so necessitated, he had rather become my Lord Gray's prisoner, with whom he was well acquainted, than another? Then Master Peter offered the Duke to preserve what things he had of value, if they were delivered to him: The Duke thankfully answered, that he had lost all at Preston, and therefore had nothing he would trouble him with; and so for that time they parted.  
Much about this time the treaty was concluded, which was not otherwise performed then as if never any such thing had been in agitation.  
Whereof one Article was, that neither officer nor soldier should be plundered, or have aught taken from him, except arms; Yet before nine a clock that morning, the Lord Grace, Major Gen. Lambert, with their forces, and the Country Moorelanders, came thick upon us: Lambert taking some pains, by beating off his soldiers, to restrain their violence; nevertheless, he, with the Lord Grace, were immediately pleased, notwithstanding the agreement, to share betwixt them the horses of the Duke and his servants; not leaving one for the Duke himself to ride upon. I will spare to tell (after the Duke was gone away with the Lord Grace,) what cunning was used, First, with fair promises, to procure confession what money we had hid, or given others to keep, and how afterwards they despoiled us: and thus was our measure of unhappiness, in what was wanting by the disobedience, and mutiny of our own soldiers, made full, with the nonperformance and too hard usage of our adversaries.  
I conclude, as the prologue to our misery, was the necessary and unavoidable length of time protracted, before the Army could be prepared in Scotland, by means of the great obstruction of the adverse party and the Ministers, which thereby gave way to the overthrow and utter disenabling of our friends in England, and to the strength and uniting of our enemies to make head against us: So at utoxater, the mutiny of our soldiers, with their and some officers refusal to march, or obey any order, was the cause of this unfortunate Epilogue, in the delivery of our Cavalry.  
And for our march to Lancashire, and there dividing our forces, some out of prejudice, malice, or partiality, will perhaps descant upon it, although it was done upon such mature deliberation, and reasons, as would then have sufficiently satisfied their judgements who now do censure it, according to the event, without considering, that the wisest Counsels and decrees of men, are not infallible, but subject to errors: Nor could any ascertain us of better success, had we gone to Yorkshire, or framed our proceed after all the ways that man's wit can now fancy had been to our advantage, and declined these we followed.  
This Army, I confess, was considerable, but not so numerous as I understand report makes it, by the enemies devise (a customary trick) to acquire the more honour in vanquishing, by how much the greater we were in number: For it, and Sir Marmaduke Langdales, had they all been together, (as there was of both a great part from us) would have amounted to no more than five thousand horse, and ten thousand foot, besides baggage men, and pedees, of which there was too too many, and whereof we have certain cause to repent.  
I must needs say, that too much liberty of plundering was permitted in the Scottish Army, (though not the third part of what hath been rumoured) and I cannot but blame the Commanders for impunity: Yet I am confident the General himself knew little of it, for I am sure he exceedingly abhorred it; And at Kirby Thure did cause proclamation to be made (against plundering) through the whole army, thereby denouncing death, for the smallest offence in that nature, and shortly after some were hanged accordingly; so far was he from desiring grievance, or burden to the Country, that nothing in provision, or otherwise, was taken for him and his servants, but was paid for to the full value; and when a composition of a sum considerable was offered unto him, he said he would have nothing to do with it; Upon which, discoursing, I heard an officer of quality much discommend the Duke for refusing, in regard of the vast expense he had been at. I wish others had been so free from avarice, surely it had been happy.  
Yours of the which I received just now, gives me notice a relation made at London, few days after our disbanding, so false, as that I wonder how malice itself could invent it: both times when Colonel wait came to the Duke's Chamber, at utoxater, I with divers officers were present, and till his departure there continued, using that as our sanctuary from the soldier's violence, so long as the Duke remained in it, though afterwards it was the place of my plundering. It is true the Duke was upon his bed till near the time of his going away, for the cause before mentioned, and a little while before he went out, one of the enemy took his sword, which was over the bed's head, which the Duke seeing, did desire him to give it to the Lord Grace; whereupon (his Lordship not being present) that party delivered it to Colonel wait, for that purpose; it hung in a torn black stitched belt, not worth five shillings. At the same instant, I saw Lieu. Colonel Hamilton give him the blue rich embroidered Scarf, (which divers times the Lieu. Colonel had worn, for six years before) in hopes to obtain Colonel wait▪ his protection from further pillage, which was promised, but I fear neglected; for I saw the Gentleman, within an hour after, with scarce clothes to cover him: But nothing more untrue than that the Duke desired Colonel wait, or any other person, to rescue him from the soldiers, or that he discovered any fear, by words, looks, or actions, and probably he was free from any; for I heard him wish most earnestly, both there, and since our coming from Preston, that his life were lost, before he saw his Army come to ruin, which abundance of officers are able to justify. Neither had Colonel wait from the Duke any Scarf or Georg, at that time, for the George he wore it when I last saw him at his going on horseback, and I am credibly informed, by a Gentleman from Leicestershire lately come hither, that he saw him wear it above a week after, in Leicester, when wait was returned from London.  
I understand, that many false and unworthy aspersions have been cast upon this Army; as that divers members thereof had brought in their Wives and Families, purposely, to plant and inhabit in England, and that it was usual amongst the soldiers, to carry away little children, which the parents were constrained to redeem for money, than which (as divers things else reported of this Army) nothing more untrue, and were merely invented to incense England, and bring the greater odium upon us.  
Thus have I laid down the truth, without any dress, varnish, or partiality, which you or any other upon doubt, may have justified by many hundreds, if you please to make further inquiry.  
In regard I have been so tedious (till the next occasion) I shall say nothing of my own particular, and the post is ready to departed, myself going to Gorcum; when I am returned from thence expect again to hear from  
Your, etc. Rotterdam, Sept.  
FINIS.