A SPEECH made by Sr. THOMAS LUNSFORD, COLONEL, When he was Apprehended.  
WITH, A FULL RELATION, WHERE, WHEN, AND HOW, HE WAS TAKEN;  
By the Courage, Magnanimity, and wise care of one Master John Benham, Officer to the Honourable House of COMMONS.  
As may appear by divers both in Windsor, and Maidenhead; of whom it is held in Admiration.  
LONDON, Printed, Anno Domini, 1642.   

A full Relation, where, when, and how, Sir Thomas Lunsford was apprehended.  
A Warrant Issuing forth out of the Honourable house of Commons, for the apprehending, and bringing in of Sir Thomas Lunsford Colonel, before the House. And being directed to Mr. John Hunt Esquire, Sergeant at Arms to that Honourable House; to his Deputy, or Deputies: Requiring the Assistance of all Sheriffs, Justices of Peace, Constables, and other Officers, for aid therein with all possible diligence  
This Warrant (as it appeareth) was committed to the Charge, and care of one Mr. John Benham, an Officer to the said House on Friday the 14. of jannuary, 1641. Whose care herein, whose stout Courage, Discretion, and diligence, is had in admiration of those whose eyes, and ears both saw and beheld the same; who being come Windsor, the place where Sir Thomas Lunsford then was, he repaired to the Magistrates of Windsor aforesaid, and declared to them his Message, requiring their aid and Assistance, who being very forward to do what lay in them, entertained the Message with all respect that could be; but after debate upon the matter, conceiving that great danger might ensue of doing of his Office there at that time, both because in every Inn in the Town there was so many cavilers, And many other respects which they drew up in a Certificate directed to the Honourable house of Commons, and after many dissuasions of People thereabout, the said Officer forbore that night; but using all the care and diligence that could be, he laid wait about the Town to have knowledge in case he should go away from thence: himself being much sought to, to keep himself as private as possibly he could, for fear of danger.  
The next day being Saturday, it was told to the said Officer about Noon that Sir Thomas Lunsford was gone away in his Coach, as it was imagined towards Bilinsbeare, because his Coach was seen to go into the Forest: which way the said Officer hasted after him: who leaving the Road some two mile, chanced to come to Maydstone, in which Town been juired for the Constables: but they were at a Market from home, at that time; but the chief Officer that was then at home there, was called the Warden, of whom he required aid, and producing the warrant was by him read; and after he had taken the said Officer Mr. John Benham his name, and read the Warrant; he was very ready to do him what assistance he could.  
The People in the Town they came forth in multitudes to inquire the business, So the Warden with a Petty Constable, and with some other of the Town, being partly resolved for the business; some of them (by the way) demanded of the Officer: If in case either loss of Life or of Limbs, or the like should befall them: they being poor men, what recompece should be made to them, their Wives; or Children.  
But the said Officer answered them to this effect. Friends.  
Consider the cause? Fear not to venture both Limbs, & life in a good cause, can you undertake a bettor work then for God your King, and Country, let me tell you one thing, I speak unfeignedly? There hath not yet any man that hath undertaken any thing for the House, but were well rewarded for it; you shall far no worse than myself; I will lead you on by the help of God, what danger soever can befall you; myself shall first meet with; neither will I by God's help leave you till as I shall bring you on, so also, I shall bring you off again, therefore be of good courage, trust in God, and fear not.  
Then they would needs know whether they must go, which he being unwilling that any of the Town should know, for divers reasons, was nevertheless constrained to tell them; before they would consent to go: yet had they still no agility in them to hasten about the work, so he spoke to them again to this effect.  

M. Warden.  
This is not a business to be delayed I assure you; if you will not go, I must be forced to complain to the House of Commons, of your negligence and disesteem of their Warrant in a business of so great concernment; if you doubt of any thing, wherein you are not resolved, take Sir Edward Sowyers in your way; and speak with Him; it may be then you will be better satisfied.   
Hereupon they were all resolved to go, to the number of about 24. of whom 5. or 6. Rid along with him, the rest went on foot. First to Sir Edword sawyer's about a mile and an half, outward of the way, who so soon as he understood the business, endeavoured to forward the business with all speed, annimated them on, & furnished them with Halberds and petervells, as well as he could; and sent some of his own Servants along with them: encouraging them all to do the best Service they could, and in case they should want Aid to raise more with all speed.  
From thence they departed, towards Billinsbeare aforesaid, which is a Remote Place, in the Parish of Laurance Walton in the County of Barks, and the Waters being then high they were constrained in some places to pass over with much difficulty, and danger; especially in one Place where they were all carried over on Horseback by turns, on the Lustiest, and greatest Horses.  
Coming into the Forest, the Officer perceived the track of a Coach, which seemed to him that it was newly made, which track they followed, till they came to Billinsbeare. And so soon as they came in full sight of the House, they all stayed one for another, for the Horses was before those that came on Foot, than all being together, the Officer thus ordered the business.  

1. Those that rid should ride up to the House First.  
2. So soon as they were rid up just against the House, that then the Foot should March up after them to the House.  
3. Whilst the Foot were coming up, these that rid to be placed at several corners about the House, to see that in case any man should come out, notice might be given; which was done according to the direction of the Officer.   
By that time they were rid up, and placed; and the Officer had rid about the House, the Foot were come up, and stood together under an high hedge.  
The Officer alighted from his Horse, and called them to him, desiring them to be of good courage and to follow him.  
Having entered thorough a great Gate, and over a wide Court, they came into the Hall, where the Officer appointed one part of them to stay, commanding them to let no man pass by, either one way or other: the other part he led with him through another door, & came into the kitchen, where there were divers Servingman, Footmen, and whose swords lay up & down the Kitchen; which swords the officer took up presently; and delivered them to his own guard, who made use of them, to supply where most need was.  
The Officer stayed not there when he had taken the weapons; and speaking very little, returned into the Hall; knowing that to be no place probable to meet with him for whom he came.  
The officer only demanded of an ancient man whom he met, where Sir Thomas Lunsford was? who answered as if he knew not whether he was there, or not. Then the Officer turning himself about, perceived a stout fellow coming along with his sword under his arm, as if he intended to pass through the Hall; but he was discerned, and stopped. In the mean time, the ancient man slipped away through a door on the right hand, at the upper end of the Hall; which the Officer perceiving, followed after him; which brought him into a long entry with many turn: But the Officer chanced to look in at that very door where Sir Thomas Lunsford was sitting in a Parlour by the fire side, with some other Gentlemen with him.  
The officer went in with an undaunted courage close up to him; and before them all spoke to this effect.  
Noble Colonel Lunsford, here is a Warrant from the Honourable House of Commons, to apprehend and take you, and to bring you before them; which, I hope, you will not disobey, nor, I hope, none of these Noble Gentlemen will offer to resist.  
Then he taking the warrant, read it; and returned it into his hand again: and spoke to this effect.  
I have read the Warrant, I do willingly obey it; being only sorry that such a guard came along with you; for I protest unto you, as I am a Gentleman, That I would have obeyed it, had it been served on me at Windsor; therefore I shall only desire this favour from you.  

1 That you will discharge your guard.  
2 That yourself will stay here with me until to Morrow Morning, when (as I am a Gentleman) I will go along with you as quietly, and peaceable as you desire: believe it, you shall not need to doubt of what I say.   
This promise was confirmed by the rest of the Gentlemen that were with him.  
Then the Officer desiring the watchmen to take notice of what had passed, discharged them, and gave them ten shillings, promising them a better reward after his return to the House. Colonel Lunsford also came into the Hall, and spoke before them all, promising as he did before in the Parlour so they departed.  
The Officer he stayed there till next day, which being the Sabbath day; they came but to Windsor and stayed there that night (where the Officer was advised by such who tendered his safety) that as he respected his life, he must be careful to look to himself there; for he little thought what danger he was in.  
But, God blessing him; and being his protector, such was the courteous, modest, and careful carriage of the said Officer; that the next day, being Monday, he safely brought him to London; and he remains under the custody of the Sergeant at Arms.  
At Windsor there was then thought to be about five or six hundred Cavilleres; and one hundred and fifty Horse.  
About fifty or threescore of which, well armed, marched out of the Town presently after; but they met not with him.  A Deo, non a Homine vim suam erat. 
Herein God's power was wonderfully seen, they say; Not Man, but God did work to bring him thus away.  
FINIS.