Truth's Discovery OF A black Cloud in the North: SHOWING Some Antiparliamentary, inhuman, cruel, and base proceed of the Scotch Army against the well-affected in the North of England. Set forth in several letters from Northumberland, Bishoprrick: and Yorkshire: some whereof were signified to the Parliament.  ISAIAH 33.1. Woe to thee that spoilest, and thou not spoilt; and dealest treacherously, and men dealt not treacherously with thee. When thou shalt cease to spoil thou shalt be spoilt. When thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee. ISA. 58.4. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness.  

The Publishers to the Readers.  
To all that stand for Truth & Peace, Truth and Peace be multiplied.  
FRiends and Countrymen, Though you are the friends of truth, yet (it may be) you are ignorant of truth's discovery of this black cloud in the North. But behold, here we present it unto your view, as a thing worthy of your diligent perusal, and serious consideration. And though it be a small foreshortned piece, yet herein is discovered the evil dealing of those who pretend themselves to be the friends of truth, but are not so in deed and in truth, for if they had intended as they pretended, sure they would not have showed themselves as they now appear to be, even deceitful, falsehearred, covetous plunderers and oppressors, tormentors and destroyers of the Countries, If they were, as they would by us for the present, be accounted to be, than they would not so entertain the Papistical and Prelatical Snakes in their bosoms, hold secret consultation with such enemies of God, breathe out threaten against the good, protect, encourage, and uphold the bad, nor preserve and reserve them, to act their mischievous purposes. If these men were indeed as they ought to be, then would they not make their solemn League & Covenant to be as the Serpent's tail is, to turn which way their mind is bend, to wrap in rapes, murders, robberies, persecutions, and what they please; as if the Scots will, must be a Law, to force the freeborn subjects of England, contrary to their Fundamental Laws. O thou virgin-daughter of Israel in England, stir up thy strength, mount on high with thy eagle's wings of divine protection, and though these thine enemies have gathered the corrupt and putrified waters, from divers places, to make up one Sea to spew out at once upon thee, to swallow thee up alive on a sudden; they shall not be able to prevail against thee, though hell gates be on their side, and hand join in hand, they shall not go unpunished.  
Consider one thing more, which is, that the Papists, Prelates, and Antichristian Presbyters, are now linked all in one chain, and doing one work, even opposing the heavenly powers, and these three are like, (if not the very same) with those three unclean Spirits like Frogs, which came out of the mouth of the Dragon, and out of the mouth of the Beast, and out of the mouth of the false Prophet, Revel. 16.13. Such Spirits of Devils which delude sinful men with their false miracles, are the prime fomenters and raisers of bloody wars and sedition, under the pretence of Religion and Reformation.   

The information of Thomas Hanmer, June the 12. 1646. At the Committee for the Army, and after reported to the house of Commons.  
Having some cause to believe, the latter end of March last, that there was a private treaty between the King and the Scots, and that the King was upon a resolution to go into Scotland, or to the Scotch Army, and that this treaty was m●●iged by the intervention of Montrevill the French Agent, and designed in France, I conceived this Council and intention of the Kings not only infinitely prejudicial to himself and this Kingdom, but dishonourable to the English Nation, in discerting them, and thereby rendering their sinclity more suspected than the Scots, and thought it my duty both as an English man, and as his Majesty's servant, to discover my knowledge thereof in season, to such as I thought might possibly prevent the mischiefs which I fear would attend the design, I therefore acquainted some of the Committee of both Kingdoms with what follows, according to the times hereafter mentioned.  
The 4. of April; That one of the Scots Commissioners told me, that he believed and would lay a waiger that the King would be in London or in the Scoch Army very speedily, perhaps before Wednesday night next, if he could pass, and that if he came to the Scots, they would receive him, and entertain him civilly, and stand to him in his rights.  
Another Scottish Gentleman, being a brother in law of the said Commissioner, told me the same evening, that the said Commissioner had in great secrecy, assuered him, that the King would be very suddenly with the Scots, and that a messenger was sent to the King the night before, from a party here, to advise him what to do, and that Newarke would be very speedily surrendered.  
10. of April, the said Commissioner told me that the King would endeavour to get to their Army before Newarke, and if he came safe thither would send to the Parliament, to offer to pass the Propositions of Uxbridge, and there upon if the Parliament refused a peace, he doubted not but 2. parts of 3. in England, would be for the King, and he was sure that the whole Kingdom of Scotland would be as one man for him: for then there would be no Montrosses.  
29. of April, Being the fast day, the said Commissioner and his brother in law called at my lodging, and the Commissioner with great joy told me the news of the Kings getting safe out of Oxford, and that some of the Scottish horse before Newarke would advance to meet him, to bring him to the Parliament here, which he said smiling. I than asked whither Lesly would receive him? and his brother answered that my Lord Lauderdall had gone down to take order for that.  
The 4. of May, the said Commissioners brother told me that they did not yet hear where the King was, but perhaps he would go to Scotand first (and not to the Army) that he might first disband Montrosse and settle that Kingdom, that the Scots would keep all fair correspondency with the Parliament, until they had satisfied the people with their papers and declarations: that they expected 5000. more out of Scotland, and that if they came to a breach with the parliament they could (with the forces they would draw out of Ireland and Scotland) make an Army of 6000. and 26000. Foot, and should be assisted out of France, with 3000. Horse, and 10000 Foot; And Horse were excepted out of Denmark, And the Sweed would certainly aid them, And they doubted not of a great party in England.  
The 7. of May, he confirmed this assurance of foreign Succours, and said that Newarke would be offered to the Scots, but it should be delivered to the Parliament to carry all appearance of fairness, and then the Scots Army would immediately retreat to Newcastle, & that the King would suddenly send letters to the Parliament here, & to the City of London, to offer peace upon the propositions of Uxbridge; the same night the said Commissiondrs told me, the City of London would be for them, and that the King would send letters to the Parliament and City to the aforesaid purpose.  
The Saturday morning before the King's last letters were delivered to the Parliament, the Commissioners said brother in law, informed me of the tenor thereof, and that my Lord Balcarrisd had brought copies of them to show before hand to their friends here, and that the Messenger stayed by the way with the letters, and should not come with them to the house till they had consulted here, and agreed upon the fittest time for the delivery of them.  
I understood also out of France, before the Kings going from Oxford, that they expected dally to hear of the King's safe arrival in the North, and was informed that Montrevill the French Agent had treated the business betwixt the King and the Scots, and when he had concluded on all things with the King, he went before to Leslys' Army to take order for his reception there, and that the King had the honour and faith of the Scots engaged to him, to stick to him in the business of the Militia, and to be used well in all things, if he would comply with them in the Church Government, which they must in honour stand for,: and that the Queen Regent of France, and the Queen of England had agreed to the design of the Kings going to the Scots: who labour now to have the Prince there also: I mean the Scots labour, his highness coming to Scotland.  
THO: HANMER.  
This (being thus subscribed) was after by the said Gentleman Thomas Hanmer (being called into the bar) owned and avoved is that he would stand too.   

A letter from sundry of the Committee of York to the Committee of the Lords and Commons.  
Although we are a most ashamed still to trouble you with the sad story of the condition of that part, and this poor County which lies groaning (and now ready to expire) under the burden of Scottish horse, being very confident that if something of a more general concernment had not intervened you would ere this have provided and applied such a plaster, as might have either cured or cased our fore, yet we must crave leave to put you in mind, that if relief come not presently, it will be too late to think upon us, when we are perished, and the whole Kingdom endangered in our ruin, for we are brought to so low an ebb that a very few days will now serve to stop our breath, and quit you of our further Clamour, and it cannot be expected but that nature will make some reluctancy in its dissolution, our fear is, that extremity of misery will produce despair, and that men will not be able with patience to see their wives and children die for want of bread, before their faces, which unevitably they must do if not speedily prevented, Sir, some of us have seen the sufferings, and all of us the tears of the Country, which are such as we cannot express, nor expect you can conceive them to be so great, and many as they are; besides their extraordinary losses, and charges, their ordinary essesments where the Scottish forces are quartered, are levied and paid after the rate of about 140000. l. a month upon the whole County which is 2● times so much as they ought to levy by the Ordnance of Parliament of the association, a burden, by continuance grown so insupportable, as that the Country, redacted to this weakness is not able to undergo it, and when they can pay no longer, we do not know (but may well fear) what will ensue; Whereas we understand that you were informed that Vanderhursts Regiment was reduced: it is true, they were lately reduced forth of Cleaveland, into Richmondshire, where the most of them are dispersed among other Regiments, and so we fear it may prove a greater plague to the Country then before, they being for the most part English Caviliers, and disorderly beyond belief; Yesterday a Major of Sir john Brownes Regiment, came to us, with a message from his Coll. out of Cleaveland, that they desire inlargment of Quarters, which we not being able to grant, he returned displeased. Thus having given you this account, and implored your speedy care of our fainting condition, and of the danger to the public which is imminent, we conceive we discharge our duties, and hope we shall be free from the blame of what we fear may unhappily fall out, if not timely prevented, by takeing such speedy course for the removal of the Scottish horse out of this poor wasted County, as to your wisdoms may seem fit, which is the cry of the dying people, and request of  
York, june the 26. 1646. Your most humble servants. 

Io: Bourchier, vic. Com:  
Rich. Darly,  
Ro. Berwick,  
Darcy Wentworth,  
Ric. Robinson,  
Jo. Farrer,  
Io. Wastall,  
Will. Ingilby,  
Tho. St. Nicholas.  
Ra. Rymore.  
Bar. Bourchier.     

Here followeth the Copy of a Letter, sent from a Gentleman of good Worth in York, touching the Scots proceed in England, being worth our observation.  
SIR,  
HAving seen and perused some Papers presented to the Parliament by the Committee of Scotland concerning their intentions, I was desirous to satisfy myself by the best grounds and knowledge I could of the reality thereof, and their performances accordingly, having heard much talk, that no Papists nor Cavaliers were admitted to the King since his coming into the Army. I found that observed as it was when the King set forth his Oaths to Men and Vows to God, That no Papist should come to his Court, nor into his Army; for at his being at Doncaster the Gentlemen principally, that kept him company there, were, Sir James Lashly, a Papist, and a Cavaleere; Colonel Ashburnham, and Mr. Hudson, and to colour the surrender of these Gentlemen to the Parliament, they had a Message brought from London post, by Colonel Stockdall to Sherburne, of the approach of 5000. Horse of Sir Thomas Fairefax his Army, which occasioned a sudden march away with the King and a Guard to be kept against York, who at his coming to Durham had no small number of Cavaliers to welcome him thither, whose words, and gestures, did so terrify the well affected (considering the access they had to kiss the King's hand, and make known their conditions and complaints unto him) that it made many well affected to the Parliament to retire to places of security, fearing then that, which subtlety and time will without question produce.  
At his coming to Newcastle, further to colour their design they set a Citizen to guard every post, that no Englishman should come into that Town without knowledge what he was, where (by experience) I know the free egress and regress the Cavaliers have had into the Town and to his Majesty, namely Sir Hugh Carthwright, Sir James Lashly, Lieutenant Colonel Carr, with many more which I could name, the last of which named (its said) hath gone eight several times betwixt the King and Montrosse [but for certain betwixt the King and Montrosse he did go and carried the Message for him to cease Hostility,] and since that, Sir jacob Lashly, carried the Message likewise for the Earl of Antrim to cease Hostility, besides the Messengers the King hath sent both from Newcastle and Sunderland to the Queen in France, and the Messengers come to him from beyond Sea, and the retinue of Cavaliers about him, Servants, attendants now to his Person, which (when considered) puts me in mind of a paper from the Commissioners, dated the 25. of May, 1646. Wherein the Lords of the Committee at Newcastle declare, that directly, nor indirectly, they had no hand in Mr. ashburnham's escape (which is as true, as they knew not of any intentions of the Kings coming to their Army before he came amongst them, notwithstanding Master Hudson told Mr. Bribeck of the County of Durham, that he had gone four times betwixt the King and them, and that it was concluded on, before he came from Oxford) when the day before, Ashburnham was declared to be wanting: A Lord of that Kingdom went forth of Newcastle with him, and Ashburnham came not into Newcastle again. After his Lordship's servants parted with him, which occasions resemble a speech lately made by the Earl of Argile, wherein he mentions a Declaration to be set forth, of the good affection and intention of that Army, which makes me wonder with what face any man of that Nation dares express so much as is already in many Books, when it is very well known to all impartially affected that knows them, that the generality of Officers and Soldiers in that Army, do express themselves in opposition and dislike of the Parliament's proceed, banning with many Oaths, that they will fight for the King against the Parliament of England, alleging, that the Parliament hath dishonourably abused the King, the truth whereof If it were required I could make appear by 100 testimonies on both sides.  
And if their intentions were for Peace, and a resolution to go home and to be satisfied with their pay, considering the words of their agreement with our Commissioners at Edinburgh the 29. of November, 1643. following (it not amounting to the full month's pay shall be monthly allowed and paid the sum of 30000. pound starling by the Parliament of England, and in case that notwithstanding, the said monthly sum of thirty thousand pound paid as aforesaid, the States and Kingdom of Scotland shall have just cause demand further satisfaction of their Brethren of England; when the Peace of both Kingdoms is settled, for the pains, hazard, and charges they have undergone in the same) If that would satisfy them, than what means the increase of their Army since the Kings going Northwards? their bringing 3000. men into this Kingdom, many of which to my knowledge never were in England before, though they bring them under a notion of Old Soldiers run from their Colours, What means their bringing 5. Companies out of Scotland of the Earl of Calendars Regiment that was sent thither formerly, and now recruted to 500 men, and put into Hartlepoole Garrison? (What means then bringing 160. men (most new raised) for the Recruit of the Garrison of Tinmonth, and the Lieutenant Colonel of that place, when he shall dare to say he keeps the Castle for the King, and will keep it for the King against the Parliament? What means the fortifying of that place [for 12. months passed to this present day] so strong? and the fortifying of Barwick 3. times] stronger than it was? what means their now raising every sixth man fit for service [which will be 10000 men at the least] in Scotland? Is it think you to war against Montrosse? who themselves report to be of no strength, notwithstanding their numbers to oppose him, under the Command of Lievt. Gen. Middleton, are 4000 horse, And 8. Regiments of foot, under the Earl of Argile, and those under him in the West parts about 2000 horse, and 3000. foot, Besides an order from the States of Scotland 3. months ago for Major Gen. Monro to bring 2500. of his 4000 mere out of Ireland. Upon the refusuall of that Command, another sent after from the States and General, though in the Interim he is defented, notwithstanding all the gallantry and wants the Earl of Argile seems to declare of them, they never fought on field against the Rebels from their first going over to this time they were routed, but have driven many English men from their Habitations. And not withstanding all their reports that the Earl of Montrosse was to be degraded, to be banished, that he was weak, sometimes routed, and had no Army. Can any man be so senseless as believe those reports? when [of 6. battls some of themselves have confessed be hath gotten 5. victories] how could he come to Abirdeene into the heart of that Kingdom, and burn Aberdeene, destroy 3. of their best Regiments? consider besides the 4000 men he had which were not in the battle when he was routed by David Lesly, the strength he hath raised, and supplies he hath had, since that time; sure the Earl of Antrius would not bring over 2000 men our of Ireland to assist him, if he wore nothing, neither would 500 Lords, Colonels, Knights, and Gentlemen, English Caviliers, resort to him, and reside with him if they had not some hopes.  
I profess Sir, the Mystery of all this is difficult, when I consider the fruitfulness of that land to raise, send for, and support, such vast, now, Armies; when they have a sufficient one in England, that may be very well spared to their assistance and yet shall bring new raised men to be (as themselves say) at his Mai. Command in England, where there's no need of them; but that which will undoubtedly resolve both you and me in this particular will be its conjunction, (there being already a cessation betwixt Montrosse & them both) which will be a force sufficient to make good the Covenant according to their Construction which they put upon it, and if that will not serve they have already promised Commissions to divers Caviliers in the North, to raise men and shall have the assistance of Gen. King, with 9 Ships, laden with men and Ammunition from Hambrough [as letters come in at Newcastle reports,] besides a relation made by Mr. Lanson a Merchant of Newcastle who see Gen. King at Hambrough and some of those Ships laden there ready with an intent to come for the North.  
Observe in all their declarations and vows how intentive they are to maintain the Covenant, which we find interpreted in such like minner as is contained in their papers the 11. of April 1646. by which and the like interpretations and constructions, they will, as they do, be possessors of the whole estates of the well affected in the Northern parts, otherways what means those vast sesments demanded of the Northern Counties as in many places the charge demanded by them, is more in 3. months then the revenue of the places is worth in 12. months, having demanded of the County of Durham 5000. l. a month for their infantry, besides all their women, Children, and baggage horses, which charge will be near as much more, what means their many threats and bannishments of the well affected, of the County of Durham, and this County, their protecting papists, and delinquents, where I could name many in both places, but for fear of a farther evil to them; however it hath been proved of some at the Northern Committee of Parliament.  
Oh friend, were ye but sensible of our miseries, it would make your heart to bleed, to know the rapes, murders, roberies, oppressions, and abuses which is and hath been acted on the well affected in these parts, and upon complaint very, small redress, as the Commissioners of Lords and Comment in Parliament, can testify concerning Tickell, where though some were imprisoned before them, yet never punished after their departure; and yet notwithstanding all these things what means is there used or rather not used to render them with a fair Character to the Parliament; have not they their Agents both at home and abroad? I have seen their letter of complaint against Gen. Payntz. from David Lesley notwithstanding those two, are as gracious as is possible, and have had several meetings lately at bedal one of which was 2. days before Gen. Poyntz took Journey for London &, some officers in that Army have declared a gallant opinion of Gen. Payntz, by reason he hath expressed to them a dislike of the Parliaments proceed; have they not an Agent at Durham, Col. Chidwick who hath laid there certain weeks acting his great ability to render that Government with a fair Character, as on the contrary he hath not been wanting in his letters from Nettingham to Mr. Pierpoint at York, in the time of the redusement there, to be Careful to out all Independents out of that Army, which hath been accordingly performed: & their Commands given to Caviliers, one of which was first a Cavalier, than came & took the Covenant: went again, and took Command, and fought against the Parliament, and came and served under the Parliament again, was C●●●red for such his fact: and now is in Commission in the new Modall, much like were those wise Officers, that when the case was Judged at a Court Marshal at York betwixt Commissary Gen. Wood, and his deputy Bradford; Wood complaining of others false mustering, his threats, and twice swearing God damn him gave judgement that they were civil Officers and not within the cognisence of that Court Marshal. Have not the Scots their Agents, the Priests of the County of Durham, with many more to whom they have given protections to pay no sesments, not billet soldiers? which without question will not be wanting in gratifying that Army with a Character of honour, so far as in them lieth, Sir having impartially considered all these passages and carriages, the best construction that (in my apprehension) can be made is, that if upon the exposition of the Covenant there continue a difference betwixt the Parliament and them, they have an Army ready to defend or offend as occasion requires, I rest.  
York 1. july 1646.   

The Information of Captain Henry Stone.  
I Having some private discourse with Sir Thomas Tidsley, about a week before the surrender of the Garrison, he told me he had an order from the King, that when he heard Oxford, was surrendered, he should make his conditions for the surrender of the Close, and reserve his forces in their several Counties, as privately as might be, till there were an opportunity.  
He further said, that the parliament should have all the Garrisons, but when we thought all was our own, we should see a force which would cut our throats, and this would be done before the next Spring.  
He also said, the King he thought would come to London, and speak you fair, and seem to comply, but he will not lie down so, but take his advantage when time serves, and so would he and many more.  
These words, or to this effect, being delivered to me, I thought it my duty to declare it.  
july 19 1646. Henry Stone  
FINIS.