THE VINDICATION AND CLEARING OF Sir JAMES RAMSEY From those base aspersions cast upon him through misinformation, etc. Concerning his Carriage in the Fight at Kyneton, 23 October 1642.  
Colonel Midleton, Major Bailiff, and Major Melvill, being severally examined by those whom his Excellence the Earl of Essex, Lord General of our Army had appointed to examine the business of Sir James Ramsey his carriage and behaviour the 23. of October, at the fight in Kineton field, do all unanimously agree and depose that the said Sir James, having the command of the left Wing of our Horse, did so place and order the several Squadrons of Horse of the Wing at best advantage for fight, and did place several Ranks of Musqueteers betwixt the Squadrons of Horse, and interlarded them so well for offending of the enemy, and for defending of themselves, as could be desired, and did also lay upon the left hand of the Horse, in a hedge two or three hundred Musqueteers, for to Flank the Front of our Horse, and give fire to the Enemies at their charging of our Horse, and all those three  Gentlemen affirm that the said Sir James did before the Combat exhort and entreat all the Troops that stood thus imbattailed to stand firm, and do for the honour of their Country and their own Reputation, representing to them they were to fight for God's Cause, for Religion, and for liberty of Laws of the Kingdom, and safety of what was dearest unto them; withal telling them that they were to fight against God's Enemies, men of no Religion, for the most part; Who sought their own ends only, by the overthrow of the purity of Religion, and liberties and welfare of the Kingdom: yet notwithstanding all this, they affirm that at the approach of the Enemy our Troops did discharge their long pieces afar of, and without distance, and immediately thereafter wheeled all about, and ran disorderly, leaving the Musqueteeres to be cut in pieces by the Enemy, so did their Officers show them the way, and their Lieutenants; whose Captain were absent, running away, told that their place was to bring up the Rear. And Sir James himself being engaged among the Squadrons of the Enemy's Horse, was carried violently out of the Field. The verity of which premises these three Gentlemen do offer, and are ready to give their oath upon whensoever they shall be required.  

Sir James Ramsey his Declaration.  
AFter I had Orders from his Excellency the Lord General of our Army, and others my Superiors, for ordering and commanding the left Wing of the Cavalry, I did accordingly put them in Posture Defensive, and Offensive, interlining the Squadrons with a convenient number of Musqueteeres, and likewise did place three hundred Musqueteers on a Hedge on the left hand of the left Wing; which did Flank the whole Front of the left Wing; Thereafter on the head of every Squadron exhorting them to magnanimity and resolution, showing them the worth of their Ancestors, desiring them to show themselves worthy such Noble Progenitors, and putting before them the justness of the cause, that it was the purity of Religion, the Liberty of the Subject, and the King and Parliaments Honour, that drew them into the Field, and no man's private Quarrel; and the more to encourage them, I did lay before them the unworthiness of the adverse party, that they were Papists, Atheists, and Irreligious persons for the most part; and after desiring, and hearty exhorting them to give the enemy a brave meeting, who were advancing to charge us, and commanding ours to receive them resolutely; (contrary to my expectation, and to my perpetual regrate) ours discharged their Carbines at a long distance, and thereafter basely run away, and that in mighty confusion, so that I was engaged in middle of the enemy's Squadrons, and violently borne away out of the field, and so was carried along, two miles at least; being thus among the Enemy in an enclosure, by leaping over a ditch, none of the enemies being able to follow me, I escaped, and then assuring myself we had lost the day, in respect the left wing of ours was altogether routed, and a great many of the Infantry on the right wing, with flying colours; I resolved to go towards London, fearing the Parliament should be misinformed of me, in respect that part of the Army I commanded, first gave ground to the enemy; Likewise knowing my hard condition if I should have been Prisoner, in respect I came not only myself to do my best service to the King and Parliament, (though at this time things have fall'n out fare contrary to my expectation) but likewise did incite and encourage a great many others, brave Commanders, for the same service: And this upon my Conscience I declare.  
J. RAMSEY.   

The Report made by the Committee to his Excellency, of the examination of Witnesses.  
ACcording to your Excellency's command, we have called before us Sir James Ramsey, who hath made a relation to us, not only of the form of Battle he had placed the Horse into on the left wing which was under his command, the 23. of October, at Kineton Field; but likewise hath told us what exhortation and entreaty he had made on the head of every Squadron of Horse, that they might carry themselves bravely against their Enemy. The which Declaration he hath set down in writing under his own hand, which is also fortified by the testimony of three worthy Gentlemen then present with him, that were witnesses of his actions and speeches. In consideration whereof we are of opinion, that the misfortune that befell him, did not proceed from any defect on his part, he having done all that became a gallant man to do, both in ordering the Battalions for fight, and in exhorting them to acquit themselves courageously as brave Soldiers. As for his going to London, his Reasons being expressed in his own Declaration, we remit them and the premises to your Honourable considerations.   

Cur. Milit. tent. in St. Alban, quinto die Novemb. 1642.  
Present. 

Sir John Meyrick Precedent of the Council.  
Earl of Peterborough General of the Ordnance.  
Sir William Balfoore Lieutenant General of the Horse.  
Colonel Ballard.  
Sir John Meldrum.  
Lord Willoughby of Parham.  
Sir Philip Stapleton.  
Lord of Rochfort.  
Colonel Middleton.  
Sir William Fayrfax.     

Whereas this day in the said Council of War was questioned Sir James Ramsey, who commanded the left wing of the Cavalry, in Kineton field, the 23. of October last passed, concerning his going up to London, after the routing and flying away of the said left Wing; the Council taking into serious consideration, the reasons alleged by the said Sir James Ramsey, which moved him to make his speedy repair up to London after the said dysaster: Besides the said Council resting sufficiently satisfied of the fidelity and care, and vigilancy of the said Sir James Ramsey, on the said day in Kineton field: hath clearly acquitted and discharged; and by these presents, doth acquit and discharge the said Sir James Ramsey, of all manner of imputation, which any way may tend to the impeachment of his Reputation and Honour.  
Jo. Meyrick. Isaac Dorislaus, Advocate of the Army. Ro. Chambers, Secretary to the Army.   

November 6. 1642.  
I Have perused the annexed Declaration of the Council of War concerning Sir James Ramsey Knight, and have given allowance for the Printing thereof, and of the Declaration made by himself, and allowed of by the said Council.  
ESSEX.    

Printed at London for John Bellamy, & Ralph Smith. 1642.