THE LORD GENERAL CROMWELL His march to STERLING.  
BEING A DIARY of all proceeding in the Army from their march out of EDINBURGH, to the 25 of September 1650.  
ALSO, The Lord General's Proclamation in relation to Edinburgh and Leith.  
Published by Authority.  
LONDON, Printed by E. G. in the Old-baily. 1650.   

THe Army having stayed in Edinburgh and Leith for the space of six or seven days, both for their refreshment, and the securing of those parts, which his Excellency thought fit to Order, after so many difficulties endured by them without any intermission.  
On Saturday Sept. 14. His Excellency with the Army (who had then seven day's provisions with them, marched to Netherish about six miles from Edinburgh, his Excellency returned that night to Leith, leaving Major Gen Overton to be Governor of Edinburgh, with Colonel Fairfax and Col. Coxes Regiments, and Col. daniel's Regiment in Leith, all these Regiments being of Major General overton's Brigade.  
Sunday, Sept. 15. the Army marched beyond Linlithgow towards Sterling, but by reason of the extraordinary Rain and storm they were necessitated to retreat bacl to Linlithgow, where they quartered all night.  
Monday Sept. 16. the Army marched towards Falkirk, and being informed by the way that there was a Garrison kept, a Trumpet was sent to summon it: Answer was returned, that they were all Gentlemen in the house, and were resolved all to die rather than yield it; but if Sterling were taken or yielded that should be given up: That they would offer no violence to any of our Army in their passing to and again, but such as carried themselves disorderly.  
Tusday, Septemb. 17. we marched from Falkirk within a mile of Sterling, where, the Wether being extraordinary wet and stormy the General was necessitated to quarter in the Church there being no house or accommodation for him.  
Wednesday Sept. 18. it reigned very sore till afternoon, in the forenoon there was a Council of War, and a Letter was drawn up to be sent to Sterling, expressing their constant affections to and tenderness of the people in Scotland, which yet had not taken the desired effect, And now being so fare advanced with their Army, that they would take into consideration their former Papers, and that they would yield up that place to the service of the Commonwealth of England. A Trumpeter being sent with this Letter, a Gentleman on foot with a Pike in his hand met him, and told him he must return bacl, for they would not let him come in, or receive his Letter. In the afternoon came a Trumpeter about the release of Prisoners, desiring that they might be released upon Ransom: To which the Lord General writ an Answer, that we came not hither to make merchandise of men, or to get a gain to ourselves, but for the service and security of the Commonwealth of England.  
About one of the clock in the afternoon there were Orders given for all the Foot, and likewise the Horse, except three Regiments, to march towards Sterling, in order to a storm, Ladders and all things that we could possibly expect being provided for that purpose; but upon the result of the Council for many considerations, it was thought sit to retreat and draw off the Army to quarter in the same ground they had done before.  
Thursday Sept. 19 It being not held advisable by reason of several disadvantages, the strength of the town and enemy to engage at present against Sterling. The Army drew from before Sterling, and marched to Linlithgoe, where his Excellency viewed the Town.  
Friday Sept. 20. His Excellency came to Dundasse, where General Deane (who came in the Faithful Speaker, and road before Leith the Sunday before) met him, they both returned to Lithgoe.  
Saturday Sept. 21. This Morning his Excellency went with General Deane, and other Officers, and an Engineer, and viewed the place round about Lithingoe, and gave Orders for several works to be made for security of the place, and left Col. Sanderson, and Major Mitchell with five troops of horse, and six commanded companies of Foot to secure it, which will be a very considerable Frontier Garrison, being in the midway and heart of the Country, between Edinburgh and Sterling: that night his Excellency, and the rest of the Army came into Edinburgh, where he had intelligence of the death of the Lord Libberton, who was wounded in the late fight.  
Sunday Sept. 22. His Excellency stayed at Edinburgh. The Castle have been very quiet, since our coming hither, only discharging some Muskets at our Guards as they are relieved, and at our men when they see opportunity; they have not killed any of our men, but one or two of their own walking the streets at Edinburgh, the last night they discharged four Pieces of Ordnance at the relieving the guards but did no hurt.  
Monday Sept. 23. The General and Officers kept a day of Humiliation; the same night came in six English Cavaliers from the enemy, who declare their being weary of the Court and Camp; and that there are so many divisions in both, that they will suddenly break to pieces.  
This day the Kirk appointed aday of Humiliation. First, to bewail the sins of their Nation in general. Secondly, the sin of their Commissioners in bringing over their King so soon. Thirdly, for their acceptance of their King, before he had more sufficiently repent him of his by past sins. Fourthly, for their not purging their Army. Fifthly, for their too much trusting in the Arm of flesh. We understand general Leven is gone to his own house, Lieut. David Lesley is with the Army near Sterling, Co. Straghan, & Col. Gibby Car, are gone to raise Forces about Glasco. The Committee of Estates divided some to one place, and some in another, one party acting for the King's interest, the other for the Presbyterians.  
Last Tuesday Sept. 24. Nothing considerable happened, only some Regiments of Foot were disposed into the Country for enlargement of Quarters. Edinburgh Sept. 25. 1650.  
A Proclamation by his Excellency.  
WHereas it hath pleased God by his gracious Providence and Goodness, to put the City of Edinburgh, and the Town of Leith under my power; And although I have put forth several Proclamations since my coming into this Country to the like effect, with this present: Yet for further satisfaction to all those whom it may concern; I do hereby again publish and declare, that all the inhabitants of the Country (now not being nor continuing in arms) shall have free leave and liberty to come to the Army, and to the City and Town aforesaid, with their Cattle, Corn, Horse, or other Commodities or goods whatsoever, and shall there have free and open Markets for the same, and shall be protected in their persons and goods, in coming and returning as aforesaid, from any injury or violence of the Soldiery, under my Command, and shall also be protected in their respective houses. And the Citizens and Inhabitants of the said City and Town shall (and hereby likewise) have free leave to vend and sell their wares and commodities, and shall be protected from the plunder and violence of the Soldiers, And I do hereby require all Officers and Soldiers of the Army under my command, to take due notice hereof, and to yield obedience hereto, as they will answer the contrary at their utmost peril.  
Given under my hand at Edinburgh the 14th of September, 1650. O. CROMWELL.  
To be Proclaimed in Leith and Edinburgh, by sound of Trumpet, and beat of Drum.  
FINIS.