portrait of Sir Thomas Fairfax You that your Country love, and do wish well Unto the peace of troubled ISRAEL, Behold this Picture, and behold the Man, That, under God, both Peace and Truth hath wan For this our Isle, Honour and love his Name Reading this Book, that doth his worth proclaim. The Year of Jubilee: OR, ENGLAND'S RELEASEMENT, Purchased by GOD'S immediate assistance, and powerful aiding of Her renowned Parliament and the Forces raised by them: Under the command of the Right Valiant, Prosperous, and pious General, Sir Thomas Fairfax. Being a summary of all the Achievements, Victories, and remarkable proceedings of the Armies aforesaid, from the late famous Battle of Nasby, fought june 14, 1645, to the late reducement of Oxford and Faringdon. Together with a true and perfect List of the Prisoners, Arms, and Ammunition, taken at each Fight, and in each Garrison. And published at the desire of many Worthy persons of this Kingdom. BY S. SHEPPARD. Arma virumque cano, Aeneidos' Lib. 1. And that these days should be remembered and kept in perpetual remembrance throughout every Generation. Ester. 9 8. Printed according to the Order of Parliament. LONDON, Printed for R. L. 1646. TO The Renowned, Valiant, Pious, and worthily Honoured, SIR THOMAS FAIRFAX, Captain General of the Forces raised by the Parliament of England, for the defence of His Majesty's person, and privilege of Parliament, and the liberty of the Subject. SIR, HAving for the satisfaction of some Friends of mine, penned a Summary or brief collection of your worthy Acts, and never to be forgotten Achievements, for your Country, this last remarkable year, as, I hope, I truly say, and we effectually find of our deliverance from those calamities which some few years since we had little reason but to expect. I could not find a worthier or meeter person to whom I might dedicate these my labours, than yourself: one principal reason therefore, that you whose name is a terror to the enemies of Christ, might also be as a Buckler to defend this Work, which I ingeniously confess was not compiled by me, wholly for lucre of gain, but out of an ardent and hearty affection I bear to your person, and the honour that I and all men ought to acknowledge your due. I know, Sir, that my language hath not fitted a matter of high concernment, which would deserve the pen of another Tacitus: But I hope, Sir, that your Honour will as cordially accept the endeavour of the meanest Soldier under you, as of the noblest Captain: Thus, Sir, not desiring to be guilty of writing a large Epistle to a short Treatise, I cease, and shall ever remain, as is my bounden duty, Your Honour's most humble Servant; S. SHEPPARD. An ACROSTIC on the Name of that Valiant and Pious Commander, Sir Thomas Fairfax, Captain General of the Forces raised by the Parliament of England, for the safety of his Majesty's Person, the privilege of Parliament, and liberty of the Subject, THou whom the Highest, surely did ordain, HIs Glory and true Worship to maintain, OUr endless thanks for aye, is due to thee, Mayst thou be honoured by posterity, ANd let thy name for ever be enrolled, SInce we by thee have comforts manifold. FIght on brave Knight, and never stint till Thou ARt wholly Victor, and hast made to bow Illegal Rome's upholders, who dare vie, Ruled by the fiend, with those who choose to die FOr God and for his Cause, and venture all Allotted them on Earth to make as thrall, XTorted power, and Laws tyrannical. THE YEAR OF JUBILEE: The first Book. CHAP. I. Sir Thomas Fairfax, General of the Forces raised by the Parliament of England, for the Defence of the true Religion, the safety of His Majesty's Person, the Privilege of Parliaments, and Liberty of the Subject, overthroweth and totally routeth the Royal Army at Knasby, in Northamptonshire, taketh in Leicester, relieveth the distressed Town of Taunton, beleaguered by the King's Forces, and taketh the Town of Bridgwater; by a desperate storm. IT was an excellent, and true saying of an Ancient and Pious Father, That the pleasing aspects, and allurements of prosperity, ruins more men then, than the frowns and storms of Adversity; Which Adage I pray the Almighty, prove not authentic by us, and that having by God's assistance, overthrown; and almost totally touted and subdued the common enemy we should at last jar with ourselves and give our enemy's cause to rejoice, that what they could not perform with all machinations and strength we should do for them, and sheathe our swords in our own bowels. I greatly fear the Almighty hath not yet done with us, and without doubt the enemy's hand is deep in our daily distractions, whence else arise our hourly disturbances, why else are blown abroad so many rumours— the contents whereof, are destructive to our proceed, let us pray continually, and with fervency to God, to guide and strengthen the hearts of the Parliament, to aid and further their proceed, and to bring to pass the work they intent, which will be for the advancement of his glory, the settling of his Truth, and the honour and welfare of his Majesty, would he be pleased, with them to concur, in the mean time that the Faithful may have cause to rejoice, and the wicked and malicious, either converted or confounded in heart, by reading and hearing the great works, that God hath wrought for his people: and that but in the compass of one year, I shall proceed to set down in order, the wonderful victories, unparallelled Achievements, and unequalled proceed of the right valiant General Sir Thomas Fairfax, from Nasby fight, which was June 14, 1645, till late sitting down before Oxford, May the second, 1646. BOth Armies being set in Battle array in a great field neet Nasby, both sides very strong and numerous and very eager of fight; in so much that they had not patience to play their Canon, but charged speedily, and with great Resolution. The General of his Majesty's Horse, that fatal Firebrand to this Isle, Prince Rupert commanded at least two thousand Horse more than Sir Thomas could make, the Dragoons gave the onset; flanking the right wing of the enemy's horse, as they charged Sir Thomas his right Wing, the foot were commanded not to charge till they came within twelve paces of one another, they having charged twice came to push of pike, the enemy's foot gave back, and then the right wing, wherein Sir Thomas himself was charged, in the Flank of the Blue Regiment, of the foot of the enemy, who fought resolutely, most of them slain, some few of them surrounded and taken, at this the horse and foot of the enemy gave back, and the General after one charge more became Master of the Infantry, and took three thousand prisoners, the enemy's horse fled, while the King was heard to call after them, saying, Face about once more, and give one change more, and recover the day, but they would not hearken to his exhortation, but like men fear dampt from heaven fled apace, Lieutenant General Crumwell having them in pursuit twelve miles, the gallantry of those three faithful Commanders, Sir Thomas Fairfax, Lieutenant General Crumwel, and Major general Skippon, deserves to be engraven on the bed role of fame, and their names to be kept in perpetual remembrance: The fight continued three hovers, the prisoners taken first and last, were in all 4000, with many thousands of Arms, the Kings own Pistol where with he a Against those that love his Weal. charged, his papers and cabinet of letters himself hardly escaping, for the achievement of this great Victory, the praise, properly and primarily is due to God, and next to the instruments of his glory. A List of the Commanders taken by His Excellency Sir THOMAS FAIRFAX, at Nasby Fight. Four hundred Officers of mean Quality, as Lieutenants, Sergeants, Corporals, etc. Four Colonels, Many Majors, Sixty Captains. There were taken in the field. Eight Pieces of Ordnance, whereof two were Demi-canon, one whole Culverin, the rest of the carriages bag and baggage, great store of provision. The Soldiers brought to the General about 40 Standards and colours, he to reward them for the past, and to encourage them for the future gave each man a liberal reward. The Colours taken were these 1 A Lion Rampant with a Crown. 2 A Lion Passant with a Crown. 3 A Dragon and a Crown. 4 A Portcullis and a Crown. 5 The duke of York's Standard, and six other Colours, four of the Queen's colours white, and double crosses on each of them, 209 Ensigns with staves. Slain on both sides. Of the enemy according to the nearest computation 5000, On the General's part, 150. On Monday June the 16, Sir Thomas Fairfax lay before Leicester and sent in a Summons to the Town, to require the Governor to surrender it to him for the use of the Parliament; and putting it to them to consider how the King was routed, and showing them what use they might make of that Clemency, with divers other very gallant expressions to the summons, to advertise them how much better it was for them to surrender, then to force him to take it by storming. To this summons the Enemy sent a negative Answer, positively this, that they would not surrender it; whereupon Sir Thomas Fairfax called a Council of War to consult about the Storming of it, which was soon concluded on; that they should prepare all things in readiness to round it the next day: which was done with all expedition not losing any time. So they fell presently to raising of Batteries, and doing all things that were necessary for the storming thereof according as they had appointed, and continued providing every thing that was requisite for the doing thereof, to be in a readiness to batter it the next day, and sent into the Country thereabouts for such helps as were necessary for the work, which went on with great speed both night and day; so desirous we are to have a speedy end of the work that there may be an end of these wars if possible. On Tuesday the 17th. of June, we drew down our Ordnance and played with our Pieces against the Town, we stormed it playing with our Ordnance very hot on the Newarke side, which we conceived was their greatest strength? And in short time we made a breach in their works, which struck such a terror into the hearts of the Enemy, that the Governor sent to us to desire a Parley, and offered to surrender upon very fair terms; as upon capitulation should be agreed upon. To this request (Sir Thomas Fairfax being willing to save the spilling of innocent blood as much as may be) he assented: and promised speedily to send in Commissioners for the treaty, and called a council of War, and it was agreed that Colonel Pickering and Colonel Reinsborough should go into Leicester to treat with the governor about the surrendering the said Garrison to Sir Thomas Fairfax. And accordingly a safe conduct was desired for them, which being sent they went to Capitulate with the Governor about the surrender thereof. In the mean time Sir Thomas Fairfax was not idle, nor did he lose any time; but went on providing and furnishing himself with Pittars, Carts, Hay, Granades. Ladders, and other things necessary for storming; resolving to fall on at their return, in case that they should not agree, not knowing how things might fall out, during which time there was both great pains and care taken by all in their places for the going on in the said work. The ARTICLES for the surrender of the Town and Garrison of Leicester to Sir Thomas Fairfax, for the use and service of the Parliament, agreed on June the 18th. 1646. Between Colonel Pickering, and Colonel Reinsborough. 1 THat the Lord Loughborough shall have quarter granted him, and have protection for his Person to be safely conveyed to the Garrison of Ashby de la Zouch. 2 That all field Officers, Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels, Sergeants, Majors, and Captains, and Lieutenants of Horse, (but not of Foot) shall march away with their own particular single horse and arms, with protections for their own persons. 3 That all the rest of the Officers shall be conveyed safely to the Garrison of Lichfield with Staves only, and no other weapons in their hand. 4 That all common Soldiers have quarter only for their lives, and be conveyed to Lichfield without any other weapons, save only staves in their hand. 5 That before 10 of the clock the said morning june the 18. the Governor of the Town, and the Lord Loughborough, and all the rest of the Officers, and Soldiers march out of the Garrison according to the agreement aforesaid. 6 That Sir Thomas Fairfax be permitted to enter in at 10 of the clock the said Wednesday morning aforesaid, with his Forces, and take possession of the Garrison. 7 That all the Pieces of Canon, great and small now in the Garrison of Leicester, be left to Sir Thomas Fairfax. 8 That all the Arms, and Ammunition now in Leicester be left to Sir Thomas Fairfax, save only what is agreed to for the Officers of Horse aforesaid. 9 That all the Provisions, Colours, Bag and Baggage be also left to Sir. Thomas Fairfax. 10 That all the Horse (save only those excepted for the Officers aforesaid) that are in the Garrison of Leicester be delivered up to Sir Thomas Fairfax, for the service of the Parliament. 11 That all the Officers and Soldiers have quarter for their lives. 12 That all the Prisons of War that are in Leicester at the same time, be released and set free to serve the Parliament. With these Articles the Commissioners returned to Sir Thomas Fairfax, certifying further how joyful that poor Town of Leicester was at the hearing of the said agreement, and that they should be rid of the Cavaliers. Thus you see the Lord doth wonderfully for us, above the reach of man's wisdom. Truth we cannot but much admire the goodness of Almighty God tous, in doing so great things for us, we cannot ascribe it to any but to the hand of God Almighty, who is the Lord of Host. And it is to be admired to see the carriage of our General, and indeed all the Officers, how lovingly we agree, how full of Courage all men are, both Officers and Soldiers when we are in array, what heavenly expressions, there is from all 3 and our General doth carry himself in so excellent a manner that it roused up the Courage of all that see him; and the like also did Major Skippon, who by reason of his wound could not be herein the taking of Leicester, but we hope that he will recover; for in all Designs, by his wisdom and Valour, his very name is a terror to the Enemy. A List of what was taken at LEICESTER. 14 Pieces of Ordnance. 30 Colours. 2000 Arms. 500 Horse. 50 Barrels of Gunpowder. And all their Ammunition and Provisions with bag and baggage. After this, his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax having refreshed his Army, with some few day's rest, resolved for to relieve the Town of Taunton, which was straitened and besieged by a part of the Royal Army, under the command of Goring, the General advanced to Buminster, twelve miles from Dorchester, where he fell on there are of the enemy, took prisoner a Lieutenant, and divers others of Sir Robert Welches Troop, another party the general sent to get between Sherborn and Somerton, and to fall on their Van, which they accordingly did, and took some prisoners, the enemy flying broke down the bridges after them, to hinder pursuit, nevertheless, the General sent out parties after them, to learn whether they intended, and such was the love of his Soldiers to the distressed Townsmen of Taunton, that they willingly without the least instigation, marched 60 miles in five days, the Enemy hearing of their approach, raised their siege, and departed from before the Town, and Sir Thomas took possession thereof, for the use of the King and his Parliament. After this, the General with his victorious Army advanced towards Bridgewater, intending the reducement thereof, but for as much as he heard and thought, the Town was so well stored with victual, as that they might be able to endure a long siege, he resolved to storm it, was unanimously agreed unto July 21, at two of the clock in the morning the General's Regiment began the storm, which they prosecuted with such vigour, that they soon got on the top of the works, and there displayed their colours, gained the pieces that before played upon them, and let down the bridge, whereupon with a Company of horse, entered that part of the Town, and took 500 prisoners, which he placed, for the present, in the Church, and here let all men take notice, and admire the good providence of God, that though they fiercely stormed, and were as resolutely repulsed for the space of an hour, yet the General lost but twenty men, the obstinate and malicious enemy were so far from relenting or pitying their own misery, that with Granades they fired that part of the Town which was taken, the fire so far prevailing, that three houses were not left standing together, the General enraged, and withal grieved at this their villainy, summoned them once more, but they were such deep enemies to themselves, and so hated their own welfare, that they would not so much as hear the summons, nor yet return any answer, whereupon the General commanded to storm on this side, the morrow morning that valiant and experienced Commander Colonel Massey. The next morning by break of day, they stormed that part, and but that the tide was up, had gained the Town, now lest that the guiltless should suffer with the nocent, the General sent a Trumpet to the Governor, willing him to let all women and children come forth of the Town, which was accordingly done, than began the great Guns and Mortar-pieces, those fatal Instruments of ruin, to play against the Town, and fired it in some places, and the fire increased so, that all was on a flame on a sudden, this so astonished the Inhabitants, that, as amazed they ran up and down, when one eliot came running to the General, and desired a parley, this man was the chief occasion, by whose wicked Oratory and persuasion the Townsmen became so obstinate, the General returned answer, that the last night he proffered to treat with the Governor, and he refusing, it was now, But Justice to make him smart with the rod he had gathered. and that he would admit of no Treaty, yet if he would accept of mercy he should have it, when suddenly, all the Soldiers cried out, Mercy for the Bridgwater taken. Lords sake, so it was agreed on, and quarter they had for their lives, and the general gave them liberty and exhorted them to quench the fire, lest the Town should be utterly ruinated, this strong Town and stubborn people reduced to obedience, the General resolveth for other Exploits. CHAP. II. The General coming to Dorchester, the Boors or Clubmen of Dorsetshire and Wiltshire, with their Leaders came unto him, desiring a pass from him, and that they might be allowed, to dispatch some selected persons with Petitions to His Majesty and the Houses of Parliament, the routing of Goring by Sir Thomas Fairfax Forces near Langport in Somersetshire, the Contents of the Club-mens' Petition. AFter the gaining of Bridgwater, Sir Thomas after several marches, came to Dorchester, where being arrived, there resorted unto him four Agents from the Clubmen of Dorset and Wiltshire, who as if the two strong parties already in Arms, were not of ability, ruinating themselves, to destroy this poor, and more than miserable Kingdom: Those fellows of Dorset and Wiltshire, risen in Arms to make a third party of Newters, their pretence was to defend themselves from being plundered or annyed, by any ●ide, either of the Kings or Parliaments, they wore white ribbons in their hats, with PEACE and TRUTH interwoven, they were Armed, some with Muskets, some with Forks and Staves, and some with Clubs: Their names, b Clubmen. original, or rather as c Britanicus. one wittily and truly saith Knaves of Clubs, to the general Master Hollis, the chief speaker declared his business, which was to procure a pass from him, for d These to the King. Doctor Henry Gotch. Mr. Tho: Browall a Divine. john Saint Loe. Peter Hoskins, Esquire. M. Tho: Young Attorney. M. Robert Pawlet to the Parliament. Mr. Melchisedeck woltham. M. Rich: Hook, Divines. Tho. Trenchard Rob: Culliford, ●squires. George Hawles, Rich. Newman, Gentlemen. persons selected to go to the King and Parliament with Petitions, After some debate the General returned this Answer. Although the paper brought to me, being not subscribed, cannot challenge a return, yet to clear myself from any averseness to the satisfaction of the Country, who are pretended to be interessed in these Petitions, I return this. That my affections, and the affections of this Army, are as much inclined to peace as any men's whatsoever, and we are obliged to prosecute this war, for no end, but for the establishment of a firm and happy Peace, by opposing the enemies thereof, and that I shall be ready so far as concerns me, to further all lawful and fit means to procure it, but having seen the Petitions, for the conveyance of which a Letter is desired, I must profess myself not to be so well satisfied with some things contained in them, as to concur to their delivering by any Act of mine. In particular, that a cessation is desired, by Letters written by the King and Queen, taken at the late battle of Nasby, it evidently appears that contracts are already made, for the bringing in of ten thousand French, and six thousand Irish. It is further desired, that the Garrisons in these parts whereof there are Seaports, should be delivered up to the Petitioners, which to grant, were for the Parliament to quit part of the Trust reposed in them by the Kingdom, and considering those foreign preparations, to run very great hazards to these parts, to themselves and the whole Kingdom. Thirdly, it is propounded, that liberty be given to all Soldiers, to disband and return to their own homes, if they desire An unreasonable request. it, which may with equal justice be desired, by all parts of the Kingdom, and so the Parliament made unable to manage the war, before peace be settled. These considerations with some other, yet to be debated, will not allow me to grant this desire of the letter. But as for that part of the Petition, that declares the grievance of the Country by plunder and violence, committed either by Garrisons or Armies, I do hereby promise and undertake, for the Garrisons and Armies under the command of the Parliament, that whatsoever disorders are committed by them, upon complaint, making known the offenders and the offence, justice shall be done, and satisfaction given, I also shall endeavour that the Parliaments Garrisons may be regulated according to any reasonable agreement with the County, and without doubt the Parliament will cause them to be slighted, so soon as the condition of those parts and the public good shall permit, and that the Army under my command shall be ordered, as may be most for the good of these Counties, and the whole Kingdom, of which some reasonable testimony is already given, in their quiet and orderly passage, through these and other Countries, without many of those complaints that usually follow Armies. I further request that in publishing this my answer, all assembling the people to public Randevouze may be forborn, that copies hereof may be dispersed to several Parishes, and that the County may be acquainted therewith. THOMAS FAIRFAX. Wisdom and Valour, are two singular and extraordinary gifts of God, and he that hath the one hath a greater gift than he that hath the other, I mean the gift of wisdom: Ulysses words prevailed more with the Grecian Princes then Ajax Deeds, but where both are injected, there the man is incomparable, and fit to undergo so great a Task as our famous General doth, Who not only by valour quelleth and pasheth to pieces the strength of the Enemy, but also by his Prudence, appeaseth and mitigateth the fury of some, that spurs on by their own rashness, after to do things inconvenient and destructive to themselves: This I am constrained to say, in reference, to the moderate, free and ingenious answer Sir Thomas sent the Clubmen. AFter the Dispatch of Master Hollis, the General advanced, and after some marches; not without apposition, came to long Sutton in Somersetshire, where being arrived, a Council of War was called to debate on this Quere, whither to draw up before Langport, or withdraw towards Sherborn or Evil, when unlooked for the Enemy gave them the alarm, under the command of Goring, whereupon the General drew out of his forces of Foot. Weldens, herbert's, Inglesbyes, Fortescues, Major General russel's, hamond's and Rainsboroughs Regiments, all the Horse but three Regiments of Sir Robert Pie, and Col. Sheffield were with massy. With these Forces they drew into the Field, about ten of the clock in the morning, the Enemy had the advantage both of the Hill and Wind, the General commanded the Canon to play, which did extraordinary execution, after the Horse charged Major Bethel, gave the onset, his first charge routed them, Goring routed. but being overpowered, he retreated to Major Disbrough, who commanded the General's Regiment, and charging them again, he so disordered them that they could never rally again, part of the Enemies got in a disordered manner into Langport, the rest fled, some into the Corn, some into Woods for shelter, in this fight the whole foot were taken or killed; there were also taken those: The Ordnance they had; Two Colonels of Horse, Slingsby, Hevingam. Beirtridge, Lieutenant General of the Ordnance, Some other Lieutenants, Colonels and Majors, 1200 Prisoners. And the gaining of this, through the assistance of God, lost the General but twenty men, and whereas we spoke of erst, the Petitions the Clubmen intended for the King's Majesty and the Honourable Houses of Parliament, we will here insert it word for word, as the Malignant spirit of the Author contrived it. To the Kings most Excellent Majesty, and to the Right Honourable Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, at Westminster. WE the Gentlemen, Freeholders', and others, all Protestants The Club-mens' Petition and peaceable Subjects, of the County of Dorset, Somerset, and Wiltshire, beholding with unexpressable grief of our souls, the many & terrible shake of that well built State of England, which our wise & careful fathers left unto us, that their Generations after them under the blessing of God might keep it up for ever, are most humble suitors to your sacred Majesty, and the said Honourable Lords and Commons, that our so long and so much tottering Kingdom, may speedily be reposed upon her sin foundation, which we conceive to be, the free and full conveening in Parliament of your Majesty's Royal Person, and all the Lords together with the Commons, as well as all them, which have heretofore been duly elected to this Parliament, and do yet survive, as others who ought to be selected thither made void by death, your Majesty's Royal Progenitors the Kings and Queens of this Isle, environed with their free and full multitude of Counselors from all parts thereunto, have ever been that Rock of safety whereon the good providence of God, for so many years past, hath established this Realm, in despipht of all former tempests, that have beaten against it, therefore this the greatest of all that ever risen upon us, or our Ancestors, we cannot but with our inflamed devotions, to superstition, to God, deprecate out of all men's hearts, all thoughts of saving us, rather upon some new made grhunds, then that of the old one which God yet never suffered to fail us, or of limiting our Refuge (fine Sophistry) to part of our Rock when our advantage and help must be the more, when we had the whole to help (you had reason to rejoice that the ill, or part of the whole departing the rest remained, to maintain the Gospel of Christ and the liberty of the Subject) as the most glorious body that is visible in England is the Parliament of England, so, who can think it so perfect, who can hope to find it so strong to work for the honour, peace and happiness of England, as when it consults in full peace of its Royal Head, and with all the other good members thereof, and with all ardency of our affections, we kneel unto your Majesty's Kingly wisdom, and to the wisdom of the said Honourable Lords and Commons, that for the speedy Integration, both in Head and members of this body, which is the soul of England's welfare your Parliament (the King believes it not) It may graciously please your Majesty, and the said Honourable Lords and Commons to send, they unto your Majesty, and your Majesty to them, your several, that is to say, your Majesties and their Commissioners, and to hasten them to meet, to treat and agree (as at Uxbridge) of time and place, when and where your Majesty shall be with your Houses of Lords and Commons, both of them in the beautiful fullness of all the members, we most humbly beseeching, that no place may be thought, for this purpose like gideon's fleece (a fine policy to draw away the members of Parliament, from a place of security, to a place where they may be subject to the tyranny, and ore-swaying Power of the Royal Party) either the only spot p Explain your meaning. of England, that shall be capable of the dew of heavenly blessing, and that all the Land besides will be dry upon any Town or City; God will give down his dew, and for the security both of your Majesty and the honourable Houses, in any place we shall lay down ourlives (your deeds confute your words) and that which is left of our estates, to your Majesty for the houses, to the houses for your Majesty, and that we and the whole Realm, may no longer want the benefit of those Laws which are well known to us, by the undoubted seals of Kings, Lords and Commons upon them, and may not still starve and bleed ourselves to death, for such as could not yet pass the threefold test, we humbly pray that the comfortable beams of justice, which have been so long obscured and clouded, may at length break forth to the refreshment of this drooping Kingdom, now grown weary and weak through long impunity of all sorts of sin and injury, and that Judges and Officers may be authorized and secured in their administrations of Law and Right to all people (if this hath not been, yourselves have occasioned it, the two Houses of Parliament prostrates their lives and fortunes, to to purchase you, and all Counties this) and that all field Armies may be dissolved, all controversies; for which they have been ☞ raised: being laid down to be awakened and determined, or to sleep and die undecided, in the free and full Parliament, and that all unnecessary Garrisons be slighted, and such as shall be thought fit and necessary, either by your Majesty or the said Honourable Lords and Commons, to be continued, to be trusted in some hands of those Counties wherein they are scited, the trusties to be equally named by your Majesty and the said Honourable Lords and Commons, and no Trustee to deliver up his charge, but by the joint assent of Kings, Lords and Commons, until we may see that happy day q Will your infamous sedition, and unlawful rising produce it. when the King, Lords and Commons shall declare, that there is no more use of such warishnesse between the King and his people; and we beseech your Majesty's Princely clemency, and the fatherly and fraternal love of the said Lords and Commons, to all their equal and inferior Countrymen, for the sweet and necessary condescension for all that have been in arms, or otherwise assistant to this destructive war, and to all that are imprisoned by any occasion of it, and to all that absent themselves from their dwellings upon fear thereof (you petitioned for justice erewhile, recant you now) may be permitted to return home, and all men to enjoy their Liberties and Properties, and their wont freedom of commerce through the whole Realm. Lastly, we humbly beseech your Majesty's most tender heart and the feeling affections, of the said Honourable Lords and Commons, to their poor and bleeding Countrymen, to take notice of the many importunate Agitants, which have beaten us together, in these our unusual meetings, not only the worship (a fair Cloak) of God but the honour of your Majesty, the native liberty and right of the Subject, the wealth and strength of the whole Land, and whatsoever is virtuous, or laudable in itself, but also our intolerable slavery, under a most insolent Soldiery (this is notoriously known, as also the rest of the allegations to be false and suborned) an universal poverty by endless contribution, and plunder the cursed sacrilege (the Idol of the Commons) the common Prayer Book taken away) done unto holy places, defacings, and ruining, the grievous persecutions of grave and reverend Ministers, the many bloody, tragical, inhuman rapes and murders that have been acted, and more are threatened upon peaceable Subjects, all sorts of wickedness before every where impudent and shameless; in a word whatsoever is dreadful, or miserable to us, is still growing upon us, under the reign of this Civil War, by all these so many, and so powerful considerations we have been drawn together, as we contest the searcher of all hearts, not for sedition, but the public peace; ha', ha', he, and in order thereto together, to meet in this our humble Petition, to your Majesty, and the said Honourable Lords and Commons, and to put our selusi in a general readiness at the City of the County, to pursue all robbers and murderers (one Thief attach another) under whose continual oppressions we could no longer endure; We therefore humbly pray and beseech your Majesty (and the said Honourable Lords and Commons) and all our Superiors and fellow Subjects, that we may be mercifully and favourably judged, in (these your seditious and abominable proceed) these our innocent intentions, and according to our capacities, and our wisest endeavours, we continually pray, to the God of peace and love that we may be revived, and the whole Realm by a speedy and indissoluble union, of the strength and saving health of England) next under his heavenly Majesty, your sacred Majesty, the right honourable Lords. and the honourable House of Commons, in a full and free, which cannot be, but an happy Parliament. Thus far the Author of this malevolent Petition, which because I have already somewhat canvased, and all wise men reading it will easily behold, the main end and scope of these club-mens' Petitions and intentions without an interpreter, I shall here cease to say more of it, I return to my History. CHAP. III. Sir Thomas Fairfax receiveth the Town of by composition: A Narration of the King's entertainment at Huntingdon, and of the carriage of his Army there. HIS Excellency the Parliaments General, intending the reducement of Bristol, a Town of great concernment, after some days easy march, arriving near Sherburn Castle blocked up Sherborn, and resolving to use all the means of man, not doubting of God's assistance, to put a period to the sad, and to be bewailed civil war, resolved to send one party to Sherborn, to block it up, at least till time and ability served to proceed more violently against it, he therefore appointed Colonel Pickering, a man right valiant and pious, to prosecute the intention as aforesaid. A Council of War being called, to consult what design would be most advantageous, most safe and speedy, for the reducing of Bristol, it was concluded, that the taking of , which would else be an obstacle, was first most requisite, and if not made a Garrison, yet it might serve for a strong Quarter, and be much assistant to their Design. The General approved the advice, and resolved to prosecute it, and the next day with his whole Army advanced to Wells, where being arrived, he heard news very much unexpected, to wit, that their trouble of besieging, or danger of storming the Town of Bath, would not be required, for the Enemy had quitted the place, and unconstrained the reasons these. The Townsmen not willing to bear Arms, nor yet to harbour Soldiers that came from Bristol, dreading infection, the plague being then and had been before a long time, there very hot, and raging, the soldiers they had of their own being too few to man the Works, the Governor Sir Thomas Bridges, resolved to quit it, which thing he had surely done, had there not arrived at that present an 100 men from Prince Rupert, with orders willing him to stay and defend the Town. Sir Themas upon probability of quitting it, thought fit to spare his Foot an unnecessary march, and sent two Regiments of Horse, commanded by Col. Rich and two Troops of Dragoons with Col. Okey, to take a view of the condition of the Town, that he might do as occasion served: They came near the Town and were opposed, when they presently Summoned, but the Summons slighted, they resolve to enter by force, the Dragoons encountering the Enemy on the Bridge, prevailed against them and gained it, and setting on fire the South west gate burned it down, which the Governor seeing, was willing to surrender, conditionally, that he and his Officers might have liberty armed to march to Bristol, which was granted them, and they speedily departed, leaving behind them many soldier's prisoners. Twenty barrels of powder, Three hundred arms, A Tun of match, Six Iron Pieces of Ordnance. Col. Rich and Col. Okey having entered the Town, sent the General notice of their prosperous proceed, and desired him to repair to them, which he accordingly did, and coming to , having bestowed some time in settling thereof, and having placed a strong Garrison, returned back to Wels. About this time his Majesty being in a straight, and doubting of the ability to engage with the Parliaments Forces, whom he unworthily and caulesly brandeth with the names of Traitors and Rebels, cometh as in Progress into Huntingtonshire, though in truth to levy force, and to borrow or to take sums of money, of which he was in much want, and coming to Huntingdon, a Town notorious for Malignancy, and averinesse to Reformation. The Major of Huntingdon, and two Bailiffs of Godman-chester, a Town near adjacent, as being wrapped and to congratulate the King's arrival, taxed their Towns at ten and fifteen shillings a man, some of them mean men & poor householders, who were constrained to borrow the money, and to work hard and fast withal, to regain their impaired ability: the Major and Bailiffs and forty three of his Brethren presented his Masty with a great sum of their extorted money, who, whether misdoubting their fidelity, or some great ones about him spleening them, or what other reason might be, I know not, but sure I am they were constrained, as prisoners to pass in the conduct of the Army, so soon as the King came, Proclamation was made, that no soldier, upon pain of death, should plunder, which peradventure might be a watchword to warn them thereto; for no sooner was it proclaimed, but soldiers fell to plundering on heaps, carrying out of shops and houses, whole loads of Goods and Wares, and in some houses left nought to adorn them but barewalls, the Townsmen were forced to billet some twenty, some thirty in one house, and to afford both horse and man's meat for twelve pence a day, and to give all the World a true character of them, they knocked off all the Irons from the Prisoners and Felons in Huntingdon Goal, many of them condemned for murder, who all took up arms for the King, and is this the maintaining of the Laws (so frequently protested) and here let the Reader take notice that the Cavaliers and Royal party (Fight neither for God, nor for his Majesty as they pretend) would they else deal so hardly and tyrannically with his Friends, that favour his proceed, in all parts where they come, as in particular this Town of Huntingdon, plundered by them, without distinction or exception of any, carrying with them many known Royalists as Prisoners, for that they denied those sums of money, which their unconscionable and uncharitable selves demanded, so that it is, or What the Cavaliers fight for. may be apparent, to all not wilfully blind, that they fight to maintain and uphold, so long as they may, their pleasure and rapine, their debauched and luxurious living, to which they are so accustomed and bewitched, that they are resolved, with it their lives shall terminate, but they have but a short time, I trust now the wheels of the Chariots are taken off, so that they march but slowly and in Despair, against GOD. CHAP. iv Sir Thomas Fairfax taketh the strong Castle of Sherborn, a List of the Arms and Ammunition, taken in the said Castle. He fighteth with, and discomfiteth the mutinous. Clubmen, taketh their chief Leaders. A List of their names. HOw hath the Lord assisted, the Forces, fight for his Cause, this memorable and never to be forgotten year, Sir Thomas Fairfax resolving, for the Reducement of Sherborn Castle: Drew out his Officers and Soldiers, in despite of the Enemy, to their very walls and works, and prepared to undermine; battering Pieces arriving from Portsmouth, which they wanted before, a Battery was raised, and they began to play very fiercely, & before night had made a large breach in the Castle, on the East part thereof) after the breach so made, the General out of his noble inclination, to prevent the effusion of blood, sent another Summons to the Governor, willing him to surrender, or to expect the worst extremity, the Summons this: Sir, I have been as willing to gratify you as any man with honourable conditions, having expressed so much Gallantry in defending yourself, but the advantage I now have, by being possessed of the breach, and some of the Towers, as it may with reason induce you to surrender the place, so it obligeth me in Honour, to agree to no other conditions than quarter for your lives, which I would be glad if you would accept, that so the effusion of blood which will inevitably follow upon a refusal; might be prevented. Sir, It is against my nature to threaten or insult over your condition, but I must tell you, and I wish you may have an heart to believe it, that if you refuse this my offer, you and those with you must know, I will hear of no terms for the future. THOMAS FAIRFAX. The malicious and wicked Governor hardened to his ruin, would not vouchsafe to return an answer, save with great and small shot that played upon and wounded many of the Soldiers, the General commanded for a storm, the Soldiers resolutely fell on, and placing their Ladders in a trice got over the Walls and Works, which the desperate Enemy seeing, snatched down their Colours, and with lamentable cries, desired quarter, which they had afforded them, but not out of any zeal, to save their lives, but the Soldiers chose rather to cram their pockets with silver and gold, of which there was store, in the Castle, rather than to sheathe their swords in their Enemy's bowels. The General stayed there one day to settle things in order, and after fortifying and mending the breaches, placed another Garrison of Soldiers to keep the Castle for the use of the King and Parliament. A List of the Prisoners taken at Sherborn Castle. Sir Lewis Dives. Sir John Walcooth. Col. Strangeways of Horse. Col. Thornhill. Lieutenant Colonel Strangeways of Horse. Major Balton. Cap. Hamon. Cap. Bright. Cap. Norris. Cap. Hodinot. Cap. Speed. Cap. Strangeways, of Horse. Cap. Bond. Cap. Hoddar. Cap. Brisco. Lieutenant Jenings Lieutenant Mallet. Lieutenant Tailor. Lieutenant Rogers. Lieuten. Townsend Lieutenant Joliffe, of Horse. Coronet Devonet, Reformado. Ensign Gale. Ensign Hoys. Ensign Harris. Ensign Toole. Ensign Collins. Ensign Mullins. Ensign Tod. George Walker Provost Marshal. Chirurgeons these: M. Stuckey. M. Payley. M. Robinson. Ministers. Doct. Cockson. M. Wild. M. Townsend. M. Ford. Gentlemen these. M. Chaffine. M. Buckland. M. Barns. M. Brown. M. Griesley. M. Forsell. M. Richlands'. M. Wiborn. M. Huchins. M. Carleton. Three hundred forty four common Soldiers. The General having gained Sherborn Castle as aforesaid, and about to advance, news came, that the Leaders of the Clubmen, were met together at Shaftsbury to consult and give counsul how they might best thrive in their Designs, whereupon the General sent a strong party of Horse, commanded by Colonel Fleetwood, to apprehend them, who accordingly coming to Shaftsbury, compassed the house where they were, took every man of them and brought them to Sherborn, where his Excellency yet abode, their names I shall give you ere I finish this Chapter, this being the Lords Day. On Monday morning the General received Intelligence, that the Clubmen had appointed several meetings, which moved Sir Thomas to send Lieutenant General Cromwell, with four Regiments of horse to trace them, and to spy out whether they intended, who being on his march towards Shaftsbury, they might descry flying Colours, surrounded with a numerous company, on the top of an exceeding high hill, a Lieutenant was sent with a party of horse to know the reason of their unlawful assembling, whereupon their Leader one Newman descending the hill, said, that the reason of the meeting was to know where they had disposed those Gentlemen weet taken at Shaftsbury, the General returned this Answer. That he held it not fit to inform them of the reason what was done, being done by authority, but that they might know a reason of their surprisal those persons so met, were the occasioners and stirrers up of Commotions and unlawful Assemblies destructive to the peace and safety of the Kingdom, Mr. Newman desired to go and inform the people of the Answer, the Lieutenant General thought it convenient, with a party of horse to accompany him, where being come, he had some conference with the seditious, the substance, that they did very ill to disturb the peace of the County, upon small or no ground, and that whereas they pretended, they armed themselves to save their goods, themselves would occasion the losing of them, by absenting themselves from their dwellings, and he further promised and protested unto them, that justice should be done one any that had done them wrong, & as for their Leaders taken at Shaftsbury, they were laid hold on, and were to be kept in custody, only till they should clear themselves of some accusations charged on them, and then they might return again to them; the Boars were all well satisfied, and promising never to assemble again each man departed to his home. AFter this matter, so well handled, the Lieutenant General with his party set forward to Hamilton, still near Strawton, on this hill were assembled a numerous multitude of Clubmen having for their defence an old Roman work deeply trenched, the Lieutenant General sent a Lieutenant with a party of horse to demand the cause of their meeting, who was answered by the rude and barbarous, only with a dozen of shot: whereupon the Lieutenant General sent once again to them, requiring them to lay down their arms, or he would fall upon them, they refused his message with scorn, thereupon order was given for the General's Troop to fall on them, who did so and were repulsed, not without some loss, and that by reason of the disadvantage and unaccessablenesse of the place, the Clubmen shot as thick as hail from the bank, and defended the passage very valiantly, than the valiant Major Disbrough with his Troop adventured, and with much difficulty got up the Hill, and charging their Rear, they began to run, throwing down their arms, in the pursuit sixty were slain, two hundred wounded, four hundred of them taken and brought to Strawton, and kept all night in the Church, for the next morning the General commanded them to be brought forth, and after examination, the Lieutenant General advertized them to live peaceably, was most conducing and available for them, and wished them to live peaceably at home, they saw the calamity that their Rise had brought upon them, and moreover he gave them licence to oppose any that should go about to plunder or annoy them, and so dismissed them each to his home. The names of their Leaders, and the principal Sticklers in this business were these Gentlemen. Master john Saints. M. Richard Buckeridge. M. William Smith. M. Thomas Gervis. M. john Lovel. M. john Eastmond. M. Francis Craddock. M. Edward Davis. M. Henry Haynard. M. Laurence Hyde. M. Thomas Benet. M. john Pope. M. Thomas Rosse. M. Henry Gouge. M. john Every. M. john Carty. M. Edward Boor. M. Nicholas Bingham. M. Thomas Rolph. M. Robert Squire. M. Richard Alborn. M. Charles Symmes. M. Francis Abbot. M. Robert Gapit. M. Thomas marvel. M. Robert Hollis. M. Samuel Forward. M. William Fireall. M. Charles Studley. M. Thomas Brooke. M. john King. M. Edmund Clarke. M. Martin March. M. Thomas Bun. M. William Saunders. M. William Blunt. M. john May. M. john Corbet. M. Richard Craddock. M. john Pill. M. Robert Fry. M. William Ford. M. Matthew Mar●in. M. William Laining. M. Henry Goodwin. M. Rock. M. Williams. M. Hollis. men chief noted for malignancy M. Young, men chief noted for malignancy M. jeloff. men chief noted for malignancy CHAP. V Sir THOMAS FAIRFAX gaineth the famous City of Bristol, the Articles of agreement between the Commissioners appointed on the behalf of the Governor, Prince Rupert and his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax, for the surrendering of the City. rupert's Entertainment at Oxford. THe victorious General Sir Thomas Fairfax being Sir Thomas layeth siege to Bristol. commanded by the Houses of Parliament, to siege, and God assisting, take the City of Bristol, out of their Enemy's hands, the General to command obedience, advanced with his numerous and courageous Army to Bristol, and what by valour and policy encroached each day nearer and nearer their outworks, and in many places got within Pistol shot, and had many desperate and hot firings with the Enemy, who often made divers furious, but fruitless sallies to their own loss and disadvantage, the strong Port called Portshead Point was taken by assault, to the great discouragement and disheartening of the Enemy: the General perceiving the potency of the Foe, and the strength of the works, and knowing to too well the pitiless and implacable inclination of the Governor, Prince Rupert, to prevent the inevitable ruin that would else happen on both sides, sent him this Summons, which for the elegancy and excellency thereof, is worthy to be read by posterity, which was this. To his Highness' Prince Rupert. SIR, For the service of the Parliament, I have brought their Army before the City of Bristol, and do summon you in their names, to render it, with all the Forts belonging to the same, to their use. Having used this plain language at the business, Requires I wish it may be effectual with you, as it is satisfactory to myself, that I a little expostulate with you about the same, which I should not have used, but in respect to such a person and such a ploce, I take into consideration your Royal birth, and relation to the Crown of England, your honour, courage, and fidelity, and the strength of that place, which you may think yourself bound and able to maintain. Sir, the Crown of England is, and will be, where it ought to be, and we fight to maintain it there, But the King misled ☞ by evil Counsellors, or through a seduced heart, hath left his Parliament and his people, under God, the best assurance of his Crown and family, the maintaining of this Schism is the ground of this unhappy war on your part, and what sad effects it hath produced in all the three Kingdoms, is visible to all men to maintain the rights of the Crown and Kingdom jointly, a principal part whereof is, that the King, in supreme Acts, ☞ concerning the whole State, is not to be advised by men of whom the law takes no notice, but by his Parliament, the great Council of the Kingdom, In whom, as much as man is capable of, he hears all his people, as it were at once advising him, in which multitude of Counsellors lie, his safety, and the people's interest, and to set him right in this, hath been the constant and faithful endeavour of the Parlioment: Note, and to bring those wicked Instruments to Justice, that have misled him, is a principal ground of our fight. Sir, If God make this clear to you, as he hath to us, I doubt not but he will give you a heart to deliver this place, notwithstanding, all the other considerations of honour and courage, because of their consistency, and use in the present business, depends upon the right or wrongfulnesse of this that hath been said, and if upon such conviction you shall surrender it, and save the loss of blood, and hazard of spoiling such a City, it would be an occasion glorious in itself, and joyful to us, for the restoring of you to the endeared affection of the Parliament, and people of England, the truest assurance, under God, to your family. But if this be hid from your eyes, and through your wilfulness, this so great, so, famous, and ancient a City, and so full of people, be, by your putting us to force the same, exposed to ruin and the extremities of War, which yet we shall in that case, as much as possibly in us lies endeavour to prevent, than I appeal to the righteous God to be Judge between you and us, and to require the wrong, and let all England judge, whether the ruining of its Cities, burning of its Towns, and destroying its people, be a good requital from a person of your family, which hath had the prayers, tears, and purses, yea, and the bloods of its Parliaments and people, and if you look on either as now divided, hath ever had that same party both in Parliaments and amongst the people, most zealous for their assistance and restitution, which you now appose and seek to destroy, and whose constant grief hath been their desires to serve your Family, have been ever hindered and made fruitless, by the same party about His Majesty, whose Counsel you act, and whose interest you pursue in this unnatural War. Your Highness' humble Servant THOMAS FAIRFAX. THe Prince having received this summons, returned no Answer, but desired he might have leave to send to His Majesty: But Sir Thomas returned answer, that he might not fulfil his desire in that point of sending to His Majesty, and desired a speedy and positive answer, but the Prince desirous to hold the General in suspense, and to gain time, hoping of relief from the King, would not return an answer as was required, but sent some Propositions to the General, the most essential whereof were to have exception from sequestration, Cathedral men to continue, the works to be demolished, and no Garrison hereafter, by which the General perceiving his averseness and policy, and having experience of his wont wiles, gave order to storm the Town, the manner of storming was agreed on, which was to be after this manner. Colonel Welden with his Brigade, Col: Twooldbies, Col: Fortescues, and Col: Herbert's Regiment, whose posts were to make good Somersetshire side, was ordered to storm in three places, viz, 200 men in the middle, 200 men on each side, as forlorn hopes to begin the storm, twenty ladders to each place, two men to carry each ladder, and to have five shillings a piece, two Sergeants that attend the service of the ladders, to have twenty shillings a man, each musketteir that follows the ladder to carry a faggot, a Sergeant to command them, and to have the same reward, twelve files of men, with fire, arms, and pikes to follow the ladders to each place where the storm is to be, those to be commanded each by a Captain and Lieutenant, the Lieutenant to go before with five files, the Captain to second him with other seven files, the 200 men that are appointed to second the storm to furnish each party of them, 20 pioneers who are to march in their rear, the 200 men to be commanded each by a field Officer, and the pioneers each by a Sergeant. The manner of the storm being thus contrived, the General to encourage and animate the Soldiers, saw the Commissioners pay to each of them six shillings, which they accepted very thankfully. Tuesday, September 9, at twelve of the clock at night, all the Army Horse and Foot surrounded the City to fall on, Bristol stormed. at two of the clock in the morning the storm began and for a while on both sides many fell, the one party striving with their utmost might to enter, and the other to repel them: Major Rainsborough's Brigade that stormed the Prior's Fort, by reason of the unnecessiblenesse of the place spent near three hours in desperate sight, but at length maugre their enemies they won it, and entering the fort cut in pieces the Soldiers, giving no Quarter to Major Price, and became Master of the Town, that Brigade under Colonel Welden fell on on Somersetshire side, but their ladders being set to the works proved too short and unserviceable, so they only gave the enemy a sound Alarm: The loss of men on Sir Thomas his part, was not in all above forty. Colonel Taylor wounded mortally, Captain Ireton sore wounded: Prince Rupert seeing this, with some force took the Castle for shelter, against which the General planted his Ordnance, intending to batter, when lo the Prince sent out for a parley, which the General accepted, and after some few hours these Articles were produced. 1 THat his Highness' Prince Rupert, and all Noblemen, Commanders, Officers, Gentlemen and Soldiers and all other persons whatsoever now residing in the City of Bristol, the Castle and Forts thereof, shall march out of the said City, Castle and Forts, with Colours, Pikes and Drums, Bag and Baggage, the Prince his Highness, all Noblemen, Gentlemen and Officers in Commission, with their Horse and Arms, and the servants with their horses and swords, and common souldiess, with their swords: the Prince his Lifeguard of Horse, with their Horse and Arms, and two hundred and fifty Horse, to be disposed by the Prince, and his Lifeguard of Firelocks, with their Arms, and each of them one pound of Powder, and a proportion of bullet, and that none of the persons that are to march out on this Article, be plundered, searched or molested. 2 That such Officers and Soldiers, as shall be left sick or wounded, in the City, Castle, or Forts, and shall have liberty to stay till their recovery, and then to have safe conduct to go to his Majesty. 3 That the persons , who are to march away have a sufficient convoy provided for them, to any such Garrison of the Kings as the Prince shall name, not exceeding fifty miles from Bristol, and shall have eight days allowed for their march thither, and shall have free Quarter allowed them by the way. 4 That all the Citizens of Bristol, all Noblemen, Gentlemen, Clergymen, and all other persons residing in the said City and Suburbs of the same, shall be saved from all plunder and violence. 5 That in consideration hereof the City of Bristol, the Castle and all other Forts thereof without any slighting or defacing thereof, and that all the Arms, Ammunition, and all other provisions of War, except what is before allowed, be delivered up to his Ezcellency Sir Thomas Fairfax, without any diminution or imbezelivent: his Highness' Prince Rupert then naming to what Army or Garrison of the Kings he will march. 6 That sufficient Hostages be given to Sir Thomas Fairfax, such as he shall approve who are to remain with him till the City be surrendered. 7 That upon the delivering of the Town sufficient Hostages be given for the performance of the Articles on both sides. Signed by us the Commissioners, in the behalf of Prince Rupert, John Min, William Tillyer, William Vavasor. Signed by us the Commissioners in the behalf of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax; Edward Montague. Thomas Rainsborough. John Pickering. Turn over all the volumes of Histories, reciting the Battles, besiegings, and gainings of Towns by storm, and see if it be● recorded in any one place, that so strong a City, manned by so powerful and numerous an enemy, hath been taken by assault, with the loss of so few, and so small a number of men, as this famous City was: and what is more to be admired, the Prince and his Soldiers were provided within with all sorts of necessaries, accommodated also for the defensive, with fortifications of the best sort victuals in abundance, four score or an hundred run of beer bread sufficient for an hundred thousand men a day, and in a word, all things abling a people to hold out a long siege, but it was the Lord, the Lord God of Hosts, strong and above all, that strengthened the one party, and disheartened the other. The Prince made choice of Oxford for his refuge Garrison, where being arrived, he was entertained with slow regreet, the King not vouchsafing to see him, and what was surely to him unlooked for, confined him to his chamber, and it was motioned by some Lords near his Majesty, that he should be tried and examined by a Counsel of War, why and upon what terms he so easily surrendered Bristol, some said, fear and timerousness of heart made him yield up, others judged that gold had corrupted him, and that he played Legerdemain, receiving a sum of money to surrender the Town, but all concluded that through his proper default was occasioned that great and weighty loss, but the King, contrary to the minds and Counsel of his Lords, accepted him again to grace and favour. The end of the first Book. THE YEAR OF JUBILEE: The second Book. CHAP. I. Sir Thomas Fairfax taketh by storm the strong Castle of Tiverton, overthroweth and routeth two Ragiments of the King's Horse near Bowytracy. IT may perchance appear to some men folly and The Authors Apology. want of judgement in me, that I do not set down in order, all and singular every Battle and Overthrow given the King, whether by Sir Thomas Fairfax or any other inferior Officer: and that I break and maim my History by overpassing many remarkable Victories attained by Col. Gen. Pointz, and others, I answer: Be pleased to take notice, that this is not an oversight in me, but a thing done wittingly and willingly, yea of set purpose, and that for three Reasons: First, the scope of my intentions, when I began this Work, was wholly to set down in order the Achievements and prosperous proceed of our thrice renowned General Sir Thomas Fairfax, and to pass by and take no notice of the Deeds of any other were they never so glorious and meriting. Secondly, that in so doing I might the more delight and solace my Reader, while I pitch upon one particular person, and bring in no other to vie with or partake of his merit, which I should do had I done otherwise, and have eclipsed the brightness of his glory, under whose command, and by whose peculiar direction, all the Achievements, Victories and gainings, by me recorded, were attained. Thirdly, that in viewing his honourable deeds we might have cause to rejoice, yea and boast, so we derogate from the glory of God, that this latter Age affordeth a man, whom it hath pleased the Almighty so to prosper and assist, that he hath ever since he received his Commission, and opposed the Enemy, been a continual victor, and what General of any Nation ever could say as he can and that truly. Sir Thomas hearing of the Enemies advance to Axminster, being two thousand Horse, resolved to engage them if it were possible, and hinder their plundering progress what he intended, he put in execution, and with his whole Army marched after the Enemy who were then at Hunnington, meaning to hinder, if they should attempt it, to march Eastward, the Enemy marched over the River Ex, whereupon the General caused a part of his Army to be disposed along that River, so to prevent the Enemies return with the rest of his Army he advanced to Tiverton, whether he had sent before Major General Massey, who found the Governor very obstinate, whereupon Sir Thomas Fairfax commanded to storm it, which the soldiers were in a readiness to do, when the Cannoneer with a great shot after a wonderful and unparallelled manner broke the chain of the Draw-bridge, which falling down, the Soldiers on heaps entered, and in a trice were got over the Works, the Enemy took the Castle for shelter, and had only Quarter for their lives. There were taken these prisoners, October the nineteenth, 1645. Sir Gilbert Talbot, Governor. Major General Sadler. Major Moneuch. Major Wilks. Major Pain. Captain William Sturgeon. Master Thomas Whitby. Captain Markas Whitby. Captain Edward Kemp. Captain Richard Philips. Captain Richard Mattock. Lieutenant Thomas Sadler. Lieute. Hannibal Westcoat. Lieutenant Thomas Whitby. Lieutenant Thomas Sibley. Lieuten. Francis Moneuch. Lieutenant john Hawkes. Lieutenant Evely. Nicholas Kemp. Richard Mutisin. William Sharp, Letter Carrier. Ensign Francis Skidmoore. Ensign john Martin. Ensign Francis Wilks. Ensign Francis Pollard. Ensign Davis. Ensign Kerrey. Sergeant Nicholas Collins. Sergeant Rounsell. Sergeant Thomas Nichols. Sergeant Giles Geffrey. Sergeant Tobias Hickman. One hundred sixty eight common soldiers. The General having intelligence that two Regiments of the enemy's Horse quartered near Bovytracy, sent a party to surprise or fight with them, who arriving where they were, after some hot disputation, put them to flight, and took four hundred Horse, five Colours. The next morning the General kept his Rendezvous at Bovytracy, from whence they marched on an other design. CHAP. II. The General obtaineth several Conquests in the West to keep many Prisoners: A List of the names, He stormeth the Town of Dartmouth, and taketh it with many Prisoners. THe General knowing the enemy had fortified Kenterbury, and at Saint Bordeaux Church, he therefore with five hundred foot, and one hundred horse to visit the said enemy, and if the Summons were refused, to storm it, and enter perforce, which they did, fair terms being proffered but not accepted of, where they took all the enemies nine horses, of which they had store; men, ammunition, and whatsoever else was there: the first work they took without any loss, but the other occasioned the loss of five men: of the enemy were slain twelve; the officers of horse and foot that were taken, were these. Major james Suppley. Captain Peter Lapp. Captain Richard Price. Captain Thomas Baker. Lieutenant Richard Marley Cornet Thomas Hayne. Cornet George Gammis. Quartermaster Oliver Franklin. Corporal john Mucwell. Corporal George Dent. Corporal Geo●ge Earl. Major Robert Bawl. Captain Hugh Edward's. Lieutenant Peter Mark. Ensign Esdras Micheal. Ensign Christopher Carne. Sergeant john Christopher's. Sergeant jacob Rogers. Thirty three Troopers. Forty six Horses. The General for a while quartered about Bovytracy, to hinder and oppose the enemy's Incursions, very brief in these parts, had often skirmishes with them, and each day took prisoners, one time 200, another time 80, all horsemen, having been a time, here the General called a Council of War, who generally agreed for the reducing of Dortmouth, a Town very near them, the General drawing up his forces against it, sent them a summons, which being refused he gave order to storm it, and appointed the manner of the storm thus, on the west gate by Col. Hammond, on the North end of the Town, by Lieutenant Col. Pride, and on Trustall Church and works by Col. Fortescue, the storm began in the evening, the Soldiers assaulted with great courage and resolution: Col. Hammond gained the West gate, his Soldiers flushed therewith, went on, and beating down the enemies, possessed themselves of many Forts one after another, viz. Mount Fleggon, the West gate, Paradise Fort, where they took four Lieutenant Gollonels, and possessed themselves from the West gate to little Dartmouth; neither was Fortescue this time idle, though more strongly repulsed then his associates that stormed elsewhere, yet inspite of blows he entered also, and possessed himself of the place, so that now the miserable enemy were beaten out of all, save only the great Fort on the East side of the River, called Kingsworth Fort, to which the Governor and the Earl of Newport for safety fled, wherefore the General ordered some Dragoons, with two Companies of Firelocks, and some Sea men to give an Alarm to that Fort, but the enemy doubting their own strength, desired to come to composition, and to yield upon terms, which the General condescended unto, and suffered Sir Henry Cary to march away, leaving the Arms, Ammunition and all in the Fort to his disposing, being thus master of all but the Castle, he sent another Summons to the Governor, who was very pliable and willing to accept of any terms Dire need enforced him, wherefore he sent out as Hostages Mr. Seamor, Mr. Denham, with whom came also the Earl of Newport. There were taken 11 Guns in the Harbour, 103 pieces of Ordnance, 100 Horse, 600 Prisoners, Soldiers. A good proportion of Arms and Ammunition. Men of Quality taken these: Sir Hugh Pollard Governor. Earl of Newport. Colonel Seymour. Lieutenant Colo. Codrington. Blunt. Wadland. Searle. Majors. Fulford. Hooper. Captains. Pollard. Woodly. Samson. Duke. fowel. Colefin. Ford. Blewet. Start. Dewning. Horton. Conway. Reynolds. Philip's. Lieutenants. King. Pollard. Hunt. Duncalf. Many Country Gentlemen, Ministers and inferiors Officers, all the common soldiers as aforesaid. CHAP. III. The General receiveth Poutheram Castle by composition, and prepareth for to fall on the City of Exeter. HAD we any reason to expect, or could our behaviour challenge the least of those infinite mercies the Lord hath been pleased to bestow, and doth still, upon our unworthy and sinful selves, who even when we were pressed and sank under our burdens, when we expected to be delivered into the hands of the malicious and cruel enemy, even then, I say, who was he that truly and sincerely humbled himself under the afflicting hand of God, were not then the alebenches pressed with the weight of Drunkards till they groaned, who mixing oaths with Ale, made an ingredience, which quaffed of, might surely destroy the health both of their bodies and souls. Did not that capital sin of pride reign as kingly, and was borne in as magnificent pomp on the backs of men and women, as ever before or since: Was not the Sabbath as frequently and wickedly profaned as before? And in a word, were not all sins obnoxius and destructive to a Nation, then predominant? and since it hath pleased God to take his hand off from us, and to burn the rod wherewith he erst so sorely scourged us? Who is he that rendereth thanks as he ought? are we not frozenin our dregs, and abide in our wretchedness still? well let us take heed and look to ourselves, lest it happen to us as whilom to that now scattered b The jews. Nation, whom neither judgemements would convince, nor mercies allure. AFter the taking of Dartmouth, the General advanced to Powtheram Castle, situated within three miles of Exeter, and having sent a Summons to Major Fletcher the Governor he accepted thereof, and surrendered the Castle on these terms, that every man should go to his own home, armed with swords only, the other Arms, Ammunition, and whatsoever else was in the Castle, to be delivered up to the General, There were in it 1200 Soldiers. Taken, 1400 Arms, 4 Horses, Match and bullet proportionable. FRom Pawtheram Castle the General advanced towards Exeter, with a resolution to reduce that City, but here the Soldiers undrwent much sorrow, a scarcity of all things necessary: for the enemy having been but a little before them here, had eat up the Country, and as their manner was, and still is, left nothing of worth behind them, so that the General was forced to purvey for his Army, and to fetch provisions from places and Towns far distant from them, the Governor of Exeter doubting of the fidelity of the Townsmen, and of their coherence with the Parliament, to make all sure, and strengthen himself, as he thought, framed, and imposed on all the Inhabitants this Oath. I AB do freely from my heart swear, vow and protest in the presence of Almighty God, that I will use my best ondevour to maintain and defend the City of Exeter against all Forces raised, or to be raised without his Majesty's consent, and particularly against the Forces new under the command of Sir THOMAS FAIRFAX, or any other that shall command them, or any other Forces against this City, all Forces which do or shall adhere to them or their Party, and I will neither directly or iudirectly give, nor as much as in me lies suffer to be given any intelligence, advice or information to the Army, or any of those Forces under the command of Sir Thomas Fairfax, or to any other Forces not raised by the King's consent, which shall now, or hereafter come against, or lie before this City, but will from time to time discover to the Governor of this City, all treacherous Plots, Designs, Conspiracies, or Attempts, which I shall know, hereof, or probably suspect to be plotted against his Majesty's person and this City, or any of his Majesty's Armies, Towns, or Forces, neither will I, nor shall any other by my procurement, directly or indirectly, by words, or otherwise dissuade or discourage, any of the Soldiers or Inhabitants of this City from engaging themselves or persisting in his Majesty's service, or the defence of this City, against the Forces aforesaid, and this I vow and protest, according to the usual sense and meaning of the words, hereof without any equivocation, or mental reservation, so help me, and by the contents of this Book. Thus this cruel and tyannicall Governor, not content to force divers honest and godly men, which were known to be in that City, to expose their lives for the defence of those, who complead and furthered all means and ways, destructive to reformation, but also by this did his utmost to kill their souls by imposing upon them, an unconscionable an wicked oath, but in such cases it is doubtful, whether we may or not, cheer ourselves saying, votum extortum, non esse servandum. CHAP. IU. The General forsaking Exeter, advanceth at Torrington, meeteth with the Lord Hoptons' Forces, whom after abloudy fight he vanquisheth and routeth and after advanceth for Cornwall. THe Parliaments General Sir Thomas Fairfax, hearing of the execrable proceed of the enemy about Torrington, resolved to march thither, and either by fight to impair their strength, or by the terror of his approach, to force them out of those parts, the Leader and Commander in chief of the enemy was the Lord Hopton, a man more rash than valiant, he commanded an Army of four thousand horse, and two thousand foot, who being come to Ring-rash, there pitched his Camp resolved to fight, should the General engage with him. Sir Thomas having left the City of Exeter, begirt with a strong siege, appointing Colonel Hamon to block up the East and West side of the River, and to raise some Sowthams to lie about Totnesse, for the securing of the Coungrey, drew his Army towards Torrington, with purpose, to fight or dislodge the Enemy as aforesaid, the Lord Hopton had all his horse drawn together about Torrington, and with his foot prepared to defend the Town, which he fortified strongly, the General drawing near within two miles of the enemy, received intelligence that a hundred Dragoons had possessest the lodge in the Park, and were fortifying it, who upon the General's nearer approach forsook the house and fled, the Forlorn Hope perceiving took many of them prisoners, and so eagerly chased them, that unawares they came so near the Town, they could not retreat, whereupon the General sent a strong party to bring them off, whose approach the enemy perceiving, they fell upon them, and they on them, so that there happened a bloody skirmish betwixt them, the General fearing the enemy would ore-power them, and hemming them in, cut them to pieces; sent a Colonel with three Regiments of foot and some horse, to lie for Reserves unto them who after long fight, quitting themselves like men put the enemy to flight, and returned the next day: the General apprehending by certain evident signs that the enemy doubting their strength, intended to quit their place, if it were possible without fight, wherefore the General sent forth small parties, to the end of the Town to make a certain discovery, who encroaching near their Works, and being viewed by the enemy, they entertained them with a volley of shot: the General hearing it, and thinking they were engaged, sent a strong party to assist them, and after three Regiments more, after a long fight, and many hot firings Sir Thomas his Soldiers prevailed, and maugre their enemies came up, even to the Barracadoes and line, where at push of pike they continued long in disputation, but at length God assisting them, they beat their enemies from their Works, who flying they entered with them, the middle of the Town, where they endured a hotter skirmish with the horse then erst with the foot, who charged them very resolutely, insomuch, that they were almost forted to forsake the Works again, but that Colonel Hammond, with a new party entered to their assistance, rallyed anew the scattered party Major Stephens with his Forlorn hope coming up to second them, charged the enemy again and put them to flight, the enemy's horse making good their Retreat out of the Town towards the Bridge, a place was very advantageous for them, and occasioned their preservation, the Bridge they went over lying so beyond the Town, as the General's horse could not reach them, but through the Town, which by reason of strait passage through several Baracadoes was very tedious, by means whereof, and of the continued strait lanes, the enemy had to retreat by, after they were over the River, as also by the advantage of the night, and by their perfect knowledge of the Country, and Sir Thomas his soldiers utter ignorance therein, they could do little or no execution upon the pursuit, but parties sent out several ways: did the best they could, and took some prisoners. There were taken in all about 600 common soldiers, the enemy's horse, with the foot that were not taken or killed, fled into Cornwall. A List of the Prisoners taken. Lieutenat Colonel Wood Captain Prideaux. Captain Cowley. Captain Bowne. Captain Minne. Captain Mount. Captain Bennet. Captain Moulin●. Captain Weeks. Commissary Bovey. Lieutenant Hoakie. Lieutenant Kirton. Lieutenant Morris. Lieutenant Green. Lieutenant Mason. Lieutenant Gering. Cornet Wels. Ensign Fielding. Ensign Huggins. Ensign Williams. Allen, Mackmalen. Sergeant Boswell. Sergeant Trevor. Serjeant Pewelly. Sergeant Sheffield, General of the Prince's Lifeguard. 68 Troops of the Lord Hoptons' Lifeguard. Of Culpppers, 7 Of Stukley's, 3 Of Colonel Webs, 2 Of Colonel Huntingdon, 2 Of Colonel Slingsby, 2 Of Colonel Hoptons', 2 Of Colonel Hoopers. 3 Lieutenant Cleulands, 2 Of Colonel Crisps, 1 Of Colonel Gettings, 2 Lord Capulets servants, 5 Colonel Champeroons, 1 Colonel Collins, 8 Colonel Shelleys, 9 Colonel Slaughters, 3 Colonel Arundels, 5 Colonel Trevamors, 5 After the taking of Torrington, the General having placed a strong Garrison of soldiers in it, whom he bound by an oath to keep for the use of the King and his Parliament, he advanced with his whole Army into Cornwall, of whose proceed, read more in the next Chapter. CHAP. V Sir Thomas Fairfax with his Army ariveth in Cornwall, hath divers Skirmishes with the enemy there: the Lord Hopton having recruited himself, committeth many outrages. The Cornish Petition to His Excellency, who having surrounded the Lord Hopton, summons him to yield on Honourable conditions. Hoptons' Answer. FRom Torrington his Excellency advanced to Launceston, where he abode two days to refresh his wearied men, and then advanced six miles further to Bodnam, and sending out a forlorn hope, they happened to encounter with the enemy's Scouts, whom they took, not one man escaping, and being brought to the General confessed, that they belonged to a Guard of 300 horse, that kept on a pass, within three miles of Bodnam, whereupon the General gave order to advance near that place, who on their journey descried where this body of the enemy's horse stood, who faced them for a while, but when they saw them make up to them, they retreated back to Bodnam: Intelligence came now to the General, that the two Companies of Dragoons that were sent towards Camelford, the day before to gain the possession of an house, to the intent that they being there might not fail of Intelligence, whether or no the enemy intended to break through Eastward, I say Intelligence came that these Dragoons were in danger of surprisal by a great body of the enemy's horse, who had watched their opportunity, and got between them and their Rendezvouz: hereupon the General sent a thousand horse to relieve them, but before they came the valiant Dragoons had repulsed and put the Enemy to flight, and returned with the Horse aforesaid. The next morning the General drew up his Army upon a Heath, within two miles of Bodman, and sent a party to discover whether the enemy were yet in the Town or not, who brought word, they had quit the Town the night before both horse and Foot, the Lord Hopton bringing up the Rear himself, the people of Cornwall were generally possessed with fear of Sir Thomas arrival, but when they saw his clement and fair carriage, and that he so ordered his Army, that not the least outrage or villainy was committed, they changed their minds, saying, They found them Friends, and not Enemies, The Lord Hoptons' soldiers, after their quitting of Bodman committed many violent outrages, and forced the Country before them plundering all of Ability to nothing, so that now they began to be abhorred, and stink in the nostrils of the Cornish, who now intended to break their yoke and free themselves from the Egyptian bondage they erst sustained, they therefore unanimously agreed, to put themselves under the protection of the Parliament, and for them and their cause to live and die. The General having received Bodman, thought it fit in his journey to reduce mount Edgeombe, and for that end sent a Summons to the Governor, willing him to surrender the said Mount into his hands for the use of King and Parliament, the Governor at that exceedinly straighmed for provisions, gladly accepted his offer on this condion, the Fort surrendered to disband his Regiment, and departed to his own dwelling. There were taken these Gentlemen whose names are here inserted, who desired to be under the protection of the Parliament. The Lord Mohan. Sir John Trel●●ny. Sir Nicholas Lower. Pierce Edgcombe Esquire. William Scawer Esquire. Master Corriton. William Bond Esquire. Richard Edgcombe Esquire, Master Glanvile Esquire, Major Nicholas Saul, Captain William Bond, Captain Bourne. Alexander Lower Esquire. M. Francis Saul Esquire. Nathaniel Trevanion, of Tregerthen Esquire. Major William Trevisa of Crookdon. Esquire. John Batershy Esquire. Richard Spur Esquire. John Roe Esquire. Master Rashly. Master John Trevery. Master Bagley. Master Walter Hele. Lieutenant Col. Fortescue. Major Warren. Sir Richard Prideaux High-sheriff of the County. Also M. Arrundell the Papist, a man of means, desires to be under the Parliaments protection. I spoke a little before of the intentions of the Cornishmen, to submit themselves to the Parliament, proffering to rise in arms for them, and to serve under their Noble General Sir Thomas Fairfax, now as a witness of their real intentions, they sent one Master Vivian, and others with a Petition to the General, the contents whereof were these: To the right Honourable Sir Thomas Fairfax Captain Generll of the Forces raised by the High Court of Parliament, under his command, and other the renowned Worthies of the Army. Right Honourable: WE though not an acceptable number of a more unaceptable County, have by God's blessing so fair an advantage of giving our due respects to your Honour, do with them present our persons also, which we most unfeignedly protest have been hitherto by us, most unvoluntarily separated, as our former readiness, and frequent endeavours, to advance this service, besides imprisonments, fines, or other most miserable sufferings, can evidently testify, and therefore we humbly bless the great Lord of Hosts, by whose providence you are made such victorious Instruments of our deliverance from such intolerable bondage, and next to our great and wise Counsel, by whose public care and mission, we have the happiness this day to see you conquerors, for the preservation of our religion so long violated, and restitution of our liberty so long enthralled: neither may we omit a grateful acknowledgement of the unattempted valour and vigilancy which hath been so magnanimously exercised for the reducing of this unhappy Kingdom, from the woeful condition of a bloody war, to so fair hopes of an assured and happy peace: and since it hath pleased God, thus to bless us, we presume not to motion, through difference their future care of his glory, and of the Commonwealth's good, having so many rare examples of your readiness to defend both: however give us leave as a people, that to our great grief and misery, have a long time wanted the happy influence and equity of the Laws to mention our desires of their reparation, whereby also to distinguish ourselves from those, who have with an high hand endeavoured to subvert them, and as hitherto have not wanted our prayers to God for a blessing on your Counsels and actions: So now your Honour shall not want the ready though weak assistance of our lives and fortunes, etc. The wonderful and admirable providence of God, in so short a time to turn the hearts of an averse and diversovelent people, and to make them become pliable, conformable and desirous of that good, of that good which before they contemned and abhorred, the renowned General Sir Thomas Fairfax, having pursued, over taken, and almost surrounded the enemy, commanded by the Lord Hopton, who since his last discomfiture at Torrington, had recruited and made up a more numerous Army then before, thought it good, no doubt, moved by the spirit of God thereto to send him a summons, the acceptance whereof might hinder the inevitable ruin that else would happen on both sides: the summons this. Sir, the goodness of God to his people, and his just hand against Hopton summoned. their enemies your forces, being reduced to such a condition as to my sense, the same hand of God continuing with us, they are not likely to have subsistence, or shelter long, or to scape thence, or if they could have whither to go for better, I have thought good for the preventing of more bloodshed, or of further hardship or extremity, to any but such whose hearts, God shall harden to their destruction, to send you this summons for yourself and them to lay down their Arms, withal a tender of such conditions, as upon present surrender, and an engagement never more to bear Arms against the Parliament, it may be better than any thing they can rationally expect, by farther standing out. First, therefore to Soldiers in general, whether English or Forraigner, I shall grant liberty either to go beyond sea, or to their homes in England, as they please, and to such as English, as shall choose to live at home, my protectton for the liberty of their persons, and for the immunity of their estates, and all to go their ways with what they have, save their horses and sword. But for the Officers in commission, and Gentlemen of quality I shall allow them to go with Horses for themselves, and one servant or more suitable to their quality, and with arms befitting Gentlemen in a condition of peace. To all Troopers and the inferior Horse Officers bringing and delivering up their horses and arms 20 shillings in lieu of their horses, to carry them home. To English Gentlemen of considerable estates, my pass and recommendation to the Parliament, for their moderate composition. Lastly for yourself, besides what is before employed to you in common with others, you may be assured of such mediation to the Parliament on your behalf, both from myself and others, as one whom for many gifts and personal worth we esteem above any other of your party, supposing you more swayed with principles of honour and conscience, we most pity, and whose happiness so far as is consistent with the public welfare, we should delight in more than in our long sufferings. These things not from any need or other end then humane, having offered I leave to your consideration, and those whom they concern. Desiring yours and their speedy resolving, which I pray may be such as may be most for the honour of God, and welfare of this poor Kingdom. Thomas Fairfax. This summons being sent by a Trumpeter, to the Lord Hopton, he received it with meekness, and used the Trumpeter very courteously, and dimissed him with this that he would send an Answer, by a Trumpeter of his own, which the next day he failed not to do, the General perusing the Letter, found the contents thereof, such as emplyed a willingness to end the business of the West without more bloodshed, also he desired in his letter Commissioners should be appointed on both sides to meet together, and treat of their conclusion and final agreement, see at large in the next Book. The end of the second Book. THE YEAR OF JUBILEE: The third Book. CHAP. I. Sir Thomas Fairfax conclusion and final agreement with the Lord Hopton, for the disbanding his forces and submitting to the Parliament, the Articles of Agreement betwixt Sir Thomas Fairfax and him. THough we must confess, and aught with all thankfulness and humility to acknowledge, that the mercies of God in assisting the forces of the Parliament, fight for his cause have been many and great, yet not any one of them, as I may speak with reverence, may be compared, or were equivalent to this great favour of God, that he should give the General of the enemy an heart, not being plunged in any great or extraordinary misery, not wanting a considerable and strong party: which according to the best information, and by the confession of our enemies; was not less than four, some will have them five thousand horse, that thereby not only so great a body of Cavalry was broken, but so many both Officers and Soldiers, disobliged from taking arms, and at such a time, when they expected a foreign aid to join with them, I say that God should do so for us, and make him to compound, may convince the most malignant spirit, and give notice to the whole world, the Parliaments real intentions: but to our History. I spoke before of the Lord Hoptons' desiring Commissioners, might be appointed on both sides to treat, which the General Sir Thomis Fairfax willingly agreed to, and nominated in the behalf of himself these, viz. Colonel Ireton, Colonel Lambert, Colonel Aubin, Commissary General Stane, Captain Edward Herle, Richard Dean controller of the Ordnance. On the behalf of the Lord Hopton these: Col. Charles Goring, Col. Marcus Trevor, Col. Thomas Panton, Col. John Bovill, Sir Richard Prideaux, Major Got●●re, During the Treaty, and before the Articles were confirmed and ratified by the Commissioners on both sides, these Gentlemen came to the General Sir Thomas Fairfax, and desired to be under the protection of the Parliament. 33 Lieutenant Colonels, Sejeant Majors and Captains, Forty Gentlemen of quality, The Gover. of Man's C●s●●. Also the Cornish soldiers prostrating their arms and 〈◊〉 at the General's feet, protested that they would never be wrought or persuaded, by any whatsoever for the future, to fight against the Parliament. The Lord Hoptons' soldiers, especially the Foreigners hearing of the noble proffer that the Parliements General Sir Thomas Fairf●● had made, pressed on Hopton, and urged him with vehemency to accept of the rare offer, which he did not, or to say truth, Durst not gainsay, but sending another Letter to Sir Thomas, desiring him to hasten, and that the Articles being penned might be ratified and confirmed, the General though if he would have been rigorous and implacable, considering the former fury and rage of the enemy, he might at his pleasure have killed or taken them, yet he would not give way to passion or revenge, esteeming it a disparagement to his Honour, to insult over a dejected or disabled foe: the Heathen could of that noblest of beasts, Magnanimo, satis est praedam prostrasse Leoni, Pugnasuam finem, cum jacet hostes habet. Paraphrased: The noble Lion doth his power lay by, And counts it glory, if his foe he hath Brought low, and scorns to hurt his enemy If he submit: he will not harbour wrath. The Articles between the Lord Hopton, and Sir Thomas Fairfax were these. 1. THat the Army and Forces under the command of the Lord Hopton, shall within six days after the date hereof be wholly disbanded and discharged by the Lord Hopton, and the Generals, Colonels, Captains, and alother Officers, according to the several charges hereafter expressed. 2. That all Troopers, Corporals of Horse, Farriers and Sa●lers, shall bring in, and deliver up their Horses, with bridles, saddles, and all the arms unto his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax, or whom he shall appoint, that all Troopers and Corporals, that shall appear Gentlemen of worth, shall be allowed to carry with them their swords. 3. That upon performance hereof they shall receive 20 shillings a man, and shall have passes if they please to go beyond Sea. 4. That those Commission Officers of Horse under the Lord Hopton, and all Trumpeters belonging to them, shall have liberty either to go to their on homes in England, or beyond the Seas, with their bag and baggage, and shall have such number of Horse and Equipage, as is hereafter allowed, according to their several qualities. 5. That is to say, For those that shall choose to go beyond the Seas, the full number of horses, and five arms, if they have so many of their own. To Trumpeters one horse a piece, and their trumpets. To Quartermasters two horses, and one case of Pistols. To Cornets three horses, and two case of Pistols. To Lieutenants four horses, and three case of Pistols. To Captains, Majors, and Lieutenant Colonels six horses apiece, and four case of Pistols. To Colonels eight horses, and six case of Pistols. To the adjutant General six horses, and four case of Pistols. To the other adjutants, of Brigades three horses apiece, one case of Pistols. To the Major General twelve horses, and six case of Pistols. To the Scout-master General six horses, one case of Pistols. To the Quartermaster General four six horses, two case of Pistols. To the Martial General four horses, one case of Pistols. To the Commissary General of horse-provisions, three horses, and a case of Pistols, etc. Every Officer having Arms and Horses more or less according to his degree, which were needless and tedious to express, being subscribed unto by the Commissioners on both sides, and hestages given and received for the true performance: the Lord Hopton disbanded. The news whereof so much discouraged Col. Trevanton, Governor of the Fort and Harbour at Pe●rin, that he sent to the General, desired to surrender, and prayed that he might be included in the Treaty with the Lord Hopton, and enjoy the benefit of the Articles agreed, or, for the dissolving of Hoptons' Army, by which means the West was cleared of a Field Army, and the hearts of the Royal Party did quail. CHAP. II. Sir Thomas Fairfax receiveth the famous City of Exeter by composition, and begirteth the City of Oxford, with a strong siege. HAving brought our famous and renowrned General Sir Thomas Fairfax, to the Walls of the chief and grand Garrison, of the enemy, the City Oxford, he having by God's assistance, all others of worth and validity: So that now the cause of God, and the Defenders of his Truth are exalted, and his enemies subdued and brought low. It is meet I should give thanks to God, and laud his name for his so great mercies. An Hymn to GOD. O Thou who art Etern, from whose bright eye nothing can hidden lie: Who rul'st the things above, and oak below, And all men's hearts dost know. Enter my frozen breast, and let there be A warmth infused in me That I may laud thy Name, as it is meet, Extol thy mercies sweet. First, that thou Lord wert pleased for to give An heart to some to strike: And seek thy glory, when alas we thought In bondage to be brought. And when we trembled, these things for to see, Adhered to Popery▪ Next that thou hast been pleased for to bless, And crown with good success Their just endeavours, so that now we may Serve thee without gainsay. And hast subdued thy foes, so that theirs non● Thy truth to tread upon. Go on our God, we pray, and crown the and, Thy goodness still extend. So shall those that hare thy ways convicted be, To see how wondrously: Thou hast supported us through dangers, great, And troubles that didst threat. But let not us, we thee entirely pray, Be not brought unto decay. By David's Division, but so order thou And such prudence allow Unto the State of England, that they may Be able for to stay Aided by thee, all ills, that else would hap, Are laid us to entrap: That having settled thy true worship, We May have CONFORMITY. We spoke afore in the fourth Chapter of the second Book, how the General having left a strong party to block up Exeter, advanced after Hopton into Cornwall, and having obtained a bloodless Victory over him, and settled Cornwall under the Parliaments protection, he returned with his whole Army from the West, and finding the City of Exeter not yet reduced to the obedience of the Parliament, he drew up his Army before it, and sent the a Sir john Be●kley. Governor this Summons. Sir, being retured with my Army from the West, where it pleased God to bestow a dry and bloodless Victory upon me, to the great peace and quiet of those parts, and conceiving it my duty likewise to endeavour the good of this County, which by occasion of your Garrison, is necessarily obstructed, I thought fit once more to send you a summons, to deliver up to me the City of Exeter, with the Castle, Forts, Arms and Ammunition, believing by this you are satisfied of the relief you expected of the Prince's Army, & may equally be of any relief, to come from any other place if your intelligence and knowledge, were the same with ours, there is nothing more induceth me hereunto, than an unfeigned zeal, to save any further bloodshed, and as much as in me lies to preserve that City, which hath already suffered deeply, in these unnatural distractions, though I shall not boast of my number or strength, yet I must needs tell you that I doubt not but the same power, which hath formerly made difficult things easy will answer this, and will quit me from being counted the occasioner of those inconveniences and miseries that will necessarily ensue upon your refusal: Sir, I shall expect your speedy and positive Answer, I rest your Servant, Thomas Fairfax. Sir john Berkley upon receipt of this Summons, called a Council of War, who after long debate, concluded that Commissioners should be chosen to treat, whereof one part should be for the Gentry, another for the Soldiery, a third part for the Clergy, and the fourth part for the inhabitants of the City, the Commissioners nominated; they sent their intentions to Sir Thomas, he yielded thereto, and appointed a place of meeting to be at Poultermore house, three miles from Exeter, the Commissioners on the behalf of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax were these: Lieutenant General Hamond. Colonel, Sir Hardresse Waller. Colonel Lambert. Colonel Harley. Colonel Pry. Commissary Stane. The Governor Sir John Berkley appointed these. Sir Henry Berkley. Sir George Carry. Col. Will. Ashburnham, Col. Godolphin, Cap. Fitzgarret, Master John Wears, Mr. Robert Walker, Mr. Thomas Knight, Mr. Thomas Kendal, Mr. Thomas Ford, Sir John Berkley. The day appointed, the Commissioners met at the place aforesaid, two for the Gentry, two for the soldiery, two for the Clergy, and two for the Inhabitants of the City, and Sir Thomas his Commissioners aforenamed, Articles were performed as agreed on, and the City delivered unto His Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax, there were found therein 30 Pieces of Ordnance, 3 Murdering pieces, 100 Barrels of powder, 500 Muskets, 100 Pikes, 80 Tun of wine. Sir John Berkley marched out of Exeter with 200 of the enemy towards Oxford, which place he had nominated for his refuge Garrison. The Parliament knowing that the Princess Heneretta Maria with her Governess resided in this City, gave the General notice, she should go with a sufficient convoy, with their plate, money, and goods, wheresoever her Governess pleased, the King hearing hereof desired she might be at Richmond, which was assented to. From Exeter Sir Thomas Fairfax was desired by the Houses of Parliament, to advance for Oxford, and to lay siege to it, and God assisting to take it, at that present his Majesty being in person there, the reason, he had no place of strength else to be in, some Lords exempted from mercy in the propositions to be sent to the King for peace, desired the King to pass with them out of Oxford ere the siege was planted: Answer was returned by some other Lords, that the King needed not to fear so sudden a siege yet, but notwithstanding when they saw Sir Thomas in truth intended the siege, all of them were desirous to have him gone, peradventure hoping thereby, to make the better conditions for themselves. However, the King left Oxford, it was said by some he went towards Wales, and so for Ireland, others for the North, and so towards Montrosse, but the House of Commons Apr. 9 received intelligence that the King in a private manner departed out of Oxford, his beard shaved close, and not after his wont manner, his own hair turned up, and a periwig on his head, of a black colour, accompanied only with three, and one of them his Majesty waited on, after the manner of a Servingman. His bosom friend the Duke of Richmond, the Earl of Lindsey, the King's Cupbearer, Sir William Fleetwood, The King's Standard-bearer and Knight Martial, Sir Edward Sydenham, and Mr. Carew of the bed chamber, came to Colonel Ramsborough, and cast themselves on the mercy of the Parliament, who ordered they should be committed as prisoners to Warwick Castle. CHAP. III. Sir Thomas Fairfax receiveth Bostell Garrison by composition, likewise Oxford and Farrington, the Articles agreed on for the surrender of each of them. NOw 'gins the impetuous shock of War to abate its strength and fury, and as the tired Garrisons yet untaken do faint and quail, (so gathers England spiret and new life) thou that hast honoured those that honour thee, and those that regarded thee not thou hall lightly esteemed, what dull and Lethargic humour puzels our sense, that yet we far as those Israelites, who having vanquished their foes, fled from their own shadows, why sing we not Hymns to the highest, and out-joy joy itself? knowing that what our forefathers durst not imagine, ourselves some years passed despaired to attain, is now accrued: and God assisting like to continue to the incredible good of our posterity. What spirit of diffention tyrannizeth over the minds of some, that they instead of giving Thanks, they have not been devoured by the Alldevouring Sword? murmur and repine that they are impedited from following after their Ignes fatuus, which will lead them to the whirlpool of decay: and as if they envied their own happiness. Some instead of honouring and putting their hands under their feet to do them good, who have under God been the saviours of their lives and states: I say instead of so doing, some stick not to accuse those worthy and ever to be renowned Patriots the House of Peers, as desirous of Illegal and Tyrannical power, rail against their Sovereign, whom though he hath been led away to the hurt of his people by his and their enemies, yet we hope that the spirit of disaffection abandoned, he may yet comply with his and their Country's lovers, and put to his helping hand for the repairing of Zions breaches, and make them stronger than before, but all this time I shall but delay the Reader from more pleasing discourse. Sir Thomas Fairfax having sent a Summons to the Governor of Bostoll Garrison, Sir William Campion Britanicus once termed him the brother of Campion the Jesuit whether or no is not material, at first he was some thing peremptory in his answer, but by degrees he declined, and began to talk of accommodation, Commissioners on both sides were appointed to treat, and to agree on Articles for the surrender of the Garrison. The Commissioners for Sir Thomas Fairfax were Quartermaster General Gravener, Major Harison, Major Huntingdon, Major Shilborn. The Commissioners for Sir William Campion were Sir George Anglingby, Captain George Kingsbey, Captain David Wyrell, Edward Campion. These Commissioners being met, after sometime of Debate they came to a conclusion, and agreed on Articles for the surrender of the Garrison, with all the Ordnance, Arms and Ammunition, the heads of the Articles these. 1 THat the Garrison of Bostoll with all the Ordnance, Arms, and Ammunition, and all other provisions and furniture of War be delivered to his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax. 2 That the Governor with his proper servants, and all Officers in Commission and Gentlemen shall march away with their Horses, Arms, and Goods, properly belonging to them. 3 That all those that desire to make composition with the Parliament, shall have the General's effectual recommendation. 4 That all those that are desirous to go over beyond the Seas, shall have the Generals pass for that purpose. To the Scholars of the now surrendered Oxford. RAve not nor be discontented ye men of Art, Mars hath a long time usurped even the Muse's Bower, Clio and her sisters have sat weeping, Apollo having thrown away his Harp, despaired ever to strike on his Lyre, but now the surly Music of the Drum, horrid to female cares leaves talking, they will resume their pristinate order, and chant as loud as ever before. Why should you lament, or wearing your gowns only on one shoulder, your arms folded with all, to see you shall enjoy your ancient rights, and receive not the least damage by being under the power of Parliament? What though you part with your Organs, whose enchanting melody you whilom so highly advanced, the harmony of your well tuned voices, will equal if not excel the other, and God will be better pleased there with? What though the gorgeous Copes be out of fashion, and men are so far enlightened, that they desire not to see one representing Caiphas kneeling before an Altar by Taper-light, and mumbling to himself Matins not worth the hearing? Is it not worth the hearing, is it not better to see on kneeling, clad in plain black cloth, making an oration to God pithy and pious? What though your Crosses are demolished, and the pictures of dead Saints removed, alas, this will occasion you no damage at all, never doubt but crosses enough will cleave to you more than you would, for as that holy Apostle, the Holy Ghost witnesseth, saith he, that bonds and afflictions attend me, so I and you and you may say, that experience teacheth, that poverty is the patrimony of the Muses, and that troubles and neglect, contumelies and vilifyings attend the learned, but bark on you Wolf-faced worldlings, as the height of the Moon surpasseth the earth, so far different are you in worth from the knowing, handsome pictures, walking shadows, and indeed comely beasts, but I run the hazard of severe censure from some shallow Critic. Now to my History. Sir Thomas as aforesaid having begirt the City of Oxford with a strong siege, his wisdom in managing Military Affairs for the reducement thereof is to be admired, to speak of Oxford, it was very strongly fortified (should I err if I said impregnable, the chiefest Town of strength the King had: a summons being sent into the Governor Sir Thomas Glemham, but slighted, the General called a Council of war to consult what course would be most expedient for the present, some talked of storming, others of starving them out, but the prudent and renowned General maturely considering the strength of the Town which he knew was so fortified, that it was almost unaccessible, next their provisions of victuals in the Town, which he was certainly informed would last them six months. And thirdly, considering that the propounding honourable terms might save the bloodshed would inevitably follow by assauking the Town, and impede the ruin and destruction of so famous a City: I say on these considerations, the General with the consent of all his Officers in chief, sent them Articles, and an exhortation to yield on terms, the Governor accepted the proffer of treating, and Marston was the place appointed where the Commissioners were to meet and treat, the Commissioners on both sides met, and after some days spent in pro and con at length these Articles were assented to and hostages given on both sides for their true performance, the Articles these. 1 THe Duke of York is to have liberty to come to London; with attendance and necessaries fit for his Highness his Majesty is to have notice of it, and his Highness is to remain at such a place, with such attendance as the Parliament shall appoint, within the compass of fourscore miles of London. 2 The two Germane Princes, to have Passes to go beyond Sea, not to come within 20 miles of London, nor remain in England above four Months, nor do no act against the Parliament. 3 Sir Thomas Glemham, and all other Commanders, Officers, and Soldiers, to march out with Horse, Arms, Colours, Trumpets, Drums, Matches light, and Bullets in their mouths, every Soldier to have 12. Charges of ponder, and their proper Goods, and so to march 15. miles whither Sir Thomas Glemham will, and there to lay down their Arms and deliver them to his Excellency, or to whom he shall appoint, and as many as will are to go to the own dwellings. 4 That all Officers and Soldiers and others, that shall go to their own homes shall act nothing to the prejudice of the Parliament, and are to have Passes for their protection, etc. That they shall have free quarter in their march to their own dwellings. That each man shall carry with him that which is his proper goods: that any Officer or Soldier that shall have desire to serve any foreign Prince shall have pass to go, and free quarter for 28 days, That such shall have liberty to pass to London to treat with any foreign Ambassador, and have liberty to come in equipage suitable to his degree: That then they shall have pass, and to be transported, etc. That none of the Soldiers shall be reproached or abused, nor forced to serve against their will. That those that are sick or wounded have liberty to stay and care taken of them till they be recovered. That whosoever they have taken as lawful prize since the siege was before Oxford shall continue in the hands of the possessor. That the Lords, Gentlemen, Officers, Clergy men, shall have liberty to compound for their estates, and not exceed two years' revenue: That all persons whatsoever during the time agreed upon, for their stay in England, may have liberty to stay in Oxford, or with other friends as they will, and without prejudice to there friends that receive them. Let God have all the glory for this mercy and all other infinite mercies, which after a special manner he hath showered upon our unworthy heads, this last and never to be forgotten year: and let the name of the worthy Instrument of his glory Sir Thomas Fairfax be had in perpetual honour. FINIS.