To the Right Honourable, Alderman adam's, Lord Mayor of the most famous and Renowned City of London; The Right Worshipful Sir john Wollaston and Sir Richard Springal; Together with the Right Worshipful the Lady Rebecca Wollaston, and the Lady Anne Springal, their most virtuous and truly pious Consorts, All, my ever most highly honoured good Friends: J. V. most Cordially prayeth the Fullness of the Kingdom of Grace, here, and of the Kingdom of Glo●y hereafter.  
Right Honourable & Right Worshipful,  
THe much Christian Courtesy and very many and most constant immerited favours, whereof from time to time, I and mine have most sweetly tasted from your Honour and Worships: But especially, the serious observation of the pious and painful, yea, even indefatigable Labours of Love, for God and his great Cause, which not only I, but even the whole Kingdom in general, and this renowned City in special, have clearly taken notice of, and been most happily sensible of, to proceed from your Honour and Worships, (Et, O terque quaterque felicia saecula, quae Vos tales Patriae genuere Parents) This double and indissoluble Ligament (I say) of ever bounden Gratitude, hath most deeply engaged me to dedicate and consecrate, This third Part of my Parliamentary-Chronicle to your good Honour and Worships, as a most true Tessera and Sincere Symbol of that ever obliged observance, which (together with my poor All) I most justly and ingenuously acknowledge to be most due unto you All, my ever most highly honoured good Friends in general; and hereby also in a more special and peculiar manner to take opportune occasion to give-in my most cordial congratulation and just and joyful Acclamation for your good Honours happy inauguration unto the most honourable Majorallity of this celebrious and most Renowned City of London; which, though it may seem to come somewhat too tardily, yet I assure your Honour it comes now most cordially; and though it cannot speak so loudly as others, yet I assure you (my good Lord) it speaks as lovingly as the best of your good Lordships most devoted Votaries. Which, therefore, together with my best Services hoping your good Honour & Worships will in your accustomed Candour and even connative ingenuity, receive with the Heart & Hand of courteous and candid Acceptation; I shall hereby be still more and more deeply endeared, in all my best endeavours, especially, in my poor Prayers to press the Throne of Grace, that your good Honour and Worships may long flourish, as most famous tall-grown Cedars on the tops of the Mountains of this our English-Lebanon, inferior to None of your former famous Predecessors; and shall hereby also most obligedly rest,  
Your good Honours and Worships, in what he is, to be ever Commanded; JOHN VICARS.   

To the Courteous and Christian Reader.  
THe continued Encouragements and most aimable approbation (Christian and candid Readers) which you All (especially the truly religious and reverend Divines both of City and Country) have given unto me, in the former two Parts of this our Parliamentary-Chronicle, have set a sharp edge upon my serious Affections, and been as a Spirit-quickening Spur to stimulate and stir forward my most zealous Resolutions and Endeavours to the Continuation of this our Parliamentary-Chronicle, and most famous and renowned History, to a third Part thereof. Wherein, as formerly, so now, I have laboured with all the Discretion, care, and conscientious Sedulity, wherewith I was possibly able to communicate nothing therein but true and innocent Intelligence of all our most famous and important Parliamentary Proceedings (in way of rare and real mercies to this Kingdom in special) for the space of one entire 12 Month past. Yet herein I must ingenuously confess I may possibly have miss in some particular circumstantials, either of Manner, Time, Persons, or Numbers, considering that they are all, for the most part, received from several remote Hands, and remote Habitations; yet for thy better assurance herein I have (according to the wise counsel of a most learned and religious Divine, my much honoured good Friend, Reverend Master Arrowsmith) still taken mine Intelligence as near as I could from the Lame-post. Wherefore I heartily desire thee; good Reader, with christian candour and ingenuity, to connive at and pardon what ever small slips or failings, thou mayest peradventure meet with, from me, herein, who faithfully assure thee, that I have with my best ability, striven in all equitable Sincerity to wrong None, but to right All, as near as I could. Whereunto if thou vouchsafest courteously to condescend, together with the grant of a portion in thy holy prayers for the poor and unworthy Author, I shall justly account all my great pains, herein, plentifully repaid, and for the same most gratefully rest,  
Thine in the Lord John Vicars.   

GOD'S ARK OVER-TOPPING THE WORLD'S WAVES.  
MOst truly says the princely Prophet David; 
Psal. 107. 23, 24.  They that go down into the Sea in Ships, and that are busied in great Waters: These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the Deep. And as truly may I say; They that go forth, and launch into our English-Ocean (to use the said holy Prophet's Metaphor, and keep a little to his Sea-Allegories) in the Ship of serious Contemplation and pious Exploration, 
England fitly likened to the Sea.  may as easily and admirably see and discover the strange workings of the Lord, and the rare wonders which he does in the deep deportments and various vicissitudes of State-affairs in this (I say) our English-Ocean. Upon one side, they may see the huge swelling waves, the mighty and big billows of furious floods and raging and roaring waters, I mean wicked and ungodly men, Atheists, 
The wicked and ungodly rabble to the raging waves of the Sea.  Papists, Prelates, and rotten-hearted Malignants, in City, and Country, puffing, snuffing, blowing, and beating their brains, and vexing their hearts to overtop and overturn, to swoop away and swallow-up in the deeply ingurgitating whirpool of their irreconciliable rage and malice, the Ark of the Lord, his Church and Children, principally personated and represented in Both Houses of Parliament, 
The Parliament and Assembly of Divines compared to the Ark of God.  and in the happy Assembly of Divines, sweetly subservient unto them, in the long longed for pure and thorough Reformation of all things amiss in Church and State. On the other side they may see the most admirable and indeed unexpressible power and providence, the most infinite wisdom and unfathomable mercy of our good God, the as prudent as potent Pilot and Moderator of all that his English-Ark, 
God the Pilot.  bearing it up most safely and securely, sustaining and maintaining it (maugre all the beat and billowing, the sitly surges and swellings of all those raging and roaring waves and waters) and making it still fairly to float, 
The Ark over-topping the waves.  and over-top their highest rising and most furious flashing and desperatest dashing waves, craggiest penetrating rocks, swallowing sands and shelves, and mightiest and most malicious puffes and blasts of malignity and mischief, all of them conspiring and aspiring with malice, pride and impious ambition, either to swallow-up or (per fas aut nefas) to tear in pieces, this most honest, holy and harmless Ark of God; 
The wicked are Satan's Galleyslaves.  but all of them, labouring and tugging (like so many Galley-slaves of Satan) in vain (which is their greatest misery) ever glorified and praised be the free grace of God therein, as now we shall most lively delineat and set forth, by God's gracious assistance, in this our third Voyage through this vast and various Ocean. And having now, I say, by the good hand of God's gracious providence, made two former voyages through this our English-Ocean, 
The Authors two former Voyages in this English-Ocean.  and twice safely, and (I hope) successfully arrived at the desired Haven, and brought my vessel thither fully and fairly fraught with such merciful Merchandizes, as I hope may help my Christian brethren to trade withal, for the enriching of their hearts and souls with copious expressions of bounden gratitude and infinitely obliged thankfulness to our almighty Jehovah-jireh, 
God's glory is & aught to be the Alpha and Omega of all mercies.  our most glorious and gracious Elohim, God- All-sufficient, for the highest improvement of his all-deserving praise and glory, which, indeed, is and aught to be the pious Alpha and Omega, the original and ultimate aim and end of his free and gracious Giving, and of our so undeserved receiving of such, and so rich, rare, and manifold mercies and deliverances from the hands and hatred of our so raging and roaring enemies.  
Now I ●ay I am resolved, by God's guide and my Readers accustomed candour and experienced patience, to set sail again into this our English Main-Ocean, 
The Author's third Voyage.  and to enter upon a third voyage therein: Only beseeching thee, good Reader, to assist me with thy holy prayers, that our good God will graciously breathe upon our sails, and give us a prosperous gale which may carry us on comfortably to the end of this Voyage, and reduce us safely to our desired Haven; And now therefore plainly and pertinently to begin and go on in this our intended Parliamentarie-History.  
But, here, before I proceed to the narration of the ensuing Parliamentarie-mercies, which immediately succeeded the most happy and holy entering into the League or Covenant with God and our Brethren of Scotland and Ireland for the prosecution of a pure and perfect Reformation, in all the three Kingdoms, 
An Apology for the pretermission of some preceding Parliamentarie-Mercies in the third Part of the Parliamentary-Chronicle, and which come now to be here related.  with which Covenant we closed and shut up our former Continuation or Second Part of this our Parliamentarie-Chronicle: Give me leave now (good Reader) in the first place to premise and set down a few very memorable mercies, pretermitted (by too much haste to finish the former Part, at the importunity of the Stationer) in our said Second Continuation, wherein, I was, I say by the Stationers overmuch haste to publish that second part) enforced to omit many memorable passages, or if not to omit, yet to misplace many, between the Months of June, July, August, and September than next following, my orderly Conclusion of that second part being about the midst of June, renowned Sir William Waller being then victorious in the Western parts of the kingdom, with his faithful and courageous Achates, Sir Arthur Haslerig; as you may see clearly about page 380, 381, 82, etc. Give me leave now I say in the first place to make a fuller supply of the deficiencies of those foresaid Months with divers memorable passages there omitted, but yet, which fell out in order and came to my knowledge before some of those last mentioned Parliamentary Mercies, wherewith (I say) I concluded that Second Part; and which now I thought fit here to make mention of rather than to suffer them to be raked up in the ashes of oblivion, which, briefly, are these that follow.  
The happy and blessed Assembly of Divines being Convened at Westminster for the rectifying and settling of things amiss in the Church, 
July, 1643. A recital of some former Parliamentarie-Mercies, omitted in their proper place, in the former Narration.  both touching Doctrine and Discipline (as hath been mentioned in the former Narrations of this our Parliamentary Chronicle, pag. 352.) It pleased the Lord, immediately after the settling of their said Convocation or Assembly, namely, July the 19th, 1643, to put into the hearts of our said venerable Assembly (among many other sacred and serious matters) to exhibit a Petition to both Houses of Parliament, 
The Assembly of Divines petition the Lords and Commons in Parliament, for speedy reformation of some special evils among us.  which Petition, coming to my hands, I thought fit to give the godly Reader a sight and sense of the sweet and fragrant sent thereof, together with both the Houses comfortable answer thereunto, the happy and wholesome effects whereof have since that time dropped and distilled like so many honey-dewes upon our Church, already, and is like to be more and more (by God's gracious assistance and blessing on their pious endeavours) manifested among us, in God's due time, as in their proper places we shall have occasion to make mention of, & as in good measure, we have had former opportunities hereunto. Which Petition, I say, for the excellency and singular sweetness thereof, and for the high honour of God, and the heart-reviving comfort of his children; yea and for the just and eternal credit of the pious Petitioners themselves, I have here, I say, thought fit to insert, which was as followeth.  

To the Right Honourable the Lords and Commons assembled in PARLIAMENT.  
The humble Petition of divers Ministers of Christ, in the Name of themselves, and of divers others.  
Humbly showeth;  
THat your Petitioners upon serious consideration and deep sense of God's heavy wrath lying on us and hanging over our heads and the whole Nation, 
A copy of the Petition of the Assembly of Divines delivered to both houses of Parliament, July 19, 1643.  and manifested particularly, by the two la●e sad and unexpected defeats of our forces in the North, and in the West, do apprehend it to be our duty, as Watchmen for the good of the Church and Kingdom, to present to your religious and prudent Consideration, these ensuing requests, in the name of Jesus Christ, your Lord and ours.  
First, That you would be pleased to command a public and extraordinary day of humiliation, this week, throughout the Cities of London, Westminster, the Suburbs of both, and places adjacent, within the weekly bills of mortality, that every one may bitterly bewail his own sins, and ●ny mightily to God, for Christ's sake to remove his wrath, and to heal the Land, with professed and renewed resolutions of more full performance of the late Covenant for the amendment of our ways.  
Secondly, That you would vouchsafe, instantly to tale into your more than ordinary serious Consideration, how you may most speedily set up Christ more gloriously in all his Ordinances, within this Kingdom, and reform all things amiss throughout the Land, wherein God is more immediately dishonoured. Among which, we humbly lay before you these particulars.  
First, 
1.  That the brutish ignorance and palpable darkness possessing the greatest part of the people, in all places of the Kingdom, whereby they are utterly unfit to wait upon God in any holy datie (to the great disgrace of the Gospel, and the everlasting endangering of their poor souls) may be remedied, by a speedy & strict charge to all Ministers constantly to Catechise all the youth, and ignorant people (they being cammanded to be subject to it) and all sorts to be present at it, and information to be given of all persons who shall withstand or neglect it.  
That the grievous and heinous pollution of the Lords Supper, 
2.  by those that are grossly ignorant and notoriously profane, may be henceforth with all Christian care and due circumspection prevented.  
That the bold venting of corrupt Doctrines, 
3.  directly contrary to the sacred Law of God and religious humiliation for sin, which open a wide door to all Libertinism and disobedience to God and man, may be speedily suppressed every where, and that in such manner as may give hope that the Church may be no more infected with them.  
That the prophetation of any part of the Lords day, 
4.  and the days of solemn fasting, by buying and selling, working, sporting, travelling or neglecting of God's Ordinances, may be remedied, by appointing Officers in every place, for the due execution of all good Laws and Ordinances against the same.  
That there may be a through and speedy proceeding against blind guides and scandalous Ministers, 
5.  by whose wickedness, people either lack or loathe the Ordinances of the Lord, and thousands of souls perish, & whereby the removal of the Ark from among us is (to the trembling of our hearts) evidently threatened. And that your Wisdoms would finde-out some way to admit into the Ministry such godly and hopeful men, as have prepared themselves and are willing thereunto, without which there will suddenly be such a scarcity of able and faithful Ministers, that it will be to little purpose to cast out such as are unable, idle, or scandalous.  
That the Laws may be quickened against swearing and drunkenness, 
6.  with which the Land is filled and defiled, and under which it mourneth.  
That some severe cou●s● be taken against fornication, 
7.  adultery, and incest, which do greatly abound, especially of late, by reason of impunity.  
That all Monuments of Idolatry and Superstition, 
8.  but more especially, the whole body and practice of Popery be totally abolished.  
That justice may be executed on all Delinquents, 
9  according to your solemn Vow and Protestation to that purpose.  
That all possible means may be used for the speedy relief and release of our miserable and extremely distressed Brethren, 
10.  who are prisoners in Oxford, York, and elsewhere, whose heavy sufferings cry aloud in the ears of our God, and it would lie very heavy upon the Kingdom, should they miscarry, suffering, as they do; for the cause of God.  
That so, God, who is now, by the sword, avenging the quarrel of his Covenant, beholding your integrity and zeal, may turn from the fierceness of his wrath, hear our prayers, go forth with our Armies, perfect the work of reformation, forgive our sins, and settle Truth and Peace throughout the Kingdom.  
And the Petitioners shall ever pray, etc.   
This Petition being read in Both Houses, an answer was returned to the Divines that presented it, to this effect: That the Petition was very well approved of; 
The Parliaments Answer to the Divines Petition.  That both the Houses had agreed to have a public fast in all those places mentioned in the Petition, on the Friday, then, next following, being July the 21 (which accordingly was solemnly performed by both Houses of Parliament, and the Assembly, altogether as well as by the Cities, in their several Parish-Churches) And that they would take the other particulars into speedy Consideration.  
Say now then (good Reader) was not here a very fair and prosperous blast breathing-forth by God's providence, 
A fan gale to carry on the Ark of God.  to carry on his Ark the more safely and securely through the swelling waves of malignant oppositions? but to go on.  
About the midst of July, 1643. came certain information by letters out of Lincolnshire, that it had pleased God to give extraordinary good success to our forces in that County, 
Gainesborough in Lincolnshire won by the noble Lord Willoughby of Parrham.  in the taking of that strong Town of Gainesborough by the noble Lord Willoughby of Parrham, which Town he entered by a desperate assault in the night time, forcing upon their Courts of guard, which they found but negligently manned, and so possessed the Town without any bloodshed, wherein he took prisoner the Earl of Kingston, and also 30 Knights and at least 20 other Gentlemen of quality of that County, 
The p●izes taken.  besides 250 common Soldiers, and released about 200 of the Parliaments prisoners, who had been taken at sundry times, in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire; and they took also in the Town great store of arms and ammunition. And the same intelligence assured us, that within few days after (to complete our cause of just thankfulness to God) the Siege which was suddenly made against the said Town (immediately after this taking of it) by the Earl of Newcastles Popish forces (who thus hoped suddenly to have surprised it) was by the vigilancy and magnanimity of renowned Colonel Cromwell most courageously raised, 
Colo. Cromwell raises the Newcastelian forces from besieging Gainesborough.  he having most undauntedly fallen upon the Newcastelians, and taken 300 of them prisoners, slain 50 of them on the ground, and routed and dispersed the great concourse of their forces which came from Newark, Bradford, Leeds, and other parts of Yorkshire, then, lately before overrun by Newcastle, on the former unhappy Defeat given to the most noble Lord Fairfax. Yea, the same certain intelligence informed us also, that the foresaid Earl of Kingston, who as you heard was taken prisoner at Gainesborough, being by the Lord Willoughbies command conducted by some of his forces, in a pinnace, and so intended to be carried prisoner by water to Hull; but the Earl of Newcastles forces thinking to have rescued him from them, summoned the said pinnace (in which the Earl was) to bow sail and to come ashore, 
The Earl of Kingston slain in a pinnace by Newcastles Cavaliers.  but the Lord Willoughbies' forces refusing so to do, they shot fiercely at the ship; in so much that they shot the Earl to death in the pinnace, and so made him a prisoner to death, not hurting any one of the Parliaments forces, but him only. Yea, and to make those Northern victories yet more glorious and illustrious, there came credible information by letters from Lincolnshire to London, upon Thursday July 27th, 
The Town of Stamford taken by Colonel Cromwell.  that victorious and courageous Colonel Cromwell had then taken in the Town of Stamford in that County, had there slain about 200 and taken 300 Cavaliers prisoners, among whom were many Commanders and Gentlemen of quality of that County: And that which made these brave victories the more rare and remarkable was that the knowledge and information of them came to us on the foresaid Thursday, 
Return of our Monthly fast days prayers.  July the 27th, which was the very next day after our public Monethly-fast, as a most blessed and gracious return of our prayers into our bosoms, to make us the more thankful and faithful for the time to come.  
Much also about the same time came certain intelligence to London by letters out of Lincolnshire, that about a 1000 of the Cavaliers from Newark and Bever-Castle hovered and roved about Stamford and Wothrop-house, a great and strong seat in those parts, but were bravely molested and chased thence by that brave and most worthily renowned Commander, Colonel Cromwell, and at last forced to take Sanctuary in a very strong and stately Stone-built house, not far from Stamford also, 
Burleigh-house in Lincolnshire taken by Colonel Cromwell.  called Burleigh-House, situated in a large Park, and surrounded with a strong Stone-wall, but God seasonably sending Colonel Hubbard and Colonel Palsgrave to his assistance, both with men and Ordnance, the brave Colonel with this auxiliary strength, immediately advanced to the said Burleigh-House, sat down before it, and having commodiously planted his Ordnance, shot at it two or three hours (beginning about three of the clock that morning) but could do no good that way, the house being so strongly built. Then the noble Colonel sounded a parley to the enemy, 
A parley sounded by Colonel Cromwell.  and offered them quarter, to have their lives and liberty to depart without their weapons; But the enemy utterly refused the motion, resolutely answering that they would neither take nor give quarter. 
Burleigh house stormed.  Heerupon the valiant Colonel gave present order to storm and assault it with his Musketeers, whereupon the fight grew very hot and was bravely performed on both sides for a while, and with much difficulty and danger on ours, the enemy being very active and confident; and thus the assault continued divers hours, till at last the Cavaliers courage began to fall, ours pressing on them very fiercely and furiously, so that they sounded a parley from within the House; 
A parley sounded from within the House.  whereupon the as virtuous as valorous Colonel, commanding presently that not one of his Soldiers should dare to shoot or kill any man during the parley on pain of death, notwithstanding their former cruel and bloody answer to his foresaid proffer of quarter to them. In brief they soon concluded upon quarter for their lives, 
The House taken, and the priz.  and so they took them all, being 2 Colonels, 6 or 7 Captains, 3 or 400 foot, about an 150 or 200 horse, with all their arms and ammunition, together with the pillage of the whole house. Admirable was the providence of God in this victory, 
The great providence of God in the preservation of our Soldiers in this victory. 400 Clubmen come to aid the Cavaliers discomfited, and fifty of them slain by ours.  in that, in all this fight which continued about nine or ten hours, not above six or seven of our men were slain (though many were hurt) in that so hot and fierce an encounter or assault: only about two miles beyond Stamford toward Grantham, some 400 Clubmen coming to the aid of the Cavaliers, and having killed some of our Colonels Scouts, he sent three or four troops of horse to meet and encounter them, who at the first onset had almost slain one of the Captains of one of our said troops, so furiously they fell upon ours at the first; whereupon ours being instantly much enraged, fell very fiercely upon them, and had quickly slain about fifty of them, and forced the rest to fly into a great Wood, hard by them, for their lives.  
Immediately after this brave victory thus most successfully achieved, namely, about July the 31, 1643. this noble and renowned Colonel sent a Letter to Cambridge to the Parliaments Committee there, informing them of his brave proceedings also with the Earl of Newcastles Popish forces; who had then lately again besieged Gainesborough, which for the Readers better content therein, and clearer satisfaction, I have thought fit here to insert, verbatim, as it came to my hands.  
The Copy of a Letter written by Colonel Cromwell, to the Committee at Cambridge, July the 31, 1643.  
Gentlemen;  
IT hath pleased the Lord to give your Servant and Soldiers a notable victory, 
Col. Cromwel's own relation of his brave victory over the enemy at Gainesborough Siege.  now, at Gainesborough. I marched, after the taking of Burleigh-House, upon the Wednesday, to Grantham, where I met about 300 horse and Dragooneers of Nottingham; with these by agreement with the Lincolners, we met at North-Scarl, which is about ten miles from Gainesborough, upon the Thursday in the evening, where we ●arried until two of the clock in the morning, and then with our whole body advanced toward Gainesborough. About a mile and half from the Town, we met a forlorn hope of the Enemy, of near an 100 horse, our Dragoneers laboured to beat them back, but not aliting from their horses, the Enemy charged them, and beat some four or five of them off their horse; then our horse came up and charged them, and made them retire into their main body. We advanced and came to the bottom of a steep hill, 
A hot skirmish at a hill.  upon which the enemy stood; we could not well get up, but by some tracts, which our men assaying to do, the body of the enemy endeavoured to hinder, but wherein we prevailed, and got the top of the hill; 
The hill gained by the Lincolners.  This was done by the Lincolners, who had the Vanguard. When we all had recovered the top of the hill, we saw a great body of the enemy's horse, facing us at about a Musket's shot or less distance, and a good reserve of a full regiment of horse behind it; we endeavoured to put our men into as good order as we could, they enemy in the mean time advanced toward us, to take us at a disadvantage; but in such order as we were, we charged their great body. 
The fight most fiercely begun.  I having the right wing, we came up horse to horse, where we disputed it with our swords and pistols a pretty time, all keeping close order, so that one could not break the other; at last, they a little shrinking, and our men perceiving it, and pressing in upon them, 
Ours rout the enemy's horse.  immediately we routed this whole body, some flying on one side, others on the other side of the enemies reserve, and our men pursuing them, had chase and execution about 5 or 6 miles. 
Ours have them in chase five or six miles.  I perceiving this body which was the reserve, standing still unbroken, kept back my Major Whaley from the chase, and with mine own troop, and the other of my regiment, in all three troops, we got into a body. In this reserve, 
General Cavendi●sh charges the Lincolneers most fiercely.  stood General Cavendish, who one while faced me, another while faced four of the Lincoln-Troopes, which was all of ours that (then) stood upon the place, the rest being engaged in the chase; at last, the General charged the Lincolners, and routed them; I immediately fell on his rear with my three Troops, which did so astonish him, 
Colo. Cromwell charges him as bravely.  that he gave over the charge, & would fain have delivered himself from me, but I pressing on, forced them down a hill, having good execution of them, and below the hill drove the General with some of his Soldiers into a Quagmire, 
General Cavendsh slain.  where my Captain Lieutenant slew him with a thrust under his short ribs, the rest of the body being also wholly routed, and not one man staying upon the place.  
We, 
Gainesborough relieved.  after this defeat which was so total, relieved the Town with such powder and provision as we brought; which done, we had notice that there were 6 troops of horse and 300 foot, on the other side of the Town about a mile off us; whereupon we desired some foot of my Lord Willoughbies, about 400, and with our horse and their foot marched toward them; 
Another skirmish with the Newcastelians on the other ●ide of Gainesborough.  when we came toward the place where their horse stood, we beat back, with my troops, about two or three troops of the enemies, who retired into a small village, at the bottom of the hill. When we had recovered the hill, we saw in the bottom, about a quarter of a mile from us, a regiment of foot, and after that another, and then also Newcastles own regiment, consisting in all of about fifty foot colours, and a great body of horse, which indeed was Newcastles whole army, 
Newcastles whole Army appears.  which coming so unexpectedly, put us to new consultations. My Lord Willoughby and I being in the Town agreed to call off our foot, and so I went to bring them off; but before I returned to them, divers of our foot were engaged, the enemy advancing with his whole body, our foot retreating in some disorder, and with some loss, 
Ours retreat and safely recover the Town.  yet got the Town, where now they are, our horse also came off with some trouble, being wearied with their former long fight, and their horses tired, yet bravely faced the enemies fresh horse, and by several removes got off without the loss of one man, the enemy following the rear with a great body. The honour of this retreat, as also of all the rest, is due to God alone. My Major Whaley did in this business carry himself with singular courage and gallantry, becoming a Gentleman and a Christian. Thus have you this true relation, as short as I could contract it; what you are to do upon it, is next to be considered. The Lord direct you therein.  
Gentlemen I am, Your faithful Servant, O. C. Huntingdon, July 31. 1643.  
A list of the slain and prisoners taken at the raising of the Siege of Gainesborough.  
General Cavendish slain; Colonel Beton slain; a Lieutenant Colonel slain; a Sergeant Major slain; Captain Husses slain; a 100 dead in the place; an 150 prisoners taken; and 200 slain in the pursuit of them; a total defeat, not ten men in a body.  
Much about the aforesaid time also, 
The rising of the Kentish Malignants.  namely, in the said July, 1643. came certain information to London, that the Kentish Malignants perceiving the firm resolution of the Parliament and City of London, not to desert but closely to adhere to the cause of Religion and liberties of the Kingdom, and being extremely vexed with a spirit of malignity and rage to hear of the constant preparations of the pious and well-affected Parliamentarians (especially I say, in the City of London) to raise a considerable strength of horse to make a flying Army (a design, at that time, very hotly on foot) to pursue the King's Cormorants or devouring Cavaliers, and thus to force them from their wicked trade of plundering and pillaging the Country. 
The new oath or Covenant is pretended to be the cause of this insurrection.  They therefore, in Kent, upon a pretence of rising against a new Oath or Covenant, begun at this time to be taken by the Parliament, and Cities of London and Westminster, and intended to be ordered to be taken over the whole Kingdom, which they declared they had no mind to take; and yet this Oath or Covenant was not as yet imposed upon them, 
The main end of imposing this Oath.  nor any penalty on the refusers thereof, only the names of such as refused it were to be taken and returned, thus, to distinguish the well-affected from the illaffected, and to disarm them, and to keep a more vigilant eye over their persons, 
The main plot of the Kentish Malignants.  as just causes were administered. Whereas their main plot was to make a general insurrection and seditious disturbance of the whole County, and thus to make way for Sir John Culpepper, Sir Edward Deering, and a strong party of the Kings Oxonian Cormorants to join with them, and thereby to disturb the Parliaments and Cities foresaid preparations, and for the farther endangering of this royal Metropolis or chief City of the whole Kingdom, and therein to work the ruthful ruin of Church and State. Therefore, I say, these Kentish Jack-Cades, under colour (forsooth) of resisting and rejecting of that Oath and Covenant, seditiously assembled themselves first at Seven-Oakes in Kent, 
Seven-Oakes is their Rendezvouz.  which they intended to be their chief Rendezvouz, and where they quickly increased (for as our Proverb is, Ill weeds grow apace) into a body of about 2 or 3000 desperately minded Malignants, or Atheists, which you please; their chief Ringleaders being Sir Edward Bathurst, 
Their chief Ringleaders.  Captain Stanley, and one Mr. Leigh, with some others of those parts. They being thus audaciously assembled together, about 200 of them attempted to have seized on the Magazine at Dartford, but a troop of horse appearing there prevented them therein; yet some of them meeting with Sir Thomas Walsingham, a most worthy patriot of his Country and member of the Parliament, as he was riding with two servants only to Dartford, boldly laid hands on him and carried him prisoner to their Rendezvous; 
Sir The. ●●lsingham, and Captain Rolf taken prisoners by these Rebels. And in great danger of their lives.  and about the same time also, they forced Captain Rolf (a very worthy and religious young Gentleman of Arpington in Kent) out of his bed about 100▪ 11 of the clock at night, who never suspected any such rising, or sudden surprisal, and with no little danger of his life carried him also prisoner with them to Sir Thomas W●●singham, and there kept them together in prison, and a little before these Rebels were subdued, they were both in great danger to have been slain or put to death in prison, had not God graciously prevented it.  
Now the Parliament understanding of this sudden mutiny, presently sent a Declaration among these mutineers by Sir Henry Vane the younger, 
Sir Hen. V●●e sent into Kent by the Parliament with a Declaration of pardon to appeal them.  who took great pains by all fair means to pacify them, proffering them pardon if they would instantly lay down their arms and peaceably submit to the Parliament; if not, the blood that must be spilt would lie on their own heads. And withal to reduce them by force in case of disobedience, Colonel Brown was presently dispatched into Kent, 
Col. Brown sent also into Kent with forces both horse and foot from London.  with a 1000 London-Red●oates, and about 800 more after them, together with two troops of horse from London; divers Voluntieres also of the well-affected of Kent, rose against those seditious and joined with Colonel Brownes forces. And that no opportunity might be omitted for the taming of these insolences, the Parliament gave power to the Committee for the Militia in London to raise Dragooneers and to use what other means they thought fit to suppress them. 
This Kentish insurrection was a part of Tompkins and Challenors' conspiracy. The Cities great care and providence.  And in regard the Parliament had had former information that this rising was a part or branch of treacherous Tompkins and Challenors' design (who had appointed Blackheath to be the place of Rendezvouz, if that plot against the City had then taken effect) they appointed strict watches and guards to be kept in the City and Outworks thereof, and that a strength of horse should be sent into Surrey toward Rigate and other parts thereabout, to suppress insurrections, if any should happen to be there also. Now these Kentish Rebels being thus assembled at Senock, as aforesaid, and hearing of the approach of Colonel Brownes forces toward them, 
The Rebels fly from Senock to Tunbridge.  they deserted this Town and fled thence to Tunbridge, and from thence sent a Messenger with a submissive Petition to the Commanders of the Parliaments forces to be presented to the Parliament, that they were willing to lay down arms, 
The Rebels Petition the Parliament.  if the Parliament would forgive their offences; but the Parliament most prudently, and like themselves indeed, utterly rejected any Petition from them, 
Their Petition rejected, whiles they were armed.  whiles arms were in their hands, but, if they would lay them down, first, and then Petition, they might find grace and favour from them. Now Colonel Brown having thus pursued them to Tunb●idge, and summoned the Town, upon the summons they desired a parley, which was presently granted; but it produced nothing in effect but mere delays, they still refusing to lay down their arms, 
Colo. Brown charges the rebels.  and submit themselves to the Parliament. Whereupon the brave Colonel gave order to charge them, which was done presently by our active London-Red●oates, and the Rebels in a confused manner, answered their charge, 
A hot skirmish for at least three hours' space. Col. brown's most valiant and resolute courage.  and so continued skirmishing with our men, for at least three hours together, they having closely and sorely lined their hedges and skulking behind the trees in the lane by which our men were to enter the Town. At length Colonel Brown, like a brave Commander indeed, most resolutely was one of the first men that adventured through the thickest of danger to enter the Town, his brave London Ped●oates following close and paying them home with their Musket-shot, which these Mutineers perceiving and feeling, they presently betook themselves to flight, 
The Rebels are put to f●●ght. Prisoners taken.  and struggled every man to shift for himself; but our forces pursuing them, took about 200 prisoners of them, amongst whom were Captain Ligh and Captain Stanley, and two malignant hedge-Priests, desperate and atheistical fomenters and encouragers of this seditious insurrection, and some others of no●e. 
The slain on both sides.  About twelve of their men were found dead in the place, besides what they had secretly conveyed away, and many of them sorely hurt, and not above 6 or 8 of our men slain in this whole Service, though the advantage they had against us in our assaulting the Town was very great. They complained (being now put to it) pitifully, 
Their Priests were the principali fomenters to this rebellion.  that they had been 〈◊〉 and drawn into this insurrection, principally by their wicked Clergymen, as they called them, who assured them they should have had a 1000 horse from Oxford to join with them ●t their first rising, and that the Parliaments forces were so far engaged elsewhere in other services, that they were not able to send any considerable party against them. Upon the Saturday before there were (as was credibly informed) about 5000 that had joined together in this Sedition; 
About 5000 of them were assembled at Tunbridge.  but being come to Tunbridge (and perceiving how things went from the City of London, clean contrary to their hopes and expectation) they sl●ly and secretly slipped away, except about 5 or 600, and these also had laid down their arms, when they came into Tunbridge, had they not been animated to the contrary by the inhabitants thereof, 
The Inhabitants of Tunbridge desperate Malignants.  who were most of them most desperate Malignants against the Parliament; but they were now sound paid their just demerits by our Soldiers; who after the victory pillaged and spoilt them to purpose ere they left the Town. Sir Michael Levesey also a most worthy patriot and discreet Knight of this County, 
Sir Michael Levesey, also at Yawlding, his good service against those rebels.  who had the care and oversight of the Wild of Kent committed most worthily unto him, understanding that a great body of Kentish rebels was gathered together at a Town called Yawlding in those parts, presently drew forth such forces of horse and foot as he had thereabout in readiness, and marched thither; whither being come, he planted his Ordnance for battery against the Town, 
Sir Michael plants his Ordnance against the Town, yet endeavours by treaty to appease them.  which were indeed so planted as that he might have beaten it down upon the enemy's heads if he would; but he being very tender of the effusion of blood, resolved rather, if it might be, by treaty to overcome them, and to win them to obedience, and therefore summoned the Town peaceably to yield, promising them that they should enjoy the benefit of the Parliaments Declaration, if they would submit and lay down arms. 
The Town very much sleights Sir Michael.  But they were at the first very avers, slighting the Parliaments Declaration exceedingly: So that then Sir Michael began to play upon the Town with his Ordnance, which so affrighted them that some of them would have fled out of the Town, but it had pleased God so to order it, 
A remarkable passage of God's providence against the rebels in Yawlding.  that by reason of a great flood of water upon one side of them (occasioned by much rain fallen at that time) and Sir Michael's Soldiers on the other side, there was no passage out of the Town but by swimming, drowning, & dying; And Sir Michael giving them such fierce and restless alarms, so distracted them, that Sir Michael most discreetly observing their frighted condition, sent to two of the heads of their rout very fair conditions by one Mr Godfrey, 
Master Godfrey in Sir Michael his name fairly appeaseth the rebels.  who read the Parliaments Declaration to them again, and used therein such pathetical and compassionate expressions to them in Sir Michael's name, that they being on a sudden much affected therewith, presently laid down their arms, dismounted one piece of their Ordnance in his presence; and Sir Michael on this their real submission, 
The prize found in the Town.  entered the Town with all his forces of horse and foot, where he found a great quantity of Muskets, guilt swords, pistols, pikes and Calivers, enough to arm 5 or 600 men, besides about 30 pieces of Ordnance, some of them mounted, the rest dismounted, many barrels of gunpowder and foot Colours; he took there also an 150 good horse, the prisoners, both Gentlemen, Commanders, and others, were for the present sent to the Church, 
Yawlding set in good order and quiet.  and in the interim the Town was set in good order, which was so suddenly and throughly done, as was admired and much wondered at. The prisoners also all crying for mercy, had it presently granted to them, but on condition never more to attempt the like disturbance and insurrection. Colonel Springests Regiment and Captain Westrow did very good service in this business: and thus was this mutiny most happily appeased in those parts.  
At which time also, namely about Friday the 28th of July, 1643, the Malignants about Canterbury and Feversham having notice of the foresaid rising at Senock and Tunbridge, 
Canterbury & Feversh●m malignants began then to rise also.  were growing and increasing to a great head, and began also to lay about them, and were gathered into a body at Feversham and Sittingborn, and began to fortify themselves with four pieces of Ordnance, but by God's mercy the honest party of Canterbury foreseeing this danger which the whole County was thus likely to fall into, 
The well-affected party of Canterbury appease this insurrection.  with the assistance of their Major and Aldermen, presently raised 3 or 400 of Dragooneers, and instantly marched to Feversham with two Drakes, and by God's providence without striking of one blow, they appeased that tumult, and caused them all to lay down their arms, and yield themselves prisoners, secured the chief actors, 
The Major of Fevershams' carriage in the business. Sir Geo. Sands taken prisoner.  among whom was the Major of Feversham, who at his first apprehension (as was credibly reported) cried out in a pitiful manner, that he was abused and deluded by Sir George Sands to rise thus in rebellion against the Parliament, whom also they happily then also laid hold on at Feversham, and secured in safe custody. Having thus appeased and stilled all at Feversham, the said worthy Major of Canterbury and his valiant associates, hasted forthwith away to Sittingborn, 
The Major of Canterbury marcheth on to Sittingborn.  but before they could reach thither, the mutineers there were all run away and dissolved into nothing, like smoke in the air, having left also four pieces of Ordnance behind them, which Canterbury men seized on, and went to Sir Edward Hales house, within half a mile of Sittingborn, who notwithstanding that he was a Parliament-man, and one of the Deputy Lieutenants of this County, and so near them, yet used no means to appease any of these tumults, but rather administered secret helps and encouragements to them, and his Grandchild and heir being chosen Captain of these rebels, 
Sir Ed. Hales & his Grandson a Captain of these rebels taken prisoner.  whom therefore with his Grandfather Sir Edward Hales, they took into their custody, together with Mr Farnabie, a Schoolmaster, a great stickler also in this insurrection, and a man of a very insolent and malignant spirit; and shortly after, they were all, namely, Sir Edward Hales, 
The heads of the Rebels brought to London and imprisoned.  Sir George Sands, the Major of Feversham, Mr Farnabie, and the rest of note were brought to London to the Parliament, and after examination there were all committed to prison, Sir Edward and Sir George, to the Tower of London, Mr Farnabie to Newgate, and the rest to the Fleet. And thus by God's great mercy and good providence, this so dangerous an insurrection was most happily and timely appeased, and this County afterward reduced into a most quiet and peaceable condition; As by an Ordinance of Parliament, which not long after came forth, whereby authority was given to the Deputy Lieutenants and well-affected prime patriots of that County, for the better securing of the peace thereof, may more fully appear, and which said Declaration, for the Readers fuller satisfaction I have thought fit here to insert and set down verbatim, as it was published by authority of Parliament.  

An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, touching the Rebellion in Kent. Die Mercurii, August, 16. 1643.  
WHereas divers illaffected persons of the County of Kent have unlawfully and traitorously assembled themselves together, and in a warlike and hostile manner possessed themselves of divers Towns and places in that County, and have traitorously and rebelliously levied war against the King and Parliament, and robbed, killed, and spoiled divers of his Majesty's Subjects: And notwithstanding they were invited by an Ordinance of both Houses of Parliament, to lay down their arms and every man to depart in peace to their several places of habitation, with an offer not only to pass by their offences then already committed by them, but to give redress to any just grievances they should in a peaceable and Parliamentary way present to the Parliament; yet they wilfully and contemptuously refused that favour offered unto them, and gave battle to those forces sent by authority of both Houses to suppress that insurrection, where by Gods great goodness they were wholly routed, and a very great number taken prisoners. Now to the end the like inconveniences may be prevented hereafter, and that the peace of the County may be better settled; It is ordained by the Lords and Commons in this present Parliament assembled, that Sir Henry Vane. senior, Sir John Sidley, Sir▪ Authony Welden, Sir Michael Leveley, Sir Henry Heyman, Mr Nut, Mr Augustine Skinner, Mr Thomas Blunt, Mr Thomas Franklin, Sir Edward Boyse, Mr Brown, Sir William Springate, Sir Edward Master, Mr John Boyl, Mr John Boyse, Sir Peter Wroth, Mr Richard Lee, Sir Thomas Walsingham, Mr Thomas Selyard, and Sir John robart's, or any three of them shall forthwith seize upon all the arms and horses of all those that have in person appeared in that insurrection and rebellion, and of all such as have willingly assisted or countenanced the same, or that have willingly relieved any of the said rebels with arms, ammunition, money, or otherwise, or that have refused to give their assistance (being thereunto required) to suppress the said insurrection or rebellion; and that the horses that shall be so seized on, shall be sent to the City of London to the Commissary for horses there to be entered and listed for the service of the State; and that the arms so to be seized shall be laid up in some place of safety in that County, to the end the same may be distributed to the well-affected party of that County, when occasion requireth. And it is further ordained, by the authority aforesaid, That the said Sir Henry Vane, signior, Sir John Sidley, Sir Anthony Welden, Sir Michael Levesey, Sir Henry Heyman, Mr Nut, Mr Augustine Skinner, Mr Thomas Blunt, Mr Thomas Franklin, Sir Edward Boyse, Mr Brown, Sir William Springate, Sir Edward Master, Mr John Boyse, Mr John Boyl, Sir Peter Wroth, Mr Richard Lee, Sir Thomas Walsingham, Mr Thomas Selyard, and Sir John robart's, or any three of them, shall have power, and are hereby authorized to enter upon and seize all and singular the lands, tenements, and hereditaments; and the goods, chattels, and cattle of all and singular the persons that were actors, countenancers, or abettors in the said rebellion, who did not submit to the said Ordinance, and immediately come in, lay down their arms and repair to their places of habitation; and to seize and imprison their persons, to the end they be proceeded against according to the Law, and the merit of their offence. Provided always, and it is further ordered, by the authority aforesaid, That the said Sir Henry Vane, signior, Sir John Sidley, Sir Anthony Welden, Sir Michael Levesey, Sir Henry Heyman, Mr Nut, Mr Aug. Skinner, Mr Thomas Blunt, Mr Thomas Franklin, Sir Edw. Boyse, Mr Brown, Sir William Springate, Sir Edward Master, Mr John Boyl, Mr John Boyse, Sir Peter Wroth, Mr Richard Lee, Sir Thomas Walsingham, Mr Thomas Selyard, and Sir John robart's, or any three of them, shall have power and are hereby authorized to compound with such of the persons aforesaid, as they shall think fit objects of such merciful proceedings, and to receive of them such sums of money by way of fine and ransom, as they or any three of them shall think fit, having respect to the offence, and the estate of the person offending, and to certify the names and sums received of every person, and return the same to the Guildhall in London, to the treasurers appointed to receive money and plate upon the Propositions; and every person that shall compound and pay the money according to this Ordinance, shall be freed in their persons and estates and discharged from any farther prosecution for the crimes and offences committed by them in that rebellion or insurrection; and it is further ordained, that the said Sir Henry Vane, signior, Sir John Sidley, Sir Anthony Welden, Sir Michael Levesey, Sir Henry Heyman, Mr Nut, Mr Augustine Skinner, Mr Tho. Blunt, Mr Thomas Franklin, Sir Edward Boyse, Mr Brown, Sir William Springate, Sir Edward Master, Mr John Boyse, Mr John Boyl, Sir Peter Wroth, Mr Richard Lee, Sir Thomas Walsingham, Mr Thomas Selyard, and Sir John robart's, and every of them shall be protected and saved harmless by the authority of both Houses of Parliament, for what they shall do in pursuance of this Ordinance.  
Ordered by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, that this Ordinance be forthwith printed and published.   
About the 22 of July, 1643, came certain intelligence by Letters to London out of Cheshire, that the most successful forces of that renowned and pious patriot Sir William Brereton had happily taken from the King's accursed Cormorants, a very strong hold in those parts called Houghton-Castle, 
Houghton Castle in Cheshire taken by Sir Will▪ Breretons forces.  which had long time been a sore goad in the sides of Sir William's great affairs in that County, but now was by God's mercy and his vigilancy delivered up unto him and in his full possession and safe custody.  
Much also about this time, the King having by the wicked Counsel of his most impious Achitophel's at Oxford, sent out a Proclamation in his own name to command all his loving Subjects to forbear all commerce and trading with the City of London, 
A▪ Proclamation from Oxford to starve the City of London.  and to withhold all provision of victuals from them, and all this under a great penalty, hoping by this means to starve the City, and so in time to enforce it to their wicked intended tyrannical subjection to Popery and slavery▪ but (blessed be the Lord) this base plot had like issue with the rest; 
The City's care and providence to prevent this plot of the impious Oxonians.  for the City of London was not so easily to be begirt and starved by a Proclamation from Oxford, though the Broad-Seal countenanced and commanded it: for the Lords and Commons in Parliament (presently upon this unpatternd Proclamation to starve a City for its honesty and fidelity, and thereby to destroy the whole Kingdom) passed an Ordinance to give the most renowned Lord Major of London, and the Militia thereof power over all persons within the line of Communication, suddenly to discover and disarm all malignants, and to purge it of all such dangerous persons, and about 5000 more Citie-Souldiers to be charged to do duty at all the Outworks of the City. Nay, and our most renowned Parliamentarie-Statists rested not here (so tender were they of the welfare and preservation of the City, in reference to that pernicious Proclamation) but past an Ordinance in both Houses for the appointment of the than most pious and prudent Lord Major and two Sheriffs of London, 
The L. Major and two Sheriffs of London take the Lieutenantship of the Tower by authority of Parliament. A just & brief touch of the due praise of Ald. Penningtons' happy majoralty. Alderm. Pennington, only, made Lieutenant of the Tower of London.  to take the charge of the Lieutenantship of the Tower of London (Sir John Conyers having at his own voluntary desire obtained the consent of the Parliament to go beyond Sea into Holland) and after the expiration of the said ever to be honoured, heroic and most active-spirited Alderman Penningtons' most happy majoralty (which by God's gracious guide and special assistance, he finished with more honour and renown, the times thereof seriously considered, than any of his predecessors in that place of honour and trust had done before him) it pleased the Lord to put into the hearts of our most noble Parliamentary Worthies, to confer the said Lieutenantship of the Tower of London, solely and wholly upon him, as one in whom they had so good experience, they might most indubitably confide, in the faithful managing of a place of so much trust and concernment, for the welfare, safety, and security of the City and Kingdom, and partly also, as an honourable guerdon and repay of his former wise and loyal discharge of that his foresaid troublesome and chargeable majoralty.  
And here now good Reader, I shall desire to cast anchor and make a little stay, 
A succinct & most grateful review of all the Parliamentarie-Mercies of this month.  to pause and ponder on the most sweet Parliamentarie-Mercies of this first Month of our voyage and adventure into and through thus much of this boisterous and billowing Ocean of the Kingdom's distractions and disturbances, and with a grateful heart, succinctly to see what God hath done for us, as in a short Map and ocular prospect of them.  
As first, 
1.  in that excellent Petition of the Assembly of Divines to both the Houses of Parliament for the good of Church and State in a pious reformation of things amiss in both.  
Secondly, 
2.  in the Parliaments prosperous success at Gainesborough by the Lord Willoughby against the Earl of Newcastles forces there; And the taking of the Town of Stamford by brave Colonel Cromwell; Together also with the taking of Burleigh-House by the said brave Colonel.  
Thirdly, 
3.  in another brave victory obtained by the Parliaments forces, at a second Siege of Gainesborough.  
Fourthly, 
4.  in God's admirable and timely appeasing of that desperate and dangerous Rebellion of the Kentish Malignants.  
Fiftly, 
5.  in the taking of Houghton-Castle in Cheshire, and that provident prevention of a●wicked plot to starve the City of London in keeping provision of victual from it.  
Sixthly and lastly, 
6.  in the most happy and prudent putting of the Tower of London into the safe custody and government of the most worthy Lord Major and Sheriffs of London, for the better safety and security of the said City and whole Kingdom.  
Upon the which said serious review of all these rich and rare Parliamentarie-Mercies, tell me, good Reader, hast thou not already seen God's Ark most bravely born up above all the swelling and blustering waves of the world's mischievous malignancy against it; 
God's Ark above the world's waves.  and It carried on with most pleasant and prosperous gales of God's guard and guide and gracious protection of it? Yes certainly, witness this six-fold cord of clearly convincing testimony. Great cause have we therefore, to check those proud waves of the world, for their insolency against our God and his most righteous cause, even in the Lords own words, by his holy Prophet; Fear ye not me, 
Je●. 5. 22.  (saith the Lord) will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for a bound to the Sea, by a perpetual decree that it cannot pass it? And though the waves thereof rise and toss themselves, yet can they not prevail, though they roar, yet can they not pass over it. Cease then and abate your pride, O ye proud and pernicious Royalists, since our God doth so curb and keep you in. As for us, we shall therefore, 
Psal. 46. 1, 2.  as we have just cause, triumph and sing; God is our refuge and strength, and a very present help in time of trouble: Therefore will we not fear though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried and hurried into the midst of the Sea. But, to go on, and to launch forth again in the deep, for the further prosecuting of our next Month's voyage.  
About the beginning of August, 
August, 1643. A ship of about 300 tun bound from Denmark to Newcastle laden with arms and ammunition, taken at Sea.  1643, a brave Ship of about 300 tun, bound from Denmark for Newcastle, having been lately before taken at Sea, by the most noble renowned and loyal Earl of Warwick's Ships, within a league of Tinmouth, laden with arms and ammunition, to furnish and arm our King's forces against the Parliament. The Commander of which Ship was a Papist, or Romish-Catholike, and that which he pretended to be a countenancing & supersedeas against all assaults of his Ship by any advers party, was a Letter from the King of Denmark, which imported, that the goods wherewith this Ship was fraught were his, and therefore not to be touched or meddled with: But the Ship (notwithstanding all their pretexts) being seized on, and notice thereof immediately dispatched away to the Parliament, an Order was instantly returned to keep the Ship, and to inventory the goods thereof, and to let the Danish Commander know that the Parliament would be answerable touching the disposal of them according to their discretion and direction. And thereupon the Ship was brought safely to London, and there unladen; A Copy of the true Inventory of the freight and goods wherein I have here thought fit to insert, for the Readers better satisfaction and content, as I myself received it from the hands of one of the most eminent and most worthy Members of the Militia in the City of London, which was as followeth.  

Barrels of Gunpowder— 476  
Bundles of Match— 890  
Drums— 050  
Belly-pieces of armour— 150  
Swords— 3040  
Muskets— 2977  
Pistols— 493  
Headpieces— 3000 
A true Copy of the Inventory and particular prize and goods taken out of the Danish-Ship, Aug. 4. 1643.   
Roundheads or Clubs— 1000  
Pikes, very good ones— 1500  
Musket-rests— 3000  
Forks to fight against horses— 0500  
Collars of Bandiliers— 3000  
Belts, 1 Hogshead. Hangers, 1 Hogshead. Girdles, 2 Hogsheads. Hangers, 4 Barrels. Pistoll-keyes, 1 Firkin. Flasks, 3 Barrels. Hangers, 1 Barrel. Moulds for Muskets, 2 Kilderkins. Stones for Pistols, 1 Firkin. Souch-powder, 1 Firkin. Cannon-Bullets— 197 And pigs of Lead— 14.   
And near upon the same time, a Ship laden with Sea-coals (whereof I had unquestionable information) from Newcastle, 
Another brave prize taken at the same time.  and bound for Holland, was then also apprehended, by the vigilancy of the most noble Earl of Warwick's Ships, wherein they found about 3 or 4000li. in money (hid deep in the coals) which was to have bought arms, etc. in Holland, for the King's use; but thus happily diverted another and a better way.  
And truly (Reader) there must needs be seen a special hand of God's providence toward us, in this Danish prize formentioned; for this Ship could not have been seized on in a more seasonable time, 
The seasonableness of that Danish prize, wherein God's providence is the more to be observed.  than as thus it pleased the Lord to dispose it, considering the great use the Parliament had at that time of the said arms and ammunition, to help to set forth a new army then making ready to march forth again under the command of that noble and renowned General Sir William Waller; and especially also the circumstances of that time considered, 
The low ebb of our armies briefly touched.  namely, the then ill success of our armies in the North under the command of the noble Lord Fairfax; and the most unhappy surrender of Bristol and Exeter also shortly after it to the King's forces; Sir William waller's unhappy defeat in the West Country, and the Lord General's army being mouldered and crumbled away, and almost quite torn in pieces by sickness and such like casualties, as that he was not able to advance and take the field to affront the Kings and Kingdoms enemies, until they could be conveniently recruited and filled up and furnished with men and arms. Of all which, having most fully made mention in the Conclusion of the Second part of our Parliamentary Chronicle, I shall cease to speak any more thereof.  
And now about this time, namely, the 6th of August, 1643. the Parliament being credibly and comfortably informed out of Yorkshire, that the most noble and renowned Lord Fairfax had in much competent measure recruited his Army at Hull, 
Divers of the Danish arms sent to Hull, to the noble Lord Fairfax. Clubs, called Roundheads, sent to Hull.  and got together some troops, of horse and companies of foot, that so he might the better both increase and strengthen his forces, the Parliament sent him many Muskets, Carbines, Pistols, hooks and piked Clubs, viz. Roundheads, (as they were termed, that so his honest Roundheads might, with them, sound beat and bang Newcastles Rattle-heads, or rather, Rotten-headed and hearted Papists and Atheists, as not long after, by God's mercy, they did, by the brave conduct of renowned Sir John Meldrum) together with 200 barrels of gunpowder, part I say of this Danish prize so happily seized on, as aforesaid.  
Much also about the foresaid time, there was a general report (and that upon good grounds and reasons) all about the City of London, 
A plot for a pretended Peace in the house of Peers in Parliament.  that there was a purpose (if not a plain, though private, plot) at Oxford, to work some of the Peers in Parliament to treat again upon some articles or propositions for a pretended peace, and indeed a motion was made (as was credibly reported) in the House of Lords, to set it on foot, which was generally much disrelisht and disliked in the City of London, and began to cause great jealousies and fears among the wisest and best-affected Citizens, as they and the whole Kingdom had just cause, we having ever received greatest damage and detriment by such feigned and treacherous treaties: 
The Citizens of London Petition the Parliament against the pretended Peace.  Whereupon the most renowned, famous and faithful Citizens of London, with an unanimous consent resolved to join together as one man, in a Petition to the Parliament, in the name of the Lord Major, Aldermen, & Commons of London, which Petition coming to my hands, I have here thought fit to insert, for the Readers better content and satisfaction therein.  

To the Right Honourable the Knights, Citizens; and Burgesses of the Commons House in Parliament.  
The humble Petition of the Lord Major, Aldermen, and Commons of the City of London, in Common Council▪ Assembled.  
showeth;  
THat your Petitioners having heard that such propositions and offers have been lately sent from the House of Peers to this honourable House, which (as we greatly fear) if yielded unto, may be destructive to our Religion, Laws, and Liberties; And finding already by experience, that the spirits of all the well-affected party in the City and Counties adjacent, that are willing to assist the Parliament both in person and purse, are much dejected thereat, and the brotherly assistance from Scotland as well as the raising and maintaining of forces ourselves, thereby likely to be retarded (all which the Petitioners refer to your serious consideration) and considering our present sad condition lies upon us in a special manner, through the incensed patience of the Almighty, by delay and want of execution of justice upon traitors and Delinquents, and having an opportunity yet afforded us to speak, our humble desires are:  
That you would be pleased so to persist in your former resolutions, whereupon the people have so depended, and wherein ye have so deeply engaged yourselves (though you should perish in the work) that justice may be done upon offenders and delinquents; And (since we are as willing as ever, to expose what we are and have, for the crowning of so good a cause) you would be pleased, by passing the Ordinance hereunto annexed, or one to this effect, to put us into a probable way for ours and your defence; wherein your Petitioners will by the blessing of God be never wanting;  
But will ever pray, etc.   
This Petition being presented, Aug. 7. 1643. by the Petitioners aforesaid, to the House of Commons, was well accepted and thanks returned by Mr Speaker for their care of the Kingdom's welfare, 
The Parliaments present answer to the Petition.  with promise that the particulars desired should speedily be taken into consideration; and to consider of an Ordinance to the purpose in the Petition mentioned, which was referred to a Committee.  
Now this Petition thus exhibited to the Parliament by Alderman Atkins, 
The effects of the said Petition.  in the name of the Lord Major, Aldermen and Commons, as aforesaid, shortly after produced this real effect for the present in answer to their foresaid Petition, namely, that about the 16th or 17th of August than next ensuing, the Lords and Commons in Parliament having had serious consultation about the said Petition, published an Ordinance of Parliament, wherein was an Oath or Covenant framed by them to be taken by all of any condition or rank whatsoever, throughout the City of London, 
An Oath or Covenant to be taken by all Citizens of London.  together with divers prudent and provident Decrees for the better settling and securing of the welfare of the said City, which for the excellency thereof, and for the Readers more full content and satisfaction therein, I have here also thought fit to insert.  

An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons assembled in PARLIAMENT.  
With an Oath or Covenant, to be taken by all Persons within the Cities of London and Westminster, or line of Communication, for the better securing of the Parliament, the Cities of London and Westminster, with the Suburbs thereof and parts adjacent.  
FOr the better securing of the Parliament, the Cities of London and Westminster and the Suburbs thereof and parts adjacent, in these times of eminent danger; The Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled do ordain; That the Committee of the Milit a for the City of London, or any person or persons authorized by them, shall have power, and are hereby authorized and required to tender and administer unto all and every such person or persons within the said Cities, or within the Line of Communication, or any of the Parishes mentioned in the weekly bill of mortality, which are appointed or hereafter shall be appointed to bear arms under the command of the Committee for the Militia of the City of London, the Oath or Vow hereafter mentioned: That is to say;  
I, A, B. in the presence of almighty God, do vow and protest that I will according to my power and vocation, maintain the Cities of London and Westminster, with the Burrow of Southwark, & Suburbs of the said Cities, and the Forts, Outworks, and lines of Communication, lately made about the said Cities and Burrow, against all forces raised or to be raised by the King or any other without the consent of both Houses of Parliament, or authority derived from them. And that I will not directly nor indirectly endeavour the giving up, seizing, or taking of any the Forts, Outworks, Magazines or places of strength within the precincts aforesaid, without the consent of both Houses of Parliament, or of such as shall have authority derived from them, and of the Lord Major, Aldermen, and Common-council of the said City of London: And that I will not prejudice the said Cities, Suburbs or places, raise or assist any forces, tumults, or unlawful assemblies of people; nor will directly or indirectly give any intelligence or willingly suffer any intelligence to be given to the forces raised without the consent of both Houses of Parliament, or otherwise, to the prejudice of the said Cities, Suburbs or places; And that I will with all convenient speed discover to the Lord Major and Governors of the Forts within the City of London, or to some of them, all such plots and designs, as I shall know or be credibly informed of, to be against the said Cities, Suburbs or places, or any of them. And this Vow and Protestation I make without any equivocation or mental reservation, believing that I cannot be absolved from this my Vow and Protestation, and wishing no blessing from God, if I do not perform the same. So help me God.  
And it is further ordained by the said Lords and Commons, that if any such person or persons aforesaid, shall refuse to take this Oath or Vow so tendered, the Committee of the Militia for the City of London, or any two or more of them shall have power and are hereby authorized & required by themselves, their agents and ministers, forthwith to disarm every such person so refusing, and to seize their horses; and in case any such person after such disarming shall have any arms found with him or with any other to his use, which he shall not immediately reveal to the said Committee of the Militia, or some of them, that then his goods and estate shall be seized on to the use of the Commonwealth, and for the defence of the said Cities; as likewise the goods and estate of every such person as aforesaid, as shall willingly harbour or conceal the arms of any such person so refusing. And shall also have power and are hereby authorized and required to seize the person or persons of all such persons as aforesaid, as shall refuse the said Oath, or any other person or persons which are or shall be known to appear to be malignant or illaffected to the Parliament, and to put them into safe custody, or to remove and expel them from or out of the said Cities and lines of Communication, or otherwise to dispose of them as they shall think to be most conducing to the safety of the said Cities and places. And it is further ordained by the Lords and Commons, that the said Committee of the Militia, or any nine of them, or the Commander in chief of the forces raised within the said Cities and lines of Communication, or any the foresaid Parishes mentioned in the weekly bill of mortality, shall have power and are hereby required to suppress all insurrections, tumults and unlawful assemblies within the said Cities and precincts aforesaid, and to apprehend all offenders therein, their aiders and abettors; And also all such as shall wear any marks, signs, or colour's, to distinguish themselves as a party joining against the authority of Parliament, and to punish or execute them, or so many of them as they shall think fit, according to the rule of martial-law. And it is further ordained by the Lords and Commons, that the Committee of the Militia of London, or any nine of them, and the Commander in chief, and the respective Officers in their several places, shall govern and punish their inferior Officers and Soldiers under the command of the said Committee of the Militia, according to the Articles and Laws of war, set forth by his Excellency the E●●l of Essex, and authorized by both Houses of Parliament. And the said Committee of the Militia are hereby further authorized to take order (as occasion shall require) for the shutting up of all shops within the said Cities and lines of Communication, until farther order shall be taken by both Houses of Parliament, or by the said Committee; to the end that all persons may according to their power and vocation be and continue in a readiness and fitting posture for the defence of the said Cities and parts adjacent. Provided, that no power heerin granted, shall extend to any Peer or Member of either of the Houses of Parliament, or any of the assistants or attendants upon the House of Peers or House of Commons.  
Die Jovis, August 17th, 1643. Ordered by the Lords in Parliament, that this Ordinance for the safety of the Cities of London and Westminster, and the Liberties thereof, be forthwith printed and published. John Brown, Cler. Parl.   
About which said time, and upon this well-grounded encouragement by the aforesaid Ordinance of Parliament, the most renowned Citizens of London began to take a more strict and exact care▪ of the welfare of their City, 
Citie-Malignants imprisoned in Saint Faith's Church under Paul's, & in Ships on the Thames.  and by an Order from the Citie-Militia, very many persons of dis-affected malignant Citizens were seized on, and for want of safe prisons to retain them in custody, they were committed into the enclosures of the walls of St Faiths Church under the superstitious and superfluous fabric of Paul's great and mountainous Cathedral, and very many others also for want of strong prisons were imprisoned in Ships upon the river Thames, and kept safe under hatches with sufficient and constant guards, to keep them safe from plotting and practising mischief at home. Much also about the same time, 
The Earl of Holland's Trunks seized on by water.  the Earl of Holland having most●ignobly & disloyally by stealth left the Parliament and fled to Oxford; about 14 or 16 of his Trunks, which had also been surreptitiously conveyed by water up the river Thames in a Barge and bound for Oxford, and all of them full fraught and stuffed up both with money and other most rich and costly robes and commodities, were stayed and seized on and carried back to Windsor-Castle, and from thence were conveyed speedily after to London. About the 20th of August also, 1643. came credible information by Letters from the coasts of Wales, 
The Fellowship, a brave Ship of Bristol, taken by Capt. Smith in the Swallow, a Parliament-Ship.  that the Fellowship of Bristol, a ship of about 400 tun, carrying 24 pieces of Ordnance, and the Hart-frigot, in company with it, set sail from Bristol, for Milford-haven, whither being come, they summoned the County of Pembroke, and informed them (for, now, Bristol Cavaliers had already learned from Oxford the exact art of lying, as well by Sea, as by Land) that all the Parliaments forces were quite overthrown and discomfited, and that now all the Kingdom repaired apace to his Majesty, and that Cha●tam, Rochester, and all Kent were revolted from the Parliament, with a great many more of such like false and fictitious inventions, which the flashie and illaffected Gentry of that County seemed too easily to give ear unto, yet somewhat disliked these Maritime Cavaliers or Cormorants, that they should thus suddenly come on shore among them and cast up works to secure the landing of the Irish Soldiers and rebels (as their purpose was) among them. But whiles this was in doing, and the Inhabitants seeing the drift and intention heerin, as aforesaid, and somewhat unwilling to have it so, yet could hardly tell how to help themselves and hinder it: The Swallow, a brave Ship in the Parliaments service, under the command of the right noble and ever to be honoured Earl of Warwick, came suddenly into the said harbour, and came to anchor near unto the Fellowship of Bristol, and presently summons the Captain to come on board his Ship, who a while insisted on quarter, and would capitulate to be set on shore, but Captain Smith (for so was his name that was Captain of the Swallow) utterly refused any terms of quarter, and without delay gave him a broad side, wherewith he killed 3 or 4 of the Fellowships men, whereupon they presently yielded their Ship and themselves prisoners; among whom (as was credibly informed) were four Sea-Captains, viz. Captain William Hale, Captain Brooks, Captain Burley, and Captain Barnaby. This excellent piece of service was performed by Captain Smith, aforesaid, a very gallant and religious Gentleman, who too well knows the King is unhappy in nothing more than in being too indulgent to the Popish party about him, who seek his ruin under a false and perfidious pretence of his happiness.  
And about the latter end of August, aforesaid, that right noble and renowned Commander, Sir William Waller (notwithstanding the malicicus hearts, foul mouths, and false tongues of inveterate malignants, belching and bruiting abroad many disgraceful reports to the contrary, thereby to increase and encourage, as much as in them was, discontent and distractions among the people) obtained from his Excellency, 
Sir Wi●●allers Commission to advance with his intended designs, is granted by his Excellency.  the Lord General, his long desired and much expected Commission, for his advance of the important affairs of the Kingdom, which was delivered unto him on Saturday, August 26th, in the honourable House of Commons, by Mr Speaker, and that with much and universal joy and content, and with the general prayers of the whole House for his prosperous and happy success; the fruits and effects whereof, we shall by God's mercy taste of and declare in Gods due time. And whereas also many persons had either ignorantly or maliciously, or both, given out (to disparage this design) that the power of his Commission extended only to about six or ten miles' distance from London; the said Commission is, for certain, of so ample and so large extent, that he may conduct his forces into any County of the Kingdom, as the exigency of affairs shall necessitate and require.  
And now good Reader, let me desire thee here again to recollect thy thoughts a little by a grateful revise and contemplation on all those last past memorable passages and Parliame●tarie-Mercies and Merchandizes of this month's voyage also, as  
First, the most happy taking of that rich prize, the Danish Ship, so fraught with arms and ammunition. 
A brief recapitulation of all these last recited Parliamentarie-Mercies, by way of obliged thankfulness.   
Secondly, the dangerous plot for a pretended Peace, discovered and prevented, and the most happy and contrary issue it produced in occasioning an Oath and Covenant in the City of London, to unite and knit them the more firmly and faster together, and thereby securing the most dangerous Citie-Malignants in safer custody.  
Thirdly, 
1.  the apprehending of the Earl of Holland's rich Trunks.  
Fourthly, 
2.  the taking of the Fellowship, a brave Bristoll-Ship; and the confirming of Sir William waller's Commission by his Excellency the 
3.  Lord General, for the advancement of that brave Commanders intended great designs. 
4.   
And now then tell me, 
GOD'S Ark fairly carried on with fair blasts of good success against its boisterous billows and swelling waves.  good Reader, on the brief review of all these memorable mercies, were not here many most fair and prosperous blasts of good success to help to carry on Gods-Ark, his holy-cause, through the midst of the troublesome and tumultuous Ocean of these the Kingdoms intestine and destructive swelling waves and waters of unnaturally homebred and inbred broils and bloody dissensions, like so many devouring whirpools, gaping to ingurgitate all into their insatiate ma●●es of alldevouring mischief and destruction? And on this so sweet and comfortable consideration, still to return (with enlarged alacrity of spirit) all the honour and praise of all these sweet and singular mercies and free favours to God alone, 
Psal. 136. 4.  who only does wondrous things, for his mercy endures for ever. But to go on, in happy progress of the next month's voyage and adventures.  
About the beginning of September, 
September. 1643.  1643. came certain information by letters from Plymouth to London, that one of the members of the House of Commons in Parliament, namely, Sir Alexander Carew, governor of a considerable Island near Plymouth, which commands the Sound there, 
Sir Alexander carew's plot against Plymouth timely discovered, and the danger prevented.  had proved an apostate and endeavoured secretly to betray that Island, and thereby, the brave Town of Plymouth, into the hands of the Cornish Cormorant's: But, by God's great mercy and good providence, was timely prevented therein, by the fidelity of the Officers in arms and honest Soldiers, who upon the first discovery of his perfidious purpose, suddenly seized on his person and kept him in safe custody, till he might be sent away to the Parliament, to receive just punishment for such a base and perfidious demerit.  
Also about the beginning of September, aforesaid, came certain intelligence to London by letters from Hull, that the said brave & strong Maritime Town having been besieged by the Earl of Newcastles Popish and atheistical army, consisting of about 15000 horse and foot, who lying about Cottingham and Newland, and those other near adjacent parts, 
Hull besieged by the Earl of Newcastle.  about a mile or two distant from Hull, had cast up several works against it, and planted divers pieces of Ordnance and batteries on them; And though they frequently shot against the Town very many 36 pound bullets and other Canon-shot, yet by God's great mercy and good providence, did very little or no hurt at all by them; yea that on the lords-days when the Inhabitants were at Church serving the Lord their God, 
God's mighty preservation of the Town.  the bullets came whistling over the Church and flew into their marketplace, but did no harm, save only to a Malignants-house and chimney in the Town; and (ever praised be our good God) by the most noble and renowned Lord Fairfax his wisdom and valour and martial circumspection, they were still kept at such a distance from the Town that the enemy could not shoot their granadoes into the Town as they desired and vehemently endeavoured, 
Beverly pitifully plundered by the enemies.  but they pitifully spoiled the Country about Hull, and especially the Town of Beverly, which as soon as they came into, they miserably plundered; yea and they thought to have done the Town of Hull a terrible mischief by cutting them short of freshwater, but (blessed be the Lord) the Town felt no great want thereby, being very competently furnished with all sorts of provision and sustenance for men.  
Now, Newcastle grew exceeding mad, and was extremely vexed that he was so hopeless of getting the Town, 
The Earl of Newcastle despairs of getting Hull.  having been formerly so hopeful (at least in his high and proud conceits) to get it for his Winter-quarters, and to be a Sanctuary for him from the Scots; and it was generally reported (and that probably enough) that he cared not for the loss of 10000 of his men, so he might bu● get possession of it: But by God's blessing on the most noble Lord Fairfax his valour and vigilancy, there is no fear of that strong Town in all probability. Yet see how it pleased the Lord it should fall out within the said Town, in the time of this Siege, (which is the thing I mainly intended to mention at this time and in this place) namely, That about Septemb. the 16th, 1643, being Saturday, an accident happened at the North-Block-house of the Town, 
A sudden and most remarkable preservation of Hull.  the danger whereof (had not the Lord marvellously prevented, and had it fallen out on the side of the Town where the enemies lay, as it did on the most remote ●ide from them) had undoubtedly ruined the whole Town. For, there were at least ●ortie Carthages of Gunpowder suddenly blown up and some granadoes which lay there in the same place, 
Hulls very great danger, at this time, by Powder, suddenly blown up.  and all fired, which quickly broke down a great part of that strong Block-house, both within and without, which breach and loss ('twas verily believed) could not be repaired with, at least, 2000li. charge; but I say, the especial providence of God, heerin, appeared, in that it was blown up on that side of the Town which lay next to the Seaside, otherwise it would have been a very advantageous opportunity to the enemies for their more secure assaulting and storming of the Town. 
The admirable hand of God in Hulls mighty danger.  Besides, this was also very remarkable above the rest, and in it, the hand of God most eminently was seen, that it blew open a door, in which very room there were fourteen barrels of Gunpowder, some with the heads open, yet took not fire, which had it done, it would most certainly have blown up, at least, the whole house, & have spoilt some considerable part of the Town: But, I say, by God's great mercy and admirable providence, they were all untouched, and it did no other harm, than as aforesaid. It was conceived and feared, at first, that it came by some treachery, 
The occasion of Hu●ls so great danger.  but upon diligent search and inquisition 'twas clearly found to be done by the carelessness of a Gunner; There were four men killed by it, and as many hurt, and with this loss the danger ended, blessed and praised be the Lord our God for it. And now we shall for a while leave Hull in this besieged posture and condition, and speak of some other Parliamentarie-passages, worthy our notice and observation.  
About the midst of September, 1643, our most prudent and provident Parliamentarie-Senators, 
The Parliaments care for the encouragement of London Apprentices in their Service of the Kingdom.  in their pious and prudent care for the encouragement of Apprentices and young men to be cheerful and forward to assist the Kingdom's great affairs against the common-Adversaries thereof, set out an Ordinance of Parliament for the securing of their indemnity in going forth in service, and listing themselves under the command of Sir William Waller in his Expedition. As also another Ordinance came forth at the same time, for the searching of Trunks and any other carriages that passed out of London. And a third also for a Collection to be made for sick and maimed Soldiers. All which three said Ordinances of Parliament, for the Readers better satisfaction, content, and delight, I have thought fit here to insert.  

The Copy of an Ordinance of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, for the securing those Apprentices from indemnity that list themselves under the Command of Sir William Waller.  
Die Veneris, Septemb. 15. 1643.  
WHereas in times of common danger and necessity, the interest of private persons ought to give way to the public; It is ordained and declared by the Lords and Commons in Parliament, That such Apprentices unto Watermen, plying and rowing upon the river of Thames, as have been or shall be listed to serve as Soldiers for the defence of the Protestant Religion, and liberty of the Kingdom, his Majesty's royal person, the Parliament, and the City of London, under the Command of Sir William Waller: Their sureties and such as stand engaged for them, shall be secured against their Masters, their Executors and Administrators, from all loss and inconveniencies, by forfeiture of bonds, Covenants, infranchisements, or otherwise. And that after this public service ended, the Masters of such Apprentices shall be commanded and required to receive them again into their service, without imposing upon them any punishment, loss, or prejudice, for their absence, in the defence of the Commonwealth. And the Lords and Commons do further declare, That if it shall appear that the Masters of such Apprentices have received any considerable loss by the absence of their Apprentices, they will take care that reasonable satisfaction shall be made unto them out of the public stock of the Kingdom, according to justice and indifferency.  
H. Elsing, Cler. P. D. Com.   

An Order of Parliament, That all Trunks and Carriages that come out of the City, be searched at the Courts of Guards, etc.  
Die Sabbathi, Septemb. 23. 1643.  
IT is this day ordered by the Commons assembled in Parliament, That all Trunks and other Carriages that come out of the City to pass the Courts of Guards, shall not pass till they be searched by such men as the Committee for the Militia shall depute, or by the Courts of Guards. And that my Lord Major be desired to give order, that no Fl●x, Brimstone, or Saltpetre, or other things that tend to the making of provisions for war, be permitted to pass these ten days, either by water or by land, unless it be by warrant under the hand of Mr Speaker, and that such goods shall be good prizes, as shall be so seized. And it is left to the Committee for the Militia, to reward those that shall so seize the same out of the said goods, and the persons that shall so send any of the said goods, as aforesaid, shall be secured and tried by a Council of war. And this Order is to be printed and published, and to be sent to the several Courts of Guards by the Committee for the Militia.  
Hen. Elsing, Cler. P. D. Com.   

An Order of Parliament, That a Collection be made in all Parish-Churches and Chapels throughout London & Westminster, for sick and maimed Soldiers, etc.  
Die Sabbathi, Septemb. 23. 1643.  
IT is this day Ordered by the Commons assembled in Parliament, That on Wednesday next (being the day appointed for public humiliation) there shall be a Collection made in all the Parish-Churches in and about the City of London and Westminster, that are mentioned in the bill of Mortality; as also in the several Chapels within the said limits, by the Churchwardens and other Officers of the said Parishes and Chapels, for and toward the relief of sick and maimed Soldiers. And the moneys by them so collected they are not to detain upon any pretence whatsoever, but to make payment thereof at Tallow-Chandlers-Hall, near Dowgate, on Friday next, being the 29th of this instant Septemb. 1643. unto Mr William Greenhill, Mr John Pocock, Mr John Randall, and Mr Richard Hutchinson, (or any two of them) Citizens of London appointed to be Treasurers for the receiving and paying of moneys to sick and maimed Soldiers. And it is hereby likewise ordered, That the Ministers of the said several Parishes and Chapels shall earnestly persuade the people freely to give and contribute to this so pious, charitable, and honourable a work, in this time of great extremity, there being many maimed men here already, and more expected from the Army, for the recovery and cure of whom there is great reason to provide, they having so freely and cheerfully hazarded their lives for the preservation of all our lives and liberties, and the true Protestant Religion.  
Hen. Elsing, Cler. P. D. Com.  
Ordered by the Commons in Parliament, That this Ordinance and Order be forthwith printed and published.  
Hen. Elsing, Cler. P. D. Com.   
And here also I may not omit justly to enumerate and commemorate the great blessing of the 29th day of this September, 1643. as a singular Parliamentarie-mercie, and special blessing of the Lord our good God, both to the most famous and renowned City of London in special, and, indeed, to the whole Kingdom of England in general, namely, the happy continuance of the successful godly and gracious government of the said most famous City, 
Sir Jo. Wollaston most happily chosen Lord Major of the City of London.  by the comfortable and desired choice of that most worthy virtuous, and pious patriot and Senator of the said City, Sir John Wollaston, to succeed for the ensuing year in the honourable majoralty thereof, who was chosen thereunto; with a most full, fair and unanimous consent and suffrage of the hearty votes and voices of all the numerous company of grave and well-affected Citizens then assembled (thereunto) in the Guild-Hall of London. A rare mercy indeed, considering the times, for I make no question, 
The Author's just and experimental attestation and commendation of Sir John Wollaston Lord Major of London.  nay I am most confidently assured (out of that intimate and ancient experience which I myself have most happily had of his singular piety and ingenuity of spirit, and sweetness of natural endowments, and approved cordial affection and constant adherence to the cause of God in the Parliaments proceedings) that he will with no less deserved honour and reputation (by God's gracious assistance) manage the helm of government, and steer the Stern of the Ship of the Cities great Ocean and motion of serious and important affairs, than his former famous Predecessor did. And that also which sweetens this mercy, 
The mercies of this Lord Majors choice also was a sweet return of prayer.  and makes it so much the more remarkably eminent is, that his honourable choice also, as his pious Predecessors, was a happy and holy fruit and return of prayer, it being on the very next day after our monthly day of public humiliation, when the Lord had been in particular sought unto for this blessing. And for the confirmation, in part, of what I have thus fairly and faithfully attested of him; It pleased the Lord, very shortly after his inauguration into his honourable majoralty, & ere he was (as the Proverb is) hardly warm in the seat of authority, as aforesaid, now to put him even already upon an honourable trial of his love & loyalty to the great cause in present question and agitation; 
A notable trial by Gods most wise disposal, put upon the Lord Major of London, and most loyally managed by him.  and as he was now an eminent Cedar of our Lebanon, and but new-now planted on the top of the City's mountain, and, so, obnoxious to many and mighty blustering blasts of trial and probation: So, I say, it pleased the Lord to administer an occasion to show and set forth his loyalty and fidelity, and that God had enabled him (and would so still) like a strong well-grown & well-grounded Oak, to stand fast and most immovable, to oppose, withstand, and break the force of the either violent blasts of malignity, or sly and insinuating breathe of treachery, wherewith he now I say, was already assaulted from Oxford, thus:  
About the first of November then succeeding, 
Four Proclamations sent at one time to the Lo Major of London, to be published, in the King's name, in the City.  a Messenger was sent from Oxford, with no less than four Proclamations to be delivered to the Lord Major of London, (all of most pernicious and dangerous consequence) and by him and his authority to be published and proclaimed in the King's name throughout the City of London.  
The first, to alter the general Monthly Wednesday-fast, contrary to an act established by King and Parliament, and strange and uncouth reasons given for the cause of the alteration thereof, one reason being, in regard of the horrid and damnable Cessation of arms in Ireland; O monsirum infandum, inform, ingens, etc. The second Proclamation was to make all money coined in Ireland, currant in England. The third, to command all Counties in the Kingdom to accept such new high Sheriffs as were pricked at Oxford, and to remove the office of Green wax from London to Oxford. The fourth, to inhibit the administering and taking of the national League and Covenant between England and Scotland, (of which Proclamation more hereafter in its more proper place.) But, I say, this our most worthy, wise, pious, and loyal Lord Major (to the glory of God, his own just honour, the joy of all God's people, and the vexation of all the base malignant spirits in London, whose false, faithless and graceless hopes in him, were now at the first, I say, most worthily frustrated and blasted by him, even in the very bud) who no sooner received the said four Proclamations, but the presently sent the Messenger and them, with a strong guard, to the Parliament, who took it as a singular and acceptable service from the Lord Major, kept the Proclamations, and committed the Messenger to Newgate-prison, as a Spy, for coming from Oxford to London, without either their warrant, or his Excellencies the Lord Generals, contrary to their late Ordinance of Parliament.  
About the latter end also of the said September, 
Provision of firing ordered by the Parliament for prevention of dangerous mutinies by the poorer sort.  1643. the Parliament taking into serious consideration, the great inconveniences which the Kingdom in general and the City of London in special were like to feel and find in the ensuing Winter-season, by reason of the want of Sea-coal, fuel, and firing, which would fall most heavily upon the poorer sort of people, and might cause a mutiny and molestation of the peace of the City, if not timely prevented, and they not (therein) competently provided for, according to that old adagy, That hunger and cold will break through stonewalls. Therefore, upon a Message from the House of Lords in Parliament, a Committee also of the House of Commons was appointed to join with a Committee of Lords to consult about the prevention of this (otherwise) inevitable danger, and to take order for the felling and cutting of wood for the better supply of the City and parts adjacent with firing for the winter season (according to an Ordinance of Parliament which both Houses 
Woods to be cut down to furnish the City and parts adjacent with fuel.  had passed immediately after, viz October 2d, 1643.) and by virtue whereof the said Committee had power to appoint the felling and cutting of such quantity of wood as they should think fit within sixty miles of London, in all Forests, Chases, and Parks, belonging to the Kings or Queen's Majesties, 
What woods were to be cut down.  or out of any other woods, groves, springs, or other land where fellable wood was, belonging to any Archbishops, Bishops, Deans, Chapters, etc. Papists, Delinquents, or other Malignants against the Parliament, and the same to be disposed of for the better supply of the City, as aforesaid, and to be sold at such rates as the said Committee should think fit.  
And now again, good Reader, be pleased a little here to re-peruse and review the sweet Parliamentarie-Mercies of this Month also.  
First, 
A summary grateful review of this Month's Parliamentarie-Mercies.  In the timely preservation of Plymouth from a treacherous plot.  
Secondly, In the Siege and preservation of Hull from that dangerous casualty by Gunpowder.  
Thirdly, In the threefold Declaration of the Parliaments piety and providence.  
Fourthly, In the happy election of Sir John Wollaston to be Lord Major of the City of London, in such a time of so great need of godly and loyal Magistrates.  
Fifthly, The dashing that dangerous design in pieces of the four pernicious Proclamations sent to the said most worthily honoured Lord Major; and in the Parliaments so prudent and provident provision of fuel in this Winter-season.  
And then tell me (good Reader) whether God did not heerin also most smoothly carry-on his Ark with prosperous gales, 
GOD'S Ark carried on with fair and prosperous gales.  maugre all the swelling surges of the wicked intentions of its envious adversaries; and on the sweet sight and serious consideration thereof, to give the Lord only all the praise and glory, and with holy David to break forth into a holy ecstasy of rejoicing gratitude and say, 
Psal. 68 19  Blessed be the Lord our God, who, thus, daily loads us with benefits and blessings, even the Lord, the God of our salvation. And now to go on.  
And here now I shall begin this month of October's successful voyage, 
October. 1643.  with a singular act and evidence of our most renowned Parliaments piety and charity to that most famous Nursery of many succeeding thousands of poor helpless Orphans, 
The Parliaments charitable act and order for the good of the poor children of Christ's Hospital in London.  I mean Christ's Hospital in London; The best and most beautiful Flower of my Garden. Where (and I most heartily bless my good God that I have this happy and fit and fair opportunity, to acknowledge, and to let the whole Kingdom know, as I am infinitely bound, to Gods due glory and mine own comfort) I the unworthy Author of this Parliamentarie-Chronicle, have from my tender infancy, had my best being, breeding and education: 
The Authors own grateful acknowledgement of God's goodness to him in the said Hospital.  And, to which House of Charity, (and so consequently to the renowned Citizens of London, the pious and provident Patrons thereof, next under God) I owe my self, and my poor All, what ever it be, both for all my former happy education, and present sustentation, there, in my place and Calling. But to leave this brief and grateful digression, (which, I hope was not altogether impertinent to this place; I am sure, not to my person and condition) and to come to the present business: It pleased God, I say, to put into the hearts of our ploughs' Parliamentarie-Statists, to set forth a singular act and order of Parliament for the good of the poor Children of Christ's Hospital, in these hard and pinching times, that they might have comfortable sustenance and maintenance, notwithstanding the great straits and necessities of the Kingdom. Which order of Parliament happily coming to my hands, I have thought good here to insert, for the Readers bet●er content and satisfaction, which was as followeth,  

Die Lunae, Octobris, 1643.  
IT is this day Ordered by the Lords and Commons in Parliament, That all the Rents and Revenues, belonging to Christ's Hospital, which are to be paid for the immediate use and advantage of the Children of the said Hospital, shall be free from the Ordinance of the Twentieth and Fifth part, and from all other Taxes or Charges whatsoever; And they do require all Assessors, hereby to take notice hereof; Provided, that the Tenants who enjoy good and considerable bargains, in their Leases from the said Hospital, do claim, and enjoy no freedom, exemption, or advantage by this▪ Order.  
Joh. Brown, Cler. Parliament.   
October the 6th, 1643. The House of Commons in Parliament adjourned themselves into several Committees, and one choice Committee of them assembled the same day at a Common Hall in London, which was called on purpose to consult with the Citizens for the speedy raising of an 100000li. 
An 100000 li to be raised in the City of London, for the advance of an army of 21000 Scots to come into England.  for the advance of the Scottish Army unto us, for repayment of which sum, our Brethren of Scotland undertook (as hath been formerly mentioned) to bring 21000 men into this Kingdom; which said 100000li. was also desired to be borrowed of the City upon loan, and to be certainly repaid out of moneys procured from foreign parts, upon the public Faith of both Kingdoms of▪ England and Scotland, and there were sundry excellent speeches made there and then to the Citizens, to set forth the great importance of their speedy assistance in this particular, and how acceptable a work it would be to the Lord, not only to enter into a holy League or Covenant, for reformation of the evils in Church and State, but also to seal it with some benevolent and cheerful act of Contribution, (though but by way of loan) to set forward the work; that thus both hand and heart might go together in the work, and we, with holy David, 
2 Sam. 24.  might manifest that we would not offer a sacrifice to our God of that which cost us nought. To which motion, then, most efficaciously made, there, All then present, with very much cheerfulness and alacrity, declared their forwardness and willing assent to the utmost of their ability, as was desired; and at the same time, and afterward, also, at the taking of the said Covenant in all the Parish-Churches in and about London, great numbers subscribed for very considerable sums to be raised, accordingly, with all convenient and possible expedition.  
And now, good Reader, thou mayst be pleased to remember, that we lately left the atheistical Earl of Newcastle and his Popish Army, besieging the strong and important Town of Hull, most bravely defended (as I mentioned before) by the most renowned and victorious Lord Fairfax, 
A famous victory obtained by the Lord Fairfax against Newcastles Popish forces, whereby the Siege of Hull was raised.  the most noble and faithful Governor thereof: Now therefore to return to it again, I shall here acquaint thee, that about the 14th of this instant October, 1643. came certain intelligence to London▪ from thence, both by several relations, and also by Letters of a most memorable and brave bickering between the besiegers and the besieged, wherein the Lord was pleased to crown the most noble Lord Fairfax with a very glorious and famous victory over those his Popish adversaries, and thereby to raise that insolent Siege of this proud Atheist against Hull, put the said new Marquis (forsooth, for, honours at Oxford are, 'tis too well known, so cheap, that they are most easily bought and sold for any base and treacherous▪ design against the Parliament and Kingdom) of Newcastle to new troubles, and driving him quite out of his little patience and probity, and making thereby his wit as well as his honesty run a woolgathering, 
The Marquis of Newcastle put to great straits by this Defeat.  and, indeed, plunging him into inextricable perplexities, as was most remarkably evident in this most memorable and brave Defeat given to him and his Popish forces before Hull, where he lay in Siege, as you have already heard. For now Winter being come on, and he desirous to make Hull his most strong and advantageous Winter-quarter, and safe retiring and retreating place on all disastrous occasions, he now resolved to set stiffly and stoutly upon the work, and with his utmost powers to endeavour to procure it, but was now forced to make a new reckoning, for thus reckoning without his host; The description of which noble and renowned skirmish and brave bickering, for the more full and clearer setting forth of the truth thereof, I have here thought fit to give the Reader a sight of the Copy of that renowned Commander Sir John▪ Meldrums own letter, even verbatim, as he himself (being a principal actor in the whole business) writ and sent it to the Speaker of the▪ Parliament, only I shall here or there interlace some few material circumstances, extracted out of the most noble Lord Fairfaxes Letter, sent also about the same time to the said Mr. Speaker of the Parliament; which was as followeth.  
For my honourable Friend, William Lentall, Esquire, Speaker of the Commons House of Parliament.  
SIR;  
I Shall not weary you much with the relation of some happy successes, God hath blessed us withal, since my arrival at Hull, knowing that many pens will be set a-work▪ 
A Copy of Sir John Meldrums Letter to the Speaker of the Parliament touching the brave victory he obtained at Hull.  whereby neither the truth in the narration, nor the favour and mercy of God, can be fairly and fully revealed. There having been a supply sent into Hull, Octob. 5th, 1643. of about 400 Soldiers, from the Earl of Manchester, and about 250, from Sir William Constable Upon monday the 9th of the said October, the Reginalists or Popish forces under the Earl of Newcastles command, about break of day, did with a great deal of courage, being commanded by Denton Stricland, and one Little, a Countryman of mine, who commanded in chief, fell upon one of our Outworks, called the Ragged-jetty, a place of great importance for the safe riding of our Shipping, before the Town; but by the resolution of two English Commanders, and a Countryman of mine, cousen-germane to Sir William Cunningham, and the courage of the Gunners and Soldiers, they were (upon view of an hundred Musqueteers which followed me from the Mount) beaten out of the work, and driven to a most shameful retreat, leaving the bodies of their Commanders dead upon the place; many of their Soldiers killed and wounded. Whereupon, on the said 9th of October, my Lord General called a Council of war, where it was resolved for us to issue forth, and to beat them out of their next works approaching to ours. The order was, to fall out in two distinct bodies of five hundred Musqueteers apiece, commanded (under my charge) by two Colonels, Lambert and Rainsborow, who with Major Forbess and Major Wren, carried themselves very bravely in the business; and thus (the Lord General having placed three troops of horse, to keep off the enemy's horse (which were quickly drawn into a body) from annoying our foot) marching along, about nine of the clock that morning, toward the enemy's line of approach, on every side, the enemy abandoning one work after another, until we had made ourselves masters of their Ordnance. But, as the Sun (in its greatest brightness) is subject to Eclipses: so it fell out with us at this time; for, the forwardness and violence of our soldiers was abated by about an hundred pikes of the enemy, who charging the Van of our foot, scattered and drove us back again, even so, as that they regained their Ordnance, and enforced us all to a shameful retreat; neither myself, nor the other Commanders being able to stop any one man, (no, if the Kingdom itself had been at the stake.) In this retreat Colonel Rainsborow, was (as I conceive) either taken prisoner, or killed dead, and so fallen into some ditch, for he could not be found, but his man's dead body was found. Upon my Lord General's order to shut the gates, and upon the sense of their own miscarriage, a body of our foot was drawn up again, which falling again, with as much animosity and heat of courage, as formerly they had retreated, did drive them again out of their works, recovered again all the Ordnance lost, and gained beside, a half-Cannon and a Demiculverin of brass, which we had not possessed in the first charge, even one of their foreign great brazen-staves, which now through God's mercy hath proved a Staff of Reed unto them. Upon this change of the Scene of affairs, the Marquis of Newcastle and General King brought down their whole Army upon us from their head quarter: Whereupon we turned the two last pieces, now taken by us, upon this body of their army, and thereupon they were all instantly forced to a most wretched retreat, and to stand at a distance until we had slighted their whole line of approach, and then we brought off nine pieces of Ordnance, the Demi-canon, aforementioned, called (by some) one of the Queen's gods, and, by others, the Queen's Pocket-pistol, which at first we made shift to draw out of danger of the enemy's recovery, till we had more leisure toward night, to fetch within the walls, as afterward we did, and brought them safely within our quarters. Now after the enemy perceived they had lost the two brass-pieces (which they did imagine we were not able to draw off) their whole body of foot with forty Colours drew themselves (as a fresh reserve, both horse and foot) within pistol-shot to our Ragged-Jettie, resolving (it seemed) to fall upon it that night, which they did with great fury and violence. But it pleased the Lord, infinitely to manifest great strength in the weakness of our weary men, and as it were to put new spirits into their tired bodies; and after a hot skirmish of about two hours at least, we also having ordered (as they perceived) two hundred▪ Musqueteers to keep without the Jetty, which could not possibly have been done, if the enemy had had Ordnance, and having put so many resolved men within the said Jetty; thus, I say, at length it pleased the Lord so to order and dispose of things, that they all betook themselves to their heels about midnight, and we●e driven quite out of the field, and forced to retire quite away to their head-quarter. The Marquis of Newcastle himself and Lieutenant King, were beholders of the second part of this act, and (as it was reported) King himself was wounded in two several places. Our Ordnance did them a great deal of mischief, and if we had had but a fresh body of foot, they had been put to a great strait indeed. In their retiring, their other great-god (helpless gods) stuck fast in the mire, until all the Countrypeople were called together to draw her off. Among the Captains that deserved well in this service, Captain Micklethwait, Parsons, Bethel and Hardstaff; for the horse, Captain Clayton (the bearer hereof, who hath a general love of all the Soldiers) did us singular good service. Captain salmond, Captain Sibbalds', and Captain Crooker, did all of them carry themselves very valiantly. I myself had a blow on my side by a slug of cutted-iron shot from the great piece, but thanks be to the Lord, was not the worse for it; but, I believe, had her Majesty known where the shot should have lighted, she would have checked the Gunner, for not charging full home. Whilst we were in this service (to increase our comfort) we heard the noise of the great encounter in Lincolnshire, whereunto also God hath pleased to give a happy issue, whereby we may perceive, that God is certainly upon the stage, and that Dagon must down. Since the beginning of this my Letter, we understand that Colonel Rainesborow is safe. Sir, I desire that you will continue your accustomed favour toward  
Your affectionate friend and servant, JOHN ME●DRUM. From Hull, Octob. 14. 1643.  
And although, this virtuous and valorous Commander Sir John Meldrum, in his wisdom and humility forbears to write aught of his own best deservings in that foresaid Service; 
A brief touch of Sir Jo. M●●drums worth and valour, attested by the renowned Lord Fairfax himself.  yet I cannot forbear to give the Reader, at least one touch thereof, attested by the most noble and renowned Lord General himself, the Lord Fairfax, in his Letter to the Speaker of the Parliament, which, in brief, was this, That itpleased God (to give you my Lords own words) by the gallant courage and activity of Sir John Meldrum, and the spirit and valour of the other Commanders and Officers, that all which the Soldiers had got and lost at the first assault (forementioned) by their sudden fear and retreat, was totally recovered again, and that with advantage too, and the whole victory in the Conclusion.  
And now, having formerly touched upon the mention of that famous fight and most glorious victory which our good God graciously conferred upon that as virtuous as valiant▪ General the noble Earl of Manchester, against the Popish and atheistical forces of Newcastle in Lincolnshire, under their Papistical Commander the Lord Widrington and▪ General Henderson, 
The most famous and renowned victory obtained by the right honourable Earl of Manchester, at Horncastle in Lincolnshire.  at Horn-Castle;. I shall now in the next place give the. Reader a most exact and full and fair account thereof also, in all the material and substantial passages of it, especially for the just advancement of the honour of the Lord our God, and the great comfort of all that wish the welfare and prosperity of our Jerusalem. About the 10th of October, 1643. my Lord of Manchester having had notice when he was at▪ Linne of a great force of horse and Dragooneers come into Lincolnshire, under the command of General Henderson, and that upon the retreat of Sir Thomas Fairfax, and Colonel Cromwell from about Lowth, they were much heightened with confidence of success, when ever they could draw-out forces to an engagement. The want of foot and Dragooneers made Sir Thomas Fairfax and Colonel Cromwell very unwilling to fight with them; till they had acquainted my Lord, and tried what supplies he could afford them; and withal his Lordship was assured (if he could draw any forces toward Balenbrook-Castle, the enemy was so confident of his own strength) that he would bring down all his force to fight with him. Upon these grounds my Lord drew all his forces both horse and foot from Linne, save only one troop of horse and six companies of foot, which he left for the guard of that Town with Colonel Walton, whom he made Lieutenant-governour.  
Thus, upon the Monday, my Lord drew out all his foot out of Boston, ten Companies he laid in Bolenbrook-Town, under the command of Major Knight, Serjeant Major to Sir Miles Hobart; Colonel russel's Regiment was quartered at Strickford within a mile of them; and my Lords own (being but three Companies, the rest being sent to Hull, and left at Linne) at Stickney, and the horse were all quartered in the Towns round about, at eight and ten miles' distance.  
Upon this Monday at night, Major Knight summoned the Castle of Bolenbrook in my Lord of M●nchesters name, 
Bolenbrook-Castle summoned.  but was answered, That his bugbear words must not win Castles, nor should make them quit the place; that night, our men took in a little house on the right hand between the Castle and the Church, and resolved the next night to endeavour to break-open the Church-doores, and there to mount a Morter-piece, and thence fire the Castle. The enemy had notice on the friday following, 
The enemy prepares to meet and fight with the Earl of Manchester.  that my Lord was coming, or come into those parts, and thereupon drew out all their horse and Dragooners from their several Garrisons, at Lincoln, Newark and Gainsborow, with a bold resolution to find him out and fight with him. Upon Tuesday those of the Castle killed one or two of our men; and as Major Knight and Quartermaster General Vermeyden were viewing of it, made some shot at them, and one of them hit the said Quartermaster General a little below the ankle, but pierced not the skin, only bruised his leg.  
That afternoon, my Lord of Manchester came himself to Kirkby, which is within a mile of Bolenbrook, with Colonel Cromwell, where also my Lord Willoughby met him, 
Our forces are drawn all near each other about Bolenbrook.  and Sir Thomas Fairfax was then at Horn-Castle, about five miles off, one of his Regiments having the watch at Edlingston, about three miles farther, but nearer to the enemy. My Lord had not been long there before he received a Letter from Sir Thomas Fairfax, that an alarm was given to some of our Quarters, and that himself had sent out some horse to discover what it might be, and would immediately give him a farther account, which he did by another Letter, about an hour after, the party being returned and could get no information of any enemy near, but conceived it to be a mistake. However, Sir Thomas resolved to stay there until the evening, and then to come to Kirkby to my Lord. My Lord conceived it fit, and so did all those that were with him, to give the alarm to all his quarters, and to appoint Horn-Castle to be the Allarm-place, and then to go himself, immediately, thither to Sir Thomas Fairfax, and when all their men were thus drawn together to take farther resolutions; and so, immediately, with my Lo. Willoughby, and some Officers with him, he took horse for Horn-Castle, Sir Thomas Fairfax, in the mean time, getting no intelligence of the enemy's approach, came away toward Kirkby to my Lord.  
Before my Lord had reached Horn-Castle, 
The enemy gives ours the alarm, about Horncastle.  the alarm came to him in good earnest, that the enemy was fallen into our quarters, and was marching toward Horn-Castle. Coming nearer the Town he could hear great shouting and noise, which he conceived to be the enemy's triumph, having beaten our men out of the Town; but it proved otherwise; for, 
Ours bravely bicker with the enemy's forlorn-hopes.  some of our men falling upon the enemy's forlorn-hopes, though (but part of two troops) seeing themselves desperately engaged, resolved to put the best face on it, and fell upon them with crying and shouting, which did exceedingly amaze the enemy, and gave our men the easier passage through the midst of them. Now, my Lord finding the enemy come into his quarters before he could have any certain information where he was, and the allarm-place possessed by the enemy, he appointed Kirkby and Bolenbrook-hill, for all his men to repair unto; and accordingly sent word to all the quarters whither all our men came but that night, except three troops that were directed to Stickney, and three or four troops that went by the way of Tottershall, and came not in till next morning. Many of our troops came to Horn-Castle, according to the first orders, but finding the enemy there, came away without any loss at all or very little. The enemy had fallen into our quarters at Thimbleby and some Towns thereabout, 
Three or four of our troops in great danger, but came off most bravely.  where three or four of our troops were in a manner surprised, but, finding themselves engaged, gave so good testimony and proof of their courage and resolution, that the enemy had little or no cause to brag of that night's work, which being of so memorable consequence, I have thought fit briefly here to relate, which was thus: Captain Johnson, Captain Samuel Moody, and Captain Player, were three of the commanders of these troops which the enemy had thus almost surprised in their quarters, and were afterward also environed about by the enemy, 
Cap. johnsons', Cap. Moodies, and Captain Players brave courage and resolution.  who had gotten between them and the body of their horse: so that they were forced to break through two bodies of the enemy's horse, of at least a thousand horse in each body; but with admirable courage and resolution, they with their troops charged the enemy, crying all of them (as before they had agreed among themselves) with a shout and loud voice; Come on, come on, all is our own, all is our own; which so amazed the enemy, expecting some ambuscado, that these three troops broke thorough the first body, and so thorough the second, doing great execution, yet lost but three men. After that, they hasting toward the Town of Horncastle (where they thought the Earl of M●nchester was) about a mile before they came at the Town, they discovered another party of the enemy's horse. 
The commanders notable discretion and courage.  Heer, they discreetly agreed to go soberly toward them, every man making answer to him that asked any question, nothing but Friends, friends, all friends, as if they had been of the enemy's troops, and were going upon some design, it being, yet, dark; therefore when the enemies called to them, Who is there, the other all answered, Friends, friends, and so they passed, but as soon as they were passed, and thought themselves secure, they turned faces about, and asked the enemy, Who are you for? They answered, for the King. Then, said they, We are for the King and Parliament, and charging the enemy, fled toward Horncastle, and the enemy pursuing, followed them to the Town-side, there being no forces in the Town on either side; 
The great strait they were still put unto.  but they in the Town, had with carts and timber, barricadoed the passages into the Town, so that by this means there was some loss in the troops, being thus unexpectedly put to their shifts; but the loss was but little, a Cornet and some few others, and they brought half a dozen of prisoners with them. Which could not but manifest a most evident hand of God in so great a preservation. But to proceed.  
All that night we were drawing our horse to the appointed rendevouz; And the next morning being▪ Wednesday, my Lord gave order that the whole force both horse and foot, should be drawn up to Bolenbrook-hill, where he would expect the enemy, 
Bolenbrockhill designed to be the place to fight.  being the only convenient ground to fight with him; But Colonel Cromwell was no way satisfied that we should fight, our horse being extremely wearied with hard duty two or three days together.  
The enemy also drew (that morning) their whole body of horse and Dragooneers into the field, 
The enemy's strength and ours.  being 74 Colours of horse, and 21 Colours of Dragooneers, in all 95 Colours. We had not many more than half so many Colours of horse and Dragooneers, but I believe we had as many men, besides our foot, which indeed could not be drawn up until it was very late; 
The word on both sides.  The enemy's word was Cavendish, and ours was, Religion. I believe that as we had no notice of the enemies coming toward us; so they had as little of our preparation to fight with them. It was about twelve of the clock ere our horse and Dragooneers were drawn up; after that we marched about a mile nearer the enemy, 
Both armies in sight of each other.  and then we began to descry him by little and little, coming toward us. But until this time we did not know we should fight, but so soon as our men had knowledge of the enemies coming, they were very full of joy and resolution, thinking it a great mercy that they should now fight with him. 
The piety of our army▪  Our men went on in several bodies, singing Psalms. Quartermaster General Vermeyden with five troops had the forlorn-hope, and Colonel Cromwell the Van, assisted with other of my Lords troops, and seconded by Sir Thomas Fairfax; 
Both armies met at a Town called Ixbie.  Both armies met about Ixbie (if I mistake not the Town's name) both they and we had drawn up our Dragooneers, and gave the first charge, and then the horse fell in. Colonel Cromwell fell with brave resolution upon the enemy, immediately after their Dragooneers had given him the first volley, yet they were so nimble, as that within half pistol-shot, they gave him another, his horse was killed under him at the first charge, 
Gen. Cromwell's great danger.  and fell down upon him, and as he rose up he was knocked down again, by the Gentleman that charged him, who, 'twas conceived, was Sir Ingram Hopton, but afterward he recovered a poor horse in a Soldier's hand, and bravely mounted himself again. 
The sight in the very heat of it.  Truly this first charge was so home-given and performed with so much admirable courage & resolution by our troops, that the enemy stood not another, but were driven back upon their own body, 
The enemy ●●ins to 〈◊〉.  which was to have seconded them, and at last put them into a plain disorder; and thus in less than half an hours fight they were all quite routed and forced to run for their lives, 
The enemies fly.  though they were two for one, and as soon as our men perceived them to shrink, they fiercely charged within them all, and then, I say, they ran for it, leaving all their Dragooneers, which were now on foot behind them. Thus our men pursued them, and did execution upon them about five or six miles, all the way being strewed with broken arms, dead men and horses.  
And here I may not omit to make mention of the rare courage and valour of that most noble Commander Sir Thomas Fairfax, who when they first viewed the enemy and saw great odds in their number, was so much the more inflamed with godly courage and resolution, 
Sir Tho. Fairfax, his undaunted courage  saying, Come, let us fall on, I never prospered better than when I fought against the enemy three or four to one. One hundred of their men to avoid the fury of our men were drowned, 
The issue of the fight.  many were wounded, and in one gravel pit above an 100 were hid, some there breathing their last breath, others less wounded; my Lord of Manchester most mercifully gave order that care should be taken of them all. And here it must not be forgotten, that some with mortal wounds upon them cried out, The Commission of Array, 
The Commission of Array cried out on by the dying Soldiers.  the Commission of Array brought us hither full sore against our wills; we were as true servants to the Parliament, and our Religion and liberties, as any in England, and woe to those that were the cause that Lincoln and Yorkshire became a prey to the enemy, we die as true friends to the Parliament as any. Two hundred horse were found left in the Castle, their riders being all fled; many hundreds fled into the waters up to the armholes; they that lay slain in the high ways were very many, and divers of quality, for there were brave bodies stripped naked; 
The spoil and prizes taken.  Sir George Bowles was slain, and Sir Ingram Hopton, Colonel Shelley was taken prisoner among those taken out of the water, and Colonel Airs; the number of horse taken in all were about 2000, of prisoners about 1000, and as many slain, of arms 1500, and not 100 of the enemies ('twas verily believed) to be found in a body; of 94 Standards, 35 were taken: We lost very few of our men, none of note; we hardly found above one officer hurt, and that was Colonel Cromwell's Captain-lieutenant. 
The army, with the most noble Lord of Manchester, possess themselves of Horncastle.  Our foot were not drawn up to the place where the fight was, until after the fight and chase was over. Horse and foot though very weary marched on toward Horncastle, where my Lord lay that night, with all the foot, his horse being sent to their old quarters in the Towns adjoining. And truly, both Officers and Soldiers did their duty that day singularly well and bravely, my Lord himself also took wonderful pains in bringing the business to this foresaid pass, in drawing up all the foot to have relieved the horse, in case they had been put to straits, and had needed it. But God himself did all, taking away the enemies hearts, and giving resolution and courage to our men, to him therefore be all the honour and glory of this famous victory.  
Now whiles these things were thus in agitation, 
Letters of the enemies intercepted, confirming the truth of this great victory.  the noble Lord Fairfax had a Letter brought unto him, which was intercepted, written by that ignoble Popish Lord Widrington, the then present Governor of Lincoln, in which Letter, (writing to his great Lord the Marquis of Newcastle) he confirms by his own confession the truth of this great victory. Another Letter was also intercepted written by General Hinderson also to the Governor of Newark. The former Letter informing Newcastle, that the loss of all Lincolnshire and Yorkshire too was in a great hazard, especially if he were forced to quit Hulls siege too; and in his said Letter also certifying the loss of divers of their prime Commanders for certain slain in the foresaid battle. Hindersons Letter, also, importing a pitiful complaint of his loss in the said fight, and assuring the Governor of Newark that since the fight he was not able to rally or get together, hardly 400 men of all his former great and numerous forces.  
And that which adds extraordinary lustre to the honour of our wonderworking God, and which I may not here by any means omit; It pleased the Lord by his admirable providence so to order it, 
This famous victory, and that also at Hull, were obtained both in one and the same day.  that both this great victory at Horncastle and that brave victory also obtained by the most renowned Lord Fairfax at Hull, under the command of that most worthy and expert Commander Sir John Meldrum, were bestowed by the Lord our God upon his people and Parliament, upon one and the same day, namely, Wednesday, October 11, 1643. And now to go on.  
About the 16th of October, 1643. came Letters from Gloucester to London, with most credible intelligence, that the truly valiant and magnanimous Commander Colonel massy, that ever to be honoured and renowned Governor, 
Col. Massies good service at Tewksbery.  and (by God's wonderful assistance) maintainer of Gloucester, having true intelligence that about a regiment of the King's Welsh forces were come to Tewksbery, intending to fortify and quarter themselves there, and to make that Town winter-Garrison; This noble and most vigilant Colonel being very desirous to be rid of such unfriendly and unruly neighbours, speedily and privately drew forth a considerable party of horse and foot from Gloucester, and marched with them to Tewksbery, where he suddenly and resolutely fell upon the enemy, slew above 30 of them, took many prisoners, and forced the rest to fly for their lives, some of whom, were in that their hasty flight, drowned in the river Severn. He also took many of their horses and arms, most of their pickaxes, spades, and other instruments, wherewith they were raising trenches and strengthening their kennels, to have lain lurking the more securely, like so many prey-devouring Wolves, or Sheep-biting mischievous Mastiffs; and having, thus, most successfully demolished their works, he returned again victoriously to Gloucester.  
Much also about the same time came certain intelligence by Letters out of Warwickshire to London, 
Another brave defeat given to the King's forces by the Parliaments forces in Warwick-Castle.  of another brave defeat given to the King's Cormorants at Cambden, in another part of the said County of Gloucester, which was informed to be thus; About 300 of the King's horse came from Oxford into that Town of Cambden; whereof the Parliaments forces in Warwick-Castle having speedy intelligence, there came a considerable party of them in the midst of the night into the said Town, surprised most of them in their beds, and carried them away prisoners with them to Warwick-Castle, together with all their horses. There were between thirty and forty of thtm that for some space stood stoutly to oppose our forces, but they were all soon quelled, and some of them slain in fight, but the rest were all taken prisoners, and carried to Warwick-Castle, as aforesaid.  
About the 20th of October also, 1643. Our most prudent and provident Parliamentarie-Statists, for the better securing of the great affairs and weighty negotiations of both the Houses of Parliament, and their just proceedings therein for the welfare of Church and State, 
An Ordinance of Parliament against Spies and intelligencers.  they set forth an Ordinance or Declaration for the prevention and surprisal of all spies and intelligencers from Oxford to London, and from London to Oxford, for the sequestering of their estates, and allowance of a fair reward to all such persons as should be assistant in giving notice of and apprehending any such, according to the tenor of the said Ordinance, which for the Readers better satisfaction therein, I have thought fit to insert, as it was printed and published by authority of Parliament.  

A Declaration and Ordinance of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, for the Sequestering of, etc.  
Die Martis, Octob. 31. 1643.  
WHereas by the frequent intercourse of persons and intelligence (contrary to the use and custom of War) between the Cities of London and Westminster, and other parts of the Kingdom, and the persons of the King and Queen, and forces raised by the King against the Parliament and Kingdom; opportunity hath been given for the plotting and contriving a late treacherous and horrid design, and in case the said intercourse and intelligence should continue, the same way will still be open for any other of the like nature in time to come; As also for the frequent conveying of moneys and other provisions for the supporting of this unnatural War. For the preventing whereof, be it declared and ordained by the Lords and Commons now assembled in Parliament, that no person or persons whatsoever shall from henceforth repair or go from the said Cities of London and Westminster, or from any other parts of the Kingdom, unto the person of the King or Queen, or Lords of Council abiding with him or her, or to any person or persons within any of the King's Quarters, Leaguers, or Garrisons, or that are within any of the armies raised by the King, nor shall give or hold any intelligence by Letters, Messages, or otherwise, with the persons of the King and Queen, or other persons aforesaid, without consent of both Houses of Parliament, or warrant from the Lord General of the forces raised by the two Houses, or from the respective Officers that shall command in chief any of the forces. And the said Lords and Commons do further declare, That the person or persons who shall do to the contrary hereof, shall be proceeded against, as those within the Ordinance for sequestrations. And shall be farther accounted as persons that do adhere unto those that have levied war against the Parliament and Kingdom, and be liable to the same punishment. And be it further declared and ordained, for the better and more effectual execution of the premises, That the person or persons that shall discover any of the persons offending, as aforesaid, shall have one fifth part of all such benefits and profits that shall accrue or grow, by reason of the seizing and sequestering of their estates, according to the true intent and meaning of this Ordinance, and of the said Ordinance of Sequestration. And in case any person or persons after the last of June, having knowledge of the said offenders and offences, shall not within convenient time reveal the same unto the Speakers of both Houses of Parliament, or to the Lord General, or other Officers commanding in chief, the said person or persons shall incur the like penalties and forfeitures as are heerin provided against the said principal offenders.  
Ordered by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, that this Declaration and Ordinance be forthwith printed and published. Hen. Elsing, Cler. P. D. Com.   
About the 24th also of October aforesaid, the most noble and victorious Earl of Manchester (whom the Lord most graciously raised up to show himself most valiantly for the cause of God and his Country, and whom the good hand of God's almighty power and providence hath made victorious over those abominable Antichristian and atheistical forces in the North) in pursuance now of his late so prosperous and successful achievements in those parts, 
The City of Lincoln taken by the noble Earl of Manchester.  and of that brave and memorable victory he obtained at Horn-Castle, as aforesaid, went on also most courageously to the City of Lincoln, whither being come with his forces, and upon the summoning thereof it was soon surrendered to him. Wherein he found and forced to be left, in the City, 
The prize taken in the City of Lincoln.  Close, and Minster of Lincoln, arms for at least 2500 men, 28 or 30 Colours, three pieces of Ordnance, and great store of other ammunition, the Cormorants or Cavalerian Officers having liberty granted to depart on horseback with their swords, but the common Soldiers only with sticks in their hands; and thus became Master of this City, 
Gainesborough also taken, by the said noble Earl of Manchester.  without bloodshed or much molestation. After which he most victoriously marched also to Gainesborough, another of the enemy's Garrison Towns in the said County; But the Garrison therein hearing of the surrender of Lincoln, and that the noble Earl of Manchester was making hasty preparation unto them, they more hastily slighted their works, (as by credible information was related) and speedily quitted the place, and fled away thence to Newark. And very shortly after this most noble and renowned Lord having received farther assistance and supply by the coming over of such horse as the most heroic Lord Fairfax could spare him from Hull, he now resolved to prosecute his design to the full of quite clearing Lincolnshire (maugre all the opposition of Newcastles viperous papistical forces) from those devouring Cormorants, and hideous Harpies, which had so infected and infested that whole County, where now for a while we will leave him full of cause of praise and thanksgiving to his God, who made him so victorious, and pray for the perfecting of this his so pious and honourable resolution.  
And here now good Reader, give me leave to tell thee, or rather to remember thee of what thou knewst too well before, 
The great design against the City of London.  viz. That the most famous and ever to be honoured City of London, being the main, if not the only white and mark of the inveterate malice and envy of the Oxonian Court-achitophels' and atheistical and Popish Cormorants and Malignants; this place mightily and mainly being the great Remora and mighty Stone in the way of their mischievously intended tyrannical Monarchy and Popish Hierarchy, which must be removed, or else all their whole work must needs be fruitless and frivolous. Now therefore having grasped such a handful of the Kingdom in the Western parts thereof, and having, as they hoped (but falsely, praised be God) gotten good hold on the Northern parts of the Kingdom too; Now, I say, they began to knock all their heads and hearts together on the anvil of their utmost Jesuitical Counsels, seeing London to be so great a goad in their sides, and such a strong bolt and obstacle in the way of their high designs, and that it was impossible to be mastered by any of their present might or immediate assaults. This therefore was the main and great design, 
The great plot and design was how to contrive to starve up the City of Londo●.  how to starve up the City this Winter; which must be first by breaking in with their armies into the associated Counties, fortifying some considerable Towns therein, and thereby awing the rest with restless alarms and excursions, disabling them in money and arms, hindering, thus, all commerce to and from the City, and thus also stopping all kind of provision to be brought to it; and then the Irish Rebels (or deluded Irish Protestants, yea both) to be brought on by multitudes to assist and help forward this great and main design, and then to share and divide the plunder, the honours and lands both of London, England, and Ireland among them; only Scotland must have the unhappy happiness, to stay to be devoured at leisure, and in the last place of the three Kingdoms.  
Now the manner of the beginning and setting this design on foot, was, 
The manner and ways of the enemies contriving their plot against London.  to take and fortify Redding again, Bedford, Newport-Pannell, etc. and so to get forward to Cambridge and Huntington-shire, that way toward the North-Easterly parts of the Kingdom, and thus to increase and strengthen advantages already gotten, (at least, I say, as they falsely conceited) and then consequently to be for the South-Eastern and Southern parts thereof. And thus had they in their hopes and touring (or devouring) proud and pernicious opinions already swallowed us up in the maws of these their mischievous and most malicious designs: Thus Man (as our Proverb is) doth deeply purpose, but our God only doth over-poweringly dispose of all things; but to go on. For the full and effectual prosecution hereof, 
The manner of the enemies acting their contrivements.  that most vile and ●●perous active Agent of theirs Sir Ralph Hopton is designed (with all the preparations they could make for him) to advance to Winchester, Chichester, and so forward to Kent; this was the substance of this great plot and high design on the City of London, and consequently on the whole Kingdom, which being thus laid before the eyes and understanding of the judicious Reader, and wise observer of the passages of this kind, he may most clearly and with admirable delight, comfort, and content, behold and see how our good God in his infinite mercy, 
2 Chro. 16. 9  wisdom, and all-disposing providence, (whose eyes run through the whole world, to show himself strong for those that are of an upright heart) still most graciously crossed their wicked counsels, and turned them into folly and madness; as, in all the subsequent passages shall be fully related and set forth, 
How God all along crossed and disappointed all the enemies deep designs.  and all which, I shall desire the Reader (with me) to take most grateful notice of, as they fall out, both in Sir William waller's vigilant and valiant attending and waiting on Hoptons' ways and deportments in the South and South-Western parts; and in his Excellencies the Parliaments Lord Generals, and Major General Skippons most wise and warle observation and attendance on the ways and courses of that most pernicious Prince of Plunderers, Rupert, about Bedfordshire, Newport-Pannell, and St Albans; together with the rest of our faithful and famous Commanders more Easterly and Northward; all which I shall represent to the Readers view in fit and following places.  
But, before I yet come to those particulars, give me leave, good Reader, with thy accustomed candour and patience, to acquaint thee here also with another great design they had upon us, and our precious Parliament, to cross and curb the provident proceedings in our most just defence, 
Another great plo● of the enemies to hinder our Brethren of Scotland's coming in to our aid and assistance.  against their accursed and bloody breaking in upon us, our lives, liberties, and Religion, namely, their deep endeavours to hinder our honest Brethren of Scotland from coming forth to help us; Wherein also the hand of God will be wonderfully seen for good, and the passages whereof most worthy to be recorded and enroled in the number of these our precious Parliamentarie-mercies, as most highly conducing and contributing to the honour of our most wise and wonderworking God, and the great comfort of all his Saints and servants; which (to omit divers other former plots and contrivements to this foresaid end) was briefly thus:  
About the midst of October, 1643. 
An Ambassador sent from the Queen-Regent of France into Scotland, to divert those our brethren from coming to aid us.  means having been used by private Messengers into France by the pestilent Council and contrivers at Oxford, The Queen-Regent of France sent an Ambassador into Scotland, of purpose to divert the Scots resolution from coming into England to assist the Parliament: The substance of whose Message being, That as they tendered the continuation and preservation of that ancient league and amity which had been between the Crowns of France and Scotland for so many hundred years, they would be now advised to stay at home in peace, and not to show themselves in any hostile or armed manner against their King etc. But, to be brief, for most certain, the said Ambassador was soon and sound answered, and so departed thence into France again, without that expected and intended issue he came for, and those our Brethren most piously and constantly persisted in their obliged and engaged resolution to join in our aid and assistance.  
Again, much about the same time, the King sent two Letters into Scotland, 
Two Letters sent by our King into Scotland to cross the Scots resolution to aid England.  commanding that they should both be publicly read in all the Cities and Market-towns of that Kingdom, and that then they should both be entered upon Record, the Copies whereof were by those our honest brethren of Scotland, sent to our Parliament. The one of them was against a Proclamation which the States of Scotland set forth in the King's name, to command the Subjects, there, to be ready with their a●mes, whensoever they were summoned, on severe penalties; which the King said he much marveiled they would do without his consent, 
The substance of both the said Letters.  etc. The other Letter was against their godly and most gracious Covenant, requiring them not to prosecute it any farther, and enjoining them not to aid his two Houses of Parliament, which, he said, were in actual rebellion against him, etc. But, praised, for ever, 
The Royalists hopes, heerin also, frustrated.  be our good God, by whose gracious providence, their hearts were most wisely and resolutely established not to be dashed and daunted therein, but they utterly refused to yield to either of his demands and commands in both the Letters, and sent his Majesty an answer suitable to their Christian duty, and the nature also of such a Message and command, and so went on most religiously and resolvedly in the just and warrantable work they had so advisedly undertaken.  
But now to go on, in the manifesting (as I promised) and setting forth, 
The grand plot of starving up the City of London, now prosecuted by the Royalists, but blessedly frustrated.  in order, the progress of the great work at home, by our adversaries designs against the City of London, and therein the whole Kingdom, in that their forementioned grand plot to starve up the City by taking from them all the neighbour Country's succours and supplements of all kinds; and thus at last, hoping to bring it low, and (according to that old Proverb, If you will tame a wanton Colt, take away his provender) and tame it, and make it stoop to their most untaimed wild and wicked tyranny: but yet, how our most wise and righteous God crossed and confounded this their wicked work and devilish design.  
And now in the first place I must tell you, how the most noble and victorious Earl of Manchester, being in Lincolnshire prosecuting his successful and victorious enterprises in those parts, as hath been formerly and fully related, having intelligence that the Oxonian-Cormorants were entered into Bedfordshire, with purpose to make an inroad into the rest of the associated Eastern-Counties, whereof he was made Commander in chief, under his Excellency the Lord General: His Lordship, 
The Earl of Manchester resolves to aid his associated Counties out of Lincolnshire by Colonel Cromwell.  therefore, held it not fit to leave them without relief against such plundering and alldevouring Cormorants, and greedy unwelcome guests, and was therefore necessitated to grant such a composition to the Lord Widrington, Colonel Henderson, etc. (then in the City of Lincoln) as otherwise he would not, that thus he might hasten to the preservation of those his foresaid Counties; and so having gotten this City (as hath been forementioned) he presently sent away renowned and victorious Colonel Cromwell, 
Col: Cromwell sent out of Lincolnshire into Huntingto●shire with considerable forces.  with a considerable part of his forces toward Huntingdon, to interrupt the Cormorants pernicious intentions in those parts and about Cambridge; but his Excellency, the Parliaments renowned Lord General▪ being then at St Albans with his army, presently sent Messengers to countermand the brave Colonels resolutions, and required him to return again to my Lord of Manchester, 
Col. Cromwell ordered by the Lo. General to return again into Lincolnshire.  and to prosecute those intended Services in the North, assuring him that by God's assistance, he would take special care that the associated Counties should receive no prejudice by the King's Cormorants, which he most nobly made good and accordingly performed. 
The King's Cormorants fly out of Newport-Pannell.  For presently after it, his Lordship sent a considerable strong party of horse and foot toward Newport-Pannell, against those greedy Cormorants, who hearing of their certain and speedy approach, made all the haste they were able to fly away from thence, for fear of being entrapped in a nooz, whereby on a sudden those parts were already fairly and fully cleared from fear of them both at Newport and Bedford too. And hereby also Colonel Cromwell being returned to the noble Earl of Manchester, his great and noble designs in those parts went on again most successfully; 
The great plot mightily dashed & damped already.  and thus by God's special providence and great mercy, the King's Cormorants were doubly disappointed of their late high-built hopes and pernicious purposes. For, by their intended fortifying of Newport, they hoped to have established one main branch of the foresaid swelling design to have starved up the City, by thus encroaching by degrees into the Eastern-associated Counties, and also by their thus coming and nestling (by little and little) in them, they strongly hoped to have drawn and diverted the Earl of Manchester quite out of Lincolnshire, and so to have taken him off from the pursuit of his victories in those parts: But his Excellency, as I said before, most nobly clipped the wing of that high-soaring hope of theirs, by marching into those parts to expel the enemy out of them, and so the safelier to secure them. Thus, I say, the Lord our good God doubly blest us against this devilish design of theirs, blasting it in the bud, stifling it in the birth, and very beginning of it, and making it abortive to them, and giving us great assurance thereby of yet more hopeful advantages, as by God's blessing we shall have fit and fair opportunities to mention them in their several succeeding and proper places.  
And now, 
A summary recapitulation of all this Month's Parliamentarie-mercies, and therein the sweet preservation of his Ark, his great Cause.  good Reader, let me desire thee here to make a little stay, to strike sail and cast thine anchor of serious recogitation and summary contemplation, into the deep Ocean of all this Months many and most rich mercies and Parliamentary preservations of this Ark of God's Cause.  
First, In the Lords stirring up of the hearts of our Parliamentarie-Worthies, to remember the welfare of the poor children of Christ's Hospital; and also raising up the affections of the Citizens of London to seal their holy League and Covenant, with a large and liberal contributed loan of a great sum of money for our brethren of Scotland's advance unto our help.  
In the most noble Lord Fairfaxes brave victory against the Earl of Newcastle at Hull, and thereby raising the siege thereof.  
In the right noble and victorious Earl of Manchesters' renowned victories over the Popish and atheistical forces in Lincolnshire at Bolenbrook and Horncastle.  
Famous Colonel Massies good service at Tewksbery; and that also by the Parliaments Garrison at Warwick-Castle against the King's forces at Cambden.  
In the Ordinance of Parliament against Spies and intelligencers; and farther famous prosecution of the most noble Earl of Manchesters' victories in the gaining of the City of Lincoln, and strong Town of Gainesborough.  
And lastly, In the most happy frustrating and defeating of the enemies deep and dangerous design to starve the City of London, and so to enforce the conquest of it; and in Gods crossing that other great design of our Oxonian achitophel's to have hindered our honest Brethren of Scotland's resolution to advance forward to our assistance.  
All these rare mercies, I say, laid together and seriously considered, O how can we choose, but be extraordinarily elevated to a high pitch and peg of obliged gratitude, to our great and glorious God, 
GOD'S Ark still bornup above the tops of all its advers swelling waves of opposition.  who hath so powerfully and prudently propped up and protected his thus poor menaced and assaulted Ark, securely bearing it up above all the raging and swelling waves and boisterous billows of fierce and furious adversaries, beating and brushing against it, with their utmost envy and most malevolent oppositions; And therefore, I say, with holy David, to break forth into insulting and triumphant joy in the Lord, and say; Our hearts are fixed, 
Psal. 57 7.  O God, our hearts are fixed, we will sing and give praise. Awake up our glory, awake psaltery and Harp; and let us all awake right early thus to bless and magnify the lord 
Psal. 60. 12.  For through our God we shall do valiantly; and it is he that shall tread down our enemies under our feet. But now to go on.  
About the beginning of this November, 
November. 1643.  our most prudent Parliamentary Statists wisely considering and most circumspectly advising on the inveterate malice and mischievous designs of the Oxonian Atheists against the Parliament and Cities of London and Westminster, as hath been foreshewn; they therefore past an Ordinance of Parliament, wherein they declared, 
An association of Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, and Kent.  that they held it most fit and necessary for the better settling and securing of the state of this distracted and much dilacerated Kingdom, that all such Committees as were then nominated in the said Ordinance, all Colonels, Captains, and other Officers, and well-affected persons, inhabitants of the Counties of Hampshire, the Town and County of Southampton, Surrey, Sussex, and Kent, shall and may associate themselves, and mutually aid, succour, support, and assist one another in the mutual defence and preservation of themselves from the inroads and outrages of the King's Cormorant's, and have power thereby given them to raise forces of horse and foot, to suppress and expel all such forces, as are or shall be raised in the said several Counties, to levy war against the Parliament, or that shall make any insurrections, or shall plunder, or destroy any of his Majesty's good subjects in those Counties. And the Lord General the Earl of E●●ex was thereby desired to grant a Commission to that most valiant and renowned Commander Sir William Waller, 
Sir 〈◊〉. Waller, Commander in chief, of this association.  to command in chief, as Sergeant Major General of all such forces raised in the said Counties; the happy and successful issues of which said association, you shall now shortly have in their succeeding proper places.  
And that the world might see (and all Malignants mouths be stopped, if it were possible to do it) the godly and Christian care of this most renowned and pious Parliament, 
The Parliaments providence for the welfare of foreign English Plantations.  not only at home, but abroad also providing for the welfare of foreign English Plantations, our most prudent and provident Parliamentary Senators set forth an Ordinance of Parliament, whereby that most noble, renowned, loyal, and pious patriot, Robert, Earl of Warwick, was made Governor in chief, and Lord high Admiral of all those Islands and Plantations, inhabited, planted, or belonging to any of his Majesties the King of England's Subjects, within the bounds and upon the coasts of America; which said Ordinance for the Readers better satisfaction and full content therein, I have thought fit here to insert and interlace.  

An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons▪ assembled in PARLIAMENT.  
Die Jovis, Novemb. 2. 1643.  
Whereas many thousands of the natives and good Subjects of this Kingdom of England, through the oppression of the Prelates, and other ill affected Ministers and Officers of State, have of late years to their great grief and miserable hardship been enforced to transplant themselves and their families into several Islands, and other remote and desolate parts of the West-Indies: and having there through exceeding great labour and industry (with the blessing of God) obtained for themselves and their families some competent and convenient means of maintenance and subsistence, so that they are now in a reasonable well settled and peaceable condition. But fearing lest the outrageous malice of Papists and other illaffected persons should reach unto them in their poor and low, (but as yet peaceable condition) and having been informed, that there hath been lately procured from His Majesty several grants under the great Seal for erecting some new Governors and Commanders amongst the said Planters in their aforementioned Plantations; Whereupon the said Planters, Adventurers, & Owners of Land in the said foreign Plantations, have preferred their Petition unto this present Parliament, that for the better securing of them and their present Estates, there obtained through so much extreme labour and difficulty, they might have some such Governors and government as should be approved of and confirmed by the authority of both Houses of Parliament. Which Petition of theirs the Lords and Commons having taken into consideration, and finding it of great importance both to the safety and preservation of the aforesaid Natives and Subjects of this Kingdom, as well from all foreign invasions and oppressions▪ as from their own intestine distractions and disturbances, as also much tending to the honour and advantage of His Majesty's Dominions, have though fit, and do hereby constitute and ordain Robert Earl of Warwick Governor in chief, and Lord high Admiral of all those Islands, and other Plantations, inhabited, planted, or belonging to any His Majesties the King of England's Subjects, or which hereafter may be inhabited, planted, or belonging to them, within the bounds, and upon the coasts of America. And for the more effectual, speedier, and easier transaction of this so weighty and important a business, which concerns the well-being and preservation of so many of the distressed Natives of this and other His Majesty's Dominions, The Lords and Commons have thought fit that Philip Earl of Pembroke, Edward Earl of Manchester, William Viscount Say and Seal, Philip Lord Wharton, John Lord Roberts, Members of the House of Peers, Sir Gilbert Gerard Knight and Baronet, Sir Arthur Haselrigg Baronet, Sir Henry Vane, junior, Knight, Sir Benjamin Rudyer Knight, John Pym, Oliver Cromwell, Dennis Bond, Miles Corbet, Cornelius Holland, Samuel vassal, John Rolls, and William Spurstow, Esquires, Members of the House of Commons, shall be Commissioners to join in aid and assistance with the said Earl of Warwick, chief Governor and Admiral of the said Plantations, which chief Governor, together with the said Commissioners, or any four of them, shall hereby ●av● power and authority to provide for, order, and dispose all things which they shall from time to time find most fit and advantageous to the well-governing, securing, strengthening and preserving of the said Plantations, and chiefly to the preservation and advancement of the true Protestant Religion amongst the said planters, inhabitants, and the further enlargement and spreading of the Gospel of Christ amongst those that yet remain there in great and miserable blindness and ignorance. And for the better advancement of this so great a work, It is hereby further ordained by the said Lords and Commons, That the aforesaid Governor and Commissioners shall hereby have power and authority upon all weighty & important occasions which may concern the good and safety of the aforesaid Planters, to call unto their advice and assistance therein any other of the aforesaid Planters, Owners of Land, or Inhabitants of the said Islands and Plantations, which shall then be within twenty miles of the place where the said Commissioners shall then be; and shall have power and authority to send for, view, and make use of all such Records, Books, and Papers, which do or may concern any of the said Plantations: And because the well-setling and establishing of such Officers and Governors as shall be laborious and faithful in the right governing of all such persons as be resident in or upon the said Plantations, and due ordering and disposing all such Affairs as concern the safety and welfare of the same, is of very great advantage to the public good of all such remote and new Plantations;  
It is hereby further ordained and decreed, That the said Robert Earl of Warwick, Governor in chief, and Admiral of the said Plantations, together with the aforesaid Commissioners, Philip Earl of Pembroke, Edward Earl of Manchester, William Viscount Say and Seal, Philip Lord Wharton, John Lord Roberts, Sir Gilbert Gerard Knight and Baronet, Sir Arthur Haselrig Baronet, Sir Henry Vane, junior, Knight, Sir Benjamin Rudyer Knight, John Pym, Oliver Cromwell, Dennis Bond, Miles Corbet, Cornelius Holland, Samuel vassal, John Rolls, and William Spurstowe, Esquires, or the greater number of them shall have power and authority from time to time, to nominate, appoint, and constitute all such subordinate Governors, Counsellors, Commanders, Officers and Agents as they shall judge to be best affected, and most fit and serviceable for the said Islands and Plantations; And shall hereby have power and authority upon the death or other avoidance of the aforesaid chief Governor and Admiral, or any the other Commissioners before named, from time to time to nominate and appoint such other chief Governor and Admiral, or Commissioners, in the place and room of such as shall so become void. And shall also hereby have power and authority to remove any of the said subordinate Governors, Counsellors, Commanders, Officers, or Agents, which are, or shall be appointed to Govern, Counsel, or Negotiate the public Affairs of the said Plantation, and in their place and room to appoint such other Officers as they shall judge fit. And it is hereby ordained, That no subordinate Governors, Counsellors, Commanders, Officers, Agents, Planters, or Inhabitants whatsoever, that are now resident in or upon the said Islands or Plantations, shall admit or receive any other new Governors, Counsellors, Commanders, Officers, or Agents whatsoever, but such as shall be allowed and approved of under the hands and Seals of the aforesaid chief Governor and high Admiral of the said Plantation, together with the hands and Seals of the aforementioned Commissioners, or any six of them, or under the hands and Seals of such as they shall authorise thereunto.  
And whereas for the better government and security of the said Plantations and Islands, and the Owners and Inhabitants thereof, there may be just and fit occasion to assign over some part of the power and authority (granted in this Ordination to the chief Governor & Commissioners afore-named) unto the said Owners, Inhabitants, or others; It is hereby ordained, That the said chief Governor and Commissioners beforementioned, or the greater number of them, shall hereby be authorized to assign, ratify, and confirm so much of their aforementioned authority and power, and in such manner, and to such persons as they shall judge to be fit for the better governing and preserving of the said Plantations and Islands from open violence and private disturbance and distractions.  
And lastly, That whosoever shall do, execute, or yield obedience to any thing contained in this Ordinance, shall by virtue hereof be saved harmless and indemnified.  
Ordered by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, that this Ordinance shall be forthwith printed and published. John Brown, Cler. Par.   
About the 8th of November, 1643. came certain intelligence to London, by Letters out of the Western parts of the Kingdom, and also by the testimony of divers credible persons, that a certain considerable number of English-Irish Protestant Soldiers being transported out of Ireland to Bristol, under the command of Sir Charles Vavasor, on pretence to fight in England for the King and Parliament, 
A considerable number of English-Irish Protestant Soldiers landed at Bristol out of Ireland, revolted from the King to the Parliament.  where being arrived, and thinking that Bristol had been still in the Parliaments possession, but finding it otherwise on their arrival, and that their commanders would have enforced them to have taken an oath or Covenant to fight against the Parliament, they utterly refused it, declaring that they did not come from fight against the bloody Papists in Ireland, with an intent to take part with the same and the other Papists in England; and thereupon, there being a great mutiny between the Soldiers and their Commanders, the Soldiers slew some of their Commanders in the place, enforced the rest of their Commanders to fly to Oxford for shelter: 
The English-Irish Soldiers fall foul on their Commanders and Officers.  After which they unanimously departed out of Bristol toward bath, and from thence also putting themselves under the Command of one Apleton, a brave spirited man and valiant Soldier, they marched to Gloucester to the most renowned Colonel Massey to be disposed of by him in the Parliaments service; and before their departure from bath, 
They march away to Gloucester, to serve under Colonel Massi●.  divers of the gentry and well-affected inhabitants of that County (as was also credibly informed) being weary of the King's Cormorants tyranny, laid hold on the opportunity and joined themselves with those Soldiers, and put themselves into the same service with them.  
And was not here a most remarkable hand of God's providence, 
A remarkable hand of God's providence in this business.  thus at the very first of these the enemies bloody and base attempts in that most atrocious and scelerous Cessation of arms in Ireland, manifesting thus, I say, in the very front of their devilish design, the Lords high indignation against them, and undoubted purpose to blast and bring to nought the rest of this their most nefarious villainy, in his own due time, to their greater shame, sorrow, smart, and infamy? But to proceed.  
About the 10th of the foresaid November, came certain information by Letters and other very credible testimonies out of Shropshire, of a very notable and brave Defeat given to that irreligious (if not atheistical) and pragmatical, but yet (blessed be the Lord) that unfortunate and unsuccessful upstart Lord Capell, 
A most brave defeat given to the Lord Capell, by Cheshire & Shropshire forces.  and his vulturous and ravenous Harpies, by the most valiant forces of Cheshire and Shropshire, under the happy conduct of that most virtuous and victorious Commander Sir William Brereton, and his unanimous and magnanimous associates, therein, Sir Thomas Midleton, and most courageous Colonel Mitton, which was as followeth.  
Sir Thomas Midleton having authority to raise forces for the defence of the King, Parliament, and Kingdom in N●rth Wales, as Colonel Mitton had in Shropshire, desired and deserved indeed (by the good service they had done in Staffordshire, 
The manner of the performance of the defeat.  as they went) the assistance of Sir William Brereton, who commanded in chief in Cheshire, and is a Colonel in, and hath a tender care of, and interest in the affections of Staffordshire Soldiers. This noble Colonel willing to accommodate those Worthies, drew part of his forces from Namptwich to safeguard them into, and make provision for their safety in Shropshire; and thus marching together to Wem, a little Town, about six miles from Shrewsbery, the place of their torment, as Capell had made it, unto honest men.  
At Wem, I say, they began to fortify, and this lusty Lord Capell perceiving by the help of his Council of War, 
The Lord Capell marches toward Namptwich.  how prejudicial this was like to prove to his designs; he heerupon led on his misled animals to Namptwich, hoping to get, abroad, what he prudently foresaw, he was like to lose near home; but being come to Namptwich, he found that that Garrison gave him his hands and his belly full, ere Sir William Brereton, 
Sir Wil Brereton follows Capell and makes him retreat to Wem.  who (most providently watching his motions) was on his march toward them, could come to their relief. Which also this nimble gallant perceiving, he quickly retreats toward Wem, and with his whole army (consisting of about 4000 horse and foot) fell desperately upon that small strength which Colonel Midleton and Colonel Mitton had there; who contrary to his good Lordship's expectation did most bravely maintain the fight, until renowned, active and indefatigable Sir William Brereton, 
The Lord Capell sound beaten at Wem.  was come again from Namptwich, to their rescue & assistance, who being now all together, did such execution upon the enemy, that it, with the particular circumstances of Gods admirable providence therein, 
All this Relation was written and attested by a very pious Soldier of this action.  deserve to be perpetuated to all posterity in those parts: The particulars whereof being so memorable, I have here thought fit for the Readers better satisfaction and more full content, to set down as they came from singular good hands, which were as follow.  
1. That whiles we quartered at Drayton, as we were on our March to assist Sir Thomas Midleton, 
Divers rare passages of God's providence & preservation of our forces in this defeat.  and the rest; when there came with all possible speed upon us, no less (as was credibly reported) than a 1000 horse from Shrewshery, to have surprised us in our quarte●s; they were all repelled and beaten back again, by only a party of thirty or forty horse and Dragooneers, commanded by Captain Monk, there being divers of them slain, and the rest pursued by our horse many miles toward Shrewsbery; 
Thirty or forty of our horse and Dragoons chase and beat a thousand of their horse.  at which time some of Major Bromhalls men were taken prisoner's, some slain and some wounded; and one Ge●rge Cook a very valiant man of Sir William Breretons own troop was slain, and one Peter Anlet, another of them taken prisoner, but afterward redeemed.  
2. That we were not interrupted in our march to Wem all the next day, nor disquieted or disturbed there during six or seven days, until we had made some works of defence, which though they were then but sleight and weak, yet were of some encouragement and advantage to our men.  
3. That when they had made mighty preparation to hinder us in our fortification at Wem, and that notwithstanding all the forces they could make, united into a body (which were said to consist of three or four thousand, which quartered within three or four miles of Wem) yet that they should and did receive interruption by two or three Companies of our Dragooneers, who were quartered at Lappington, a little village about two miles from Wem, who hearing of the enemy's approach, betook themselves to the protection of the Church and Churchyard, which they did most valiantly maintain a long time, until by the multitudes of the enemies encompassing them, they were enforced to betake themselves only to the Church, where they behaved themselves so valiantly, as that their enemies could not take the Church, until they fired the porch & roof of the Church, which were covered with shingles, by which means some of our men were almost suffocated and stifled, so as they were constrained to deliver up themselves prisoners, though we speedily rescued many of them. Our Soldiers, then, wounded, were, Major Spotswood, and Captain Daughtie (since reported to be dead) and one other Captain wounded; and their Cannonier wounded or slain, and their whole army was repulsed by less than 200 foot and 300 horse of ours, who hasted from Wem to the relief of our men in the Church, so soon as they heard the enemy's Cannon play, and our horse pursued and routed them, so as they left one of their Cannons within our power, but by reason of the darkness of the night we knew not thereof, nor could we see to pursue them, the lanes being narrow and hedges thick. They took Major Bromhall prisoner, and we took Master Needham the Lord Viscount Kilmurreys' son prisoner. If they had then come on to Wem they had found the Town very weak and naked, and much less able (in respect of the works) to make resistance and defence, than when they did make their violent assault upon tuesday and wednesday 17. and 18. October.  
4. That betwixt the first and second assault, (at which time, they were much more encouraged by the increase of their strength from Litchfield, Dudley, Worcester, and some from the King's army) and when their forces were all united, and in readiness: The Lord in his wisdom and goodness was pleased so to order as that there were many interruptions, and diversions, which occasioned their delay, as want of carriages, and steering their course toward us and assaulting Namptwich on purpose to withdraw the Cheshire forces out of Wem, during which intermission we made good use of our time in Wem to perfect the works.  
5. That when they all came against Namptwich upon Monday October 16. they were so confident of surprising the same (as that the Lord Capell) (as it is reported) returned back all the Chester horse which were tendered unto him and coming to his assistance, returning this answer, That he had strength sufficient to take Namptwich, to which end he did speedily (and that before notice was given of his approach) seize upon and possess himself of Acton Church, and Dartford house, and attempted to force their passage by the way of Beame-bridge, but by the valour of those few men who were left in the Town they were repulsed from passing the water, not without the loss of divers of their men: Four whereof were found dead in the ditch, those that attempted to undermine the walls in the darkness of the night were taken prisoners, and this night, and the next morning there were near forty prisoners taken, besides many horses and arms, and many of their men run away: And upon the news of our approach to their relief, they sent away their carriages, and marched after them with speed towards Wem. This was the fifth time they did come before and attempt this poor Town of Namptwich, which the Lord hath miraculously preserved and defended, and returned them always back with shame and dishonour.  
6. That whilst the Cheshire Soldiers continued in Wem, (which were about 500 Musketeers, besides horse) the enemy did forbear to make any attempt against the Town, but were repulsed and beaten off with great loss, by a far less number than the third part of those who were commanded out of the Town, and gone to relieve Namptwich, as though the Lord judged all too many, and preferred rather to deliver them by gideon's three hundred, to whom the whole glory of this deliverance, is to be attributed and ascribed.  
7. The unparallelled magnanimity, resolution, and dexterity of those young Soldiers, who were not in any service (except some of them in that skirmish at Lappington) before they were engaged in this siege at Wem, whose courageous spirits were so supported, and transported beyond themselves, as did much admire and daunt the enemy, there being no such thing expressed as any desire or willingness to entertain or embrace the motion of a parley or treaty with the enemy, seeming all to be as of one mind, resolved to fight and stand it out to the last man.  
8. The great slaughter and execution which was performed upon the enemy when they set upon Wem, there being six cart loads of dead men carried away at one time, (besides the wounded) and, as it is said, there were fifteen found buried in one grave, near the Town-workes, and divers were seen dead, and stripped, lying upon the ground the next day. And that little execution which was done upon our men, whereof we lost not above three in the Town, Major Marrow, and one Soldier, and one boy, and we had very few others hurt.  
9 The quality of the persons slain or wounded, even such as were most eminent or considerable. Col. Win certainly slain, his Major Vaughan wounded in the ribs; one of Winter's Captain● shot in the back; Captain Davison taken prisoner, since dead; Captain Francis Manley shot in the leg; Captain Ellis of Oswestray wounded, some say slain. Captain Jones slain, as some say; Colonel Scriven slightly wounded; Sir Richard Willis, Major Trercon, and Major Braughton wounded, as some report, the certainty I cannot affirm; their Cannoneer shot in the leg; Captain Chapman taken prisoner, who was Captain Lieutenant to Colonel Woodhouse, exchanged for Captain Zanchie; Captain Lieutenant Smith, a Papist, who was Captain Lieutenant to Sir Rich: Willis; Colonel Scrivens Captain Lieutenant taken prisoner; a Gentleman of good quality shot in the back at Leighi-bridge.  
10. The various circumstances of admiration which happened during the fight, wherein the Lords hand is much to be acknowledged.  
First, One of their great Cannons or Morter-pieces (or both as it is reported) broke with the first shot, sure I am that part of the carriages of one or both of them was broken and left in the lane.  
Secondly, The mighty execution which our Cannon did upon the enemies, whereas their Cannon and Morterpiece, though discharged, did no execution at all, having (as it should seem) no commission from heaven, to touch any of those that fought the Lords battle.  
Thirdly, A Cannon discharged in the night by Col. Mittens order, intended to give Sir William Brereton and his Soldiers, who were marching, warning, that the Town was not taken, and only leveled at one of the enemy's fires, (as some report) dismounted one of the enemy's Cannons, wounded their Cannoneer in the knee or leg.  
Fourthly, A barrel of powder was blown up, which burned or wounded 15 of their men, whereof 12 died.  
Fifthly, The confessions and acknowledgements which the Lord extorted out of the mouths of some dying men, as it is reported of Colonel Winter, that he should reply to some (who were lamenting their misfortune to be repulsed by a few) that there were more with them in the Town than against them, for God was with them, and divers other expressions to the like purpose.  
Sixthly, Others confidently report, that one of their Cannons taking fire twice or thrice, yet could they not procure the same to be discharged, wherewith they were much amazed, and did draw off their pieces and retreated.  
All this, I thought fit, here, thus particularly to relate, as a just and rare monument of God's power and providence in thus taking the proud and selfconceited wickedly wise ones of this world, in their own accursed craftiness, and still (as hath been clearly seen and shown all along in this narration) making good and ratifying to the full, 
Psal. 62. 9, 10.  that of the holy Prophet David, an excellent place, appliable most fitly to the vain and profane enemies of God's truth in these our days; Surely, men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie; to be laid in the balance they are altogether lighter than vanity. Trust not therefore in oppression, and become not vain in robbery. But to go on.  
About the 14th of this instant November, 
The renowned Earl of Manchester spoils Newark of provision.  came credible information by letters to London, from the most noble Earl of Manchesters' forces in and about Linc●lnshire, that about 4000 of the said renowned Earl's horse being then quartered about Newark, had driven away most of the cattle, b●asts, sheep and horses, from about all those parts unto Bost●n and Lincoln; thus to shorten and necessitate the garrison in Newark of provision. 
Bullingbrook-Castle taken by the Lord Willoughby of Parrha●  And that the Lord Willoughby of Parrha● had taken Bullingbrook-castle from the Newcastellian Cormorants. As also that brave and most valiant Commander Sir Thomas Fairfax with about 12 troops of horse, was now gone into the West-Riding of Yorkshire, where a party of the never-sufficiently praised Manchesterians and other loyal Lanca-shire forces appointed to meet him, for the farther advancement of some great design in those parts, and for the further terror of the Popish and atheistical Newcastellian forces, whose formerly reputed formidable and flourishing army, was at that time (as was most credibly and frequently informed) in a very tottering, torn, and declining condition; 
The declining condition of the Earl of Newcastles army.  for that upon the mustering thereof he could hardly bring together 7 or 8000 horse and foot into a complete body: And therefore no wonder that he had sent so many Letters to Oxford (one whereof was for certain intercepted by the Parliaments forces) whereby he signified that unless his Majesty did move with his Army very speedily that way, to his assistance, all the Northern parts would be totally lost, especially also because he found the gentry of Yorkshire much discontented and most unwilling to march out of their own County; 
The defection also of the Gentry of Yorkshire from him.  which indeed was a rare mercy also and a great overture of things there, by the good providence of our God thus ordering it. And for the farther confirmation hereof, about the 16th of November, 1643. came certain intelligence to London by Letters out of the remoter Northern parts, that above an hundred Gentlemen and substantial Freeholders, well mounted, were gone out of Northumberland into Scotland, and had listed themselves under one Colonel Welden, a Northumberland Gentleman, to come in with the Scots, and that the generality of the people of those parts were even impatient till our brethren of Scotland were come in among them, their burdens having been so intolerable by reason of the Popish army, and their so insolent carriages over them, that they now longed exceedingly to be eased thereof. 
A yet farther defection of other Northern Counties from the King's party.  Yea and that divers other Gentlemen in other Northern Counties, had declared themselves (some privately and some publicly) that they would now no longer assist the King, especially in regard of that horrible and accursed Cessation which he had made with the most abominably bloody rogues and rebels of Ireland. The Gentlemen that then did lay down their arms in a public manner, were (as was credibly informed) Sir Edward Hussey, Mr Sutton, Sir Philip Therold, with divers others of like quality, as then (in discretion) forborn to be particularly named. And certainly that most intolerable and most wicked Cessation of arms in Ireland hath and will lose the King more, 
The Cessation of arms in Ireland a main cause of this foresaid defection.  every way, than any other of his many most improvident and unadvised rash and even irrational actions (to say no more of them) that ever he did, not only the moderate and mere Neutrality affected, but even some of the obstinate malignant party, being now silenced, when the objection of this most scelerous Cessation is urged unto them. And indeed how can it otherwise be, especially considering, that his Majesty himself, (who is in all their reputes and esteem called and accounted a Protestant Prince) should by a late Declaration printed by his authority at Oxford; 
The King's Declaration from Oxford, justifying that abominable Irish Cessation.  so palpably and plainly (under poor and ignoble Fig-leaf pretences and colourable causes, though mainly intended (as we all too well see and know) to transport rebels of Ireland to fight against his most honourable and innocent Parliament and people) should, I say, maintain and justify such a most grossly impious Cessation with such unparallelled Popish brutish rogues and rebels, as no English-hearted Protestant could have been induced to believe, had it not been so openly declared, printed and published abroad; a Cessation, I say, for a whole year (that is, for ever) and that, without first, requiring them (at least) to declare in writing under hands and seals, that they had extremely scandalised his Majesty (if, at least, he were clear and free from the fact) by their proclaiming (as they did) in the Market-places in several parts of Ireland, 
Mark this well o English-malignants, touching this Irish Cessation.  that they had his Majesty's Commission, under the great Seal of England, yea and produced the said Commission, for the justification of that Epidemical murder, and Diabolical Massacre, to be done by the King's authority, as divers upon Oath have testified, as is expressed at large in the Irish-Remonstrance, and Dr Jones his book, both published by authority of Parliament; or without requiring them to deliver up, so much only, as two or three of their prime (nay not of any one inferior) bloody Rebels to suffer most deserved death, 
Mark this also, and admire it.  in a way of justice; but, oh, horresco referens, to be satisfied with a most beggarly sum of about 30000 li in money (and this sum also, to be a fomenting help to farther the most accursed design of cutting more English throats also) as a sufficient expiation and satisfaction, for the most horrid slaughter and butchering of, 
Almost tw● hundred thousand English Protestant's butchered in that most barbarous Irish-Massacre.  at least, one hundred thousand (nay 'tis credibly assured, near upon 200000) English Protestant's in crimson-gorie Ireland, and all this in deliberate cold-bloud too; Nay more, not doing the poor surviving miserable English Protestants so much, or rather, so little pettie-justice, as to demand of those roguish-Rebells, the only bare restitution of one acre of ground or a house or hovel to hide the head of any one so distressed and utterly spoilt surviving Protestant. 
Mark this also.  Yea, and to strike and stab English Protestants, both in England and Ireland, yet more deeply to the heart, styling and calling those unparallelled bloody rogues and most accursed Cannibals (pardon my zeal, good Reader, for I have with tears of hearty grief, 
And this too, and tremble at it.  read over Ireland's tears of blood) calling them, I say, in the foresaid Declaration, His Majesty's Roman Catholic Subjects; and chose, Us of England, most frequently and familiarly, nothing but, Traitors and Rebels. Read and consider this, all Christian hearts, and then tell me, whether that of the Prophet be not most properly appliable to the authors of all this, 
Isaiah 5. 20▪  whoever they be. Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter. But to go on.  
And, here, for the Readers better satisfaction (and, in aeternam rei ipsius infamiam) I have thought fit to give thee a full sight of the said odious Declaration, verbatim, as it was printed and published, with some clear demonstrative circumstances after it, to manifest the undeniable truth of the thing. Which Commission follows in these words.  

CHARLES' by the grace of God, King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, defender of the faith, etc. To all Catholic Subjects within our Kingdom of Ireland, Greeting; Know ye that We for the safeguard and preservation of our person, have been enforced to make our abode and residence in our Kingdom of Scotland for a long season, occasioned by reason of the obstinate and disobedient carriage of Our Parliament of England against Us; who have not only presumed to take upon them the government and disposing of those▪ Princely Rights and Prerogatives that have justly descended unto Us, from our Predecessors both Kings and Queens of the said Kingdom, for many hundreds of years past, but also have possessed themselves of the whole strength of the said Kingdom, in appointing Governors, Commanders and Officers in all parts and places therein, at their own wills and pleasures without Our consent, whereby we are deprived of Our Sovereignty, and left naked without defence: And for as much as we are (in ourselves) very sensible, that these storms blow aloft, and are very likely to be carried by the vehemency of the Protestant Party, into Our Kingdom of Ireland, and endanger Our Regal power and authority there also: Know ye therefore that We reposing much care and trust in your duties and obedience, which we have for many years passed found: Do hereby give unto you full power and authority to assemble and meet together with all speed and diligence, that a business of so great a consequence doth require, and to advise and consult together by sufficient and discreet numbers at all times, days and places which you shall in your judgement hold most convenient and material, for the ordering, settling and effecting of this great work (mentioned and directed unto you in Our Letters.) And to use all politic ways and means possible to possess yourselves (for Our use and safety) of all the Forts, Castles, and places of strength and defence within the said Kingdom (except the places, persons, and Estates of Our loyal and loving Subjects the Scots.) And also to arrest, and seize the goods, estates, and persons of the English Protestants within the said Kingdom to Our use; and in your care and speedy performance of this Our will and pleasure, We shall perceive your wont duty and Allegiance, which We shall acknowledge and reward in due time.  
Witness Ourselves at Edenbrough the first day of October in the seventeenth year of our Reign.   
There is one thing which may stick as a doubt with some that read this Commission, which is not cleared by that Gentleman, that hath observed well upon The Mysierie of Iniquity: viz. That the Parliament have possessed themselves of the whole strength of the said Kingdom in appointing Governors, Commanders and Officers in all parts and places therein: It may be objected, There was no such thing done when the Commission bore date. It is answered: The Parliament even at that time, and two months before, were a nominating fit persons to be presented to his Majesty, to be entrusted with the places of strength within the Kingdom.  
But for further observations upon this Commission, and the probability of the truth thereof (for works in tenebris must come to light by circumstances) be pleased to read the Book, entitled, The Mystery of Iniquity, where this Commission is at large set down, and you will find Endymion Porter had the great Seal of Scotland in his custody when the Commission to begin the Rebellion in Ireland was sealed, as he had the great Seal of England in custody, when the Commission to make a Cessation with those bloody Rebels (called by his Majesty Subjects) was sealed.  
But see now (as was touched before) how the most wise God graciously ordered the effects of all these most wicked plots to fall out exceeding contrary to the wicked hopes and aims of the Jesuitical incendiaries and Atheistical projectors of them, 
The contrary effects of the Irish Cessation.  turning their counsel into folly and blasting, these their high or rather hellish hopes, even at the first springing and sprouting of them into execution, witness, I say, that forementioned example thereof in the Irish Soldiers transported out of Ireland to Bristol; yea and that of one Arundel Master of Pendennis-Castle in the West, who (as it was credibly informed by Letters to London) discharged two pieces of Ordnance against two ships fraughted with Irish-Rebells, notwithstanding that they produced the Kings Warrant for their landing there, and that he also sent a Post to Oxford to know his Majesty's pleasure, signifying, withal, that if they landed, the Gentry of all those parts would forsake the King: Witness also that remarkable piece of state-policy and providence, whereunto our most prudent Parliamentary Worthies were now at last inevitably necessitated to have recourse by this most odious Cessation, and divers other such like destructive designs of the Oxonian adversaries of the Kingdom, 
A New-Broad S●●l of England.  I mean the establishment and setting on foot a New-broad Seal of England to be resident in the Parliament; a piece of great and high concernment for the better advancing and forwarding of the future great and weighty affairs of the Kingdom. A Copy of which Declaration and Ordinance of Parliament, I have here thought fit, for the Readers better content and satisfaction, to insert, verbatim, as it was printed and published by order of Parliament, Novemb. 11. 1643.  

A Declaration and Ordinance of the Lords and Commons assembled in PARLIAMENT, Touching the Great Seal of England.  
WHereas the Great Seal of England, which by the Laws of this Realm ought to attend the Parliament, being the Supreme Court of Justice and Judicature within this Realm, for the dispatch of the great and weighty affairs of the Commonwealth, which is especially interessed and concerned therein, was above a year last passed, that is to say, the two and twentieth day of May, An. 1642. by the then Lord-Keeper thereof, Edward Lord Littleton, than a Member and Speaker of the House of Peers in Parliament, contrary to the great trust in him reposed, and duty of his place, secretly and perfidiously conveyed away from the Parliament into the King's Army, raised against the Parliament; the said Lord-Keeper departing therewith into the said Army, without the leave or privity of the said House; By means whereof, great mischiefs and inconveniences have ensued to this Kingdom, and the Kingdom of Ireland.  
And whereas the said Great Seal ought constantly to remain in the hands and custody of one or more Officer or Officers (sworn for that service) and to be used and employed for the weal and safety of His Majesty's People; which notwithstanding hath been divers times since the conveying away thereof, as aforesaid, put into the hands of other persons not sworn, and Popishly and dangerously affected, who have had the disposing and managing thereof at their own wills and pleasures, and hath been traitorously and perniciously abused, to the ruin and destruction of the Parliament and Kingdom, by granting and issuing out divers illegal Commissions of Array, and ●other unlawful Commissions for raising of Forces against the Parliament, by issuing out of most foul and scandalous Papers, under the Name and Title of Proclamations, against both Houses of Parliament, and divers Members thereof, and others adhering to them, and proclaiming them Traitors and Rebels; Commissions of Oyer and Terminer, to proceed against divers of them, as Traitors, and other Commissions to seize and confiscate their Estates, for no other cause, but for doing their duties and services to the Commonwealth; as likewise by granting that horrid Commission, for executing of that most bloody and detestable design of Waller, Tomkins, and others, for the destruction of the Parliament, and City of London, and of the Army raised for their just defence; and (as if Massacres and Assasinations, had been but light and venial crimes) another Commission hath been granted under the same Seal for a Cessation of Arms with the barbarous and bloody Rebels in Ireland, after the effusion of so much innocent blood, and slaughter of above one hundred thousand Protestants, Men, Women, and Children, by their merciless, and bloody hands: whereupon a Cessation of Arms is accordingly concluded; and those brutish Rebels thereby emboldened to prepare themselves, not only for a total Extirpation of the Protestants remaining there, but for a Conquest also of this Kingdom: And further by granting of several Commissions, and Offices of Trust and Command, to notorious Papists, who by the Laws and Statutes of this Realm, are made uncapable thereof; and by conferring of Honours, and Dignities, and granting of Lands and Estates to divers exorbitant Delinquents, who stand legally impeached of high Treason, and other high Crimes and misdemeanours in Parliament.  
All which, and many other unlawful and enormous Acts have passed under the said Great Seal, since the removal thereof from the Parliament, as aforesaid: Which the Lords and Commons taking into their consideration, and finding all ways, and means obstructed for the procuring of any redress from his Majesty, in the Premises, notwithstanding their long hopes, and uncessant Labours, for the obtaining thereof, are bound in duty, and of necessity to provide some speedy Remedy for these insupportable mischiefs.  
BE it therefore Declared and Ordained, by the said Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, that as well all and every the said acts formerly mentioned, which have passed under the said Great Seal, as also all Letters Patents and Grants of any Lands, Goods or Estates, of any person, or persons whatsoever, for adhering to the Parliament, all Compositions or Grants, of any Wardships, or Leases of any Wards, Lands, Liveries, Primer seizins & Ouster le manes▪ since the said 22. of May 1642. which have not according to the due course of Law, passed through the Court of Wards and Liveries, established by Law: All grants since the said 22. of May 1642. of any Honours, Dignities, Manors, Lands, Hereditaments, or other thing whatsoever, to any person or persons, which have voluntarily contributed, or shall voluntarily contribute any Aid or Assistance to the maintenance of that unnatural War, raised against the Parliament; And all pardons granted to any such person or persons; And all other Acts or things whatsoever, contrary to, or in derogation of the Proceedings of both, or either of the Houses of Parliament, which have passed under the said Great Seal, since the removal thereof from the Parliament, shall be, and are hereby declared to be utterly Invalid, void, and of none effect, to all intents and purposes.  
And that all and every act or thing, which after the publication of this Ordinance, shall pass by, or under the said Great Seal, or under any Great Seal of England (other than what is hereby appointed and established) shall be utterly void, frustrate, and of no effect; and every person, or persons, which shall put the same in use, or shall claim any thing thereby, shall be held and adjudged a public Enemy of this State.  
And be it further Ordained by the said Lords and Commons, that a great Seal of England already by them made and provided, shall be forthwith put in use; and shall be, and is hereby authorized and established to be of like force, power, and validity, to all intents and purposes, as any Great Seal of England hath been, or aught to be.  
And that it shall be put into the hands and custody of the persons hereafter named, who are hereby Ordained Commissioners for that purpose; that is to say, John Earl of Rutland, and Oliver Earl of Bullingbrooke, Members of the House of Peers, and Oliver St john's Esquire, His Majesty's Solicitor General, John Wild Sergeant at Law, Samuel Brown, and Edmund Prideaux Esquires, Members of the House of Commons; which said persons, or any three or more of them, whereof one Member or more of the Lords House, also one Member or more of the House of Commons, shall be present, shall have, and are hereby Authorized to have the Keeping, Ordering and disposing thereof, as also all such and the like Power and Authority, as any Lord Chancellor, or Lord Keeper, or Commissioner of the Great Seal, for the time being hath had, used, or aught to have.  
Ordered by the Commons in Parliament, that this Declaration, Touching the Great Seal, be forthwith printed and published. H: Elsing, Cler. Parl. D. Com.   
And for the more legal and authentic proceeding heerin; the Parliament swore a new Clerk of the Crown (Mr Willis the late Clerk of the Crown, and Mr Augar his deputy having absented themselves) who, as soon as he was sworn, (according to the Act for a triennial Parliament) did swear those Commissioners of the Great Seal; as that act doth direct every Lord Keeper or Commissioners of the Great Seal, to swear, when they enter upon the custody of the Seal. Thus prudently and providently was this business of so great weight and consequence carried. And now to proceed.  
Although it pleased the Lord that that most noble and renowned Commander Sir William Waller, had not that success at Basing-House in Hampshire (by reason of the most impregnable strength of the baracadoes and fortifications in and about it) which was expected and bravely endeavoured; Yet about the middle of this November, we had credible information by Letters from thence, that before Sir William had drawn his foot forces from before the said Basing-House, and voluntarily raised that Siege; 
Sir Wil Waller apprehends the Lord Saulton, a Popish Scotish Lord, at Newberry, and 4000 li in money with him.  Sir William having certain intelligence of the arrival of the Lord Saulton, a Scotish Popish Lord, on Sussex coasts, who had been in France to promove the Popish designs in England, and was now landed, and making for Oxford, but was happily met with about Newberry by the troops of horse sent out by Sir William, to waylay him; where they apprehended him, and about ten or twelve horse with him, together with a sum of about 4000 li in money (as was most credibly informed) with whom also were found Letters of great importance and concernment: who with his Letters was forthwith safely sent up to London to the Parliament, to be secured in safe custody by them.  
About the 20th of November, 1643. a Letter was sent to the honourable House of Commons in Parliament, and directed to the honourable William Lenthall Esquire, Speaker of the said House, concerning a great fight at Mount Stamford near Plymouth, at which fight though the said Fort was lost to the enemy; 
The brave fight at Stamford Mount near Plymouth, and the excellent effect it produced.  yet in regard of the brave defence of it, and the singular good event which (notwithstanding the loss thereof) it produced, I have here most justly thought fit to insert the relation of it (as a rare Parliamentarie-Mercie) as it was sent in a Letter, I say, to the Speaker of the House of Commons in Parliament; together with the Copy of a Vow and Covenant, which the Deputy- Lieutenants, Commanders, Townsmen, and Soldiers took, to live and die in the defence of the Town of Plymouth, which were as followeth.  
The Copy of a Letter sent from the Commander in chief of the Town and Port of Plymouth, to the Honourable William Lenthall Esquire, Speaker of the House of Commons, concerning the great fight at Mount Stamford.  
SIR;  
SInce my last unto you of the 28th of October, 1643. the enemy hath pressed hard upon us against Mount Stamford works, with their great Ordnance, 
A proper note, and fitly applied.  and began to play against the same on the Sabbath day last, being the 5th of November, hoping by that means to perform what the hellish plot of the Popish-Gunpowder-Treason should have done: They played so hard against it all that day with batteries (and it being not any way made to endure the same) that some of our Guns they dismounted, and some clogged with earth which fell upon them, so as we could not make use of any of them; in so much that on the morrow they surrounded the Work, fell on with all their strength of Horse and Foot upon all quarters: yet the chief Commander of the Fort behaved himself so bravely, that three times he forced them to retreat; and could we have got any indifferent relief over the Water in any reasonable time, we had kept the Fort. Yet nevertheless the Enemy sent a Parley three times before the Captain would accept of it. Then conditions were made, That all Soldiers should march away with their Arms, flying Colours, and Bullet in their mouths; and that the Captain should have any one piece of Ordnance away, that he would make choice of. The Enemy lost four or five Captains before the Fort, besides divers other Officers, and many Soldiers. We lost at that time no Officer of note, only one Lieutenant killed with a great shot, and divers Soldiers taken prisoners, which were all exchanged the next day, for some of their own men that we had formerly taken. I believe they will not brag much of their victory by getting that Work, for we are now better and in more safety in the Town than before. For we were forced to keep a Leaguer there, and continually to relieve them; so that our men were forced to very hard duty, to keep all the other Works and Fortifications belonging to the Town. The Enemy having the Work yielded to them, those of the Enemy's party in the Town (as it must be expected in all places are some) began to get courage, our own friends doubtful; and I believe▪ the Ne●tralists do desire that the Town might be delivered up: Whereupon, for fear either of the treachery of the Townsmen, or for want of experienced men, I seized the Fort and Island, the Castle and Magazine, that in case the Town should be forced and overpowered with strength by the Enemy, and knowing this place of such great concernment, that through God's assistance I would keep them till supplies and relief come. Whereupon I have put them into the hands of such as will keep them for the King and Parliament, with the last drop of blood in their bodies. Our friends began then to be encouraged, our enemies both within and without us to be dismayed, thinking that there was no hope of surrendering the Town: so ever since, the Townsmen and all Inhabitants have been more forward to contribute their best assistance than formerly many have done. And upon Thursday last after Prayer and our morning's best preparation for the same, myself and Mr. Major, took a Vow and Protestation, which I have here sent enclosed, and caused it to be presented to all Gentlemen, the Committee of Parliament, the Deputy lieutenants, all Townsmen, all Officers and Soldiers, and all Inhabitants whatsoever; which I find was generally taken with great joy and cheerfulness. I hope the honourable Houses of Parliament are not unmindful of us; yet I never received any instructions from them since the fifth of September, being the time that I departed from London, although I have sent four several Packets concerning divers and special affairs. I humbly crave that with all speed I may have Powder, Led, and Match sent, that I may with honour perform the trust imposed upon me. Thus humbly kissing your hand, I take leave and rest,  
Plymouth 11 Novemb. 1643. Your most humble Servant to be commanded, James Wardlace.  

The Vow and Protestation.  
I A. B. In the presence of Almighty God, do vow and protest, that I will to the utmost of my power, by God's assistance, faithfully maintain and defend the Towns of Plymouth and Stonehouse, the Fort and Island, with all the Outworks and Fortifications to the same belonging, against all Forces now raised against the said Towns of Plymouth and Stone-house, the Fort and Island, or any part thereof, or that shall be raised by any Power or Authority whatsoever, without the consent and authority of both Houses of Parliament. Neither will I by any way or means whatsoever, contrive or consent to the giving up of the Towns and Fortifications aforesaid, or any parcel of them, into the hands of any person, or persons whatsoever, without the consent of both Houses of Parliament, or of such as are Authorized thereunto by them. Neither will I by God's grace raise nor consent to the raising of any Force or Tumult, nor will I by any way or means give or yield to the giving of any advice, counsel, or intelligence, to the prejudice of the said Towns and Fortifications, either in whole or in part: But will with all possible speed faithfully discover to the Major of Plymouth, and to the Commander in chief there, whatsoever design I shall know or hear of hurtful thereunto. Neither have I accepted any pardon or protection, nor will I accept any protection from the Enemy. And this Vow and Protestation I make, without any Equivocation and Mental reservation whatsoever: Believing that I cannot be absolved from this my Vow and Protestation; and wishing no blessing from God on myself or my posterity, if I do not truly and sincerely perform the same. So help me GOD.  
Ordered by the Commons in Parliament assembled, that this Letter and Protestation be forthwith printed and published. Hen. Elsing, Cler. Par. D. Com.   
Much also about the foresaid time, viz. the 20th of Novemb. 1643. came certain intelligence from Lancashire to London, by a Letter to the House of Commons, from Colonel Rigby, a most worthy Member of the same House; of a most rare and admirable, yea even miraculous Defeat, given by him the said brave Colonel to the Earl of Newcastles forces, near Thurland-Castle, upon the edge of Lancashire. The exact Narration whereof being fully set forth by himself in his said Letter, I have here thought good for the Readers better content and clearer satisfaction therein, to give thee it verbatim, as it was printed and published by authority of Parliament, which was as followeth.  
A true Relation of the great Victory obtained by God's mercy and providence by the Parliaments forces in Lancashire, under the Command of Colonel Rigby, sent in his own Letter to the honourable William Lenthall Esquire, Speaker of the House of Commons in Parliament.  
Honoured Sir,  
THat I may give you an account of our proceedings at Thurland, you may understand that Sir John Girlington having drawn Forces into his Castle of Thurland, he began to plunder the Country, and to commit robberies and murders, and thereupon for the suppression of him and his adherents, I repaired thither, and after seven weeks straight siege of the Castle, it was delivered unto me, to be demolished upon agreement, to suffer him and all his in the Castle, to pass away with their lives, and goods: During most part of the siege, the greatest part of the Forces of Westmoreland lay within our view, and daily threatened us; but God confined them to their own County, and every day more and more inclined the hearts of the Commons of Westmoreland to decline any attempt upon us, though we then lay in an Out-Angle of our County, far from supplies, and whilst these things were in suspense, a design was set on foot by all the malignant Gentry of Westmoreland and Cumberland, and by Roger Kirby, and Alexander Rigby of the Burghe, two Lancashire men, to raise all the Forces of Cartmell and Fournes, part of Lancashire, to join with Cumberland and Westmoreland, to surprise Lancaster and Hornby Castles, and to assault us on all sides, and to raise our Siege, and then to proceed further into Lancashire, and (as upon credible information I believe) to join with Lathamhouse, and all the illaffected in our County, to our general devastation. And for this end, they drew together part of Cumberland forces into Fournes, and with them the strength of that place, to about the number of sixteen hundred, intending the next day to March into Cartmell towards us, and there to add to their forces, and in their way, they took and imprisoned divers of the best affected, and caused the rest of them to fly out of the Country, who posting to us, I forthwith took five hundred foot, two Drakes, and three small Troops of horse, parcel of my Forces at Thurland, and with them in one day, I marched almost thirty miles, over mountains, and through Sea-sands, and waters, within two miles of the Enemy, and the next morning being the Lord's day, we found the Enemy in the field, standing with a body of horse, and another of foot, in a posture to receive us, upon a ground chosen for their own advantage: and when we were within half a mile of them, we committed ourselves to God's protection, and began our work with public prayers for his blessing upon us: And those done, we sped unto the Enemy, with such resolution and courage in all the Captains, and common Soldiers, as by their deportment, I might have rather deemed, that they had made haste to have saluted their friends, than to have encountered their enemies: the enemy's word was (In with Queen Mary) ours was (God with us) and at our first appearance, God so struck the hearts of these our enemies with terror, that before a blow given, their Horse began to retreat, our foot gave a great shout, our Horse pursued, theirs fled; their foot dispersed, and fled; they all trusted more to their feet, than their hands; they threw away their Arms and Colours, deserted their magazine drawn with eight Oxen, and were totally routed in one quarter of an hour's time; our horse slew some few of them in the pursuit, and drove many of them into the Sea; we took their Colonel Hudleston of Millam, two Captains, and an Ensign, and about four hundred Prisoners, six foot Colours, and one horse Colour; and their Magazine, and some horses, and more arms than men: and all this without the loss of any one man of ours; we had only one man hurt by the Enemy, and only another hurt by himself with his own Pistol, but neither mortally; upon the close of the business, all our men with a great shout cried out, Glory be to God; and we all, except one Troop of horse, and one foot Company, which I left to quiet the Country, returned forthwith towards our siege at Thurland; most of our horsemen without alighting from our horses, and most of us all, without eating or drinking; so that early the next day we came again to Thurland, where we found our siege continued, within view of more than treble forces from Westmoreland; this work in Fournes had that influence upon all the Castles, and all the Gentry of Westmoreland, and Cumberland, who then lay within our sight at Kirby-Loynsdale, that within two days after, the Castle was by the Negotiation of Sir Philip Musgrave, then commanding in chief in Westmoreland and Cumberland, agreed to be rendered unto me, to be demolished, which is accordingly done: And though I endeavoured to have preserved all the combustible materials therein from fire, yet I could not therein prevail with the common Soldiers without great displeasure.  
My humble▪ suit now is, to have the order of the House of Commons for my indemnity, for demolishing of the Castle: And because Colonel Hudleston (who yet hath a Regiment in Yorkshire, in or near Hallifax) is as I hear Serjeant Major General of Cumberland; and the most considerable man in Cumberland, and our next neighbour to Lancashire, and one whom without further danger to the peace of our County, I cannot conceive can be kept prisoner here, I have therefore presumed to send him unto you, under the care and custody of Mr. Robert Fog, of whose industry and fidelity, both you and we here have had much experience: Sir, that God may bless, and prosper all your designs, and proceedings for his glory, and the peace of this Kingdom, is the daily prayer of  
Your most humble Servant, Alex▪ Rigby. Preston in Lancashire, this 17. of Octo: 1643.  
Ordered by the Commons in Parliament, that this Relation be forthwith printed and published.  
Hen: Elsing, Cler. Parl. D: Com.  
About the 25th also of this instant November, came certain information from famous Pool in Dorsetshire, of the brave achievements and famous performances of those renowned active spirits in their most valorous taking of the Town of Warham in that County, which was also ratified by a letter to a worthy Member of the House of Commons in Parliament to this effect. The most loyal and resolute Commanders and Officers in this garrison of Pool, in prosecution of some former fortunate adventures and most valorous resolutions, wherein God had extraordinarily prospered and preserved them, sent out a party of about 200 Musketeers, 
Pools brave performances.  under the Command of Captain Lay▪ a man of whose fidelity and valour the Parliament had had much experience, who disposing his men into such boats & lighters as belonged to the Town, went by water to W●rham▪ a Town about seven miles distant from Pool, westward, drawing near the Main-land, but navigable home to the very Town in such vessels as they made use of. The first opposition they met with was by certain Musketeers of the enemies, 
Captain Lays undaunted resolution at the Town of Warham.  who played on them from a breast work, made on the passage, a mile before they came to the Town; where the said valiant Captain immediately commanded a party ashore, which being perceived by the enemy, they instantly threw down their arms, ran away crying our, heels, heels for the Town▪ So that the Town having by this means an alarm, 
Warham prepares to encounter the Poolians.  were all in a readiness to receive the Poolian●, before they could possibly approach them, and had drawn several ambuscadoes into the hedges to annoy them, which way soever they came, and withal making good the bridge-foot (as they conceived) which was the main hiding place to come into the body of the Town. But this courageous and resolute Captain being too wise for such untutered freshwater Soldiers, before he came near the Town, had landed an indifferent strong party, which being divided into two parts were at one and the same time to enter the Town in two places at once, and the residue were to follow presently at the main landing place, all which was exactly observed according to command and direction; but by the way, the enemy's ambuscadoes, still, at adventures played upon our men, retreating amain into the Town, but did little hurt, for the night not being very light, and our men having command to keep their matches closely, 
The Poolians politic carriage in approaching the Town.  and not to discharge till they came to the Town's end, where they might have some inducement to bestow a volley of shot to purpose; this was a notable means that the enemy knew not well how to shoot to annoy them. Our men, thus, courageously coming on, the enemy left all their defensive brest-works, and rallyed themselves into a body in the midst of the Town, and all with one voice crying out, 
Pool-men enter the Town of Warham.  Now come on ye Roundheads, if ye dare; and our men came timely up together into the several quarters of the Town; the enemy having no way to escape but by a gate behind them, which could not possibly be blocked up by our men; but ours being come up most bravely together, gave them a handsome volley of shot, at which the enemy unanimously without farther dispute betook them to their heels, 
The enemies fly. Prisoners taken.  and throwing down their arms, fled away, and it being in the night season, many escaped out of that Postern-gate; but about 200 of them were taken prisoners, and much ammunition and arms, besides many fat beefs, sheep, and other provision, which was then provided for the next day's Market, 
Prizes taken.  with good store of other pillage, and the Soldiers, who before had resolved to be in no Draper's debt for new-cloathes, borrowed as much cloth as would serve their turn of other kind neighbour- Cormorants, who at the first word gave them no denial therein, and thus by the time that they had made a diligent search through the whole Town for their enemies which were left behind, 
The Poolians victorious and safe return.  they got much other freight for their vessels, and sent home also a good quantity of hay and provender, with their other prizes, to welcome home brave Captain Sydenham with his horse, who was then likewise gone Eastward from Pool to Winborn to demand that Town also; but his main purpose was to keep the Warham alarm from them, at Winborn, and so to farther Captain Lays design, which as aforesaid he bravely effected and returned safely to Pool.  
About the 28th of this November also it pleased our good God so to order and dispose of things by the wisdom and providence of our ever to be honoured Worthies in Parliament, that the most noble and renowned pious and valiant Earl of Warwick was by an unanimous consent of both Houses voted to be Lord high Admiral of England, 
The Earl of Warwick made Lord high Admiral of England.  an honourable title fit to be invested on so honourable, trusty and noble a personage; and indeed I cannot exactly say, whether the title more honours him, or he the title; but, this I am sure of, the title is most like to be more honoured, and the Kingdom the better secured by him, whose actions are and ever have been most like himself, honourable, pious, and faithful.  
Much also about the aforesaid time came credible information by several Letters to London out of Warwickshire, 
The brave exloits of the most valiant and faithful Governor and garrison of Warwick Castle.  that Sergeant Major Bridges, Governor of Warwick Castle, had sent our several parties of horse from the Castle at several times, which brought in from within two miles of Banburie out of the Lord Says grounds at lest a 1000 sheep, which the Banbury garrison had stolen from the poor inhabitants of the Countries and places adjacent; And also that they had surprised an hundred horse of the enemies, taken a Sergeant Major, and some other Officers, and to the great comfort and content of the Inhabitants of Gloucestershire, had lighted upon an high Sheriff, commonly called the Taskmaster General; who had laid many heavy impositions and taxes upon the Countrypeople of those parts, making their lives grievous unto them. Also, that understanding that a company of ragged Welch-vermine were come into Worcestershire, and intended to nestle and fortify themselves in Caughton-House, belonging to Sir Robert Throgmorton, a great Papist, the said brave Governor sent thither about 80 Musketeers, who speedily possessed themselves of the House, fortified it very strongly; and, since that, sent fifty horse thither, beside, to make the said House a more strong and complete garrison for part of his Soldiers, the better to free and secure those parts from the plunderings and rapines of the enemy's forces. And, certainly, had all the Parliament Commanders been as faithful, courageous, and active, as this most valiant Commander was, and as the ever to be renowned Colonel massy, governor of Gloucester, Colonel Wardlow, governor of Plymouth, and the governor of Pool, valiantly to watch and lay hold on advantages, as these have done from time to time, the enemy had been in a lower estate and condition than now they are, and we might have put a more speedy period to this war: But we must most wisely ascribe the event of all things to the all-disposing hand of our most wise God, who thus order it, giving over some to cowardice, and others to treachery, that so he may the more wea● us from relying too much on the arm of flesh, and cause us to trust more unto, and to see far more in the Creator, than in any creature-props and 〈…〉.  
About the 30th also of this foresaid November, 
The valiant & brave performances of Sir Wil Brereton & Sir Thomas Midleton.  came certain information to London by Letters out of Cheshire, that Sir William Brereton, that most famous and successful pious Patriot, and Sir Thomas Midleton, that most loyal and valiant Commander went on very successfully in those parts, and that after they had taken Hol●-Castle, the drawbridge over the river Dee, Harden-Castle, and the Town of Rexham, by which means they made stop of all provisions out of Wales going to the relief of Chester, Sir Thomas Midleton went out with a party into Flintshire, and that the Town and Castle of Flint presently were surrendered unto him; and after that, that the Town and Fort of Mostin and four pieces of Ordnance in it were also surrendered to him; whereby they garrisoned their men in all the Towns about Chester, the Country coming in unto them, as also many Gentlemen of note and quality, and that with very much freeness.  
About the foresaid time also our most renowned Parliamentary Statists passed an Ordinance of Parliament for the better encouraging of all Merchants, 
An Ordinance of Parliament granting Letters of Mart, to Merchants and Seamen, against the enemies of the Parliament.  Masters of Ships, Mariners and others, (to be approved of and appointed thereunto, by the most noble Earl of Warwick, Lord high Admiral of England) that should set forth any ships or pinnaces to Sea, wa●likely appointed, equipped and manned, at their own proper cost and charges, that in recompense of the same and their adventures therein, they should have and enjoy to their own proper uses, all such ships, ammunition, goods, moneys, and Merchandiazes which they took or surprised by sea or by land; intended or designed against the Parliament and their adherents in this Kingdom, or for the relief of the rebels in the Kingdom of Ireland, or that had carried, or whom they should take carrying any supplies to the intents aforesaid: And also that so much money should be paid to them or their assigns, by the Treasurer of the Navy, for the time being, as should enable them respectively to victual their ships and pinnaces for so many months as they shall employ them at Sea in this service, accounting twenty ●●lings to each man for month's victuals, and not exceeding forty 〈◊〉 to every hundred tu●●s burden of their respective 〈…〉 every voyage. Thus we 〈…〉 and mercy of our good God to counsel 〈…〉 our most honoured Worthies to 〈…〉 fare of the Kingdom both by sea and by land, ever magnified and praised be his holy and great Name for it.  
And thus having, 
The Arks safe arrival at the end of this Monthly voyage.  by God's providence and gracious assistance, carried on the historical Narration of God's Ark, even the holy Cause of our pious Parliament, in all this Months victorious Voyage, and having now thus happily arrived to the end thereof: I shall here now desire the godly Reader to give me leave, a little while to cast anchor and to make a short stay of recapitulation of, and profitable rumination on, 
The holy-Merchant-like improvement of this Month's voyage to God's glory.  the rare and rich mercies of this Month's voyage, thereby to see what holy merchantlike improvement we can make of this our voyage for the honour of our good God, in briefly observing and admiring the menacing molestations and shrewd brushes and disturbances which the advers waves and boisterous billows, rocks and sands of most wicked and ungodly proud & presumptuous enemies of this Ark, labouring to overtop or overturn it: yet now, by the Lords almighty and irresistible power and sweet protection, 
A summary recital of all the rare and rich mercies of this Month's voyage.  all those proud waves were broken, the rocks removed and the devouring sands securely evaded.  
Both in the good hand of God, first, Uniting and associating the Counties of Hampshire, Sussex, Surrey and Kent, and ordaining renowned Sir William Waller, 
1.  Commander in chief over them.  
Secondly, 
2.  In the Parliaments pious care and providence for the welfare of foreign- English Plantations.  
Thirdly, 
3.  In causing a considerable number of English-Irish-Protestant Soldiers (transported out of Ireland, and landed at Bristol, to fight against the Parliament) to revolt from the King's designs by them, and really and readily to turn to the Parliamentsside against the Parliaments enemies.  
Fourthly, 
4.  In that brave defeat given by the Parliaments forces in Shropshire and Cheshire, to that proud and unsuccessful upstart Lord Capell.  
Fifthly, 
5.  In the most successful, pious and renowned Earl of manchester's spoiling and bereaving of that pernicious Town of Newark, of their provision; the taking of Bullingbrook-Castle; the declining and perishing condition of proud and Popish Newcastles army; and the notable defection of the Gentry of yorkshire, and other Northern-Counties from the King's party.  
Sixthly, 
6.  In the admirable contrary effects which the wisdom of the Lord our God caused the accursed Cessation of arms in Ireland to bring forth, which mainly appeared in the Parliaments perfecting and producing their former long intended new Broad-Seal of England, and the hopefully happy effects thereof.  
Seventhly, 
7.  In renowned Sir William waller's brave prize taken about Newberry; The most excellent effects, which the loss of Stamford-Mount at Plymouth produced; And renowned Colonel Rigbies famous victory at Thurland.  
Eighthly, 
8.  The brave achievements and victorious performances of the little Town, yet greatly renowned Garrison at Pool in Dorsetshire.  
Ninthly, 
9  The happy re-establishment of the renowned Earl of Warwick in the place of Lord high Admiral of England, for the singular security and safety of the Kingdom, as well by sea as by land.  
Tenthly, 
10.  The brave exploits of the valiant Governor and Garrison of Warwick Castle.  
Eleventhly, 
11.  The most successful proceedings and brave achievements of those two renowned Colonels and Commanders Sir William Brereton and Sir Thomas Midleton.  
Twelfthly, 
12.  and lastly, the most prudent and provident Ordinance of Parliament, granting out Letters of Mart by Sea, for the better hindrance of the accursed designs of our Oxonian adversaries in the rebellious and most bloody Kingdom of Ireland.  
And now tell me, good Reader, dost thou not see plainly, by all these premised passages, and apparent prints of God's providence, The Lord sitting as a most prudent and propitious Pilot at the Stern of his Ark, 
God's little flock preserved thus in his Ark, gives all the honour to God alone.  and graciously and gloriously carrying it on safely and securely through the midst of all these molesting and raging waves of wicked men, and all their most desperate and devilish designs against it; whereby we may and must, most justly, and ingenuously acknowledge with the sweet Psalmograph, the holy Prophet David; Thou, O Lord, art our safe and secure hiding-place; Thou alone dost preserve us from troubles; Thou dost encompass us with songs of deliverance. But to proceed.  
The first thing wherewith I shall begin this Month of December, 
December. 1643.  shall be that happy and blessed business to this Kingdom, of fully confirming and setting on foot the new Great Seal of England. But before I come to the present relation of what was more fully settled and confirmed therein; Give me leave, good Reader, to acquaint thee with what formerly passed about it in Parliament, 
A New Great Seal of England.  namely, That about the midst of October last, when as the Commons debating on the speedy putting it in execution, they considered a collection of certain Acts, then read, setting forth the power and use of the great Seal of England, and reviewed their former votes touching the absence of the other great Seal at Oxford; the substance of which former votes having relation to what was then farther agreed upon, I have thought fit here to insert.  

Resolved on the Question.  
1. That the great Seal of England ought to attend the Parliament.  
2. That the absence of it hath been a cause of great mischiefs to the Commonwealth.  
3. That a remedy ought to be provided for those mischiefs.  
4. That the proper way is by making a New great Seal.   
And they than proceeded to some farther votes touching the same, which were to this effect.  

Resolved on the Question.  
That the great Seal at Oxford be disannulled, and what ever act or thing hath passed under it since it was carried away from the Parliament, to be void and of none effect; and that an Ordinance of Parliament be forthwith drawn up to that purpose.   
By which Vote those late thundering Proclamations against the Parliament and well-affected Subjects of the Kingdom, and the many new honours conferred on, etc. and many others at Oxford for their good service in withholding his Majesty from his Parliament, and fostering this unnatural rebellion against the Parliament & Kingdom, thereby occasioning the death of many thousands of his Majesties, good and loyal subjects; will fall flat to the ground.  

Also resolved on the Question.  
That Commissioners of both Houses of Parliament be forthwith appointed, viz. Three of the House of Peers, and six of the House of Commons (if the Lords so think fit) to have the trust of the new great Seal, which is to reside with the Parliament for the use of the Parliament and Kingdom.  

And, lastly, resolved on the Question.  
That the House of Peers be forthwith desired to nominate such members of their House to join with a proportionable number of the Commons House, as Commissioners for the said New great Seal, and that all businesses proper to the Seal be dispatched by them, or by order of both Houses.    
All which was accordingly ratified not long after, as was manifested in the Ordinance of Parliament for the great Seal forementioned. After which long and serious agitation, consultation, and debates in both Houses of Parliament, 
The New Great Seal of England confirmed.  & a Declaration from both Houses now fully resolved on, and the Lord Ruthen, Earl of Kent, being with full approbation of both Houses chosen and made a Commissioner thereof, in stead of the Earl of Rutland (first chosen) who upon some scruples of conscience objected by him, was acquitted of that service, and the Ordinance of Parliament accordingly altered: The new great Seal was now, I say, delivered to the Commissioners of both Houses of Parliament for the putting thereof into due execution, viz. To the Earl of Kent, and the Earl of Bullingbrook, 
The names of the Commissioners.  for the House of Peers; Mr Saint John, Solicitor General, Mr Serjeant wild, Mr Prideaux, and Mr Brown, for the House of Commons. The solemn and exact manner of delivering whereof to the honourable personages aforesaid, I have also thought fit here to insert, for the Readers better conte●● and delight heerin, as I have received it from good hands, which was thus.  
The great Seal was carried up by the Speaker of the House of Commons, 
The manner of the Solemnity of the delivery of the New great Seal of E●gland to the Commissioners.  accompanied with that whole House to the House of Peers, who delivered it to the Speaker of that House, and made a short speech at the delivery of it, desiring the said Seal might be delivered to the Commissioners, and the Oath for the due execution of their places thereabout be tendered to them in a full Parliament, before both Houses, which was done accordingly; The Speaker of the House of Peers, viz. The Lord Grace of Wark, swearing the two Lords, and the Clerk of that House, John Brown, Esquire, swearing the other four Commissioners; which done, the Seal was delivered to them, and they presently carried it to Master Brownes office, and put it into an iron-chest, with three different locks, as was formerly appointed, and the said Commissioners shortly after appointed a Sealing-day to put the said Seal in execution, according to the Ordinance of Parliament, without any farther let or obstacle; the happy and blessed effects whereof, we shall in their due time, by God's good providence and gracious assistance, see and give the Reader occasion to understand of in their convenient and proper places.  
Upon the 30th of November last, our most honourable Commons in Parliament passed an Order which was printed & published the second of this instant December, 
The Solemn-League or Covenant to be farther pressed where not yet taken.  That the Ministers of the several parishes within the bills of Mortality, should on that next ensuing Lordsday, in the afternoon, tender the Solemn-League and Covenant in the several Churches and Chappells within the bills of Mortality to such as had not then taken it, with other very material Clauses therein contained, which for the Readers better satisfaction and content therein, I have thought fit here to insert, as it was printed and published, which was as followeth.  

Die jovis, Novem. 30 th', 1643.  
An Order of the Commons assembled in Parliament, concerning the returning in writing to the House of Commons, the names of such Ministers and other persons, within the bills of Mortality, as shall not take the Solemn-League and Covenant before Wednesday next.  
IT is this day ordered by the Commons in Parliament assembled, that the Ministers within the several parishes within the bills of Mortality, do on the next Lord's day, in the afternoon, tender the Solemn League and Covenant in the several Churches and Chappells within the bills of Mortality, to such as have not yet taken it. And that the Minister and Churchwardens of every parish be required, on wednesday next to return to the House of Commons, the names of all such, in their several parishes, as have not taken, or shall then refuse to take the Covenant. And the Ministers, Lecturers, Curates in the said several parishes that have not yet taken the Covenant, are required then to take it; And if any of them refuse or further delay the taking of the same, than the Churchwardens of those parishes are required to return to this House, in writing, the names of such Ministers, Lecturers and Curates that so refuse. And the several Ministers in the said several parishes, are to give notice of this Order publicly on the next Lordsday in the afternoon. And this Order is to be printed and published and sent to the Ministers of the several parishes aforesaid.  
H. Elsing, Cler. Parl. D. Com.   
And now that we are again fallen most fitly on this sacred subject of the holy-League and Covenant, although I have spoken somewhat of it in the close of my Second Part of our Parliamentary Chronicle, touching the taking thereof, first by the Commons in Parliament, and are now in order of the progress thereof fallen again (I say) upon it, as it was enjoined to all sorts in the City of London: yet, give me leave now, good Reader, here also, to acquaint thee, briefly, how it past and was taken in the House of Peers in Parliament, which comes now to be handled in the next place, for the present.  
On October, 
The House of Peers take the solemn League and Covenant.  the 15th, being the Lord's day, the House of Peers, according to a former appointment, in a very full appearance (contrary to the calumnious and slanderous report of that Oxonian-Minter of untruths, Aulicus, the King's liar in chief, as acute Britanicus●●tly ●●tly styles him) took the Solemn-League and Covenant, in Westminster-Abbey, after the morning Sermon, which was preached by Dr Temple, a reverend and able Divine, and a member of the Assembly, his text being out of Nehemiah, 10. 29. The Sermon being ended, the Lords assembled themselves together, and each of them, with much alacrity and cheerfulness subscribed unto the said Covenant, in order as they are here mentioned, viz. 
The Earls & Lords that took the Covenant at westminster.  The Earls; 1. Pembroke; 2. Essex; 3. Warwick; 4. Suffolk; 5. Salisbury; 6. Denbigh; 7. Bullingbrook; 8. Stamford. The Lords; 9 Say and Seal; 10. Howard; 11. Grace of Wark; 12. Wharton; 13. Rochfort. Besides, several other Lords who were not then present, but had formerly declared themselves for the Covenant, viz. The Earls of Northumberland, Lincoln, Nottingham, Rutland, Mulgrave, and the Lord Dacres; Also, the Earl of Manchester, the Lord Fairfax, Lord Willoughby of Parrham, Lord Roberts, and Lord Grace of Groobey, who were forth in the Parliaments service. Certainly, the entering of so many honourable Peers of this Realm into so solemn a League and Covenant, for reformation & extirpation of Popery and her sister Prelacy out of this Kingdom, must needs much amaze and amuse not only our London Malignants, but also all the Court Parasites and Papistical and Prelatical Machivilians at Oxford, who, no question, gnashed their teeth, and did even gnaw their tongues with malice and envy, when they heard of such a general and unanimous taking of this Covenant, both by the Nobility, and by the Commonalty of the Kingdom.  
In the same Month also of October, 1643. on several days appointed thereunto, 
Commanders in Arms, Knights and Gentlemen also take this Covenant.  there were great confi●ences of Martial Commanders, Knights and Gentlemen of quality, who most cheerfully and freely took this Covenant, as others had done, reverend and learned Mr caryl of Lincolns-inn preaching one day at St Marga●ets-Church in Westminster unto them; and likewise other grave and godly Divines to others of them, on other days appointed thereunto. And when the whole City of London, 
The Covenant sealed in the City of London, with the Loan of an 100000●●  & all within the bills of Mortality took this holy Covenant, according to the Ordinance of Parliament, in October last (as hath been forementioned in that month) they were so forward and cheerful therein, that upon a motion thereunto made, they sealed the Covenant with the loan of an 100000●● to the Parliament for the helping forward of our faithful, loyal and loving brethren of Scotland's advance to help the Lord and us against the mighty and mischievous enemies of this Kingdom, and our most precious Religion, Laws and Liberties. 
The main end of this holy League and Covenant.  Their main, if not only aim therein being the honour of God, and settlement of Religion, sound doctrine and discipline in the Church of God, the redemption of our King from Cavalerian and Popish thraldom, and therein his best good and investure into all his most just rights and Prerogatives, and the vindication of our Laws and Privileges, our just inheritance, which with honest Naboth, we would not, we might not sell away, especially for Popish and tyrannical slavery, on any conditions: yet see (notwithstanding the pious Parliaments, Peers and People's honest aims, loyalty & integrity heerin, as aforesaid) how those venomous Spiders of Oxford sucked poison out of those fragrant flowers and Herb of grace, 
Oxford Spiders suck poison out of the herb Grace.  most Satanically slandering & abusing this holy Covenant, & the honest Covenanters; Which was most evidently seen in a most impious and audacious paper, under the title of a Proclamation against the Covenant, which those vipers at Oxford most villainously and traitorously using and abusing the King's name therein, set forth and published to open view; which said Proclamation coming to my hands, I have thought fit here to insert, that the world may see how atheistically bold they are to abuse all sacred and most holy things at their own impious and Plutonicall pleasure, which was as followeth.  

By the King.  
His Majesty's Proclamation, forbidding the tendering or taking of a late Covenant, called a Solemn-League and Covenant for Reformation, etc.  
WHereas there is a printed paper, entitled, A Solemn-League and Covenant for Reformation and defence of Religion, and happiness of the King, and the peace and safety of the three Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland, pretended to be ordered by the Commons in Parliament on the 21. day of Sept. last, to be printed and published. Which Covenant, though it seems to make specious expressions of piety and religion, is, in truth, nothing ●lse but a traitorous and seditious combination against us, and against the established Religion and Lawe● of this Kingdom, in pursuance of a tra●●erous design and endeavour to being in foreign force to invade this Kingdom. We do therefore straight charge and command all our ●●ing Subjects of what degree or quality soever upon their allegiance, that they presume not to take the said seditious and traitorous Covenant. And we do likewise hereby forbid and inhibit all our Subjects, to impose, administer or tender the said Covenant, as they and every of them will answer the contrary at their utmost▪ and extremest perils.  
Given at our Court, at Oxford, this ninth day of October, in the 19th year of our Reign. God save the King.  
Oxford, printed by Leonard Litchfield, Printer to the University of Oxford, 1643.   
Thus you see how these accursed and most corrupt Counsellors at Oxford do most basely abuse the King's name to countenance their wicked ways, and most destructive designs against God and goodness; most blasphemously calling & counting that most holy and religious Covenant and League of loyalty to God and the King, a Combination of treachery and perfidious rebellion. But, yet, notwithstanding this and all the rest of their Muehivillian plots and practices, 
GOD'S Ark carried on prosperously notwithstanding all advers blustering blasts against it.  thus, to sink, overtop and over-turn Gods sacred Ark, his glorious Cause, and work of Reformation; Our most wise and good God most powerfully and prudently breathed on this his holy Ark, most blessed & prosperous gales, carried on the work most successfully, and notwithstanding, I say, all the adverse brushes and blustrings against it, this blessed Covenant was, since that, freely and cheerfully taken, both by the rest of the Lords and Commons in Parliament, who had not formerly been present at the first taking of it; and by the Judges, Lawyers, Clerks, and Gentlemen of all sorts and ranks whatsoever, Ministers and people, in City and Country; yea and divers both Earls, 
Many deserted Oxford & took the Covenant.  Lords, Knights, Gentlemen, and Officers in arms, Soldiers and others, who have, since, deserted the King's party and left Oxford, that sink of muddy slime, and cage of unclean birds, have heartily (as we hope) and freely taken this Covenant, and entered with the rest of God's people into this holy League, to live & die in this our most blessed and glorious Cause. But now to proceed:  
About the 6th of this instant December, came credible intelligence by Letters to London, from out of Gloucestershire, that whereas the enemy's resolutions were grown very high and lofty to garrison and entrench themselves round about the City of Gloucester; yet, that they have been bravely lopped and cut down, 
The brave exploits of renowned Colonel Massy at Gloucester.  by the vigilancy, valour and prudent circumspection of that most famous & ever to be renowned Commander Colonel Massey. As first, Colonel Vavasor being appointed Governor of Tewksbery, issued out his Warrants in that name, to the adjacent parts, commanding in provisions and pioneers for the strengthening of his garrison and establishment of his government there: But by two troops of horse sent out of Gloucester, he was so disanimated & frighted that his government soon dissolved, 
Colonel Vavasor beaten from Tewksbery.  and Tewksbery was quite quitted by them, and he thus freed of so troublesome a neighbour as he intended to have been.  
After this, Colonel Sir John Winter, the Court- Papist, and one of the Queen's white-boyes, entered upon the government of Newnham with such forces as the Lord Herbert could afford him, horse and foot; but by a party sent out by this active and resolute Colonel massy, after some of Winter's forces had got a good purchase of stolen Cattle into their filching fingers, and were entered their garrison at Newnham ere Colonel Masseys' troops could reach them, after a compliment of thanks given to one Major adam's, a grand sheepstealer in those parts for his extraordinary care in that piece of the every which he had new brought in unto them; 
Sir John Winter frighted from Newnham.  but, I say, ere the said compliment was fully ended, the Gloucester troops most resolutely arrived at this Towns end, which being so sudden, changed the close of the foresaid compliment into a fearful alarm & cry, We are all lost, we are all lost. So that with the loss of two of their colours, and 7 or 8 men slain, they quitted that government, also. Besides, after this, the enemy took courage on the other side of Gloucester, to erect new governments at Tedbury & Wotton; which caused that valiant and vigilant Governor Colonel Massey to march that way also, with what forces he could possibly make against them; but two troops of his horse which were seen before, by the enemy, were so formidable and terrible to them at Tedbury, that with the loss of some 14. or 15. of their Soldiers slain and taken prisoners, the whole regiment, government and governor's, with Horatio Carey, fled thence and were dissipated, scared & scattered, with such a panic fear and trembling, as hardly to return again in haste to that government. Upon this good success, this most worthy and unwearied Col. Massey took the opportunity to march to another Garrison at Wotton, 
Wotton garrison also dissolved & discomfited by Col. Massey.  where the enemy (being, and that with good reason, jealous of him) expected his coming upon them also, who accordingly hearing of his coming upon them indeed, drew themselves into a body upon a hill to face our brave Colonel, but on his nearer approach they retreated hastily to their Garrison, at night, where, somewhat late, Col. Massey valiantly coming on & setting on them, found the enemy all mounted, yet gave the word & so fell on them, and put them all to flight toward Bristol, with great terror, of whom he took only 11 or 12 prisoners, ●lew some 5 or 6, but all the Officers, being well mounted, and by reason of the extraordinary darkness, it being also a very rainy night, made their escape, and left that government also for Col. Massey to quarter in, that night. After all this the gallant Colonel marched back to Gloucester, contrary to the hopes of Sir John Winter, aforesaid, and the rest of that ●action in the City of Gloucester, 
A plot against the City of Gloucester, prevented.  who had secretly and treacherously sent to all quarters of the Forest, Monmouth and Herefordshire to march presently to Gloucester, on hope, by the assistance of a fly party (aforesaid) in the Town, now in the Governors' absence, to have surprised the City, as by the sequel may easily appear. For, that very night, the Governor had intelligence that the enemy in the Forest was advanced three miles toward Gloucester, and upon their march thither, (he than not thinking on or hearing of any such purposed plot by the enemy) who thereupon, 
The manner of discovering the plot.  who thereupon, commanded a Captain at one of the clock at night to draw 50 or 60 Musketeers from off the guards, and to advance that way, some three miles off to make good a House upon the passage to the City; but ere the said Captain came to Mr Cooks House at Heighham, he encountered the enemy both foot and horse drawn up in a broad lane, upon whom he commanded fire to be given, and suddenly slew one of the enemy's Captains, and 3 or 4 Soldiers more, 
Sir John winter's plot defeated.  at the very first charge: But the enemy so suddenly and unexpectedly meeting with this party, sent out, as aforesaid, by this prudent & provident Governor, suddenly retreated to Huntley, where Sir John Winter, in person, much amazed at that change, with all speed also marched away, in such a confused manner, at the approach of about 14 or 15 of the Governors' horse, that they fell in among them also, slew 7 or 8 of them, & carried 9 or 10 of them prisoners to Gloucester, and so that plot, was by God's mercy, thus, happily prevented, and the enemy discomfited.  
About the 10th of this instant December, came credible information by Letters and other intelligence from Plymouth to London, 
A brave defeat given to the Lord Digbie at Ply●●uth.  that upon that Lordsday was a seven-night before, about 2 or 3 of the clock in the morning, the enemy (under the command of the Devil and Lord Digbie, then chief Commander there) gave an assault on the Town, and set upon the weakest Forts thereof, and at last took, by force, the Fort called the Lorde-fort, 
The Town forced to a retreat.  and forced the Town and Soldiers to a retreat. But upon this alarm, the whole Town was ready standing on their guard, and by break of day made a ●ally out with very great courage against the enemy, being 2000 foot and 800 horse, with undaunted spirits and resolution, either to recover their ●o●s or lose their lives; and so fell most furiously upon them, 
The enemy put to a retreat.  but the enemy unwilling to endure such a fierce & sudden shock, quickly retreated, and our men soon regained their work and Ordnance, and upon the enemies disorderly retreat, our horse came on very valiantly, seconded and maintained by the Musketeers, and so most bravely routed the enemy; so that some fled into the water, 
The enemy sound beaten.  and mud, and mire, and whatsoever way seemed best to make an escape and save their lives; of whom 25 were found dead on the place, 
The slain and prisoners taken.  40 prisoners taken & 80 horse, besides many arms and several barrels of powder and other prizes. God, undoubtedly fought for them, for the enemy was, at least, six for one of ours, the most brave and valiant Governors' horse was twice shot under him, yet he most undauntedly came safely off by God's good providence, and returned home most victoriously, for this time, secure from the danger of the enemy, praised be the Lord for it.  
Much also about the same time came certain intelligence by Letters from Northampton, 
A brave defeat given to the enemy at Dunscot near Tociter, by the Northampton forces.  that a party of horse issued out of the garrison at Northampton, in the night time, to fall upon the enemy's quarters, at a place called Dunscot, a mile and half from Tociter, whither being come, they valiantly fell upon their grand-quarter, killed 15 or 16 on the place, took 17 prisoners, and wounded divers, took 35 horse, & gave them alarms in most of their quarters round about, and so retreated without the ●o●s of one man. And this defeat so affrighted the enemy, that when ours ●ent out a party of but 10 or 12 horse, they would make them all quit a Town where they quartered, yea though fire were but given on the Sentimells, in so much that they were constrained to remove their quarters more toward Banburie; Such a spirit of fear and terror possessed them upon this only defeat.  
About the 14th of this instant came also most certain information to London, 
The most famous defeat given to the L. Craford at Alton is Surrey.  by Letters and other infallible testimony, of the great and famous victory (through God's good providence) obtained by the Parliaments forces under the command of renowned Sir Will Waller against the King's 〈◊〉 under the command of the Lord Graford at Alton in Surrey, which being in special, related by a Messenger; sent by Sir Will. Wa●●er himself to the Parliaments Committee for the safety of both Kingdoms, and to divers of the House of Commons, and by them ordered to be printed & published, I have been thought fit to give the Reader the relation thereof, from the said Copy, together with some small additions of another authentic relation thereof, which came to my hands, which was as followeth.  

An exact Narration of the great victory (through God's providence) and famous Defeat, obtained by the Parliaments forces, under the command of Sir William Waller, at Alton, in Surrey, Decem. 13. 1643. against the Royalists.  
ON Tuesday the 12th of this instant Decemb. Sir Will. Waller, in the afternoon drew forth his forces into a battalia in Fernham-Park, being about the number of 5000 horse and foot, among which were the regiment of Westminster, whose behaviour and valour in this service is never to be forgotten. 
The manner of their ordering the business.  The manner of the business was exceeding well carried, both by Sir William and all the rest, for strictness of appearance, and likewise for secrecy, in so much that neither the enemy, nor any malignant party could have the opportunity to understand the least part of their intentions heerin. They were upon their march by seven of the clock in the night, 
They marched at night.  and in an hours march obtained a heath between Brundon & Fernham, and there, after an hours stay, for the foot, whose march could not be so quick, as the horse, they all marched willingly and cheerfully together, till near one of the clock that night, in the way toward Basin; but on a sudden were appointed to face toward the South, and so toward Alton, passing exactly between the hills, till they obtained within half a mile of the said Town, 
The secret carriage of their march.  most privately & undiscovered at all by the enemy; our Scouts being so diligent that not a person stirring in all those passages was left at liberty to have any opportunity to inform the enemy of our proceedings; and being now in sight of the Town, about nine of the clock in the morning, we understood by the Scouts we took, that the Lord Craford was in the Town, who had there about 500 horse; the taking of which Scouts, 
The Lord Craford and 300 horse got out of the Town.  and some of them escaping, gave opportunity for the said Lord to shift for himself, who conceived himself and all the rest of his forces lost, yet unhappily found a private hole, by which he made an escape with a party of his horse, about 300 and road Eastward toward Winchester road, where, unexpectedly, he met with some of our horse, and so was enforced for fear to retreat back again into the Town, and fled Southward, which our horse perceiving, pursued them hard, whiles our valiant foot made the woods ring again with the echo of their loud shoutings for joy. There were three or four of them slain in their flight, 
The slain and prisoners taken in the pursuit.  but being in narrow lanes, after half a miles pursuit, our men retreated to us, having taken about 30 horse and some prisoners. In which interim, out foot were not idle, nor Sir William himself, whose rare and politic exploits in this service deserve to be registered with the rest and best of his former brave achievements and honourable actions. 
The Town begirton all sides with our horse and foot.  The horse were immediately appointed to make good all passages, so that the enemy could have no benefit of their accustomed trick of running away, but were still taken by our horse when they attempted it; Our foot also in the mean time, behaving themselves bravely like men, with great expedition and resolution, beat the enemy out of their works on the Northwest & East parts of the Town, 
The enemy is beaten out of their trenches.  and possessed themselves thereof, where they cheerfully displayed their Colours in the face of their enemies, and then our men advanced valiantly into the Marketplace; 
Our men enter the Town.  and the enemy being all Musketeers, drew themselves into the works, near the Church, where they had double trenches & a half Moon, and made the Church and a Barn, 
A very fierce fight for the space of near two hours.  thereby, their chiefest refuge; and here grew a very hot fight, which was continued near two hours together, by reason of a malignant in the Town who wilfully fired his own barn and other houses, thereby to offend our men with the smoke, by reason of which smoke, indeed, we lost about three men; but at last the said fire and smoke abating, our men fell closely to their work again, and enforced the enemy to retreat into the foresaid Church and barn, where they were all taken prisoners. 
The enemy fought valiantly.  The enemies, to give them their due, made good the Town with much courage and resolution, and would not yield, when they had lost many men, & so long as their Lieutenant Colonel Boles lived, 
Lieut. Colonel Boles slain in the fight.  stood to it very stoutly, but he being slain in the fight aforesaid, and a chief commander besides of theirs, much wounded, they then began to shrink, and then ours came in upon them, and became Masters of the Town on all sides; 
The Town is totally taken.  and the Town being now thus taken, the enemy desired and obtained quarter; yet being infected with Irish-rebells, and their wont treachery, one of them after quarter given, fired off a pistol in the said Church, 
Major Shambrock shoe with a pistol in the church after quarter given.  against Major Shambrook; but by God's providence, he was not killed therewith, but hurt in the thigh, and hopeful to recover; upon which act, there was much ado to keep our men from cutting them in pieces, which it was believed they would have done, could they have known the Irish from the other.  
In this fight were taken prisoners, 
The prisoners and prizes taken.  700 in the Church, near an 100 in the Barn, above an 100 in the field, with divers Irish men and 〈◊〉 men; also near 200 horse, a 1000 arms, one Colonel, one Major, one Lieutenant Colonel, 13 Captains; 3 Coronets, one of which with the Prince's arms; another, the Earl of strafford's, with divers other Colours hid in the Church. 
The slain on the enemy's side.  There were slain of the enemies, near forty, among whom was Colonel Richard Bolles, as aforesaid. The enemy's word was (Charles) ours was (Truth and Peace:) The mighty providence of God was marveilously seen in this, as in many other mercies toward us; 
The slain on our side.  for in this fight, for a certain truth, there were not above five of our men slain, and about six wounded, and about six scorched with gunpowder, by their own negligence. And now all this being done, as aforesaid, our most worthy and renowned Major General caused the people of the Town to slight all the works, took the prisoners and tied them two by two, with match, and sent most of them to Farnham Castle, where they were kept in safe custody, till they were otherwise disposed of.   
After this, 
Above 500 of the prisoners take the Covenant, and served under Sir William Waller.  we were credibly informed that above 500 of these prisoners which Sir William took at Alton, took the Covenant, and served under Sir William Waller, and about 500 more refused it, and those prisoners (being most of them Irish) were afterward sent up to London, with the City forces, who safely and triumphantly conducted them thither. One passage, heerin, I may not omit, viz. That a little before this design and fight, the Lord Craford had begged the favour of our most worthy Major General, 
Sir Wil Waller sends the Lord Craford a hogs. head of Sac●.  to let him have a Hogshead of Sack, which noble Sir William with a loving compliment sent accordingly unto him, which the Lord Craford caused to be carefully kept for his own drinking; but by reason of this sudden and unexpected company coming thus to visit him, he was struck with such a panic fear that he left the wine behind him without any compliment, to be again at Sir William's disposal; but after the fight and his flight to Winchester, their head quarter, he sent a Letter to Sir William Waller, to this effect.  
SIR;  
I Hope your gaining of Alton cost you dear. 
The Lo: Crafords Letter to Sir 〈…〉.  It was your lot to drink off your own Sach, which I never intended to have left for you. I pray you favour me so much as send me mine own Chirurgeon, and upon my honour I will send you a person suitable to his exchange.  
Sir, your servant, Craford. Winton, Decemb. 16. 1643.  
And soon after the said fight, Sir Ralph Hopton also writ a Letter to Sir William Waller from his Quarters at Winchester, which was to this purpose.  
SIR;  
THis is the first evident ill success I have had; 
Sir Ral: Hoptons' Letter to Sir Will▪ Waller.  I must acknowledge that I have lost many brave and gallant men. I desire you, if Colonel Boles be living to propound a fit exchange; if dead, that you will send me his corpse. I pray you, send me a list of such prisoners as you have, that such choice men as they are, may not continue long unredeemed. God give a sudden stop to this issue of English blood, which is the desire of your faithful friend to serve you.  
Winton, 16 Decemb. 1643. Ralph Hopton.  
And one thing more (as a very observable passage of God's providence heerin) I cannot omit, namely, That the knowledge of this victory (as we were credibly informed) came to Oxford, 
A remarkable passage of God's providence.  just upon the very same day on which they were making Bonfires at Oxford for joy of the death of that ever most worthily honoured and most pious and prudent Patriot, one of the most famous & never to be forgotten Atlases of this Church and State, 
Mr John Pi●s departure out of this life.  I mean, learned and religious Mr John Pim; which relation of their loss at Alton could not but be as it were a strong shower of rain to quench the profane flames of their wicked fiery jollity at our loss of so precious and choice an instrument of so much good as God had made him to the Cause and Kingdom. But now to proceed.  
About the middle of this instant December, 
A plot to convey away the young Duke of Gloucester and the Lady Princess Elizabeth to Oxford, discovered and prevented.  the Duke of Gloucester and the Lady Princess Elizabeth, the two pledges of the Crown of England Scotland & Ireland, royally kept and maintained by the Parliament at St Jameses, were by a private Oxonian plot designed, with the close help of some malignant and dis-affected persons about them, to be conveyed away to Oxford, but Letters being intercepted, they were presently the better secured, and all illdisposed servants about them ordered to be removed, and good Ministers placed in the rooms of bad ones, and to preach monthly by turns at St Jameses, reverend and godly Mr Stephen Martial and Mr Obadiah Sedgewick being appointed two of them for this service.  
And about Decemb. 20th, 1643. the trained bands which had been sent out of London and Westminster to Sir William waller's army, 
The triumphant return of the trained Bands of London and Westminster, with their prisoners.  viz. the Red-Regiment, under the command of Colonel Sir James Harrington of Westminster; The Green Regiment of Auxiliaries, under the command of Colonel Whitchcot; and the Yellow Regiment of Auxiliaries; all which had been upon divers hazardous & desperate services and adventures since their going forth, and especially at the siege of Basing-House, and this last brave defeat at Alton, now returned home (by the good hand of God, to whom be all the honour and praise thereof) victoriously to London with about 400 prisoners, which they & others of Sir William waller's forces had taken at Alton, the Wednesday before, as hath been already declared; 
The prisoners they brought.  namely, 37 Commanders and Officers, and 330 common Soldiers, together with divers servants and attendants belonging to some of the chief Commanders. And as thus they came triumphantly home, 
The brave company that went out of the City to meet them.  they were met by the most worthy Lieutenant of the Tower of London, Alderman Pennington, by Colonel Manwaring, & Colonel Zacharie, together with a brave company of the Hamletts belonging to the Tower, and the City Marshals, and divers other most gallant Citizens who accompanied them into the City, that afternoon; As for their prisoners they were safely guarded through London to the Royal-exchange, and from thence conveyed and dispersed by direction of the Committee of the City for the Militia into several places of Strength in & about London, viz. Leaden-hall, Bridewell, Newgate, Eli-house, London-house, and divers other prisons, where they were safely kept in durance, till they could be disposed of by way of Exchange or otherwise.  
Much also about this time, 
An excellent Ordinance of Parliament for the conservation of the good government of the City of London.  both Houses of Parliament taking into consideration, that the well-government of the City of London did chiefly depend on the faithfulness & integrity of their common-councel-men, and such like Officers of the City, they passed an Ordinance for the disabling of all those to be common-councel-men, or to bear any other office of Churchwarden, Constable, etc. who shall or do refuse to take the solemn-League or Covenant, appointed to be taken throughout all the three Kingdoms; and the like course to be observed concerning those whose estates are sequestered for their delinquency & malignancy against the Parliament, who were also to be debarred from bearing any Office, or having any vote in any such offices or places, as aforesaid. A singular good course indeed for the happy conservation of the peace and welfare of the well-affected party in the City, and the better putting in due execution of the Orders and Constitutions of the Parliament and City, as occasions are offered.  
About the 20th of this instant came certain news by Letters to London, that valiant Colonel Sydenham, 
The brave exploits of valiant Colonel Sydenham, of Pool.  having taken Warham in Dorsetshire, as hath been forementioned, and fortified it; He went with about an hundreth men to Dorchester, where he apprehended Capt. William Churchhill, Deputie-Governour of that Town, & his Lieutenant Paty, both which had been very active against the Parliament, and had compelled that Town and County to yield obedience to the King's Cormorants. And there this brave Commander Col. Sydenham broke open the prison and freed such honest men out of it as had been committed by those cruel Cormorants, for refusing their illegal commands, and took them with him for their further safety. There also he met with a Cart laden with Muskets and gunpowder, which came from Weymouth and was bound for Bristol, the gunpowder he threw into the river, broke 200 Muskets, and carried away 80 of them, his men not being able to carry any more. He also borrowed there of one Mr Cokar, a malignant Goldsmith, such plate as he had; and all this he did in an hour & half, and returned safe to his garrison at Warham. And a little before this action, he went into the Isle of Purbeck, and carried away from thence 323 cattle of all sorts. This is that valiant and faithful Gentleman, that saved the Town of Pool from the Earl of Crafords' intended treachery against it.  
Much also about the foresaid time came credible intelligence by letters to London from Canterbury in Kent, that about the 13th or 14th of Decemb. the Ordinance of Parliament for demolishing idolatrous and superstitious images, pictures and monuments, was there put in execution: And the first place which was set upon in Canterbury-Minster was the famous window in that Cathedral, 
The notable reformation at Canterbury in the Cathedral, in Kent. Austin first Bishop of Canterbury.  wherein (among many other Popish pictures) was Austin the Monk's picture, who first brought Poporie (not true Christianity, as they vapour and brag) from Rome into England; and this Austin, forsooth, was the first Bishop of Canterbury, & therefore was very fitly first pulled down: Next, they went to the Quire-door, over which were placed 13 images or statues of stone, 12 of them personating the 12 Apostles, 
Christ and the 12 Apostles. Twelve more Popish Saints.  and the 13th, in the middle of them, our Saviour Christ, these were all hewn-down, and 12 more images of Popish Saints over them, which were also headlong thrown down, and like so many Dagons had their necks broke in the fall, yea and hands and bodies too. Many other they also broke down in this Cathedral, and many Crucifixes, 
Picture of God the Father and the Holy-Ghost. Pretty sport with a Prebendaries wife of Canterbury.  yea & blasphemous pictures of God the Father, and the holy Ghost, being there found were zealously confounded and turned (as they deserved) into base rubbish. And as the work went on, the wife of one Dr Blessenden, a Prebend of that Church, came in very devoutly, and cried out, Oh hold your hands, I pray, what hurt do these images? spoil not such a fair and beautiful Church; and when she saw a man strike at the image of Christ lying in a manger, she screekt out (as was credibly informed) to her Popish husband, who thereupon came into the Cathedral, 
As good sport also with her husband the Prebendary himself.  and (according to accursed custom, no doubt) began to plead for Baal, those Popish images, telling them that were there of the lawfulness of them from the Cherubims in the Temple: But whiles he was must seriously and sottishly disputing thus with some godly Ministers then present to assist the Commissioners, he grew very sick of this dispute, and was fain to give way to the work which went on most fervently. After his departure they fell upon 7 large images of the Virgin Mary, 
Seven figures of the Virgin Mary.  pictured in the window over the steps going into the Choir, all which were in several as glorious shapes as paint and Art could make them, with Angels lifting her up to heaven, with these inscriptions, Gaude Maria, Sponsa Dei, etc. And under her feet were placed the Sun, Moon, & Stars, and in the bottom of that window, this inscription; In laudem & honorem beatissimae Virgins, 
A Cathedral Petty-Canon shoots his fool's bolt at this work.  etc. And here now there came in a Petty-Canon, and shot off his pety-canon, or his fool's bolt, & told them they exceeded their Commission, but they soon sent him away with a flea in his ear, and a mote in his eye, much vexed and perplexed to see his Demigods & Semi-Saints so coarsely handled. After this they came to a most gorgeous and idolatrous image of Thomas Becket, 
Thomas Becket a Romish Saint an English traitor.  forsooth, that arch-traitor to the King, which they also instantly defaced and demolished, and so went on most zealously and religiously in ruinating and turning into rubbish all those monuments of idolatry in that Cathedral, blessed be the Lord for it.  
December also the 20th, 
Gainesborough stormed by Sir Tho. Fairfax, and Sir John Meldrum, and a brave prize taken.  1643. came certain intelligence by letters from Hull to London, that those two right valiant and magnanimous Commanders, Sir Thomas Fairfax and Sir John Meldrum, about noon time of the day, assisted by some men by water, sent unto them by the most noble Lord Fairfax from Hull, suddenly and successfully stormed the Town of Gainesborough in Lincolnshire, took therein 500 arms & store of other ammunition, together with 260 prisoners, common-Souldiers, besides the Lord Caworth, Col. Saint-George, the then Governor of the said Town; also Lieutenant Colonel Royalston, Major Hern, and Major Chapel, 16 Captains, 2 Lieutenants, 2 Ensigns, and other inferior Officers. Another brave gale of wind indeed, besides that of Alton lately mentioned, to fill the sails of our floating-Ark, and make it sail on the more cheerfully through the boisterous billows of the Kingdoms intestine broils, 
The King's party most unsuccessful ever since the Irish Cessation.  praised for ever be the Lord of hosts for it.  
And here good Reader, give me leave to tell thee, and to desire thee to take serious note and observation of it; That ever since that accursed Cessation in Ireland, with those most barbarous and inhumanely bloody Rogues and Rebels, and the Kings so tender respect unto them, as to term them his Catholic Subjects; and chose the Parliament, but a pretended Parliament, and them and all their loyal adherents, traitors and rebels, the righteous God of Heaven hath never prospered any design of moment which his Majesty or his accursed Cormorants have taken in hand, but still they have been most unsuccessful, and put to the worst every way and every where. For, besides the many & marvellous forementioned victories, which God hath most graciously given to the Parliaments party (ever since that so odious & unreasonable cessation) which have been in their proper places before related. Now also about the 20th or 22th, of this instant came certain information by Letters and other indubitable intelligence from Northampton to London, 
Pious Sergeant Major 〈◊〉 Skippon and his brave Londoners, at Grafton-House.  that pious and valiant Sergeant Major Skippon, with a party of the most renowned Citizens of London, (who for their admirable valour, fidelity, and constancy to the Commonwealth, and for the maintenance of the true Religion, & preservation of the known Laws, indeed, and liberties of this Kingdom, especially now in these modern times, when the Kingdom has most need of them, are no whit inferior to the most famous ancient conquering Roman●s, being and returning successful and victorious where soever they be) together with a party of the valiant & victorious Northampton forces also, 
Grafton-house stormed by the Londoners and brave Northampton forces.  had most courageously stormed Grafton-House, (a place of great strength and consequence, being also the Queens own j●yuter) and after much hard service, and many most furious assaults made upon it (they having also sent a party, at the same time to face Tociter, that so they might prevent all relief from coming to Grafton) at last, most victoriously obtained the same, and took prisoners therein, Col. Sir John Digbie (a rank noted and most active Papist, 
Grafton-house taken, and the rich prizes and spoils therein.  and brother to that arch-traitor and incendiary, George Lord Digbie) Col. Sir Edward Longervile, and 5 Colonels more, above 300 common-souldiers, 600 arms, 6 piece of Ordnance, 80 brave horse, besides many brave sadle-horse, together with many other rich things of great worth and estimation, which were all left for plunder to the valiant Soldiers, and which they had and divided among themselves most merrily. 
An Ordinance of Parliament enabling the Militia for the City of London, to send forth two regiments unto Sir Wil Waller.   
This brave victory, together with that at Alton, could not choose but be a singular encouragement to our other London trained-bands and auxiliaries, who now about the 23th of this instant December, were designed (by an Ordinance of Parliament, enabling the Militia of London thereunto) to send forth such regiments of horse and foot as they should think fit, for the farther relief and supply of Sir William Waller; and about this time, they did accordingly send forth, the White and Yellow Regiments of the ●ained hands & auxiliaries, in the room of those who had lately returned home, as you heard before. By which Ordinance of Parliament the City Militia had also power given them, to recall the same forces, at their pleasure, and to proceed against such as refused to go out, according to their votes, and the Ordinance of the Militia, either by fine or imprisonment, as seemed fit to them: And that the brave and undaunted spirited Citizen and successful Commander, Colonel Richard Brown, was by the said Ordinance appointed to be Sergeant Major General of the said Citie-forces.  
And much about this time there fell out another remarkable passage, much to his Majesty's dishonour, (since his still persisting in his unnatural disaffection to his loyal Subjects, 
A notable plot against Nortingham Castle.  and irreligious affection to the Irish-Rogues and Rebels) viz. That the Marquis of Newcastle plotted and contrived, by one, Colonel Dacre, to have corrupted and undermined the valiant and most loyal governor of Nottingham-Castle Colonel Hutchinson, 
Colonel Hutchinso, Governor of Nottingham Castle, his constancy and fidelity to God and his Cause.  to betray the said Castle and Town into the said perfidious & ignoble Marquis of Newcastles hands for the King's use; but that the Reader may see the Christian courage, constancy and fidelity of this most worthily to be honoured Governor, and the most base and unworthy ●ampering and enticing insinuations of Newcastle and his, Agent thereunto, I have here thought fit to give the Reader the exact Narration thereof, by the interchangeable letters which passed to and fro between either party, under their own hands, which will fully & clearly demonstrate the thing, and give the Reader much satisfaction & content in the perusal thereof, which was as followeth.  
A discovery of the treacherous attempts of the King's Cormorants or Cavaliers, to have procured the betraying of Nottingham-Castle into their hands; expressed in a Letter sent to one Mr Millington a worthy Member of the House of Commons, and 4 more at the same time.  
SIR;  
I Have thrice been tempted upon the offers of great rewards and honours, to betray this Castle. The first was by Sir Rich: Byron, another by Mr Sutton, both which I 〈◊〉 the Committee with all, 〈…〉 scornful refused 〈…〉 being this third time 〈…〉 I thought it my duty to acquaint those 〈◊〉 ●eer entrusted me, both for their satisfaction & my own discharge, if any thing should happen to my prejudice hereafter; for I expect that now they see their attempts in this kind fruitless, they will as basely endeavour to blemish with false aspersions that honesty which with bribes they cannot corrupt; be pleased therefore to understand the whole proceeding of this last offer, and the occasion, which was this.  
Colonel Dacre, one that was formerly in the North, a familiar friend and acquaintance of my brothers, sent to me to desire that he might have the liberty to see him, to which, with the knowledge of the Committee, I gave consent; & then being in his company, he desired some words in private with my brother, pretending a desire to be satisfied in some doubts of his concerning this war; but some accidents then falling out, he was prevented of that private conference, and therefore desired that my brother some two days after would come to his quarters; but he, to prevent all suspicions, would not go but writ him a denial: after which Colonel Dacre writ very earnestly to him to come again, and invited Captain Poulton to come with him; but my brother would not, only with the leave of the Committee he sent Cap. Poulton to excuse it, of whose going we intended to make such use, as if we could, to discover how the enemy lay, and what their intentions were: so soon as he came thither, he was most kindly entertained, and Colonel Dacre taking him aside, told him, that now the Governor of Nottingham and his brother had an occasion offered to gain themselves great honour, to do the King very good service, and to receive a great recompense for so doing; which he demanding how that was, the Colonel told him, that if I would deliver up the Castle, the command of it should be confirmed to me and my he●●, I should receive ten thousand pound, and be well assured of it before ever I delivered the Castle, and that I should be made the best Lord in Nottinghamshire, that my brother should have three thousand pound to deliver the Bridges, & that Cap. Poulton should have two thousand pound to get this effected; to which Cap. Poulton answered, that he thought it was an impossible thing, for the Governor had formerly been tempted with such like offers, and had refused them, that we all scorned so base an act, and for his own part, he would starve and rot before he would betray his trust: the Colonel was further importunate with him, to move it to me, and that you may, saith he, be better assured I do not this without Commission, he then pulled out of his pocket a paper written with these words, or to this effect; These are to authorise Col. Dacre to treat with Col. Hutchinson and Lieutenant Colonel Hutchinson, for the surrendering up of the Castle and Bridges of Nottingham for the service of his Majesty, and to make them large promises which shall be performed: and this paper signed with W. Newcastle at the bottom: and he further desired, that he might but come to the Castle to speak with me; when Captain Poulton told him, there was no hope of obtaining that, he entreated him that he would but deliver the message to me, which he told him he would do; and the Colonel told him, that if I would not deliver the Castle, yet if he himself would but leave us, and come away, he should immediately have a Regiment of horse delivered into his command; and earnestly pressed that I would send him an answer: which presently after both my brother and I did, the Copies whereof I have here sent you. There were also two Officers of Cap. Whites Troop, whom we sent along with Captain Poulton, whom Colonel Dacre also took aside, and made large 
* The offers to Captain White was 10000li. and 100 to his Officers to procure it.  offers, both to Capt. White, and them, if they would procure him to turn to their side; But Capt. White hath so often scorned and refused such unworthy offers, that this did but increase his contempt of them, whose faith and honestly hath been apparently great in this cause. I confess, had it not been for drawing a scandal or jealousy on myself, I would have gone so far as to have gotten the Propositions under Col. Dacre his hand, if not under the Marquis his hand; but this I durst not do, lest my own honest intentions should in the mean time have been mistaken: I therefore thought it sufficient to make it presently known to the Committee, & so to acquaint you with it, and withal to assure you, that were I certain we should utterly bedeserted and left (as, for any relief I yet hear of, we are like to be, our Soldiers being 30 weeks behind with pay, and the whole Country now possessed by the enemy) yet I would maintain my faithfulness to the Parliament, so long as I have one drop of blood left in me; and when I am forced to the last extremity ●●am confident God will give me strength to maintain this Christian resolution, that I have by Covenant both with God and man bound myself unto; which is, that I will rather choose to die ten thousand deaths with a clear conscience to God, and an honest heart to my Country, than to sell my soul for the purchase of my life, and all the wealth and honours this world can bestow upon me. Your sons are both well here in the Castle, and I hear your wife is so in the Country; only I hear your goods and corn are wholly plundered. What service I am able to do for you here, if you please, you may command,  
Your friend and servant, John Hutchinson. Nottingham Castle, Decem. 18. 1643.  
Postscript  
Sir, just as my Letters were going to Colonel Dacre, there came one from him to Captain Poulton; the copy of which, with Captain Poultons' answer, I have here also sent you, the original I preserve by me, as a testimony of their unworthy proffers.  
To Colonel Dacre.  
SIR, Your propositions sent to me on Wednesday last by Captain Poulton (for which you showed him my Lord Newcastles Commission) were so unworthy of a Gentleman, so wicked, and base, that once I thought in contempt and scorn to have forgotten them; yet lest my silence may receive too favourable an interpretation from you, know and tell your General, that set you on this brave employment, that I abhor the thought of treason to my Country, though I might thereby grow as great for wickedness as he; tell him I'll wear no title but what my faith and virtue purchaseth, and I'll leave my children an honest, though a small inheritance, to whom my spotless name, not tainted with the foul blot of treason, shall be an ornament, when the remembrance of all treacherous Apostates shall rot with infamy; and I doubt not but my gracious Prince, once cured of his mistake, will reward my loyal constant faithfulness to his Regal Power, and Parliament, with a larger recompense than he propounds for my corruption: if he do not, virtue is its own reward. Tell your most Excellent General, his threats and promises are both alike contemptible to me; I fear not those, and I hate these. I fight not to repair a broken fortune, but to maintain a just quarrel; in which may that man perish, and fall low as the depth of hell, that can be hired to prove unfaithful; tell him, if you dare, that it had been an employment more beseeming you, or any Gentleman, had he sent you with ten thousand armed men, to assault our well defended walls; than with so many pieces of contemned gold, to lay your siege against an honest hear. I could honour an enemy for performing brave and gallant things; but such attempts as these will render your persons as odious to all honest men, as your rebellion: and I am sorry you should undertake so base a service, as to deserve the just neglect and scorn of  
John Hutchinson Nottingham Castle Decem. 16. 1643.  
Postscript.  
Pray Sir, send me word what you should have had for the procuring this▪ that I may know at what rate the enemy valueth this Castle.  
To Colonel Dacre.  
SIR, You have now convinced me of an error, I once thought it possible that some rash misled young men might still among the Cavaliers have retained a sense of Gallantry and Honour, though no Religion; and have been enriched with those moral virtue which made the Heathen famous; such a one I believed you to be; but since you can attempt to buy me to so great a villainy, as you did in your late propositions by Captain Poulton, I must needs be persuaded, you would never offer me what you yourself would not have done: 'Tis I confess strange to me you could imagine, that a Christian, a Gentleman, or a Commonwealths-man would ever prove such a villain, as for a little gaudy dirt to sell his soul, his honour, and his Country; perish that most contemned gain, with all that can accept or offer it: Dacre, 'twas base in you to think so of me, I am sure you cannot so misinterpret any act of mine, as to receive from it the least ground of encouragement to such an opinion; and had you known my Brother, you would have thought it easier for you yourself alone to have conquered all the men now fight in the Kingdom, than to corrupt that guard of virtues which protect his constant soul from treacherous thoughts. Did you think men of sense will part with real honour for a Title? you are not capable of a religious consideration; or I could tell you, that our ●ouls (redeemed with an unvaluable price) are by you most unequally valued at a poor inconsiderable sum of money; but your thought cannot reach heaven: look upon earth, and give me an example where ever any Traitor preserved his foul name from an horrid blot of infamy on him and on his house for ever? How can you think, He that by you will be corrupted to betray another's trust, will not by another be again corrupted to betray yours? Keep your despised coin to tempt some frail waiting-woman, it may work with her to procure such honest things as you affect; but desist these base attempts on men of noble spirits, with whom they will but render you as contemptible as your offers. Consider the unworthy message you sent, and blush at the remembrance of your guilt in it, and if yet you have so much worth left in you, repent the injury you did to him that was your Friend. Farewell that name for evermore between us.  
George Hutchinson. Trent Bridges, Decemb. 16. 1643.  
To his truly noble friend Captain Poulton.  
Noble Sir,  
I Was in hopes to have waited on you this day, but indeed I received an Express last night from my Lord General, wherein I am commanded to wait on his Excellency near Chesterfield this day. Sir, I hope you remember the business I sole to you of when you were at my quarter; I will engage myself upon my life, that what I promised shall be really performed; if you please but to consider and truly value the business, I make no question but I may obtain my desires: which I will assure you is not for any particular ends, but in the first place to serve my gracious King, and then my friends, which I will assure you, I shall ever esteem your Lieutenant Colonel and yourself to be; desiring very much to hear from you by this bearer; wishing us all to agree, for upon my word it troubles me to think, that all honest men should not be of one side. Which the Lord grant that we may all be, I remaining always, Sir,  
Your most humble servant, Richard Dacre. Watnell, Friday morning the 15. of December.  
My humble service to my truly noble friend your Lieutenant Colonel, and tell him I wish him as my own soul.  
To Colonel Dacre.  
SIR, Had the Cavaliers since found out away to perform their promises better than they did at Bristol, Gainsborough, etc. you might have had some hopes of a young man whose best fortune is his sword: but so unworthy have their dealings ever been, so little faith and honour do you give testimony of, in tempting me to act such things as gallant men would not accept, if offered; that I must tell you these unworthy ways you take to advance your cause, are but so many confirmations to me in this I do maintain against you. He that fights for honour, not for plunder, to which the Dutch Prince hath well trained all your armies, would scorn to receive his enemy's Fort on any conditions, but such as were purchased by his prevailing valour, not undermining treachery: to which, Sir, I am as unflexible, as you to worth and goodness. The Governor I believe and his brother have returned you their answers; and you may in this receive the negative resolution of  
Thomas Poulton. Nottingham Castle, December the 16. 1643.  
Thus we see what ways these irreligious and perfidious Court-Cormorants take to devour and destroy all in their Harpeian-reach, and to compass this wicked design by such base & dishonourable aims and means; 
A Pack of Cavalerian plots.  just as that ravenous Prince rupert's, or rather Prince Robbers underhand dealings to betray Bristol: The Earl of Crafords' base agreement with loyal Capt. Sydenham to betray Pool: C. R. to a writing to betray Aylesbery; George Lord Digbie, subscribed in a Letter to Sir John Hotham to betray Hull, and this most unworthy endeavour to have basely obtained this Town and Castle of Nottingham. In all which we may most apparently perceive and see, our good and gracious, great and glorious wonderworking God, our most merciful Shepherd of his Israel, who never slumbers nor sleeps, but is most wise and watchful over us for good, even then when we least deserve or desire the same; but now to go on.  
About the 24th of this instant came certain intelligence by Letters from Leicester to London, 
A brave defeat given to the Belvoir Cormorants by Colo. Waight, Governor of Burleigh-house.  that about an 140 of the Newark and Belvoir Cormorants went into Rutlandshire to plunder and pillage the Country, where they took many kine, sheep and horses, from the Country people, which being timely made known to Colonel Waight, who most valiantly kept and commanded Burleigh-house, upon the edge of that County, with a competent garrison, for the Parliament, he issued out of the said House with but about 60 valiant choice men, and marched toward them to Strozby-Heath, 
Colo. Waight sends the enemy a challenge.  where about he overtook them, and sent a trumpet to sound them a challenge, but they having more mind to be gone with their prey than to stay and fight, went on therewith. Whereupon this valiant Colonel, with his resolute Comrades fell courageously on them, and so necessitated them either to fight or die, and at the very first encounter (which was very hot for the time) Allen his Capt. Lieutenant so bravely charged them, that he mortally wounded Capt. 
Capt. Plunket a most wicked and bloody Irish-Rebell, slain.  Plunket (the vilest villain among all the Cormorants of Beaver, or Belvoir-Castle, or Newark either (and one mentioned in the King's Proclamation in the beginning of this Parliament for a notorious Irish Rebel, but now, it seemed, come over to fight for the Protestant religion) and who was here made their chief Commander in this robbing design) who immediately died of the said wound; Colonel Lucas also was sorely cut over the face with a sword, and had not his horse been better than himself, he had been, at that time, taken prisoner. And upon a second charge Colonel Waight so bravely bestirred himself with his valiant associates, 
Colo. Weights brave resolution at a second charge. The enemy is put to flight. The prisoners and prizes taken.  that though he had his horse shot under him, and his Lieutenant shot in the thigh; yet they carried it on so resolutely, that his enemies betook themselves to their heels and ran away, in the pursuit of whom, even to Belvoir or Bever-Castle, they slew divers of them, took about 60 of their horse; 46 prisoners, many arms, recovered the greatest part of the prey from them, wounded many of those that fled, and all this without the loss of any one man of theirs, and but three wounded. About the 26th day following, 36 of those prisoners were brought into the Town of Leicester, that they might be safelier there kept than at Burleigh-House. 
A most worthy act in Colonel Waight after the fight.  After this victory thus by God's mercy obtained, the noble Colonel, so ordered the business with his Soldiers, that all the stolen cattle recovered from the robbing enemies, were restored to their proper owners again. A most just and laudable act in him, and most worthy to be imitated by all the Commanders that fight on the Parliaments side, in defence of our Religion, property and liberties.  
About the 28th of this instant Decemb. 
The siege of Plymouth deserted.  came also certain news from Plymouth, that the King's Cormorants who had long besieged that Town (but by God's admirable providence and protection, had been prevented of their pernicious purposes against it) had now at last, a special design upon it, namely, to storm it, about the 23th of this instant, at night, 
The enemy resolves to storm Plymouth.  whereof their prudent and valiant Governor Colonel Wardlaw, having timely intelligence, he caused all such persons as were able to bear arms in the Town to stand upon their guard, and also drew forth the greatest part of his forces that night, who most industriously and undauntedly cast up a sconce against the enemy's trenches, and in the morning sent out a party upon the forlorn hope, who skirmishing a while with the enemies began to retreat, whereupon the enemy supposing they had none to second them, followed them close, till, at last, the rest of the Governors' forces appeared for their relief, and after a very fierce encounter between both parties, 
A very fierce encounter on both sides.  Plymouth-men being then off from their works, and with remarkable courage enforced their enemies to a very hasty retreat from the Town, slew at least an 100 of them in this assault, 
At least one hundred of the enemies slain, and not above 16 of ours.  with the loss of not above 16 of their own men, and made them, hereby, quite relinquish the Siege, leaving behind them about 660 of their sick and maimed Soldiers to our mercy (which was far greater than their malice and mischief deserved of us) who were not able to be conveyed away, 
The Siege quite deserted and 660 of the sick enemies left behind. Major General Basset his ingenuous confession touching this siege.  nor so much as to crawl out of their trenches. And upon the day of their deserting this siege, & departure out of their trenches, one Thomas Basset, the enemies Major General, called to one of Plymouth Officers in their works, and bidding them farewell, told them, that he verily thought God fought against them; and said, moreover, That if he could be convinced that he was not in the right, he would hang himself at his door ere he would take up arms in this quarrel on the King's part. Heer, yet, ye may see was some ingenuity in a seduced Malignant. And this was avouched, for most true, in the Narration of Plymouths' siege, published by authority of Parliament, pag. 13. Thus, I say, they left the siege and departed, some to Plympton, others to Modbery, and the rest to Tavestock. But in their retreat, they most wickedly & maliciously swept that part of the Country about the Town of all sorts of provisions that possibly they could get within their reach and knowledge, 
The horrible malice & mischief of the King's Cormorants at their departure.  not leaving a sheep, swine, or cow behind them; and to express the depth of this their diabolical rage and malice, they burned all the hay and corn thereabout; thus utterly undoing many poor people who had nothing else to live upon. And here, I may not omit one most memorable print of God's admirable providence to Plymouth in the time of this their long and straight siege, but must with all bounden praises to the Lord gladly make mention of it, to stir up others also to help to magnify and admire the name of our good and gracious Lord God therein, which was this; That after the Town had been a long time strictly besieged, 
A most admirable passage of God's providence to Plymouth by a great shoal of Pilchards coming into their harbour in the time of this Siege.  and no fresh victual, either flesh or fish could be had (it having pleased God also that the Ships which had long time been sent from London for their relief, had been beaten back, with contrary winds) whereby the poor people were grievously pinched & put to it. But, behold, on a sudden, there cam● in an infinite multitude of Pilchards into the harbour, within the Barbicon, which the people took up, with as great ease as cheerfulness in baskets and tubs, and that in such a plentiful measure, as did not only refresh them for the present, but a great deal more were taken, preserved and salted, whereby the poor got much money in selling them. Such a passage not heard of, I believe, in our kingdom, since the siege of Rochel in France, by that innumerous shoal of Cod, which then preserved that Protestant Town, then besieged by the French King with an 100000 Popish enemies; as the French History records. The truth hereof, I have also attested out of the foresaid Narration of this Plymouth Siege, pag. 14. And now to go on.  
Much about the foresaid time also came credible intelligence from Northampton to London, 
Captain Clark of Northampton apprehended divers Commanders playing at Cards.  that that most valiant, vigilant, and well experienced Soldier, Capt. Clarke, one of the prime Commanders in the garrison at Northampton, advancing from thence with a party of horse, and coming to a place called Brandon, within 2 or 3 miles of Taciter, in that County (according to the intelligence given him) sprung up a covey of Prince-Robbers, Commanders and Officers, (being indeed the greatest part, if not all the Commanders the enemy had in their garrison at Tociter) one whereof was a Lieutenant Colonel, and another a Sergeant Major, with their horses, and a malignant Parson of that County, in their company, they surprised them all, as they were playing at cards (for, you must know, that it is the greatest devotion that these profane time-servers use, at the good time, forsooth of their merry Christmas, which they account the most solemn time in the year for beastly Bacchanalian and atheistical playing, drinking & revelling) and thus spoiling their sport, they were all carried prisoners to Northampton. And at the same time also, such another pretty prank or Christmas-gamball was played them by a party of Dragoones sent out from Windsor-Castle, 
Windsor-Castles Dragoons brave exploits about Redding.  who advancing as far as Redding, & having come within little less than half a mile of the Town, and faced the enemy there, they entered the Towns of Twyford, Hurst, and Okingham, and took there divers of the enemy's horse, and four high Constables, who were gathering Contribution-money for Redding-Cormorants (they having then collected the sum of 80li.)) 
Four high Constables and 80li. taken and carried to Windsor.  which the said Dragoons took from them, and brought it (together with their prisoners and horses) into Windsor-Castle. And very shortly after, another party was sent out from thence, who coming into Stoke, about 4 miles from Windsor, they had intelligence of a great feast which was that day to be kept at the house of a notorious malignant in that Town, 
Good cheer provided for a party sent out of Windsor, at a grea●. Malignant's house at Stoke.  who had accordingly invited all his malignant neighbours unto it, who being all assembled, and preparing to sit down, our said forces came suddenly in upon them, and having laden a Cart full of their provision, which they had made ready for dinner; with great store of sack & claret, and other sorts of wine, they speedily dispatched it to Windsor; and brought away with them 3 prime men of about twenty then present, namely, the Master of the house, the Parson of the Town, and another active malignant, who were all committed prisoners in the Castle, there to feed on prison-short Commons, whiles the garrison-Souldiers merrily feasted themselves with their good cheer, and drank off their wine heartily, it being all disposed of among the said garrison-Souldiers.  
December the 30th, 
The high-altar & Popish pictures in King Henry the sevenths' Chapel taken away and demolished.  1643. The high altar and other superstitious pictures and Crucifixes in King Henry the sevenths' Chapel in Westminster Abbey, were by order of Parliament, and in the presence of the Committee for innovations, taken away and demolished, even the very next day after the monthly fast Sermon, preached that day before the House of Commons in Parliament, by Mr Hinderson, that reverend and renowned Scotish Minister, at Westminster. This pious act being performed at the request of the said venerable Mr Hinderson, as I was by credible testimony informed.  
And now, good Reader, having by God's gracious assistance, thus finished this Month's voyage, and brought our Ark safely into the harbour of this Month's conclusion, 
A brief recapitulation and grateful rumination on all this last Months remarkable mercies.  I shall here desire, we may a little repose our senses, and reflect our serious thoughts, upon a most brief and grateful recapitulation of all the precious traffic, & rich merchandise of mercies, brought in for the better improvement of God's honour and precious praises therein; and to see and survey with thankful hearts, as in a short Map, what God hath (this month) done for us, and how he hath graciously and gloriously carried on this blessed Ark, the Parliaments most upright and innocent cause, through all the boisterous billows and swelling surges of all its inveterate and malignant enemy's rage, and most malicious, sly and subtle machinations, not only to overtop, but overturn it too with utter ruin and destruction, if it had been possible for them; as namely,  
First, In settling the New great Seal of England.  
In the religious reviving and farther pressing the Solemn-League or Covenant, in places and by persons, where it had not formerly been taken; and, this, notwithstanding that shrewd crosse-winde it met with by the way, in the Oxonian accursed Proclamation, published against it.  
In the many and most brave exploits of that ever renowned and famous Commander Colonel Massy at Gloucester, against his many and malicious garrison-neighbours.  
In that brave defeat given to traitorous Digbie before Plymouth; and that other defeat at Dunscot near Tociter, by Northampton forces.  
In that famous defeat, or rather, indeed, glorious victory, obtained (through the good hand of God) by that ever to be honoured and renowned Commander Sir William Waller, at Alton, in Surrey; the discovery and prevention of the plot of conveying away the Duke of Gloucester and the Princess Elizabeth from St Jameses to Oxford: And the most triumphant return of the Train'dbands of London and Westminster, with their prisoners taken at Alton.  
In that excellent Ordinance of Parliament for the preservation of the City of London's good Government; The brave exploits of Cap. Sydenham at Pool; And the notable reformation of the Cathedral Church at Canterbury.  
In the successful Storming of Gainesborough, and the brave prize taken therein; The King's unsuccessfulness in all his most weighty erterprises, since that most odious & scelerous Cessation of arms in Ireland; Together with the Storming of Grafton-House, & the rich spoils taken therein; And the great encouragement of the other London trained Bands thereby, to go forth in the public service; and the excellent Ordinance of Parliament, enabling the Militia of London, the sooner and better to send them forth to noble Sir William Waller.  
The notorious plot against Nottingham Town and Castle discovered and prevented; And the brave defeat given to the Belvoir Cormorants, by renowned Colonel Waight.  
The most happy and admirable freeing the brave Town of Plymouth, from a long and dangerous Siege.  
And lastly, The pretty pranks and successful surprisal of those loose and lewd Cavalerian Commanders and royall-Cormorants, in the midst of supine and secure carding and dicing, by valiant and vigilant Cap. Clark, and his Northampton forces. Together with the WindsorGarrisons, apprehending of the 4 high-Constables and 80●● in money, and divers Malignants also, at their Christmas Bacchanalian feast; As also that religious reformation of King Henry the sevenths' Chapel at Westminster. All which so rich and rare mercies, poured upon us with so open and bountiful a hand, out of the Lords rich and unexhaustible treasury of free grace and mere mercy, so many defeats and victories against our adversaries, their great loss, and our great gain; such plots discovered; such Ordinances for the States & Church and Cities good confirmed, and that not only this month, but one month successively after another; O who can choose but say, and apparently see God's Ark still triumphantly over-tapping the world's waves thus incessantly raging and swelling against it! 
GOD'S Ark over-topping the world's waves swelling.  And who seeing & seriously considering and cordially tasting with the palate of true christian godly gratitude, the sovereign sweetness of all these exuberant blessings, can choose but stand and admire and adore, our great and good and wonderworking God, and with that sweet Psalmograph of Israel, holy King David, can forbear to break forth into amazing exultation, 
Psal. 31. 19  and sing and say; O how great is thy goodness (O God) which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee! which thou hast wrought for those that trust in thee, before the sons of men! But now to proceed.  
And here now again to launch out into the deep, 
Januarie 1643.  & begin this next ensuing Months voyage for new discoveries & descriptions of Gods admirable dealings, in most undeserved mercy, with this our sinful Nation and Kingdom, in the remarkable preservation of his so menaced and molested Ark, tossed up and down on the wretched waves of these our most unnatural intestine bloody broils; I shall in the first place desire to take liberty, a little, to touch upon one foreign passage of Gods most wise and wonderful disposing of things, as well abroad as at home for our welfare (verifying that notable Scripture, 
2 Chron. 16. 9  The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in behalf of them, whose heart is upright and perfect towards him.) So far forth, only, as it hath notable influence & resultance on our Kingdom's present affairs, 
A most notable and deep design and pernicious plot against the Protestant Religion, in all Christendom.  which is this; That about this time it pleased the Lord to give us intelligence from Denmark, that whereas the Jesuitical plot, now in sad and sanguine agitation, is, to destroy the Protestant Religion throughout all Christendom; And because Great-Britain and Ireland are the main fat morsels their treacherous teeth so water for, as their principal impediment in the way of their wicked work, for an epidemical and universal tyranny over men's bodies and souls, two of these, at least, being the special upholders of the true Christian Religion indeed; I mean, the refined and refining pure Protestant Religion, which is the goad in their sides, and the offensive pearl in their eye: To destroy which, they have, now, I say, engaged (or at least endeavoured to engage) all these three Kingdoms, in the first & prime place, in a most degenerous & unnatural war, one against another, and each of the Kingdoms against itself, as in part they have most devilishly done, the most miserable effects whereof, we all to our present sorrow see and feel. And for the better corroborating and strengthening of this their great and Catholical design, they have in a deluding way procured the neutrality of Denmark & Holland, 
The Danes & Hollanders contribute to the King against us.  who have, more than underhand, contributed much against us therein, & much more was shortly expected from Denmark, had it not pleased the Lord in his admirable wisdom and mercy towards us to stir up the heart of the resolved Queen of Sweden (in revenge of the blood of that late precious & never enough honoured King of Sweden, 
An admirable and sudden breaking-out of a combustion 'twixt Denmark and Sweden.  her dear deceased husband, slain in the German wars, in defence of the Protestant Religion) to be a great block in their way, and a mighty obstacle to this their deep design, and strangely to cut short that army which the King of Denmark had plotted with the Emperor (as 'twas cunningly contrived by the Romish Jesuitical Counsel) to raise up, first, for the destruction of the Swedes his nearest neighbours, 
The King of Denmark's plot against the Swedes, discovered by Letters intercepted.  and so to sweep them out of Germany, and afterward for farther designs against England. And to this end, the King of Denmark had secretly desired assistance from his neighbour the King of Poland, next neighbour, on the other side, to the Swedes: but divine providence most blessedly discovered the plot, and by Letters from Denmark (which the Swedes happily intercepted) the whole plot was made known. The Swedes also (by the same good hand of providence) wisely concealed it; yet diligently prepared to prevent the danger, and by speedy adding some strength to that they had made ready for another design, elsewhere; they fell suddenly upon part of the King of Denmark's Country, before they thought of any surprisal, and therefore were unready to make any considerable resistance, & the Swedes hereby (O the admirable & unfathomed depth and profundity of the wisdom and justice of our God) have most valiantly and resolutely run through (or overrun) the whole Country of Holstein, 
The Swedes enter into Denmark.  a brave and rich Province, being most Southward of all Denmark to Germany, which is the Duke of Holts Country, second Son to the King of Denmark; And they most victoriously have proceeded farther into the other parts of Denmark, by G●stavus Horn, a brave Swedish Commander, and have taken some of their chief Magazines, & many thousands of arms, some of which, 
The falling out of the Danes with the Swedes, much for our good.  no doubt, intended to be sent against us; for hereby the King of Denmark was constrained to make stay of 2 ships laden with arms to have been sent to England, and must then be employed (and all little enough) in his own defence. Thus we see, Man purposeth, but God disposeth; Our God can take the wicked in his own craftiness every way, and every where, and bring to nought the Counsels of Princes: But his own work shall stand and prosper in the thing for which he sends it. This I thought good here to premise, as a certain and seasonable addition to the honour of our great and glorious wonderworking God, and the just ground of raising up our hearts & spirits to a yet higher pitch of praising his name for our wonderful preservation, both at home and abroad.  
And about the beginning of this instant January, 
Sir Tho. Holts House surprised by Coventrie forces.  came credible intelligence from Warwickshire to London; that Coventry forces marched out to Sir Thomas Holts-House, about 14 miles from Coventry, and a little mile from Brumingham, and summoned them within the House, but they refused to yield; 
A treacherous parley desired from the house. The house battered and taken.  whereupon Coventry forces made some great shot against the House, which caused a parley, & while the parley was, some shot was made from the House, which hurt or killed two of Coventrymen: Whereupon they left parling, and instantly fell to battering the House, whereby they killed divers of them within, and forcibly made their way into the House, took about 80 prisoners, some horse, and all the plunder of the House, 
Bewly-House also taken by the foresaid Coventry forces.  & so returned safely to Coventry. Shortly after they issued out again, under the command of Colonel Boswell, and marched to Bewley-House, which was one Mr Sheldens, being a very strong hold on the edge of Warwickshire, but in the County of Worcester, which the enemy had strongly fortified. But, in brief, Coventry forces, forced their passage and surprised it, and the whole garrison, and much wealth and rich pillage therein, and all the Irish-Rogues whom they found there, they put to the sword, and victoriously returned safely home again.  
Much also about the same time, namely, the beginning of this instant januarie, 
A most dangerous and pernicious plot against the Parliament discovered.  1643. it pleased the Lord, the great and glorious searcher of hearts, and discoverer of the most secret and deepest designs of the most politic and pernicious enemies of his Church and children, to bless our Kingdom and Parliament, in the timely revelation of a very dangerous plot and conspiracy, under a pretence of Propositions for peace, forsooth; to which end, there was a new Cross-Petition contrived, under a colour of accommodating the differences between the King and the Parliament; 
The aim in this plot to divide the City & Parliament.  but thereby, in very deed, to destroy the Parliament, by dividing the City of London from it, and by such a combustion to prevent the coming in of the Scots to the aid and assistance of the Kingdom and Parliament. Now the parties who were prime promoters and machinators of this plot, 
The contrivers of this plot.  were, Colonel Read, a Jesuitical Papist, and a great Commander in the Rebellion in Ireland, and a prisoner to the Parliament, but released and then residing at Oxford, Sir Basill Brook, a notorious Papist also, and personally acting also in that Irish-rebellion, and a prisoner to the Parliament, and who to make his abode at London the firmer, and more immovable, contrived (as I was credibly informed) to have an Execution for debt, laid upon him; that thus without suspect or molestation, he might actuate at London in the plot; One Mr Violet (or rather, stinking Varlet) a most malignant Goldsmith, or rather, a Projector in that trade; And one Mr Riley, a Citizen of London, & Scout-Master General for the City of London, who had the name and reputation of an honest & religious man, but in the issue of this discourse will be found to appear, either a very simple fool, or a notorious hypocrite, and downright deep dissembler. The place of meeting was at the three-Cranes in the Vintrie, 
The place of meeting and consulting.  and at The Man in the Moon. The way and manner of contrivance thereof, was, first that Mr Riley (being in much credit in the City) must be a means to get this Irish-Rebell Read out of prison, by whose means (for the better effecting of their plot, 
The contrivance of the plot.  he being at liberty) an address was easily made to my Lord General, that one Captain Read, a poor old man taken by the Earl of Manchesters' forces, tonight be exchanged for one that was a Quartermaster for the Parliaments army, and then in prison at Oxford, and was a Scout of Mr Rileys. Now, my Lord General relied so much on the supposed integrity of Mr Riley, that he forthwith granted his Exchange, and the Rebell-Read was thereby presently released. But before this Read departed out of the City; He, Mr Riley, and Sir Basill Brook, had conference together about this design, and it was agreed that Colonel Read should direct his letters to Mr Riley, by the name of, The Man in the Moon; and that one Mr Wood should be the Messenger between London and Oxford; This Wood being an apprentice of London, & living then in the Stocks. 
The plot discussed on at Oxford.  Read being come to Oxford, propounds the design to his Majesty, who instantly called to advise with him, the Queen, the Lord Digbie, a proclaimed traitor, and the Duchess of Buckingham, the Arch-Prelate of Canterbury's convert, forsooth, wife to the great Irish-Rebell, the Earl of Antrim, then at Oxford. His Majesty with these rebels and traitors, contrived what they should propound to the City to beget Propositions for Peace (just such an intended peace as Bynions should have been) and thereupon, they concluded to write to the City, that his Majesty was resolved to maintain the Protestant Religion, 
The settlement of the Protestant Religion, by Papists, traitors, and atheists still pretended.  and that, in as ample manner, as the Irish-rebells and atheistical traitors (thus admitted to be of his Majesty's Cabinet Council) would or could require his Majesty to settle it, for the good and content of the whole Kingdom, the clean contrary-way. Now at the first time of their general meeting they concluded of the draught of a Letter, to the Lord Major and Court of Aldermen, 
The result of their first meeting, was to send a Letter to London.  from his Majesty, full of expressions of love▪ (to encompass the design) to his loyal Subjects the Citizens of London (though traitors & rebels a little before) and this was dispatched by Wood, with a Letter from Colonel Read to Mr Riley (by the name of the man in the Moon) to pass over his Majesty's Letter with Sir Basill Brook, & to put it into such words, as they should think fit; but Read writ in his Letter to Riley, that what he did he should do it quickly, for it must be done and concluded before the Scots come in, or not at all; and withal writ to have Violet set at liberty, to come to Oxford to seek an exchange, that he might pass to and fro, on this occasion.  
They met accordingly, and concluded of the Letter for his Majesty to sign, & of some Propositions; Violet was the Clerk that writ them, Sir Basill Brook, and Mr Riley (as was informed) contrived them.  
Mr Riley loses no time, 
Ril●ys honesty acts a peace for this peaceful work.  but applies himself to Sir Arthur Has●erig, and propounds Mr Violet in exchange for a brother of his, Mr Hasterig, prisoner to the pretended Lord Loughborough, commonly called Master Hastings, and to have leave to go to Oxford: Sir Arthur thinking Mr Riley to be the man he was reputed to be, gave way, and his liberty was obtained to go to Oxford to solicit this exchange.  
Violet goes accordingly, carries with him the Letter for the King to subscribe, and other Instructions, and (as by his Examination he confesseth) he imparted the same only to the King, Queen, Duchess of Buckingham, Colonel Read, and the Lord Digby, who all met together, and that he stayed not seven hours in Oxford; but returned with the Letter directed to the Lord Major and Aldermen, signed by his Majesty, under his signet.  
Violet returned, 
The plot advanced.  and the Letters being imparted to Mr Riley, and Sir Basill Brook, means was used how to engage others in the plot; whereupon, Violet attempted to sound Sir David Watkins, and soon came to the bottom of honest Sir David's judgement, who told him he did like well of Propositions of Peace: Provided, the Parliament was first made acquainted with it.  
Some occasions interposed, that deferred the delivery of this Letter, whereupon his Majesty was sent unto to sign another Letter of the same, which accordingly he did on Newyearesday; and on wednesday after, Violet, with the advice of Sir Basil Brook, was to deliver it to the Lord Major.  
But private Intelligence being given of the design, 
And by God's providence so dainly discovered.  Mr Riley was apprehended, and examined before the Committee at Goldsmith's Hall, who denied that he knew of any such Letters or Propositions, or that he held any Correspondence with Colonel Read, and could contribute nothing to the discovery of the matter: At last a Paper dropped out of his pocket, with this Direction upon it; To the Man in the Moon; which Master Solicitor after some time of respite, took up, & retired, and read to himself, which Letter discovered the whole business: Master Riley being examined the second time, confessed the Letter, and that by himself was meant, The Man in the Moon, and that the Letter was of Colonel Reads own hand writing.  
Sir Basill Brook was sent for, 
Sir Basil Brook examined.  and examined, and confessed the whole business: Violet was not to be found that night, but next day he was apprehended, and the King's Letter found about him: and upon his examination confessed the whole business, and what private discourse he had with his Majesty, and what private Message was sent from the King by him to Alderman Gibs to promote this business.  
His Majesty in his Letter to the Lord Major and Court of Aldermen, 
The Letter to the Lord Major.  Courts them by the name of Subjects, and takes his rise upon an assurance he had of the inclination of the Committee of the Militia to Peace; which he was induced to believe, by a speech that was made from them; and professes the maintaining the Protestant Religion, and the confirming the Rights and Privileges of the City; (though by a Proclamation of the same date, his Majesty calls them his rebellious City of London: and as a token of his favour to them, adjourns the next Hillary Term to Oxford.)  
Sir Basill Brook, 
The conspirators imprisoned.  Mr Riley, and Mr Violet, are committed close prisoners to the Tower, and Violet is voted by the Parliament to be first tried by a Council of War, for coming and going as a Spy between Oxford and London.  
The Parliament have voted this to be a Jesuitical and seditious design, to divide the Parliament and City, etc.  
And on Monday Jan. 
The whole business communicated to the City of London.  8. the whole state of the business, & the Letters and Proclamations, and Examinations, and the Lord Digbies Letter to Sir Basil Brook concerning this design, were all communicated to the City at a Common Hall, there being eight Lords, and sixteen Commons sent as a Committee to make known the whole proceedings, that all the world may see, that the Irish Rebels and Papists are the only Counsellors his Majesty hearkens unto, to drive on, and uphold the design to destroy the Parliament, and by consequence the Protestants Religion.  
And that all the world may know it is the Root and Branch of the Protestant Religion they strike at, one of Sir John Gells Commanders fell upon two Troops of the Cavaliers in Darbishire, commanded by two Papists, took them, their men and horses, and two Colours: In the one of them, was an Effigies of a Tree, signifying the Protestant Religion, and a Cavalier standing at the Root, cutting it down with an Axe, with this Motto, Root and Branch: This was shown and held in the hands of several of the Members of Parliament, in the House of Commons, and may therefore be assured for an indubitable truth. Thus God our mighty preserver, makes good unto us still his most precious and unperishing word of Truth, (to be with his Church to the end of the world) and wherein he will never fail us nor forsake us, if we by faith and obedience can wait upon him and walk with him. But now to proceed.  
About the 4th of this instant, came credible information, by Letters from Garns●y to London: That whereas formerly it had been certified from thence, that Mounsieur l● Grange, Mounsieur Carey, and Mounsieur Haverly, three faithful & fast friends to the Parliament, in that Island, had been treacherously betrayed aboard a ship which came into that harbour, by pretence of great friendship to them and the rest of the Islanders, 
God's providence in delivering three worthy Gentlemen of Garnsey, faithful friends to the Parliament from prison in Castle-Cornet in Garnsey.  but they having gotten these three worthy Gentlemen into the Ship, they carried them prisoners into Castle-Cornet, there, in the custody & command of that perfidious viper of his Native-Country, Sir Peter Osborn; Since which time, they having been kept prisoners there about a month space (with a purpose, as it was credibly reported, to have conveyed them shortly after to Oxford) they had, at last, a fair opportunity offered them for an escape, which they accordingly took advantage of, in this manner. The tide being low about the Castle, they made them cords of Match, whereof they found great store, in a room, whither providence (unwittingly to themselves) brought them; and then co●ing to the battlements of the Castlewall, where stood great pieces of Ordnance, they fastened one end of their Match to a piece of Ordnance, and so ventured down into the river; But before they could wade quite-over, they were miss and discovered afar off in the river, by one Medcalf the Porter of the Castle gate, who at the fight of them instantly acquainting Sir Peter Osborn (that atheistical Royalist) therewith, he presently commanded 3 or 4 pieces of Ordnance to be discharged and shot off at them, but neither of them touched either of the Gentlemen; but they all three came, thus, most safely into the Town to their friends, on a Lordsday, when the people were all at Church, 
Acts 12. 11.  and (like Peter released admirably out of prison, by the Angel, and let in to the other Disciples when they were at prayers together for him) were most joyfully received, and entertained by them; They being three of the most prudent and pious protectors of the welfare of that Island; which merciful providence and preservation of almighty God in this their deliverance, both from imprisonment, and such farther intended imminent danger, I conceived most worthy a most thankful commemoration, in this our Parliamentarie-Chronicle.  
And much about the same time came certain intelligence out of Sussex from Arundel to London, that the most valiant and renowned Commander Sir William Waller, 
Arundell-Castle besieged & taken by Sir Wil Waller.  since his siege of that Castle having received six great pieces of battery from Portsmouth, began to play against the said Castle, being resolved to make a short work of it, and that they within the Castle perceiving he intended to make a battery, consulted with their Lord Bishop, and Dr Chillingworth, that most egregious Popish and Socinian apostate; and after the said consultation, they desired a parley, and that after some disputes between them touching the articles, and they now seeing most plainly there was no possible expectation to be relieved by Sir Ralph Hopton; 
The Castle delivered up to Sir William Waller. The prisoners taken.  the Castle was at last delivered up to Sir William Waller, and all within the Castle left to his mercy, wherein he took prisoners, Sir William Ford, high Sheriff of Sussex, who formerly broke out of Windsor-Castle, and had sent a Letter to his Majesty, offering to bring him a thousand men, and to undertake the conquest of the whole County of Sussex, although it be sixty miles in length, but before he had gone twelve miles thereof, he was caught again for want of a running horse; There was also then taken Sir Edward Bishop, Colo. Bamfield, Lieutenrnt Colonel Roles▪ Major Massey, Major Moulines, and divers other Gentlemen of quality of Sussex; 
Fifty Reformadoes taken, & 1200 Common Soldiers, 4000 li in money taken and other rich pillage.  There were also taken above fifty Reformadoes, that had all Commissions to raise Companies; 1200 prisoners, and their arms, divers Engineers, about 4000li. in money, & great store of other rich prize and pillage. And here, now, if we reckon up these our late victories together, and the number of prisoners taken, we shall easily see they will amount to at lest a little army; As namely, first at Alton, 900; at Gainesborough, 700; at Grafton, 300; at Sir Tho. Holts-House, near an 100; 
A little army taken prisoners in a little time about the taking Arundell-Castle.  almost as many at Bewly-House; by Sir William Constable and Sir John Meldrum, in a House in Yorkshire, from which Sir Hugh Cholmley ran away, at least an 100; and here, now, at Arundell-Castle above a 1000; besides what had then lately been taken by Pool & Southamptons' garrisons, 
At least 3300 enemies taken prisoners.  which in all may arise to at least 3300, horse and foot, besides all the ammunition, and arms; In most just and serious consideration whereof, have we not great cause to magnify the mercies of our good God unto us, in thus still weakening the armies of our adversaries, and strengthening our hands against them? And yet again to add to the lustre of this foresaid famous victory, very shortly after the taking of the foresaid Castle, it pleased the Lord so to order and dispose of things, that Sir Will. Waller seized on a very rich prize by Sea, namely, 
A brave Ship also richly laden, taken at Arundell-Castle.  a Dunkirk-Ship of a great burden, which had been chased by the Hollanders (as was then credibly informed) and was forced into the harbour at Arundel, and that, not till we had taken the Castle; which Sir William himself went aboard of, and found in her about 20 excellent brass pieces of Ordnance, an 100 barrels of powder, 2000 arms, great store of other ammunition, divers Commanders, and other persons of quality, together with a great quantity of linen cloth, as considerable, in value, as the other prizes, which could not but be a singular advantage to Sir William for the present better securing and defence of Arundell-Castle.  
And about the 8th or 10th of this instant came certain information from Leverpool, 
A Bristol ship also taken at Leverpool, in Lancashire.  in Lancashire, to London, that a Ship of the Kings, which he had sent from Bristol to Chester, with good store of arms and ammunition, most unexpectedly, but very happily & opportunely, came into Leverpool, to serve the Parliament, the Sailors therein, having compelled their Master to put in there, which arms and ammunition came very seasonably to help to arm & recrute Colonel ashton's regiment, which a little before had received some loss, in their valiant performances against the enemies of their Country.  
And about the 12th of this instant month of January, 1643. the famous and ever to be renowned City of London, 
The City of London takes into serious consideration the great care, love & pains of the Parliament for the welfare of the Kingdom.  being very sensible of the great care and indefatigable pains of the Parliament, in and for the defence and preservation, of Religion, the whole Kingdom, and liberties thereof, from that slavery and misery which the Prelatical and Popish faction would bring upon them, and also of their singular vigilancy and great providence and circumspection to discover all plots and secret designs against the City and Parliament, to divide the one from the other, and so to destroy both together; and to show that they are the more inseparably conjoined and firmly united the one to the other, notwithstanding all the joint endeavours, and sly insinuations of the adversaries, and in special of that late mischievous Machination by Colonel Read, that base Irish-Rebell, Sir Basil Brook, and the rest of that accursed rabble, 
The Citizens of London invite the Parliament, etc. to a dinner in the City.  as was forementioned. The City, I say, was therefore pleased, in the name of the Lord Major, Aldermen, and Common-council, their representative-Body, by both the Sheriffs & some selected common-councel-men, to make an humble request to the Parliament, by way of testimony of their gratitude, for the great endeavours (as aforesaid) of the Parliament, for the good of the whole Kingdom; to invite them all therefore, even of both the Houses to a dinner at Merchant-Taylors-Hall in London, 
A most excellent Message and Motion of the City to the Parliament, at the invitation.  on Tuesday or Thursday, than next ensuing, whether day might best stand most convenient with the great affairs of the Kingdom; Expressing farther to both Houses, that they desired that that late design to have divided the Parliament & City, might appear by this loving action of theirs more firmly to have united them to one another. Which motion of theirs was most acceptable to the Parliament, as appeared by the answer given them by the Speaker in the name of the House of Commons, which in substance was this;  
That the House of Commons had considered the loving expressions delivered by them at the bar in the name of the whole City of London, 
The Parliaments answer to the City's invitation.  manifesting their great esteem of the endeavours of the Parliament, and their sense of the late design of the enemy against both the Parliament and the City, by such a division to involve both of them into one universal calamity, declaring their resolution to continue in a faithful compliance with the Parliaments good endeavours, and to live and die with them in the maintenance of the public Cause; having now also desired them (as a testimony of this, and to deceive the expectation of their enemies) that they would honour them with their presence at a dinner in the City: The Speaker, therefore, told them, he was commanded by the House to take notice of the good affection of this great City therein, and that the House looked on the invitation, as a seasonable demonstration of their love to them, and their resolved loyalty to the Cause, and that therefore they were resolved on Thursday than next ensuing to give them a meeting according to the City's desire: And (said he) that both they and you may lay hold on this opportunity jointly to acknowledge the continued blessing of God in prospering this Parliament and the City from the secret practices and malicious open designs of their enemies, 
The Parliaments most pious desire to have a Sermon to be preached at this meeting.  and particularly in this lewd and last discovery; they desired that on the foresaid Thursday morning at their intended meeting about eight of the clock, there might be (in such a place as the City should think fit to make choice of) an able godly Minister entreated to preach a Sermon for the commemoration (among the rest of God's manifold mercies) of this late, and not the least, deliverance both of the Parliament and City, and indeed, therein, of the whole Kingdom. And Master Speaker told them farther, 
The admirable expressions of loving acceptance of the Parliament of the City's love to them.  that he was commanded in the name of the House to assure them, that, as the City's resolution was to live and die with them: So they resolved (by the grace of God) never to desert the City; but to make it one of their greatest cares to watch all opportunities to advance the honour & happiness of this City, which, under God, hath been the principal means of the preservation of this Parliament.  
Now on Thursday, January the 18th, 1643. according to this foresaid invitation, 
The guests invited meet at Christ-Church in London.  the whole Parliament of Lords and Commons, with the Assembly of reverend and learned Divines, and the Scottish Commissioners, met at Christ-Church in London, between 9 and 10 of the clock in the morning; in the first place to testify and acknowledge their bounden gratitude unto almighty God for the gracious preservation both of the Parliament and City from the late desperate design of those pernicious Conspirators aforesaid, who had complotted with Oxford agents to have made a dissension and discord between them. There preached before them, that day, that venerable, pious, and learned Divine Master Stephen Martial, 
Venerable M● Marshal preached before them.  who before the Sermon, made an elegant and pathetical Preface, wherein he did excellently set forth, both the true occasion of their meeting, and the admirable lustre and glory of that most honourable Assembly, the like never seen, since England was a Kingdom; Which being singularly observable, I have here for the Readers better delight and most full satisfaction therein, exactly set down and inserted, which was to this effect.  

Right Honourable, and well beloved in our Lord:  
THis day is a day purposely set apart for feasting, and it is like one of the Lords Feasts, where you have a Feast and an holy Convocation; and you are first met here to feast your souls with the fat things of God's House, with a Feast of fat things, full of marrow, and wine on the lees well refined: and afterwards to feast your bodies with the fat things of the Land and Sea, both plenty and dainty. But if you please you may first feast your eyes. Do but behold the face of the Assembly, I dare say it is one of the excellentest Feast that ever your eyes were feasted with. Here in this Assembly you may first see the two Houses of Parliament, the Honourable Lords and Commons, who after thus in my years wrestling with extreme difficulties, in their endeavouring to preserve an undone Kingdom, and to purge and reform a back-sliding and a polluted Church, you may behold them still not only preserved from so many treacherous designs, and open violences, but as resolved as ever to go on with this great work which God hath put into their hands. Here you may also see his Excellency my most honoured Lord, and near him that other Noble Lord the Commander of our Forces by Sea, as the other is by Land, and with them abundance of Lords & resolute Commanders, all of them with their faces like Lions, who after so many terrible Battles, and abundance of difficulties, and charging in the faces of so many Deaths, are yet all of them preserved, and not a hair of their head fall'n to the ground. 
Whose excellency and unparallelled same and fidelity I must confesse I want words to set forth as it deserves.  Here also you may behold the representative Body of the City of London, the Lord Major, the Court of Aldermen, the Common-council, the Militia, and in them the face and affection of this glorious Cities this City which under God hath had the honour of being the greatest means of the salvation of the whole Kingdom, and after the expense of Millions of Treasure, and thousands of their lives, still as courageous and resolute to live and die in the Cause of God as ever heretofore. Here you may likewise see a reverend Assembly of grave and learned Divines, who daily wait upon the Angel in the Mount, to receive from him the lively Oracles and the pattern of God's House, to present unto you. All these of our own Nation, and with them you may see the Honourable, Reverend, and Learned Commissioners of the Church of Scotland, and in them behold the wisdom and the affection of their whole Nation, willing to live and die with us: all these may you behold in one view. And not only so, but you may behold them all of one mind, after so many plots and conspiracies to divide them one from another. And which is yet more, you may see them all met together this day, on purpose both to praise God for this union, & to hold it out to the whole world, and thereby to testify, that as one man they will live and die together in this Cause of God. Oh Beloved, how beautiful is the Face of this Assembly! verily, I may say of it as it was said of Salomon's Throne, that the like was never to be seen in any other Nation. I question whether the like Assembly was ever to be seen this thousand years upon the face of the earth. Me thinks I may call this Assembly The Host of God, I may call this place Mahanaim, and I believe there are many in this Assembly that would say as old Jacob did, when he had seen his son joseph's face, Let me now die, seeing my son Joseph is yet alive. And for mine own part, I am almost like the Queen of Sheba, when she had seen the Court of Solomon, it is said, that she had no spirit in her; and I could send you away, and say, that you had no cause to weep to day, or to morrow, but to eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions one unto another: and I should send you away presently, but that I have first some banquetting-stuffe for your souls, such as the hand of God hath set before you for your inward refreshing: the ground whereof you shall find in the 12 Chapter of the 1 Book of Chronicles, and three last Verses.   
Upon which Text the said Mr Martial made an excellent Sermon, sitting his discourse, suitable to the persons and occasion. After the conclusion of the Sermon, the said Honourable Assembly went to Merchant-Taylors-Hall to dinner, all the Regiments of the London Trained Bands standing in a complete posture from Christ-Church to Merchant-Taylors-Hall, as two walls, between which they passed without press or disturbance. The first that went forth were the Common-council men and Militia of London in their gowns; after them the Lord Major and Court of Aldermen in their scarlet gowns on horseback, with their Officers and Attendants; next came the Lord General and the Lord Admiral and the Earl of Manchester together, with about 16 Earls and Lords of the Peers House of Parliament, & divers Colonels and Military Commanders all on foot; and immediately after them came near two hundred of the worthy Members of the House of Commons; and the Speaker of that House, with the Mace born before him; and then the Commissioners of Scotland; and after all these about 80 Divines of the Reverend Assembly: All which did much content and delight the spectators to see these so noble, faithful, religious and honourable Pillars of the Truth, and maintainers of their rights and privileges, and Patrons of the true Religion, appear with so united a concurrence of hearts and spirits.  
The same morning there was set up in Cheapside in the place where the Cross formerly stood, a standing frame of slight Firre-poles, on which were hung up divers Pictures and Trinkets, as Crosses, Crucifixes, Images and Saints, Agnus Dei's, Beads, Whips, and other superstitious Relics, and frivolous inventions of Papists: all which, with a chest of Popish Books, were set on fire at the coming by of the said honourable Persons, as a testification of their detestation and hatred of all such Romish and Babylonish superstitions: and to declare their intentions to reform & take away those things which may justly incense the wrath of God against us; one thing is also very remarkable, that after they had been honourably entertained at Merchant-Taylors-Hall, and dinner ended, in stead of idle Maskings, and other such uncomely actions, heretofore used at such public meetings, to declare their union of spirit, as in the presence of God, all, both Lords & Commons, at the godly motion of the reverend Assembly of Divines, publicly and unanimously (heavenly harmony indeed) sung together the 67 Psalm, to testify their thankfulness to God. A religious precedent, worthy to be imitated by all godly Christians in their both public and private feast and meetings.  
And which adds much to the admirable radiant lustre of this so precious a day of rejoicing in the Lord, 
The same day of this glorious Assembly our Brethren of Scotland came into England with their army. All these, causes of vexation in the wicked, causes of rejoicing in the godly.  and to make this our joy yet more complete, on this very same day of this so rare and fair an Assembly, namely, the 18th of this instant January, our loyal and loving Brethren of Scotland came with their whole army into England, to help the Lord and us his greatly abused servants, against our mighty and most malicious enemies: All which, I mean, both this most memorable and unparallelled Lovefeast, and the seasonable entrance of our brethren's brave army, and all in one day; how much they must needs vex the impious Oxonians, and all the rest of our motley-Malignants; and how great and unexpressible cause they gave of cordial comfort and enlarged thanks to the Lord to all his Saints and servants, I leave to every rational and honest Reader, religiously to judge and consider. And for the yet greater and most just glory of God, within a day or two after, 
A public and more general day of thanksgiving appointed by order of Parliament.  namely about the 20th of this instant, both Houses of Parliament (to show their deeply obliged thankfulness to the Lord for that late foresaid great deliverance) agreed most piously upon an Order for a public day of thanksgiving in all Churches in and about London, for God's great mercy in preserving the Parliament and City of London from the secret practices and most malicious designs of their foresaid enemies, Sir Basill Brook, Read, Violet, and Riley, which was immediately printed and published, and accordingly performed on the appointed day.  
Much about this foresaid time also came certain intelligence by letters from about the parts of Staffordshire and Namptwich, 
A bloody defeat given to the Parliament forces, by Sir John Byron, but an introduction to a great & most admirable victory obtained by ours.  to London; of an unhappy defeat given to the Parliaments forces of Lancashire, part whereof were enforced to fly to a Church for their farther hoped safety, but were there also environed, and at last broken in upon, and by that base and bloody (pretended Lord) Sir John Byron, most barbarously put all to the sword, at his accursed Turkish command; and which was worse, to triumph in this his inhuman barbarity, he immediately upon this villainous victory of his, wrote a Letter to his as base and treacherous brother the mischievous Marquis of Newcastle, which was by God's providence intercepted by noble Sir William Brereton, and by him sent to the Honourable House of Commons in Parliament; a true Copy whereof (in aeternam rei infamiam) being afterward printed and published, I have thought fit here to insert, for the Readers fuller content and satisfaction.  
A Copy of Sir John Byron's (I had almost said Sir John Butchers) Letter to the Marquis of Newcastle, dated, December 26. 1643.  
My Lord;  
I Have already dispatched two Messengers to your Excellency, to give you an account of my proceedings in these parts: I am now at Sambich, and have thought fit to acquaint your Excellency, that Brereton for the relief of Namptwich, had so prevailed with the Lancashire-men, as to draw thence 1500 foot, which I having notice of, immediately marched toward him, but as soon as I came within sight of him, he instantly (according to his custom) ran away (a most intolerable & egregious Popish liar, as all men know, that know that noble and renowned Commander) in great confusion, so that, now, those 〈◊〉 are so dispersed, that they are not like to meet together again: And I doubt not, but by God's assistance, in a short time, to clear this Country (if your Excellency's forces advance toward Stopford) to be able to set footing in Lancashire. The rebels had possessed themselves of a Church, at Bartumley, but we presently beat them forth of it, and I put them all to the Sword: Which I find to be the best way to proceed with these kind of people, 
Pro. 12. 10.  for, mercy to them is cruelty (so, indeed, says Solomon of such wicked ones as Byron)  
I am, my Lord your Excellencies most humble servant, J. B.  
But, now to come to my intended purpose, (this forementioned relation being only an introduction to what follows) that this inhuman monster, bloody Byron, and all his accursed malicious adherents might clearly see and take notice of a divine providence (notwithstanding this his insulting & blasphemous Letter) which over-powers the greatest potency of the proudest Bragadochi●es, yea mightiest monarchs in the world, which oppose his all-sacred & sovereign power and authority: There came, therefore, most certain intelligence by Letters out of Cheshire to London, of divers brave repulses given to buteherly Byron's forces at the siege of Namptwich, 
A most brave defeat given to Sir Nicholas Byron, Governor of Chester, by Colonel Mitton.  by the most valiant besieged Soldiers and Inhabitants of the said Town. And shortly after, by a Letter under Col. Mittens own hand, which was brought to London about Jan. 20th, 1643. By which it was for certain advertised; That Sir Nic. Byron, Governor of Westchester (uncle to this foresaid bloody Byron) having heard of the sore repulses and defeats given to their forces at Namptwich (which redounded to the great loss of his proud insulting kinsman, bloody Byron, as aforesaid, at his said kinsman's entreaty) Sir Nicholas advanced with a party of horse and foot from Westchester) to fetch in arms and ammunition, both to supply his kinsman's wants therein, and his own too (their Ship being carried to Lerpool, as was forementioned, which should have supplied those their wants) and coming unto a Town called Elsmere, near Colonel Mittens quarters, this most valiant and loyal Commander Colonel Mittan drew forth his regiment & fell upon the enemy's forces aforesaid, who were then in the Town, 
The slain, prisoners and prizes taken.  he killed above 60 of them in the place, took the said Sir Nicholas Byron, Commander in chief, Sergeant Major General Willis, a very considerable Commander (even that perfidious runaway Willis, taken prisoner, formerly, at Winchester) belonging to the Cavalerian garrison at Shrewsbery; and his brother, Major Willis; Capt. Offley, Capt. Hatton, Capt. Rixam, and another Capt. with an 100 inferior Officers; 250 horse and arms, 30 of them being the prime horse of all those parts; eight double barrels of powder; 700 weight of Match; 3 pieces of Ordnance; all which he brought safe to Stafford; together with all the provision, that Sir Nicholas had brought at this time from Shrewsbery, for supply of his own and his Cousins wants; which indeed renders this exploit more famous, and of the greater consequence, the enemy in those parts being then in such want of warlike provision, as they were.  
About the 23th also of this instant came certain intelligence out of Darbishire, 
Sir John Gell●s brave surprisal of Burton upon Trent.  by Letters, to London, that that valiant and most loyal and active Knight and brave Commander Sir John Gell took Burton upon Trent, and therein divers Commissioners of the Array, being Knights, Esquires, and Gentlemen of great quality in that County, with about nine-score common-Souldiers, their guard, much arms, ammunition, and treasure; Colonel Hastings himself hardly escaping by flight. This defeat was also, so much the more advantageous, in that it was very probable to be a means to recover three troops of horse of ours, then lately surprised at Melton in Leicestershire, by exchange, and some prisoners to boot.  
Much about the same time came true information to London, 
Hilsden-House taken by the Parliaments forces.  that Sir Alexander Deyntont house, in Oxfordshire, called by the name of Hilsden-House, was taken by some of the Parliaments forces, it being about 14 or 15 miles from Oxford, and some 7 or 8 miles from Aylesbury. It was taken by a party that went from Newport-Pannell, and some from about Banbury, they being in all not above an 100, yet there were in the House an 140, many whereof were then taken prisoners, and about an 100 arms, but Sir Alexander himself escaped. And here also (having happily had the opportunity of a pretty piece, printed and published by Order from this noble and renowned Earl of Manchester) I have thought fit to add and insert some very memorable notes and observations (collected and divulged by the said noble and pious Patriot) upon the many remarkable mercies of the Lord, conferred upon the seven associated Counties, Cambridge, Essex, Hartford, Huntingdon, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Lincoln, since their first association, most worthy our most serious sight and consideration, both for the just honour and glory of God, and the singular, encouragement of those and all other the Counties of this whole distressed and distracted Kingdom.  
First then I shall desire the Reader to remember the great mercy and good providence of God in quenching that fire which began to be kindled at Laystolk, 
1. Laystolk quieted.  by some eminent malignants there, which would undoubtedly have hazarded all the Eastern parts of this Kingdom, if God had not, I say, by a seasonable providence, timely prevented the same, by some of the noble Earl of Manchesters' vigilant Commanders of the association, this disturbance beginning to break out, in that very conjuncture of time, in which there had been a confederacy of the disaffected of those parts together to a head.  
Secondly, 
2. Croyland subdued.  the reducing of Croyland, which is a place strong by situation, and which had a professed Papist for its Governor; which how dangerous it was to some parts of this association, and to the neighbouring parts of Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, and Hantingdonshire, is well known to those that were subject to their daily plunderings and pillagings.  
Thirdly, 
3. Granthams' victory.  The defeat given to the enemies at Grantham, where 11 of the Parliaments troops facing 21 or 22 troops of the enemies; five of the associated troops charging the right wing of the enemy's body, utterly routed them, and had the execution and chase of them almost two miles, and got five or six of their Colours.  
Fourthly, 
4. Burleigh-house taken.  The taking of Burleigh-House, where was also taken the Lord Cambdens' regiment of horse with their Colours, three or four Companies of foot and Dragooneers, with all their ammunition, and with about four hundred prisoners.  
Fifthly, 
5. Gainesborough relieved.  The defeat given to the enemy's horse at Gainesborough, to the breaking of near 30 troops of the enemy's horse, where was slain, the Lieutenant General Charles Cavendish, Colonel Heron, the high Sheriff of Lincolnshire forced into Trent, with many other Officers and Soldiers, who were there drowned, and whereby Gainesborough was, at that time, relieved with ammunition, which then it exceedingly wanted; and this battle fought and victory gotten, as without any considerable loss to us; so within a mile of the Marquis of Newcastles army.  
Sixthly, 
6. Twentytroops of horse of Hull preserved.  The saving near 20 troops of horse belonging to the Lord Fairfax, and under that renowned Gentleman Sir Thomas Fairfax, his Son: with which horse, he hath, since, performed such notable good service in Cheshire, and other parts, which said horse were almost starved by the straight siege of Hull, and could not in probability have been thence delivered, but by the horse of this association; which was done by 14 troops of horse and 3 of Dragooneers, belonging to this association, there being nothing in assistance of them, but six troops belonging to the Lord Willoughby, and near 40 troops of the enemies, under the Command of Sir John Hinderson, who had opportunity to have fought with our horse before we could come to join with Sir Thomas Fairfax his troops, if he had pleased, but did not take it.  
Seventhly, 
7. The winning of Lyn-Regis.  The taking of Lyn-Regis, a strong Town, and of great importance, by raw & undisciplined new raised Soldiers; which was a place as likely to have undone this whole association, as any, which rebelled at such a time, as the Marquis of Newcastle was at the strongest, and so absolute in Lincolnshire, that if he would have engaged his army to have come to the rescue thereof, the forces of this association, then raised, had not been considerable to have made resistance.  
Eighthly, 
8. Winsby fight.  The fight at Winsby, where, ours being about 60 colours of horse and Dragoons, did encounter near 90 colours of the enemy; both parties being by estimate between 8 or 9000 horse & Dragoons; the enemy being, in all probability, about 5000 of that number, where ours gave them such a defeat, that they took and killed about 1100 of them, and took near thirty of their Colours.  
Ninthly, 
9 Lincoln taken.  The taking of Lincoln, where the force of the defendants were in computation many more than of the assailants, which the enemy surrendered to us on hard terms to themselves; where we got about 3000 arms, the enemy's colours, with good proportion of ammunition, and five or six pieces of Ordnance.  
Tenthly, 
10. Gainesborough taken by storm.  The taking of Gainesborough by storm, the greatest part of the foot being our association-men, who repulsed the enemy, got over their works, without any loss, and possessed the Town, whereby Lincolnshire (formerly, almost totally under the command of the enemies) became wholly cleared of them.  
Lastly, 
11. Hilsden-House taken.  The taking of Hilsden-House, which a week before, the garrison of Ailesbury attempted, but could not take, after which time, and before we endeavoured it, the enemy had sent in two or three loads of ammunition: Where were taken above 200 prisoners, about 12 barrels of powder, and proportionable Match, all their arms, and about 50 horse. Which service was much to the ease and comfort of the poor Inhabitants of the almost wasted County of Buckingham, which was oppressed by them, and by the countenance of which House, great sums of money and contributions, were raised both for themselves and Oxford, and a regiment of foot, and the completing Colo. smith's regiment of horse was speedily intended. Where also were taken men of quality, Sir Alexander Deinton, and the said Colonel Smith, besides two field Officers and divers Captains.  
Now, these things have been thus particularly here recited (not for vain ostentation, nor that any honour should be given to any person, or to our forces, but) that by thus commemorating particulars, the hearts of God's people might be enlarged and quickened, in sincerity, to give God only the glory due to him alone; and to encourage other Counties also to the like activity and performances.  
Januarie the 26th, 1643. there was a conference of both Houses, where several Letters and Warrants were read by the Earl of Manchester, & the Lord Wharton, 
Another most devilish plot between the Earl of Bristol and Serjeant Major Ogle, to make a division between the Parliament and City of London.  discovering a desperate design, agitated between the Earl of Bristol and Serjeant Major Ogle, sometime a prisoner in Winchester-House, during which time he sent Letters and held correspondence with the Earl of Bristol at Oxford, who proposed unto him, that the only way to disturb the Parliament and City, would be to make a division, between the Presbyterians and the Independents, (this latter indeed proving an unhappy Remera, in the otherwise most hopeful progress of the business of settling a holy & Apostolical Discipline & Church-government) Anabaptists, Brownists & Separatists; for which purpose, he advised him to deal with some Divines, to declare unto them, that they should persuade the people that the Presbyterian Government would be worse than the English high Commission, or Spanish Inquisition. 
Mr Nye and Mr Jo. Goodwin wrought with to help on with the plot.  Upon which Sergeant Major Ogle sent for Mr Nye & Mr John Goodwin, to whom he discovered all the matter, and withal showed how they might prevent the coming in of the Scots, by infusing into the people's heads and hearts, if possible, (especially the trained Bands of the City, whom they desired most of all to divide) such instigations as these; That they came to alter our Religion, to possess themselves of our estates, and tie the weak consciences of their Presbytery, which would be worse than Episcopacy. But Mr Nye and Mr Goodwin declared the design to some Members of the Parliament, who advised them to hold correspondency with them, and to sift out the intentions of the Courtat Oxford, how far forth the King would condescend to liberty of Conscience, 
Propositions for encouragement to the Independent-men to help on the design.  if they would side and comply with him.  
Whereupon they proceeded so far, that several Propositions were drawn up, & it was agreed the King should grant a toleration of their Independency, or any thing they would desire in that way, upon condition they would adhere to him, and resist the Presbyterial and Scotch government, Ogle (during the agitation of these things) was much encouraged by the Earl of Bristol; and order was taken by his advice with one Mr Crispe, a Citizen of London, to pay unto Ogle an 100 li, for his good service. At last, a Letter was procured, under his Majesty's hand, to Mr Devonish, Keeper of Winchester-House, to release the said Ogle out of prison; Which he (first informing the Parliament) and being advised that to do, 
Sergeant Major Ogle being released out of prison, gets to Oxford.  accordingly performed it. Whereupon Ogle being released, got to Oxford; Whence, he and the Earl of Bristol sent divers Letters to the said Ministers, & others, to encourage them to the work, promising that Mr Nye should be his Majesty's Chaplain, and several other Independents should be highly preferred & rewarded. In fine, 
This plotcame to nought in the end.  Letters were procured under the King's hand for a safe conduct to four men to treat of these affairs; but by Gods good providence this plot perished and came to nought, even in the very Embryo of it.  
About a short time after, there was another design agitated between Bristol and Ogle, 
Another plot to betray Windsor-Castle into the King's hands.  to betray Windsor-Castle into the King's hands; which, in brief, was thus; They had dealt with Mr Devonish again, the Keeper of Winchester-House, as aforesaid (conceiving, at the enlargement of Ogle, that he was at their disposal) that he should labour to prevail with the Parliament, that a party of horse should be raised, which should be entertained in Windsor-Castle for the safeguard of it, and so making a party in it, should surrender it to the enemy, 
The manner of contriving it.  who should be ready on notice given to second it, and take strong possession of it. And for the better effecting of this, there were Letters read signed with the Kings own hand on the top, and subscribed at the bottom Ogle, as if he had been his Majesty's Secretary, thus to encourage Devonish to that attempt. 
This plot also perished almost in the birth.  But he honestly and faithfully revealing all this intercourse also, to the Parliament, their design proved frustrate, and perished, God be praised, ere it came to its wickedly intended maturity.  
About the foresaid 26th also of Jan. 1643. came certain intelligence from Aylesbury by a Post, to our most noble and renowned Lord General, signifying by letters then sent, that an army from Oxford of about four or five thousand horse and foot were within seven miles of Aylesbury, 
Another plot to betray Aylesbury most neatly disappointed.  marching toward the Town; but the next day came other Letters, certifying the certainty and substance of the business, which was this; There having lately been some difference and flight discontent between Lieutenant Colonel Mosley, and some other Commanders of Aylesbury, and the Lieutenant coming to London upon some occasions of his own, was closed withal by some of Oxford factors for treachery, then resident in secret at London, and in particular, the foresaid Sergeant Major Ogle (who was now, 
Sergeant Major Ogle a plotter again in this treachery also.  it seems, grown an apt Scholar and deep proficient in the School of treachery) who having intelligence of Colonel Moselyes foresaid discontent, took the boldness to deal with this honest and wise Lieutenant Colonel, about the delivery up of Aylesbury to the King's forces; the discreet and loyal Lieutenant Colonel, at the very first carrying the business very smoothly & cunningly, Ogle and his complices, (at last, finding him, as they hoped, pliant and coming on) strake in with him to purpose, and after divers meetings, 
A 1000 li promised as a reward for the betraying of Aylesbury, and great preferment; and an 100 pound thereof paid in hand, a good horse, and a sword.  the bargain came to be confirmed, and a 1000li. must be the reward to deliver up Aylesbury, whereof he had an 100li. in hand paid unto him, and a brave horse and sword, together with safe conduct under the Kings own hand, for himself and all that he should bring with him, who should all be preferred to places of command in the King's service. The business was to be put in execution, on the 21th of January about 12 of the clock at night. The word was Charles; and the enemy was to be let in at the North-gate; but if they could not accomplish it that night, it was to be deferred till the 24th day following, for it was Lieutenant Colonel Moselyes turn to watch every fourth night. 
Ogles mighty motives to encourage Lieutenant Colonel Mosely in the plot. Three hoped strings to their Bow, yet all brake and failed them.  At their foresaid meetings Major Ogle used many arguments to persuade him to it, alleging how much it would advantage his Majesty's service, in regard the Parliament was to sit at Oxford the Monday following, which might much animate the King's party, and exceedingly encourage that Parliament to proceed. And in case this design should not take effect, the King sent him an engine (which was shown at a Conference in Parliament, touching this discovery) whereby he should have fired the Magazine of the Town; but, if none of these succeeded; then upon their Storming of the Town, he was to set fire on the Town. The King's forces being confident of their project, at least to succeed one way or other of the three, drew forth all their garrison from Taciter, 
The great preparation of forces to go to take possession of Aylesbury.  and the greatest part of their forces from Banbury, Abington, Oxford, and Wallingford, most of the forces the King could make in all those parts, to the number of at least 5000 horse and foot. All these marched two days and three nights in the extremity of very bitter cold weather, which was at that time, in so much that at last they were not able to march or set one foot before another, the ways were so deep with snow, and the snow beating in their faces, and so many hard passages they met by the way, that their foot were enforced to make way for the horse, 
Their extreme misery in a most bitter March.  which did so weary the poor foot forces, that they fell down fourscore in a heap, as it were together, not being able to stir, whereupon the Officers came with Canes and beat them like dogs to force them forward, and so at last with much ado compelled them to get within two miles of Aylesbury, and were quartered at and about Ethrop-House, 
At Ethrop-house 2 miles from Aylesbury, the enemies heard the design was discovered.  in expectation of the promised prize; but being now, with all that foresaid toil and miserable hardship gotten hither, betimes in the morning about five of the clock, they there heard for certain, that their design was discovered, so that they were enforced to return back again to Oxford; the walk and fresh air being all they had for their 100li. the good horse and sword, which Lieutenant Colonel Mosley got by the bargain; which their prize of mouths full of fresh air, must needs be worth their money, considering how ill they were accommodated for fresh air at Oxford; 
Their good reward which they got for all their cost and coil.  and so, I say, they returned homeward with as much comfort and content, as a dog newly whipped, with his tail between his legs, biting, tearing, and plundering (those that were able) all that was in their way before them; but it was verily believed (yea and apparent too) that the King lost, 
The King lost, at least 500 of his men at this Service.  at least 500 of his men in this sore and fruitless service; for, many of them ran away, many died, and many others fell sick and diseased. And were not here so many sore brushes against the Ark of God, and as it were so many rough and rigid Remora's, to stop, at least, if not over-turn, 
Sore brushes against Gods Ark.  the Ark of God, his precious Cause, and thus to have, at least, impeded and hindered its prosperous progress? Yet see how our good God, the most gracious protector and Pilot thereof, freed it from the deep and desperate danger of them all. But yet here's not all, for the enemies inveterate malice was working still; for much about the same time of the other foresaid plots, there was a devilish design against the Town and Castle of Nottingham also, 
A desperate design against Nottingham-Town and Castle. A true Copy of Colo. Hutchinsons' letter, sent to a worthy Gentleman of Nottinghanshire, resident then in London.  to have suddenly surprised it, either by force or fraud, for which purpose they had provided 1500 horse and foot, out of the garrison of Newark, and their other Cavalerian quarters thereabout, and prepared a Letter to be sent and delivered beforehand to the most valiant & faithful Governor of the Castle, Colonel Hutchinson; for a full and clear relation whereof, I shall refer the Reader to the Governors own Letter; a true Copy whereof, written by noble Colonel Hutchinson himself, to a worthy Patriot of his Country, then residing in London, coming to my hands, I have here thought fit to insert, verbatim, as it was printed and published by authority, which was as followeth.  
SIR; About 6 of the clock in the morning, Jan. 16th, 1643. the enemy faced us on both sides of the Town; and our house with 2 foot Companies went to the works, but they being a very great body, and the works not yet defensible in many places (they to give them their due) very bravely came on, and forced their entry into the Town, and our horse and foot were both forced to retreat to the Castle, but we had not one man slain or wounded in the retreat: Our Ordnance from the Castle made a lane among them at their entry, and our Musketeers killed many of them as they retreated into the Castles The enemy possessed themselves of St. Peter's Church, and those houses & street ends, which hindered our sallying out, but when our horse saw they were able to do no service (their body of horse being far greater) Colonel Thornhagh & all the other horse Commanders, encouraged their Troopers to take Muskets in their hands, and serve as foot (which to their great glory they very cheerfully and courageously did) and with a foot company joined to part of them, sallied out and beat the Cavaliers out of the nearest houses to the Castle, and possessed them: When we saw our sally and retreat, both made indifferent safe, we drew out 2 other foot Companies, & all the rest of the Troopers with Muskets, who went on with so great courage & valour, that they drove the enemy before them out of the Town, with a great deal of dishonour and confusion: we have now 80 prisoners, and all their arms, and a great many killed, the certain number whereof I cannot relate, divers of them were wounded & carried dead off from the field, some they had buried in the field before they had entered the Town, we traced them 2 miles in the snow by much blood which we found spilt; and we hear that they left dead and wounded men in the Towns as they passed. I do not perceive we have any prisoners above the quality of a Captain, Lieutenant, but the reason is, because the Commanders ran away in such haste, that they left their own and got Troopers horses, and took no care of their men, but left them without command, being happy who could first scape away: We lost not all this day but one man slain, and 2 or 3 wounded: At last the enemy rallied in a valley about a mile from the Town (where they had a body of horse which never came into the Town) we faced one another, but we finding their body so much exceeding all our force, would not hazard the whole garrison upon such unequal terms, towards night the enemy marched away to their several Garrisons. Col. Cartwright had his horse killed under him with a Cannon bullet they say (but I am not certain) that he himself is shot. That you may know their devillishnes, give me leave to acquaint you with their design as it was related to us: They were resolved to have surprised us this morning by two of the clock, but the bitterness of the snowy weather which fell, hindered so speedy a march of their foot as they expected; therefore failing of that, their farther design was, to try if they could get the Town, which if they could, they then resolved to summon the Castle, & if they could neither win nor have it delivered up, they resolved to plunder, and then fire the Town; to this purpose and with these threats they had prepared a Letter to send me, and when they could find none that would venture to carry it, they seized on Mr Majores, and would with many threats have compelled him to carry it to me; one clause of it was, that if I would not send them the Major & Aldermen, nor deliver the Castle, they would proceed to plunder and fire: Before Mr Majores was well out of doors with his Letter, there was so quick & unexpected an answer sent them by 400 Musketeers, which sallied out upon them, that they were in too great haste to take with them the plunder of the Town, so that in that respect the Town escaped well and lost nothing of value; we must acknowledge it was a wonderful mercy of God that it escaped firing, for they cast a many coals of fire amongst a great deal of hay, in Capt. Whites Quarters, and laid fire to divers houses, and had prepared divers Gorse Bushes to fire, and shot muskets and pistols into the thatch of houses as they passed by, and into barns, but God preserved us from all these dangers, so that though the fire was found half an hour after they were gone quick in the hay, yet there was not so much as a smoke in the Town: The number of these forces were (as near as we could guess) or find out by the prisoners) 1500 horse and foot, being all the force that could be gathered together from Newark, Si● Charles Lucas, Col. Fretwell, with other forces drawn from Bolsover, and Welbeck, and Shelford: They faced the Bridge on the other side of the Trent with between 2 and 300 horse & Dragoons which came from Hastings, Belvoir, & Wiverton. By this you may see how we are straitened and how over potent our enemies are, and you may imagine how impossible it is for this poor Garrison to subsist without some relief of money to encourage our Soldiers, and the truth is to make them able to live to do the public service: Therefore Sir, I beseech you, prosecute my desires in my last Letter to you as the greatest service you can do your Country and Obligation you can lay on  
Your loving friend and servant, J. H. Nottingham Castle, Jan. 16. 1643.  
In all this day's service we had not any assistance from the Townsmen, besides those which have all this year been in the Castle with me, though I had twice summoned them to receive arms for the defence of the Town, but could not persuade them to do it, but now I am in some hopes that they will by this be brought to concur more cheerfully with me, for their own defence, and that the Cavaliers (though they have no cause to brag of this) will more dear buy their next entrance, I hear since that most of the enemy's foot are run away, which were about five or six hundred; all their foot flung their Arms away, that they might run the lighter.  
Sir, Since I writ this Letter I am certainly informed, that there are above a 100 Cavaliers lying dead in Thor●high and Sausom woods, and Nottingham Coppice, the weather being so sharp that their wounds bled to death, and some of them starved with cold, and we have since found many of them dead in the Town that were wounded, and hid themselves in houses, and there bled to death; they have left many wounded all along the Towns as they dispersed themselves to their several Garrisons from whence they came. The greatness of their loss is more than yet we can discover, and what I have related to you is less than what we know to be true: we have some prisoners that were in the Parliaments service in Ireland, & are now taken with the enemy; I desire to know the pleasure of the House concerning them; whether they shall be tried by a Council of war, as runaways, or exchanged, because it may be our fortune to meet with more considerable men of the same kind.  
Your servant, J. H. Nottingham-Castle, Jan. 17. 1643.  
From all these plots, then, and most desperate and devilish designs of our restless rancourous adversaries, we may clearly see that of the Prophet Esay most eminently verified. 
Esa. 57 19, 20.  That it is the Lord alone, who is able to create peace and salvation to his people that are a far off, & to those that are near, evermore to heal and to help them. But, the wicked (as here we have seen in all these plots and desperate designs) are still like the troubled Sea, which cannot rest, but is evermore casting up mire and dirt. And therefore there is no peace (saith my God) to the wicked. But now to proceed.  
And here now I have thought fit to acquaint the Reader (though a little out of order, in respect of the day of the Month only) with the most admirable and blessed providence of the Lord, in stirring up the hearts of our loving and loyal Brethren of Scotland, 
Our Brethren of Scotland's first advance and coming into England for our assistance.  to such a pitch and height of Christian sympathising with us in our present pressing troubles and deep distractions, as to leave their own native Country, wives, children, kindred & estates, yea, their all, and to bring their lives in their hands, & to adventure their most precious heartblood for us and with us, in the godly vindication of our Religion, Laws & Liberties, & to help forward the happy reestablishment of Peace & Truth among us, which if rightly & seriously considered, is & aught to be most justly esteemed and accounted one of the richest & rarest temporal mercies that have from the first, 
What a rich & rare mercy this of our Brethren of Scotland's coming into England, is unto us.  or can to the last befall us; even a whole Kingdom or Nation, unanimously to combine and conjoin with us in this necessitated holy-war. O what sufficient thanks & praises is England ever able to retribute & repay to England's good God for it? O England, England, let this so rich, so rare a mercy, be never forgotten of thee; let those our loyal, our loving Scottish-brethrens, be ever most intimately & entirely beloved of thee. And now to the matter, which I shall succinctly deliver to the Reader in a full relation of our said loving Scottish-brethrens' march from Barwick to Newcastle, as it was printed and published by authority, which was as followeth.  

A full Relation of the SCOTS March from BARWICK to NEWCASTLE.  
THere is no cause why we should conceive that our Brethren of Scotland have delayed in any wise their coming, though they have not been here so soon as some expected, but rather that we should give God praise for their so soon and speedy march.  
First, Considering the great Army which they have raised, and provision for them, which to be done orderly, and by the brotherly assistance of that whole Kingdom, is a great work, and asketh long time.  
Secondly, Because they are not only aiding and assisting unto us, but also to our brethren of Ireland, who are brought to a very low, and most miserable condition, insomuch that informations from thence have certified the Kirke of Scotland, that 200. at the least of the Scots are starved to death in Ireland for want.  
Thirdly, Their chief Engineer hath form a new kind of great guns, never before discovered, which were made purposely for this design, above three quarters of a yard long, or some a yard, that will carry a twelve pound bullet, to do good execution at a good distance, and yet so framed, that a Horse may carry one of them, all which took up a great deal of time.  
Yet nevertheless, blessed be God, they are now come into England, their number being 18000 Foot, 3000 Horse, and between 4 and 500 Dragoneers, and they bring along with them 120 great Guns, and other train of Ammunition, very full and large, which came to Barwick by Sea, and there met the Army in a convenient time, and was prepared ready for them in their march.  
On Tuesday the 18 of January last, they marched to Barwick and that day was a sore day to them, by reason of great storms and Snow that fell all the day long, and yet such was their valiant resolution, and desire of expedition, that they came 18 Scotch miles that day to reach Barwick which is at the least, as much as three and twenty or four and twenty of our miles here.  
They billeted about Barwick that night and there received their train of Artillery, which they neglected not, though after so long and wearisome a day's journey, and the next day, being january the 19 they marched out of Barwick, one Regiment after another, as conveniently as they could obtain fit quarter in those parts.  
Our Brethren of Scotland brought along with them Printed Declarations of the Kingdom of Scotland, for information and satisfaction to their brethren of England, concerning their present expedition, viz.  
Whereas the greatest Questions that are like to arise in this business, may be deduced to these three particulars, viz. The justness of ourcause: The lawfulness of our calling thereto: And the faithfulness of carriages therein: our brethren of Scotland will hereby endeavour to give satisfaction in them all, and doubt not to do it, unless there remain some, whose inveterare malice hath produced in them a resolution to be unsatisfied.  
This their Declaration gave the Country so good satisfaction, that they found no opposition, and they do carry themselves so civil and well and without offering the least wrong to any, where they come, that the Country are exceeding glad of their being come.  
When the Messenger that brought the message to the Parliament yesterday, left the Scotch Army, which was on Wednesday last, than they were at Adestone, within some six miles from An wick in their march towards Newcastle, which is about some 28 English miles, and then a Letter was prepared to be sent to Colonel Glemham, the Governor of Newcastle, to require the delivery of the same up to the use of the Parliament, in England, and he doth verily believe that by this time they can give account of the same: for on Saturday last they intended to be before Newcastle.  
Colonel Glemham, it seems had marched out of Newcastle with a Partee, such strength as he could make; and the the Letters were delived to him, which came from our brethren of Scotland, sent from both the Chaire-men of the Committees of England and Scotland, which was very fair; and declared, that they did not desire blood, but to bring in those Delinquents to justice, who seek to divert his Majesty from the Parliament. The Letter was delivered to Colonel Glemham, and by him read to the Army then with him, which himself would not deny, but that it was very fair; and so made unto them three Propositions, at the reading of the said Letter.  
1. Whether the Country should be burnt up before them, and all destroyed and laid waist. To this it was answered, No, which they had reason so to do, because there were then present many of the Gentry of those parts, who had interest in the Land there.  
2. Whether they should oppose the Scots, and send them a denial. To which it was answered, that they were altogether unable to oppose them, because they being but two thousand Foot, and some few Horse, it would be in vain to stand against them.  
3. Whether an Answer should be retuned to the said Letters, To which some said, that it were best, First to send to the Earl of Newcastle, to know his mind: Others, that it was convenient, first to send to Oxford, before an answer be returned.  
The Messenger further reporteth, that as he sailed by the mouth of the Channel which leadeth to Newcastle, he saw some seven Ships or more, which seemed to be fraught, and upon inquiry, it was certified that they were laden with Malignants goods, supposed for Holland, whereof he gave notice to some Commanders under the Lord Admiral, who appointed eleven Ships to wait their coming out, and if they came not forth before Saturday, the day appoinappointed by our brethren of Scotland to be at Newcastle, then to fall in and steal upon them.  
Now that our brethren of Scotland may not be looked upon with the prejudice of strangers, we hope this firm Union of this mutual Covenant will bear it out: There is a Committee of our own Nation, the most of which are Parliament men, such to whom they have committed the trust and care of their Religion, Laws, and Liberties, joined with them, without whose concurrence, nothing that concerns us is to be transacted. And to free us of all unjust suspicion, which if our minds are not ready to conceive, yet the malicious mouths of our Adversaries, and theirs, are ready to suggest, that notwithstanding their Declaration they have some finister and secret ends, which may prove prejudicial to our Rights and Happiness: It is hereby made known to us, that they have freely engaged themselves, by an Article of the late Treaty betwixt the Nations, to give the public Faith of the Kingdom of Scotland, unto the Kingdom of England, that neither their entrance into, nor continuance in this Kingdom, shall be made use of to any other ends than expressed in the Covenant, and that Treaty subscribed to by the Commissioners of both Kingdoms, which they are resolved, to the honour of God, and of this Nation, to keep inviolate.  
And they declare, that they are so far from desiring harm or loss to any of their Brethren of England, that their sincere and real intentions are not to add fuel, nor bring oil, but water to extinguish these lamentable combustions and fires, which they have with so much duty and love laboured to quench: That their taking of Arms is not to make Wars (if they be not necessitated) but to obtain a better grounded and more durable Peace, for enjoying our Religion and Liberties in all the three Kingdoms: and that the wicked (who are the unworthy authors of all our troubles) being removed from our King, a right understanding may be ' established betwixt his Majesty and his people. And as they have solemnly sworn to protect all who shall adhere to this Covenant: So do they certainly expect, that all their Brethren in England, who are zealous for the true Protestant Religion, loyal to the King, and faithful for their Country, will join with them in procuring these just desires: which being obtained, they shall be most willing and ready to return to their Native Country, esteeming it their greatest happiness, that truth with Peace may be established in all his Majesty's Dominions.   
ANd here give me leave, good Reader, to add 2 or 3 things omitted in that former Relation, but very observable in their said March, 
Three or 4. memorable Contingents in the Scots March.  which were these.  
First, that on Thursday january the twenty fifth, their Army had a hard and difficult March, in respect of a very great thaw, 
1. A great thaw, much hindering the Scots march.  after much frost and snow upon the ground at that time, which so swollen the waters (whereof there were not a few in their way, that oftentimes it came up to the middle, and sometime to the armpits of their Foot, insomuch that the horse passed with little less difficulty; which though it was not without much hazard and danger, yet (blessed be God) without the least harm or damage to the meanest Soldier.  
Sir Thomas Glemham also did intend (to hinder the Scots March and advance forward) to cut Feltam-Bridge; 
2. A Bridge which would much have retarded the Scots March, not suffered to be cut down as intended.  but the Masons and workmen which he brought thither for that purpose, were so affrighted and amazed, by reason of the exclamation and execrations of the Country, women upon their knees, that while Sir Thomas went into a House to refresh himself, they all stole away, and before he could get them to return again, he received an alarm from the Scottish Horse, which made himself also to fly away with speed to Morpeth, but there also he stayed not long, but Marched to Newcastle.  
Also the great storm of Snow, which in, reason, the Scots could not but expect would encounter them in the way (especially at that time of the year) and might have killed many of their Foot, 
3. The contrary effects of the great Snow in the Scots march.  did not (by God's providence) hurt any of them: but chose did greatly hinder the enemy, from putting in execution their wicked resolutions, to plunder and drive away all the Cattle and goods, and burning up of all the Corn of the whole Country, where the Scots should pass, that so they might starve their Army.  
Lastly, that there was so great a Frost (the like whereof had not been seen in any man's memory in those parts) that in two nights, 
4. A remarkable hard Frost which helped all the Army over the river Tweed.  the River of Tweed freezed so strong and thick, as that the whole Army of our brethren the Scots and all their Ammunition which was at a place called Kelso, marched most safely, upon the ice, which otherwise could not possibly have come over the River in a long time after, and that with difficulty and danger too. But their forces have thus happily passed on to Alnwick, the Lord marquis of Argyle marched to Cocquet-Island, which was yielded to him at the first shot which they discharged against the Town, 
God's evident hand of good Providence going along with the Scots Army.  though they had 70 Soldiers within it, 7 pieces of brass Ordnance, and victuals almost for a year. And were not here remarkable testimonies and clear demonstrations of Gods special good hand of Providence, guiding and guarding this blessed Army so safely and securely, in so imminent and eminent dangers, and difficulties, as these were? Yes, most assuredly, and none, questionless, but a mere Mole-eyed Malignant, or open Atheist, can deny it. But to go● on.  
Shortly after our said Brethren of Scotland's arrival thus into the Kingdom, besides a most excellent satisfactory Declaration set forth and sent abroad in print by our said brethren, as was touched in the former relation of their march; 
A Declaration consented to, and confirmed by the Estates of England and Scotland.  There was also another Declaration, which had past the Convention of Estates in Scotland, (about the 28. or 29. of Jan. 1643) that was unanimously confirmed by our pious and prudent House of Commons in Parliament, and transmitted to the House of Lords, and by them also assented to: which in effect declared, who in both the Kingdoms should be received into mercy, and who not. viz.  
First, 
1.  all Papists in arms to be proceeded against for their lives, as Traitors, and their estates confiscate. The like for all Irish Rebels whom His Majesty doth entertain in these wars.  
Secondly, 
2.  None of the grand Incendiaries and fomenters of this war to have any mercy showed them, either for life or estate.  
Thirdly, 
3  That all such as have or shall refuse the Covenant, to have all their estates forthwith sequestered.  
Fourthly, 
4.  That such Noblemen, Knights, Gentlemen and others, that have been misled to take up arms against the Parliament, and shall return to the Parliament by the first of March, or to any part of their Armies, shall be protected as to his life and liberty; but as to his estate, a competency shall be allowed to him and his family, but a proportion must go out of it to help to satisfy the losses of others that have suffered, and to defray the charges of the Kingdom.  
And for the yet more happy completing of the Parliamentary mercies of this Month, 
Namptwhich most bravely relieved, and a most glorious victory obtained by Sir Tho. Fairfax and Sir Will● Brereton.  both privative and positive both by freedom from secret mischievous and treacherous plots and conspiracies, and thereby great dangers threatened; as also by many admirable and comfortable Victories and thereby sweet and sovereign blessings obtained: See here how in the very close and shutting up of this Month it pleased the Lord on the very night of this Month's Fastday, or Monthly Humiliation and seeking the Lord in the face of Christ, as a most immediate and gracious return of our prayers (a thing which I have all along observed in most of the Months of these our Parliamentary passages, in both the former parts of this our Parliamentary Chronicle) how it pleased the Lord, I say, as a blessed return of prayer, 
A retunr of Prayer.  to crown us in the conclusion of this month with a most memorable and almost incredible famous Victory (by God's almighty power and mercy) obtained by his ever to be honoured Instruments therein, those two renowned, valiant and victorious Commanders, Sir Thomas Fairfax, and Sir William Brereton, near Namptwich, against the Forces which came out of Ireland into those parts, and were then under the Command of bloody Bragadochio Sir john Byron, of whom we made mention before. The general report and relation whereof came unto us to London on the 3. 
The first relation of this famous victory came to London on the conclusion of this monthly fasts, ho●y duties.  of this instant january, 643 being the Monthly Fastday, at night, just about the time of the conclusion of the holy exercises of that day and which was by Letters confirmed more certainly & particularly the next day being Thursday, and Friday following: The substance and manner whereof was this. The English and Irish Forces which but a little before came out of Ireland, under the command of sir Michael Earnly, and several other Commanders, having laid siege to that brave and faithful Town of Namptwich, 
Namptwich 3. times assaulted, and the enemy most bravely repulsed.  (resolving it is probable to do some brave piece of service, at their first arrival into England,) had, therefore made three several onsets and assaults upon it, and were most bravely repulsed every time by Captain Booth, Governor of the Town, with great loss to the Enemy; Lieutenant Colonel Boughton, and four Captains more, besides many common Soldiers being there slain before the town. At last they hearing the advance of Sir Tho: and Sir William toward them to relieve the besieged, 
The siege raised.  they raised their siege from thence, and drew out their Forces upon a plain, near the Town, to give them b●ttell. 
The 2. Armies met and encountered each other.  Both Armies b●ing met, there continued a fierce encounter between them, which was very bravely performed on both sides for the space of two hours at least. At last, the enemy (God's providence so ordering it) began to give ground, which our as vigilant as valiant Commanders soon perceiving, were greatly encouraged thereat to animate and draw on their soldiers with the braver resolution. 
Bloody Byron, commander of the Horse first began to fly.  Sir Thomas Fairfax most magnanimiously charged their Horse, whereof bloody Byron was Commander, who not daring to stand to so fierce a shock, began first to fly, (mangre all his former lying vaunts over brave Sir William Brereton) our Horse valiantly pursuing the opportunity thereof, gave not over, till they had ●●terly routed their enemies, and dispersed and scattered all their Forces. The names of the Prisoners of eminency taken (all of them, 
Prisoners and prizes taken.  either Commanders of the English Forces in Ireland or native Irish-rebells) were Major General Gibson; Sir Richard Fleetwood, Major; Sir Michael Earnley; Sir Francis Butler, an Irish Rebel, Colonel Monck, Colonel Warren; Lieutenant Colonel Gibs, Sir Ralph Dames, Major Hamon; 14. Captains, 20. Lieutenants, 27. Ensigns, 3. Cornets, 4. Quarter-masters, 40. Drums, 4. Sergeants, 63. Corporals, 1700. Common-Souldiers, and above an 100 
Above an 100 Irish-Queanes with sharp & long Skeanes to cut throats.  wicked Women and Irish Queans, with long and sharp Skeanes, or Knives, to play the barbarous Cutthroats of such as they should have taken Prisoners, or were wounded, had they got the Victory; 6. Pieces of Ordnance, 4. Cannoneers, 27. Wagons, laden with very rich spoils, taken by the Irish-Forces, from the Inhabitants of those parts. Very many of them were slain on the Ground, and in the pursuit of them, among which, were, 
The slain on the Enemy's part.  Colonel Wane, a Lieutenant Colonel, 4. Captains; yea, and Sir Wil: Brereton in his own Letter to the Parliament, testifies, that there were about 2400. of the Enemies slain and taken Prisoners, in this Battle; and at the siege of Namptwich there were above 500 slain before the Town; and yet, that in all that siege the Town lost but 2. men in all.  
Boasting bloody Byron himself fled (like a cowardly beaten and bitten Dog, 
Bloody Byron fled to Oxford.  with his tail between his legs) to Oxford, there to brag how he had made noble Sir William Brereton fly, as his custom was; and to vapour of his happy victory, and good success he hath had since his former late inhuman butchery of Lancashire Forces: 
His lying brag retorted on him.  Herein still, the Lord most wisely and justly suiting his Divine dispensations to men's actions, and worthily repaying to the wicked a suitable and proportionable measure of justice and revenge.  
Of this, and all the rest of his rich and rare mercies, and wonderful Victories, and Deliverances, let our Wonderworking God alone, have all the most meritorious praise and glory. And accordingly, on the Friday following, which was the 2. of February, the pious and prudent House of Commons in Parliament, 
An Order of Parliament for solemn Thanksgiving to God, for this great vi●tory.  passed an Order to this effect, That on the next Lord's day, public thanks should be rendered unto Almighty God, both for the seasonable coming in of our faithful and loving brethren of Scotland to our assistance against the mighty Enemies of the Lord; for the good success of the Garrison of Nottingham, against Newcastles treacherous fraud and forces, together with the happy discovery and defeat of the several late plots of the Enemy against us, as was forementioned; and especially, for this last foresaid famous Victory of Sir Thomas Fairfax, and Sir William Brereton, against the English-Irish Forces in Cheshire; and it was Ordered therein also, that the said Order should be read by the Ministers of the several Congregations, in and about the Cities of London and Westminster, and that the names of all such Ministers as should refuse to publish the said Order should be returned to the Parliament.  
And here now I shall desire to cast Anchor again, 
A most grateful revise and review of all the most memorable Parliamentary mercies of this Month's Voyage.  and make a little stay of Contemplation, and grateful rumination, on the precious Traffic and rich Commodities of this Month's Voyage, wherein the godly Reader may see at a sight, and seeing, admire the great mercies of our good God, thus still carrying on his Ark, and causing it to over-top all the troublesome waves and winds of Malignity that have thus still bruisht and rushed against it, and bringing it home in safety to the Haven of this Month's end, fairly fraught with all these mercies.  
As first, 
1.  in raising up the spirits of the Swedes to interrupt the Auxiliary design of Denmark against England.  
In the taking of those two Houses, 
2.  Holts-House, and Bewley-House, two pernicious Kennels or Cages, for the King's Cormorants, those birds of Prey, to roost and nestle in, for the fitter falling upon the spoil and plunder of the people, and places near about them.  
In the happy and timely discovery of that pernicious plot of dividing the Parliament and City, 
3.  under the modest mask, forsooth, of pretended Peace, by Sir Basil Brook, Riley, and the rest; and the happy deliverance of those three honest and loyal Patriots of their Country in Gernsey, from the present Imprisonment, and intended future danger which they were in.  
In the happy taking into the Parliaments possession of Arundel-Castle, 
4.  by Sir William Waller, and his valiant Forces; besides a brave Ship full fraught with Arms, Ammunition, and other good Merchandizes.  
The most happy Harmony and union of Spirits, Love and Loyalty, 
5.  between the Parliament and City of London, most sweetly manifested in that famous invitation at Marchant-Taylors-Hall.  
In that most noble Defeat given to Sir Nicholas Byron, 
6.  by valiant Colonel Mitton; Sir john Gells valiant surprisal of Burton on Trent; and the taking of Hilsden-House, by the Parliaments Forces.  
In the happy discovery and disappointment of the base Plots, and treacherous designs of mischievous Major Ogle, both in endeavouring to sow the seeds of sedition in the City of London, by Master Nye, Master Goodwin, and other Independents; in the Plot against Windsor, and that also at Aylesbury; and the most happy preservation of Nottingham Town, and Castle, by loyal and valiant Colonel Hutchinson.  
The long desired and seasonable coming into this Kingdom, 
8.  of our loyal and loving Brethren of Scotland to our assistance, with a potent Army, to help to re-establish Peace and Truth among us.  
In the harmonious, 
9  pious, and prudent consent of the Commissioners and Estates of both Kingdoms, in a most excellent Declaration, for the just terror and trouble of our Popish and Atheistical Adversaries, as a condign punishment of their viperous insolences.  
And lastly, 
10.  in that most memorable and famous Victory which the Lord graciously vouchsafed to give unto his two faithful and magnanimous Joshuahs', Sir Thomas Fairfax, and Sir William Brereton, at Namptwich. All which admirable Parliamentary mercies being rightly reflected on, 
God's Ark over-topping the World's waves swelling.  and seriously considered of, with a truly pious, and grateful heart; who can choose but s●e, and say, God's Ark was here also triumphantly over-topping the World's waves and winds, fiercely raging and swelling. And upon the right and religious review thereof, who can, but in all bounden gratitude, with holy David break out into most thankful expressions of soul, and say, Ascribe unto the Lord (O happy England) ascribe unto the Lord glory and strength; 
Psal. 29. 1, 2, 3, 10.  ascribe unto the Lord the glory due unto his great name: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. For the voice of the Lord is upon the great waters, yea the Lord rideth upon many and mighty waters, as King for ever. And now to proceed.  
About the beginning of this month of February, 
February, 1643.  came certain advertisement by Letters out of Gloucestershire to London, that the ever to be renowned Commander Col. Massey, had lately before issued forth with a party of his Soldiers, 
Col. Massey surpriseth Sir Henry Talbot in his quarters  and had fallen upon Sir Henry Talbots quarters at Shepstow, where he surprised the said Colonel, 3 Captains, 3 Lieutenants, 3 Irish Reformadoes, Sergeant. Major Moor, besides 60 Common Soldiers, with much arms and ammunition, And that he had also the week before this sent out a Frigate man'd with his Garrison-souldiers, which took a Vessel going with supplies to the Enemy's forces at Worcester; 
And performeth other brave exploits.  the Bark was laden with Tobacco, and some ammunition, which was all brought into Gloucester for his own Soldiers. And it was likewise then confirmed, that divers parties of his Horse had taken divers Carriers going with several parcels of Gunpowder, and other Military necessaries to the Enemy; which he also disposed of to his own better uses.  
Also about the beginning of this instant Febr. 
Sir john Meldrum takes the Isle of Axholm  came certain intelligence from Sir john Meldrum, that brave, pious, and prudent Commander: that whereas a little before, some Frenchmen had treacherously betrayed about 20 of Sir John's Soldiers, and a Captain of his, together with divers well-affected Inhabitants of the Isle of Axholme, into the hands of Newcastles Cavaliers: Sir john, hereupon, resolved to go into that Island with a convenient party to repay that affront, and to give them their due desert for their said treachery: and about the 4. of February, Sir john approaching the Isle, 
The Island, prisoners and prizes taken.  most valiantly assaulted, and took the Royal Fort, or chief Defence of the said Island, which commands all the passages from Newark upon Trent; and that he purged the Island of all the Malignants therein, and took there about an hundred prisoners, most of them men of quality; 8 pieces of Ordnance, 300 Arms, and a Troop of Horse of Newcastles Cormorants; together with 5 Hoys upon the River, which were going forth with provision to Newcastles Army.  
Much also about the same time, 
A Council of State for all the 3 Kingdoms established.  our most pious and prudent Parliamentary Worthies, having long and divers times had much debate in both Houses, about a resolved Council of State, for the more sure & secret transacting and managing of the principal and most weighty affairs in and about all the three Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland; and having deliberated most seriously both of the persons, and power of those that were to be chosen thereunto; and after a most wise and discreet regulating thereof, so as that they may never commence nor determine a Peace without the House of Commons consent and good liking: They at last agreed, that all those personages which were nominated by the Lords, should be returned without any alteration, and so resolved to transmit the business to the Lords. The names of those that were to be of this Council, are these following: 
The names of the Council of State.  The Earl of Northumberland, the Earl of Essex, the Earl of Warwick, the Earl of Manchester, the Lord Viscount Say and Seal, the Lord Wharton, and the Lord Roberts. Of the house of Commons, Sir Gilbert Gerard, Sir William Waller, Sir Arthur Haslerigge, Sir William Armyne, Sir Henry Vane signior, Sir Henry Vane junior, Sir Philip Stapleton, Mr. Crew, Mr. St. john Solicitor, Mr. Brown, Mr. Glyn Recorder of London, Mr. Perpoint, and Mr. Wallop. And for the State and Kingdom of Scotland; the Lord Lowden, the Lord Maitland, Sir Archibold Johnstone, and Mr. Berkley. But shortly after, 
An ordinance of Parliament for the settling of the Council of State.  namely about the midst of this instant February, the Ordinance for the absolute settling of this great Council of State, passed both Houses with a joint concurrence in all particulars; both the time of their sitting, for three months, to advise, consult, order and direct concerning the Recruits, 
The main matter of this Council of State, and their place of meeting.  regulating, and government of the Armies, and concerning Treaties and Answers, and other the great affairs of the three Kingdoms. The names of the persons ye have had; their place of meeting was Derby-house in Chanel-row in Westminster. This piece of state-policy may, by God's mercy, (and hath already, as we have found by happy experience it hath and doth) produce much good to the whole three Kingdoms, and is, no doubt, a mighty terror and startling to the Enemies. God in his mercy go on still to direct them for the best advancement of his glory, and the blessed peace and welfare of the three Kingdoms.  
About th●5. 
A p●ot against Southampton discovered and prevented  of this instant, came certain intelligence by Letters to London, of another mischievous design plotted against the Town of Southampton, most happily discovered and prevented by the wisdom and loyalty (next under God) of Mr. Peter Murford Sergeant Major to Colonel Norton, the most noble and active Governor of the said Town. Which Letter containing the exact relation thereof, and having in it divers very observable passages, I have therefore thought fit, for the Readers better and more full content and satisfaction therein, here to insert verbatim, as it was printed and published by Order and Authority.  
A true Copy of Mr. Murfords Letter, touching the discovery of a new Plot against the Town of Southampton, by the King's Cormorants or Cavaliers.  
SIR,  
YOur Letter is come to my hands, which I take kindly from you: I should desire to exchange lines oftener with you; I thank you for your news. I had Letters this day from my Lord Admiral, for the Maria-Pinace to ride before this Town. We are yet in safety (blessed be God) but daily braved by the Enemy, yet hitherto they have not dared to fasten upon this Town: And I have observed, that they have never come before this place, or near it, but we have still worsted them; we have always taken prisoners, horses, arms, wounded or slain some of them. On Thursday last we took six men and Horse, whereof one was a Cornet. On Saturday we took two men, Horses and Arms, shot a Captain, who lies languishing at Rumsey, and wounded three men more. The Lord be still our defence and refuge, and give us thankful hearts for his preservation over us. This poor County of Hampshire having had its share of blood and misery, in this sad Tragedy of our Nation, that there is hardly left any thing for man or beast therein.  
I perceive you have received knowledge of a treacherous practice for the delivery of this Town, but lest you should be misinformed therein, I will give you a brief account thereof. Some few days before Christ-tide last, the Lord Hopton marched with his Army from Winchester, towards Southampton, with a purpose to face it, (as we were informed) but he came not within two Miles thereof, to outface it, but marched to Redbridge, (the way into the New Forest) broke it down to hinder us of Provision from thence; after so horrible an Act, he faced about, and marched to his old quarters again, without attempting any further achievement.  
The next day here arrived a Letter from one Mr. jasper Cornelius (sometimes an Attorney of this Town, but run away before my coming hither, for Malignancy) directed to Mr. R. Mason, a Merchant of this Town, intimating that this Cornelius was the day before with the Lord Hopton before this Town, and was the means of diverting the Lord Hoptons' intent of attempting this place, and tells Mr. Mason he had made choice of him to deliver an enclosed Letter to me, with all secrecy, which I received, (yet the said Cornelius was an unknown man to me) by his Letter he insinuates, that then was a fit time for me to do his Majesty good service, and that I was not the man I was formerly; meaning (as I conceived) that the government of this Town was imposed upon my honoured friend, Colonel Norton (which I long sued to be eased thereof) and by it he thought I was a disconted person, and so fit to be wrought upon; but he was deceived, I being never better pleased then to be eased of so great a burden, which I had borne long enough, (though it pleased his Excellency to require my service with a more suitable command to my disposition, made me Sergeant Major to Colonel Norton, which pleased me far better) after the receipt of this Letter, I instantly acquainted my Colonel and Master Mayor therewith, we all agreed I should show a seeming complying, the better to bottom their design, and to find out what malignant party they had made in this Town. I forthwith gave him a copy of a Character to explain his mind more fully. To which he replied, That by the command of his Superiors, he did in the name of His Majesty, and his Country, and two Lords (which he named) offer me a thousand pounds in money, a present employment of more value and honour, than at present I had, His Majesty's pardon under the great Seal, and his favour, if I would be a means to reduce the Town of Hampton to His Majesty; I returned a seeming complying Answer, and demanded the one thousand pounds in hand, or the moiety thereof, and assurance given me for the residue, the employment named, & the Pardon sent me; this performed, he should soon see what I would say to it. In the interim my Colonel acquainted my Lord General, and Sir William Waller, with the offer made by Cornelius; wherein I continued the Treaty to regain time, until Sir William Waller had finished his business at Arundel, and drawn his Army this way, and then to have drawn the Enemy hither, in hope of gaining this place, whilst Sir William might have fallen behind them in this place of advantage, and so to have deceived such treacherous corrupters. I continued the Treaty, until I had his Majesty's Sign Manual for a Pardon sent me, and afterwards the Pardon itself; but I could get no money, but strong engagements of honour to perform with me, when the work desired was effected. I whiled out a month's time with them, to the exchange of eight Letters, Master Robert Mason being still the man they employed to bring theirs, and receive my Letters, whom they had bound to secrecy by an Oath, before I knew thereof, who brought me the copy thereof, hoping to have gained me to the like, saying he had no engagement all this time on me, neither by protestation nor promise, to perform with them; and which I still delayed (which put the Projectors to a jealousy that I was not real all to them) yet to draw them still on, I framed some offers, in the nature of Articles, for myself and this Town (to which the Lord Hopton subscribed that upon his honour he would perform them:) but I still pressed for the money, but could not obtain it; they fearing I would Craford them as Poole did; yet Master Mason offered me to become bound for it, which I accepted of: but before he could perform, on Friday last was seven-night, he earnestly pressed me to declare my reality in the design. I saw the man in a distracted ecstasy, by his over-zealousnesse and rashness for them, having no assurance of me, my bowels pitied him, his wife, and many children, told him plainly, I never intended to be a villain and traitor, to betray a trust committed to me, and the lives and goods of so many innocent people to be made a prey to cruelty, and told him I have revealed it from the beginning to my Colonel.  
Then he begged I would conceal his name; I told him, I could not, but in compassion of his condition, gave him leave to go to his house (being but three Houses from mine,) in which time I went forthwith to acquaint my Colonel, with what had happened between Master Mason and myself; we concluded instantly to seize his person, and caused all the gates to be secured: but yet he escaped from us, and could not be found, although we searched carefully for him; since we hear he is at Winchester, and shall be preferred, and employed in matter of trust. In all the time of our Treaty, I could not discover that he had any confederates of any Townsmen with him, but had undertaken it, to carry it alone. But I was grieved, that I was conceived by the adverse part, to be a fit Instrument for them. But now they have tried me, I am confident, they will never do the like, but to revenge themselves on me: But I will to all the world declare, and maintain my faithfulness to my Country, and 'Cause I have undertaken, and clear my unfeigned reputation.  
Thus much I thought good to say unto you, that you may give a satisfactory testimony of that design in my behalf, if you hear it falsely reported. And I shall be ready to requite you, in vindicating of truth, and acknowledge myself,  
Southampton, Feb. 5. 1643. Your real friend, PET. MURFORD.  
About the 6. 
The impious- Oxonians being brought to a desperate condition, pretend propositions for Peace.  of this instant, came to the public knowledge of the City of London, and so to others in the Kingdom, a notable design from Oxford, namely, That in the latter end of january last, the pretended Parliament, or rather mischievous meeting of Popish, Atheistical, and Malignant fugitive Lords, and rotten Members of the most blessed Parliament at Westminster, (being brought into a desperate condition, by the happy and good success of our said Parliaments Forces against them) assembled themselves into a most illegal juggling junto, or accursed Conventicle at Oxford, and would needs there, 
A Letter sent to our Parliament, or rather to his Excelcelency the L. General, from Oxford.  forsooth, make a poor show of Propositions for Peace; And by their Lord General Ruthen, the Popish Earl of Forth, they contrived a Letter, which was signed by the Prince, the Duke of York, 44 of the foresaid conditioned Lords, and about an 100 rotten Commons; and was sent, as from Ruthen, to his Excellency, the Parliaments most noble and renowned Lord General, the magnanimous and heroic Eul of Essex; and in that Letter manifested their scornful esteem of our most renowned Parliament at Westminster, not allowing it so much as the name of a Parliament, which must needs argue a proper piece of intention really to advance a true Peace betwixt the King and his Parliament. Now hereupon the said Letter being by his Excellency communicated with the Parliament, they thought it not fit to take notice of the said Message; 
A Complimental Letter returned from his Excellency the L. Gen. with a Declaration, and the Covenant enclosed in it.  only it was consulted and resolved on by both Houses that my Lord General should be entreated to send a Compliment to the Earl of Forth, and to enclose the Covenant and Declaration agreed upon by both Kingdoms, in this Letter, which accordingly his Excellency performed, as followeth.  
His Excellency's Letter to the Earl of Forth, in answer to a Letter from Oxford, subscribed by the Prince, Duke of York, and divers Lords and Gentlemen at Oxford.  
My Lord:  
I Received this day a Letter of the 29. of this instant, from your Lordship, and therein a Parchment subscribed by the Prince, Duke of York, and divers Lords and Gentlemen: but it neither having address to the two houses of Parliament, nor therein there being any acknowledgement of them, I could not communicate it unto them. My Lord, the maintenance of the Parliament of England, and of the privileges thereof, is that for which we are all resolved to spend our blood, as being the foundation whereon all our Laws and Liberties are built. I send your Lordship herewith a national Covenant solemnly entered into by both Kingdoms of England and Scotland, and a Declaration passed by them both together, with another Declaration of the Kingdom of Scotland.  
I rest, Your Lordship's humble Servant, ESSEX. Essex-house, jan. 30. 1643.  
About the 9 
Malignant's estates and goods sequestered and sold away for the public use.  of this instant February, our most noble and renowned Patriots in Parliament resolved on the sequestering of the Estates of many grand Malignants and Incendiaries, and to order and dispose of their Estates for the public use. And they appointed a Committee accordingly to take order for the sequestrating of the Lands and Estates of the Earl of Berk-shire, (prisoner in the Tower) and that the same should be disposed of for the use of the public good. 
The Earl of Berks, The Earl of Carbery. Lord Aborthorum. Wa. Montague Lo. Cottington.  And the like for the estate of the Earl of Carbery, a great stickler for the adverse party in Wales; The Lord Aborthorum; Mr. Walter Montague, prisoner in the Tower; The Lord Cottington, that Spanish Don, and grand Incendiary of the Kingdom. And that all the goods and Chattels already sequestered, and to be sequestered, belonging to the aforesaid Lords and Gentlemen, should be forthwith sold, and the moneys made use of for the public service, and more especially for supplies for the Noble Lord Fairfax in Yorkshire. The like also for all the goods and chattels belonging to Sir John Banks Lord Chief Justice, 
Sir Io Banks. B. of Winchester B. of Armagh.  at Oxford. The like for the Bishop of Winchester; and the like for all the goods of all other Malignants, sequestered and being in Cambden-house in London, or elsewhere. As also the goods and whole estate in and about London, belonging to that unhappy and unholy Neuter or Ambo-dexter, Dr. Usher, Arch-Prelate of Armagh, resident at Oxford, 
A brief & bad memorial of the Archbish. of Armagh, D. Usher.  a man once, I confess, of good, yea of great esteem (like his apostate brother Dr. White, Bishop of Ely) in City and Country, both in England and Ireland; but at length, whose last days (hitherto) have proved his worst days; Of whom, one thing I may not here omit, to his eternal shame and ignominy; That upon debating of the business in Parliament concerning him, there was evidence given in to the Parliament against him, That upon the first framing of that pernicious Oath at Oxford, to enjoin all men to take up Arms against the Parliament; this sly Archbishop was a chief Agent, by his Episcopal rhetoric to persuade all men to take the said Oath; 
A most wicked imprecation of this Arch-Prelate of Armagh.  yea, and that he wished, they might all die in prison that refused to take it: & that divers who by his persuasions had taken it, were afterward much troubled in conscience, and some of them died in that condition, much perplexed and unsatisfied. A most sad and bad burden to lie on the Conscience of such an unholy and unhappy Instigator thereunto, whose perishing blood will (I fear) be one day severely required at his hands, without repentance.  
Also about the 10. of this instant, certain intelligence came out of Yorkshire, by Letters to London from the most Noble Lord Fairfax, of the taking of Burlington in the said County (the place where the Queen formerly landed, 
Burlington in Yorkshire taken by sir Wil constable.  when she unhappily returned out of Holland) by a party of Horse and Foot commanded by that valiant and virtuous Colonel Sir William Constable, who entered the Town in a full Career, took 250 Common-souldiers, besides Major New name the Governor of the Town, and divers other Officers, with 2 Drakes, and 500 Arms, besides other Ammunition. In this exploit, Major Briery, and Captain Bethel, the one in the Van, the other in the Rear, did singular good service, and put the Enemy into a great disorder. This place being within 6 miles of Scarborough, will make Sir Hugh Cholmley, that perfidious Apostate, to look about him. And very shortly after came farther intelligence of another notable Exploit performed by the said brave and valiant Commander Sir William Constable, 
Another brave exploit performed by sir Will. Constable at Driffle in Yorkshire.  who surprised a party of the Enemy at a place called Driffle, between Malton and Scarborough, where he took 300 of Newcastles Horse, Colonel Washington, one Serjeant-Major, three Captains, divers Officers, and about an hundred and sixty common Foot-soldiers, and routed another Regiment besides.  
Much about the same time came certain information by Letters from the Scotch Commissioners out of the North, That since our loyal and loving Brethren of Scotland's advance into this Kingdom, from Barwick toward Newcastle, 
The progress and success of our Brethren of Scotland in the North.  and their taking of Alnwick and Morpeth, the two only Towns of defence and strength 'twixt Barwick and Newcastle. That they also took the strong Island of Cocquet with about 200 men, and their Arms, 7 pieces of Ordnance, and other necessary martial provisions. Also that Colonel Grace (brother to the Lord Grace of Wark) with a Regiment of Horse came in unto the Army of our said brethren of Scotland, and most cheerfully took the Covenant; That they had rescued a head of cattle, which were driven away by the enemy toward Newcastle and that they most honestly restored them to the persons from whom they were taken; A notable act of justice; and that the Counties of Northumberland and Westmoreland most cordially came in and adhered to them. About the tenth of this instant, certain letters being intercepted were read in Parliament which came from the Lord Goring to the Lord Digby dated at Paris Feb. 7. 1643. The sum whereof in brief was this. That he hoped this Letter would have better success to come to the hands of his most blessed sacred Mistress, than his former Letters had; 
The Lord goring▪ Letter intercepted and read in Parliament.  That he was in nothing more happy than to be accounted a Traitor at London, considering his sacred Mistress had the same badge of honour stamped upon her before him; in whose service he professed he would be ever faithful to the quick; (and was not here think'st thou good Reader a pure and sure slave to Satan?) That the same morning he wrote this Letter, he was called to swear to be true to the two Crowns of England and France, and afterward was to dine with the King. And further specifying what foreign forces, arms and ammunition were in preparation to be sent into this Kingdom. And, said he (in this very expression) let my Mr. hang me, if I do not furnish him with arms, ammunition, etc. And concludes thus, that what he writes, they may believe to be as true as Gospel. This flashey letter of this old doting shameless Traitor, full (as ye see) of blasphemy and Treason, and so adjudged by the Parliament, they have ordered to be recorded, with an other former intercepted Letter of his, which will be sufficient evidences to make good their impeachment of high Treason against him. See here, then, good Reader, the good hand of God's wise and just providence, thus to discover the secret and slavish enemies of his Church and people. But to go on.  
Besides those former brave exploits of that pious, 
Divers noteble exploits of the Parliaments Forces, briefly remembered.  and prudent Commander, Colonel Sir William Constable aforesaid. There came certain intelligence to London much about the midst of this instant February, of divers other most valiant performances, and victorious atchivements of the Parliaments Forces in several other places, worthy our most thankful remembrance, both to God's glory, and the Instruments deserved praise.  
The first was performed by the brave and active well-deserving Garrison of Pool in Dorsetshire; 
Pools exploits.  who sallied out, and by an Ambuscado (their enemies own late Stratagem against Pool, with some little loss, not long before) they entrapped Colonel Windham, and about 7. or 8. score of his Horse, and slew his Lieutenant Colonel Barker, but the Colonel himself, with the rest of his men taken, as aforesaid, they carried Prisoners into Pool.  
A Party also of Warwick Garrison issuing out toward Stow on the Wold, 
Warwick-Castle.  in Gloucestershire, took a Cavalier Colonel, Prisoner, and about 30 good Horse with him.  
And here also I may most justly commemorate divers brave achievements of Sir Thomas Fairfax, 
Sir Tho. Fairfax his brave exploits.  that as famous as pious Commander in Cheshire, since his last great Victory at Namptwich, who most prosperously pursued his late Victory in those parts, took a strong hold called Keel-House; Another called Adlinton-House. Duddington also, belonging to sir Thomas Delves; And Crew-House, where he took an 150. Royalists Prisoners, and great store of Arms and Ammunition, together with Dorison-House, another strong Garrison of the Enemies, where he took 200. Prisoners, with good store of arms and ammunition.  
Derby Forces also having been two days before Kings-Mylus, 
Derby-Forces take Kings-Milus.  a very strong House of the Earl of Huntington's, near Wildon-Ferrey, upon the River of Trent, whereinto Colonel Hastings, alias Rob-Carryer, had put a Garrison of Soldiers, who much annoyed that part of the Country, but the House being very strong, their Ordnance did no great execution upon it. Whereupon that brave and most courageous and faithful Patriott, Sir john Gell, chose 5. men out of each of his Troops to storm it; who made such a desperate assault upon it, that they took this House with the loss only of three of his men, whence they brought 46. Prisoners, with their arms to Darbey; but Captain Daniel and his Lieutenant, they sent Prisoners to Nottingham-Castle.  
Lastly, 
The Lo: Fairfax & Sir William Constable take Whitby, a Haven-Town in Yorkshire.  that most noble and renowned successful Patriott of the Northern parts, the good Lord Fairfax, with his valiant Commander, sir William Constable, marched toward Whitby, a Haven-Town, in the farthest part of Yorkshire, with a very considerable Army; intending, if the Enemy would not deliver up the Town, to Storm it: For this Whitby was a very strong Garrison of the Earl of Newcastles: But the Enemy considering in what a condition they were, surrendered up the Town to the Lord Fairfax, wherein were above 500 Captains, Lieutenants, Commanders, Officers, and Common-souldiers; besides, at least 20. of the Commission of Array, 
The prizes taken.  and almost a 1000 Sailors, and Inhabitants of the Town; all which delivered up the Town, and with it themselves, to the said most noble Lords Service, together with 40. Vessels, greater and lesser, in the Haven. So this most Honourable Lord, with valiant sir William Constable, seized on all their Works, Ships, Ammunition, 500 Arms, many Barrels of Powder, Match, and other train of Artillery, and it was verily believed, about an hundred pieces of Ordnance in the ships, and on the Works, for the use of the Parliament.  
About the 16th. 
An Ordinance of Parliament for taking the Solemn Covenant over the whole Kingdom and Dominion of Wales.  of this instant February, 1643. an Ordinance of the Lords and Commons in Parliament, and instructions agreed upon by them, for the taking of the Solemn League and Covenant, throughout the whole Kingdom, (which we have formerly mentioned to have been solemnly taken by both Houses of Parliament, and in and about the whole Cities of London and Westminster) and the Dominion of Wales, was new Printed and published, together with a most emphatical and pathetical exhortation, 
An Emphatical Exhortation Printed therewith.  made by the Assembly of Divines (at the motion and desire of our most pious and prudent Parliamentary Worthies) for the more willing and cheerful taking thereof, and for the better and more full satisfaction of all such scruples as might arise thereupon; which was ordered to be taken after this manner. 
The order or manner of taking the solemn League or Covenant, as was prescribed by the Parliament.  The minister was first to read the whole Covenant distinctly and audibly in the Pulpit, and during the reading thereof the whole congregation to be uncovered, and at the end of his reading thereof, all to take it standing, lifting up their right hands bare, and then afterwards to subscribe it severally by writing their names (or their marks, to which their names were to be added) in a book or parchment-role, where-into the Covenant was to be inserted, purposely provided for that end, and to be kept as a record in the parish. After all which, there was also printed a Catalogue of the names of all such members of the House of Commons in Parliament, as had subscribed to, 
A Catalogue of the names of the Members of the House of Commons that took the Covenant at least, 228. at one time.  and taken the said Covenant, being then, 228. besides the Lords in the House of Peers and divers others of the Lord● and Commons, who being employed about the weighty affairs of the Commonwealth in remote parts of the Kingdom and so could not subscribe with the rest. A most fair and sweet encouragement for all other persons in the Kingdom, not only to subscribe, but to keep their Covenant, having the Pattern and Precedent of so many worthy, and pious Patriotts, set before them in so glorious and religious an Action, which is not only lawful, but (all things considered) exceeding expedient, and necessary for all that wish well to true Religion, the King and Kingdom to join in, and to be as a singular pledge of God's mercy and goodness to all the three Kingdoms.  
About the aforesaid time also came certain Intelligence by Letters to the Parliament, 
The proceedings of our brethren of Scotland about Newcastle.  of the proceedings of our loyal and loving brethren of Scotland, about Newcastle, who (as it was credibly and constantly informed) had then gained a Sense, and the main Outworks, with the loss of about 14. of their men; whereof a Captain, a Lieutenant, and a Sergeant of Colonel Linseyes' Regiment, were slain. That General Lesleys Son, a brave and valiant young Gentleman, had beaten 14. Troops of the Popish Army into the Town again, 
A Summons sent to Newcastle, and the answer thereunto.  without the loss of a man, and took two of their men Prisoners; who protested that the marquis himself was (then) in the Town, and that the Lord Widdrington, General King, and Sir Tho. Glemham, were there also: The probability whereof will appear by an Answer returned from the Town to a Summons which the Committee of both Kingdoms sent to the Town of Newcastle, which was as followeth.  
The copy of the Summons sent by the Committee of both Kingdoms, to the Town of Newcastle.  
Right Wor: and loving friends:  
Our appearance here in this posture, through misinformations and misunderstandings, may occasion strange thoughts in you. If we had opportunity of speech with you, (which we hereby desire, and offer to you) it is not impossible, that as we hold out the same ends, viz. the preservation of Religion, the King's true honour and happiness, the public peace and liberty of his dominions: so we might agree on the same way to promote them. If you yield to this motion, you shall find us ready to do our parts therein: but if worse counsel take place with you, and parley be rejected, although you will be unjust (thereby) to yourselves, yet we have reason to expect you should be so just to us, as to acquit us of the guilt of those manifold inconveniences and calamities which may be the fruits of those forcible ways, you will thereby constrain is to. We desire your present Answer.  
Subscribed the 3d. of Febr. 1643. By the Warrant and in the name of the Committees, and Commissioners of both Kingdoms, By us,  
Your friends, 

ARGILE,  
WILLIAM ARMINE.    
The Answer of the Town of Newcastle to the Summons of the Committee of both Kingdoms.  
My Lord,  
WE have received a Letter of such a nature from you, that we cannot give you any answer to it more than this; That his Majesty's General being at this instant in the Town, We conceive all the power of Government to be in him: But were he not, you cannot sure, conceive us so ill read in these proceedings of yours, as to Treat with you, for your satisfaction in these particulars you write of; nor by any Treaty to betray the Trust reposed in us; or forfeit our Allegiance to His Majesty: For whose Honour and preservation, together with the Religion and Laws of this Kingdom, we intent to hazard our lives and fortunes, and so we rest,  
Your Servants, 

John Morley, Mayor.  
Nic. Cole,  
Tho. Liddle,  
Lionel Madison,  
Alexander Davison, etc.   Subscribed by us, Febr. the 3d. 1643. in the names of the Common-council, and the rest of the Inhabitants of the Town of Newcastle.  
Shortly after these things the valiant Scots having gained (as was forementioned) the Sc●nce and out works of the Town, 
The Scots proceedings after the foresaid answer.  they rested not satisfied thus, but sent out a strong party and gained also the keels or Lighters and small boats between Stella and Newcastle and so made a bridge three miles above Newcastle toward Newboln over Tyne, and shortly after, their grand Brigade of the Scots army marched over to besiege Newcastle on the Southside and also to cut off all supplies from his Majesty and the Irish-rebells and rogues, his best beloved subjects. And thus was the invincible Popish army of the North of England, beleaguered in a small compass and cut off from all manner of relief, where for a season, we will leave them, till a farther and fitter occasion to make farther mention of their proceedings, for this our Parliamentary Chronicles intentions and purposes.  
And thus we see, by God's good providence that the North was in a very fair way of being totally regained to a right understanding of the state of things; which will yet further appear more probable if we here also consider the wonderful good success of the most noble and ever to be honoured and renowned Lord Fairfax, 
Sir William Constables most successful proceedings in the North.  who had about this time enlarged his quarters from Hull 20. miles towards Durham, and by a party of horse commanded by that valiant victorious and religious Commander Sir William Constable, drove that rotten apostate Sir Hugh Cholmley out of Scarbrough Town into the Castle, which caused such an operation in the hearts of the inhabitants of Whitby, as that they were soon and surely reduced and settled (as you already heard in part they were) to the Parliaments side, and presently after seized on Sir Hugh's great House and Fort on the High-Clift, disarmed his garrison, and so kept it for the Lord Fairfax who afterwards sent 200. horse, the better to secure it. This most valorous and virtuous Gentleman Sr. William Constable stayed not here but advanced toward York and beat up one of the enemy's quarters, near Malton within twelve miles of York, who gave an alarm to their head quarters, where there were 400. foot and 16. troops of horse all put into order to charge; but Sr. William with twelve troops of horse most courageously charged them, 
A brave victory obtained by Sir William Constable at York.  routed them, and took these prisoners following, viz. Lieut. Colonel Washington, Major Grace, Capt. john Vavazer, Capt. Newsteed, Capt. Witnell, Capt. Corsfield, Lieutenant Tuffni, three Lieutenants of horse, 5. Cornets, 3. quarter-masters, 3. Corporals, 2. Trumpets, one minister (or hedge-priest) 175. foot, and 300 horse: and thus this noble Lord Fairfax, shortly after became Master of the whole East-riding of Yorkshire.  
The Kings Oxonian Councillors or rather (Conventiclers and devouring Cormorants, having had a deep design by that late conquered and quelled bloody Byron, forementioned; namely, with his so great a strength, which was also to be augmented in Cheshire by very many Irish-rebells, to be then shortly landed at Milford Haven, and thus I say, with a very strong army of those Irish-Rebells, Welsh Papists, and viperons Malignants, to have put a stop to the Scots army in the North (but I say, 
A plot or design against our brethren of Scotland most happily frustrated.  Byron was conquered by that most brave defeat, as you have already heard, given him at the raising of the siege at Namptwich by those two famous Commanders, Sir Thomas Fairfax and Sir William Brereton) Prince Robber also with all the forces he could collect and make up, was to meet them at their rendezvous in the said County-Palatine of Chester. About twelve ships fraught with Irish Rebels were to have been landed at Milford Haven, but most valiant and courageous Capt. Swanley, having by God's good providence put into the said haven, 
Milford-haven won by brave Capt. Swanley.  was first possessed thereof before they came thither, and when they came, most bravely beat them all off again from landing there, only a part of 2. regiments landed afterward at Bewmorice, for whose safe conduct a regiment of horse was sent from Prince Plunderer (who went in person toward Chester with what forces could be spared to help to maintain the foresaid design, 
Prince Robber helps on the design.  and there he sent out a most base and bloody warrant up and down that County, to summon all that were able to come in unto them, to join with him in that wicked design, and for those that refused, this was to be their punishment, viz. To look for no mercy, but speedily to expect fire and sword. Whereby he compelled many for fear to march with him into Shropshire) but that brave, magnanimous, and active Commander Colonel Mitton, timely understanding thereof, fell upon some of their quarters, and after a short skrimish without any considerable loss to himself, 
Col. Mitton most bravely beats him  routed a whole regiment of them, took about 60. horse, two of Sr. Rich. Fleetwoods' sons, Commanders in that regiment, and other officers, 50. foot-soldiers prisoners, an 100 arms: And thus partly, and especially, by those two noble Commanders Sir Tho. Fairfax and Sir William Brereton; 
Prisoners taken.  partly by Capt. Swanley and partly also by this defeat of brave Colonel Mitton, this their great and wicked design was (by God's great mercy) quite broken in pieces, and came to nought. 
The County Palatine of Chester much aimed at by the King.  And thus also was this poor County-Palatine of Chester (upon which the king's eye was more fastened, to fix and augment strong forces there, for the greater advancement of this and his other great designs, than on any one County in the kingdom: Witness his first sending thither that Cow-stealer, the unsuccessful atheistical Lord Capell, who was soon beaten thence; Then Sergeant Major Willis, surprised by Colonel Mitton; Then the bloody Lord Byron, beaten as aforesaid; And after all these pilfering▪ Prince Robber himself, 〈◊〉, as you have heard by the said most valiant Colonel Mitton. Thus was this County, at last, brought into a more quiet and stable condition, ever praised and blessed be the Lord our good God for it.  
About the 16. of this instant Feb. 1643. there was a conference between both the Houses of Parliament, which was managed by the noble and truly pious Earl of Manchester; the effect whereof was this. 
Care taken in Parliament for settling of Church government.  That whereas there were divers inconveniences and great disturbances, begun to be brewing and already raised, and likely to grow much greater (if not timely prevented) in the City of London by reason of many unhappy differences of opinions in matters of Religion, by Anabaptists, Antinomians, and such like; the honourable Peers did therefore desire that both Houses would join together in sending to the Assembly of Divines, to expedite their care in settling of Church-Government, with as much speed as conveniently might be▪ and in the mean time an Order was drawn up to be sent to the Lord Major of London, 
Care taken about Preachers in London.  which was also read in the Churches; Wherein, it was desired that special care might be taken that none did Preach in any Church, but such as the Minister or the Pastor thereof, ●hall answer for their Doctrines delivered, if justly questioned; of which therefore all Ministers especially were to be very careful. A course marvellous fit to be put in execution, lest if such Tares take root it might cost more care and toil to pluck them up and root them out (and thereby also endanger the pulling up of the good corn) which by a timely prevention might be easily remedied and better Ordered.  
About the 18. of this instant came certain Intelligence by Letters from Northampton to London, that a partee of Horse was lately before sent out from thence upon a design within three miles of Banbury, 
Northampton garrisons good success.  where they had Intelligence that Captain Farmer (son to Sir Hutton Farmer, a great Royalist) was quartered with his Troops; who coming suddenly into the same Town, they took the said Captain and above 40. 
Captain Farmer taken prisoner.  horse, divers Commanders, Officers and common soldiers, with some Arms, and brought them all safely into Northampton. Thus our hopes of prosperous success (through God's assistance) do still increase, there having scarcely one day past (about this time of the year) for above a month together, wherein we have not had comfortable tidings and certain relation of good service done by the Parliaments forces at Northampton, 
A brief, but good and grateful note.  Warwicke-Castle, and other parts: Let God have all the glory even the Lord of hosts, who only is the giver of all victories.  
About the 20th of this instant came certain intelligence by letters from Hull, 
The noble Lord Fairfax his brave victory about Hull.  That the noble and ever to be honoured and loved Lord Fairfax, with a sufficient party, issued out of Hull upon the enemy's quarters routed 3. Regiments of their horse, took 300. of them in the fight, above an 170 prisoners, slew 50 on the ground, and took divers Captains and Commanders.  
And that the most notorious Prince of Robbers (or as now the King hath made him, 
Pool Garrison took 3000. l. of Prince Robbers going to Waymouth.  the Duke of Cumberland or Plunderland, call him what you please) having got together (among all his great and rich pillage and plunder) and sent about 3000. l. in gold and silver toward Waymouth, intending (as was conceived) to pass it away by Sea, into his own Country; but the brave Garrison of Poole (I call it a Garrison, but may indeed call and count it an Army, for its Valour and Vigilancy, it having equalled if not transcended some of our great bodies, this last winter, in Martial exploits; having had private Intelligence thereof, watched them narrowly, and at a fit opportunity fell upon the convoy thereof near unto Dorchester, surprised them and all their Horse, Arms, and Ammunition, and bravely took from them the said 3000. l. in gold and silver, and carried all away with them to Pool: a brave and sudden unexpected accommodation to Valiant Captain Bingham, to be employed for the use of his Forces in the said Town.  
About the 24. 
A most dangerous plot against Nottingham Town and Castle discovered.  of this instant also came most certain information by Letters from Nottingham to London, of a most admirable and marvellous deliverance of the said Town and Castle, from a most bloody plot, intended against it, by the King's base and bloody Cormorants; and also a very great Victory obtained by the Town and Castle upon the said Enemies on the happy discovery thereof, which was thus related.  
Some Horses laden with sacks went from Newcastle toward Nottingham, 
Cavaliers in women's apparel.  and about 30. Cavaliers or treacherous Cormorants with them, some of them in the habits of plain Country men, others of them like unto homely country-women, in women's apparel, (see here the devilish audacity and craft of the sons of darkness) who all with great confidence and undaunted audaciousness, passed thus along as if they had been going to Nottingham Market; but coming to the Court of Guard, they were examined, and made answer, That they had brought corn to sell in the Market: But it pleased God that some of the Soldiers perceived something to stick out in the supposed women's bosoms, which bred an occasion of some mistrust; and the Captain of the Guard being there, and taking it into consideration, 
Sacks of Corn turned into powder, pistols and match.  he caused the women to be laid hold on, and to be searched, and withal bad the seeming Countrymen to shut out the corn, in a place which he had appointed them, and promised to pay for it, which they could no ways avoid, but go they must, though but with heavy hearts; in which mean time the women were searched, who, in the search proved men, and every one of them provided of his weapon, 
The cavalerian treacherous Metamorphosis discovered.  under their coats (which, it seems, was that which stuck out so) and the pretended sacks of corn being emptied, were found to be powder, Pistols, and Match. Hereupon these cozening Cormorants were further examined, but were very unwilling to confess the Plot for all this, only they said they were sent as Spies from Newark, but the prudent Governor (before whom they were now brought) seriously examining the business, and being too old a bird to be caught or cozened with such chaff, 
The Governor of Nottingham threats the cavalerian cormorants the rack, to confess the plot.  took match and caused their fingers to be tied therewith, and told them what they must trust to, except they would speedily discover the Plot. Hereupon they fearing presently to be trust up, protested, they would make the Plot fully, and faithfully, known unto them, that they were sorry they were so unfortunate to go about so wicked a design, and confessed as follows. That in the night these Cormorants, and ten more, 
The confession & discovery of the plot by the enemies themselves.  being in all about 40. in number, should with their pistols and other weapons have fallen upon the Court of guard on a sudden, and so put them all to the sword, at which time a party of horse and foot should be ready to march into the Town, and put all to the sword that stirred to make any the least resistance, and thus to take all into their own hands, and they assured them that the said strength of horse and foot would certainly be there that night. Whereupon the most valiant and vigilant Governor being not a little joyful, 
Preparation to encounter the enemy by night.  that it had thus graciously pleased the Lord to discover this plot, prepared that night for the enemies coming, and had provided a strength to be ready at the time appointed, who (just accordingly as 't was made known) came that night, and being discovered by Nottingham forces, our men courageously issued out and set upon them, speedily put them to the rout and retreat, took prisoners between 2 and 300 of them, 
A brave victory obtained against the enemy, beside the discovery and defeat of their plot.  and had they not wheeled about so soon; there could scarce have a man of them escaped them; the rest fled away in great disorder, some swum over the river, to save their lives for haste, others betook them to horse back, some to hedges, to hide themselves for the time, and there were afterward about an 100 found dead in the river, who it seems were in their hasty flight drowned; and our men took above 300 Arms, and many Horse; besides the admirable and blessed deliverance from this base Plot, and their barbarous intended cruelty therein.  
And here, good Reader, I may very fitly (there not having fallen out any other matter of great concernment, this month) cast Anchor, and give our Ark a little rest in the harbour of this Mount-Ararat, 
A summary recital and grateful review of all this Months Parliamentary mercies.  a little while to recollect our serious thoughts and most grateful recogitations and summary reperusalls of all the most excellent and eminent mercies and rich Parliamentary-merchandizes of this months prosperous Voyage through the boisterous and billowing Ocean of our Kingdoms sad intestine bloody distractions and disturbances. As namely,  
First, in reciting renowned Col. Massyes' brave surprisal of Colonel Sir Henry Talbot in his Quarters, with the brave prizes and purchase obtained thereby.  
In valiant and virtuous Sir john Meldrums, taking of the Isle of Axholme, in Yorkshire.  
The happy, prudent, and politic establishment of a Council of State, for the more suit and secret managing of the most important affairs of all the three Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland.  
The happy and timely discovery of the dangerous plot against Southampton.  
The nullifying, and foolifying of the Oxonian Propositions for a falsely pretended Peace, thereby to have retarded, and prejudiced the Parliaments proceedings; together with the sequestering and selling away of Malignants goods, for the public use, immediately thereupon settled and resolved on.  
The many various and victorious defeats and performances of the Parliaments Forces, both by the noble and renowned Lord Fairfaix, Sir William Constable in the North; and the rest of the Parliaments Forces in the Western parts of the Kingdom; interception of dangerous Letters to the State, and other successful enterprises.  
The happy and holy resolution of our most famous Parliamentary Statists, in confirming and expatiating the progress of the Solemn-League, or Covenant, throughout the whole Kingdom of England, and Dominions of Wales, to be taken by all, of all sorts of people, in Cities, or Country's within their power and jurisdiction.  
In the singular good success yet further enlarged by the good hand of God unto us in the North, by Sir William Constable, at Sea, by Captain Swanley at Milford-Haven; by Colonel Mitton, and the mighty preservation of Cheshire.  
The pious and prudent care taken by our Religious Parliamentary Senators for the regulating of the Government of the Church, and about Preachers in London.  
And lastly, in the good success of our Parliamentary Forces in Northampton, York, Pool, and the marvellous deliverance of Nottingham Town and Castle, from that most desperate and deep design by the Royal Cormorants; together with the brave Victory which God gave unto ours there, immediately upon the discovery of that pestilent Plot.  
All which religiously recollected, and wisely reviewed, will amount to thus much, even a copious Cornucopia, of rare and fair Mercies of the Lord, still continued, and enlarged to worthless, and wretched England, a scelerous and very sinful Nation; yet, I say, all these precious particulars abundantly declaring and clearing the truth of all herein intended; 
God's Ark over-topping the world's waves swelling.  namely, How our God hath most graciously and gloriously caused this his dear Darling, his holy Ark, his precious Cause (thus maintained by our ever blessed Parliamentary Worthies) to over-top, and safely rise, and ride above all the world's boisterous and swelling Waves, still struggling and striving to overturn it. And therefore plentiful enough to cause us all to confess, with holy Moses, 
Exod. 19 4.  That we have all seen what the Lord hath done to our Egyptian Malignants; and how he hath born us up with Eagles wings, and brought us so near unto himself. And therefore, with the pious Prophet, most gratefully and graciously to acknowledge; That all these Mercies come forth from the Lord of Host, 
Esay 28. 29.  who is wonderful in Counsel, and most excellent in working wonders. And now to proceed.  
Thus having a little here made a stay, 
March. 1643.  and refreshed our Wether beaten Bark, and in some measure fitted it for this next succeeding Months Voyage; I shall now cheerfully put forth again, and launch into the Main. And first of all acquaint the Reader, that about the beginning of this instant March, 
A return of Prayer.  (as a happy return of Prayer, on the last Month day of Humiliation) came certain intelligence, 
Biddle-house taken by Sir Tho. Fairfax and valiant Col. Ridgley.  that Bidle-house upon the edge of Staffordshire, and near Cheshire, was taken, or rather, with discretion surrendered, to that most famous and faithful Commander, Sir Thomas Fairefax, and that most valiant and loyal Patriot, Col. Ridgeley; which house was of so great consequence, that by this means, all the Moore-Landers are freed from the great annoyance of a vexatious Enemy, 
The Prisoners & prizes taken  and in a condition to assist their neighbour Cheshire. In which foresaid House, were also taken the Lord Brereton, (who was supposed to be taken before, but it was a mere mistake) and with him 4 Colonels, 200 Common-Souldiers, 500 Arms, and great store of riches, Plate, Gold, and Silver.  
Also that the Forces of our most renowned Lord General (whom 
His Excellency the Lord Generals just praises.  we may very fitly Parallel with that famous old Roman Commander, Fabius, Hanibals sore Antagonist; Of whom for his prudence, and providence, it was said by Cicero, that famous Roman Orator, Vnus homo nobis cunctando restituit ●om. 
Grave Maurice Prince of Orange this wise Martial Maxim.  Or to that most renowned old Prince of Orange, Grave Maurice, who was never rash in any attempt, or weighty enterprise he undertook; yet ever for the greatest part most victorious) but like a grave and discreet General, still pondered how he might win, and not lose, I mean, any of his Soldiers: For, he never accounted that Commander valorous, who had not more care of his Soldiers, than of his Towns, Forts, or Castles, which either he took, or kept; but would, as near as might be, make both sure: So, I say, this our most noble Lord General hath all along, most prudently carried on all his great designs with like wisdom and Martial moderation and discretion; and about this time, his Forces about Alesbury and Newport-pannell performed a most excellent piece of Service, under the command of renowned and active Colonel Cromwell, and Colonel Craford, without the loss of any one man slain on ou● side, 
Hilsey-house in Buckingham shire, taken.  at Hilsey-house, when they took Sir Arthur Denton, Colonel Smith, and divers other Gentlemen of quality, together with an 100 Horse, and about 300 Soldiers, whereof there were about 150 Walloons and Frenchmen, such a pack of bloody Villains, that the world hardly had the like, they having committed many great Robberies in those parts; all which Walloons therefore and Frenchmen had no quarter given them, but were put to the Sword, as they most worthily deserved.  
And since the taking of this Hilsey-house, 
The Princes Troop surprised about Banbury by Northampton Forces. Another return of Prayer  we were credibly informed, that the brave Garrison of Northampton went out with a Party, and faced Banbury, and thereabout surprised all, or the greatest part of the Prince's Troop, and brought them safe to Northampton.  
About the second also of this instant (as another rich return of Prayer, even within two days after the last Monthly Fastday) came certain Intelligence by Letters out of Yorkshire to London, of a brave Victory obtained (through the mercy of our good God) by that valiant Commander, Colonel Lambert, under the command of Sir Thomas Fairfax, 
Colonel lambert's brave victory obtained at Bradford.  in the West-Riding of Yorkshire, not far from Bradford; where the Bradford Garrison understanding, that Colonel Lambert advanced that way, to reduce that Town to the Service of the Parliament, they presently sent intelligence of this his resolution to York, as also of the weakness of this Colonel's condition: whereupon a commanded power of Horse and Foot (led by Colonel john Bellasis, Governor of York) far exceeding Colonel Lambert's Forces (at least three to one) in number, 
The unequality of their Forces.  was forthwith dispatched to relieve them. In brief, both parties faced each other, not far from Bradford, and Colonel Lambert's Forces though less in number, did exceed in valour (for, indeed, as reverend Master jenkin's, Pastor of Christ-Church in London, sweetly said, 
Mr. jenkin's, Pastor of Christ-Church in London, his excellent saying.  We have oftentimes known that God hath had too many to fight his battles, but never too few) and the encounter grew exceeding hot; and for 7 hour's space, the thundering disputation was fiercely continued; at length (by God's great mercy) Colonel Lambert perceived he had the better of his enemies; but yet, his necessity was such, that for want of Powder, he knew not what to do; for, none of his Soldiers had, at the most, above two charges left. Hereupon, 
The great straits Colonel Lambert's Forces were put unto  a Council of War was suddenly called, and as suddenly it was agreed, that before they would offer any pa●ley to the enemy, the Horse should charge once more; which, in that desperate exigence, was performed with such undaunted courage, and resolution of spirit that the Enemy's Horse not able to withstand the shock, 
A very furious fight.  began a little to give ground, which our Cavalry soon observing, they followed the advantage, with so much impregnable courage, that they forced them to a very disorderly retreat, and our Foot taking notice of the brave action and advantage their Horse had gotten, 
The admirable courage of our horse and foot  as valiantly charged the body of the enemy's Infantry, who perceiving their own Horse to abandon them, began to leave the Field, and swiftly to retire toward York, even with what confused speed they possibly could. 
The enemies fly.  The brave successful Colonel Lambert could not follow them in pursue, by reason of the great want of Powder, in which at that present he was. 
The prisoners taken and the slain.   
But he took Prisoners in the fight, Colonel Sir john Girlington, and divers other Officers in Arms, and persons of quality, and about an 100 common Soldiers; Colonel Bellasies himself being shrewdly put to the switch and Spur to escape; there were above an hundred slain in the place. And thus this valiant Colonel Lambert after this defeat, and brave Victory so fortunately achieved, presently entered into Bradford, and re-garrisoned it for the use of the Parliament.  
About the 5 or 6 of this instant March, 1643. came certain Intelligence, by Letters out of Leicestshire, to London, that Colonel Hastings (that noble, or rather, notable Thief) having intelligence, that according to the direction of the Parliament, 
The Covenant taken in Leicester.  the national Covenant was taking throughout that County, and to that purpose, that there were Summons of all the Clergymen, Churchwardens, and other Officers, to come in to Leicester, to take the Covenant, whither accordingly they came, for two or three days together, with much freeness and cheerfulness; 
Col. Hastings molests their proceedings therein.  whereof, I say, Hastings having notice, he with 4 Troops, from Bever-Worton-house, coursed about the Country, as far as Dunton, and Litherworth, and took near upon an 100 of the Clerg●emen, and others, and carried them Prisoners to a Town called Hinckley, intending to have carried them to Ashby-de-la-Zouch, etc. using them very coursely, and threatening to hang all them that should take the Parliaments Covenant; 
His outrages in the Country.  nor were they content with this, but roving up and down the Country, they took away about 80, Kine, Oxen, and Horse from the poor Country people, and one Master Warner, a godly Minister whom they much abused, threatening to hang him. But the intelligence of these things coming to Leicestor, and they (most justly) very ill resenting these outrages, 
Leicester Town hears thereof and sets out against Hastings.  and cruelties, lost no time, but though all their horse were gone to Newark, yet they resolved, every private man, to spare his own horse, and so sent away presently, an 120 of the Foot Soldiers, and some 30 Troopers that lay at Bagworth-house, to keep it from the enemy, under the command of Colonel Grace, whom the Lord Grace had made Governor of Leicester.  
These their Forces being upon their March toward Hinkley, 
They marched that night suddenly to Hinkley against the enemy.  so well ordered the matter, that about eight of the clock that night, they fell most valiantly on them in their quarters, undiscovered, took the Enemy's Scouts, and without much resistance took the outworks, and a piece of Ordnance, and there performed their work also with so good success, that they presently; entered the Town, 
God gives ours a brave victory and booty at the Town of Hinkley.  killed one of the Enemy's Captains, named Man-waring, and four or five more of their Soldiers, wounded 9 or 10 of them very sorely, presently routed them all, took two of their Lieutenants, one Quartermaster, one Ensign, 45 Prisoners, and 140 Horse, with their Arms, released all the Country men, rescued all the Cattle, and restored them to the right owners, and so returned home safe with this victory and booty, the next day being Shro●e-Teusday (as then they called it.) None of Leicester men were slain in this defeat, only 4 wounded, whereof one was casually hurt by Colonel Grace, because he forgot their Word in the fight, 
Our word and the Enemy's word.  which was, God prosper us; the Enemy's Word being, For the King. But that which makes this exploit●the more remarkable was, that the Enemy was between 4 and 500 strong, as was credibly informed) and ours not above 200 at the most. Our men went on most courageously in all the Service, and had they not been too greedy of the prey, we had mere taken them all. And therefore desire to ascribe all the honour to God alone.  
And about the same time also came certain intelligence to London, 
Sir john Stowell slain near Southampton.  that valiant and vigilant Colonel Norton had takes several prisoners in his parts about Southampton, and slain divers of the seulking enemies, among whom Sir john Stowell was slain in the place.  
About the 18th of this instant came yet farther intelligence by letters out of Yorkshire to London, 
Another brave prize taken by Col. Lambert.  that, that brave and valiant commander Col: Lambert (since his late famous victory at Bradford) hearing that a party were gathering against him to oppose him, in the West-riding of Yorkshire, be drew out his forces to meet them, and discovering the enemy near Kirkelesse consisting of about 11. troops of horse of the Earl of Newcastles, as good as they could make up for the design: Col. Lambert presently drew out a small party, which he sent upon the forlorn hope to draw the enemy into a noose, 
Colonel Lambert his politic stratagem to ensnare the Enemy.  who discovering only a small party of our men, they marched toward them. Hereupon our men began to retreat, the enemy followed; In which interim, brave Colonel Lambert having wisely carried the business, had plac●d a party on each side of the enemy, so as they were surrounded ere they were aware. Whereupon, with very little harm the valiant Colonel surprised and cooped them up on three sides, and there being a river on the fourth side, they all became his prisoners irresistibly, save only two or three who adventured to swim over the river, who whether they were drowned or not was uncertain, for the river was deep and dangerous; The noble Colonel took prisoners at this time, 4. Lieut. Colonels and Sergeant Majors, 7. Captains, 11. Cornets, 300. soldiers and other officers, with other purchase and prizes which the enemy had pillaged in the Country; a sore pull from them, and a fair strengthening of us, blessed be the Lord for it. And about the very same time we had certain knowledge that Sir William Constable 
Sir Wil Constable takes Chester bridge and Stamford bridge.  that most pious and prudent commander, and one Captain Carter had with a very small and unconsiderable loss taken two bridges, in the East-Riding of Yorkshire, both of them very considerable places for their designs, the one called Chester-bridge and the other was Stamford-bridge; with them they took also divers prisoners and three pieces of ordnance there.  
Much also about the same time came credible information to London, that a party of Colonel Weights horse from Burley-House in 
Col. Weight at Burley House.  Rutlandshire, went out suddenly toward Beaver-castle, intelligence having been given them of a troop of horse quartered a mile off from the castle. Whereupon they with the best preparation they could make of sadle-horses and others for dragoones (the most part of their garrison troupers, being then out in the service at Newarke siege, with Sir john Meldrum) they fell on them in their quarters, 
The prize taken.  took divers of them prisoners, and then went nearer the castle took thence 20. fat oxen and at least 200. fat sheep and brought them all away safely with them to Burley-House.  
And much about the foresaid time, we were for certain informed, at London, that divers ships at sea, full fraught with Irish-bloody-rebells bound for Westchester, 
About a 1500. Irish rogues cast away in a storm at sea.  met with a great storm (by God's justice and good providence) which so violently tossed and shattered them, that at least a full regiment consisting of 1500. were cast away and drenched and drowned in the salt streams of the sea, as they had destroyed others in the gory streams of their blood at land. And about the same time it was informed most infallibly, that the noble garrisons of Pool and Warham beat upon the then ignoble Weathercock, 
A land storm also destroyed them from Pool and Wareham garrisons.  the Lord Inchiquins' regiment of Irish bloody Rascals in Dorsetshire with a fierce land-storme, where they took divers prisoners 2. pieces of ordnance, killed very many of them, fired their magazine, and returned victoriously and safely home again.  
About the 10th of this Instant March, came information from Southampton, that a party of Sir Ralph Hoptons' horse came and faced that Town; Whereupon the brave and valiant Governor thereof, Colonel Norton sent out some forces against them, 
Col. Norton at Southampton.  who came forth and faced them also, whiles other some of his forces had placed themselves in some advantageous ambuscadoes, and upon the engagement of the rest in fight, came upon the rear of Hoptons' forces, beat them sound, took about at least 80. of them prisoners, among whom were 2. Cornets and other officers, whom they safely carried into Southampton.  
And that most loyal and magnanimous commander, 
Sir Wil Belfore in Hampshire.  Sir William Belfore had performed much good service against the enemy, near Basing-house in Hampshire, where he defeated a party of Basin forces which sallied out of the said House and fell upon his infantry in their marching that way; But Sir William's horse wheeling about and coming in the rear of them, killed 20. on the place, routed 200. horse and took many prisoners, whereof some were men of quality. After which he advanced to Newberry and took possession of the Town, which the enemy's garrison (understanding of his coming toward them) had quite quitted upon his approach thither; at which time he was about 5000. strong in horse and foot.  
And about the same time came certain intelligence from foreign parts (which I here mention, as having reference to our present affairs in England) that on the last Monthly fast day of Febr. 
CHARLES' Prince Elector Palatine took the Covenant in Holland.  last, 1643. which was also kept at Delft in Holland (the same day that ours was in England) by the English Inhabitants and Merchants there residing; and that the Prince Elector Palatine, CHARLES, subscribed the Solemine-League or Covenant, entered into by the Kingdoms of England and Scotland, and which had been sent over and ordered by the Parliament to be taken by all the English in all those Provinces; and that many also of the Court in Holland have done the like; Also that the Swedes had about that time taken the King of Denmark's castle of Elsenburge, which guards the Sound on Norway side; and that they had then also taken two Danish ships with 1200. of the king of Denmark's soldiers. And (which is of greatest concernment and most remarkable) that the Swedes were then expediting an Embassy to the Parliament of England, 
The Swedes also desire to associate with England against Rome.  wherein they desired (the first motion whereof we touched before) that they might associate themselves with the kingdoms of England and Scotland for the mutual defence of one another in point of the Protestant religion against the Popish party, in any part of the world. Thus good Reader, we see still daily, how the kingdom of Antichrist, like Saul's house, decays and decreases more and more; and therefore how justly and joyfully we may and must expect the House of David to increase, 
The House of Saul decreases and the House of David increases.  flourish and prevail in all parts of the earth, and thereby our glorious hopes more sweetly and firmly to be lifted up in expectation of the most happy, holy Halcyon days of the Church of Christ in this last age of the world: Amen, and Amen.  
About the 12. of this instant came farther intelligence also out of Yorkshire, That the most noble Lord Fairfax did still enlarge his quarters in those parts; 
Sir William Constable still victorious.  and that his two most valiant Champions, Colonel Sir William Constable and Colonel Lambert grew more and more prosperous and victorious: And in particular, that Colonel Constable marching to York, quartered at a place called Pocklington, and from thence to the enemy's quarters, and faced their Garrison at Tadcaster-Bridge, within ten miles of York, on the East side, 
Tadcaster taken.  fell valiantly on the Enemies, and in short time took it; In which Garrison he took 10 Captains, Lieutenants, and Commissioners of Array, besides other Officers about 200 Soldiers, 300 Arms, 3 pieces of Ordnance, 14 Barrels of powder, besides match and other good prizes.  
Much about this time, 
The good effects of the Parliaments Declaration to summon in delinquents from Oxford.  the Declaration of both Kingdoms, for the coming in of the Oxford party by the first of March, 1643. had a great influence upon many of the more ingenuous, moderate, and discreet delinquents among them, so as divers of note and quality came in before, and some ●ince the time assigned, and very willingly took the Solemn League and Covenant: Some of the most considerable of whom, I have here thought fit to express by name, viz. The Earl of Westmoreland, the Earl of Monmouth, the Earl of Thanet, 
The names of reclaimed Delinquents.  Sir Francis L●e, one of the Gentlemen of the King's Bedchamber, the Lord Paget, who went to Warwick-Castle, the Earl of Carlisle, Sir Anthony Ashley-Cooper, Baronet, high Sheriff of Dorsetshire and Governor of Weymouth, Sir Edward Deering, Sir john Evelin of Hampshire, Sir john Evelin of Surrey, Sir William Acton, an Alderman of London, Mr. Roger Pits, Mr. Mason, Mr. Carpenter and many other, most of them men of eminency and great Estates, who came to London and took the Covenant; besides many who had submitted themselves to the Parliaments Garrisons, at Northampton, Warwick and other places, too numerous to be here particularised; and many more would fain have come away thence, had they not taken such a strict course in all the King's Quarters to retain and restrain them, by setting up Gibbets at Oxford and threatening them most terribly with no less than hanging if they 
Gallows set up at Oxford to deter men from falling off from the King's party.  were taken in any such defection. Here also I conceive it not unfit (but in much pertinent measure consonant to these our Parliamentary mercies) to make mention of that most vile and base Athesticall defection of that most ignoble and perjured Knight, Sir Richard Geenvile, which, I say, may justly come in as no small mercy to us, in regard of the great design of the Parliament, 
Sir Rich. Greenvile his base defection from us, a great mercy to us.  (about that time) against the enemies thereof, a mercy, I say, that he went then away (since he was so rotten at the core, and had so false a heart to the State and Parliament) so soon, when as he did us so little hurt, where as had he stayed till our Forces had gone into the Field, and had been to join in Battle with the Enemy, (as not long after they did) he might (especially being then also in such an eminent place of power and trust in the Army) 
Sir Faithless Fortescue fitly remembered here.  like his brother in iniquity, Sir Faithless Fortescue at Edgehill Battle, he might, I say, have done us a far greater mischief in the fight, than he did by this his base flight. But for this his so wicked and unworthy tergiversation, he was followed with a most just reward; for upon the 15. of this instant March, being Friday, according to an Order of the Council of War, 
2 Gibbets erected to Sir R. Greenviles' eternal infamy.  there were two Gibbets erected, the one over against the Royal Exchange in Cornhill in London, and the other in the Palace yard at Westminster, whereat Proclamation was made by the Provost Martial, and trumpeters of his Excellency's Army, declaring Sir Richard Grinvile (that grand Apostate and Renegado of England) a Traiter unto the Kingdom; which Proclamation was fixed upon both the foresaid Gibbets, in writing, in the words following.  

Whereas Richard Greenvile, 
A Copy of the Proclamation fixed on the gibbets aforesaid.  hath of late presented his Service unto the Parliament, and hath been entertained by the Parliament as a Colonel of a Regiment of Horse. And whereas the said Greenvile contrary to his promise, engagement, and honour of a Soldier, hath basely, unworthily, and faithlesly deserted the said service, and feloniously carried away the money, paid unto him in regard of the said Service. These are to proclaim the said Richard Greenvile, Traitor, Rogue, Villain and Schellum, not only uncapable of military employment, but of all acquaintance and conversation with men of honesty and honour: And this Proclamation in the mean time to be nailed on the gallows, whilst it shall please God to deliver the said Greenvile into the hands of justice, that he himself may supply the room of this Proclamation.  
Done this 15. of March 1643.   
Much also about the same time, 
The Parliaments most godly care taken for the pious institution of the King's children at Saint james.  by an Ordinance of Parliament there was again, farther Order taken (besides what I have already mentioned, herein, before) for the more holy and happy institution and education of his Majesties two children at St. James', where several new Officers and Attendants were appointed to wait on the Duke of Gloucester and the Princess Elizabeth, as namely, reverend, religious, and learned Mr. torshel to be Household Chaplain; and that truly pious and gracious Gentleman Mr Humphries to be Mr. comptroller, etc. and that those which were Malignant, corrupt and Popishly affected, should be quite displaced and removed thence, and the former Prelatical Priests to be also utterly cashiered, and in their stead, reverend and truly pious and Orthodoxly learned Mr. Stephen Martial, Mr. jeremiah Whitaker, Mr. caryl, Mr. Obadiah Sedgewick, and Mr. William Spurstow were assigned to preach constantly by turns before them, thus by God's gracious assistance and special blessing to instill holy and wholesome principles into their Princely hearts.  
About the 16. of this instant came certain Intelligence by Letters 
Bredport and much good prize taken by brave Capt. Thomas Pyne.  from Lime to London, that besides that former gallant exploit of the Garrison of Lime in Dorsetshire, in taking of the Town of Bredport, and between an 120 and 140 horse, and good store of Arms, Ammunition, pillage, and many prisoners; which exploit was performed by that much to be renowned and most valiant and wise Commander Captain Thomas Pyne, 
Pines of Lime in Dorsetshire, Captain Tho. Pyne of Lime in Dorsetshire his most worthy praise.  whom fame hath not in any thing so much injured, as that his name and honour hath been till now, retarded and kept under a cloud of silence; both in his accompanying the several precedent achievements, of that brave and famous Garrison, wherein he, under God, hath had a special interest. This most Loyal and active Commander, I say since the taking of Bredport issued out of Lyme with a party of horse and dragoones, against the enemy in their garrison at Burley-House, within seven miles of Lyme, 
Burleigh-house near Lime in Dorsetshire, taken.  belonging to Count Arundel, a rand Papist, which House is very strongly situated, with a fair moat about it, and 2. pieces of ordnance in it. Yet notwithstanding, by assault, these valiant assailants entered the same, took above 50 prisoner's (whom they carried to Lyme the rest escaped) the said two pieces of ordnance also, and presently put a garrison of their own men into it, of about 200 men to defend and maintane the same by means whereof they compelled contribution from at least 11 adjacent parishes which before paid the King's Army, besides Bredport within a mile thereof.  
Much also about the same time, namely, the midst of this instant March, 
An extract out of the relation of the brave reducing and securing Pembrookeshire to the Parliament, by that renowned Sea Commander, Cap. Swanley, written more at large elsewhere by Cap. Will: Smith, Vice-Admiral in the same Voyage.  1643. came certain information, by Letters out of Wales, and especially, about the County of Pembroke, that, that most loyal, courageous, and successful Captain, and Commander by Sea, pious Captain Swanley, with certain good Ships arrived, by God's good providence, in Milford-haven, on the coasts of Wales, where at their arrival, they found at Anchor, in the Haven, the Globe of Bristol, and a small Ship, which arrived there in Milford about 8 days before they came in, and had brought from Bristol; Ammunition to fortify the Harbour, both great Guns, Powder, Bullet, and other provisions, and had landed them, where after some opposition by the Enemy against them, and many shot exchanged on both sides, the Admiral with the joint consent of the rest of the Commanders, built a Fort on the Southside of the said Harbour over against the pill (where the Enemy was fortified on the North side of the Harbour) and placed therein a Demi-canon, wherewith they played into the Enemy's Works, which proved a great encouragement un to many in the County (when they heard of it) to adhere unto the well-affected party, who at that time were very weak and inconsiderable.  
This Fleet being thus safely settled in the Harbour, Colonel Laughorne, a pious and singularly well-affected Gentleman of that County, together with the Mayor of Pembroke, 
Colonel Laughorne and the Mayor of Pembroke come aboard the Leopard.  a very religious Gentleman also, came aboard the Leopard, and informed the Admiral with the feeble condition, the well-affected party was in, in those parts; as also of the strength, power, and insolency of the adverse party. For, after the enemy had Fortified the Northside of the Harbour, they intended also to have fortified the Southside within a day or two after, had not this their arrival thus happily frustrated that design of the Enemies; and then how difficult (if not impossible) the entrance into that Haven had been, any one may judge.  
The Earl of Carbery had voted (they mightily presuming on their strength, 
The Earl of Carberies pride and menacing insolences.  and fearless of all opposition, the Haven being once so fortified) he would plunder the Town of Pembroke, and the houses of the Gentlemen, who had in any measure adhered to the Parliaments Party, and that their persons should be put to death by cruel tortures; and the Mayor of Pembroke (they gave out) should be put into a barrel of nails, and brought to Prikspill, and from the top of a hill should be rolled down into the Sea. Which report so terrified the Gentlemen of the County, that they fled from their houses, and hid themselves in obscure places in disguises, and sent their wives and children to Tynby, where this Atheistical Lord lay, humbly to supplicate his Mercy and protection; Among whom there was a reverend aged Gentlewoman, the wife of one Master Griffith White, 
A remarkable passage full of serious note and compassion.  who had in her house 8 Sons, and 8 Daughters, who were Virgins, and four small grandchildren, in all twenty in number, with divers Servants both Male and Female. This Gentlewoman pressing his Lordship to commiserate her sad estate, in case her house should be plundered, desiring his protection; His Lordship replied, he would grant her none; The Gentlewoman with tears in her eyes desired his Lordship to look on her Children, who, in point of honour, he stood engaged to protect, as also the Chastity of Matrons, and Virgins; the which without his Lordship's protection, she said, would undoubtedly be violated, and her Family perish. To which his Atheistical Lordship replied, with divers reproaches, and some jests among, That it were better her Children and Family should perish, than that the the King should want means to perfect his designs; To which she said, his Majesty could not want, if he would be graciously pleased to be content with what God, 
The inhuman carriage of the Earl of Carbery toward a grave Gentlewoman.  and the Laws have provided: At which his Lordship flung out of the room, leaving the Gentlewoman with tears in her eyes, and so she was fain to depart to her house, full of grief and pensive thoughts. A passage of so barbarous a deportment of a Lord to a grave Gentlewoman, that I believe, History can scarce Parallel to have proceeded from any Heathen.  
The lamentable condition of the well-affected, 
What strength the well-affected Party in Pem: were able to raise to defend themselves.  being by the Admiral and Commanders discussed and disputed; It was demanded of Colonel Laughorne, and the Mayor of Pembroke, what Force the well-affected party was able to raise to oppose his Lordship; It was by them replied, that they could not raise above 40 Horse, and about 60 Foot: Then it was demanded, in case there should be 200. Seamen landed, well armed, whether they would join with them, and be active and resolute in their own defence against this insolent Lord, otherwise, they must prepare to go away with the Fleet.  
The Colonel and Mayor with the well-affected Gentry, 
The brave resolution of the well-affected in Pembrookeshire.  like gallant men, who had rather die, than outlive the honour and happiness of their Country, resolved cheerfully and faithfully to put themselves under the providence of the Almighty, and with the help of the Seamen, to affront the Enemy, which was without delay put in execution, and speedily and undauntedly fell upon the Garrison of the Enemies, in a strong hold called Stockpoole, the Manor-house of one Master Roger Lort, on which our great Guns having made a breach, after 8 hours' assault they took, with the loss of two of their men, and many wounded on both sides. Then they fell on another Garrison of the Enemies, called Treffloyne, within a mile of Tynby, 
The victorious beginnings & progress of the noble Captain Swanley and his Company.  out of which Town the Earl of Carbery issued with about 200 Horse and Foot, intending to have relieved the said Garrison, with whom he faced our Forces, but at whom they let fly a Piece of Ordnance, whereat his Lordship wheeled about with all his Forces, and swiftly ran into the Town. Our Forces prosecuting their former assault upon the Garrison, took it, and therein 45 Horse, and 150 Arms, with the loss of two men more on our side, & six on the Enemies. God having given them this good success, they retired to Pembroke, to refresh their men, and enable themselves for a more potent design on the Enemy, intending to oppose the whole body of them, which consisted of about at least 1200. horse and foot; but the Earl hearing of this design, and though he had fortified Haverford-West which was their rendevouz, and where most of his strength was placed, his Lordship like a valiant Commander with 20 horse, 
A brave trick of a Welsh commander in chief.  some foot and 4 field pieces, ran away, telling the rest of the commanders that he road unto the adjacent Counties to raise more forces, and that he would suddenly return.  
Now when our men had refreshed themselves, they marched forth with six field pieces mounted on their carriages, with wagons to convey their ammunition and victuals, 
A strong Fort at the pill taken.  and now resolved first to fall on the Fort at the pill, which they bravely assaulting both by land & by water, with their ordnance, they at last entered the Fort by force, which the enemy perceiving cried quarter, which was granted though they little deserved it, as who had formerly vowed that if they proved conquerors, they would kill the dogs, and ravish the bitches, and drown the whelps, (meaning us, and the inhabitants their adversaries,) most inhuman language, only fit for the barbarous and blasphemous Imps of the Beast of Rome. In this Fort we took 200. 
The prize taken in the fort  arms, 18. pieces of ordnance; 240. soldiers, 26. commanders, and two good ships, the Globe of Bristol forementioned, wherein were twelve pieces of ordnance and another ship called the Providence. This brave victory was only the gift of God unto us, and the purchase of his own strong arm, to him alone therefore be all the praise and glory; for in this fight and victory we lost not a man of our side, either by sword or shot. When the enemy was routed some of their soldiers fled to Haverford-West, and informed the commanders there of the loss of the Fort, and that all their commanders and soldiers therein were taken prisoners. 
Sir Henry Vaughan and the rest of his r●ut, their brave deportment on the knowledge of our victory.  At which news (it was credibly reported) Sir Henry Vaughan with the rest of the commanders began to rage, rav●, and swear like mad men; and as bears robbed of their whelps, ran up and down the streets, crying out, beat up the drums, gather our horse and foot together, for we will out this night and be revenged on these Round headed Parliament dogs; and having with this bravado drawn their forces into a body, being about 450.; Sir john Stepney, 
Sir John Stepney an exquisite welsh-Survey: our.  the governor of the Town, like a prudent Surveyer, and provident overseer, went into the Churchyard, to see if he could discern our forces to approach toward Haverford-West, and instantly about half a mile from the Town, he discovered a herd of black bullocks coming toward him in the field: Those horned beasts all in a cluster, so amazed this wise knight and brave soldier, 
A herd of black Bullocks, mistaken for an army of men.  that being afraid of his own shadow, his worship in his valour ran to the head of their forces, and swore by Gods-wounds, the Round-headed dogs were coming; at which report, they all marched out of the Town, and calling to mind the late valiant example of their brave L. General Carberry, they wheeled about and ran away. 
The marvellous pretty effects of the Welshmen's fears.  The boys of the Town perceiving them to run, fell on the rear and took from them 60, muskets; this disorder in the rear made those in the front believe that the Roundheads indeed, were close at their heels, and the pitiful and panic fear thereof metamorphosed all our Cozen-Taffees into nimble Mercuries, with winged speed enforcing every man to fly for his life: some threw away their arms for h●st, and those that had the charge of the powder flung it into the river, that so the Roundheads might make no use of it against them; and in this manner and by this means was the Town of Haverford-West surrendered unto us. That saying of wise King Solomon, 
Levit. 26. 17.  or rather of God himself, Solomon's teacher, 
Prov. 28. 1.  being here most truly verified. The wicked flieth when no man pursueth him; whereas the righteous is as bold as a Lyon. When the enemy fled out of this Town they left behind them at least an 100 
Haverford-west strangely taken without looking for (as yet) or fight for.  red coats which had never been worn: a good quantity of victuals and ten pieces of ordnance all which argued they wanted nothing but a good conscience, and a good cause to maintain.  
Thence our forces marched (being plentifully replenished and furnished with all necessaries) toward Tynby, whither they being come they presently summoned the Town to be surrendered to them, 
Our forces marched toward Tynby & summon it.  but the governor returned a negative answer; hereupon we advised and required them to send out of the Town all the women and children, assuring them that unless they did comply and that speedily, they would in discharge of their duty, use their utmost endeavour to force them thereunto; In all which we receiving no satisfaction from the Governor or Mayor of the Town, our men fell to playing on the Town with their ordnance, both by sea, and by land, both our seamen and landmen performing admirable good service, and the Town also maintaining the assaults with brave resolution, 
Admirable resolution in the assaulting of Tynby on both sides.  as ours more bravely assaulted them even to the face of death and danger. Commissary Guine the Governor of the Town, showed himself indeed to be a man of an undaunted spirit, issuing out of the Town, and bringing up his small shot, and making good their own ambuscadoes; 
Commissary Guyne, a stout soldier, but a desperate enemy to God's Cause.  but his hot valour exposed the Town to unavoidable misery, by his furious vowing he would neither give nor take quarter; whereby he forced himself into much danger, for leading on his men to face our small shot, who plied their muskets so thick and nimbly, that his men forsook him, and himself received a shot under his right pap, which enforced him to retreat, who was no sooner entered the Town, 
The enemy's Mr Gunner slain.  but the master Gunner thereof was also slain. In all which brave and resolute fight, we must not omit to manifest the high praise of God's providence toward us; for our small shot having forced the enemy out of their ambuscadoes, 
The rare providence of God over ou● men.  pursued them close to the Town-gate, their gunner having laden a piece of ordnance with case-shot, and watching for such an opportunity, having also travised the gun said to those that stood by, Now you shall see me make a slaughter of these Roundheads, 
Harm watch, harm catch.  at which word a small shot from our forces hit him on the head, after which he never spoke word more, but died instantly; which fall of his so daunted the enemy, both commanders and soldiers, that forthwith they cried out for quarter, and so we by God's mighty mercy and goodness obtained the Town of Tynby, 
Tynby taken though of almost impregnable strength. The prize taken.  which was held by the judgement of the most judicious, almost impregnable, it being not to be entered but by single file. In this Town we took 3 or 400 prisoners, as many arms, 7 pieces of ordnance, all which were taken on Saturday March the 9 1643 and on the Lords day, March the 10. Carew-castle was also surrendered unto ours; 
Carew Castle taken.  and therein also was happily consummated the total subduing of all the malignant and insulting party in the whole County of Pembroke. We took from the Earl of Carbery and his complices in this action, 
A sum of the total Victory over the Earl of Carbury.  4 castles, 53 pieces of ordnance, about 6 or 700 soldiers, as many arms, and the whole County, I say, of Pembroke subdued, who thereupon most unanimously took the Covenant to stand to God's cause for the King and Parliament. In all which the Lord of hosts gave his servants the victory over his and their enemies, and gives us all therein, just cause to put our confidence in him, and in that comfortable ejaculation of holy David to exult and say. By this we know that thou, Lord favourest us, in that thou hast not suffered our enemies to triumph over us. And now to proceed.  
About the foresaid 16 or 17 of March also, came true information of more very good success with our ships at Sea, about the Isle of Garnsey, performed and obtained by Captain jordan, who went out with a squadron of ships well man'd (a part of brave 
Capt. Jordanes good success at sea, chase the Earl of Marlbrough the king's admiral.  Captain Swanlyes fleet, before famously mentioned) to beat the Earl of Malborough, the Admiral of the King's fleet at Sea, who was gone to those parts of Garnsey and jersie, to get soldiers for the King's Service, which yet he could not effect, as he hoped; and at last, Captain Jordan understood that the Earl was got to St. Mallows, whither he thereupon set sail, and came to Cape Tryhull, whence he chased two Vessels, the bigger of them fleeting towards Saint Mallows, 
Two ships taken at sea, with their prizes.  he took by the way, which had been a ship belonging to Lyme, and was bound for Topsham, laden with Canvas cloth, wine, etc. of burden an 110 tuns, and bearing 13 pieces of Ordnance: The other ship was chased by Captain Thomas, who forced her on shore, and the next day got her off, being also laden with Canvas, and belonging unto and bound for Topsham, of 36 tuns, and she being shot between wind and water, they unladed her goods into their own Ships. 
Two ships more & their prizes taken.  The next day plying the Cape aforesaid, they took two Barks more of Topsham, laden with woollen cloth, Iron, Train Oil, etc. bound for Saint Mallows, of 30 tun a piece, and of value able to defray the whole charge of the ships then in company. But the Earl having got into Saint Mallows they could not reach him, nor durst he stir forth all the time of their waiting for him there, and so they miss of that hoped opportunity to have bickered with him.  
About the 18th. of this instant came certain information by Letters from Gloucester, that although the ammunition, intended for Gloucester could not wholly be conveyed thither with safety, by reason of the great party of the Enemies thereabout, yet that Colonel Massey, 
Glocesters' good condition.  that most famous Commander, having sent an express to the Earl of Denby, Sir Thomas Fairfax, and Colonel Bear, That he was able by God's assistance, to keep the Town 6. months longer; yea, though he were closely besieged, and that therefore, if any design or opportunity were offered them, he prayed they would pursue it. Since which time neither of those brave Commanders had been without action, and for confirmation thereof, besides their former services, 
Col. Bears brave defeat given to the Earl of Northampton at Cambden.  it was particularly advertised by several Letters, That the valiant Commander, Colonel Bear having intelligence of a Regiment of the Earl of Northamptons', quartered at Cambden, in Gloucestershire, he drew forth a Party of his Horse, who fell upon the Enemy there, routed the whole Regiment, took 80 Horse, about 10 Officers, whereof one was a Major, and 2 Captains, 2 Horse Colours, and 5 Foot Ensigns, an 100 Prisoners, much Arms and Ammunition, and pursued them as far as Burford in Oxfordshire, and afterward brought the Prisoners, and Prize to Warwick-castle.  
About the 20 th'. 
Col. Massey still victorious.  of this instant, also we had certain intelligence by more Letters from Gloucester, that, that valiant, faithful and renowned Gentlemen Colonel Massey, whose actions render him truly Honourable (for Virtue is the badge of Honour, as Vice is of Shame) had taken from the Enemy, about 8 Miles from Gloucester, 35 Horse, and some prisoners, and returned back safely and seasonably to Gloucester, having intelligence, that sir john Winter his Popish neighbour, was at some places in the Forest of Deane, to raise, men by virtue of the Commission of Array; whereupon he forthwith marched toward him, and most bravely defeated his design, took about 60 Horse of his prisoners, and victoriously returned home again. Thus most gallantly and vigilantly awing his Enemies on every side.  
And about the 22d. 
Our Brethren of Scotland pass over the River Tyne without resistance.  of this instant March came Letters from the Army of our loyal Brethren of Scotland, which were read in the Parliament, certifying, that they had then passed over the River Tyne, at three several places without any opposition, and shortly after, were possessed of Sunderland, about which time the Enemies showed themselves upon a hill, within two miles of the Town, but soon retreated without giving one stroke; and then the Enemy's Forces of Durham and Newcastle joining, and by the accession of new forces from Yorkshire, supposed to be about 14000 Horse and Foot, they showed themselves again, in a body within 3 miles of Sunderland, whereupon the Scots drew out, put themselves in Battalia, both Armies standing so all day long, and lay in the field all night, within half a mile, at most, of each other; the like they did, the next day, and the next night after, but the Enemy having the advantage of ground, 
Newcastles great loss of Soldiers lying in the field.  the Scots could not engage their Army without great disadvantage, and through the unpassablenes of the hedges and ditches betwixt them. Within 3 or 4 days after, in the morning, the Enemy retreated apace toward Durham, and the Scots sent out a Party after them, who skirmished upon their Rear, and took some of them Prisoners; by whom they received information, that Newcastles Forces lying in the Field, in the clod Snowy weather, and in the skirmish had lost at least, 800. Horse and men, killed, and run away. And within 3 or 4 days after, the whole body of the Scots Army advanced against the Enemy toward Durham, leaving about two Regiments at Sunderland, for the security of that place.  
About the 24th. of this instant, came certain information by Letters from Lyme to London, 
Captain Tho. Pynes most brave defeat given to the Cormorants at Colliton, near unto Lyme.  that Colonel Wear going from Lyme with a party of near upon 7 or 8 score foot and Dragoons into Devon, at least, 14 miles from his Garrison, to join with some well-affected persons that had invited him to come thither, and were then in Arms, but unhappily set upon by the Enemy, who killed and surprised most of them before the Colonel could get to them. Whereupon the Colonel retreated to Lyme, and the Prisoners which the Enemy took, they carried to Colliton, a Town within 4 miles of Lyme; and to express their joy for this Victory, they presently fell a drinking and carousing in exessive manner.  
But the vigilant and valiant Captain Pyne, 
Security is the bane of safety.  of whom we have made mention before, having got good intelligence thereof, lost no time, but that very night went out of Lyme, with a party of Horse to Colliton, being come thither, they first killed the Sentinels, than entered the Town, and suddenly fell upon them in the night, and height of their secure jollity; 
The prisoners and prise taken.  where he took a Colonel, 2 or 3 Captains, and other Officers, released all their own Prisoners, took above 60 common Soldiers, with divers Horse and Arms, and brought them all safe into Lyme. By which excellent exploit (all things rightly reckoned and accounted) one would think they had little cause to boast of that days good success, much less of a Victory.  
And about the 26 of this instant March, my intelligence put me in mind here to make mention of God's admirable and most wise ordering and disposing of things to the glory of his Name, joy of his children, and vexation of the base Brats of Rome, and malignant Enemies of Reformation; 
Excellent Reformation of the Cathedral at Westminster.  in the most rare and strange alteration of the face of things in the Cathedral Church at Westminster. Namely, that whereas there was wont to be heard, nothing almost but Roaring-boys, tooting and squeaking Organ-Pipes, and the Cathedral Catches of Morley, and I know not what trash; now the Popish-Altar is quite taken away, the bellowing Organs are demolished, and pulled down, the treble, or rather, trouble and base Singers, Chanters, or enchanters, driven out; and instead thereof, there is now set up a most blessed Oxthodox Preaching Ministry, 
Quantum mutatur ab illo.  even every morning throughout the Week, and every week through the whole year a Sermon Preached, by most learned, grave, and godly Ministers, of purpose appointed thereunto, and for the gaudy guilded Crucifixes, and rotten table of dumb Idols, Popish Saints, 
Popish trumpery expelld; pious preaching established.  and Pictures, set up, and placed, and painted thereabout, where that sinful sing was used; now a most sweet assembly, and thick throng of God's pious people, and well-affected, living teachable Saints is there constantly, and most comfortably, every morning to be seen at the Sermons. O our God what a rich and rare alteration? what a strange change is this indeed?  
And about the end of this instant March, we were credibly informed, that Hopton, and his Mercenary, and compulsatory Confederates had swept the Western parts pretty clean, to make up a mighty (supposed formidable) Army, as if therewith he intended to pursue God's people, like furious Pharaoh himself, to the red Sea of ruin and destruction; or rather to make the Seas and Rivers red with the blood of God's Saints, and servants, which the land was loath to drink in; 
An introduction to the subsequent famous victory at Alsford.  Inchiquine with his Hellbred Irish, General Forth, foaming and fuming with his witless Welsh, and the rest of the rabble of Outlandish, godless, graceless, French, Walioones, etc. Gebal, Ammon, and Amaleck, with the Philistims, were all gathered together, that they might all perish together at once, like Sisera and jabin, 
Asshur is but God's Rod to scourge his sinning children.  at the brook of Kison; The Cause is one, and the effect shall be the same; for the same God lives now, and for ever, and hath only appointed them a time, wherein to whip his Children for a while, for a day, to be scourged and disturbed (but not destroyed) by them: For, says the Lord, Asshur is my Rod. 
Psal. 125. 3.  But this being once done, this rod shall be cast into the fire, and then, neither their Idols, Images, Crosses, Crucifixes, Ave-maries', Pater-nosters, or any, or all their Masse-Sacrifices, shall be able to save them, but they shall perish, and be packing to Rome, whence they most unhappily came among us. 
Hoptons' preparation. Sir William Wallers preparation.  For, as I say, Hopton was thus preparing his powers against God: So on the other side, Sir William Waller, Sir William Belfore, and renowned Major Gen. Brown, a rare Pair-royall of most famous, faithful, and magnanimous Commanders, were also with a very considerable Army, within a little distance of the multitude of their impious Adversaries, and as ready to receive them, as they to give the Charge.  
The head Quarter of the Enemy was at Winchester, 
Hoptons' head-quarter was at Winchester.  and upon the Downs, four miles from Winchester, where Hopton had raised some Works, and a great part of his Army lay about in the Field. Sir William Waller also, 
Sir William waller's head-quarter.  Sir William Belfore, and Sergeant Major Browne, lay about Petersfield and Trafford; and some parts of the Armies on both sides, faced each other, as they lay at distance, and some slight Skimishes had first been with some of Hoptons' Horse, who were beaten by brave sir William Belfores horse, but Hoptons' were experienced hoppers, and runners too, and so saved themselves the better.  
But now to come to the main matter intended; 
A necessary preamble before the Fight.  And yet before we come to speak exactly of the fight itself, I shall desire the Reader to give me leave, with his patience, to premise these pertinent antecedents thereof, very worthy pre-observation; namely, That about this time, it was that, that sad accident fell out (by Gods most wise ordering and disposing of things) of the raising of the Siege at Newarke, a business of mighty importance, and great expectation on both sides, 
Oxford's blustering Bravadoes about the raising of the Siege at Newarke.  especially on ours, in great hope; and as great fear on theirs: But, I say, it pleasing the Lord thus to cross our hope of comforts, and to free them of their fears, for the present, and therein to give them a seeming Victory therein, and thereby to raise up their instant and insolent swelling thoughts to an extreme pitch of Pride and Arrogancy, insomuch, that their Mercurius Aulicus, the King's Liar in Chief, 
Mercurius Aulicus, the King's Liar in chief.  at Oxford-Mint, must publish abroad to the World, a huge blustering Declaration, of the great and glorious Victory obtained by Prince Robber, at Newarke; not only in raising the Siege, but in an utter dissipation and discomfiture of our whole Army, with many other Chymerian-additions.  
The like credit also must be given to a farther fiction; namely, That the Scots were also totally defeated by the Earl of Newcastle; whereas, in very truth, the Lord had at that very time, given our loving Brethren of Scotland a brave Victory against Newcastle, whereof more, 
〈…〉  in its due time; And a Letter, or Declaration was accordingly posted from Oxford, in all haste, to Sir Ralph Hopton, which was, according to command, openly read in the head of his Army; and for their better encouragement, it was seriously affirmed, that now they had no considerable Enemy to encounter, but only a small despicable handful of Roundheads, under the Command of Sir William Waller, 
Notorious boasts & lies to cousin the poor seduced Soldiers.  which they said, were so inconsiderable, that half Sir Ralph Hoptons' Army would be easily able to give them an utter defeat; which being done, there would remain nothing of difficulty, for the making up of a complete Conquest of the whole Kingdom, save only to march victoriously to London, obtain their Forts, level their works, and take the whole Plunder of that rich and rebellious City, as a reward of their service.  
Thus, 
A message sent to Sir William. Waller not to engage himself in fight.  by this means, they having deluded the Common Soldiers throughout their Army, and animated them to fight, (it being also at that time, when Sir William Waller had received a message; which, no doubt, was as soon made known to his Adversaries, not to engage his Forces in a fight for the present, except he were assaulted by the Enemy, or found an apparent advantage;) and accordingly, Hopton speedily prepared himself to the onset, with extraordinary celerity, 
A true & exact relation of the famous fight, & most memorable victory, obtained at Alsford, by renowned sir W. Waller against sir R. Hopton.  and resolved violence, and vehemence.  
Which Fight coming now to be handled, and mentioned in the next place, I shall herein give the best and fullest relation thereof, that I could possibly fix upon, which was penned by an actor, and eyewitness thereof, as it was presented to the most worthy, and right Honourable Lord Mayor of London, and the rest of the right Worshipful Committee for the City Militia; which was as followeth.  

May it please your Honour.  
Upon Thursday, the 21 th'. of this instant March, 1643. (our Brigade being quartered at Midhurst) our Major General Browne, received Orders from Sir William Waller, to advance toward Winchester, to a Town called Trafford, which accordingly he did, with incredible speed, almost at an hour's warning, and that night arrived there, which we found to be a small Village, not above seven or eight houses to quarter all our men, there we met with much hardship, staying for Orders till the Lord's day following; Upon Monday the 25. we marched forwards to join with Sir William waller's main Body, which accordingly we did, and that night were appointed to Quarter at Westmean, three miles distant from the main Body, where we found a Partee of the Enemy's Horse, when our Quarter-masters entered the Town, which occasioned some action, though not much considerable, we only took a Quartermaster prisoner; The next day, which was Tuesday, we lay still, only our Scouts brought in some Prisoners, 6 Troops encountering with 16 of the Enemies, put them to flight, and brought away 3 of them prisoners; The day following we discovered the Enemy, who took some few of our men that were straggling from their Colours, and soon after appeared in a great Body upon the hill, on the left hand of the Town, 
The Enemy's plot to surprise us at Church prevented.  intending (as some Prisoners confessed) to take us at Church, it being the Fast day, but it pleased God, who foresaw the Plot, to prevent the danger, directing us to keep the Fast, the Wednesday before, when we lay still at Midhurst, so that we were provided to entertain them, and drew our men into a Body near the Town; which done, Orders came to march away, which accordingly we did, in the Forlornehope, expecting the enemy every hour to fall upon us, so that we were forced to make a stand, a mile or more from the Town in extreme danger, till Sir William waller's Forces came up from Eastmean to join with us, than we marched along till we came near to Cheeriton, to a place, called by some, Lamborough-field, where we quartered all night, the Enemy lying upon Sutton-Common, and some part of them nearer to us, so near, that the Sentinels could hear one another talk.  
Upon Thursday morning, a commanded Partee was sent to view the Enemy, which they did, and encountered with a Forlornehope of the Enemies, and behaved themselves very bravely, so that day was spent in skirmishes, where much gallantry, and true valour was showed by our Horse, especially two men, whose names I do not well remember, 
A brave skirmish between us and the Enemy.  to the perpetual honour of the Actors, and great admiration of the Spectators; by whose means a considerable Partee was once engaged, and the Enemy came on with a great Body, which appearing, we discharged one Gun, which did such execution in our sight, that they all fled.  
This day a Council of War was called by both parties, both by us and the Enemy, as since we are informed, and the engagement was such, 
A Council of War called on both sides.  that of necessity they must give battle, or retreat with much dishonour, the next morning we prepared for the Work, and having sought to God for assistance, we did address ourselves to the Service; in the first place, a Forlornehope was drawn out of our Brigade, four Files out of a Company, led on by Captain Tomson, a stout man, who were sent to take possession of a wood, which lay on the right hand between us and the enemy, which they obtained with ease in the Enemy's sight; but such was their policy, that they foreseeing the necessity of our gaining the wood, if ever we gave battle to them in that place, planted their Drakes on the farther side of the Wood, which they discharged upon our men so thick, that the place was not tenible, though the greatest part of Musketeers, and some others, were drawn up to them, so that they were forced to retreat in one hours' space, 
The fight fiercely begun.  which gave great encouragement to the Enemy, who presently came on with their main body of horse, very powerfully, and were met as courageously, yet being of the greater number (for our whole body was not then together) forced ours to a disorderly retreat, at which time the day was doubtful, if not desperate, 
The day at this time very doubtful.  our Foot all the while was engaged on the left wing, to drive the Enemy from the hedges, where our men played their parts gallantly, and drove them from hedge to hedge by degrees, till they had forced them to the top of the hill; our Horse doing little for the space of an hour after their retreat, only some Parties encountering with each other; at which time our Noble Major General Browne, (who was ever known to be a valiant man, and must be looked upon as a special instrument in the work,) 
Major Gen. Browne bravely charges the Enemy's horse.  drew off 100 men from the hedges, and in his own persons led them on to charge the Horse, which they did most gladly, & courageously, and forced the enemy's horse to wheel about, whereupon our body of horse came on again, and that very manfully, at which time they charged quite through the enemy's body, and put them to a rout, so that they were forced to retreat to the top of the hill, where they first appeared, this was about two of the clock in the afternoon, at which time they began to retreat, 
The Enemies put to the rout retreat.  and sent their carriages away, their body of foot followed after, the horse and some few foot only, being left to face and to fight with us; at the last it pleased God to raise up the spirits of some few, not above 300 and to put such courage into them as to adventure out of the closings, to charge the main body upon the plain, which they did so resolutely, that they put them all to flight, our horse pursued them 2 miles at the least, 
The Enemy put totally to flight.  till the enemy's horse overtook their own foot, who cried out (as the country people said) Face them, face them, once more face them; which they did, but to small purpose; for our horse came up, & at the first charge they were all routed again & fled, our horse pursuing them till they overtook the foot, routed them likewise, and dispersed them several ways, some fled to Basin some to Alton, and some to Winchester, & by the way they cried out the Kingdoms lost, the Kingdoms lost, etc. and when they left Alsford where they had long quartered, they set the town on fire at both ends, which doubtless had burnt to the ground, but that our men came in and put it out, there was only fou●eor five houses burnt.  
Thus it pleased God (who alone is the giver of all Victory) to vouchsafe us not only a deliverance (which we should have owned as a mercy) but a glorious conquest. As for the instruments, I dare not challenge any of neglect in this day's service, to speak the truth, both Horse and foot quit themselves bravely.  
We took prisoners in the fight Sir Edward or Sir John Stowell, 
Prisoners taken.  Major Gener: of a Brigade, a man of great estate: Col. Beard Colonel of a Regiment of Horse, and of a Regiment of Foot, who was employed in Ireland: Lieut. Col. Kingston, Captain Price, Capt. Chidleigh, Captain jackeson; Cap. Seamer, Ensign Cowper, Lieut. Kite, Ensign Mellis, Ensign Marsh, Ensign Midley Cornet Constable, Cornet Ducket, john Morsey Physician; Together with many other Captains and Commanders, besides common soldiers, the certain number I know not; whereas we have not lost 40 men that we know of; one of our men that was taken prisoner (but left behind by reason of his wounds) told me himself, they had not taken 20 prisoners in all; and, I know not of 20 slain; the most considerable loss on our part, is the Col. Tompson (a brave man) is shot with a Drake, and his Leg is cut off, we are in great hopes of his recovery; Major Boswell is desperately wounded, Cap. Melton is taken prisoner, some few are wounded, but I hope not mortally, the certain number of the slain I cannot report; those that speak most sparing say 500 they told us in Alsford, that they fetched off cartload of dead men, and some they buried, and some they carried with them, 
The Lo. john brother to the Duke of Lenox, slain in this ●ight.  the Lord john the Duke of Richmond's brother is slain, and General Ruthen as some informed (though the Malignants are loath to part with such a soldier, or to hear of his death) but it is certain he escaped safe to Reading.  
On Saturday morning I spoke with the Messenger, who came from Sir Will, Waller to our Major General with Orders, for we stayed at Alsford, 14 miles behind Sir William Waller, who affirmed that the Horse and Foot were totally routed, not a body of 200 Foot to be found, of the great army, consisting in all of 12000. that we had taken seven pieces of Ordnance, many carriages, and that Sir William would set upon Winchester immediately, being within a mile and a half of it then, I trust in God he is by this time possessed of it. Many passages I am forced to omit for brevity's sake, both in and after the fight: we had both the same word, God with us: but see what it is to dissemble with a God of truth. Our next word was, jesus help us; so he did: and then the last word was, Glory be to God. Give me leave to end here, and let this day be ever in our thoughts, and the word be ever in our mouths, a day wherein God was seen in the high places of the field, a wise, mighty wonderworking God, there is not an Atheist that can own thee, and not acknowledge it to be digitus Dei; 'Tis God alone that hath done the work, to him alone be all the praise; The rest is this,  
March 30. 1644. Gentlemen, I am your humble servant, E. A.  
The Queen's Regiment being there, and Prince Maurices' forces; most of the Irish neither giving nor taking quarter.   
And thus hast thou seen (good Reader) to God's eternal glory, and thine and all England's unexpressible joy and comfort how the Lord hath by his almighty power and unsearchable rich grace and wisdom, done that for us which he promised by the Prophet (take notice of this Scripture, 
Zach. 8, 19  and the conclusion of that verse) Thus saith the Lord of hosts: The fast of the fourth Month, and the fast of the fifth Month &c. shallbe to the house of judah, joy and gladness and cheerful feasts; Therefore (mark this) love the Truth and Peace. Even so truly the Lord hath most directly dealt with us; 
This months Fast day repaid, within 2 or 3 days after, with a blessed Feast day.  For this very Month's Fastday being a day of most just and great sorrow and humiliation for our sad loss at Newarke Siege, it pleased the Lord our good God, that the very next and immediately ensuing Lordsday proved a jubilee and joyfull-day; that our then last Wednesdays fast and Prayers were turned into a feast of most joyful and gladsome praises of the Lord, in our so admirable and so immediate reparation of that former loss, 
A return of Prayers.  by this so great and glorious a victory, which was on the Friday immediately following Wednesday before. As if the Lord had seemed (be it spoken with holy reverence) to be sorry for our sorrow, and to sympathise with our sadness, and loath (as it were) to let us lie under the burden of our heaviness 2. or three days together, lest our spirits might have been too much depressed with grief and sorrow. O who can then forbear, but hereat break forth into Moses his blessed ecstasy and rapture of joy, exultation, and admiration, of this our Gods so free, so forward, and so inessable goodness, 
Exod. 15. 11.  and with him say and sing. O who is like unto thee, O Lord, our God, among all gods, O who is like unto thee! Glorious in holiness, fearful in Praises, doing Wonders. The enemy being thus put to flight, and enforced to leave the field (as aforesaid) some part of their infantry with the carriages began to march away a pace, their horse and the rest of their foot standing for some small time, only facing of us, being left to shift for themselves as well as they could▪ but whiles they stood thus facing of us, ours fell on again upon them and routed both their horse and foot; 
The pursuit of the Victory.  and no sooner was the field cleared, but ours having intelligence that most of the carryages were gone to Winchester, and that the Commanders that escaped were fled to Basing-house, 
The Enemies fly to Winchester, Basting-house and Andover, etc.  and likewise some horse and most of the infantry toward Andover, Sir William Waller with a part of his Army marched in pursuit of the carriages toward Winchester, Sir William Belfore pursued the infantry, and valiant Sir Arthur Haslerigge the commanders. Who being thus closely pursued (before they came to Winchester) the ordnance with little or no guard, 
How the Enemy's Ordnance escaped from being all taken.  struck through a by-lane and leaving Winchester, got to Basin and so to Redding, it being in the night, and so the easier for them to escape, and the harder for our forces to discover the way they went; yet we took some of their carriages which were going to Andover; and pursuing the flying enemy to Alsford, about 200. of the Irish received the terrestrial reward of their bloody merits.  
Now when Sir William Waller came to Winchester the Mayor 
Sir William Waller is come to Winchester.  and Aldermen submitted (dissemblingly) to him, declaring themselves for the King and Parliament, desiring to be preserved from violence and plunder which was accordingly granted them, and notwithstanding a small and inconsiderable number of the King's forces, then in the Castle, our men having refreshed themselves, it was not thought fit that so brave an army should spend, no, not an hours time, about so poor and petulant a design as the reducing of that castle only, but rather with all vigilancy and valiancy to pursue the victory, and fall on some other service of far greater importance; 
Gloucester fully relieved with necessaries.  and though they were certain that Gloucester was in part relieved, yet they deemed it would be a good piece of service to scour those coasts thereabout, which Sir William Waller performed accordingly, and that most noble and loyal hearted gentleman Sir Will. Belfore with a party of horse marched up as far as Salisbury without any resistance.  
In this fight the Kentish-men behaved themselves most bravely like their ancient famous and unvanquished predecessors, 
The Kentish men's brave behaviour in this fight.  even as if they had been again to struggle with the Norman Conqueror, for a whole Kingdom, or their ancient Liberties, Laws and Privileges; and to their lasting fame (during the whole fight) gave not a foot of ground to the proudest enemy. 
The admirable valour also of the City Regiment.  And so also did the City Regiment, to their eternal renown and indelible honour, like so many ancient Roman Conquerors; who of their voluntary accord went upon the forlornehope, beat the enemy with impregnable courage, from the hedges, which they had lined with store of musketeers, and gained the passage to a wood which stood our forces in great stead (as was forementioned in the description of the fight) and soon after by God's providence turned the scale of the day's honour (which before hung on equally indifferent terms) and put the enemy to the rout. And here before I conclude the relation of this famous victory, 
Observations upon the Victory.  give me leave, good Reader, for thy fuller content and delight herein, to give thee these few material observations thereon.  
First, that the enemy made himself so sure of routing Sir Will. Waller, as that their commanders had Commissions, ready signed, in their pockets, to raise forces in Kent, a County which is (as I touched before) resolved to sacrifice itself, to destroy those accursed Cormorants, and defend their ancient rights, which William the Conqueror could not gain from them; and are therefore resolved that Popish Queen Mary shall purchase them at a dear rate, if she overcome them.  
Secondly, that the word which the enemy had, and which the Parliament forces had, was one and the very same; GOD WITH US. And God indeed the most righteous Judge, showed who took his sacred name in vain, they or we; and for whom, he graciously stood, by the success of the battle.  
Thirdly, how mischievous and wicked the enemy is in his courses (if God did not curb and prevent them) in that when they saw they could not keep the Town of Alsford, but that their Irish were put to the sword, they set the Town on fire in two or three several places; but it was happily and seasonably quenched by the care and industry of the Parliaments forces.  
Fourthly, that they were so inhuman and cruel, that the poor Countrymen whom they compelled to take arms for this fight, they most mercilessly drove up with their horses, and by shooting at them and beating them, either forced them to fight or to be slain and die.  
And lest our malignants might report (as indeed they did at London and else where) 
Malignants lying mouths stopped, with the undeniable truths concerning this Victory.  that Sir R. Hopton had soon so rallyed his forces the next day, both horse and foot, that Sir William Waller and Sir William Belfore dared not pursue him, let the wise and impartial Reader judge the truth thereof by these subsequent material occurrences, which, de facto, were thus.  
First, at Winchester the Mayor of the Town, the very next morning sent word to Sir William Waller, that the gates of the City were open for him, and his coming expected, there being only 100 in the castle whom an hundred of ours might easily keep in.  
Secondly, that the keeper of the prison in Winchester was so possessed with fear of Sir William's coming, that he presently set open the prison doors, and set 80 prisoners at liberty (taken as 'twas supposed, at Rumsey) who came all to Sir William Waller.  
Thirdly, that the enemy fled in such fear and confusion, that 50. prisoners of the Parliament side (whom they had taken in the fight) were by the enemies suffered to escape and return to their colours.  
Fourthly, that upon an alarm which they had at Andover, they fled and left the Town to the Parliaments forces whither Sir William. Belfore coming, 
The Lady Hopton and a train of 200. taken by Sir Will. Belfore together with money & plate.  he heard that the Lady Hopton (wife to Sir R. Hopton) was at or near Newberry, he thereupon sent out a party and surprised her, and with her took 200 prisoners whereof 80 were horse and great quantities of Plate and money: yet what plate, goods or Jewels did properly belong to her and her attendants was permitted the next day, to be friendly conveyed to Oxford with her, she being used with all respect and civility by Sir William Waller and Sir William Belfore; so was not the Honourable Lady Fairfax used at Bradford in Yorkshire, though afterwards she was only and barely sent home.  
Fiftly, the taking of the said Lady Hopton, so near Redding, put the garrison at Redding into such an affright and terror that on the 3. of March the said enemy quitted that great garrison Town, and the like in other garrisons also about Oxford and those parts.  
Sixtly, that Sir William Waller pursued the enemy to Salisbury, entered that Town, and took there near upon 500 Arms, and made all the Cathedral men run for fear of after-claps.  
Seventhly, 
Whitchurch in D●rsetshire taken with Sir John Mills & a 100 Gentlemen more.  and lastly, that Sir William Waller rested not there neither, but sent out a Partee of about 1000 Horse and Dragoones into Dorsetshire, and at a Town called White-Church, took sir john Mills, and 100 Gentlemen more, who were met there together to raise men for Hopton; Which party went presently after to Weymouth for farther designs. And now false and foul mouthed malignants judge, even ye yourselves whether Hopton was not sound beaten, to suffer all this without least resistance, all this while and so long away?  
One thing more of moment, 
The Isle of Wights memorable and commendable Act of love to sir William Wallers army.  I may not here pretermit for the honour of the inhabitants of the Isle of Wight, near Portsmouth, viz. That since this routing of Hoptons' forces, as aforesaid, they not only supplied Sir William waller's army in a very large manner with victuals (which was then very welcome) refusing to take one penny of pay for the same; but farther of their own voluntary accord (as hath been since, credibly informed) raised 300 stout able men and sent them to Sir William together with large expressions of their cheerfulness and forwardness, farther to assist him, with their lives and fortunes, as their should be an occasion offered.  
Now the Honourable House of Commons in Parliament, taking into their serious consideration, this so happy success of their Forces under the Command of Sir Wil Waller, and Sir William Belfore, as aforesaid, 
A day of public thanksgiving ordered to be kept in all Churches for God's great mercy in this so famous victory.  against the Forces of the King, under the Command of Sir Ralph Hopton; In acknowledgement of God's singular great mercy herein; Ordered, that on April the 14th, being the Lord's day, Public Thanksgiving should be in all Churches and Chapels on the Southside of Trent, within the power of the Parliament; and that the like thanksgiving should be on the Northside of Trent, 14 days after, which was to be the 28th of April, than next ensuing, which Order of Parliament, for the Readers better content, and satisfaction, I have thought fit, here to insert, as it was Printed and published by their Authority.  

Die Lunae, 1 April, 1644.  
An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons in Parliament Assembled; appointing a Solemn day of Thanksgiving, etc.  
THe Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, having certain information, of the great mercy of our good God, in the happy success of the Forces of the Parlioment, under the Command of Sir William Waller, and Sir William Belfore, on Friday, March 29. 1644. Do in their acknowledgement of God's mercy herein, Order, That upon the Lord's Day, which will be on the 14 of this instan- April, Public Thanksgiving be given in all Churches and Chapels, on the Southside of Trent, within the power of the Parliament, unto the Lord of Hosts, that giveth all Victory, for the seasonable, and extraordinary blessing, whereby the Army under the Command of Sir Ralph Hopton was totally routed, with the loss of very few of the Parliaments Forces: And all Ministers, in their respective Churches and Chapels, are hereby directed and Commanded to give notice thereof, and to Exhort and excite their people to acknowledge and improve this great blessing in a Spiritual way, that as this mercy was bestowed in return of our Prayers and Humiliation, upon the late and solemn Fast, the Wednesday before this Victory: So, God may have the sole honour and glory of it, in our praises and thanksgivings: and that the like thanksgiving shall be made on the Northside of Trent, 14 days after, which will be on the 28 of this instant April.  
Ordered, that this Ordinance of public Thanksgiving be forthwith Printed, and Published. And that the Printer of the House do bring in a convenient number to the Members of the House, to be sent into the several Counties. Hen. Elsing. Cl. Parl. D. Com.   
And here, 
A most grateful Summary recapitulation of all the Parliamentary Mercies of this Month.  now, good Reader, let me desire thy godly and Christian patience and permission, a little to make a pause, and cast Anchor again, at the end of this Months happy voyage; briefly to revise and survey the precious Merchandizes, and happy Incoms of God's goodness to our English Nation, in protection of his Holy-Arke, the Parliaments Cause, So constantly and cruelly molested, tossed and turmoiled by the swelling waves, and insolent surges of wicked and ungodly Adversaries, which will be most conspicuously evident to all.  
In the taking of Biddle-House in Staffordshire, by Sir Thomas Fairfax, and Colonel Ridgeley; Hilsey-house in Buckinghamshire, and the surprising of the Prince's Troop by Northampton Forces.  
In Colonel Lambert's brave victory at Bradford, in Yorkshire; The notable defeat given to Hastings at Hinchley, in Leicestershire, where, and when the Solemn Covenant was settling, and taking in those parts; together with another most brave defeat, given by the foresaid valiant Colonel Lambert, to Newcastles Forces; as also Sir William Constables good success; and Colonel Weights also at Burleigh-house.  
In the notable Sea-storm, wherein about 1500 Irish Rebels were cast away; and the Land Storm also, which God raised against those bloody Irish-Rascals at Pool, and Wareham in Dorsetshire; together with the singular good success of Colonel Norton against the enemies at Southampton.  
Sir William Belfores good success against the enemy near Basing-house in Hampshire, The Prince Palatines taking of our Covenant in Holland; and the whole Kingdom of Sweathlands voluntary Message, and desire to enter into Amity and Confederacy with our Parliament against the Adversaries of the true Protestant Religion.  
Sir William Constables victorious taking of Tadcaster in Yorkshire; The singular good success of the Parliaments Declaration for calling in Delinquents from Oxford; and how God turned that wicked Apostasy of Greenvile into a mercy unto us; Together with the pious care of the Parliament, for the godly institution of the King's Children at S. james; and the singular good success of the Parliaments Forces, at Bredport, and Burley-house near Lyme.  
The most victorious proceedings, and magnanimous atchivements of the Parliaments Forces in South-wales, by renowned Captain Swanley, who most happily prevented much-intended evil there, and reduted the whole County of Pembroke to the obedience of the Parliament.  
The yet farther good success of the Parliaments side by Sea, in valiant Captain Jordanes chase the Earl of Marlebrough, the King's Admiral, from his intended Designs, and winning divers Ships, and valuable Prizes from them; Together with Gloucesters' good posture, and condition; And Colonel Bears and Colonel Masseyes' victorious achivements over the Enemies.  
In our loyal Brethren of Scotland's safe passage over the River Tyne, without resistance, and the fear and terror of the Lord put into the Enemy's hearts, that they durst not set upon our brethren, but being enforced to wait on the Scottish Forces day and night in the Fields, lost many hundreds of their Army, to the great weakening thereof, and enforcing of them to a hasty retreat to Durham.  
In the brave defeat given to the Enemy at Collyton, near Lyme, by valiant Captain Pine; and the excellent reformation of the Cathedral at Westminster.  
And lastly, in this last forementioned most famous defeat, and glorious Victory, which God in his great mercy gave Sir William Waller, and Sir William Belfore, at Alsford in Hampshire, against Hopton, and his formidable Forces, who had even already swallowed us up in their deep hopes and greedy expectations; but, wherein, God admirably frustrated their high-built-hopes, and dashed in pieces their deepest designs.  
In just and serious Contemplation, and Consideration, then of all those precious premises, who can deny, but that he hath most evidently and undeniably seen, 
God's Ark over-topping the World's Waves swelling.  in this Months most prosperous and successful Voyage, God's Ark Over-topping the world's waves swelling, and although the outrageous waves of wicked men, Atheists, Papists, and perverse Malignants, gave the Ark (especially in this Alsfords bickering) many sore brushes against its sacred sides to overturn it; 
Psal. 93. 3, 4.  So that we might say, with holy David. The floods were lifted up, O Lord, the floods did lift up their voice, (as in those Oxoniensia Sesquipedalia verba) the floods did lift up their waves: But the Lord was mightier than the noise of their many waters; yea, than all the mighty waves of the Sea. And therefore let us all with most cheerful hearts and voices, with that sacred, sugared Singer of Israel, aforesaid, in holy exultation, and gracious gratification, Say, and Sing. Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered, and let all those that hate him, 
Psal. 68 1, 2, 3  flee before him. As smoke is driven away, so drive thou them away, O God: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of the Lord. But let thy righteous ones still be glad and rejoice; yea let them exceedingly rejoice in thy Salvation. And now to proceed.  
ANd here now to hoist up our sails again, 
April. 1644.  and begin the next Month's Voyage; see what singular and sovereign good fruit we are all ready fraught with (in the very first setting forth) to the farther praise and glory of God (a work most pleasing to heaven, and all true holv and heavenly minded Saints) namely, how it pleased the Lord to put into the hearts of our most pious Patriots and precious Parliamentary Worthies, 
A most excellent Ordinance of Parliament for the better sanctifying of the Lords day.  the care of the more holy & strict sanctification of the Lords Day, about the beginning of this month of April to pass and publish a most excellent Ordinance of Parliament, wherein were many sweet, holy, and wholesome Orders and Penalties agreed on, and confirmed, to be put in exact execution, and inflicted upon all manner of Offenders against the same: And among them this one clause was also added. That the Ordinance formerly made, for the burning of all books of giving Liberty for profane pastimes and Lawful recreations, forsooth, (as our impious Pontificians wickedly termed their wickedly termed their Bacchanalian sports) set out by the Arch-Prelate of Canterbury's licence and allowance, 
A fair gale of wind to carry on our floating Ark in the voyage.  should all be put in execution throughout the whole Kingdom, under the Parliaments power and Authority. And was not here a blessed blast and fair gaile of wind, breathed out from heaven itself, upon this Ark of God, to carry it on successfully in this Months troublesome Voyage, through the swelling Seas of this so sorely distracted and distressed Kingdom?  
And about the 2 of this instant April, came certain Intelligence by Letters out of 
Sir john Gell that famous & commander gives the enemy a brave defeat at Munkbridg.  Derbyshire to London; That, that brave, active and faithful Commander in Arms, Sir john Gell, after the raising of the Siege at Newarke, had such a Vigilant eye upon the Enemy, that he sent forth a party which fell upon one of their quarters, at a place called Munk-bridge upon Dove-river, not many miles from Derby, where they killed 22 on the place, routed the rest and drove divers men and horse, into the said River, where they were drowned; took an 140 horse, and 80 prisoners.  
Much also about the same time, came credible information by Letters out of Yorkshire to London, that Colonel Bellasis, Governor of York, marched out thence, toward Bradford, where his Victorious Antagonist, brave Colonel Lambert, lay with his Regiment, which, Bellasis intended and hoped to have an opportunity to set upon and surprise. 
Abrave defeat given again to Colonel Bellas●s by Victorious Colonel Lambert.  But the Vigilant Colonel having timely intelligence of his coming, sallied out of the Town to meet the Enemy; after a little facing one another, Colonel Lambert warily perceiving that the Enemy were too numerous a party for him to encounter with, thought it not safe to advance beyond his Works, whereunto he discreetly retreated, and there maintained the fight very valiantly, and beat off the assailants with their loss, having killed and wounded so many that the Enemy was forced to a hasty retreat, which the Valiant Colonel soon perceiving, pursued them therein, at least 6 miles, in which Action Colonel Lambert took 200 horse and furniture, and a 100 Foot, and took Colonel Bagshaw, a notorious Lancashire Papist, 8 Captains and other Officers and Commanders.  
About the 8th. of this instant, we had certain Information by Letters from Gloucester to London, that the supply of powder and other Military Ammunition and Provision, 
How the Ammunition for Gloucester was conveyed thither from Warwick.  which had long lain about Warwick, expecting an opportunity to be conveyed to Gloucester to Colonel Massey, was now at last come safely thither, and it is worthy the observation, in what manner it was effected, which in brief was thus. It was sent by parcels at 3 several times; the first time, several barrels of Powder, Match, Flax, Brimstone, and some quantity of Money, were sent by honest Carriers, with their packhorses, about 14 in number; which were conveyed with a guard of 60 Horse: 
A strange mistake by night both by the Enemy and our Forces, yet the Ammunition got safe to Gloucester.  In the night time the Forlorn Hope (as they passed along) espied a fire in several places in a small compass, as they conceited, which (out of sudden fear) they took to be the Enemy; The Enemy also espied the same fire, and conceived that the Parliaments Forces were there. The Parliaments Forces upon their fear, wheeled about quite out of the way: the Enemy by reason of their fear, hastily retreated from them; but the honest Carriers (not knowing, or once dreaming, but that the convoy of the Parliaments Forces was before them) drove on their Horses till they came to one of Colonel Masseys' outmost Garrisons, where the Ammnition was joyfully received, and presently convoyed into Gloucester; but the convoy turned to Warwick with (only) hopes (which blessed be God afterward proved true) that the Ammunition came safely to Gloucester. The second time also all that was sent came safely to them, without danger or disturbance. The third time, when all that was appointed for Gloucester was sent away, was also most safely conveyed by Colonel Bear, who went with his Valiant Troops without fear of the fiercest Enemy; who now had need look about them that they be not frighted with a worse fear than an Ignis fatuus, 
Gloucester greatly enabled to oppose the adversaries by the safe coveyance of the Ammunition to it.  for now Gloucester was hereby enabled not only to be most secure within itself, but also to offend, and greatly to disturb their pernicious neighbours: For since this, the Country (as 'twas credibly reported) came in unto Colonel Massey very much, and deserted Mr Dutton and the rest of the Commissioners of Array, in those parts, and took the Covenant to serve the King and Parliament.  
About the 10. also, of this instant April, came certain intelligence by letters from several persons of quality and note in the London brigade dated from a Town called Wickham within a mile of Waltham in Hampshire, that on the 6. of April 1644. Major Gen. Browne that brave, famous and victorious London Commander, in his march from Southampton toward Waram, had intelligence that Colonel Whitehead being set down before Waltham house aforesaid with about an 100 men, 
Waltham house taken by Col. Whitehead with the assistance of the London Brigade.  there being also the like number within the said House to keep and maintain it; who hearing that the London Brigade passed by that way, he sent unto Major General Brown to desire his aid in taking thereof with the quicker dispatch: Whereupon the London Brigade marched toward the said House and planted their Ordnance against it; but upon the valiant Majors drawing up his men to make an assault, Propositions were sent forth from those in the House to the Major General, which at last were assented unto, 
Propositions to surrender the House yielded unto.  being to this effect. That the commanders and officers then in the House, might pass away with their horses and their swords by their sides, and the common-souldiers only with a rod or staff in their hands. Which articles were accordingly performed on both sides, the enemies leaving behind them all their arms and ammunition and good store of provision and rich plunder, all which was divided among the soldiers to their great refreshment and encouragement. After which the brave London Brigade marched away, 
God honoured the London Brigade with Victory, both going forth and coming home.  leaving the House to Colonel Whitehead to demolish and pull it down, if he conceived it requisite or convenient. And thus it pleased God to honour this London Brigade with this other victory, making them successful and victorious both in their going forth, and in their coming home. To God alone be all the praise and glory thereof.  
And about the foresaid time also, we had credible information by letters out of Yorkshire to London, that that noble Son, Sir Thomas Fairfax was joined with his most renowned Father, the ever to be honoured Lord Fairfax, 
The Forces of Sir Tho. Fairfax, and the Lord Fairfax his Father, conjoined together.  and that they jointly were full 2500. foot and 4000 horse, a most gallant power, and like to make a most notable diversion of Newcastles army. And that about the same time great store of Corn and other provisions of all sorts were sent from Hull and other places to our brethren the Scots army; The effects of which happy and honourable Union of this famous fathers and sons forces, we shall have occasion to make mention of in its proper ensuing place. In which interim we were credibly informed that the most noble Lord Fairfaxes forces had taken Cawood-castle, 
Cawood Castle and Axholm Island taken.  near York, belonging to the Archbishop of that Sea, with divers of the marquis of Newcastles forces, and much arms and ammunition therein; and they had again possessed themselves of the Isle of Axholme, with an 160 horse and 80 foot therein, besides much arms and ammunition.  
About the 12. also, of this instant April, came certain intelligence out of Wales of the happily continued and brave exploits and singular good service of that most worthy and valiant Patriot and Sea-commander, 
More of Captain Swanleys' good Service in South Wales.  Captain Swanley which was confirmed by letters, sent to noble Sir William Brereton, which letters made mention of all Pembrookeshire, Carnarvonshire and Mountgomery, all these 3. Counties to be (by God's special blessing on his brave endeavours there) joined in an association for the King and Parliament, and that they had taken all the chief Towns and castles of those Counties, and in them the number of 49 pieces of ordnance; And that if the Lord vouchsafe them a good preaching ministry, 
Want of pious preachers in Wales a great hindrance of their reducing to the Parliament.  of Pastors after his own heart, 'tis very probable, that those old (now brutish) Britain's, may become pious Protestants; for they begin now, to be very much discontented at the coming over of so many of the bloodthirsty Irish rebels.  
Much also about this foresaid time, came certain information out of the Eastern-parts of the Kingdom, that the affairs of those parts, and especially about Lincolnshire, went on very prosperously, by God's blessing on the forces of that most noble and pious Patriot and successful Commander in chief, the right honourable Earl of Manchester who had (under the command of valiant Colonel King regained and repossessed themselves of those Towns which the enemy had lately before taken, 
Crowland regained by the Earl of Manchesters' Forces under the command of Valiant Col. King.  and particularly, Crowland alias Croyland, a most Malignant Town, but a place of very great consequence, which was surrendered to the said valiant Colonel King. The articles agreed on, between the said Colonel and Captain Styles (a pestilent Malignant, and of the right Canterbury-cut, Commander of the forces in the Town) were; That the soldiers in the Town should have quarter for their lives; should march out with their swords, 
Articles of agreement for delivering up the Town.  but leave all the arms and horses in the Town unto the Colonel, which were accordingly performed, and no violence offered them by any of our forces; notwithstanding their most perfidious dealing with ours, so lately at Newark. There were taken in the Town, 80 horse and 300 arms.  
About the 16. of this instant April, 1644. The learned, grave, and pious Gilbertus Voetius, 
Holland's honourable attestation of famous Mr. William Prynne his learned Labours in the Parliaments Vindication.  ofVtrick, one of the united netherlands Provinces, declared his judicious and learned testimony of that most famous, and ever to be most justly honoured Philopatriae, Mr William Prynnes most elaborate Book entitled, The Sovereign Power of Parliaments, in four Parts etc. Which testimony he sent in his Letter to Mr Walter Strickland (the Parliaments Agent in the Netherlands) dated Vltrajecti, Non. Feb. 1644. In these words. Accepi nuperrime commodato librum Gulielmi Prinne tam din mihi desideratum; et Rationes omnes cum responsionibus, tam solide et erudite pro Parliamentis, contra adversarios instruct as atque explicatas deprebendi, ut non videam quid ultra desiderari potest. Debebat tractatus ille latin & Gallice exstare, ut Reformatis Theologis ac Politicis in Europa legi potest. The sense and substance of which honourable Attestation is this in English. That he did highly esteem of the long desired labours of Mr. William Prynne, with his solid and learned arguments in defence of the Parliament against the common adversaries thereof, and held it very fit, that the said Books, containing four parts, should be translated into the Latin and French tongues, that so they might be read of all the reformed Divines and Statesmen in Europe. 
This passage of Holland's honourable Attestation of Mr. Prynnes Book, a Parliamentary mercy.  This passage I have here most deservedly added, as a Parliamentary-Mercy of the Lord, in thus raising this faithful and heroick-hearted Patriot from his (once) being, as it were buried alive in the grave of a most unjust and barbarous foreign Perpetual Banishment, thus to vindicate the most honourable reputation of our most renowned English Parliaments.  
About the 18. of this instant, out most pious, prudent, and provident Parliamentary Statists, taking into serious and deliberate consideration, the good affection which the Swedes bear to this Kingdom, which they have several ways expressed to this our present Parliament; they therefore held it very fit, that fair correspondency should be continued betwixt them and us; 
Fair correspondency between the Swedes and our Kingdom and Parliament.  and thereupon agreed on an Ordinance, with the consent of the Committees of both Kingdoms, to send, with their Agents, to the Sweeds, to declare their reciprocal amity, and mutual affection to them: As likewise into Zealand, and other the united Provinces, who had likewise declared their good affection to the proceedings of the Parliament, & have endeavoured to prevent the bringing over of Arms and Ammunition into this Kingdom to be employed against them. 
The like also with the united Provinces.   
And about the 19 of this instant, came certain intelligence to the Parliament, by Letters from the most noble & renowned L. Fairfax, that most famous, 
The most famous and admirable victory obtained by the Right Honourable Lord Fairfax, at Selby, in Yorkshire.  faithful, and never sufficiently honoured, pious Patriot of his Country; intimating the admirable good success, wherewith it pleased the Lord God of Hosts to Crown him, since he, and his most magnanimous and virtuous Son, Sir Thomas Fairfax, joined their Forces together; and especially touching that famous and admirable Victory which they obtained at Selby, in Yorkshire; For the Readers better satisfaction wherein, and the fairer & clearer Demonstration of the very truth whereof, I have here thought fit to give thee the Copy of the said Letter, verbatim, as it was by Order and Authority of Parliament, Printed and published. Which was as followeth.  
A Letter sent from the Right Honourable, the Lord Fairfax, to the Committee of both Kingdoms: concerning the great Victory, lately obtained (by God's blessing) at Selby in Yorkshire.  
My Lords,  
ACcording to the Orders sent to me and my Son from your Lordships, we have now joined our Forces together; and though the Enemy held all the passages from the East-riding to the West, and by that means intercepted divers of our Letters, and thereby became acquainted with our appointments, and so endeavoured to prevent them which forced me to decline Selby, and make a passage over the River, ten miles below it, in Marshland, where my Men and Carriages being passed with some difficulty, on Sunday and Monday last, I instantly marched with the whole Army, consisting of two thousand Horse and Dragoones, and two thousand Foot, or thereabouts, to Ferry-Bridge, and so to Selby, where Colonel john Bellasyss (commanding in chief in Yorkshire) then lay, with an Army of fifteen hundred Horse, and 1800 Foot, as themselves confessed, though reports made it much more numerous.  
Upon Wednesday, our Forlorn-hope of Horse beat in a party of the Enemy's Horse, and followed them into the Town, taking divers of them prisoners, and the day being far spent, I quartered the Army within a mile of Selby that night, and drew them out again early the next morning, and then with the Foot in three Divisions, one led up by myself, a second by Sir john Meldrum, and a third by Lieutenant Colonel Needham, fell upon the Town, to storm it in three places altogether, where the Enemy received us with much courage, and made strong resistance for two hours, or thereabouts; but in conclusion, my own Foot Regiment forced a passage by the River side, and my Son with his Regiment of Horse rushed into the Town, where he was encountered by Colonel Bellasyss, and the Enemy's Horse; but they being beaten back, and M. Bellasyss himself wounded, and taken prisoner, and our Foot entered on all sides the Town, the Enemy was wholly routed; and as many as could, saved themselves by flight, some towards Cawood, some towards Pontefract, and the rest towards York, over the River by a bridge of Boats laid by themselves; We pursued them every way, and took in the Town and chase, the prisoners, Ordnance, Arms, Ammunitions, and Colours mentioned in the List enclosed.  
Of my own men, I lost in the fight divers gallant Commanders and Soldiers, and very many sore wounded; And indeed, all my Army, both Commanders, and Common soldiers, behaved themselves with as much courage as ever I observed in men.  
All which we must acknowledge to God alone, who both infuseth courage, and gives Victory where he pleaseth: I shall now, I hope, be able to raise more Forces in the Country, and improve this Victory that God hath bestowed on us, to the best advantage. This being all for the present, until further occasion, I rest  
Your Lordship's most affectionate and humble Servant, Fer. Fairfax. Selby, 12 April, 1644.  

A List of the Officers taken Prisoners, the 11. of April. 1644  
Colonel john Bellasyse.  
Colonel Sir john Ramsden.  
Colonel Sir Thomas Strickland.  
Lieutenant Colonel Tyndall.  
Lieutenant Colonel Forbes.  
Major Heskit.  
8 Commanders of Horse.  
14 Captains of Foot.  
4 Lieutenants of Horse.  
20 Lieutenants of Foot.  
6 Cornets.  
11 Ensigns.  
9 Quartermasters.  
Elias Walker, Master of the Magazine.  
Richard Ludlow Provost Martial;  
And divers Sergeants, Trumpets, Corporals, Drums, and others Officers.  
Divers slain, and lay strewed in the way to York for four miles together; others that fled to Pomfract, were pursued as far as Ferry-Bridg.  
Four Brass Pieces of Ordnance.  
Seven Barrels of Powder.  
Sixteen Bundles of Match.  
Two thousand Arms or above.   
Many Horse and Foot Colours taken, but as yet sixteen or seventeen come in. And sixteen hundred common Soldiers. Above five hundred Horse. The Pinnance taken at Gainsbrough; All their Bag and Baggage, and many Ships and Boats upon the River. And four hundred more prisoners were taken at Homcough near Selby and some commanders among them. And was not here, good Reader, the Ark of God mightily elevated and borne up (maugre all the malignity of this terrible Storm of wrath and rage in the enemy) above all the swelling waves and boisterous billows of the enemy's fiercest fury? 
God's Ark, here, mightily carried up, above all these swelling and blustering billows.  Did not the Lord ride gloriously in triumph on the Chariot of his innocent and upright Ark, and curb the pride of these proud swelling surges, and cause his blessed Ark, I say, safely to float above them all? Yes certainly, it must needs be confessed, even by our adversaries themselves, who (to their shame & sorrow) felt and found it so. Now then, the L. Fairfax, presently after the fight and victory obtained as aforesaid, 
This brave victory thus obtaned, the Lord Fairfax was now master of the Field.  sent a letter to the Parliament and therein desired to be directed by them how to dispose of the prisoners he had taken, 400 of them being by him sent to Hull, and the rest sent after. He also declared to the Parliament, that by God's great mercy in this brave Victory he was now become master of the Field in all Yorkshire. And upon the receipt of this letter and the happy intelligence of this so renowned victory, it was presently Ordered by the Parliament, 
A Day of Solemn Thanksgiving appointed.  that the next ensuing Tuesday (which was in Easter-Weeke) should be a solemn day of thanksgiving throughout London and Westminster unto almighty God for this great victory. The Copy of which order coming to my hands, I have here also inserted, which was as followeth.  

Die Mercuri, 17. April, 1644.  
IT is this Day Ordered by the Commons assembled in Parliament. That the Ministers in the several Churches and Chapels within the Line of Communication, and Parishes within the Bills of Mortality, do give notice to their Parishioners, of the great Success it hath pleased God to give the Parliaments Forces in Yorkshire, and Pembrookeshire; And to acquaint them that the Houses have appointed, and set apart Tuesday next, for a public Thanksgiving, to be given to Amighty GOD for his great Blessings and Successes.  
H▪ Elsing, Cler. Parl. D. Com.   
Very shortly after all this the Parliament 
8000. pound ordered, presently sent to the most Noble Lord Fairfax.  Ordered that 8000 l. should be immediately sent away to the said most noble and renowned Lord Fairfax, as an encouragement to the Soldiers, to go on the more cheerfully in their present designs. Now the hopeful consequence of this great blow, was (by God's good providence and assistance) more undoubtedly, than the victory itself: For, now this noble and renowned Lord Fairfax, was not only (as himself wort) Master of the Field in all Yorkshire; 
The most hopeful consequent advantages of this great Victory.  but he was thereby also enabled to advance even to the Teez-side without interruption, to assist our loving brethren of Scotland, and now also Newcastle must either fight with the Scots before the Lord Fairfax come to them, or else retreat (as afterward ye shall hear he did) and what a disadvantage to the Enemy this must needs be, any may most easily judge; For, now no other way had he left, or else, if he stayed, he must be entrapped in a pound. Another great advantage was now got by this famous Victory; namely, That the passage was now laid open between the West Riding and Hull, so as the trade of cloth might now again be continued to the great comfort and encouragement of all those parts.  
And here let me give the Reader this one more note and observation, worthy our most serious thoughts and commemoration; 
Two days of Solemn Thanksgiving in one & the ●ame Month.  that by this so renowned and famous a victory, it pleased the Lord to give us two most special and choice occasions, of two most solemn and set days of Thanksgiving to the Lord in one and the same Month, over the whole Kingdom; for two such famous and memorable victories over our fierce and furious enemies, as that of Alsford and this at Selby: such a rare and sweet mercy as we have not (till now) enjoyed since these unhappy and unnatural wars began among us; our ever most gracious and glorious wonderworking God, be ever praised and magnified for the same. But now to go on.  
About the 20. of this instant April, came certain intelligence by letters to the Parliament and Scotch-Commissioners, from our loyal and loving brethren of Scotland's army in Yorkshire; 
Newcastles Army sorely put to it. Our brethren of Scotland draw up close to Durham.  That Newcastles army having been forced to retreat from Hilton toward Durham, our brethren's army drew to Easington, being the midway betwixt Hartlepoole and Durham, where they found reasonable good quarter for their horse, resolving to abide thereabout till they made the enemy either fight or fly. Those quarters they kept till about the 10. or 12. of April, when as (after a fast kept the day before) they marched to a place called Quarrendon-Hill, 
The Marquis of Newcastle deserts and flies from Durham.  but two miles from Durham. The enemy seeing them draw so near, and observing also his soldiers to decrease upon the approach of danger, he drew as many forces as could be spared out of Newcastle and Lumley-castle to uphold his strength of foot; but finding all would not do, and not a little plunged & perplexed at the news from Selby, and that the noble Lord Fairfax had obtained such a full, considerable, and complete victory, which was on the 11. of April; He upon the 13. of the same was now enforced to remove his whole force and strength, and that in great haste too, and left Durham to our Brethren of Scotland; and leaving behind him his troublesome luggage and provision and great quantity of victuals, and directed his march Westward. The noble and vigilant General Lesley omitted no time in pursuit of him, but upon the first notice (without any respect to the ransacking their forsaken quarters) raised his Leaguer from Quarrendon-Hill and marched after him to Ferry-Hill and so to Darnton, 
General Lesly pursues him.  which is as far South as the enemy could reach by that time, only a little Eastward of, him and 14 miles on this side Durham; and thus followed on their resolution, being merely guided by the enemies march, following them which way soever they went, whom they now intended to follow close, or rather march along with, either till they had advantage to fight with them or should meet the noble Lord Fairfax to enclose him. 
Newcastles great loss without any fight.  And if there be any truth in reports; Newcastle lost at this time, and upon the last straits and distresses which he was put unto, one half of his army without fight; and shortly after all this, the fugitive marquis quitted also Lumley-castle, and so betook himself to the City of York, intending to make that his City of refuge, 
Newcastle is got into the City of York.  or rather skulking den, as long as he could. Whither at last (as intelligence came to London about the latter end of April 1644) he was most securely arrived with the remainder of his forces, both horse and foot; and whither our valiant and vigilant brethren of Scotland followed him, being about the same time, at a place called Burrough-bridge some twelve miles from York, Northerly; being now by this time ready to join with the ever honoured and right noble Lord Fairfax.  
And it was informed to the Parliament about the 22 of this instant that Rupert that Prince of Plunderland was got to Beaver-castle, 
Prince Plunderer at Bever-castle.  and advanced toward the North to join (as 't was strongly conjectured) with Newcastle, if not prevented: Whereupon the most noble Earl of Manchester, 
The noble Earl of Manchester follows him close.  went presently to Stanford with about 4000 gallant horse and 5000 foot, intending to follow him close, and to sit upon his skirts as soon as any advantageous opportunity was offered. And upon this information an express was forthwith sent from the Parliament and the Committee of both Kingdoms with an order unto him, to advance with all his forces and to attend this Prince Robbers removes, and by waiting for all advantages, if it were possible, to force him to fight (which 't was conceived, was not so easy a matter to do, as to hasten him to filch) and therewith an order was made immediately for a speedy supplying of the said noble Earl with Carriages and all other military necessaries.  
About the 25. of this instant, came letters to the Parliament from Sir Will. 
Sir Wil Waller gives the enemy a brave defeat about Basin house.  waller's army, intimating that this ever to be renowned generous General having intelligence that a considerable convoy of the enemies, was going with much cattle and other necessary provisions, for the further supply of their garrison at Basing-house; he sent out a convenient party of his horse, who suddenly encountered them, seized on their cattle and carriage, took of the enemy, near the said garrison, one master Gunner, 3 Sergeants, 3 Corporals, 40 common soldiers, a 1000 sheep, and other fat cattle, together with a considerable sum of money which they had gathered in the adjacent Counties to have helped to pay their garrison.  
And about the 26. of this instant, came letters out of the North assuring the Parliament that the most noble Lord Fairfax and his famous, 
The most noble Lord Fairfax & our brethren of Scotland conjoined into a body.  faithful and thrice noble son Sir Thomas Fairfax were conjoined with our loyal brethren of Scotland, and that having a very brave army they had drawn their forces on each side the river of Ouze, near unto York, and had closely begirt the said City, whereby they not only stopped the passage of any persons from coming to the Earl of Newcastle by water, but by land also, having made good all the bridges, and were in great hope, in God's good time, and by the Lords gracious assistance, to be victorious masters of the said City.  
About the 28. also of this instant, came letters from Northamptonshire informing us that a party of some 30 foot men, with firelocks were sent out from Sergeant Major Whetham Governor of Northampton, to collect money in that County, near Banbury; they had only a Clerk of a company with them, who commanded that party, 
30. Northampton soldiers surprised and taken prisoners by Banbury garrison.  which about Easter-day 1644. lay at Sir john Draytons' house, at Cannons-Ashby, 6 miles from Banbury: But a party of the enemies about 200, and 20 horse with them, from Banbury-castle having intelligence of their being abroad there, marched into the Town; which our Forces having notice of, got quickly into the Church, for their better-safety and defence, whether the enemy pursued them, and soon got in by fastening a pettard to the Church door, which instantly forced it open; whereupon our men got into the Steeple, which they bravely maintained 2 hours together, but at last the Enemy beginning to fire it, they yielded themselves upon composition, and were all carried prisoners to Banbury save only one, whom being sorely wounded, they left behind; who, since got back again to Northampton, and there declared these things as aforesaid. 
All our Northampton soldiers imprisoned in a barn at Banbury.  Our men in this action, killed one of theirs with a stone from the Steeple, and wounded 2 or 3 others, but the Enemy got all their Muskets, and about 7 pounds in money, and imprisoned all the Soldiers in a Barn in Banbury. The next day the Committee and Governor of Northampton, hearing hereof sent for an exchange of these prisoners, which being refused; Major Lidcot who commanded the horse in Northampton (it was that same Lidcot that gave the Earl of Northampton a touch on the forehead, that knocked him off from his horse, at the fight near Stafford, where and when the said Earl was slain) This brave Major, I say, being much displeased at their refusal of the said exchange, presently after led forth about 5 or 6 Troops of Horse, with 50 firelocks, to Banbury who being undauntedly led into the Town on foot, most fiercely entered the same, 
Northampton forces are most bravely revenged on Banbury garrison.  bravely set all our foresaid prisoners at Liberty out of the Barn, and then most furiously marched into the very body of the Town, where a partee of the Enemy opposed them, but ours most bravely beat them into the Castle, took 33 of them prisoners, whereof 2 were Ensigns and 2 Corporals, released 10 men more whom the Enemy had pressed and intended to send to Oxford for his Majesty's service, slew 5 or 6 of the Enemies in the fight, and took besides 40 horse, & as many Muskets, and so returned back unto Northampton, with the loss only of one man, who adventured too far and was taken prisoner. Thus were they well revenged on their Enemies for their former loss, having suddenly and soldierlike put themselves thus upon such a desperate and most dangerous adventure.  
And much about the conclusion of this Month of April 1644. we were certified by Letters out of Scotland, that our faithful and loving brethren of that Nation, were not a little encouraged at the prudent and pious progress of our Assembly of Divines in England at Westminster, 
The christian amity & fidelity of our brethren of Scotland toward us of England.  they having sent Letters to some Members of the said Assembly, and to their own Divines, to the same effect; intimating therein, That England could give them no greater content and encouragement to gain their best assistance and love, than this their willingness in joining themselves with them in the Solemn Covenant, thereby to set up a thorough Reformation in all their Churches according to the Word of God. And together with those Letters, they sent likewise a letter, sent by the Juncto at Oxford to the Noble Earl of Argyle and other Lords of the Council of Scotland, 
The substance of a letter sent by the juncto at Oxford to the Lords of the Council of Scotland.  which were much to this effect, in brief.  
First, therein manifesting their impious explanation of the Act of Association of both kingdoms, which (as they said, with jesuitical Spirits) was consented to by the Lords Subscribers thereunto, and others that were prisoners with them at Oxford (as though the Act of Association had not been made with the joint consent of his Majesty, and the Parliament of both Kingdoms, but between a private Juncto and some aspiring Papists, stupid Atheists, Parasitical jesuit Priests, and damnable Irish Rebels, then at Oxford:) 
Foul and false imputations laid on the Parliament at Westminster, by the Oxford juncto.  Withal, they further averred, That the Lords in Parliament at Westminster, were not then above 25, and that the major part of the Commons were then, with them, at Oxford, that there were nothing but tumults in London, and unruly Voting, which was the cause that they themselves had deserted that pretended Parliament, (as then, they audaciously and maliciously called and counted it) and what, said they, in this Letter, Will ye, my Lords, get but a knock with a pole-axe, or a Sequestration-lash? But all this was but the Preface to this their learned Epistle. Their subject matter follows, in such modest strains as these. We do conjure you, 
O the wretched Rhetoric of the Oxfordians to argue themselves & their posterity into perpetual slavery.  my Lords, by your common allegiance and subjection to the King, by the amity and affection betwixt the two Nations, by the Treaty of Pacification, and by all Obligations both Divine and Humane, to use your utmost endeavours to prevent the effusion of so much blood as must needs follow the invasion of this Kingdom (this you must consider was before our Scottish brethren's coming in unto us) by your intended Armies, preparing for the pretended Parliament at Westminster. Thus you see, good Readers, that our impious Oxonians seem to be very sensible and tender, of the effusion of blood, which, they say, the coming in of the Scottish Nation will occasion, 
Notorious and Devilish hypocrisy in this Oxford Juncto's juggling.  though they know very well, that their former coming in, was, by God's mercy a great means to prevent it, and so also may this; but they are too willing to forget, or at least to silence, what horrid cruelties are daily committed by their bringing over of such multitudes of Irish Rebels, or that this damdable Plot of theirs, can be any Invasion of our Kingdom, since these are, forsooth, the King's honest Catholic Subjects. O gross and egregious daubing and dissimulation!  
Now, 
Our brethren of Scotland's wise and provident answer to the Oxonian Letter.  the Lords of the Council of Scotland, having received this Letter, spent no long time about it, but the very next day (O the mercy of our God, thus to clear up their pious and prudent judgement herein) dispatched an answer to that Letter, much to this effect. That they conceived their Lordships at Oxford were not so great strangers to their proceedings, as not to know that their expedition into England was not intended, till all other means were first assayed and disappointed. That they will not deny the invitation of the Parliament to aid them; and that not only out of pity to see England bleed, but out of sense of the danger of their own Religion and Laws, they had thus, as a main cause, taken up Arms at this present; that they hold not the invitation of the Parliament any ways invalid, or nulled, because they at Oxford are wanting thence, or others are gone beyond the Seas, (having either wilfully deserted the Parliament, or been expelled thence for their Delinquency;) but, how this Parliament hath sought earnestly for Reformation of Religion, for redress of grievances, and the happy settlement of the great affairs of that Kingdom, and which was indicted by his Majesty for these ends, & is ratified by a special Act of Parliament, not to be raised without advice and consent of both Houses, as null and void; and that those who stay in Parliament are not a sufficient number without them at Oxford, is more than they can apprehend. And as they are more deeply affected with unfeigned grief, for these unhappy differences between his Majesty and his Subjects, and more sensibly touched with the sufferings of their Brethren, than desirous to judge of the Laws and practices of another Kingdom: So they do hold themselves in duty obliged to their Country, to clear that Kingdom of that unjust aspersion of invasion; These things, with sundry other excellent expressions were contained in this Letter, or answer to the former, as by the Letters themselves, Printed and published, at large appeared.  
And here, now, good Reader, I shall again desire to cast Anchor, to put in, 
A Summary most grateful recital of all the excellent Parliamentary Mercies of this Month.  and make a short stay in the happy Harbour of this Month's Voyages conclusion also, a little to refresh and recollect thine and mine own serious thoughts in the most grateful Contemplation and Recapitulation of all the eminent and excellent Parliamentary Mercies, as so many specious and precious Merchandizes, safely brought home in the Successful adventure of the Ark of God, in this Month's Voyage, which may conspicuously appear to the eyes and understanding of any, of all intelligent and impartial Readers.  
First, In that most fragrant April Primrose, or odoriferous virtuous Violet, I mean, that most excellent Ordinance of Parliament for the better sanctifying of the Lords day.  
In those brave Defeats given to our Adversaries; The one at Munck-bridge, by Sir john Gell; the other given to Colonel Bellusyes, by victorious Colonel Lambere in Yorkshire.  
In the remarkable means of Conveyance of the Ammunition from Warwick to Gloucester; And how thereby they were enabled to fright and secret their neighbouring Enemies; Together with the taking in of Waltham-house by Colonel Whitehead, with the good assistance of the London Brigade, which God made victorious both going and coming.  
In the happy Conjunction of the Lord Fairfaxes Forces, with his most valiant and virtuous Son, Sir Thomas Fairfax, whereby their eminent designs, were (by God's mercy) greatly advanced, which was immediately begun in the taking of Cawood Castle, and the Isle of Axholme.  
In the farther good success and singular good service of Captain Swanley in South-Walles; And the regaining of Crowland a place of great concernment, by the noble Earl of Manchesters' Forces.  
In the Hollanders Honourable attestation of precious Master Prynnes learned Labours, in his Invincible Vindication of the Parliaments Power and Privileges; Together with the most comfortable correspondency between our Kingdom and Parliament, and the Kingdom of Swethland; and also States of the United Provinces.  
In that most Famous and admirable Victory, obtained by the right Honourable and most renowned Lord Fairfax, at Selby in Yorkshire,  
In the prosperous pursuit of Newcastles Atheistiall Army, from Durham to York, by our valiant and vigilant brethren of Scotland, the most noble Earl of Manchester, and most worthily thrice Honourable Lord Fairfax: who all uniting and joining themselves together into a body about York, necessitated Newcastle to be enclosed and cooped up within the walls of the said City.  
In the brave Defeat given by renowned Sir William Waller to the King's Cormorants at Basing-house; Together with that other, given by Northampton Forces to their Adversaries at Banbury.  
And lastly, in the Lords most gracious frustrating and foolifying that most pernicious Oxonian Plot, to have diverted, or rather, perverted the Christian Amity and Fidelity of our loyal and loving Brethren of Scotland, in their pious purposes, and resolutions to come into our Kingdom, for our timely and needful assistance.  
All which precious premises rightly regarded, and most seriously considered, especially, that most remarkable Conquest at Selby; and this the Lords most gracious turning of Oxonian Achitophel's crafty and cruel Counsel into folly; O who can but most justly and ingenuously acknowledge, that in all, in any of these rare and rich Parliamentary-mercies, the Lord hath most comfortably caused his blessed Ark triumphantly still to over-toppe the high swelling waves and rough rising billows of Papists▪ 
God Ark, over-topping the world's Waves swelling.  Atheists and mischievous malignants. So that we may in strong and long experienced confidence in God conclude, with holy David: Yet (truly) the Lord is good to his Israel, and to all such as are of an upright heart. 
Psal. 73. 1.  Great c●use have we therefore with magnanimous Martin Luther, in our greatest straits and seeming distresses, to say and sing; God is our refuge and strength a very present help in time of trouble. 
Psal. 46. 1, ●, 3.  Therefore we will not fear▪ though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be hurried or carried into the midst of the sea, and though the waters thereof roar and be troubled.  
But now to go on, 
May. 1644.  and to launch forth again into the next Mouths adventure. And first to begin with the certain intelligence, which about the beginning of this Month of May, came to London by Letters from Plymouth, that that traitorous Skellum, and base Apostate, Sir Richard Greenvile came within two miles of Plymouth to a place called S. butolph's, with some Forces of Horse and Foot, whereof Plymouths Commander in Chief, 
A brave defeat & repulse given to the Enemies at Plymouth.  Lieutenant Colonel Martin, having timely intelligence, upon the 18th. of April last passed, between 4 and 5 of the Clock in the morning, issued out with 17 Colours of Foot, and 3 Troops of Horse, the Forlorn Hope being Commanded by Captain Owen, who not knowing the way, came upon the Enemy's Scouts unawares, who would have fired upon them, 
A great providence at our Soldiers first adventure.  but (by a special providence of God) their Carbines would not off; whereupon Captain Owen safely advanced with his Soldiers to the Quarters of his Enemies-Foot-Souldiers; fell upon them all pellmell, and at last forced them to retreat, and to make what haste they could to sanctuary in the Church, in the said Town, 
The Enemies beaten into the Church.  from the Steeple whereof the Enemy fired very violently upon our men, and many of them shot from divers places round about the Church, and others from the Houses; but their furie was soon abated, for our men fell in upon them most courageously and took two whole companies of them complete, 
Ours obtain a brave victory.  with their colours and drums, 2 barrels of powder, besides store of match, with 40 horse; there were also about 20 of the enemy's soldiers drowned in their flight endeavouring to swim over Salt-Ash in Cornwall. Our men heard (since this defeat) that Greenvile himself was in the Town; whereof had they had true and timely notice, in all probability, they had then surprised him.  
On the Friday following, which was about April the 20. or 21. in the morning, 
The enemy's horse face Plymouth again.  the enemy's horse again faced our works; upon which sudden attempt, our men could not be kept in, but out they would upon them; at which time about 60 of ours sallying forth, pursued them as far as Plympton-bridge near which place their main strength lay, but ours were so provident and circumspect as not to adventure too fare, but had given them such a brave alarm, as put them to a nonplus, what to do; But ours, I say, not intending to hazard themselves so unequally, unless a very fair advantage had been offered, 
Ours make a very fair and safe retreat.  made a very fair and safe retreat; our forlorn hope, in this sally being led by valiant Captain Holme, who fell upon one of their works, killed two in it, and one brave Cavalier of quality besides, who with his horse was slain by a shot from a piece of ordnance, and many other also were slain about that time by several shots from Mount-Go●ld. And thus was Plymouth bravely cleared, for the most part, some three miles about, whereby they had a fit opportunity to cut down two woods near the Town, and supplied themselves well with fuel, which had been one of their former greatest wants.  
Much also about the same time, we were credibly advertised by an express from Gloucester that, that ever most renowned Governor Colonel Massey sent forth a party thence, 
A brave defeat given to the enemy by valiant & active Colonel Fox.  which joined with the forces under the command of Colonel Fox, and some other small parties from the garrisons of Warwick and Coventry, and entered Eusum, where they took 80 of the king's Cormorant's prisoners, with much provision and many arms; and at the same time they obtained a very good booty at Wych and other garrisons of the enemy in Worcestershire from whence they brought away divers prisoners and performed all this with the loss only of 4 men of theirs who were taken straying from their companies and carried prisoners into Worcester.  
And about the third of this instant May, 1644. this active and resolute Commander Colonel Fox went forth from Tamworth, accompanied with not above 64 men; and that night came to Budeley a very considerable garrison Town of the enemies. 
Budely in Worcestershire surprised by valiant Col. Fox.  At his coming to the first Court of guard in the Town, he boldly commanded them (it being in the night) to make way for some of the Prince's Regiment who desired to quarter in the Town, that night; which was immediately granted unto him, both by that and the second guard at the chains; and so being thus come to the entrance into the Town, his men slew 5 or 6 of the Sentinels and thereby possessed themselves of the Town, and set a guard at divers of the doors, where the commanders, officers, and men of quality lay, all which he took with most of their common-souldiers, there being about an 120 in all.  
From thence he went to a great Mannour-house, 
Sir Tho. Littleton surprised by Col. Fox.  not far from the Town, where he surprised Sir Thomas Litleton a Parliament-man and some other gentlemen, took thence 4 brave Flaundersmares, and great store of provision, all which with 40 most gallant horse of the King's Cormorants, and as many prisoners together with Sir Thomas, he brought into Coventry the very next morning; about which time all the neighbouring Cormorants and garrison-souldiers thereabout were raised up in arms with an intent to have rescued their friends, thus taken captives and carried away from them; but blessed be God they came a day after the fair, and according to that old proverb; When the steed was stolen than they would have shut the stable door; for all the prisoners and prizes were safely housed in Coventry.  
About the 6. of this instant May, 
Mr. Goads relation of the most happy and prosperous progress of the thrice noble and renowned Earl of Manchest●r in Lincolnshire.  came a most full and exact relation, testified under the hand of that learned and truly religious minister of God, Mr Goad Chaplain to the right honourable and most renowned Earl of Manchester concerning, the prosperous proceedings and victorious achievements of this most virtuous and valiant General especially of the famous winning of Lincoln, and so consequently the regaining of all that whole County; and of the frighting and forcing of those most odious and enormous devouring Cormorants from all their Augean-stalls and holds therein, which relation for the Readers better content and fuller▪ satisfaction therein, I have thought fit here to insert, together with some small addition out of another very authentic and unquestionable author, which came to my hands which were as followeth: After the most renowned and successful Earl of Mancesters army had marched toward Huntingdon, and from thence to Oundell and the Towns adjacent, the Lord General himself met it at a place called WaterinHeath where the Rendezvouz was appointed to be, from whence we marched to Stamford, and quartered there till we were in some measure furnished with ammunition fit for a nearer advance toward the enemy. 
The manner of the Earl of Manchesters' march.  During our abode at Stamford intelligence was carried to the enemies, being then at Grimsthorp and Sleeford with a purpose to fortify those two places, being chief inlets into Holland and those parts; but my Lord speedily sending out a party though but small, whereof the enemy hearing before ours did approach them, they quitted Grimsthorpe, not having made any works at all about it: My Lord being farther advertised that the enemy lay almost all over the County of Lincoln raising money and levying men by the Commission of Array, and miserably plundering the Country, his Lordship forthwith sent out another party under the command of the Lieutenant General Cromwell consisting of about 2000 horse and dragoones, upon whose advance they quitted Sleeford (where they had begun a regular fortification, and might have proved great offence to us) whereupon they contracted themselves retreating in great fear and confusion toward Newark and the other side of Trent, where at a general Rendezvouz, at, or about Mansfield, they met with all Newcastles horse, 
An 100 troops of Newcastles horse plunder the Country on the other side of Trent.  who together with them made up about an 100 troops, who quartered on that side Trent, to the almost undoing of that part of the Country. Now his Lordship being much affected with the distress of the Country, and perceiving that the vagabond-like Enemy declined to fight with him, and were only inclined to plunder, 
The Earl of Manchester advan●●● to Lincoln.  he advanced to Grantham and▪ from thence to Lincoln, resolving by the Almighty's assistance to attempt and take that place whereby he might either really weaken those Enemies of God and this Kingdom, or else necessitate them to fight with us. We came to Lincoln on Friday the third of this Month, i● the afternoon, 
Sir Peregrin Barty taken prisoner and brought to my Lord of Manchester.  on which day in the morning Colonel Sir Peregrin Bartie (high sheriff of this County, the Earl of Lindseyes' brother, and sometime Governor of this City) was brought prisoner unto us by a party of ours. We drew up our whole army in the face of the City on the brow of the hill near Lanwicke, and perceiving the enemy had made the entrance into that part which is called the old Town very strong, 
Lincoln summoned by my Lord of Manchester.  my Lord sent a trumpet to them, with a fair demand of the place for the King and Parliament, whereunto a very uncivil answer was returned, reproaching us with the defeat at Newarke, hoping we should be served here, as there.  
The next day we sent out a party of our Horse towards Gainsbrough, and took some Prisoners, who told us of a great body of Horse, 
Resolution to storm the Town.  to the number of 5 or 6000. that were coming against us, under Colonel goring Command, which made my Lord resolve to storm them that afternoon, and to that intent, the scaling Ladders were brought forth, and the Foot made ready to set on; but second and better thoughts stayed us till next morning, we having intelligence, that they were far enough off from coming to their relief for that night.  
My Lord, 
Colonel Cromwell sent out with 2000 horse to oppose Col. Goring from relieving Lincoln.  in the mean time, sent 2000 Horse, under the Command of Lieutenant general Cromwell, to meet the Enemy, and to stop them from coming to relieve the City; and thereupon the Foot were by Order drawn off from about the Hill, which the Enemy perceiving, it caused them to insult, hooping and hollowing against us, thinking we were afraid to set upon them; but the next morning they were forced to sing another note in another tune. For, that night Order was given for the Foot to lie on the several quarters of the Hill, 
Preparation to storm the City of Lincons.  round about their Works, and to be all in a readiness, to fall on from every quarter when they heard the great Ordnance go off, which was between 2 and 3 in the morning, there being accordingly, 6 Pieces together let fly. And my Lord had a little before commanded 2 Regiments of Foot, viz. Colonel russel's, 
Colonel russel's and Col. Mo●ntague lead on most bravely to the onset.  and Colonel Montagues to draw down toward the Gate and Draw-bridge, which they accordingly did, with admirable alacrity and resolution, being led on by those two most valiant and religious Colonels, who through the might of God, so undauntedly approached the Enemy, that after a very short dispute, even within less than a quarter of an hour, terror seized on the enemy's spirits, and our men seized on their works, 
The lower town taken.  and so with incredible courage possessed themselves of the low Town, the enemy flying to the upper Town and castle. 
The Enemy in their retreat endeavoured to fire the Lower Town.  Ours took divers of the enemy, in this brave bickering, without the loss of any on our side, which we humbly acknowledge to God's glory, to be a great mercy. Upon the enemy's retreat, they endeavoured to have fired the low Town, but ours pursuing closely prevented their mischievous intention in a great part and helped most industriously to quench those houses which they had fired. We pursued no farther at this present, resolving by God's help to have stormed the other part of the Town and castle the next morning by break of day (though the common soldiers seemed to be impatient, even of that short and needful delay) but by reason of much rain, which fell that night and all the next day and night, we were necessitated to defer this work till Monday following; in which interim the Lord gave us the Sabbath day wherein we might seek him for his blessing in so great a business.  
Now the Enemy having by their Horse (whom Colonel Cromwell strongly waited on with our whole Body of Horse) enforced us thereunto it was consulted on, 
A second full resolution to storm the Town and Castle as was formerly intended.  whether the former resolution of Storming the next morning should hold or not, it was presently agreed again, that by the help of our God, the Lieutenant General should with our Horse, attend the Enemy's Horse, as aforesaid, & our Foot storm the Town, which was done accordingly; wherein we received merveilous mercy from God, who gave much wisdom and valour to our men, as was then manifested, for that (at most) in one quarter of an hour (as was foreshown) we gained their Works, every Division beating back the Enemy, and entering the places allotted to them, to the admiration of the wisest and ablest of our enemies, who did confess, that though they knew our intentions to storm them that night, and therefore had drawn out all their Forces, being 21 Foot Companies, and 2 Troops of Horse, besides the help of many of the City, 
The furious assaults on the Enemy in the upper town & Castle.  to make good their Works against our assault; yet they were not able to stand out against the fierceness of our men, whom (as they said) they thought to be stark mad to come on in so desperate a manner; at which (as then) so now on this second onset they were so amazed, and terrified, that they fled to hide themselves; but their pursuers found them out, though they were crept into their Cathedral, many of them; For our men never left running and pursuing of them, until they came to the top of the hill, 
The indefatigable pains and, courage of our men about the Castle.  which would have been enough to have tired a very Horse, where being under the Castle-workes, ours set up the Scaling-ladders, which they in the Castle seeing, left their Firing, and fell busily to throwing down of great stones upon us, from over their Works and Walls, by which we received more hurt than by all their former shot, yet all would not daunt our men, but up to the top of the Ladders they got, which proved 100 short (many of them) to reach to the top of their Wall●s and their Works, 
The scaling Ladders set up against the Castle walls.  they being, most of them, as high as London walls, but yet they made shift to get up; which the Enemy perceiving, they had no spirit now left in them▪ but betook themselves to their heels from the walls, 
The Town & Castle obtained.  and our men close following them, having all got over the walls and works; shouting, and hollowing, and following them as fast as they fled, but they not knowing whither to run, cried out for Quarter, saying, they were poor Array-men, and forced thither to fight.  
We slew above 50 of them at this onset, 
The slain & the prisoners taken.  about 20 of whom were slain in the Castle-yard, where they made the most resistance. In all, we killed and took Prisoners of the Common Soldiers, about 800; Officers, and Gentlemen of quality and worth, about 200; in all, near about a 1000 men. We took all their Horse and Arms, 8 Pieces of Ordnance; good stores of all sorts of provisions in the Magazine; sufficient for a long siege.  
Considering the greatness of this success, 
The loss on our side, very inconsiderable.  our loss was not considerable; for, albeit the Colonels, and other superior Officers were in the face of all the dangers, performing equal service with the meanest Soldier (who undoubtedly, received much life and courage from the undaunted resolution, and fearless forwardness or their Commanders) yet, I say, we lost not any Field Officer; only two Majors wounded, 
Two Officers slain, & but 10 Common Soldiers.  one Captain, viz. Captain Oglesby, and Lieutenant Saunders slain; and about 10 Common Soldiers at the most, slain; most of which were slain with stones thrown down upon them from the Castlewalles.  
For this great victory, and mighty preservation, though we would not rob men of their due praise; Yet, we desire (as most fit) to make our boast of God, all the day long, who hath been our help, 
The singular piety of the most noble & renowned General.  and our strong God, and hath greatly appeared herein.  
And blessed be the Lord, that put into the heart of our most noble General, as to seek God earnestly for his help, before we undertook the Work, so far denying himself, as to give himself no rest or refreshing, till (calling together most of the chief Commanders) he had returned solemn praise and glory unto God, 
A brief List of the Commanders & Officers in Arms taken prisoners.  for the great help which he vouchsafed us.  
Now for the greater declaration, and manifestation of the praise and glory of our Wonderworking God, I have thought fit to give the Reader a Summary List of the Commanders and Officers taken Prisoners in this famous Victory. Viz. Sir Francis Fan●, Governor of Linc●lne. Colonel Sir Charles Dalison, Colonel Midlemore, Colonel Bandis, 2 Lieutenant Colonels; 2 Sergeant Majors; 21 Captains; 18 Lieutenants; 14 Ensigns; 18 Sergeants; 6 Gentlemen, 4 Drums, one Trumpet, one Overseer of the Works, one Master Gunner, two Gunner's Mates. All these we saw taken at the present, and are with the least, there being more found afterward in corners, whose names and number were not inserted into this List of Prisoners. 
All the Common soldiers taken were willing to fight for the Parliament.  And take this note also by the way, for a Conclusion; that all the Common Soldiers, after they were taken, did cheerfully desire to serve the Parliament, making many Protestations, and serious Vows, of their readiness and fidelity to venture their lives for our Cause. And now to proceed.  
About the 9th, of this instant May, it pleased the Lord to put into the hearts of our ever to be most highly honoured, praised, and prised Parliamentary Worthies, (for the honour of God, and better advancing of the work of Reformation, 
An Ordinance of Parliament for the demolishing of all Organs and superstitious monuments, etc.  in the Lords most pure and unblended Worship of God) to cause an Ordinance of Parliament to be Printed, and published, for the speedy demolishing, and taking down of all Organs, Images, and all manner of Superstitious Monuments in all Cathedral and Parish Churches, and Chapels, throughout the Kingdom, and Dominion of Wales; which for the excellency thereof, I have thought fit here to insert, verbatim, as 'twas published for the godly Readers better content, and pious delight, which was as followeth.  

Die jovis, 9 Maij. 1644. An Ordinance for the further demolishing of Monuments of Idolatry, and Superstition.  
THe Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, the better to accomplish the blessed Reformation, so happily begun, and to remove all offences, and things illegal in the Worship of God; do Ordain, That all representations of any of the persons of the Trinity, or of any Angel, or Saint, in or about any Cathedral, Collegiate, or Parish Church, or Chapel, or in any open place within this Kingdom, shall be taken away, defaced, and utterly demolished; And that no such shall hereafter be set up, And that the Chancel ground of every such Church or Chappel, raised for any Altar or Communion Table to stand upon, shall be laid down, and leveled: And that no Copes, Surplisses superstitious Vestments, Hoods, Roodlofts, or Holywater Fonts, shall be, or be any more used in any Church or Chapel within this Realm; And that no Cross, Crucifix, Picture, or Representation of any of the persons of the Trinity, or of any Angel or Saint shall be, or continue upon any place, or other thing used, or to be used, in, or about the worship of God; And that all Organs, and the frames, or cases wherein they stand in all Churches and Chapels aforesaid shall be taken away, and utterly defaced, and none other hereafter set up in their places; And that all Copes, Surplisses, Superstitious Vestments, Roods, and Fonts aforesaid, be likewise utterly defaced, whereunto all persons within this Kingdom, whom it may concern, are hereby required at their peril, to yield due obedience.  
Provided that this Ordinance, or any thing therein contained, shall not extend to any Image, Picture, or Coat of Arms, in Glass, Stone, or otherwise, in any Church, chapel, Church-yard, or place of public Prayer, as aforesaid, set up or graven only for a Monument of any King, Prince, or Nobleman, or other dead person which hath not been commonly reputed or taken for a Saint: but that all such Images, Pictures, and Coats of Arms, may stand and continue in like manner and form, as if this Ordinance had never been made. And the several Church Wardens, or Overseers of the Poor of the said several Churches and Chapels respectively, and the next adjoining justice of the Peace, or deputy Lieutenant, are hereby required to see the due performance hereof. And that the repairing of the Walls, Windows, Grounds, and other places which shall be broken, or impaired by any the means aforesaid, shall be done and performed by such person and persons, as are for the same end and purpose nominated and appointed by a former Ordinance of Parliament, of the eight and twentieth of August, 1643. For the utter demolishing of Monuments of Superstition or Idolatry.  
Ordered by the Lords in Parliament Assembled, that this Ordinance shall be forthwith Printed and Published. john Brown, Cler. Parliamentorum.   
Much about which foresaid time, came certain intelligence out of Wales to London, 
Capt. Swanley takes Carnarvan Town & Castle, & other good prize.  that God had still exceedingly blessed and prospered that most industrious and valiant Gentleman, Captain Swanley, in all the parts of South-Wales▪ and that he had lately taken the Town and Castle of Carnarvan, together with great store of Prisoners, many Arms and Ammunition; as also that he had taken diverse more Irish, which were landed in those parts, whom because they were good Swimmers, he caused to use their natural Art, and try whether they could tread the Seas as lightly as their Irish-boggs and quagmires, and binding them back to back, cast them overboard to swim or drown, and to wash them to death, from the blood of the Protestants that was upon them.  
And about the same time we were certainly informed, that the most gallant and active Governor of Gloucester, 
Col. Massyes' constant activity.  Colonel Massey, losing no time to annoy the Enemy, nor omitting any opportunity to advance and advantage the Kingdom's Cause, intercepted a Letter going from Wales to Oxford, the contents whereof, signifying, that if assistance came not, all Wales would be utterly lost. And he also having intelligence of some preparations for that design on the Enemy's side to be put in action by Colonel Mynne, 
Col. Mynne beaten in his Quarters.  he instantly and resolutely fell upon Mynnes quarters, took divers Prisoners and Horse, and broke the neck of that design.  
And about the same time, it pleased the Lord, very graciously to defeat our Adversaries devilish designs, in the discovering of a most treacherous plot for the betraying of Gloucester into the enemy's hands, 
A Plot to betray Gloucester discovered.  which was acted and agitated by one Edward Stanford Esquire, a known Papist, who plotted with an honest and loyall-hearted Gentleman, Captain Backhouse, a Captain of Horse under Colonel Massey: In whom this Papist conceived he had a deep interest, by reason of former ancient, and intimate acquaintance. To whom this Stanford assured a reward of 5000 l. for effecting the Treason; 
5000. l. proffered for a reward to betray Gloucester.  But Captain Backhouse most loyally and politicly deceived the said Popish Traitor, and by special assent, and good liking of Colonel Massey, exchanged divers Letters, about the firm contriving and carrying on of the business, and so brought the Popish Agent into such a Fools, or Knave's Paradise, as that he received 200 l. 
200. l. paid in hand of the 5000. to Capt. Backhouse.  in hand of the said monies from Stanford, and held out the acting of the business at least 3 months in treaties about it; and things so fell out in that interim, that partly Captain Backehouse seemed to be necessitated to put it off, but principally themselves were not fitted for action therein: So that in the upshot they found themselves wound into a dangerous noose, had it gone on, 
The ●●●successe of their plot from themselves.  and so voluntarily themselves left it off. All this being at large related in print by Captain Backhouse himself, with the interchangeable letters that past between them; wherein was a clear and full discovery of the whole plot to the just shame of those bloodthirsty traitors, and the most deserved honour of that most loyal and faithful commander Captain Backhouse.  
May the 10. the most renowned and ever to be highly honoured Citizens of London observing a long and tedious obstruction in the Parliament about the re-establishing of the State-Committee of both Kingdoms, 
The Citizens of London petition the House of Peers for the re-establishment of the State-Committee.  which in its former setlement had produced much good to the affairs of the Kingdom; and finding that the City Malignants began in their common discourse, to seem to have great hopes of an utter dissolution thereof; and most justly, much fearing the ill consequences that were likely to follow thereon, and considering that the main rub and remora thereof was in the House of Peers; The religious, resolute, prudent and provident Citizens therefore petitioned: First, their own City Common-Council, and the common-council in the name of the whole City (lamenting the not farther continuing of this Committee for both Kingdoms) petitioned the whole House of Peers for a most happy and speedy concurrence with the House of Commons (especially now when an unanimous correspondency between them) even in this conjuncture of time, might redound much to their honours, and the singular good of the Kingdom, it having in 3 month's time, almost ruined our adversaries, 
The result & issue of the Cities petitioning the House of Peers.  in their deepest designs against us, as affairs than stood: To which petition the Lords returned a very respective answer, with great thanks for their love and care for the public good.  
And upon the 15. of May following, the two Sheriffs of London with several of the Aldermen and common-council, being the representative body of the City of London, 
The Citizens of London also petition the House of Commons.  presented to the House of Commons in Parliament an humble petition expressing to that honourable House their thankfulness for the great and undefatigable pains which the House had now for some years past, taken in the service of the public: Telling them withal, that they were very sensible of the great discouragements they had received by some late obstructions; yet did humbly desire them to lose no time in settling the Committee of both kingdoms; assuring them that the City was resolved to obey the orders and directions of the House of Commons; 
The result & issue of the City's ●●●tion to the House of Commons.  and that with the House of Commons they would live and die; as by the petition itself it was more at large expressed. The House of Commons hereupon by their Speaker, instantly returned many thanks to the City for their continued affection to the public, and to that House in particular, and because a Petition so full of affection and resolution for the good of the public, might appear to posterity; They ordered it to be entered in the Journall-Book of the Parliament; and the answer thereunto, 
Singular sympathy 'twixt the House of Commons and the City of London.  which was framed in expressions so suitable to the Petition, as that it was exceedingly for the honour of the City; and for the terror of the enemies of this great Cause, who eagerly sought and were in great hope at this time to have divided the one from the other. The substance of this answer was delivered by Master Speaker, as aforesaid, on the very day of the delivery of the said City Petition; and upon the Saturday following (their Petition having been delivered but the Thursday before) being May the 18th, it was by express Order of the House delivered in writing by divers members of the House, at a Common Council in Guild-Hall, sitting there of purpose to receive the same: 
The happy event of the City Petition in the principal expectation from both Houses of Parliament.  Yea, and upon the 20th or 21 of May, next ensuing, the Lords sent to the House of Commons this so long desired Ordinance for settling the Committee of both kingdoms, with the alteration only of one word in it, and the addition of two words more than were in it before; and thus this weighty matter (so long in disputation and expectation) was now comfortably composed and yielded unto, to the great content of the well-affected, and to the adversaries of the Causes great vexation and discouragement. But yet within a day or two after, the House of Commons moved the House of Lords again (by way of a reply to former Propositions therein) with solid reasons why they could not concur with the Lords to have an additional number of 15. 
Secrecy is the Key of certainty.  to manage the State-affairs with secrecy which is the key of certainty, (this having been the great block and obstruction in this weighty business) and matters of high concernment being best carried on when the number is the least: 
The State-Committee for both Kingdoms established.  So that at last, the Lord was pleased to direct the heart of the Peers to a full and clear setlement of this great business according to the desire of the House of Commons, and long longed expectation of all the Well-affected Party, and to the heart vexation of Malignants, who hoped for an unhappy intestine division, hereby, among ourselves.  
Much also about the same time came certain intelligence by letters from Colonel Massey of more singular good success which God had then given unto him against his neighbour enemies, especially against that great Papist, 
Col. Masseyes' brave defeats given to the Enemies at Newnam, Westbury, and Little Dean.  Sir John Winter the Queen's Secretary whom (together with the most barbarous and bloody Irish-Rebells) his so pious Mistress employed to settle the Protestant Religion: I shall forbear (for brevities-sake) to give an exact and particular relation, how this most renowned Colonel, by a brave martial stratagem, laid a train of powder and a granado at the end of it, which did good execution to the purpose on the enemies; the succinct number of the prisoners and the place where they were taken, were as followeth: 
Newnam defeat.  Prisoners taken at Newnam (which was Sir john Winter's head-quarter) 3 Captains; 3 Lieutenants; 4 Ensigns; 12 Sergeants; 
The prisoners and prizes taken.  4 Corporals; 4 Drums; one Cannoneers; one Engineer; one provost Marshal; 1 Chaplain of the army; 4 double barrels of powder; 60 skeins of Match; one Fawknet; 3 Hambrough guns; 4 Pieces of Ordnance; 130 Common-souldiers, besides good store of Arms. 
Wesbury defeat.  Taken also at Westbury, the same day (which in the relation was about May the 7.) the whole garrison with officers and soldiers, 
The prisoners and prizes taken.  one Capt. one Lieut. one Ensign; besides other officers; 60 soldiers; besides 9 slain; 2 barrels of powder, and 12 skeins of match. At Litle-Deane also the day before; slain, 
The defeat at Little Dean, & the prisoners and prizes taken.  Lieut. Colonel Congrave the Governor thereof; Captain Wigmoore, 70 others also slain there and at that time; and 15 prisoners taken. And thus have you briefly seen, how that ever most worthily to be ever honoured and valiant Commander Col. Massey made notable advantages of that provision which was so lately before sent unto him: And how to give this brave Commander his due praise or how to crown his brows with sufficiently flourishing green Laurels, I confess, I am not able, my expressions being indeed too low to set forth so high deserts, and the present generation is so envious, that if I could and should give him but so much right as I conceive him most worthy of, and should not say as much of the rest, 
Col. Massyes' just Encomium.  they would, I fear, storm against me, though I desire to exclude or extenuate no man's worth, nor would disparage any in commending active Massey; I will only therefore say thus much, in brief, and that most truly; Many garrisons have done bravely but Massey at Gloucester hath exceeded them all. And truly that brave Commander Colon: Mitton of Wem garrison, may challenge a second place, in our highest and loudest praises and expressions; and why not renowned Lime garrison the third place which hath also done bravely to deep admiration, as hath been already and shall be yet more fully set forth in its proper place; 
The just commendation of divers other garrisons.  All all the rest, I say have done singularly well, to God's glory and their honour be it spoken: As Captain Ludlow at Warder-castle; Col. Norton, Colon. Sydenham and the rest at Pool, who have done as much as no man could expect more; yea Warwick garrison, Alesbury and Northampton, and the rest who have all done most heroickly and honourably; and if they have come short of any others, I hope they have meant as well as the best, but peradventure had not the like opportunities thereto; But to proceed.  
About the 12. of this instant came credible information out of the Western parts from the garrison of Lyme, 
Lyme stormed & the enemy bravely repulsed.  that revived Prince Maurice (not this ghost, though he be ghost-like, in regard of his infirmity) stormed the Town of Lyme a third time, and was now also beaten off with great loss, above 80 of his men being slain in one ditch and 60 in another, and the rest of his army pursued even to their own works; and that Lyme garrison brought off 2 Pieces of the enemy's ordnance, within the command of their works, though the enemy slew many of the poor Countrymen to compel them to fight to have saved the 2 pieces of ordnance, but all in vain.  
And now upon Monday the 13. of this instant his Excellency the Parliaments Lord General of all their Forces, advanced toward Oxford, his Carriages went the day before, and he in person followed the next day early in the morning, which was Tuesday the 14th, upon which day at Blackfriars in London, was a day of humiliation kept in the behalf of the Western affairs; 
A day of Humiliation set a part to seek the Lord upon the advance of the L. Gen. Army.  at Saint Brides a Day of Thanksgiving for the Victory at Lincoln, together with prayers and Solemn Supplications for the good success of the Noble Earl of Manchesters' Army; and ere his Excellency left London he earnestly desired that a day might be set a part to seek the Lord for him and his brave Army; which was accordingly performed in a most high and solemn manner, by the Lord Mayor, aldermans, Sheriffs, and common-council of the City of London at Christ's Church, on Friday the 17th of May: A thing which had not been done before in all the time of these unhappy wars, since they first began, and therefore we have the greater ground of hope of a happy issue and good success, and that God will in mercy be found of those that seek him first, and which desire to go forth in his name and in his strength alone.  
And about the 16th. of this instant May, 
Devonshire & Cornwall disaffected to the Irish.  we were certainly informed at London that the Counties of Devon and Cornwall began to be sensible of and displeased at the concourse of the Irish coming into those parts, declaring that rather than they would bear with it any longer, they would with an unanimous consent, as one man, rise against them and expel them out of their Countries; and thus we may hope that the kingdom will at length be beaten into a condition of having their eyes of understanding opened to see and believe those truths of their hastening danger which they before so long withstood, to their late and long just misery, and that now at length they will come back, although it be by weeping-crosse, which they might have avoided, had they not either through envy or ignorance fought against those who with the hazard of their lives have thus long preserved the Kingdom; and until this unhappy difference and inhuman discord and bloody war was plotted and managed by Romish-Iesuits and most ambitious and proud-Prelates; 
Amost just objurgation of England from Devon & Cornwall's great folly in deserting the Parliament.  no story can make report of so much baseness of the English Nation (especially after so much illumination) as to take up arms against their own Parliament, chosen by themselves, and which hath been in all ages the preservation of the subject: But to proceed.  
Whereas the Malignant-Spirits and most malicious adversaries of our Kingdom are continually working and contriving how to ruin themselves and the whole Church and State, and had for this end (by their active agents in Scotland, 
A most wicked & devilish plot to undo Scotland also with England by the Popish Royalists there, by way of diversion to recall our brethren of Scotand from assisting us.  the marquis Huntley, the Lord Montrosse, Craford, Musgrave and others) attempted an intestine insurrection in the Kingdom of Scotland, about Aberdene the most malignant Town in all that Kingdom; hoping thereby by way of a divertive war, to bring off our brethren of Scotland from Newcastles and York's siege, to look to their own Kingdom of Scotland, which they intended thus to distress and disturb with civil broils and certain ruin, if possibly they could, like most desperate and villainous vipers: But, our wise and most worthy Brethren of the nation had most prudently foreseen (by heaven inspired wisdom & providence) this machinated malice and probably ensuing mischief of these their suspected enemies; and did therefore with all convenient circumspection endeavour to shut fast their own doors, before they adventured to look abroad: 
The Noble Earl of Argyle stirs against the Popish insurrection begun in Scotland.  And therefore the most Noble, prudent, and potent Earl of Argyle who had engaged himself for marquis Huntleys' fair and peaceable demeanour in their absence, though Huntly was a known Papist, and who being a Papist held fast, still, that old Popish principle; That no faith is to be kept with Heretics. And therefore in this time of the Scots absence in England, he having first begun this seditious insurrection, with but an inconsiderable strength; The said Noble Earl of Argyle (by God's assistance) having suddenly raised a fair Army, 
The Earl of Argyle breaks the neck of this Plot, and puts the marquis Huntly to flight.  soon stifled that abortive birth, and wicked design; the whole Country, as one man, rising with the foresaid Noble Earl, and courageously setting upon them, put them all to flight, and broke the neck of this their hellish hope and expectation, ere they could grow to any great Maturity.  
And since that the foresaid Montrosse and his Popish and Atheistical mates, making head again in Scotland, and intending to get Dumfreiz into their possession again: It pleased the Lord to raise up the Spirits, not only of that most Noble Scottish Peer aforesaid, the Earl of Argyle, 
The Earl of Calendar also riseth with about 8000. horse and foot to suppress this intestine insurrection.  but also of the Valiant Earl of Calendar, and others well-affected to this cause of God, who soon raised a power of about 8000 horse and foot, and quickly repelled the pride and expelled the persons of Montrosse and his mischievous confederates out of Scotland, took from them all their Ordnance and many Arms and much Ammunition, and forced them to fly into Cumberland, and those parts and so to Carlisle; whether they were also pursued by the said noble Earl of Callender, and (as about this 16 or 18 of May we had credible information) he beat them out of that Town of Carlisle and forced them to fly into the Castle, where they were all then straightly besieged, 
Montrosse forced to fly into the Castle of Carlisle.  and in a fair way to be all surprised and taken therein. Thus we see how our great and glorious God carries on the work, lifts up his Ark still above all the swelling Surges and billowing waves of Malignity, to him be all the honour and glory thereof: And this also I thus thought fit here to make mention of, as having such clear and near reference to the present weighty affairs of our own Nation and Kingdom.  
About the 20th of this instant May a true and perfect Relation was made to the Parliament (by Captain jones and Captain Player, who came out of Lime, the Saturday before) of the most valiant and resolute carriage of the Governor, Captain Seeley (a second Massey) and his brave Soldiers, in defending that Town against Prince Maurice who by storming of the Town, 
The present state of Lyme related to the Parliament by Cap. jones & Cap. Player.  by loss, by sallies out of the Town, and by running away, from first to last hath lost 2000 of his men, Col. Bluet, Col. Strangewayes and divers persons of great note, were slain; the ditches and trenches were several times filled with the dead bodies of the enemy, and Prince Maurice lost his own colours and two battering pieces; he sent a trumpet to fetch off the body of Colonel Strangewayes, and took one away whom they said was the man: These two Captains likewise informed that the enemy had made above a 1000 great shot against the Town, and yet had slain with them but one old man, that was making his will, just as the bullet hit him (the like at Gloucester where but one old woman and a pig was killed with a Cannon) and that they had consumed at least 200 barrels of powder in shooting in the great and lesser guns: That when the ditches were filled with dead bodies of the enemy, Prince Maurice sent for a parley, the Governor refused it, 
The brave & most resolute carriage of the Governor of Lyme to Pr. Maurice.  and sent him word he would make a breach 20 yards where he would desire it, and give him leave to come and take the Town if he could, but the Prince refused his offer and sent him word that he would make a breach himself and hang the Governor over the wall, the Governor sent him a prisoner home and bade him tell Maurice; England that had fed him and his brother with bread, they in requital came to consume with fire and sword; but he hoped to see them both rewarded with a Halter, or made shorter by the head. One of Maurices Capt. whom the Town took being mortally wounded desired to receive the Sacrament (a rare devotion in a cavalier) and being upon receiving of the Sacrament, was demanded whether P. Maurice was alive, he positively assured he was; though he had been long and then continued very ill of an infirmity, and presently after the Cavalier died. There were 400 foot of Sir Arthur Hasteriggs' then come into the Town of Lyme, and a 100 more under the command of Captain Chase of Chichester, a valiant and faithful commander: If Maurice pleased to abide any longer against Lyme (as he did) he was like to find (as he did) as harsh entertainment as ever he did formerly.  
Much about the same time letters came to the Parliament from the Earl of Warwick informing them of the taking of a good prize by sea going to the Queen at Exeter intended to have put in at Dartmouth, which had a convoy of four Statesmen of war, under the command of Van Trumpets Rear Admiral, not far from Calais; Captain Owen being rear-admiral to the Earl of Warwick, 
A brave prize taken at Sea by the noble Earl of Warwick's Ships.  and having three more brave Ships, met with the said Ship, and Holland Men of War, and demanded the prize, which, not being condescended unto, he gave them a broad side or two; whereupon the States Men of War (it was conjectured according to their instructions from the States, though not from Orange) presently left the prize to the Parliament Ships, who brought her into the Downs, and the prize and Ship was estimated at 8000 l. at least, (And surely it might appear that the prize was the greater, by reason of so great a Convoy) in provisions of War, and other things which her Majesty sent for over.  
About the foresaid time also, came certain intelligence to London, that the Committee for the County of Kent, lighted upon an excellent example of honour to God, for the mercies they received in that County, and so consequently to the whole Kingdom; in that they had designed the 21th day of this instant May, 
An excellent pattern of gratitude in the County of Kent  for a general Day of Thanksgiving, over all Kent, for their deliverance from the late Rebellion, raised through their whole County. I shall here give the Reader a true Copy of their Warrant thereunto, that it may remain on record, as a Monument of their Gratitude to the God of heaven, to all Posterity.  

A true Copy of a Warrant sent from the Committee of Kent, to all the Ministers in that County, for the Celebration of the 21th. day of May, a day of Thanksgiving, for their deliverance from the late Rebellion, and for other mercies to that County.  
WHereas the goodness of God hath been wonderfully manifested toward this County, in the speedy suppression of the late rebellion, and the several defeats and disappointments of the Enemy approaching this County with great Armies, all threatening the ruin and destruction of the whole County. The Committee therefore hold themselves obliged to invite the County (while there is opportunity) to a general acknowledgement of these unexpected, and undeserved mercies; and have therefore Ordered and appointed Tuesday the 21th. of May, 1644, to be observed by all the Inhabitants of this County, as a day of thanksgiving to Almighty God, for so great deliverance, and lengthening our tranquillity in the midst of a deluge of war: And all the Ministers in this County are hereby required, in their respective Churches, to observe the said day of thanksgiving, and to exhort and excite the people, to acknowledge and improove the said multiplied deliverances in a spiritual way, that God may have the sole honour, and glory of them all, in all our praises.  
To the Minister of, etc. You are to publish this Order, in the Church, on the next Lord's day.   
And here I cannot omit one thing, but must crave leave of the Reader to mention it; namely, the renowned worth, and high valuation we all ought to have, of that ever to be honoured, and most honest hearted Patriot of his Country, the Earl of Pembroke, who not long since most nobly and heroically engaged his person, 
A just & most deserved testimony of the right noble Earl of Pembroke's love & loyalty to the Parliament.  purse, and credit, in the raising of moneys, for the service of that famous Garrison Town of Lyme, and other parts in the West; and how he offered most freely to mortgage his whole Estate, to raise moneys for the preservation of those Towns in the West, that stand so firm and faithful to the Parliament. And that on the 17. of this instant, he did publicly declare himself to be so far, and so fully satisfied in the most courageous and wise proceedings of the House of Commons, that he for his particular, was faithfully resolved to live and die with them; and hath all along most clearly evidenced his constant loyalty to the Parliament, and cause of God, without the least ignoble thought of base desertion, or tergiversation from it, from the first to this very present. A rare example and true trophy of Nobility in him.  
About the 22th, of this instant May, we had certain intelligence, 
Cawood Castle and all in it surrendered to the Parliam.  by Letters out of Yorkshire, that Cawood Castle in that County was surrendered up to that most valiant and virtuous Commander Sir john Meldrum, for the use of the King and Parliament, about 4 of the clock in the afternoon; wherein were 25 Arms, 4 Pieces of Ordnance, 4 barrels of Powder, all the bag and baggage; therein also was delivered up, Lunsdale the Governor thereof, and all the Commanders surrendered themselves into our hands, upon only Quarter for their lives; The Common Soldiers to go home, taking the Covenant; which was performed accordingly, Sir George Duncombe, who contributed much to the surrender of this place, took the Covenant, and came in to the most noble Lord Fairfax. This was the same Duncombe that was the most active man in raising the King Forces in Yorkshire, to set on foot this, not British, but brutish war, for which good act, his Majesty knighted him; and the reason why he now became out of love with the King's service (as himself said) was, because his Majesty, contrary to his promise and faith, employed Papists in Command, whom, at the beginning (to the delusion of the people) he seemingly banished from the Court at York.  
And by Letters of the 24th of this instant, we were certified, that the foresaid most courageous, 
The Isle and Fort of Ayremouth taken also by Sir john Meldrum.  and valiant Commander, Sir john Meldrum, had the Isle and Fort of Ayremouth delivered up unto him, with all the Arms, Ordnance, and Ammunition therein: So that by this means, a clear and free passage was opened even from Hull to Owz-Bridge, which, till now, the Fort at Ayremouth and Cawood-castle did interrupt. It was also further certified, in the same Letters, that Shovels, Pickaxes, Spades, and other materials, were brought in abundance to the Leaguer at York; and above 10000 Countrymen came in, some voluntarily, others by compulsion to help to make their approaches near the City to batter it.  
Much also about the same time, 
The King's Forces durst not bid battle to the Parl. L. General at Wantage.  we were certainly informed by Letters from Abington, that the King with his two great Armies, Commanded by Forth and Hopton, durst not bid battle to the Parliaments most noble Lord General, the Earl of Essex, on Wantage Downes, where his Excellency drew in Battalia to salute them; but that they fled back (not daring, neither, to go Westward) to Abington: whereupon my Lord General sent out a Party of 3000 Horse and Foot, Commanded by that thrice noble, and worthily honoured Commander, the Lord Roberts, Field-marshal, and the Horse, by Sir Philip Stapleton, Lieutenant General of the Horse, who came in with such courage, and brave resolution, that 5000 of the Enemies fled in disorder, and left the Town to the Lord Roberts, 
Abington taken by the noble Lord Roberts.  who on the Lord's Day, May 26, entered Abington, in the morning, the most noble Lord Gen, being to quarter there that night. The Enemy took such a flight on this pursuit, that they hastily marched from Abington, with most of their Artillery and Magazine to Oxford, but yet 80 Wagons, and 5000 Foot and Horse passed by Oxford toward Islip, the way to Worcester, Commanded by Sir Ralph Hopton. This Party also was soon disheartened by 18 Troops under Command of that valiant, active and undaunted Gentleman, Captain Temple, who was sent from Newport Pannell with those Horse to discover the Enemy, 
Valiant Cap. Temples brave exploit on the enemies at Islip.  but not to engage himself. But this brave not spirited Gallant would be in action, and fell upon 3 Troops of the Enemies quartered at Islip, whereof Astons own Troop was one, and took there 50 Horse, Sir Fortescue (not that faithless wretch which you may imagine) & 17 more Prisoners, 8 packs of Kersey from Exeter, and 150. l. in ready money, and gave such an alarm to the enemy, that those Horse fled from Islip to Oxford, gave Hopton the alarm, in his March to Islip, that all of them cried out, Essex is come; Essex is come; whereupon the gates of Oxford were shut up, and they would not suffer, even aston's own Troop, for a while, to enter. Such a terror and amazement struck the hearts of these graceless, guilty, and Conscience-wounded Enemies of God and goodness.  
About the same time also, 
The most noble L. Generals merciful Proclamation.  his Excellency being in those parts about Oxford, and finding the Country extremely pillaged, and impoverished by the King's Cormorants; he most wisely and mercifully caused Proclamation to be made in his Army, and in the Country about, as followeth.  

ROBERT Earl of Essex, etc. Captaine-Generall of the Army, employed for the Defence of the Protestant Religion, King, Parliament, and Kingdom.  
WHereas these Countries have been very much afflicted and oppressed by the Euemy, and we are now come to relieve them of their hard bondage. It is therefore my express will and pleasure, and I do hereby straight charge and command all Officers and Soldiers of Horse, Foot, and Dragoones, belonging to the Army under my Command, that they, and every of them, do forthwith after Proclamation hereof made, forbear (notwithstanding any pretence whatsoever) to plunder or spoil any of the goods of the inhabitants of these Countries, or to offer any violence, or other prejudice unto them upon pain of death, without mercy,  
Given under my hand and Seal, May the 26. 1644. Essex.   
Say, now, then (malicious Malignants) was not this a better and more just Proclamation, than that which came to the poor Inhabitants of those parts, 
A Parallel of that Proclamation with the Oxonian Edict lately published from Oxford.  round about from Oxford, Commanding all their Corn and Victual, upon pain of Fire and Sword. And was it not (think you) better accepted of the said people, than that Oxonian Edict, that in all those Country's all his Majesty's Soldiers should have free Quarter for Horse and Man; So that the Inhabitants were eaten up by such oppression, and perforce made Slaves and Bondmen to the base lusts and wills of all the Damn, cursed crew, whose insolences were hereby incredible, and the relation of them very fearful and grievous to modest and tenderhearted Christians.  
About the 27th of this instant, there were Letters drawn up (such was the prudence & providence of our ever to be honoured and renowned Parliamentary Statists, 
A most prudent & pertinent Message sent by our Parliament in England to the Parliament in Scotland.  to conserve and corroborate the blessed union & amity between the two Kingdoms of England and Scotland) to be sent to the Parliament in Scotland, from both the Houses of Parliament in England, expressing the obligation they stood bound in, to the Kingdom of Scotland; the high esteem they have of their brotherly love, for their assistance to this Nation; desiring also that they may be united as well in Councils, as in Forces; And returning them hearty thanks for their care of the Army in Ireland, for which they sent them word, they had provided 30000 l. and also had sent down 20000 l. to their Army, now with us in England, requesting them to accept their endeavours, though their abilities answered not their desires.  
Much also about the same time came credible Information by Letters out of Gloucestershire, 
Beverton Castle in Gloustersh. taken by Col. Massey.  that, that most valiant, vigilant, and courageous Commander, Colonel Massey, had taken Beverton Castle in Gloucestershire, about 12 miles from Gloucester, and within a mile from Tedbury; which was surrendered to him, on no other Conditions, but only for quarter for their lives: Wherein he took 60 Prisoners, with all their Ordnance, Arms, and Ammunition.  
And, 
Malmesbury taken by Col. Massey.  with the same success, he took the old Town of Malmesbury, wherein were 300 men, and two Sons of the Earl of Berkshire; and 28 Officers, 400 Arms, 7 or 8 Pieces of Ordnance, besides Powder, Match, and other Ammunition and provision; The Governor of the Town, Colonel Howard, being at the first summoned to deliver up the Town for the use of the King and Parliament Assembled at Westminster, returned an answer, That he would keep it for the use of the King and Parliament Assembled at Oxford: but upon this Answer Col. Massey fell close to the work, and after 13 hours hot fight, he, (as aforesaid) forced the Governor to make a recantation of his error, and to cry for mercy for his folly. And from thence he presently marched into Wiltshire, 
Chippenham Garrison in Wilts taken by Col. Massey.  and possessed himself of the Garrison of Chippenham, the Soldiers therein having only Quarter for their lives. And thus we see how admirably successful the Lord of Hosts hath made this Loyal and most active Commander in all his Valiant and Magnanimous undertake.  
Whereupon, shortly after, The two Honourable Houses of Parliament, taking into consideration the good service of this famous and Renowned Colonel, 
Col. Massey advanceth into wilts with 2000 men toward the Devizes.  and that in pursuance of his foresaid good success, he was marched on with about 2000 men to the Devizes thereby to open a passage for the bringing in of cloth to London out of the West country: An Order was forthwith agreed on for speedy supplying him with money and other necessaries: And another Ordinance of Parliament was also resolved on, for the rewarding of this Noble Colonel, for his so great and good service done to the Kingdom; and (that his neverdying honour might not too long be unrecompensed) therefore to confirm and settle a 1000 l. a year, 
A most Noble and Renowned act of the Parliament in rewarding the good Service of Col. Massey.  of Sir John Winter's estate (an arch Papist in arms against the Parliament, and one of the Queen's great favourites) on him and his heirs for ever. A singular and most highly commendable act, greatly redounding to their own just praise, and to the encouragement of the rest of the valiant and active Soldiers and commanders of the Parliaments Forces and Garrisons.  
About the 30th. of this instant May, it pleased the Lord, to let us, the happy inhabitants (O that our Malignants also could see their happiness therein!) of the most famous and ever to be renowned City of London, see and know, 
England's great wonder, to Gods great glory, May 30. 1644.  that he had a purpose to do us good, and to raise us now, out of our late low estate, and thereby to give us still more and more just cause to magnify and omnifie his great name, in blessedly advancing all means and ways for the good of his despised and distressed Church and Children; and to spread the banner of the Lord Jesus Christ triumphantly in the field against his too too long over-prided and insulting ●oes. For, about this time, notwithstanding that by God's admirable mercy and good providence we had now, already in the field 6 or 7 very considerable armies, as first, That of our most noble and renowned Lord General, his Excellency the Earl of Essex in the Western parts of the Kingdom; Secondly, that of our most loyal and loving Brethren of Scotland. Thirdly, that of the ever most worthily honoured Lord Fairfax and his most renowned Son, Sir Thomas Fairfax. Fourthly, 
Above 6 brave Armies at one time in the Kingdom on the Parliaments side.  that of the no less renowned truly noble, and to be ever honoured Earl of Manchester, all these three last mentioned armies in the Northern parts of the Kingdom about York. Fifthly, that of the magnanimous and most courageous Sir William Waller in the West also. Sixthly, that of the most noble and active Earl of Denbigh, about Staffordshire and those parts: Besides, that brave commanders forces in Lancastershire, I mean valiant Sir john Meldrum, and other lesser forces in divers other parts and places of the Kingdom. That notwithstanding all these, and many, if not most of all these in great measure raised out of the most famous City of London, yet I say, about this time (to the glory of our wonderworking God be it spoken, the honour of the said great City, the joy of God's people, and the extreme terror of the malignant, 
The true muster of the City forces & of Westminster at this 〈◊〉.  Papistical and Atheistical adversaries of the great and glorious Cause of God) there was a general muster of all the City forces, yet remaining within the line of Communication (besides 6 Regiments of the City forces, than abroad, upon the public service) which were found to be no less than 12 regiments of foot of the London Trained bands, containing 40 companies. Also Sir james harrington's regiment being the Trained bands of Westminster and that liberty, containing 8 companies; Colonel Hudsons' regiment being that of Southwark, containing also 8 companies; Also 4 regiments of Auxiliaries, containing 20 companies within the City. Colonel Willoughbies' regiment being the auxilaries of the Hamlets, containing also, 8 companies; In all 48. All the companies of each several regiment, being more than 6 Companies in a Regiment were taken for a guard for the City and Parliament. The rest being 12 Regiments, 6 Companies in a Regiment, marched, about Noon, on Thursday May 30. 1644. to Hyde-Parke, where Tents were pitched, and Ordnance planted; and whither the Right Honourable Sir John Wollaston, than Lord Mayer of London, together with the Right honourable the Lady Majoress, and other Ladies and Gentlewomen, in about 30 Coaches went to see this famous Muster performed, and where met them divers of the Lords and 〈◊〉 of Parliament, who were there entertained in great State, together with all the brave Colonels and Commanders. The other 12 were thus disposed of: 7 Companies to Guard the Works and Forts upon the Northside of the River; 2 Companies to Guard the Southern side; 1 Company for Westminsterh The other 2 Guarded the City, one Company thereof, at the Exchange; the other Company, half at the Tower-hill, and the other at Paul's. The names of the Colonels whose Regiments went forth, were these: The Right Honourable the Lord Mayors of the City of London; Col. Atkins; Col. Penningtons'; Col. adam's; Col. Warners; Col. Towers; Col. harington's; Col. H●●sons; Col. Towes; Col. Willoughbies; Col. Shepherds; and Colonel Harsnets'.  
This, good Reader, is here mentioned not to cause our hearts to be lifted up with pride, by the Reedish-props of the arm of flesh; No, God forbid it: God the searcher of all hearts knows I am for from it, and should much grieve if any should make such a sinister use of it, but unfeignedly desiring, in the words, and with the spirit of the prophet Hosea, to ●●y out and confess, that Ashut shall not save 〈◊〉, 
Hosea 14. 3.  we will no● ride 〈◊〉 horses; nor will we say to the works of our hands, ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy, No I say, I only do it to show forth the admirable power and great pity of the Lord toward us, who thus graciously raised us up, and Remembered us in our ●owestate, 
Psal. 136. 23.  for his mercy endureth for ever. But now to go on.  
About the 3● of this 〈◊〉 May, we had certain intelligence, that Russell-Hall in Staffordshire was surrendered to the noble Earl of Denbigh who managed the work there with singular martial prudence and prowess: 
Russel-hall in Staffordshire taken, & good prize therein, by the Earl of Denbigh.  There was taken in it, Colonel Lane, and divers other commanders, at least 〈◊〉 other prisoners, and all the 〈◊〉 in the House; They took there also above 10000 l. worth of goods and wares that had been plundered and pillaged from the carriers, coming from London and other parts, going toward Lancashire; this being observed to have been one of the most thee ●ing garrisons of the royal Cormorants, in all that County, in that they had sometimes taken 7 ●●ore packs at a time from the Country; 
This garrison was a most notorious thievish place.  so that 〈◊〉 piece of service hath much advantaged the security of the Country there about, both in regard they may have more free and fearless passage for the time to come, to Coventry and London; and also in regard that a greater part of the goods thus taken will be restored to the proper owners.  
And much about the same time we were for certain informed by letters from Plymouth that the garrison therein sallying forth, with a considerable party fell upon the enemy's quarters at a place called Milbrooke, 
A brave prize taken by Plymouth garrison.  2 miles from thence, where they took 9 pieces of ordnance a 150 prisoners, a 100 cows and 300 sheep. In which encounter 10 of the enemies were slain and 6 of ours; And Colonel Martin the brave Governor thereof did then also certify that he was in a good posture of defence, only that he desired some farther supply of provision to be sent unto him; for which purpose 3 barks were speedily laden with victuals and all other necessaries for relief of the said brave Town and faithful inhabitants thereof.  
Much also about the same time came certain information by letters from Nottingham to London, that, that valiant and faithful Governor of Nottingham castle Colonel Hutchinson whom neither the power, 
The Garrison of Nottingham gave Newarke Garrison a brave defeat.  nor the promises of the atheistical marquis of Newcastle could ever make to startle from his loyalty and sincere obedience to the Parliament, had lately sent forth a party of horse toward Newarke, where they encountered with a party of the enemy's horse under the command of Captain Thimbleby and Captain Cartwright and after a hot skrimish and brave bickering, forcing them to fly, they took in the pursuit between 50 and 60 horse, and about 20 officers and gentlemen prisoners, among whom was Captain Cartwright and a Captain Lieutenant whom the acute Rhetoric of their swords persuaded to keep them company to Nottingham-castle, the foresaid Captain Thimbleby being slain in the fight.  
And finally about the end of this Month of May, came certain News of divers letters intercepted, dated at Lyme, May 24., under the hands of Portescue (formerly a Parliamenterian) Ashburnham, 
Limbs undaunted Valout testified by its adversaries themselves.  her Majesty's bedchamber friend, and some others of that stamp: who informed their great masters, Bristol and Heath, by those letters, that, that villainous Town of Lyme had destroyed more brave gentlemen of the West and men of honour, than had been lost in all the West since these wattes began: But that they were resolved once more to storm it for a farewell, and would dispute it line by line, and work by work, yet feared they should be forced to leave the siege, else the Country people (they said) would cut their throats, they were so bend for the Parliament at Westminster: And shortly after according to the tenor of the foresaid Letter, 
The Enemy bravely beaat Lime.  they assaulted this brave Town, whereupon the Towne-Souldiers suffered them to make a breach in their Works, and then ran away from the defence of the Work, as if indeed they had fled away from the Enemy; but by that time that 3 or 4 hundred of the Enemies were entered the breach, they instantly made use of the advantage, and cut off, and took every man of them Prisoners, with their Arms, and Ammunition, and had the slaughter of the Enemy from other of their Works; and thus by God's great mercy beat off their Enemy, and rested safe and secure for this time also.  
And here, 
A grateful & summary recital of all the foresaid Parliamentary mercies of the month past.  now, having thus happily finished this Month's Voyage, I shall desire to cast Anchor, and put to shore, and make a little stay, desiring the Christian Reader, with me, to make a brief review, and succinct recital of all the rich Merchandise of this Month's Voyage, the better to raise up our souls to a just and grateful valuation and admiration of them.  
As, First, the brave defeat and repulse of the Enemies at Plymouth; And Colonel Foxes valiant and active performances, and taking of Budely-house in Worcestershire.  
The most successful progress of the most renowned Earl of Manchesters' Forces in Lincolnshire, and taking of the Town and Castle of Lincoln.  
The Pious Ordinance of Parliament, for the demolishing of all Organs and Superstitious Monuments of Popery in Churches and Chapels, or else where; together with valiant Captain Swanleys' yet farther brave exploits in Wales; And Colonel Massies at or about Gloucester.  
The brave Citizens of London's Petition for the re-establishment of the State-Committee, and the happy result thereof; Together with more of renowned Colonel Massies brave performances about the adverse Garrisons near Gloucester.  
Lyme Stormed, and its Enemies bravely repulsed; The renowned Lord Generals advance of his Army Westward, and a day of Humiliation set a part in London, to seek the Lord for a blessing on it; And Devon, and Corwalls' defection from the bloody and barbarous Irish.  
A most devilish design and pestilent plot to have undone Scotland and England too, by a divertive War, but most blessedly crossed and prevented, with the discomfiture and disgrace of those that plotted and acted it.  
A brave and brief description of the state of that famous Garrison at Lime; Together with a brave prize taken at Sea, by the most noble Earl of Warwick's Ships: And Kent's pious pattern of gratitude to God for its great deliverance.  
The truly Noble Earl of Pembroke's love and loyalty to the Parliament attested; Cawood-castle; And Ayremouth Isle and Fort taken by valiant and virtuous Sir john Meldrum, in the Northern parts of the Kingdom.  
The most renowned Lord Generals prosperous progress and advance with his Army into the West; Valiant Captain Temples brave exploit at Islip; The gratulatory Message sent by the Parliament in England to the Parliament in Scotland; More of renowned Colonel Masseys' admirable activity, and the Parliaments most worthy gratifying of his good Service.  
And lastly, England's great wonder to God's great glory, in the famous Muster of so many thousand Soldiers in and about the City of London, all completely Armed, notwithstanding so many Armies abroad in the Field, before it; The taking of Russell-house, that notoriously thievish Garrison; Together with the brave defeat given to Newarke, by Nottingham Garrison; And the brave condition of that famous Town of Lime, notwithstanding the long and tedious Siege against it.  
All which being rightly regarded, 
God's Ark borne up, above the world's swelling waves.  and seriously laid to heart, have we not still great and just cause to see, and say, that God hath most triumphantly carried and borne up his holy Ark, the Parliaments blessed Cause, above all the raging and roaring billows and swelling surges of the turbulent Ocean of this our greatly distracted and disturbed Nation; carrying it on, I say, most smoothly with pleasant gales of good things bestowed; and preserving it most happily from malice and mischief threatened.  
And therefore how great cause hath England in almost infinitely bounden gratitude to confess with holy David, and sincerely to say; 
Psal. 119. 68  Lord thou art good, and thou dost good. And therefore also, to exult and rejoice in the Lord our God; yea, and as good David saith, 
Psal. 44. 8.  To make our boast of God all the day long; and to praise his name for ever and ever. With a Selah. Especially, since (as the holy Spirit of God himself declareth, in hannah's sweet Song.) There is none holy as the Lord, 
1 Sam. 2. 2, 3.  for, indeed, there is none beside him; neither is there any Rock like our God. Talk no more, therefore, so exceeding proudly (o ye Atheistical Malignants and Popish, Irish-Rebels) let not such arrogancy come out of your mouth: for, the Lord is a God of knowledge, 
job 9 4.  and by him actions are weighed. Yea, and as holy job says. He is most wise in heart, and mighty in strength; Who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?  
ANd now I shall again put out our blessed Bark to Sea, 
june. 1644.  hoist up our Sails, and launch forth into the Deep, and prosecute this our next ensuing Months Voyage: wherein we shall see how the Lord, still carries on his glorious Ark, the Parliaments Cause, above all the furious Floods and raging Waves of its outrageous and impious Adversaries.  
And in the first place I shall desire to remember the Reader, how it most graciously pleased the Lord to bring off his blessed Ark from a very dangerous, and death-threatning Shelf of devouring Quicksands, 
Lime most notably relieved and the Siege wholly & happily raised.  and most safely and securely to set it afloat again, carrying it on with most pleasant and prosperous gales; I mean the happy and honourable relieving, and raising of the Siege of that long besieged, and greatly straightened, famous Town of Lime in Dorsetshire, a most full, exact, and true relation whereof, sent in a Letter to a friend at London; and coming to my hands, I have thought fit here to insert, for the Readers better content and satisfaction, which was as followeth.  

An exact and true relation of the relieving of the most resolute Garrison of Lime in Dorsetshire.  
Sir,  
I Have written one Letter to you since I came into this Bay, where also I have received yours. I bless God for present health; only, much sadness of spirit is contracted from the sad spectacles which besieged Lime, continually offers to our view; 
The most noble Lord Admiral arrived at Lime.  a Town which deserves abundance of pity and love, they being so constantly under the violence of a cruel Enemy: But God hath brought our most noble Lord Admiral to this Town, to a singular purpose, it tending directly to the preserving of that distressed Town, it not having in it, at his Lordship's coming above a day's bread, and a small quantity of ammunition. There were then in the Town, 4000 Souls, whereof a 1000 in garrison, who though they wanted shoes, 
Lymes distressed condition at his Lordship's coming.  stockings, clothes and pay, and had not departed from Lyme since the beginning of the siege; yet were all of them resolved to stand out to the last man; and when they could do no more, to break through the Enemy with their swords.  
At my Lords first coming he sent on shore near 40 barrels of powder, 
The most virtuous Lord Admiral's piety & charity to Lyme.  and some match which came along with his Lordship, purposely for their relief; The ships under his Lordship's Command did before his coming spare what provisions they could, none coming from any other parts; and the passages by sea being near blocked up, his Lordship contracted for 350. l. worth of corn and other provisions being then bound for Plymouth, to be sold there, and took order to send it into the Town; himself undertaking the price.  
The condition and courage of the besieged did so prevail with our seamen, 
Yea & of my Lords honest Seamen too.  that out of their poor overplus, they sent them above 30 pair of boots, a 100 pair of shoes, a 160 pair of stockings, some linen and old clothes, and some quantity of fish and bread, which they had formerly saved out of their sea-allowance. They did also unanimously give one 4th. part of their bread for the next 4 Months amounting to 9000 weight, which their hard labour and constant duty might advise them to have reserved rather for their own bellies. My Lord and the ships with him, determined to spare them 2000 weight of bread more, and some quantities of beef, pork, shot, fish, and other necessaries. Some of our Seamen also being desired by the Town to look to the line, while 600 of the garrison sallied out on the Enemy, hereupon 300 men were resolved to be sent. 
An assault upon the Town to the enemies great loss.  But the same day the Town received a terrible storm from the Enemy, yet with little advantage to the besiegers, they losing about 60; and the Town but 8 men, only some of their Commanders were then hurt; viz. Colonel Ware was shot in the belly, but not dangerously; and Lieutenant Col. Blake was slightly hurt in the foot. The Townsmen (of the 3 Captains that led up the forlorn hope) killed one Captain Southern who had on the L. Pawlets own armour, and took prisoner another, viz. Captain Aston, who was the next day brought aboard our ship. This Captain Aston is brother to a servant of Mr. Ketchmar in Fish-street in London, 
The Enemy's pride & high hopes.  the Enemy refused to take off their dead, resolving in the pride of their heart to bury them and take the Town altogether: But God afterward corrected their daring and presumptuous cruelty. The garrison being much encouraged by this good success, resolved to prosecute their former purpose of sallying out, and in pursuance thereof, the 300 men were sent safely on shore, though to make good their landing 3 or 4 of the Townsmen were slain. 
The most noble Lord Admiral's Stratagem.  The same day his Lordship determined to send 2 of his ships, and all the ship-boats fitted with men, toward Charmouth, Birdport, and other places about 6 miles from Lyme, that the Enemy's opinion of our landing men in those parts might draw off the horse, whereby the sally might be more secure and advantageous. And so accordingly, immediately after, the ships and boats were sent out, at a time signified from the Town by shooting off a gun from Daves-Fort; and giving an alarm on the East-shoar, they obtained what was in design. For, all the day long 4 or 5 troops of horse and some hundreds of Foot attended the moving of the ships and boats, from whence divers great shot and small shot played on them, which forced the Enemy to cast up a brest-worke by the Seaside for their defence. 
The Enemy was mistaken & frustrated of his hopes.  Now, the Enemy mistook our intention, supposing that these boats had in the night taken men out of the Town with purpose to set them on shore, to get provisions into the Town; or to fall on the rear and thereby thinking the Town to be weakened; and therefore on the same day appointed by the Town for they sally aforesaid, they assaulted the Town with great fury, from about 6 at night, to about 8 of the clock, in all which time, there was such a continual peal of small and great shot, that the Town seemed to be all on a flame; Twice the Enemy made an orderly retreat, 
A very furious Assault upon the Town, bravely received.  appearing each time in a body of about a 1000 men. The third assault was most violent the Enemy advancing with brave resolution and being as gallantly received by the Townsmen. A little after 8 of the clock there was a remitting of the former fury, and about 9 almost a general silence. There were slain of the Enemies in this assault (as some of the Town clearly computed) at least 400; 
The number of the slain in this Assault.  and of the garrison, not above 6 or 7 at the most killed and wounded, whereof Major Townsend was one, who was shot in the head, but was alive at the first relation hereof. Among the slain of the Enemies, there was found one Gentleman that came that morning from Exeter with letters for Oxford, whither he would fain have carried the news of the taking of Lyme; 
The enemies be fooled in reckoning without their host.  but God prevented him, both in his journey and news, and the letters were found in his pocket and sent to London, the principal thing imparted in them being, That they found the ways to Oxford began to be obstructed; that the Queen was better (I hardly believe it) than formerly, and much comforted in Doctor Miroons' coming unto her. But to proceed.  
At last there was a parley sent to the Town, 
The enemy's stomach, now come down.  the Enemy now desiring leave to bury their dead, which before they had scorned. And about this time came some more relief to the Town by Sea; in the afternoon of which day, the Enemy had fired the Town, yet but; 
The enemy's rage in firing the Town.  houses burnt; and afterward again another part of the Town was fired, which flame and combustion increased so as to burn down twenty new houses there.  
And now, you may easily judge the state of poor Lyme, but if you had seen it, as it was continually before us, your eyes certainly would have been much affected, considering that such brave and gallant spirits, very worth a whole nation, indeed, should be the subjects on which the rage and madness of a base and cruel Enemy was from day to day exercised and implacably imprinted.  
Who ever had then, 
God's power & providence was limes walls & bulwarks.  but rightly known their merit and condition, I am confident, they would not only compassionate them, but relieve them: But what was wanting in men, was mightily supplied by the power and providence of Heaven; Whose salvation had been all along, as their Walls and Bulwarks.  
And to manifest this the more clearly, I may not here omit, that at the late storming of this Town, one woman shot off 16 muskets upon the Enemy; and the women of the Town generally did fill the Soldier's bandeliers while they fought. 
The admirable courage of the women of Lyme.  And it was credibly informed by honest inhabitants of Lyme; that a maid that had had one of her hands cut off in the fight, being asked what course she would take to live, 
The most pious reply of a maid in Lyme whole hand was shot off.  now she had lost of her hands. Truly (said Christ, for whose Cause I am as willing and ready to lose not only my other hand, but my life also. A sweet and most Saintlike speech indeed. Such admirable courage it pleased the Lord to infuse into the hearts of all the inhabitants, in all the time of this long and sharp Siege; the continuance of their dangers having (it seemed) much blunted the sense and fear of their daily dangers, 
The continuance of Limbs troubles took away the sense of fear & terror of them.  retaining in their spiris a constant cheerfulness, as being strongly persuaded; yea, and certainly knowing they should have deliverance, either from the affliction, or by it: as was then immediately after that last and fore assault before mentioned, most happily visible to their eyes and sight: For, Maurice and his mischievous Mates (being tired with the siege, and their intolerable losses, and terrified with the fear of the Lord Generals hourly expected approach to fall upon them, 
Prince Maurice leaves Lime, & raises his Siege.  and ease the Town of them) left the Siege totally, and made haste away for fear of being taken as in a trap, between the Town, and the General's Army, as anon you shall hear most exactly and fully related.  
About the beginning also of this instant june, came certain Information, by Letters from that most pious Patriot, Sir Wil Armine, Dated at Sunderland, May 22th, 
The Earl of Calender possessed of Morpeth-Castle in Northubmerland.  That the noble and religiously affected Earl of Callender, (having about a Month since entered the Kingdom out of Scotland, as a second, or reserve to the greater Army of our Brethren of Scotland) was about this time entered into Northumberland, and had got possession of Morpeth-castle in the said County; his Army then consisting of about 8 or 10000 men. That by treachery between the Governor of the Southshields and the Mayor of Newcastle, the Southshields was surrendered to the enemy, without striking one blow. And that there was a Plot for the betraying of Sunderland, 
Sunderland delivered from a treacherous Plot.  also to the Enemy; which being, by God's mercy, timely discovered by the Seamen that lay upon the River, with much difficulty they planted two Pieces of Ordnance commodiously, and betaking themselves to their Arms, they made good the passage, repulsed the Enemy with strong hand, and so secured the place against them. 
A reward of 200 l. bestowed on the honest Seamen for their loyalty & good service.  For which excellent piece of service, the Parliament Ordered, that 200 l. should be given among them as a gratuity; and the Captain that had the command of the Shields, was laid in hold, till he also might have a just reward, by a Council of War, for his said treachery.  
Much also about the same time, Letters were read in the House of Commons in Parliament, 
Valiant Capt. Swanley made commander in chief in Wales.  from the Gentry of Wales, therein supplycating the House, that Captain Swanley, that brave Sea-Commander, an eminent person, and famous for his good service in those parts, (as hath been already fully related) might speedily return unto them, and continue Commander in Chief among them.  
Whereupon it was speedily Ordered, that the Leopard, the Swallow, and the Providence, which he brought to the Downs with him, should be forthwith revictualed, and that he should be instantly recommended unto Wales, 
A Chain of Gold worth 200 l. bestowed on Captain Swanley, by the Parliament.  as was desired; and being in person called to the Bar, in the Commons House of Parliament, he had thanks returned for his good Service done, and as a token of their good affection toward him, and for his better encouragement it was Ordered, That a Chain of Gold of 200 l. value should be given to him; and another of an 100 l. to Captain Smith, his valiant Vice Admiral. A brave way to spur the Spirits of valiant Soldiers, thus to engrave Characters of honour on their former famous and well-deserving Services.  
The King (as we all too well know) made an agreement with his abominable Irish Cannibals, at Oxford, 
The Kings most ungodly agreement with the Irish Rebels,  to grant them a Parliament in Ireland of their own packing of Popish Natives, and other such like most impious immunities, and they having received their dispatch at Oxford, went away for Ireland, with great devilish joy, and impious content to their hellish hearts. But yet his Majesty, and his accursed Council, would not permit the honest, and well-affected Agents for the miserable and oppressed Protestants in Ireland to have favourable admittance to the King, nor so much as to know what he had condescended unto, it being so much against them.  
But it pleased the Lord very shortly after, 
Expelled him from his former secure abode at Oxford.  to manifest to the world that he thrived and prospered accordingly; For, his Excellency, the Parliaments Lord General, came thither with such a potent Army against Oxford, and gave them there such a sudden alarm, that Oxford proved too hot an habitation for his Majesty to reside in, so that he was glad to fly after his beloved Irish-Rebels, and to leave Oxford in a very distracted condition.  
For, 
Valiant & active Sir Will. Waller follows the King.  upon Monday, june the 3d, 1644. about 12 of the Clock at night, he was glad to horse and away, some 30 Coaches, with Luggages, and Court-baggages, accompanying him, and some of those She-creatures crying out, that they left their jewels behind them for haste; and thus the next day they got to Burford, where the King refreshed himself; his Ladies, and Soldiers, but for a matter of two hours' space; for, noble Sir William Waller coming at the same time to Whitney, five miles distant, gave them a sudden and sound alarm, whereat they all most frightfully cried out, to horse, to horse, away, away; and his Majesty with his naked Sword in his hand road all about the Town to hasten his men away, many of whom, as 'twas well known, being more willing to stay behind and run to the Parliaments L. General the noble Earl of Essex, 
God's justice prosecutes the wicked with terror & disgrace.  than to serve his Majesty any longer. Ah sad effects! but most just reward of following such wicked Counsel and wretched Counselors; and oh the admirable justice of our most righteous God in thus prosecuting the wilful workers of iniquity with terrors and disgrace.  
And here observe besides to this purpose, what admirable operation this forlorn condition of the Enemies of Truth, had upon the Counsels of the Parliament and City of London: 
Major Gen. Brown made Commander in chief of 3 Counties, by the Parliament.  For an Ordinance of Parliament was presently hereupon passed for the enabling of valiant and renowned Colonel Brown (that noble Citizen, who had done much most excellent service both in suppressing the Kentish Rebellion, and at the battle near Alsford, where Hopton received such a fatal defeat as he could never recover, nor recruit himself to this day) to Command in chief, as Major General of all the forces raised and to be raised for the reducing of Oxford, Wallingford, Greenland house and Banbury; and of all other forces raised for the settling in peace of the Counties of Oxford, Berks and Buckingham, with power to use and exercise martial-law, according to the rules put forth by his Excellency, the Earl of Essex, the Parliaments Lord General.  
About the 4th. of this instant we had certain intelligence that noble Sir William Waller being in pursuit of those whom his Excellency, the Lord General's horse had moved and pricked faster forward in their flight than they were willing; 
Tewktsbery taken by Col. Massey.  and it coming speedily also to the knowledge of that most valiant and active Commander Col. Massey, he presently also fell into martial action, and with a considerable party marched valiantly to Tewksbury, and after a slender dispute about it, became master of it; and with very little loss on his side, slew Colonel Godfrey, and a Quartermaster Gen. to that Runagado Wilmot, a rank Papist; took Lieutenant Colonel Mynne prisoner, and other Officers and Soldiers, together with 300 new Pikes, several other Arms, 18 Barrels of powder, and other good purchase left in the Town; and placed a garrison therein to prevent the King's Army from relief there, in case they should move that way.  
About the 6th. of this instant, we were credibly informed, that at a place called Parrishaw a Town about 7 miles from Worcester, in the mid way between Evesham and Worcester, the King's forces passing or rather flying that way, 
About 60 of the king's soldiers drowned at Parrishaw at a bridge.  they pulled up the bridge and laid the loose boards upon stones for a party of their own forces then behind, to pass over, and then they intended to take them away, to hinder the passage of any of the Parliaments Forces then in pursuit of them: But the Rear of the King's Army marched so hastily away that the loose boards slipped away from the stones, when many were upon it, there being a great and deep water running swiftly under the bridge, so that about 60. of them fell into the river and were drowned, among whom were some Commanders of quality. Thus we see still how evil haunts the wicked man at the heels to destroy him. 
Sir William Waller also pursues & catches some of them in the chase.  And Sir William Waller still pursuing them (as we were credibly informed) fell upon a party of them, and took the Queen's Sergeant Major, 3 Cornets, and about an 100 horse: But the noble and prudent Lord General well knowing what a considerable and sufficient party Sir William Waller had to pursue them, marched Westward, and Colonel Masseys' forces joined with Sir William waller's in the prosecution of this running flight of their Enemies.  
And about the 8th. of this instant June, we had credible enformation touching the siege and taking of Shudley-castle by that noble and renowned General Sir Wil Waller, 
Shudley-castle taken by renowned Sir William. Waller.  a very strong piece and of much consequence; which Sir William plied so close with his batterring pieces, that in a short space he became master of it; for they within came soon to a parley with him, the issue whereof was, That they delivered up themselves prisoners, and only had quarter for all their lives: Wherein were taken prisoners, Col. Sir William Mourton, 
The prisoners & prizes.  Lieut. Colonel Sayer, Sergeant Major Aldham, Sergeant Major Floyd; 4 Captains; 7 Lieutenants; 1 Cornet; 4 Ensigns; 7 Gentlemen of quality; 289 common soldiers; one Drum; a Malignant Priest, and his 2 Sons; 80 horse; 2 Drakes; many were slain in the fight against the castle, but not a man slain on Sir William waller's side: A rare mercy and singular preservation.  
The very same day also on which the former good service was performed, as aforesaid, Colonel Purefoy being returned from Gloucester, and not willing to be idle by the way, but having taken up some more strength from Coventry to add to his own Warwick forces set upon the Earl of Northamptons-House, commonly called Compton-House, being between Banbury and Warwick, a place or House of very considerable-strength. 
Compton House in Warwickshire taken by Col. Purfrey.  In which House they found (as was credibly informed) 5500 l. in ready money; besides 5 or 6 earthen-pots of money, afterward found in a fishpond; they took also an 120 prisoners, and all their Arms, 60 Horse, 400 sheep, near an 100 head of cattle, 18 loads of excellent plunder, and other good prizes; and there also they took prisoners, Colonel Knotsford and Captain Clarke.  
And now, about the 10th. of this instant came out the Ordinance of Parliament (mentioned a little before) printed and published, for the association of Buckinghamshire, Berks and Oxfordshire, and a Committee was nominated therein, 
Great & deserved honour put upon Sergeant Major Gen. Brown by an Ordinance of Parliament.  for the raising of money upon Papists, Malignants and Delinquents, estates in those Counties and likewise to settle the Excise there, and to levy money upon the Ordinance of Parliament for the 25th. parts, for the maintenance of the forces that are or shall be raised for the reducing of the Enemy's garrisons in those Counties. And that the said Committee have power to cut down the wood and timber of Papists or Malignants to raise fortifications, or for other services as there shall be occasion: And likewise that they shall call before them the Malignant Clergy and Scholars in those Counties, and place and displace such as they shall find occasion thereunto. And all this power was put principally into the hands of this brave and loyal Citizen, Sergeant Major General Brown, who was thereby also of purpose made Sergeant Major General of all the forces raised or to be raised in all those Counties aforesaid; and he had power (by this authority of Parliament) to assemble a Council of war as oft as he saw occasion for the executing of justice on all sorts of offenders.  
About the 12. of this instant came certain information by letters and otherwise from that most valiant and worthy Commander Sir William Brereton, of an excellent exploit performed by that most valiant and noble Patriot of his Country the Earl of Denbigh, 
The noble Earl of Denbighes brave exploit against the king's forces at Dudley-castle  against a party of the king's horse which came to raise his siege at Dudley-castle, the manner whereof was thus related. The King being upon his departure from Bewdley toward Shrewsbury, sent a party of about 3000 horse against the Earl of Denbigh at Dudley-castle; which horse coming suddenly on them, the noble Earl sent a party of forlorn-hope commanded in chief by ever honoured Col. Mitton, Governor of Wem, who most bravely charged the Enemy, but their force; as I said, being all horse and coming violently on, our forlornehope seemed to be in a forlorn condition being on a sudden desperately engaged and in such a danger that it was advised by the Council of War, 
The great danger of Col. Mitton, and his forlorn hope.  That the Earl could not without great hazard to his whole Army attempt to relieve the forlorn-hope, but must rather leave them to shift as they could and keep their trenches, with their main body to receive the Enemy, if they came on. But the noble Earl (to his perpetual honour) hating to see his dear friends sacrifice their lives in a Cause so just, as Religion and Liberties, and himself stand by a looker on; 
The Earl of Denbighes brave resolution.  resolved to relieve them (maugre all disadvantages) or die in the attempt, and with this martial and most noble resolution, he drew up his forces; and himself in person, leading them on against the Enemy with admirable courage, cried out thus to his Soldiers, Come on Sirs, follow me, for by the grace of God I will rescue Colonel Mitton, or lay my bones in the place.  
And thereupon charged them to so good purpose that he soon freed his forlornehope, and in short time put the Enemies to a disorderly flight (if not quite routed them) and was in the pursuit of them, 
The enemy put to flight and pursued, by the Lord Denbigh.  divers miles together. In which flight (as was certainly informed) the Enemy lost above an 100 men which were slain in the place, and among them one person of special note was then killed for whom they made much lamentation; there were also 17 persons of quality taken prisoners, besides the common-souldiers, and 30 more afterward at Master Dudleys' House, 
The slain and prisoners taken.  whom that valiant and most worthy Commander Colonel Rudgeley (who with his Staffordshire forces did singular good service in this fight) took prisoners before they could retreat, besides Horse and Arms; and on the Earl's side was only 7 slain and some wounded.  
I a little before made mention of the good hand of God upon the most valiant and courageous garrison of Lyme, in their long and strait Siege by a furious and cruel Enemy: And now about the 15th, 
The famous Siege of Lime in Dorsetshire wholly raised.  of this instant came certain intelligence of the full and clear raising of that famous Siege, to the perpetual shame and disgrace of Maurice, Pawlet, Stoell, Ashburnham, Strangewayes and others; which was confirmed by a Letter sent by the most renowned Earl of Warwick, Lord Admiral, to the Speaker of the Honourable House of Peers in Parliament, and by Master jesops' Letter also and others; the substance of all which, in effect, was this.  
That since the most Noble and ever to be honoured Earl of Warwick, performed that brave Service in so timely relieving Lime in the deepest of its distress; 
The unsuccesful assaults of the enemies against Lime.  and continued there, observing the occurrences and carriage of affairs as well without as within the Town; and that the Enemies had, in the space of 4 or 5 days shot many Volleys of great and small shot into the Town, but most unsuccessefully, the besieged answering them, still as courageously as ever at the first; Hopton also coming to the Leaguer and hoping to have made some recruite of his broken fragments, but was refused, and at Dartmouth also, 
Sir Ralph Hoptons' low ebb.  whither he came with but 7 Horse, giving out there, that he was to raise an Army of 15000 men (if he could have got them) and Maurice also now tired with so toilsome a work, and terrified also, with fear of the Parliaments Lord General's approach into those parts, and especially to this Town, to free it of its fear of his forces and unneighbourly neighbourhood; 
The enemies notable losses at Lime Siege.  that thus, I say, after the Enemy's loss of at least an 105 Officers, besides some more superior Officers and commanders; 25 Gunners; and above 2000 common soldiers, more than they lost at Bristol and Exeter, as some of themselves confessed: Prince Maurice on sad and serious consideration of all these disasters, and many more, 
The Siege quite raised.  about June the 14th by two of the clock in the morning, quite raised this his siege and went clear away to Exeter.  
After whose departure, the noble Lord Admiral, Master jesop, and many others, going into Lime, to view the Town's line, and the Enemy's works, and truly comparing the very great slenderness of the Towns line, with the extraordinary strength and solidity of all the Enemy's Works, they could not but greatly admire what had been done by them, and were forced most freely to confess and grant that the defence of Heaven, 
Heaven was Lymes munition of Rocks.  was merely and clearly their munition of rocks; and that it was little less than a miracle that they should hold out so long and violent a Siege; especially, the Town standing at the bottom of two hills, 
The Enemy's strength, the Towns weakness.  and their Works so low and thin, that in many places one might have run over them, and a strong hand might have thrust them down, they being in effect, as it were paper or pasteboord walls; and in the latter end of the siege the Enemies outrageously shooting into the Town, 
The outrageous fury and malice of the Enemy against Lyme.  bars of Iron, pieces of Anchors, and great Shot blown up to as great a measure of heat as was possible (they having a Forge on purpose) which falling on Houses fired many, yet were suddenly quenched, with only hurt (not death) of but three men; 
The almost incredible courage of the Soldiers in Lime.  insomuch that all that saw and considered these things, could not choose, but (with admiration) ingenuously confess, that certainly, there was never more valour and undantednesse of spirit shown in the world, against a potent and pestilent Enemy, than was in thus defending this place; 
The noble E. of Warwick's testimony of Lime.  and that every man deserved (as the most noble Earl of Warwick himself there publicly professed) some eminent badge of honour to remain to their posterity, in memorial of this most famous Siege.  
About the time of the end of the Siege, some 26 of the Enemy's side came in unto the Lord Admiral, 
Divers of the enemy's party come to the L Admiral, proffering their service to the Parliament.  freely and faithfully proffering their service to the Parliament, among whom was Lieutenant Fair, an Officer of the Lord Brogall, brother to the Lord Inchiquin, and 10 also of Inchiquins' Regiment came in unto them. One Irish woman left behind, was slain, and almost pulled in pieces by the women of Lime.  
In the Siege many houses were burnt, and yet a Granado falling into a room in one house, 
3. Children in one bed miraculously preserved.  and breaking upon a bed wherein lay 3 children, not one of them had any harm; there was scarce a house in the whole Town, that was not battered, and scarce a room into which, shot had not been made. At one last great fire in the Town, two maids carrying between them a vessel of water, had three of their hands shot off; 
2. Maids lost three of their hands at once.  One of these ('tis probable) was that honest maid that spoke so christianly (as was forementioned in the relief of Lime) touching the loss of one of her hands.  
In all this, the most noble and renowned Lord Admirals pious and singular charitable affection to the Town, gained a most just acknowledgement from them; That they all did owe their lives, (under God) to his most honourable Lordship.  
But above all, all honour and praise is most due to the great God of Lime, in this his mighty, and even miraculous deliverance of it, 
All the praise of this mighty preservation is due to the great God of Lime.  it being also a business of so great consequence, as by God's mercy to bring in the whole West Country, who resolved long before to obey no command on the other side, till Lime was taken. O had Prince Maurice but obtained one Commander of the Parliaments, that is God, and their good Cause, what a Victor might he have proved, with but half the strength, which by relation, he brought of the Country people thereabout.  
The Enemies cursed the unlucky hour (as they called it) of their coming thither, having lost, as I said before, from the first to the last, at least, 2 or 3000 Soldiers, and the Town but six score men, with the most. Ever praised be the great God of battles for it.  
And thus the Lord, at last, to the glory of his great name, and joy of his servants, set Lime at liberty from all their former fears and dangers. 
Limbs deliverance a certain return of Prayer.  To all which mercies, let me add this, as a prime result of them all; that I make no doubt, but that the prayers put up at that instant, on their behalf, both aboard our Ships, and in other parts of the Kingdom, were a special and speedy means to shorten their dangers, shelter their persons, and hasten this their happy deliverance.  
The thus happy relieving of this brave Garrison of Lime, by the ever renowned, 
Thanks sent by the Parlia. to the most noble L. Admiral for relieving Lime.  and most highly to be honoured Earl of Warwick, was (and that most deservedly) taken by the Parliament, as a most singular and acceptable service done to the Kingdom, who thereupon Ordered, That a Letter of thanks should be sent unto him, from both the Houses of Parliament for his great care, love, and loyalty therein.  
And, 
1 Sam.  that, not only this brave Garrison (of which we may say, as the Damsels sang before the Ark, That Saul had slain his thousand, but David his ten thousand: So, other Garrisons have slain their thousand, done very bravely; but this of Lime, it's ten thousands, far outstripped them all) to encourage, I say, not only this Garrison, but that the whole Kingdom might as well in this as in other things, see and be assured that good and faithful Service shall not be unrewarded: 
Lime also rewarded with 10000 l. a year of the L. paulet's Estate.  It was, therefore Ordered by the Parliament, that 10000 l. a year, out of the Lord paulet's Estate should be conferred upon the Town of Lime, for their loyalty and courage in this famous Siege, which hath been, indeed, to admiration; for that, besides the straits they have been driven too; their impregnable courage, in so stoutly defending themselves from the malice of their bloodthirsty Enemies, hath sometimes caused their very water to be noisome with the blood of those that sought their ruin and destruction. O the admirable power, wisdom, and justice of the righteous Lord of Heaven, and Judge of the whole World! But to go on.  
At the same time, and from the same hand, and ships of the most noble Lord Admiral at Lime, it was informed that their ships had taken upon the Seas, 
Prizes taken at Sea, by the Lo. Admiral's Ships.  since their setting forth from the Downs, two Prizes, one at Dartmouth, a Vessel laden with Oil and Salt for Holland; and the other that was brought in unto them, was a Dutch Galliot, laden with good Commodities for the Enemy at Aptham and Exeter, to the value of at least 8000 l. And the Master himself of the Galliot confessed that they had for her more safe Convoy, the Company of two Statesmen of War, who had aboard their Ships, 5 Barrels of money, amounting to a 1000 Dollars, confined to some Malignants in Exeter. The Factor under whose charge the money was committed, being aboard the Men of War, was loath to be discovered, but at length was apprehended and brought before his Lordship, and for some peremptory and unmannerly speeches to his Lordship, was put into safe custody; And all the goods proved good prize.  
From aboard the James at anchor before Lyme; June, 1. 1644.  
This blessed business of Lyme and the most noble Lord Admiral's singular and seasonable supply afforded to it, did also produce immediately after these several Orders from the Parliament.  
First, 
Orders of Parliament touching Lime  that a letter was drawn up (as was touched before) and sent to the most noble Lord Admiral, signifying how sensible the House was of his so great and good service, and returning him the thanks of the whole House for the same. And truly these Parliamentary acknowledgements, and gratulations are very good for the public, either by land or by water; and that Excellent Lord deserves thanks of no less dimension than a Parliament.  
Secondly, that a Letter was drawn up (as from the whole House) also to the Town of Lyme to inform them that the House took special notice of their faithful and valiant service. And indeed, it is a grateful and most worthy act of the House, to let no desert escape their notice: For, it is not fit that such places as have borne the heat of the day, should take cold under the shadow of State-neglect.  
Thirdly, that the Lord Mayor of the City of London was thereby desired to send notice to all Churches and Chapels, in, and about the said City and County of Midelsex, to desire the Ministers in their prayers, the next Lordsday, to give thanks to Almighty God, for the great deliverance of the said Town of Lime, from the rage and intended malice and mischief of their outrageous enemies.  
Much about the foresaid time, the Parliaments ever to be honoured Lord General, 
Sir Wil Belfore sent to free Lime, of its Siege, & finding it raised, takes Weymonth & Tanton-Dean  the most noble Earl of Essex had sent out (as he was desired by the Parliament) a Party of Horse to the relief of Lime, under the Command of that most loyal, valiant, and most virtuous Gentleman, Sir William Belfore, but (as ye have already heard) the Morris was done, and danced away before; Whereupon their Horse wheeled about toward Weymouth, and after they had faced the Town, and given them Summons, they within presently yielded, and 400 Soldiers were content to leave their heavier weapons, and to march away with sticks only in their hands.  
The noise of Lime and Weymouth, and the Lord General's terror, flew to Taunton-dean, and they also soon quitted the Garrison, and danced after Maurices' pipe. Truly, I cannot tell what to say to these things, but must most justly admire Gods infinite mercy, whose hand was most manifestly seen now in the West, (as well as in the North) working all our works, there, for us.  
But of the winning of these Towns, and the rest, we shall speak shortly after more fully in their more proper place.  
Much also about the foresaid time, we had certain Intelligence by Letters out of Leicestershire, that the loyal, and right noble Lord Grey of Grooby, 
The noble L. Grey of Groobies brave carriage at Leicester.  who hath so bravely and faithfully defended the Town of Leicester, as having divers times engaged his person, and done singular good service for the Kingdom, with that very small strength which he had there, notwithstanding the great strength, and oft incursions of the enemy in those parts; yet, that he marched out of Leicester, and took divers of the King's Cormorants, or Cavaliers, which were straggling up and down to plunder, and sent them prisoners to Leicester; and that he fell upon their Quarters near Vlstrup, took some Prisoners there, and made the rest retreat, and in despite of the Enemy, and all their power, safely conducted Sir john Gells Ordnance and Artillery, designed for Derby or Leicester.  
About the 18 th'. of this instant june, we had certain Information out of the West, 
Preparation by Sea to help forward the reduction of the West to the obedience of the Parliament  that the most noble Lord Admiral, sent word to his Excellency, the Parliaments Lord General, that as his Lordship moved by Land; so he would sail by Sea, and so be assistant to him in the clearing of those Western coasts: And that for this purpose the noble Lord Admiral designed the james, the Admiral of his Navy, for that business, a Ship of 875 tun, Captain Richard Blithe being Commander thereof, and fitted with 50 Pieces of Ordnance, and 260. men in her; Also the Constant Reformation, Captain William Battin being Commander thereof, a Ship of 740 tun, fitted with 40 Pieces of Ordnance and 250. men in her; The Expedition, Captain joseph jordan being the Commander thereof, fitted with an 100 men and 18. pieces of Ordnance; together with some other lesser ships, which being designed to attend the Lord General's marches and removes, and to move by Sea, still as his Army did by Land, and was thus most hopeful, by God's help, in due time to reduce all the West to the obedience of the King and Parliament; whereof more in its due and proper place.  
Much also about the same time came farther intelligence out of the Western parts of the Kingdom, 
The hopeful progress of things in the Wect.  that his Excellency had sent several parties to summon Wareham, Bridge-water, Portland-castle, and other Malignant Towns in those parts; that at least 800 men were gathered together in Somersetshire to join with his Excellency; and that unhappy Hopton having lately then, pressed about 2000 Soldiers there, giving out they were to resist the French from landing; but they soon finding it otherwise, most of them deserted him, and came in unto his Excellency: Whereupon poor sir Ralph calling a Council of War, it was resolved they should press no more, it causing them the sooner to desert him. And thus we see how graciously the Lord begins to carry on the work in those parts.  
About the 20th. of this instant, we were most credibly informed by letters from Manchester, from very credible hands; that notwithstanding the present great pressures on that County of Lancashire, in this Month, by reason of that bloody rover Prince Robbers entering the same, and spoiling and destroying all the good of the land before him, 
God's great mercy to Manchester in the midst of Lancashires' miseries.  especially at poor blood-dyed Boulton; Yet, I say, this famous Town of Manchester, was by the good hand of God preserved from the rage and wrath of that furious and filching Enemy, and did even at that time, enjoy great plenty of Food and other necessaries, yea notwithstanding that they then had 3 or 4000 Soldiers in the Town, 
Victuals very cheap at Manchester.  victuals of all sorts being very cheap among them; Wheat sold for 3. s. 8. d. a measure; good butter 2. d. far. a pound the best Cheese at 2. d. bating farthing, & flesh-meat very cheap. And that ye may know that money also was not very scanty there; 
A very liberal & bountiful Collection also there, for Boulton.  On the 16. instant being the Lordsday, there was a collection made among them at Manchester for poor distressed and plundered Boulton, at the Church and Chapel at Salford, where was gathered 7 score pounds, besides much money that came in after that public Collection. And was not this a rare mercy, especially at such a time, and in such a County, to be able to be givers and not receivers, and to live in such a height of plenty, notwithstanding so great misery round about them. O our great and Wonderworking God, who thus dost manifest that thou not only art Good, but dost Good.  
Much also about the same time came farther intelligence by a letter from the noble Lord General which was read in the Lord's House of Parliament, wherein his Excellency informed them of the taking of the Town of Weymouth (a very strong and considerable Sea-Town) upon surrender, 
Weymouth taken by the L. General.  The Commanders and Officers going away on horseback with their swords and pistols, and the Common Soldiers (as I touched before) only with staves in their hands; He took in the Town, 27 pieces of Ordnance, and 50 other pieces in the harbour, and all the ships near it; above an 100 barrels of Powder, 
Brave prizes also taken both by Sea & by Land.  besides much Arms and Ammunition: He farther writ that the Country did daily come in unto him in great numbers so that his Army was very much augmented in those parts, and by a Scout of the West it was farther informed, about the same time, that besides this brave prize at Weymouth there were taken about 2000 Arms more, at the least, and betwixt 30 and 40 ships, by the most noble Lord Admiral.  
About the 21. of this instant there came forth a most Excellent Ordinance of Parliament, viz. For the constant payment of 200 l. a Week out of the Excise-money, both for the support and sustenance of sick and maimed Soldiers, 
An Excellent Ordinance of Parliament for constant relief to the wives & children of Soldiers slain in the Parliaments service.  and also for the relief of the Wives and Children of such as have been slain in the Service of the Parliament. This is indeed, a good piece of State-Charity, to heal the miseries (as well as may be) which the Kingdom hath been necessitated to make, and it is the most possible supply and recompense, that when we cannot give them the lives of their friends and husbands again; yet to give them their livelyhoods: And this makes the States of the Netherlands so to flourish, and their famous charity in this kind, engages even divine providence to bless them with a daily prosperity.  
About the 22. of this instant came information by letters from the Leaguer at York, that the noble E. of Manchester had received a loss of about 200 men, by the too timely springing of a Mine. Whence, this was observable among our London Malignants, who having quick intelligence of any thing which they think may prejudice our comfort and content, 
Our London Malignant's Flea-bite, whereof I wish them many.  gave out (according to their accustomed use and manner of lying) and carried it current from prison to prison, and from place to place, that the Earl of Manchester had received a sore blow, enlarging it also to the purpose, that he himself was hurt, his Forces routed, the siege at York raised, and Prince Plunderer come to York and this they averred with Oaths and Execrations: And their foolhardy confidence of this news was such, that when they were answered; The Siege at Lyme was raised, Weymouth and other Towns and rich prizes by Sea and Land taken, and with them was taken the King's principal Magazine for the West Country. They impudently replied all these were but a Flea-biting to that at York; which was only the loss of those 200 men at the Mine, all the rest of their reports, most grossly f●lse.  
Now, I say, this their Flea-biting was no more but their loss of 80 pieces of Ordnance mounted in the Town and ships; 
The Malignant's Flea bitings.  an 180 (some writ, 200) Barrels of Powder; 2000 good muskets, 200 pair of pistols; 60 sail of ships; besides the Town of Weymouth itself, its Forts also, and the Castle at Sandfoot; many such Flea-bite, I say, may the Enemies have, I beseech the Lord.  
About the 24th. of this instant we were certainly informed by letters from the valiant, and victorious Commander, Colonel Mitton, that the noble and right valiant Earl of Denbigh, in pursuance of some Directions from the Parliament, advanced into Shropshire, with Directions to have intercepted 40 Barrels of Powder going to Prince Robber; 
Oswestree won by the most noble Earl of Denbigh.  but the noble Earl failing thereof (it being conveyed another way into Wales) he thought it not amiss (being so near some of his Enemy's quarters) to make some attempt upon them, yet so as that he was resolved not to lose above 24 hours; and accordingly, with the advice of Colonel Mitton, marched toward Drayton, where he left a good reserve; and so advanced to Oswelstree; and with the Forlorn-hope consisting of 200 Foot and two Troops of Horse he faced the Town about june the twenty second, at two of the clock in the afternoon, and had a hot dispute of the business for the space of two hours, 
The Town is assaulted & entered.  the Earl by that time, had made his approaches so near, and played so fiercely upon the Enemy with both small and great shot, that a breach was made in the wall of the Town, which he bravely entered, and with the loss of only one man and three wounded, he bravely broke his way into the Town, 
The Enemies fly to the Castle.  the Enemy flying into the Church, and then to the Castle, who were so closely pursued, and my Lords pioneers so nimble in their Undermining (wherein Colonel Mitton showed himself with much valour and dexterity) that they within presently condescended to surrender the Castle, 
The Castle also surrendered on quarter for their lives.  only to have quarter for their lives, which accordingly was granted them, and thereupon, these Prisoners ●nd Arms following were taken, viz.  
Lieutenant Col. Bladwin, Capt. john farrel, and 3. Captains more; 
Prisoners & prizes taken.  3 Lieutenants; 2 Cornets; 2 Ensigns; Commissary Richard Edward's; 9 Sergeants; 9 Corporals; and one Drum-Major; besides 305 Common Soldiers; 8 Townsmen in Arms; 200 Muskets; a 100 Pikes and other warlike weapons, and 40 Barrels of Powder. And of what great advantage this Town was, to those parts, especially for the reducing of North Wales, those that know that Country do very well know. But this Noble Earl rested not here; this success made him not forget the directions of the Committee of both Kingdoms, nor to lose any time, but that he hastened to expedite what was directed, and by him before resolved: And so the very next day he Ordered his March accordingly, leaving that ever to be honoured Gentleman and brave commander, Col. Mitton, Governor of that brave Town and Castle; a man most fit for such a trust, as Wem can witness.  
And about the 28. of this instant we were credibly advertised by Letters from Dorchester, 
The singular good affection of the West-Country to the Parliament.  that the Country at least 20 miles about from the said Town, being summoned to appear there, came in most freely, and it being offered unto them, That any one that desired a Pass to go to Exeter, Bristol, or any other parts of the King's quarters, should go together on the left hand, and should have their free Passes: and all those that were convinced in their consciences of the justness of the cause on the Parliaments side, should go to the right, or hold up their hands; and accordingly every one there assembled did so (not one desiring a pass to go to the Enemy) holding up all their hands most cheerfully, this being upon the ending of a Sermon, 
Mr. Peter's his good service to the kingdom.  preached then by Master Peter, who hath done great Service for the State both by Sea and by Land, both in England, Ireland and Holland.  
And much about the last of this instant june 1644. for the conclusion of this Month; An Ordinance of Parliament was happily passed, That no Lords nor Commons who have deserted the Parliament and complied with Oxford, shall be readmitted into the Lord's House; 
An Ordinance of Parliament against rotten-hearted Revolters or de●erters of the Parliament.  nor Members of the House of Commons, be any more admitted into the House of Commons, without the consent of both Houses. A good bar, and like to be a strong prop to the firmer stablishing of the State of the Kingdom: Who if they had come when their pretended House at Oxford stood on its flashy gloss and false glory, we might have thought they had come out of conscience and affection to the Parliament at Westminster; but, now to leave their own ship when it is upon sinking, and to crawl up the main top, 
Rats crawl out of ships to the main tops, when the ship is ready to sink.  then, is but like Vermine Rats, to leave the ship for fear of drowning: And truly in this case, One constant Royalist (though bad's the best) is more worth than 2 of these rotten-hearted Turncoats. But now let these ignoble spirited Deserters & revolters, sit as they deserve, (as Britannicus said well) 'tis pity either House should again be stained with the Apostasy of such tergiversatious Bats; 
Revolters fitly compared to Rats and Bats.  For to be sure, those that have once known that way to Oxford, would every- Spring and Fall, every ebbing and flowing of the tide of affairs, have been troubled with a fit of shifting sides and parties, and be willing to take the air 44 miles from London.  
And now having thus by God's good providence and assistance, finished this Month's Voyage also, 
A summary grateful review and brief recital of all the rare Parliamentary Mercies of this month.  I shall here desire, as is most fit, to cast anchor again and to put to shore a little to refresh our Vessel, and to bring forth all the Merchandise and rich Commodities of this Months Adventure to a summary sight and revise, thereby to set an edge upon our affections to stir up our most grateful hearts the more to praise the Lord our great and good God the Father and fountain of them.  
As, first, The happy and most seasonable relief of the long and straight besieged Town of Lime in Dorsetshire, by the most noble and renowned Lord Admiral, the Right honourable Earl of Warwick; together with the serious consideration of the Admirable and almost incredible courage of the Inhabitants and Soldiers thereof, in so undauntedly defending it, by Gods most impregnable power and assistance.  
The most Loyal and Valiant aid and help afforded to us by the Noble Earl of Calendar in the Northern parts of the Kingdom; and the Parliaments most wise and grateful respect to Captain Swanlyes good service in Wales.  
The kings most unworthy signing and assenting to the most wicked demands and Articles of the Irish Rebels; after which he was forced to fly up and down with as much just fright of a wounded conscience, as needless fear of his most friendly pursuers.  
The Parliaments most prudent and provident making that brave and most gallant Citizen Colonel Brown, Serjeant Major General of 3 Counties, viz. Oxford, Berks, and Buckinghamshire; Renowned Colonel Masseys' taking of Tewksbury; And Gods just judgement on some of the King's Forces at Parrish●●, in their flight from Sir William Waller, their victorious and most valiant pursuer, and his brave taking of Shudley Castle as he passed along in pursuit of the King.  
Valiant and active Captain Purefreys taking of Compton House in Warwickshire near Banbury; and a most brave defeat given to the Enemy by the most noble and renowned Earl of Denbigh at Dudley-castle, to his indelible high renown and the Enemies extreme great loss and dishonour.  
The total and most remarkable raising of the long and tedious Siege of Lyme to God's great glory, our unexpressible comfort, and Prince Maurices eternal shame and infamy: Together with the Parliaments most wise and worthy brave carriage in and about that business, both in their ordering of thanks to God, the Lord Admiral and Lime itself; as also in bestowing a brave and bountiful reward on the Town of Lyme for their valour and loyalty to the Cause of God.  
Sir William Belfores taking of Weymouth and Taunton-dean; the noble Lord Grey of Groobies brave carriage at Leicester; and the Lord Generals, and Lord Admiral's preparations, both by Sea and by Land, to reduce the West to obedience to the King and Parliament, and their hopeful progress therein.  
God's admirable goodness to Manchester in Lancastershire, together with that excellent Ordinance of Parliament for constant relief to Wives and Children of Wounded and Slain Soldiers in the Parliaments service.  
The most noble and right valiant Lord Denbighs winning of that strong and important Town of Oswelstree with the prisoners and prizes taken therein.  
And lastly, The singular good affection which wrought in the hearts of the West-Country people toward the Parliament and their upright Cause; together with an excellent Ordinance of Parliament, against rotten-hearted Revolters, and Deserters of the Parliament.  
All these so rich, and rare Merchandizes, and comfortable Commodities, brought in unto, and by our precious Parliament, for the happy advance of God's Cause, thus agitated in the Kingdom, seriously considered, and rightly aestimated; who can deny, but that our God hath most admirably, this Month also carried on his blessed Ark, 
God's Ark above the World's waves  the Parliaments Cause, above all the boisterous Billows and swelling Surges which have tossed and tumbled it too and fro, purposing thereby to have overtopped, or over-turned it; but our God, I say, who is Sovereign Lord of Sea and Land, hath borne up the beautiful Sail●s of his blessed Ark, and carried it on most comfortably, and brought it home safely to its home, and harbour; And therefore who can be so stupid, and stonyhearted, as not to acknowledge, but that this is the Lords own Work, and it is marvellous in our eyes; and therefore in spiritual exultation, to sing out with holy David, 
Psal. 77. 16.  and say. The waters saw thee, O God, the proud waves and waters of the world, (even wicked and bloody men) and were afraid before thee, and the great depths were troubled at thee. So that, (as Moses also sang) The Children of Israel went into the the midst of them upon dry ground; and the mighty waters were so far from drowning, 
Exod. 14. 22.  or destroying them, that they were a wall of safeguard on their right, and on their left hand to defend them. And therefore, as the foresaid sweet Singer of Israel. Not unto us, Lord, not unto us, but to thy great name be all the praise and glory of all these rare and rich mercies; of all these many and mighty Deliverances. But now to proceed.   
ANd now we shall, 
july. 1644.  by God's safe assistance, put forth to Sea again, with our blessed Bark, the Ark of our God, even our most righteous Cause, and make this our next Month's Voyage, and begin first wi●h a present touch upon the Parliaments most renowned Lord Generals successful proceedings in the Western parts of the Kingdom; 
The Parlia. L. Gen. successful in the West Country.  From whence we were certified by Letters from Chard, that about the latter end of the last month, and beginning of this, there came in unto his Excellency, within the circuit of twelve miles, at l●st 4000 men, who were all drawn into Ranks and Files in a Meadow, whither his Excellency came to welcome them, together with the noble Lord Roberts, (Lord Marshal of the Field) who made an excellent speech unto them, which they most cheerfully accepted, with great and frequent acclamations, they all offering themselves to live and die in the Parliaments Cause; and this in part, confirms what I mentioned before, touching these West Countrymen, at Dorchester.  
Plymouths brave Garrison also offered to take the Field with the most noble Lord Roberts, who was Ordered and resolved to go into Cornwall, and a part of that Garrison went out at that time, about seven miles from Plymouth, beat up a quarter of the Enemies, took 44 Horse with their Rider's Prisoners, 
Skellum Greenvill is beaten by Plymouth Forces.  were pursued by that Skellum Greenvill, but he also was beaten back in great disorder, with the loss of divers of his men; Colonel Arundel, a Member of the Oxford Junto, and Major Wiseheart, were slain; Colonel Digby, brother to the traitorous Lord Digby, wounded in the face, and Greenvile himself closely put to it for his life, but escaped the Gallows as yet.  
Much about the same time, 
Darbyes' brave activity.  we were also informed by Letters out of Darbysh. that, that most worthy, and active Patriot, S. joh. Gel, having sent 3 troops of horse, & 2 troops of dragoons to the E. of Denbigh, then in Lancashire, had also a small party of Horse abroad towards Nottingham, seeking adventures, who were met by some of the King's Forces from Winkefield, and divers of ours by them taken Prisoners, but the alarm coming to Derby, a fresh Party was sent out, who in Winkefield set upon the Enemy (as they were carousing, and rejoicing at dinner, for their good success) where they recovered all their own men, took 80 of the Enemy's Horse and Riders, and brought them all safe to Derby, without the loss of one man of their own.  
About the 4th. of this instant july, we had also certain news out of the West, 
Barnstable shakes off the Cavilerian yoke, and returns to the Parliament.  that the greatest part of the Garrison at Barnstable, being called off by Prince Maurice, (who, it was then said, was to go to Pendennis Castle, to be a Lifeguard to the Queen) yet the Garrison would needs leave a stinking savour behind them of their old trade of Plundering; Whereupon the Inhabitants (knowing the Lord General was at hand) took courage, and stoutly resisted them, and in the issue, bravely overcame their late tyrannical Masters; Which the most noble Lord General understanding of, presently sent them a strong Party of Horse, under the Command of the noble Lord Roberts, and Sir Philip Stapleton, to help them to beat them quite away, and keep them out from returning again. And thus they most happily shaken off that servile Y●ak● of those cruel Cavees, and twice repulsed young Digby, and others whom Prince 〈◊〉 ●ent to have reduced them again under that baneful bondage, and killed divers of them, and took many others prisoners. And now (we hope) they begin to taste how sweet religion and Liberty is: And o how v●liant they grow being now sensible, I say, of what it was that made their brave Brethren of Lyme with so much unheard of 〈◊〉, to fight and stand it out against such spoilers of their peace and conscience comforts.  
Much also about the foresaid time, we had certain intelligence at London, by a letter sent by that brave Commander Sir Thomas Midleton, to the Speaker of the Honourable House of Commons, concerning the brave and victorious raising of the siege of Oswestree lately taken by the noble Earl of Denbigh (as was forementioned) who left that brave Commander Colonel Mitton, 
The Enemy bravely beaten at Oswestree by the Earl of Den●●es forces.  Governor of the said Town and Castle, and which presently after my Lord's departure for Lancashire, was besieged by the King's forces of those parts, under the Command of Colonel Marrow; which Letter containing a full relation of the carriage of the whole work, I have thought fit here to insert, as it was printed, and published by authority of Parliament, which was as followeth.  
To the Honourable William Lenthall Esquire, Speaker of the House of Commons.  
HONOURED SIR,  
NOt to trouble you with vain relations, whereby to hinder the other serious employment for the Kingdom's good; May it please you to be advertised, That the Town of Oswestree, late taken by the Forces of the Parliament, 
Oswestree besieged b● Col. Marrow on the King's side.  under my Brother Colonel Mittens Command, was upon Saturday last begun to be begirt, and since strictly besieged by the King's forces consisting of about Fifteen hundred Horse, and Three thousand five hundred Foot, under the command of Colonel Marrow; And that thereupon, in pursuance of a Council of War's determination, occasioned by ●●●●arnest and importunate Letter from my Brother, Colonel Mitton, directed to we, for speedy relief and raising of the siege of the said Town; I did▪ upon the Lordsday last passed, with such Forces of Horse and Foot as I then had with me, and the Foot Forces of Cheshire, all of us then at Knotsford, upon a determinate resolution to have marched for Manchester, and then for the service in the North: According to enjoyment of the Committee of both Kingdoms, return and re-advance with all my said Forces, unto a place called Spurstow heath, where that night we quartered, and thence advanced upon Monday morning towards Whitchurch, we quartered that night likewise in the open Fields, at a place called the Fens in Flintshire, where yesterday we marched towards Elsmore, and so to the said Town of Oswestree, where the Enemy endeavoured by battering and storming of the same, 
Sir Tho. Midleton comes to Oswestree to aid his brother Col. Mitton.  violently to have carried it; about two of the clock in the Afternoon we came in sight of the Town, and within three miles of it, where the Enemy having got intelligence of our approach, prepared to receive us, the chief Forces of our Enemy consisting of the most valiant Commanders and Soldiers, drawn out of the garrisons of Chester, Cheshire, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Ludlow, Denbyshire, Flintshire, and other places. The Enemy had taken the passage of water near to Whittington, and very furiously assaulted and charged us; but were repulsed and forced to retire, through the courage of our Horse, who most courageously entertained the Enemy; three several times the skirmish was doubtful, 
The Enemy beaten & put to flight.  either side being forced so often to retreat, but in the end our Foot Forces coming up, relieved the Horse, beat back the Enemy, and pursued them with such force, that the Horse thereby encouraged, which indeed was formerly weary, joining with the Foot; they put the Enemy to an absolute flight, in which we pursued them Five miles towards Shrewsbury, to a place called Felton-heath, and where likewise we remained after their flight again thence, Masters of the Field● In the skirmish with the Enemy, 
Our loss & hurt.  and in the pursuit, we lost several of our Horse, some of our Troopers; but never a Foorman which I am yet informed of, many of the Troopers are hurt, but I hope they will recover; I lost one Captain Williams, and one Captain Lieutenant Fletcher (a very courageous man, being Captain Lieutenant to Colonel Barton, in my Brigade) was dangerously shot, but I hope not mortally. 
The Enemies less.  As for the Enemy, they lost many stout men, had many of them taken prisoners, the number whereof the enclosed will manifest, some of them being of great quality; As, the Lord Newports eldest Son: And besides, in their flight such was their haste, that we found in the way of our pursuit of them, the high way, as it were, strewed with store of Bread, Cheese, Bacon, and other good provisions, 
The highways and passages strewed with store of the Enemies good provision.  clothes, and such necessary appurtenance to an Army, besides some whole Veals and Muttons new killed. The Enemy before the relief came, had taken the Church, being the strongest hold about the Town, upon the approach of the relief, they suddenly deserted it, and sent their two battering pieces unto Shrewsbury. In the way also were taken by our Forces, seven Carts and Wagons loaden with provisions, as Beer, Bread and other necessaries, whereof one was loaden with Powder and other Ammunition, the Town of Oswestree I find to be a very strong Town, and if once fortified, of great concernment, and the Key that lets us into Wales.  
SIR, I had to my aid 3. Regiments of Foot, viz. Colonel George Booths Regiment, a gallant Regiment led by himself on foot, to the face of the Enemy; Another by Colonel Manwaring, and the third by Colonel Croxon, all of them stout and gallant Commanders, and the rest of the Officers and Soldiers full of courage and resolution. Major Louthien, Adjutant General, that brave and faithful Commander, to whom I cannot ascribe too much honour, brought up the Rear that day.  
SIR, I rest Yours, THO: MIDDLETON.  

Prisoners taken at Oswestree at the raising of the siege thereof.  
Francis Lord Newport, Son and heir to the Earl of Newport,  
Captain Swinerton, Captain of a Troop of Horse;  
twenty Welsh and Shropshire Gentlemen;  
one Cornet of Horse which had no command;  
Lieutenant Norrell;  
one Quartermaster;  
two Corporals;  
32 Troopers;  
two pieces of Artillery to come up to the walls to save the Musketeers;  
seven Carryages, whereof one, of powder;  
200 common-souldiers, most of them Welsh,  
great store of Arms, found (as was touched before) in the ways, and ditches;   
There was since also taken Major Manly and Major Whitney, under the walls of Shrewsbury in the pursuit of them.  
About the 5th. of this instant July, came certain intelligence out of the North to London, of that most famous and glorious victory, wherewith it graciously pleased the Lord to crown our three most noble and ever to be renowned Generals, 
The most famous and glorious victory near York.  viz. Cenerall Lesley, Earl of Leven in Scotland: The most noble Earl of Manchester; and the most renowned Lord Fairfax: Which was most happily obtained on the second of this instant July, 1644. being Tuesday toward night; and that within the space of less than three hours. The full and true relation of which Fight and famous Battle, although the three most noble Generals aforesaid sent it to London under their own hands, and divers other relations thereof have been published in print to show the clearness and truth of the thing (they every one in substance agreeing one with another) yet both in regard of the fullness and faithfulness, as also the pious enlargements of that Copy which was written by that very reverend, learned, and pious Pastor, and Heroicke-spirited Gentleman, Master Simon Ash, Chaplain to the most noble, valiant, and victorious Earl of Manchester, I have therefore made choice of his excellent relation, and here inserted it verbatim, as it was printed and published (with only some interlacing and addition of some few material passages culled out of other authentic copies) for the Readers better satisfaction and much content therein; which was as followeth.  

A true Relation of the Fight and famous Victory, at Marstone-Moore, near YORK, from Master Ash his own hand-writing.  
Upon the thirtieth of June, (being the Sabbath) towards evening, we had certain Intelligence, that Prince Rupert, with his Army, were quartered at Burrowbrigs, within twelve miles of York, and that he intended to fight with us the next day. Hereupon the 3 Generals resolved that night, and in the morning, to raise the Siege, that they might be able to encounter the great Forces now ready to assault them, with hope to return unto the Siege, upon the repulsion of the potent enemy. You will easily believe, that there was much joy, and many manifestations thereof in the City, upon removing of the Forces, which had so long begirt it on every side: And truly, many of our hearts were oppressed with heaviness, looking upon this providence, as speaking Divine displeasure against us, but our God hath mercifully made known the groundlessness of our doubts and discouragements, for ever blessed be his Name.  
Upon Monday, July 1, we marched with all our Forces unto 〈…〉 (on the S●uch-side of the River Owsed) with hope there to meet with Prince Rupert, in his way towards York. In the afternoon our Army was set in Battalions, and our Soldiers were full of joy, expecting to have a Battle with the Enemy, because we were assured by our Scouts, that the Prince with his whole Body would pass that way. But Prince Rupert understanding our preparations for him, did pass on the other side the River, and while a Party of his Horse did face us on the Moor (which was near a Bridge, for their secure retreat at pleasure) the Prince himself, with 2000 of his Horse went into York, for the relief of that distressed people. Upon this so sad and unexpected a disappointment, our hearts generally were filled with sorrow, but yet in the midst of our sadness, many of us did encourage each other, unto an hopeful expectation of a comfortable issue, from the good hand of our God: whose Name we had uncessantly supplicated, for the happy speedying of this great concernment. The night drawing on, we marched unto Long-Marston, (a Town at hand) where very few had either the comfort of convenient lodging, or food our Soldiers did drink the Wells dry, and then were necessitated to make use of puddle water: most of our Horse quartered in the Moor that night.  
Upon Tuesday morning, a Party of the Enemy's Horse, having faced us a while, wheeled back out of sight, which gave us cause to suspect, that the main Body was marched towards Tadcaster, (having relieved York) where he might cut off the River, and so both scant us of Provisions, and get down suddenly into the South. Hereupon our Foot, with Artillery, were commanded to advance towards Tadcaster; The Scots (marching in the Van that day) being got almost to Tadcaster, and the Earl of Manchesters' Foot, being two or three miles from Marston, we had a very hot alarm, that the Enemy with all his strength was returned to the Moor: While our Horse ●●ced the Enemy, the whole Body of Foot were called back, with all the●speed which they possibly could make: and 〈◊〉, hope of a Hattaile moved our Soldiers to return meerily; which also administered matter of Comfort, unto all, who belonged to the Army.  
Before our Foot could get back, (which was about two or three a clock) the Enemy was possessed of the Moor, (a ground very advantageous) and had, in many small Bodies, bespread themselves, that their Army did extend two miles (as it's judged) in length: yea, by the improving of this opportunity, they had by divers Regiments of Musketeers, so lined the bedges & ditches betwixt themselves and us, that our Soldiers could not assault them, without very great apparent prejudice. We were compelled to draw up our Army, and to place it in Battalia, in a large Field of Rye, where the height of the Corn, together with the showers of rain which then fell, proved no small inconvenience unto our Soldiers; yet being on an hill, we had the double advantage of the ground, and the wind. Here the noble Commander, General Lessey, exercised his Martial abilities, with unwearied activity and industry: He hasted from place to place, to put all his Forces in Battle array, which he did to the satisfaction and admiration of all that beheld it: the other two Generals acting also in their own Armies.  
How goodly a sight was this to behold, when three mighty Armies, each of which consisted of above 20000 Horse and Foot, did with flying Colours prepare for the Battle, and look each other in the face.  
The Posture of our Army, when drawn up, was this: Most of General Lesley his Horse, together with the Horse of the Lord Fairfax, made the right wing. The Earl of Manchesters' Horse, with some of the Scotch Horse, were the left wing. General Lesleyes' Foot were on the right hand, the Earl of Mancesters Foot were on the left hand of the Lord Fairfax his Foot, who were the Body. There were three or four Brigads placed for a Reserve.  
Our Army being thus marshaled, toward six or seven of the clock, we advanced about 200 paces toward the Enemy; Our Cannon (which had played one or two hours before, from the top of the hill) was drawn forward for our best advantage; Our Signal was a white Paper, or Handcherchiffs in our Hats; Our Word was, God with us. 
The Word & Signal.  The Enemy's Signal was to be without Bands and Scarves; Their Word was, God and the King. Our Army in its several parts moving down the Hill, was like unto so many thick clouds, having divided themselves into Brigades, consisting of 800, 1000, 1200, 1500 men in a Brigade. And our Brigades of Horse consisting of 3, and some of 4 Troops.  
The Enemy (as some Prisoners reported) was amazed and daunted at our approach, 
The Enemy was assaulted by ours before they expected us.  not expecting any assault till the next morning. Upon the advancing of the Earl of Manchesters' Foot (after short siting on both sides) we caused the Enemy to quit the hedge in a disorderly manner, where they left behind them four Drakes. The Lord Fairfax his Brigade, on our right hand, did also beat off the Enemy from the hedges before them, driving them from their Cannon also, 
Some of ours forced to a disorderly retreat.  being two Drakes, and one Demiculvering; but being afterwards received by marquis Newcastles Regiment of Foot and by them furiously assaulted, they made a retreat in some disorder. This advantage being espied by a body of the Enemy's Horse, they charged through them, unto the top of the hill; but one Regiment of the Earl of Manchesters' Foot seeing the Enemy, both Horse and Foot pursuing an advantage, did speedily wheel on the right hand upon their flank, and gave them so hot a charge, that they were forced to fly back disbanded into the Moor; 
The Enemy put to the worst.  And these Enemies were also, so opportunely met in the Moor by a body of our Horse, that very many of them were killed in the place, and about 200 by the Scots Horse taken prisoners.  
Before this time also Lieutenant General Cromwell had with much gallantry charged through and through, and quite routed two of the bravest Brigades of Horse in the Enemies right wing, 
Valiant Lieu. Gen. Cromwell charges rupert's Horse through & through.  where were the stoutest men and best horse, which Prince Rupert had. And our Horse and Foot with undaunted courage did put the Enemies right wing to flight, forcing them both from their Cannon and Ammunition; but when they came up to the Enemies left wing, hoping that our right wing had done as good service as themselves, they were disappointed; 
Our right wing put to the worst.  for our Horse here was beaten back: And although the Scots musketeers had fired there most bravely, and to good purpose, to the dissipating of the Enemy's Foot; yet their Horse there, stood still in full body: But our left wing was neither wearied by their former hot service, nor discouraged by the sight of that strength which they saw in the Enemy, yet unshaken and in order, 
Our left wings unwearied valour in charging the enemy  but continuing (o the strength of our God in them) and renewing their valour, they charged every party remaining in the Field, till all were fully routed and put to flight, and our men most admirably beating and pursuing the Enemies about three miles at least till they came near unto York: 
How Prince Rupert escaped  in so much that Prince Rupert himself and marquis Newcastle escaped with much difficulty, being extraordinarily well Horsed; and had not Rupert played the creep-hedge and hid himself in Bean-Lands, he had been taken.  
The Earl of Manchester with much labour did rally 500 of the Soldiers who were leaving the Field in great disorder, 
The Earl of Manchesters' labour & vigilancy.  and brought them back again to the Battle. And the most noble and worthy General Lesly, was much offended with his Soldiers, who shrunk from the service of the day; and having endeavoured, both by words and blows, to keep them in the Field with much wisdom and affection, 
Gen. Lesseys' carriage in the fight.  he pressed this argument. Although you run from your Enemies, yet leave not your General; though you fly from them, yet forsake not me.  
Very many of the Scots both commanders and others, did singular good service that day, 
The Scots good Service.  and stood stoutly to it unto the end of the fight, and did therefore very well deserve to be sharers in the honour of the day; and three Regiments of their Horse (which with ours made the left wing of the Army) being commanded by Major General Lesley, did as brave and honourable service, as any who served in the Field that day. And although the right wing of our Army, did not satisfyingly answer men's expectations, yet the Earl of Eglington, the Earl of Lindsey, the Lord Cooper, Sir James Lunsden, and other Scottish Commanders with many of their Officers and Soldiers, did (as I said before) give good proof of their stoutness and magnanimity.  
And as for any of them of each Nation who went away, they were by their ministers and others so sharply reproved, and this their fault in such sort was aggravated to them, that there was great hope they would regain their credit by good service upon the next occasion.  
As for that famous and magnanimous Commander, 
Lieut. Gen. Cromwell his due praise.  Lieut. Gen. Cromwell, whose prowess and prudence, as they have rendered him most renowned, for many former successful deeds of Chivalry; So in this great fight, they have crowned him with the never withering Laurels of fame and honour, who with so Lion-like courage and impregnable animosity, charged his proudest adversaries again and again, like a Roman Marcellus indeed, undauntedly out-daring and over-bearing his stoutest Popish and Atheistical Antagonists, even to the end of the fight; and at last came off, as with some wounds; so with honour and triumph inferior to none.  
Colonel Sidney also, 
Col. Sidney his valour.  Son to the Earl of Leicester, charged with much gallantry in the head of my Lord of Manchesters' Regiment of Horse, and came off with much honour, though with many wounds, the true badges of his honour, and was sent away afterward to London for cure of his wounds.  
And as for that truly noble and renowned Commander Sir Tho. 
Renowned sir Tho. Fairfax his undaunted valour.  Fairfax, that undaunted & never sufficiently praised Soldier, (whose former famous exploits, have rendered him most magnanimous) he also lost not a jot or title of honour this day; for although many of his Soldiers did faint and fall back, yet his noble heart continued like the heart of a Lion, stout and undaunted; for he stayed fight in the Field, 
Col. lambert's also.  until being dismounted and wounded, he was brought off by one of his Soldiers. Yea, and brave Colonel Lambert and some others of their officers went on most daringly through every difficult and dangerous adventure which they could meet with; 
And L. Col. needham's.  though I say much of their strength did unhappily shrink from them. Lieutenant Col. Needham, did also very manfully in his place. I nominate not here any other of my noble Lords Officers besides Liutenant Gen. Cromwell, and Col. Sidney, though I could have particularised Major Gen. 
Major Gener. Crawford & others.  Crawford and divers other Colonels with Lieut. Colonels, Majors and Captains, who gained much honour by their very valiant carriages and exploits; and therefore I hope my silence in regard of others (who under the command of the two other Generals, did also most gallantly) will not be offensive; and the rather because I was not so well acquainted with them. 
A just reproof to many prejudicated misreporters of this fight & the soldiers therein.  And it is exceedingly ill done of those who cast aspersions upon some in the Army in this fight who rather deserved commendations, than uncomely calumniations. Surely, they neither Act christianly nor prudently, who take courses to breed emulations and divisions in our Army; and who cast reproach and discouragement upon such who are most ready to sacrifice their dearest heartblood in the present service of Christ in this Kingdom.  
But to be brief, I found this generally among the Soldiers (especially in my noble Lord of Manchesters' Regiments) 
The soldiers gave God the glory of this victory. The Enemies did the like.  to my hearts great content, that they all gave the Lord of Hosts all the glory of this Victory, wherein they were only instruments: Some also of the Enemies that were taken Prisoners, have acknowledged the mere finger and hand of God in their rout, and our victory. And it pleased me wondrous well, to hear and see our God honoured on both hands.  
Yet I may not here omit a strange speech, as it was credibly reported, to fall from Prince Rupert, upon the disappointing of his hopes, and the disjointing of his Forces to their ruin; I am sure (said he) my men fought well, 
Prince rupert's atheistical speech touching this fight  and therefore know no reason of our Rout, but this, because the Devil did help his Servants. These words, surely, intimate that he imagined, the Devil gives the Victory in the day of Battle (a most Atheistical and heathenish opinion) or else his Conscience told him (which he would not confess) that God, indeed, did help his Servants. Yea, and a man of quality belonging to the Enemy, (whose name, for some reasons, I may not mention) professed, 
A sad confession of one on the Enemy's side.  That his Conscience told him, Our Cause was God's Cause; but yet his Honour would not suffer him to take part with us.  
And the Lord Grandison (who was sor●ly wounded in this fight, and under the Chirurgeons hands for cure in York) told a friend that visited him. That he had received 10. wounds on his body in this Battle; One wound for the breach of every Commandment in the Decalogue. 
Deut. 32. 31.  See here then, good Reader, if here be not a clear assent to that of holy Moses. Their Rock is not as our Rock, even our Enemies being judges. But to return to to the finishing of this Fight.  
The Runaways, 
The Runaways robbed our carryages.  with other poor people, who attended the Army, did grievously plunder our Wagons, and other Carriages; for the Wagoners, Carters, etc. being affrighted with the flight of our own Soldiers, did leave their charge in the hands of such as love to rob and spoil. It was a very sad sight to behold many thousands posting away being amazed with Panic fears.  
here just occasion was given us to remember Keynton-battell at Edge-Hill; 
Keynton battle justly remembered.  Edge-Hill; where the hearts of some were upheld with hopes, when others gave up all as lost, and that with much despondency of spirit.  
Upon our cool and recollected thoughts, such of us as desired to acknowledge God in all his ways, did firmly pitch upon these Conclusions.  
The Lord saw that we are apt to rely upon the arm of flesh, 
God's wisdom in managing this victory to his due praise.  and therefore very much humane strength failed us. And besides, if the whole Army had continued courageous, we should have ascribed the glory of the victory unto man; and therefore it pleased the Lord, in reference to his own praise, to lessen our strength, that so his own arm might justly be exalted.  
But, I say, to go on, The Enemies being all beaten out of the Field, the most noble Earl of Manchester, about 11 of the Clock that night, 
The noble E. of Manbesters' carriage among his soldiers.  did ride about to the Soldiers, both Horse and Foot, giving them many thanks, for the exceeding good service which they had done for the Kingdom: And he often earnestly entreated them, to give the honour of their Victory unto God alone. He also further told them, that although he could not possibly that night, make provisions for them, according to their deserts, and necessities; yet, that he would without fail, endeavour their full satisfaction in that kind, in the morning betimes.  
The Soldiers, 
The soldiers religious replies to their General.  unanimously, (as my Lord had desired) and most cheerfully, gave God the glory of their deliverance, and this great Victory; and told his Lordship, with much alacrity, that though they long fasted, and were faint; yet they would willingly want three days longer, rather than give off the Service, or leave his Lordship.  
That might we kept the Field, when the Bodies of the dead were stripped; 
A sad spectacle to behold.  and in the morning there was a mortifying object to behold, when the naked bodies of thousands lay upon the ground, and many were not altogether dead, but lay groaning and gasping their last.  
We judged that the number of the slain was at the least 3000 of the Enemy's; 
The number of the slain on the enemy's side.  but the Country men (who were commanded to bury the dead Corpse) told us, they, for certain, buried 4150 bodies, and we believe (as it's most probable) they were best able to know the truth, by the burying of them. Of which 4150, two thirds were assured to be Gentlemen, and persons of quality, that is almost 2000; which (as reverend Master Ash said) was the more easily believed, by reason of the very white and smooth skins of the many dead bodies in the field apparently seen when they were stripped. And that those of quality, slain in this fight, might be taken away and have a more honourable burial than the rest, if their friends pleased; Sir Charles Lucas was desired (as was credibly informed) to go along to view the corpse, as they lay spread on the ground, and to choose whom he would, which he did, but would not say whom he knew of them. But one gentleman at least, that had a bracelet of hair about his wrist, he said he knew and desired the bracelet might be taken off, saying that an honourable Lady should give thanks for it. As he passed along, he said in the presence and hearing of many: Alas for King CHARLES! Unhappy King CHARLES! And we may all most justly say: Alas poor ENGLAND! Unhappy ENGLAND! to be so miserably rend and torn, for the satisfying of impiety, folly, and wilfulness, in Papists, Prelates, and atheistical Malignants.  
And among the dead men and horses, 
P. rupert's Dog killed among the dead corpse.  which lay on the Ground, we found Prince rupert's Dog killed, which is only here mentioned by the way, because the Prince's Dog hath been so much spoken of along time, and was more prized by his Master than creatures of much more worth.  
Divers men of good quality were found and known to be slain in the foresaid number; 
The names of divers persons of note slain in this fight.  as namely, The Lord Carey, eldest Son to the Earl of Monmouth; Colonel Ewers, Nephew to the Lord Ewers; Colonel Roper, brother to the Lord Baltinglasse; Sir Wil Wentworth, brother to the Earl of Strafford, late Viceroy of the kingdom of Ireland; Sir Francis Dacres, near kinsman to the Lord Dacres; Sir William Lambton, of an ancient family to the Bishopric of Durham; Colonel Slingsby, Son to Sir William Sling●by; Sir Marmaduke Louddon; Sir Thomas Mettom; Monnsieur Saint Paula, a French Gentleman; Sir Richard Gloedhill, made knight by the Earl of Newcastle; Lieutenant Col. Lisle, who heretofore had done good service in Holland; Colonel Houghton, Son to sir Gilbert Houghton; Col. Fenwicke, eldest Son to Sir john Fenwicke; Col. Prideaux, son to BPP Prideaux; Lieut. Col. Atkins, Lieutenant Colonel to the marquis; Lieutenant Col. Stonywood, a Commander in the late wars of Ireland, Davenant the Poet also, a loose lived Gentleman; and divers others, not yet so particularly known, but these thus named I had from credible testimony.  
We also took, at least, 1500 prisoners, of which also, many were men of quality, 
Prisoners taken, and the names of some of note.  and great esteem with the Enemy; viz. Sir Charles Lucas, Lieutenant Gen. to the Horse; Porter, Major Gen. to their Foot forces; Major General Tilliard, a very stout and able soldier, who came out of Ireland; the Lord goring Son; with divers other Field-Officers.  
We took all the Enemies Cannon, Ammunition, Wagons, and Baggage. The Earl of Manchester had for his part, 
Prizes taken.  ten pieces of Ordnance; one case of Drakes; about 1500 Muskets; 40 barrels of powder; three tun of great and small bullet, 800 Pikes; besides Swords, Bandeliers, etc.  
Now it is very admirable to consider (and we cannot but admire Cod rare mercy in it) how few were slain in the Battle on our side; In the Earl of Manchesters' Army, 
The loss on our side.  Captain Walton had his leg shot off with a Cannon bullet; and only Captain Pew (a foot Captain) was slain; and not above six more of our foot that we could find slain, and about twenty wounded in the Moor. The total number that we could reckon and find to be slain in all our Armies was at most, but between 2 and 300, of which our greatest number was among them who ran away, and the carriage-keepers.  
Many of our Soldiers (the horsemen especially) met with much gold and silver, 
Our soldiers got good prize  and other Commodities of good worth; and indeed they very well deserved such encouragements by their excellent service and brave adventures: and therefore, as our proverb is; 
God is a great man of War.  Win gold and wear gold. Thus did the Lord put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of Salvation upon his head, and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing and was clad with zeal, as with a cloak. 
Esay 59, 17, 18  And according to their deeds, accordingly he did repay fury to his adversaries, and recompense to his Enemies. Yea surely, in this famous battle, the Lord seemed to say and sound courage into the hearts of our Soldiers, as Nehemiah to his people at the re-edifying of jerusalem, 
Nehim. 4. 14.  when they were molested by wicked Tobiah, Sanballet, and their accursed complices. Be not afraid of them, but remember the Lord your God who is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your houses.   
And thus far we have principally made worthy use of reverend and religious Master Ash, his unquestionable authentic relation of this most famous fight and most memorable victory, with some interlacing, I say, of some material passages which I borrowed from most credible testimony.  
And now, 
Certain observations collected out of all the premises, for the farther illustrating of God's glory.  although that our foresaid very venerable author and precious pattern (by whom I have thus chosen to write) hath in his said relation (as ye have seen) touched upon many remarkable prints of Gods admirable providence and prudence, by his powerful hand and strong arm, carrying on this great work in extraordinary excellent and eminent manner, to the unexpressible honour and glory of his great name: Yet give me leave, I pray, now to add some few more; worthy the Readers most serious notice and observation; as adding much also (I believe) to the praise and glory of our great and gracious Wonderworking God.  
First, That when Prince Rupert had by a by-way got into York and come forth again, 
Observation from our Army marching to the Associated Counties when the Enemies were fight.  our General, fearing the Enemies advance to the Southerly Associated Counties, to have spoilt the kingdom that way also (which they might too certainly have done) ours therefore marched away with their Van, the rest following, to prevent Rupert: But he contrary to their thoughts, falls with all his forces upon our Rear, the Van being about two or three miles forward on their foresaid march; and by a hot alarm coming suddenly to them, forced for haste, to return disorderly to the fight, and ere they could rally themselves orderly into battalia, our Rear was engaged, if not routed; yet, though tired and faint, they fell upon the Enemy.  
That at the very beginning of the fight, 
A mighty storm of hail, rain, & thunder, at the beginning of the fight.  just as both Armies were joining Battle, and beginning the first encounter or assault of each other, it pleased the Lord (as it was most credibly affirmed for a certain truth) that a sudden and mighty great storm of rain and hail and terrible claps of thunder were heard and seen from the clouds; as if heaven had resolved to second the assault with a fierce Alarm from above.  
Thirdly, 
Two or 3 Regiments of the pursuing Enemies slain & taken prisoners.  that about 2 or 3 Regiments of the Enemy's side, which, at the first, had routed and pursued a great party of our side, which fled away from the Enemies first and fierce onset: Yet immediately after, all that party of the Enemy was (by a seconding party of ours following the Enemy in the Rear) totally slain or taken prisoners.  
Fourthly, That God dealt with our 3 Noble General's Armies, as he did with gideon's Army, of all the thousands brought together at first, he made choice of some few hundreds to do this great work withal, 
The victory got by a small number.  and when we seemed to be at the lowest ebb of our strength (a constant way of God's admirable wisdom and power) then, on a sudden, he turned the scale, and came in with his irresistible power, and never failing mercy, and with a small number (just as he did at Keynton battle) got himself the Victory for us.  
Fifthly, 
That Rupert having relieved York, must needs fight with us, & not go into the associated Counties.  that notwithstanding when Rupert that pert, yea malapert giddy and bloody Prince, had boldly and adventurously got into York, and relieved it, and thereby also released Newcastle, and many or most of the Popish partee, before enclosed within that City-walls; which, indeed, was the main project or design the Enemy had, at that time; and that upon their return out of York (all safe) to the rest of their Army, they called a Council of War, who also peremptorily resolved (which indeed was their best, and had been our worst blow of all) to leave York and make presently, with all their strength into the Associated Easterly and Southern Counties (Achitophel's Council most directly) Yet, 
Achitophel's & Hushaies' Counsel.  then, I say, that this proud and bloody hare-brained young Prince should pluck out of his pocket the King's Letter or Commission, to him in special (just like Hushaies' Council to cross Achitophel's) charging them by no means to depart from York until they had with all their combined powers given us battle. O the admirable wisdom of our God, thus to cross that former fatal and terrible Council, as it must needs have proved!  
Sixthly, 
The great hopes of the enemy to cut off our right-wing, frustrated.  That the Counsels of Prince Rupert and others, had designed the most valiant and expert Soldiers of the Popish and Atheistical party to encounter the Wing of the Army commanded by renowned Lieutenant Gen. Cromwell (as making account, that in beating him they won the day) and in particular, Rupert had designed certain Troops of Horse (all Irish-Papists and Gentlemen; old Soldiers all, who had been in service in Spain and France) to give the first charge to the Brigade or party in which General Cromwell was; and that they did confidently believe there was not a man of them but would die rather than fly; but they missed their expectations, for many of them being indeed slain in the place, all the rest fled. 
Ecclesi. 9 11.  Thus our God lets our proudest Enemies see and know; The battle is not to the Rider nor the race to the Swift.  
Sevently, 
A foul falling out between P. Rupert & the marquis of Newcastle.  That upon the flight and departure of the Earl of Newcastle from the battle, there passed many warm words betwixt Prince Rupert and him in York, after the rout; they charging each other with the Cause thereof; the Prince telling the marquis that he made not good his promise of assistance; and the marquis replying in such a manner as moved much passion and discontent; yea, and some say blows too: And that thereupon, the marquis of Newcastle, (with General King, the Lord Witherington, and very many moe fugitive gallants) flying away beyond Sea to Hambrough and Holland, 
And Newcastle flying beyond sea is proclaimed traitor at York.  Sir Thomas Glemham, than governor of York, did (as 'twas credibly assured and affirmed) proclaim Newcastle a Traitor, for his deserting York and flying beyond Sea from his colours. Thus, as our English proverb is: Thiefs falling out among themselves; True men (by God's mercy) are like to enjoy their goods again.  
Eightly, 
The great tiredness and extreme hunger and thirst which the Army endured; and yet their admirable courage in fight.  That notwithstanding the extreme and extraordinary wants and straits which our Soldiers were put unto (enough to move great compassion, yea and admiration too) and wherewith they were greatly pinched, both the night before the battle, and sometime since also, as namely, tiredness in travelling and hasty retiring to and fro; such want of water (much less of Beer) to drink, that they had drained the wells even to the mud, and were necess●● to drink water out of dirches, and places pudled and mired with the horses feet; and that through want of accommodation of victuals very few of the common-souldiers had eaten above the quantity of one penny-loaf from Tuesday to Saturday morning following; and as I said, no beer at all to be had: Yet, I say, notwithstanding all these, that the Soldiers should fight so cheerfully and stoutly, even by God's admirable mercy to a glorious victory.  
Ninthly, 
The Parliament Soldiers known to the King's accursed & cursing Cormorants by their singing of Psalms.  That in the rout of the Enemy and in their flying and scattering about, many of them ran most frightedly and amazedly to the place where some of the Regiments of Horse of the Parliaments side were standing on their Guard, and all or most of their Riders were religiously singing of Psalms, to whom, as the foresaid runaways of the Enemy, came near, and by their singing of Psal●ed; perceiving who they were, they all most fiercely fled back again, and cried out, God damn them, they had like to have been taken by the Parliament Round-heades. For they only knew them, I say, to be the Parliament Soldiers by their singing of Psalms. A blessed badge and cognizance indeed, to be thus distinguished from their impious Enemies, which makes me to think on that in the Gospel; That when the Soldiers who were sent to apprehend our blessed Saviour, and he ask them whom they sought; And they answered, Jesus of Nazareth, And Christ replying, I am he; They (says the Text) fell down backward at those words stricken with terror and amazement. And so, I say, o the power of godliness! what reverence and terror too it strikes into the hearts of profaine and irreligious Wretches.  
Tenthly, 
The Royalists imprecating a curse on themselves, were accordingly answered therein by the Lord. Josh. 22. 22.  That before the Battle began (as I have it from credible information) Prince Rupert, that bloody Plunderer, would, forsooth, to seem religious (just like a juggling Machivilian) have a Sermon preached before him and his army, his Chaplain took his Text out of Josuah, 22. 22. The words were these; The Lord God of gods, the Lord God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know, if it ●e in rebellion, 〈…〉 us not this day. 
〈◊〉.  Now how evident a demonstration from 〈◊〉 was heregiven, by the success of that days 〈…〉 enough (one would have thought) to have 〈◊〉 the most perverse Malignant; In so much that God did so 〈…〉 himself in deciding the controversy by denying victory and success to those who being in a false and bloody way had yet implored the Almighty to prosper them according to the justness of their Cause.  
Eleventhly and lastly, That this so glorious, famous, and full victory was by our good and merciful LORD God bestowed upon us, 
This glorious Victory was a most evident and clear return of Prayer.  as an undoubted return of Prayer, we having but the very Week before, been pressing the Throne of Grace on ou● Monthly Fastday, and public Humiliation, and prayer to the Lord, even for this mercy, a victory of York, ●●at York; and the Lord heard us and granted us the desire of our Souls therein, together with the lives and welfare of all our three most noble and renowned Generals; Praised and for ever magnified be the Lord our God for it.  
Upon the immediate next Lordsday succeeding this famous victory, all the three renowned Generals, 
The 3 Generals and all their Armies Celebrate the next Lord's day, a day of Thanksgiving.  with their whole Armies, according to their pious and 〈◊〉 appointment, celebrated a Solemnday of most deserved and obliged Thanksgiving to the Lord, and by their messengers to the Parliament, who brought the intimation of this great victory, desired that a Solemnday all over the whole Kingdom might be also appointed by their Authority, and that they might have convenient knowledge thereof, that so they likewise might again keep it with the rest of the Kingdom, which accordingly was forthwith a●●e●ted to by the Parliament, and an order presently after printed and published, a Copy whereof I have hereunto annexed.  

Die Lunae, 8. Julii, 1644.  
IT is this day ordered by the Lords and Commons Assembled in Parliament, that Thursday come a seven-night being the eighteenth of this instant July shall be 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 far a day of public Thanksgiving to be rendered unto Almighty God for his great blessing and full victory 〈◊〉 Prince rupert's Army in Yorkshire, to be kept in London and Westminster, and all 〈◊〉 parts of the Kingdom.  
Hen. Elsing. Cler. Parl. D. Co●.   
And very shortly after, a Committee of the House of Commons was appointed for providing necessary supplies for the Northern-Armies, 
Orders taken for supplying the Northern Armies with necessaries; and thanks sent to the 3 Generals from the Parliament.  and it was also ordered by the Parliament, that the Committee of both Kingdoms should forth with send a letter of thanks to the Earl of Manchester, General Lesley, and the Lord Fairfax, for their great courage, valour, and fidelity expressed against Prince Rupert at the said great fight.  
And yet for all these clear and real demonstrations of this so absolute and 〈◊〉 a victory, give me leave to tell the Reader (that it may stand as another everlasting stain upon the Enemies of Truth and Honesty, 
The Royalists intolerable impudence in insulting and triumphing for what they never had.  and as an indelible badge of their Atheism and unheard of 〈◊〉 impiety, thus even to mock God with thanks for what they never received) That just as they impudently also did at Keynton or Edgehill victory, so now, they made bonfires and caused the Bells to be rung in many places in their power and quarters; yea and though that very night when they were so beaten out of the Field and so many of them ran into York, yet so intolerably impudent were they (as so indeed are all Cozening Cormorants & Malignants) as to make Bonfires, 
Bells rung & bonfires made in York for joy of rupert's Victory.  and cause ringing of Bells in the City of York, for their great victory obtained by Prince Robber (that Prince of blood and lies) reporting openly in the streets, that General Lesley was taken prisoner; the Lord Fairfax slain; and 14000 prisoners taken, 
Monstrous lies.  but that the Prince was so careful of the welfare of the City, that he would not bring them thither for fear of oppressing that place with them; yea and the next morning, early (when he fled thence, betimes) he told them he must abroad to catch more of the straggling Roundheads, and would carry all his prisoners and ordnance taken, to the King, for else (he said) the Roundheads in the South would not believe he had got the victory. O intolerable blasphemy thus to go about (grossly belying their own consciences) to abuse, 
Newcastle, Newark and Oxford also triumph in rupert's ridiculous Victory.  if possibly, both God and Man! Yea at Newcastle, and at Newarke also, and especially at Oxford, they made great Bonfires, with other triumphs by squibs and wildfire, at Banbury also and Litchfield, Exeter, Bristol and all other places, I say, where the accursed Cormorants domineered. Yea our sottish & bewitched Mole●y'd Malignants of London also were ●o led along with a spirit of lying (like their father the Devil) that they mightily boasted of this Robbers vain victory over us, 
London malignants had a hand and a heart too in this lie.  the rouring of our whole three Armies the death and imprisonment of all our three most renowned and precious Generals.  
And thus I say, have we seen the festivity of the Royalists 〈◊〉 Wit, or the mad rage of the Malignant-Spirits, notwithstanding that God gave such an eminent and notorious cheek to their impudence; 
Mr. Vines in his Sermon of thanksgiving for this great Victory, p. 14.  (as Venerable Master Vine● said in his Sermon of Thanksgiving for this victory) In that upon fictious confidence of success, they must needs (as you have heard) Antedate their Bells and Bonfires; Whereas within a few hours, there was nothing of the Enemies, left in that field, but Bag and Baggage, Ammunition, Ordnance, Prisoner's, and Dead-Karkasses; which had, indeed 〈◊〉 more, if that noble and most renowned Commander, Sir Thomas Fairfax (who is the honour of the fields he treads upon) had not (as he road up and down) taken up that sweet Word, 
Sir Tho. Fairfax compared to Julius Caesar.  which Caesar, once, in such a case, used, Parcite civibus, Spare the poor deluded Countrym●n, O spare them, I pray, who are misled and know not what they 〈◊〉 A most excellent and pious Spirit and Speech, and most befitting such a valiant and virtuous Commander.  
And thus, I say, blessed be our God that we see and know their vanity, folly, and madness, having nothing to brag of but their own lying inventions. For, as we have abundantly heard to God's glory and our great comfort (as witty and worthy Britanicus▪ well noted) his Majesty made Bonfires in the morning, and our three foresaid noble Generals quenched them and put them all out again before night.  
And though now I have done with this brave Battle and famous Victory: 
A note more touching Prince Robber and his brave Chivalry.  yet give me leave (Good Reader) to add this one note for a conclusion, which I had from very credible and good information; viz. That our Malignants choice Champion and stout Soldier Prince Robber (as valiant and courageous as they would have the world hold him to be) yet I say this great Kill-cow, 
Prince Robber lost his Dog and his Beaver, and hid himself in a Bean-field.  besides the loss of his dainty Dog (found dead among the rest of the slain) lost also his brave Beaver in the field or flight, for found it was: and himself (as divers affirmed) lay hid in a Bean-field (as was touched before) after a little service done in the field until it was dark, and then got away into York.  
And in the same place where the Marq. 
A Letter of the Kings to the marquis of Newcastle touching the Lord R●chford.  of Newcastles Commission, was found, there was also found a Letter, signed with Charles Rex, to it, saluting the marquis of Newcastle, by the name of Right Trusty and most entirely beloved Cousin and Councillor; (by which we may observe, that he was most entirely beloved that put Armies into Papists hands, to cut the troats of Protestant's) signifying by that Letter. That his Lordship should take care that the Lord Viscount Rochfort, should have all his Rents paid unto him, for that he was reconciled to his Majesty: 
The Lord Viscount Rochfort impeached of high Treason  If, then, his Majesty spoke truth, the Lord of Rochfort deserved much blame; who was thereupon accused by the House of Commons, for adhering to the Enemies; and upon Thursday july the 11. the said Lord coming to the House of Peers was saluted with an impeachment of high Treason, and committed prisoner to the Black Rod.  
About the 12 of this instant, it was for certain informed, that although they at Oxford boasted much of the relieving of Greenland-House▪ 
Greenland house taken by Major Gen. Brown.  yet now by God's mercy it was yielded (upon fair terms and moderate Articles) unto Major General Brown; and that, for the present his Soldiers maintained a Garrison in it▪ But, that it was resolved on not to continue it so, but to have it demolished to the ground. The taking of this House was of great concernment to the City of London, for by that means great quantities of provisions may be securely conveyed by water to London out of Oxfordshire, and Berkshire; and abundance of Wood out of the Oxford Malignants estates in those parts, to serve London for fuel all the succeeding winter.  
Much also about the same time came certain intelligence, by Letters out of the Western parts of the Kingdom, that the Forces of his Excellency, the Parliaments most Noble Lord General, under the Command of Sir Robert Pie, 
Taunton Castle taken by the Lord General's Forces.  and Colonel Blake, had taken Taunton Castle, a piece of great strength and concernment also in those parts; and that in it they had taken 4 Iron pieces of Ordnance, 6 Murderers, 4 Hogsheads of Beef, a load of Iron, great store of powder, one Demi culverin; 2 tun of Match; one powder-Mill; a great quantity of bullets; 2 Loads of Cheese; 2 Hogsheads of Oatmeal; with great store of Salt, Wheat, Meal and other sorts of provision, with store of householdstuff and rich moveables and Colonel Reve, who commanded the Castle for the King, and the rest of his soldiers had quarter to March away to Bridgewater, the King's next Garrison Town.  
About the 14th. of this instant came also certain information by letters from the truly noble Lord Denbigh, 
Cholmley house in Cheshire taken by the Lord Denbigh.  that whereas he had made a show, as if he would have drawn his Forces toward Shrewsbery, as intending to besiege it; yet indeed his private resolution 〈…〉 upon the House of the Lord Cholmley and took it; which was a singular good 〈◊〉 of service to the State, in 〈◊〉 that this House had been a very great and long mischief to the Country in those near adjacent 〈◊〉 into it.  
Much also about this foresaid time we were certified by letters out of Lincolnshire, 
Col. Rossiter Governor of Lincoln, his valour and activity.  of the brave activity and valour of Colonel Rossiter, Governor of Lincoln, who weekly used to fall upon the Enemy near Newark, and that at one time he took a Major, a Captain, and 30 Troopers and their horses. Shortly after also, that issuing out again, he took another Major, 3 Captains, and 50 horse more with their Riders, within three miles of Newark. The Commanders, especially, were good prize, these not being so easily 〈◊〉, as Horses, those Newarke plunderers making a shift frequently to take an 100 horse in a height, out of the Villages about them; Thus that poor County of Lincoln was continually wronged and turned by that pestilent den of plunderers.  
About the 16th of this instant came certain intelligence of some late performances, 
Capt. Sydenham and Capt. Cars brave exploit against the Lord Inchiquin.  and good Service done by Captain Sydenbam and Captain Carr, near Dorchester, which was informed to be thus.  
The Lord Inchiquin drew out of Warcha●● about 240 horse and Dragoons, and came against Dorchester, intending to plunder; burn, and destroy all before them: but making some pause before they fell upon the Town, it gave Valiant Captain Sydenham and Captain Carr, the opportunity of coming to their relief, before they had attempted the intended mischief; and so they fell upon the said Enemies about a mie from the Town, beat them sound back again, took 160 prisoners with 60 horse and good store of their late gotten plunder elsewhere, loaden in a Wagon; and that some of the Enemies so taken being Irish Rogues, even 8. of them, thus taken, had such quarter given them as they gave the Protestants 〈◊〉 Ireland, viz. That they hanged them up presently, they having pursued their Enemies about 12 miles, killing many of them by the way.  
About this foresaid 〈◊〉 the honourable House of Commons in Parliament took into consideration (having also before it passed the bill and great business of Ordination of Ministers) the pious and religious 〈◊〉 of a godly and learned ministry, of which there was and i● great complaint of the 〈◊〉 of, 
A learned and godly Ministry to be Ordained.  and not without cause (thanks to our former wicked Bishops) almost all over the whole Kingdom: And thereupon they agreed that all such as shall have Ordination, shall be sound men well skilled in Philosophy, Logic, and in the Tongues. If all these and piety, especially, must precede, it is to be feared that an age will not furnish all the Parishes in England and Wales in such a manner. How ever, we have just cause to bless the Lord most heartily, for so blessed and long desired a godly resolution in them, and to wait on God for the good issue thereof.  
Much also about the 18th of this instant July, came certain intimation by Letters to London from out of Leistershire, that General Hastings that wicked R●b-Carrier of all those parts was at Colchet●● with about 2000 horse and Foot, 
Wilne Ferry and Fort taken by the Noble L. Grey and sir john Gell.  they being all he could possibly draw out of all the Garrisons under his Command, with some intention to walk in his accustomed way of plundering, robbing, and spoiling the Country about him. Whereupon the truly noble and valiant Lord Grace of 〈◊〉 hearing of this party of the Enemy, drew out of Leicester, with all expedition, thirsting to give his old Antagonist battle, supposing this gallant party which Hastings had gathered together, would have put some valour into him; But as soon as the Lord Gr●y drew near unto him, he presently retreated to As●●by de la Zouch his old den, and kennel of refuge, to be, there, an only spectator of the Lord Grey and Sir John Gells meeting, who no sooner were joined together, 
Wilne Ferry stormed and taken.  but they fell upon Wilne-Ferry and Fort (which had been Hastings chief trap to take the Carriers in their passage between D●rby and Leicester) with such resolution and courage, that after 3 day's siege, giving the Enemy continual Alarms with notable thunderclaps of Cannon, both their Forces drew up close to the Ferry and Fort, and immediately with admirable brave gallantry they stormed it, killed 8 or 9 men, took the Governor prisoner with 2 Captains, 
And a brave prize with it.  3 Lieutenants, 3 Ensigns, with their 〈◊〉 and Colours, 2 Drakes, 80 Soldiers, near an 100 Gentlemen and others which came in to their assistance with all their Arms, and brought them all into Leicester. In all which business the Lord Grey lost but one man, and some few hurt, but thanks be to God not mortally. As soon as this business was thus successfully finished, my Lord presently slighted the Works, pulled down the Fort and burned the House in its own rubbish, 〈…〉 to L●icester, the Enemy never so much as attempting to 〈…〉 Charge.  
Now during this time, 
The noble L. Grey's Martial Vigilancy for the good of the Country.  the prudent Lord Grey, ever desirous to preserve his association, hearing that a party of Newarke and Belvoir Horse was come up as far as Melton, Mowbray, to plunder the Country in his absence, he immediately sent Colonel Wa●t with a party of Horse to drive the Enemy out of the Country▪ or fight with them, which was accordingly done and the Country thereby in the interim safely protected.  
And here now, I cannot, I may not pass over (without a great 〈…〉 of impious ingratitude) the happy remembrance of that most sweet and Solemnday of Thanksgiving to the Lord our all-good-giving and forgiving God, 
The famous Celebration of the public Thanksgiving for the late great Victory at, or 〈…〉.  which was rarely and religiously celebrated on Thursday the 18th. of this instant July, 1644. for that late and most admirable, yea even miraculous Victory which the Lord our God gave unto our forces, under the command of those three most renowned Generals in the North, near the City of York; And yet, which happy day, our impious and heaven-out-daring Adversaries, the wretched Royalists, had laboured (as was before mentioned at the end of the description of that famous victory) to cloud and to take off the Edge of our thankfulness, 
The Enemy laboured to dim the clear Sunshine of our Day of thanksgiving.  by spreading abroad false rumours, and presuming, I say, most audaciously to mock God by outward appearances of their pretended and false joy, whereas they had no salvation wrought for them in the thing wherein they seemed to rejoice; and one main argument which our Malignant-Enemies used to discourage and discountenance us, and (if it could have been) to have infused into us to believe that there was some truth in their outward flourishes (that so I say, 
York's not being taken emboldened our Malignants to buzz abroad their lies.  they might have cast ashes upon our heads in the day of our triumph) was because the City of York was not yielded to us, which, said they, would not, nay could not hold out if Prince Ro. had been routed. But our most wise and merciful God would not suffer them hereby to rob him of his honour: and therefore it is most worthy our observation that the news of York's being certainly surrendered unto the Parliaments forces, 
A remarkable print of providence to dash our Malignants out of countenance.  arrived at London the very Thankesgiving-day before the time set a part for the duties of our Solemn-Thankesgiving; Which now, I say, comes here next to be spoken of, namely; That on Thursday, July the 18th. 1644. The Lords and Commons of Parliament joined together at Westminster in the cheerful solemnisation of this day, and every parish in and about London Assembling together, both forenoon and afternoon to hear Sermons preached in their Churches, 
The glorious rays of that Sunshine day shines forth over the kingdom.  and prayers and praises proclaimed to our so great and good God, the Wonderworking God of this our Israel, and in a special manner this was performed by the Right Honourable prudent and pious Lord Mayor of the City of London, Sir John Wolaston, together with the most worthy Aldermen and Sheriffs his Brethren, as also all the Companies of the City of London, in their Gowns and Liveries, 
A narration of celebrating the Thankesgiving-day at London.  at Pauls-Church, where after the morning Sermon was ended, a volley of small shot was triumphantly discharged, and two Ensigns or Colours were flourished and displayed on the top of Paul's-steeple, which gave notice to the several Forts in the fields, and thereupon the Ordnance went off round about the City; and after the afternoon's Sermon, great outward joy and thanksgiving was expressed, both first in liberal sums of money, collected in the Churches to refresh the loins of the poor; and afterward in ringing of Bells, and making Bonfires in the streets that night; yea and the neighbours and parishioners of divers parishes in London, both Husbands and Wives supped altogether in extraordinary solemn-manner, 
And of Christs-Church parish in particular.  especially in the parish of Christs-Church in London, where I myself was an unworthy part and present eyewitness of the same; All or the greatest part of the said whole parish both men and women, especially of the best sort and quality, Knights, Ladies, Gentlemen and Gentlewomen; yea all well-affected persons of fashion and ability assembled together in the great Hall of christs-hospital, to the number of about 200 men and their wives, who being all very gravely and cheerfully met together and supper made ready, their reverend, pious and painful Pastor, Mr. Jenkins (who indeed was the first mover of this so solemn meeting, an act worthy a godly Divine indeed) he, I say, began A Psalm of David, as sweet heavenly music, which all the Company sang together, whiles the dishes of meat were brought in and set on the tables; Then a blessing on the creatures craved and supper ended, the said reverend Pastor, as he piously began, so he religiously concluded with thanksgiving and another Psalm sung by them all at their tables, ere they rose, all done in a most grave and reverend manner.  
And here also I desire the godly Reader to take notice of one remarkable passage of God's providence about this work, which happily preceded this solemn-meeting in the foresaid place; viz▪ That upon the Wednesday the very immediate day before this meeting, it pleased the Lord so to order and dispose it; 
How the great Hall was swept of some foul Romish-rubbish the day before this meeting.  That, that most worthy and most deservedly ever to be honoured religious and zealous Nehemiah of our days, Sir Robert Harlow, Knight of the bath, came himself to the said Hospital, and caused (by the power and authority of Parliament most happily invested on him) a mighty great and most blasphemous Crucifix, which had continued there in marvellous fair and fresh oy● colours undefaced for the space of above a 100 or six score years at least, upon all the length and breadth of the wall at the upper end of that great Hall, and only a great picture in a large frame of the manner of the donation of the Hospitals to the City of London, 
Sir Halow●night ●night of the Bath, pulls down and utterly demolisheth a monstrous great Crucifix in Christ's Hospital.  set before it, and that monstrous Crucifix standing behind it. This abominable and most blasphemous Crucifix (which no man before durst touch to deface it, King CHARLES' himself having, at his sight of it, commanded the contrary) this most pious and religious noble Knight now caused, I say, to be presently at his coming pulled down and broken, I dare say, into 1000 pieces, (I myself being an eyewitness and assistant in this business) it being all most gorgeously painted on boards, neatly and closely joined together. And thus, I say, was that fair room made far more fair, and cleanly swept of that most filthy and Popish-dirty Corner, that night, against the next day's solemn-meeting, as aforesaid; and all the wood and boards so pulled down and broken in pieces was reserved for this Thursday-night, the Thanksgiving Evening, and by the children of the Hospital a great Bonfire was made of the fame, 
A great Bonfire made of the said Crucifix, just at the Suppertime of the said Parishioners.  in a great yard, called the Townditch, just at the time when the foresaid assembly were at supper. All this foresaid solemn Celebration of this day of Thanksgiving justly serving (besides the outward expression of christian joy and triumph) for the shame and vexation of our audacious adversaries the Parliaments Enemies, and all their malicious and malignant atheistical adherents. But now to go on.  
And now in the very next place comes most properly to be remembered and informed, 
The manner of the surrendering up of the City of York to the Parliaments Forces.  the manner and truth of the happy rendition and surrender of the City of York into the Parliaments possession; Which also being fully and faithfully set out by the pious pen and zealous heart of that most religious and truly venerable Gentleman, Master S. Ash, I have thought fit here again to write by his Copy, and to plow with his Heifer, and to set it down, as he hath delivered it under his own hands testimony, which was as followeth.  
Upon Thursday, 
York closely besieged again after the victory.  july the 11th. our Armies (saith he) having after the foresaid famous fight and glorious victory, closely begirt York again with a strong and strait siege, and made very near approaches to the walls of York, and raised batteries, whereby was made some Execution, and our men being now busy in preparing ladders and other instruments for the storming of the Town: Hereupon the Enemy, 
Preparation to storm York.  within, perceiving our serious resolution, presently sent and desired a treaty; According to which desire, Sir William Constable and Colonel Lambert were sent by the Lord Fairfax into the City upon other answerable hostages sent out of the City for their security and safe return. 
A Treaty desired by the City.  They went in upon the next Saturday morning, and having spent that day in parley, they returned with this request to the three Generals, 
Commissioners authorized to parley and determine of Articles of agreement.  That there might be Commissioners authorized to treat and conclude upon Articles for the peaceable surrender of the City. Our three Generals having demanded the judgement of some Ministers, whether the work of the Treaty might be approved and allowed on the Lordsday, and receiving encouragement that it might; They thereupon immediately appointed the Lord Hamby, Sir William Constable, and Colonel Montague to go the next day into the Town, three Hostages being sent out of the Town for their security, who continued their Treaty and Debate till Monday about noon, and then returned with the Articles to be subscribed by the three Generals, 
The Articles of Agreement being 14 in number, subscribed unto by the 3 Generals.  which were 14. in number, and which was done accordingly. But the particular recital whereof I forbear, for brevities-sake, and as knowing they were abundantly known to all that have heretofore read these relations.  
Now if any upon the perusal of those Articles did conceive or imagine that too much favour was granted to the Enemy, I desire that these 〈…〉. First, That the benefit which could be expected for our Armies, 
Considerations concerning the Articles.  or the Kingdom, by taking the Town by storm, could not possibly in any measure counterveil the miserable consequences thereof, to many thousands: Who knows how much precious blood ●ight have been spilt upon so hot a 〈…〉 the Town could have preserved their houses and shops 〈…〉 thousand Soldiers had broken in upon them, with heat and violence? How much would this County have suffered in the ruin●● of this City? And how many of our good friends in other places 〈◊〉 drive Trades with Citizens, here, would have been pinched in their estates, by the impoverishing of their Debtors.  
Upon Tuesday the Enemy went out of the Town, according to Articles, our Soldiers were set on both sides the way, where they were to pass, for the space of a mile from Micklegate: and the Officers according to command, went from place to place, to prevent the doing of any wrong to the Enemies, as they marched away. That morning very early, as I should have told you before, all the Soldiers in the Royal Fort, which is a curious and strong work, possessed with needless fear, did run away, and left their Arms behind them.  
The fourth part of them, at least, who marched out of the Town were women, many very poor in their apparel, and others in better fashion. Most of the men had filled, and distempered themselves with drink; the number of the Soldiers, as we conjectured, was not above a thousand, besides the sick and wounded persons.  
When the Enemies were departed, our three Generals went together into the City, attended with many of their Officers. The first house they entered, was the Minster-Church, where A Psalm was sung, and thanks given unto God by Master Robert Douglas, Chaplain to the Lord Leven, for the giving of that City into our hands, upon such easy terms; At which time notice was given, that Thursday after should be kept by the whole Army, as a day of Thanksgiving for that great mercy, which accordingly was observed.  
Now the three most noble Generals also (as was credibly informed) Manchester, Leven, and Fairfax, with the Committee of those parts, as a most real testimony of thanks to God both for their great Victory at YORK and for this taking of the City of YORK, 
A singular wise and satisfactory Message of the 3. Generals to the Parliament.  sent to the Parliament, presently after their possession thereof, desiring that Propositions of Peace might be prepared and sent to the King to show their true desire of Peace, notwithstanding this great Victory and advantage against the King's party. But withal, desiring that they might treat with their Swords in their hands, and that the War might be prosecuted, 
Propositions of Peace.  as a special means (next to God's blessing) to bring about the better terms and ascertain the reality and expedition of the work; And they also desired that business about religion might be settled with all convenient speed in the Church, 
Business of Religion to be expedited.  now that we had so good success. Now, surely, to desire Propositions of Peace may go forward, can argue nothing but a true and clear desiring of Peace and the happy setlement of the Kingdom in quiet, the great thing so much (at least pretended to be) desired by the adverse party; And this cannot but content (I hope) the great Vapours of Peace in our Malignants, 
Malignant's mouths stopped.  who desire any Peace, be it ever so bad, so it be Peace. And now to proceed.  
About the 20th. of this instant, we had certain information by the foresaid reverend and religious Gentleman Mr Ash his letters, 
The Lord of Manchester advances Southward.  that the most noble Earl of Manchester advanced from YORK more Southward to refresh his Soldiers; and that night, being Saturday night, and all the next Lordsday his Foot quartered in tadcaster and the other Towns thereabout, and his Horse near Pontefract, a strong Garrison of the Enemies, and from thence on the Monday following his Lordship remooved to Doncaster, and quartered therein both his Horse and Foot, in other Towns thereabout; from whence he sent 200 Dragoones, commanded by Lieutenant Col. Lilburne, to quarter in Tickhill, about five miles from Doncaster, 
Tickhill taken by the Earl of Manchesters' forces.  where the Enemy had a long time quartered, where was a strong Castle, called Tickhill-castle, which was pallisadoed and environed with a broad Mote and a Counterscarp, in which was 80 Musketeers and a Troop of Horse armed, which did great oppression and injury to the Country thereabout, both by laying heavy burdens and taxes upon them, and which did much interrupt the trade and transportation of cloth from Leedes, Hallifax and other parts of Bawtree, 
The ill neighbourhood of Tickhill.  their Horse also bringing in frequently 20, 30, 40, horses at a time loaden with cloth; which oftentimes upon the payment of twenty shil. a horseload they again released. Now upon the Dragoones coming into the Town, they took prisoners, a Captain, a Cornet, a Quartermaster and some other Soldiers, and about thirty horses belonging to the said Castle. The Governor of the Castle, understanding hereby, that my Lord's Army was so near, 
The Castle summoned.  and being now summoned, the next day, to surrender the same to the King and Parliament, did admit parley with the said Lieutenant Col. Lilburne, which conference produced this conclusion, That three of the chief Gentlemen therein should come to my Lords quarters to Doncaster upon a safe convoy 〈◊〉 for their return; which being done, and the Gentlemen coming accordingly, on Thursday, july the 25th. it was agreed that the said Castle should be yielded up the next day upon four or five fair and honourable Articles, 
Articles of Agreement concluded on and sealed to.  befitting Gentlemen and Soldiers; which Articles were sealed by both parties accordingly, and then his Lordship, with Lieutenant Gen. Cromwell, Major Gen. Crawford and many other chief Officers (guarded by a brave Troop of Horse) road to Tickhill, the Friday following in the afternoon to take possession of it, 
My Lord of Manchester takes possession of the Castle.  and to see the Articles on our side exactly performed, whither being come, the Draw-bridge let down, and a lane made by our Dragoones (to whom his Lordship had given strict charge not to offer offence in the least measure by word or deed to the Soldiers of the Garrison, who were to pass by them) they all came out with passes in their hands to the several places of their desired abode who also were safely convoyed by our Troop of Horse; and so his Lordship and his Officers, with twenty Musketeers only entered, and possession being taken, and some hurries appeased, my Lord with his attendants, gave solemn thanks to God there, for giving in that place of so much concernment upon most easy terms and without the loss of one drop of blood. There were in the Castle Major M●nekton, the Governor; Colonel Redhead, Major Redhead, and divers Captains, with some of their Wives. There was left in the Castle, one Iron-piece mounted, about in hundred Muskets, sixty Horse and Arms, some Powder and Match, above an 100 quarters of grain, many barrels of salt butter, store of cheese, powdered Bee●e, and some beasts and sheep with other necessary provisions.  
About the 23. of this instant came certain information by letters out of Gloucestershire that the valiant Colonel L●ughor●●, Governor of 〈…〉 and Captain Moulton with his valiant and courageous Sayle●s, 
Col. 〈◊〉 T horns & Cap. Moultons' brave performances in Penb●ookshire.  understanding of Gerrard's 〈◊〉 approach to Pe●brook with the Earl of Carbery and his Welsh and Irish-Papists, our forces, there, joined in a body to oppose them; and the inhabitants of the County, to show the●● willingness to assist them in this great 〈◊〉 the defence of their religion, laws, and liberties; First, 
The forwardness of the inhabitants of the County to help against the Enemy.  〈…〉 books and P●pish pictures (apt to seduce) to be brought forth and burnt, and then afterward joined themselves in a complete bo●y with their other friends already in arms against the common Enemy, who marching into Pembrookeshire our Forces met them, and notwithstanding all their power, fell courageously upon them, and in a short space did notable execution upon them, 
Both Armies meet and the Enemies are discomfited.  made the Welsh fly apace to their own homes and holes in the Mountains with great loss unto them, even Gerrard himself hardly escaping by flight. In this fight Colonel Laughorne and Captain Moulton flew and took prisoners, at least 500 of the Enemies, they also took divers Arms, and many carryages with most of their baggage, yea the Enemy was so routed, 
The slain, prisoners and prizes taken.  as 'twas verily believed, they could never be able to get into a considerable body again against them; Colonel Laughorne also resolving to follow the pursuit, not leaving till he hath totally subdued them to the obedience of the King and Parliament. In this fight also, Captain Moulton and the brave Sailors deserved much praise and due respect for their undaunted activity in this, as in former performances: And it was credibly assured that since this brave Sea-commander Captain Moulton cast the last Irish-rebells overboard into the Sea, there have not any more been seen to pass out of Ireland.  
About the 26th of this instant, we had certain intelligence by letters out of Worcestershire, that there went a party of Horse from Wor●ester unto Evesham with an intent to have surprised some of the Earl of Denbighs Forces, 
A most brave defeat given to the Enemy at Evesham by the Earl of Den●ighs and Warwick Forces.  who were there a fortifying Evesham. But the vigilant and valiant Earl of Denbighs and Warwickshire forces having private notice thereof in their march that way dispatched 600 Horse thither presently, 300 whereof were to come in upon one side of the Town, and the other to wheel about and to come in by the other way upon the Enemy's Rear; upon the coming in of the first party of the Enemies, ours began to retreat, and the Enemies thinking they fled begun to follow them; But instantly they were set upon by our other party, which wheeled about upon the Enemy's Rear, and skirmished with them a while, till at last, 50 of them were slain in the place, and 120 Horse, and about 40 or 50 prisoners taken with the loss of only two or three men of ours, at the most, the rest of the Enemy got back into Worcester.  
About the 28th of this instant we were credibly informed by letters out of the Western parts of the Kingdom, that the King about this time, marching with his Forces into Devonshire, and passing by Chard in Sommersetshire towards Honyton in Devonshire, the way to Exetor. A Regiment of the King's horse, commanded in chief by that upstart Lord, and rotten Runagado, Henry Piercy; who, 
Another brave defeat given by Lyme garrison to the Enemies at Collyton.  desirous (as it appeared) to visit Lyme, took up his quarters about Collyton, a Town within 3 miles of Lyme, and gave them an alarm; which notwithstanding the Garrison at first, slighting; yet, after a little pause, considering and perceiving the Enemy's design was only in a bravado to give them a visit, and so a vale to return back again to Collyton; and renowned Lyme doubting whether it might not be taken a little unkindly if no regreet were given on so friendly a visit: Lyme therefore to acquit themselves of that suspected guilt, suddenly sent out young Captain Hercules Pine, Capt. Herl, Capt. Bragg, and some others, with a party of about an 120 horse, who ere the Enemies had well digested their Supper at Collyton, suddenly fell in among them, took as many horse of the Enemy as they carried out with them, viz. between an 100 and sixscore, besides 55 prisoners, 
Prisoners and prizes taken.  whereof one was a Major of that Regiment; 2 or 3 Captains and some other Officers, above an 100 Arms, very good pillage found about those they took, and brought them all safe into Lyme; that whole Regiment, by this notable exploit, being totally routed and dispersed.  
But yet this brave and most active Garrison rested not here, but made another gallant adventure with the like party of horse and came to Chard in Sommersetshire, 
Another defeat at Chard in Sommersetshire by Lime Garrison.  12 miles from Lyme, where the King being scarce got out of the Town with his main body, they surprised 11 gallant Horses, all with rich saddles and furniture, conceived to be the Kings own Stable horses, which they brought to Lyme, with some prisoners of the Enemy's party.  
And about the 30th and 31th, of this instant july, we were certainly informed by yet more frequent letters out of the West that upon his Excellencies, 
Our most noble Lord Generals brave and victorious advance and progress in the West.  the most Noble Lord Generals advance toward Plymouth, the Forces which were then, under that Apostate Greenvile being about 3000, were stricken with such a panic fear, that they quitted their quarters there, and raised themselves from their several trenches and holds; so as his Excellency's Forces immediately after, 
Divers brave Garrisons and much Ordnance taken by ours in the West.  possessed themselves of several considerable Garrisons; as namely, Mount-Stamford, where they took foore pieces of Ordnance. Plympton, where they took 8 pieces of Ordnance. Salt Ash, and in it a great Fort with some pieces of Ordnance, and many Arms. Lanson also and divers other small Garrisons thereabout, which all instantly yielded to my Lord General. That presently after, my Lord General sent a party against Greenviles-house at Tavestock (Plymouth men having also about this time taken the field, and being in all between 2 and three thousand Horse and Foot) whither they being come, 
greenvil's house at Tavestoke taken.  those within the House hung out a white flag and desired a parley; but our brave Soldiers had no patience to stand upon terms and treaties, but suddenly and resolutely stormed the House, got over the walls and soon entered the House, they within crying out for quarter, which was granted to all except bloody Irish-Rogues. 
Rich prizes and pillage taken in the House.  There was taken in the House two pieces of Cannon, an 150 prisoners, very near 1000 Arms, a ●oomefull of excellent good Muskets, many pair of pistols, excellent pillage for the Soldiers, even at least 3000 pound in money and plate, and other provisions in great quantity. From thence his Excellency advanced toward Lanceston and took it, and in it 40 barrels of powder; And, that Skellum Greenvile being gotten to Newbridge, 
Newbridge taken by our Forces.  which is a passage into Cornwall, his Excellency sending a considerable party thither, set upon Greenviles' Forces where they found some hot opposition for a while; but at last, ours got the bridge and Town too, with the loss of some 40 of our men, but there were slain on the Enemy's side, 
A hot skirmish at Newbridge.  near upon 200, and many prisoners on their side taken; and that a party of the noble and right valiant Lord Robert's Brigade (being sent to pursue Greenvile and his Army, which was reported to be near 3000 strong horse and foot) over-took him and forced their passage over Horsbridge fell fiercely on him and routed most of his forces about a place called Listithell, 
greenvil's Forces routed with much loss to him.  in Cornwall, where many of his men were slain and a 150 taken prisoners, and that now they had no considerable Enemy left them in Cornwall, so as they might proceed according to their own designs, leaving the most noble Lord Roberts with a reasonable party in Cornwall, totally to keep it down and to reduce that whole County, by presenting a full body to the East; 
Our Forces come to Bodmin in Cornwall.  Intimating likewise that now, that had advanced toward Bodmin, and that in their passage from Newbridge (as aforesaid) they had taken Tadcaster and Foy, and that in all they had taken from the Enemy, 17 or 18 pieces of Ordnance, 
Tadcaster and Foy taken & many ships therein.  and many ships of good value in Foy, which the Enemy quitted, and yet it was a place of great consequence, and a Haven-Towne in Cornwall. And thus the West also, (as ye have heard) is in a very fair way and hopeful condition, as well as the North, to be timely reduced to the obedience of the Parliament, especially, 
The hopeful condition of the Western parts to be reduced to the Parliament.  if the King's forces (now gathered into a body in those parts) be well backed with a party of the Parliaments, to come as a reserve upon his Rear, which was (about this time) seriously recommended to the farther consideration and speedy dispatch of the Committee of both Kingdoms, and also of the Western Committee; and money and other necessary supplies to be sent speedily to his Excellency the most noble and renowned Lord General of the Parliaments Forces.  
And thus now have we by God's good providence and gracious guide and assistance, brought our Bark back again most prosperously into the Haven or Harbour of this Month's rest and repose also, full fraught and richly laden with rare Commodities; most worthy the serious reveiw, rumination and recogitation of every pious and prudent Christian Reader: Wherefore I shall here now cast Anchor and make a stay to rest and refresh this our weary and weatherbeaten Bark, to rig and trim it and fit it for another Voyage, whensoever God gives a fair occasion thereunto. In which interim, let me here now unlade and lay open in a summary and short ocular sight and review, 
A grateful summary recital of all the rich Parliamentary-mercys of this Month.  all the most rare, rich, and indeed, unvaluable Parliamentary-prizes, and Kingdome-commodities, which God hath purchased for us in this last Months happy Voyage and honourable adventure.  
As first, in our most noble Lord Generals first very successful advance toward the Western parts of the Kingdom from Oxford to raise the Siege at Lyme; Darbyshires' activity; Barnstables revolt from the King to the Parliament; And the second brave defeat given to the Enemy at Oswestree by the most noble and renowned Lord Denbighs Forces.  
In that most famous defeat and glorious Victory, given by the good hand of God to the Parliaments three most renowned and victorious Generals, the most religious and renowned Earl of Manchester, his Excellency General Lesley, and the ever to be honoured valiant and victorious Lord Fairfax, against that barbarous and bloody hair-braind ignoble Rupert, the disgrace of his progenitors and indelible stain of his Posterity.  
In the notable and unexpected discovery of the Lord of R●chfords disloyalty to the Parliament in special and Kingdom in general; The taking of Greenland-house by Major General Browne; And Taunton-castle by the most Noble Lord General's Forces.  
In the taking of Cholmley-house by the most noble Earl of Denbigh; Colonel Rossiter Governor of Lincoln his valour and activity against the Common-Enemy; Captain Sydenham● and Captain Cars most brave exploit against the Lord Inchiquin; and the religious resolution of the Parliament to establish a learned and godly Ministry.  
In the taking of Wilne-Ferry and Fort by the noble Lord Grey and valiant and faithful Sir John Gell; the said Lord Greys' valour and vigilancy for the good of his Country; and the most solemn and memorable Celebration of the Day of Thanksgiving at London for the most famous victory which God gave us at the great and bloody fight ne'er the City of York.  
In the most happy surrendering up of the City of York itself unto the three most noble Lord Generals forementioned, and the pious and prudent Message and motion which the said noble Generals made and sent to the Parliament in point of farther thankfulness to God, and satisfaction even to the worst of men.  
In the most noble, renowned and truly religious Earl of Manchesters' successful and victorious advance and progress with his brave Army in taking Tickhill-castle and farther prosperous proceedings since the last great victory at York.  
And lastly, In the brave defeats given to the Roysterly-regall Enemies, both by Col. Laughorn and Capt. Moulton in Pembrookeshire; by the noble Earl of Denbighs and Warwick Forces, at Evesham; the famous and ever to be renowned Garrison of Lyme at Colliton and Chard; and finally in the most noble and renowned Lord Generals brave and victorious and famous progress into Devonshire and Cornwall and all those Western parts, wherein hitherto by God's power and providence, he might worthily say, as conquering Caesar said, Veni, vidi, vici; even all, for the most part either voluntarily coming in unto him, or violently enforced thereunto, by his valiant and victorious forces. All which most seriously and religiously considered, have we not, good Reader, great cause justly and ingenuously to confess and acknowledge, to see and say with holy Samuel, EBEN-EZER, 
1 Sam. 7. 12.  and to make this the glorious and gracious Motto of our Parliamentary Bark, the Ark of our God, most deeply engraving it with indelible characters of golden-gratefull Remembrance. 
EBEN-EZER  HITHERTO HATH THE LORD HELPED US. And therefore zealously and constantly to conclude and hold (maugre all malicious contradiction whatsoever) that our title is most truly and infallibly ratified from heaven, by all those manifold and even miraculous premises and patterns thereof; 
GOD'S ARK overtops the World's waves  that GOD'S Ark hath most triumphantly overtopped and been born above all the World's boisterous Billows & swelling surges. And hitherto the Lords most faithful and glorious Cause, blessedly embarked in our most pious Parliament; hath (in all its just undertake) most impregnably prevailed and been preserved against all the Malignant Atheistical and Papistical Machinations, Plots and Practices that men or devils were ever able to invent and foment against God's Truth, and a glorious and pure Gospel-Reformation. In so much that now upon all these serious considerations of the Enemy's combinations, and injurious conjurations on the one side, and our Gods most omnipotent and omniprudent frustrations of them all, thus from time to time, we may most worthily say as the holy Prophet once said, especially on the gracious and most grateful recordation of that most memorable and admirable victory at Marston-Heath near York, and also all those late forementioned Western victories even of this last Month of July, we may say and that most worthily, as the LORD God himself said by the holy Prophet. 
Micah 4. 11, 12, 13.  Now also many nations are gathered together against thee (O English ISRAEL) that say, let her be defiled, and let our eyes look on Zions' defilement. But they know not the thoughts of the Lord, neither understand they his Counsel. For he hath gathered them together, as sheaves into the barn-floor. And hath said to all our renowned Generals and to their Armies. Arise and thresh O daughter of Zion; for I have made thy horn as iron, and thy horses hooves as brass, and thou shalt beat and bruise in pieces (as with a strong flale) many people; and I will consecrate their gain to myself, saith the Lord, and their substance to the Lord of the whole Earth. 
This Scripture most properly appropriated to England.  And hast not thou (o England, as then Zion was promised) seen all this come to pass for thy sake upon thine Enemies; Even many nations brought together, English, Irish, Dutch, French, Walloons & who not, that could be, & was not gathered against thee to defile and spoil thee, yea to glut their accursed eyes and hearts with wicked joy at thy ruin and defilements: But ah wicked fools! how ignorant and unacquainted were they with the Lords Counsels, and how far his thoughts were above and against their thoughts; who brought them but together (at York and else where) like so many Sheaves on the barn-floar of Marston-Heath, and there and then most graciously and gloriously said to our renowned Generals, Commanders and Soldiers; Arise, arise, and thresh those Sheaves of shame and dishonour, for I have made your Swords and instruments of war as Iron flales, and your horses hoofs as brass to trample on them and tear them in pieces: And then did the Lord also most triumphantly consecrate unto himself (and we as we were able most worthily) gave their gain and substance, even all the honour and glory of these great and most famous victories, to the Lord our God alone, whose strong arm alone got us and gave us these glorious victories over all those our fierce and furious Enemies. Yea he alone I say, According to their deeds, 
Esay 59 18.  accordingly hath repaid fury to his Churches and children's adversaries, recompense to his Enemies, and to the (Irish) I stand he hath repaid and will yet still repay recompense. And thus indeed it must needs be, for, Their strength and defence was departed from them and our God had made them as bread for us to eat and devour. 
Num. 14. 9  Yea our God hath for us wounded and broken in pieces the heads of these Leviathans and given them as meat to us his poor despised people; 
Psal. 74 14.  And hath wounded the hairy scalps of all these that th●s went on in their insatiable wickedness. 
Psal. 68 21.  That thus therefore the great name of the Lord might be feared from the North to the West, and his glorious splendour from the rising of the Sun; for even then when the Enemies came in like a flood: 
Esay 59 19  then did the Lord lift up his Standard against them.  
And truly the Lord hath dealt with all our proud Enemies all along in a most eminent and evident manner (had we but eyes and hearts of undersanding to see and perceive it) even ever since these last most notorious and odious plots and practices of the Atheistical Royalists in the abominable business of the accursed cessation and confederation with the bloody Rogues and Rebels of Ireland, just as it is most notably set forth by the Prophet Ezekiel concerning Pharaoh King of Egypt. 
Eze. 32. 2, 3, 4.  Our proud Enemies were like young Lions of the nations, and as a Whale in the sea; and came out of their rivers, and troubled our waters with their feet, 
Our Enemies (as a whale) are caught in Gods not to their ruin.  and fouled our rivers with mud and blood. But the Lord our God did (then) spread out a net over them, with a company of many people, who brought them up into his net and dragged them, and there the Lord left them, as fish upon dry-land, and cast them forth upon the open field, and caused the fouls of the heaven to remain upon them, and (had they been left unburied) all the beasts of the land had been filled with them; as those inhuman bloody Irish-Rebels suffered many of our poor English Protestants to be devoured by hogs and dogs left unburied in their fields and ditches.  
And now therefore good Christian and candid Reader, thou who hast any true English-ingenuity and piety sparkling in thy soul, speak from thy heart and conscience, and tell me truly, have we not great and everlasting cause, with most cordiall-exultation and ravishing joy of Soul and Spirit, to break out again and again into holy Moses his most excellent short and sweet expression of GOD'S infinite and admirable goodness; Who is like unto thee o Lord among the gods, 
Exod. 15. 11.  who is like unto thee? glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing Wonders. Let every one of us therefore jointly and severally, with that sweet Singer of Israel holy David, with heart and voice sing and say; I will remember the Works of the Lord, surely I will remember his Wonders of old and of late, 
Psal. 77. 11, 12. 14, 15.  I will meditate also of all his works, and talk of all his excellent doings. For who is so great a God as our God, yea thou art God that dost wonders, thou hast declared strength among the people; Thou hast with thy strong arm redeemed thy people, even the sons of Jacob and Joseph. It is better, therefore (as the same Psalmograph, 
Psal. 118. 8, 9  sweetly) to trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in man: Yea it is better to trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in princes. And who (then) would not fear thee, O King of nations? for unto thee alone, indeed, doth appertain all honour and glory; for as much as among all the wisemen of the nations, and in all their Kingdoms, 
Jer. 10. 7.  there is none like unto thee our God.  
Finally, therefore (good Reader) to shut up all, all that I can say herein, (having said so much already in my two former parts of this our Parliamentary-Chronicle) is and shall be only this; That, me thinks, 
The close of all.  all these so many and so manifest evidences of God's best presence with us, and of Gods all powerful hand of providence thus admirably upholding us in the Innocency and Integrity of our Cause, which he so clearly makes and owns to be his Cause, by all those late and former Northern and Western Victories and other most specious returns of prayers, 
What use we are to make of all the forementioned Parliamentary-mercies.  should make us walk more yea most comfortably and confidently with our God: That our God having thus enabled us to overcome the Bears and the Lions of impious & audacious opposition of the work of Reformation in Church, and state, will not fail also to deliver into our hands and unto our believing hearts the greatest seeming Goliahs and uncircumcised Philistims of proud and lewd reluctancies and obstructions, which either men or devils can raise up against God's glorious cause and unspotted Truth, 
Christian's must Wait & Believe.  which is great and shall prevail; only let us wisely wait and believe; for as I have oft (on these like occasions) said to my Christian friends; who have still been harping and hammering on this demand; I, but when shall this be? (A too curious and indeed unchristianly question) Beggars must be no carvers, 
Beggar's must be no carvers. Habbuc. 2. 3.  neither of the time nor means. But the true Beleiver makes not haste, but is willing to wait; because the Vision which is for an appointed time, at the end shall speak and will not lie; Only though it tarry, yet wait for it, because it will surely come, and will not tarry: as the Prophet most pertinently and excellently.  
In sum, Let me advise thee (good Reader) who ever thou art, (as holy Moses advised and encouraged his fainting Israelites in their greatest strait, of Pharaoh and his furious Host behind them, the Red Sea before them, 
In what posture God's people are to wait on God for deliverance.  and impassable hills and mountains on both sides of them) Fear not, but stand still, in immovable true faith, holy universal Obedience, and heavenly harmonious Unity one with another (O take heed of intestine Divisions which spoil us) in this triple pious posture, I say, Let us all (void of all slavish fear) stand still and see the Salvation of our God: Whereunto, the Lord in Christ (through whom only we are able to do this and all things) graciously enable us. Amen, and Amen.   

The Authors humble request to the Courteous Reader.  
Courteous Reader.  
I Must and do ingenuously acknowledge that in the publication of the second Part of our Parliamentary-Chronicle, I committed two real errors by misinformation, given unto me by two known friends, whom I much credited; The one of them thou shalt find Page 246. and in the Table or Index, in the Alphabet B: In both which Sir John Byron is said to be slain at Burford, whereas he was but sorely wounded & silenced, as dead all the time of his cure; which mistake, I beseech thee good Reader, (who haste, or may'st have that second Part) utterly to obliterate and put out. The other mistake (by like misinformation, thou shalt find, Page 332, 333. concerning the putting of the Commission of Array in Execution; Viz. That Colonel Rudgeley was there said to be a principal agent therein. Which in truth is far otherwise; He being all along even ever since these unhappy wars began, a most absolute Antagonist against that illegal Commission, and a most loyal and constant friend to the Parliaments Cause, having both in his person and in his purse, manifested himself a true Patriot to his Country, in the County of Stafford, and a principal actor in the winning of Stafford Town and Castle, and also of Chillingford-House from the King's Cormorants. All which I having lately had from most singular and substantial testimony, to be most true, have chosen rather to take the shame on myself, than to suffer so noble a Gentleman to receive any eclipse of his honour, by mine or my friends mistake. I therefore earnestly beseech thee, good Reader, in the page's forecited, to correct and amend with thy pen also this so material mistake therein.  

The Author's promise of part of Requital for the foresaid favour.  
ANd in part of requital of thy fore-desired friendly favour, I shall (good Reader) both promise (as I hope, I have now in this third Part performed) more care for the future: And also hasten out (for thy full content) the fourth Part of this Parliamentary-Chronicle; which I intent, if the Lord permit, to complete and bring up to the very present time of its immediate publication, with all the most famous, admirable, and almost incredible Victories and Successes of this last Summer and Autumn-Season, I having even now, almost quite finished and fitted the said promised fourth Part for the Printers Press, if, at least, I find (as I hope I shall) this my present third Part, so courteously accepted as to make the speedier way, for the coming forth thereof, and so consequently for the completing of this so fair and famous a History.   
Thine J. V.  
FINIS   

An Exact Table of all the most material Passages of this third Part of the Parliamentary-Chronicle.  

A  
THe Ark and Parliament compared together. Page 1.  
The Assembly of Divines petition the Parliament. 2.  
The Assemblies petition for Reformation. 4  
Apprentices provided for. 31  
The Authors grateful remembrance of God's goodness to him. 37  
The Associated Counties cared for. 55  
The Isle of Axholm taken. 147  
The Bishop of Armagh his memorial. 153  
The famous Victory at Alsford. 185  
Axholm Island taken. 202  
The famous defeat at Aulton. 95  
The Earl of Argyle in Scotland. 230  
The Isle and Fort of Ayremouth taken. 234  
Abington taken by the Lord Roberts. ibid.  
Arundel Castle besieged and taken. 122  
Association of Hampshire, Surry, and Sussex. 57  
Army of the Earl of Newcastle declining. 67  
Ammunition conveyed to Gloucester and how. 200  
A●lesbury to be betrayed. 135  
Advance of the Scots into England 136   

B.  
Burleigh-house taken. 7  
Colonel Brown beats the Kentish Rebels. 13  
Sir William Brereton wins Houghton Castle. 18  
Beverly pitifully plundered. 30  
Bullenbrook Castle taken. 67  
A new Broad Seal. 71  
The Scots march from Barwick into England. 137  
Burlington taken. 154  
Biddle-house taken. 167  
Bradfords' Victory obtained by Colonel Lambert. 168  
Burleigh house garrison active. 171  
Sir William Belfore in Hampshire. 172  
Bredport taken. 175  
Burleigh-house in Dorsetshire. 176  
Colonel Bears brave defeat given to the Enemy. 182  
Colonel Bellasis beaten. 200  
Basing-house defeated. 209  
Banbury Forces beaten. 211  
Sir William Breretons brave performances. 84  
The enemy ●●ated at Budely. 217  
Col. Boles slain. 97  
Belvoir forces beaten. 110  
Major Gen. Brown made Commander in chief of 3 Counties. 249  
Major Gen. Brown much honoured. 251  
Sir William Belfore at Lime. 257  
Bewley-house taken. 17  
Sir Bazill Brooks plot discovered. 118  
A Bristol ship taken. 124  
Banstable shakes off the Cavalerian yoke. 265  
Beverton Castle taken. 236  
A brave Bonfire of Popish trinkets. 128  
Bloody Sir John Byron. 129  
Burton upon Trent taken. 131  
Bodmin in Cornwall taken. 297  
Beggars must be no carvers. 303   

C.  
Colonel Cromwell beats the Earl of Newcastle. 6  
Col. Cromwell takes Stamford in Line. 7  
Clubmen in Lincoln beaten. 8  
Col. Cromwel's Letter showing his Victory at Gainsbrough. 8  
General Cavendish slain at Gainsbrough. 9  
Canterbury Malignants rise. 15  
City Malignants Imprisoned. 27  
A Covenant or Oath to be taken in London. 24  
A Commission to Sir Wil Waller. 28  
Sir Alexander carew's plot at Plymouth. 29  
Care taken for Apprentices. 31  
christs-hospital relieved by the Parliament. 37  
Cambden Cormorants beaten. 49  
The King's Cormorants beaten at Newport Pannell. 55  
The Lord Capell beaten at Wem. 62  
Cessation in Ireland justified by the King. 68  
Contrary effects to the Irish Cessation. 71  
A Council of State for the 3 Kingdoms. 147  
Sir William Constables good service in the North. 154  
The Covenant taken, the manner how. 157  
Sir William Constables good service at York. 160  
Cheshire much aimed at by the King. 161  
Church-government. 162  
Covenant taken in Leicester. 169  
Chester-bridge in Yorkshire, taken by Sir William Constable. 171  
The Earl of Carberies pride and cruelty. 177  
The E. of Carbery quite vanquished. 181  
Cathedral at Westminst. reformed. 184  
Cawood-castle taken. 202  
Crowland regained. 203  
Correspondence with the Swedes. 204  
Commissioners for the New Broad scale. 88  
Carnarvan Town and Castle taken. 224  
Covenant taken by the House of Peers. 90  
Commanders in Arms take the Covenant. 90  
Covenant sealed with loan of 100000 l at London. 90  
The Earl of Callender stirs in Scotland. 230  
The L. Crawford saluted by Sir Wil Waller. 98  
Canterbury Minister reform. 101  
Cawood Castle in Yorksh. taken. 233  
Chippingham Garrison taken. 237  
A Chain of gold bestowed by the Parliament on Capt. Swanley. 248  
The King's Commanders catcht at Cards and Dice 112  
Compton-house taken. 251  
3 Children in one bed miraculously preserved. 254  
Coventry Forces take Holt-house. 117  
Coventry forces take Bewley-house. ibid.  
Citizens of London invite the Parliament to a Feast. 124  
Covenant to be taken over the whole Kingdom. 157  
A Collection for sick and wounded soldiers by an Ordnance. 33  
Leiut. Gen. Cromwell's due praise. 273  
Major Gen. Crafords' valour. 273  
Croyland subdued. 132  
Cholmmy-house taken. 285  
A brave defeat given to the Enemy at Chard. 296   

D.  
A rich Danish ship taken. 20.  
Delinquents woods to be cut down. 36  
A brave defeat given to the Enemies of Cambden. 49  
A great design against London. 52  
The King's Declaration justifying the Irish cessation. 68  
Defection of the Northern Counties from the King. 68  
A Declaration touching the great Seal 72  
A Declaration touching the cessation in Ireland. 70  
A brave Defeat given to the Enemy by Col. Rudgeley. 78  
A Declaration consented to by England and Scotland. 142  
The Parliaments Declaration sent to Oxford. 152  
Divers Delinquent Lords &c. names. 153  
Da●by Forces take Kings Milus 156  
The Parliaments Declaration took good effect at Oxford. 175  
Delinquents reclaimed. 174  
Durham fled unto by Newcastle. 228  
A brave Defeat given to the Enemy by Col. Fox. 216  
The King's Declaration against the Covenant. 91  
Deserters of Oxford. 92  
Lord Digby beaten at Plymouth. 94  
The Enemy beaten at Dunscot. 95  
The Famous Defeat at Aulton. 95  
The Devizes molested by Col. Massye. 237  
The Lord Denbigh takes Russell-Hall. 239  
A brave Defeat given to the Enemy at Nottingham. 240  
The Lord Denbigh against Dudley Forces. 251  
The great Danger and Deliverance of Col. Mitton. ibid.  
The Lord Denbigh wins Oswestree. 260  
The Danes our underhand Enemies. 116  
The Danes vexed by the Sweeds. 117  
The great Design of the Royalists. 121  
Darbies brave activity. 265  
A desperate Design against Nottingham 133   

E.  
England likened to the Sea. 1  
Ambassadors sent from France into Scotland. 54  
English-plantations taken care of. 58  
English-Irish Soldiers revolt from the King. 61  
England and Scotland consent in a Declaration. 142  
Exploits of the Parliaments Forces. 155  
Explaits of Pool. ibid.  
Exploits of Warwick Castle. 156  
Exploits of Sir Thomas Fairfax. ibid.  
Exploits of Pool against Prince Rupert. 163  
Exploits of Col. Massye about Gloucester. 92  
Exploits yet more of Colonel Massyes. 227  
England's just objurgation. 229  
England's great wonder, to Gods great glory, Anno 1644. 237  
Enemy bravely beaten at Oswestree. 266  
The low Ebb of the Parliaments Army. 22  
Estates of Malignants sequestered. 153  
Enemy bravely beaten at Lyme. 241  
A brave Defeat given to the Enemy at Evesham. 295   

F.  
The Fellowship a brave ship taken by the Parliaments Forces. 27  
Fuel provided for, for the City of London. 35  
The Lord Fairfax his Victory at Hull. 38  
Sir Thomas Fairfax at Horn-Castle. 47  
France sends into Scotland. 54  
A brave Fight at Stamford. 75  
Sir Tho. Fairfax. 156  
Lord Fairfax, Victorious at Hull. 163  
The Lord Fairfaxes Forces conjoined with Sir Tho. Fairfaxes. 202  
L. Fairfax and the Scots conjoined. 210  
Fidelity of the Scots to England. 211  
Col. Fox Victorious at Budely. 217  
Forces of Northampton beat the Enemy. 95  
Sir Thomas Fairfax stormeth Gains-borough. 102  
Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Valour at Marston-Moor Fight. 274  
Sir Tho. Fairfax compared to Julius Caesar. 284  
Foy in the West taken. 297   

G.  
Galleyslaves of Satan are Wicked Men. 2  
Gods glory is our Alpha and Omega. ibid.  
Gainsbrough won. 6  
Gainsbrough taken again. 51  
Lord goring Letter intercepted and read in Parliament 155  
Lord Generals just praise. 167  
Gallows set up at Oxford and the cause 174  
Sir Richard Greenviles' defection from the Parliament. 174  
Gloucesters good condition. 182  
Gloucester relieved with necessaries. 192  
Sir John Gell Victorious at Muck-bridge. 199  
Gloucesters Ammunition how conveyed thither. 200  
The Lord Generals advance with his Army. 228  
Gainsbrough stormed by Sir Thomas Fairfax. 102  
Grafton house taken. 103  
The Lord General's Merciful Proclamation. 235  
The Lord Grey of Grooby his brave carriage at Leicester. 257  
The Lord General successful in the West. 264  
3 Garnsey Gentlemen mightily preserved. 122  
Greenvill beaten at Plymouth. 265  
Government of the Church. 162  
Greenland-house taken. 285  
Lord Grey of Grooby and Sir John Gells forces take Wellney Fort. 287  
The Lord General victorious in the West. 296  
Greenvils house at Tavestocke taken. 297   

H.  
Sir Edward Hales taken prisoner. 15  
Houghton Castle in Cheshire taken. 18  
The Earl of Holland's trunk seized on. 27  
Hull besieged. 30  
Hull remarkably preserved. 31  
Horn-castles famous Victory. 42  
Hulls victory related by Sir John Meldrums Letter. 39  
Hampshire, Surry, and Sussex Associated. 57  
30 or 40 of our Horse, beat 1000 of the Enemy's Horse. 65  
Hilsey house taken. 167  
Lord Hastings vexes the honest inhabitants of Leicester. 169  
Hinckly house. 170  
Saul's house decreaseth David's house increaseth. 173  
Haverford west in Wales strangely taken. 180  
The Lady Hopton and two hundred prisoners taken. 194  
House of Peers take the Covenant. 90  
Sir Ralph Hopton writes to Sir William Waller. 99  
Sir Ralph Hoptons' low ebb. 253  
Hollanders underhand Enemies to the Parliament. 116  
Sir Tho. Holts house taken. 117  
Hildsden house taken. 131  
Sir Robert Harlow pulls down a mighty crucifix at christs-hospital in London. 290   

I.  
Capt. Jonson's brave courage. 45  
Intelligencers and Spies voted against 49  
Irish Massacree. 69  
About 1500 Irish Rogues cast away at Sea by a storm. 172  
A Land storm also on the Irish. ibid.  
A Welsh jest. 179  
Captain Jordan's good success at Sea 182  
The Lord John, brother to the Duke of Lenox slain. 190  
Irish Rebels accorded with by the King 248  
Justice of God prosecutes the wicked. 249   

K.  
The Earl of Kingston slain. 7  
Kentish Malignants rise in Rebellion. 11  
The King sends Letters into Scotland. 54  
The 3 Kingdoms to have one Council of State. 147  
King Milus taken. 156  
The Kings great aim at Cheshires' County. 161  
The King's children cared for by the Parliament. 175  
Kentishmens' brave behaviour at Alsford. 193  
Kent's memorable gratitude to God. 232  
The King's party unsuccessful ever since the Irish cessation. 102  
The Kings Forces frighted. 234  
The Kings ungodly agreement with Ireland. 248  
The King pursued by Sir William Waller. 248   

L.  
Sir Michael Levesey at Yawlden in Kent. 14  
Londoners Petition against a pretended peace. 23  
Londoners take an Oath. 24  
A Loan of an 100000. l. to be raised in London for the Scots. 38  
Lincoln taken. 51  
Letters sent by the King into Scotland. 54  
London must be starved up. 55  
A Letter sent from Oxford to the Parliaments Lord General. 152  
A Letter from the Lord Goring intercepted and read in Parliament. 155  
Leicestershire men victorious at Hinckly. 170  
Col. Lambert's brave victory at Bradford. 168  
Col. Lambert again Victorious. 171  
Col. Laughorn in Penbrookshire. 77  
London Regiments brave valour at Alsford. 193  
Col. Lambert beats Bellassys in Yorkshire. 200  
Captain Lays Valour at Wareham. 81  
Solemn League or Covenant farther pressed. 88  
London petitions the Parliament for the settling of the State Committee. 225  
Lyme stormed by the Enemy, and bravely repulsed. 228  
limes condition related. 231  
limes brave carriage against Prince Maurice. ibid.  
Lymes valour testified by the Enemy. 240  
limes siege wholly raised. 243. & 252  
Lime bravely beats the Enemy. 241  
The King's Letter to the Lord Mayor of London. 121  
General Lesleyes' carriage at Marstone Moor fight. 273  
Col. Lambert's valour. 274  
Laystolk Garrison quitted. 132  
Col. Laughorns brave performances in Pembrookshire. 294  
Lyme garrison gives the Enemy a brave defeat. 296   

M  
Malignants of London imprisoned. 27  
Sir John Meldrum at Hull. 39  
Captain Moodies brave courage. 45  
Earl of Manchester victorious at Horncastle. 42  
Colonel Massies good service at Tewksbury. 48  
Earl of Manchester takes in Lincoln. 51  
Earl of Manchester takes Gainesborough. 51  
Earl of Manchesters' care for the associated Counties. 55  
Malignants estates sequestered. 153  
Kings-Milus taken by Derby Forces. 156  
Members of Parliament that took the Covenant their names and number. 157  
Milford-Haven taken. 161  
Colonel Mitton beats Prince Rupert. 161  
Colonel Massey still victorious. 183  
Malignants mouths stopped. 194  
At Munk-bridge Sir John Gell victorious 199  
Letters of Mart granted against the Parliaments Enemies. 84  
Earl of Manchester again victorious at Lincoln. 217  
Colonel Massies brave exploits about Gloucester. 92  
Colonel Massey at Wotton garrison. 93  
Colonel Massyes just praise. 227  
Sir Thomas Middleton's brave performances. 84  
Montrosse beaten in Scotland. 230  
A Message sent from England to Scotland. 236  
Col. Massey victorious. 236  
Malmsbury taken by Colonel Massye. ibid.  
Colonel Massey still Victorious. 237  
Colonel Massies good services rewarded by the Parliament. 237  
Morpeth-castle taken by the Scots. 247  
Colonel Mitton his great danger and deliverance. 251  
Two Maids had three of their hands shot off together. 254  
Gods mercy to Manchester in the midst of her misery. 258  
Malignants in London their Flea-biting. 260  
Marston●Moores most famous victory described. 269  
Sir John Meldrum storms Gainesborough. 103  
Monuments of Superstition to be demolished. 222  
The Earl of Manchesters' labour and vigilancy at York fight. 273  
A learned and godly Ministry to be ordained. 287  
Captain Moultons' brave performances in Pembrookeshire 294   

N  
The Earl of Newcastle beaten from Gainesborough. 6  
Mewcastle besiegeth Hull. 30  
Newcastle in great straits. 39  
The Kings forces frighted from New-port-pannell. 55  
Newcastles declining condition. 67  
Northern Counties leave the Earl of Newcastle. 68  
Newcastles forces beaten by Colonel Rudgeley. 78  
Namptwich bravely relieved with a glorious victory. 142  
Names of divers delinquents or malignants. 153  
Names and number of Parliament members that took the Covenant. 157  
Newcastle besieged by the Scots. 158  
Northampton garrisons good service. 162  
Nottingham preserved from a notable plot. 163  
Northampton forces took the Prince's troop. 168  
Colonel Norton at Southampton. 172  
Names of reclaimed delinquents. 174  
The E. of Newcastles great loss. 183  
The Earl of Northampton beaten by Colonel Bear. 18●  
Newcastle flies to Durham. 208  
Newcastle got into York. 209  
Northamptons' forces revenged on Banbury. 211  
Northampton forces victorious. 95  
A notable plot against. Nottingham-castle. 104  
Newarke garrison beaten. 240  
Colonel needham's valour. 274  
Another desperate plot against Nottingham. 133  
Newbridge in the West taken. 297   

O  
Ordinance of Parliament against the Kentish rebels. 16  
Oxford's proclamation to starve up the City of London. 18  
An Oath or Covenant taken by Londoners. 24  
Ordinance of Parliament to search 〈◊〉 and carriages. 30  
Ordinance for a collection for sick and 〈◊〉 soldiers. 33  
A charitable Order in Parliament for christs-hospital. 37  
Ordinance against Spies. 49  
Oxford's Propositions for a pretended Peace. 152  
Ordinance for taking the Covenant. 157  
Oxford sets up gallows and why. 174  
Ordinance for sanctifying the Sabbath. 199  
Ordinance for demolishing of Organs, etc. 222  
Oxford Spiders sack poison from hole some flowers 91  
Oxford deserted by many. 92  
Oswestree taken. 260  
Ordinance of Parliament against rotten revolters from the Parliament. 260  
The Enemies bravely beaten at Oswestree. 266  
Ordinance for the well governing of the City of London. 100  
Sergeant Major Ogle a notable traitor and plotter. 135  
Observations on the fight at Marston-Moore. 278   

P  
Parliament compared to God Ark. 1  
Proclamation from Oxford to starve London. 18  
Alderman Pennington made Lieutenant of the Tower of London. 19  
Four Proclamations sent to the Lord Mayor of London at one time. 35  
Captain Players brave resolution and courage. 45  
A great Plot against London. 52  
A plot to hinder the Scots advance. 53  
The Plot to starve the City of London frustrated. 55  
Plantations abroad cared for by the Parliament. 58  
Almost two hundred thousand English Protestant's massacred in Ireland. 69  
A Plot against Southampton discovered. 148  
Propositions for a pretended peace. 152  
Pools exploits. 155  
A Plot against the Scots discovered. 161  
Preachers at London to be provided for. 162  
A Plot against Nottingham discovered. 163  
Pools exploits against Prince Rupert. ibid.  
The Princes Troop taken. 168  
The Palsgrave takes the Covenant in Holland. 172  
The Parliaments care for the pious institution of the King's Children. 175  
Capt. Tho. Pyne. 175  
Capt. Tho. Pyne his just praise. 176  
Pembrookshire hopefully reduced to the Parliament. 176  
Pembrookshires brave resolution. 178  
Captain Tho. Pyne victorious at Collyton. 184  
Preachers greatly wanted in Wales. 202  
Master P●ynnes honour attested out of Holland. 203  
Plymouth gives the Enemy a brave Defeat. 215  
Pools brave performances. 81  
A Plot against Gloucester. 94  
A Plot to undo England and Scotland. 229  
A brave Prize taken at Sea. 232  
Master John Pym honourably mentioned as deserved. 99  
A Plot to convey the two young Princes from Saint Jamses to Oxford. 99  
A Plot against Nottingham Castle. 124  
The Earl of Pembroke's just praise. 233  
Plymouth garrison takes a brave prize 240  
A Pack of Plots. 109  
Plymouths Siege deserted. 111  
An admirable providence by Pilchards at Plymouth. 112  
Parishaw bridge destroyed 60 Royalists 250  
Prizes at Sea taken by our ships. 256  
Preparation by Sea to help the West affairs. 257  
Prizes taken by Sea and Land. 259  
A Plot against the Parliament. 118  
The Parliament invited to a feast by the Londoners. 124  
Pretended peace petitioned against. 23  
A Plot against Southampton discovered. 1ST  
A Plot of Religion to divide the City and Parliament. 134  
Propositions for Peace to be tendered to the King. 292   

R.  
Reformation petitioned for by the Assembly of Divines. 4  
Rebellion in Kent. 11  
Rebellion at Canterbury appeased. 15  
Col. Rudgely bravely defeats the Enemy. 78  
Return of the Trained Bands of London and Westminster, to London. 99  
Russell-Hall in Staffordshire taken. 239  
About 60 Royalists drowned together. 250  
Revolters from the Parliament. 262  
Rats crawl up ships Masts when the ship is ready to sink. 262  
Reformation in King Henry sevenths chapel at Westminster. 113  
Reformation in Canterbury-Minster. 101  
Prince rupert's atheistical speech. 275  
Royalists impudence in triumphing for what they never had. 283  
Colonel rossiter's activity. 285  
Lord Rochfort impeached of High Teason. 285   

S.  
Stamford in Lincolnshire taken. 7  
A Ship of Denmark taken. 20  
Spies and Intelligencers ordered against. 49  
Soldiers revolt from the King at Bristol. 61  
Surrey, Sussex, and Hampshire associated. 57  
The Lord Saulton a Scotish Popish Lord apprehended. 75  
The Scots march from Barwick fully related. 137  
Stamford mount near Plymouth. 75  
The Scots successful progress in the North. 154  
Capt. Swanley successful at Milford Haven. 161  
Sir John Stowell slain at Southampton. 170  
The Swedes desire to associate with our Parliament. 173  
Capt. Swanley Victorious in Penbrookshire. 176  
Sir John Stepney a brave Welsh surveyour, a pretty jest of him. 179  
The Scots pass over Tyne. 183  
Security the bane of safety. 184  
Sanctification of the Sabbath day ordered. 199  
Captain Swanley still victorious in Wales. 202  
Sweathland and England respond together. 204  
Selbies famous victory. 205  
Scotland's fidelity to England. 211  
A new great Seal of England. 86  
Captain Swanley still victorious. 224  
Sweet Sympathy 'twixt the Parliament and City of London. 226  
Secrecy is the Key of certainty. 226  
Colonel sydenham's Valiant Exploits. 101  
Serjeant-Major Skippon takes Glaston house. 103  
Sunderland preserved from a treacherous Plot. 247  
Capt. Swanley honoured with a chain of Gold by the Parliament. 248  
Capt. Swanley Commander in chief in Wales. 247  
Sh●●ly-Castle taken. 250  
Swedes vex the Danes who would have vexed us. 117  
A brave Ship taken. 123  
Sick and maimed soldiers cared for by the Parliament. 33  
Col. Sydney's valour at Marestone-Moore fight. 273  
Col. sydenham's brave valour. 286  
Scots advance into England. 136   

T.  
Trunks to be searched and other carriage. 32  
Tewksbury looked unto by Colonel Massey. 48  
Sir Henry Talbot surprised in his quarters. 146  
Tadcaster taken. 173  
Tinby Town and Castle taken. 181  
Triumphant return of the Trained Bands of London and Westmin. 99  
Capt. Temples brave Exploits at 〈◊〉 235  
Tewksbury taken. 249  
Taunton-Dean taken. 257  
P●pish trinkets burnt. 128  
Taunton Castle taken. 285  
Public Thanksgiving famously celebrated at London for the glorious Victory at Marstone Moor. 288  
T●ckhill taken. 293  
Tastcaster in the West taken. 297   

V.  
Aglorious Victory at Namptwich. 142  
Sir Henry Vaughan a Welsh Commander his valour described. 179  
Victory at Selby. 205  
Col. Vavasor beaten. 93  
A Universal plot against the Protestant Religion over all Christendom. 116  
Victory at Marstone-Moore. 269  
Use of all this History. 302   

W.  
Wicked men compared to the Waves of the Sea. 1  
Lord Willough by of Parham wins Gainsbrough. 6  
Sir Thomas Walsingham taken prisoner by Kentish Rebels. 12  
Sir William Waller hath his Commission to advance. 28  
Sir John Wollaston chosen Lord Mayor of London. 34  
Sir John Wollastons fidelity cleared by a great trial. 35  
Woods of Delinquents cut down. 36  
Wem Forces beat the Lord Capell. 60  
Lord Willoug●by of P●rtham takes B●llingbrook Castle. 67  
Sir William Waller apprehends the Lord Saulton. 75  
Warwick Castles Exploits. 156  
Whi●by in Yorkshire taken. 156  
Col. Weights good service. 171  
Westminster Cathedral bravely reform. 184  
Sir William Waller at Winchester. 192  
Whitechurch in Dorcetshire taken. 195  
Isle of Wights love to Sir William Waller. ibid.  
Waltham house taken by Colonel White-head. 201  
Sir William Waller heats the Enemy at Basin. 299  
The Earl of Warwick made Lord high Admiral of England. 83  
Warwick Castles brave Service. ibid. Sir John Winter beaten from Newnham. 93  
Wotton Garrison spoiled by Colonel Massey. ibid.  
Sir William Waller sends a present to the Lord Craford, a 〈◊〉 of Sack. 98  
At Wantage the King's Forces are frighted. 234  
The Women of limes admirable courage at that siege. 246  
Sir Will. Waller pursues the King. 248  
10000 l. Proffered to Capt. White to be a taitor to his Country. 106  
Col. Waight beats the King's Cormorants of Belvoir. 110  
Sir William Waller takes Shudley Castle. 250  
Weymouth taken by Sir William ●elfore. 257.  
Western affairs going on successfully. 258  
Wives and children of soldiers slain or maimed provided for. 259  
Windsor-castles brave exploits about Redding. 113  
Sir William Waller takes Arundel Castle. 122  
Winsby fight. 133  
Windsor Castle to be betrayed. 135  
Weln Ferry and Fort taken. 287  
Western parts hopefully reduced to the Parliament. 298  
Our enemies, as Whales, caught in God's net. 301  
Wait and believe is a Christians duty. 303   

Y  
Goods service done at York by Sir William Constable. 160  
York is Newcastles last shelter. 209  
The Yoke of Cavalerian slavery Shaken off by Barnstable. ●65  
〈…〉 Marston-Moor Victory. 291.   
FINIS.   

Imprimatur,  
Jan. 31. 1644. Ja. Cranford.